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QVC: The Sephora of TV (and online)

Me with Poppy King (aka The Lipstick Queen)

Having lived in major cities my whole life, I never much subscribed to home shopping networks like QVC — which I associated with stay-at-home moms and consumers that didn’t have immediate access to stores at every corner. Living in a place where there is a Sephora on every other block, TV is the last place I look to make a beauty purchase (although they do sell online as well).

However, after attending a recent QVC event, I could not have been more wrong — given the amount of beauty brands out on the market it’s a challenge to pick which product is worth the investment; QVC offers consumers that educational component and the opportunity to learn about the products beyond just staring at the packaging straight from the expert behind the brand.

I was shocked by the amount of prestige brands they are currently showcasing — Perricone MD, Bliss, Algenist, Clarisonic, Fresh, Tarte, Lipstick Queen, Make Up For Ever, Go Smile, Josie Maran, Mally, Laura Geller (to name a few) as well as retailers like Space.NK, and Sephora are now partnering with them as well!

Talking vitamin C with Dr. Perricone!

And they certainly got my attention. Walking the isles of the QVC event, I got to meet Dr. Perricone and hear first hand why I need to drop everything and try his Vitamin C Ester 15 (QVC Item #A221548) — which has a high 15% concentration of vitamin C  fused a with fatty acid derived from palm oil that’s going to brighten my skin and give me a glowing complexion. And then there was Poppy King (THE LIPSTICK QUEEN!!!) — who I’ve been obsessed with for some time now. Her lipsticks are so luxurious and rich and offer this perfect combination of hydration and pigment without being messy or flimsy. She’s launched the Lipstick Queen Liptopolis Lipstick Collection ($48/QVC Item #A226460) which has this super cute packaging that includes 3 lipstick shades, Central Park (peach), Soho (red) and Upper East (nude hue). What can I say… I’m so Soho — I haven’t stopped wearing this shade since I got the set. I met Josie Maran, Ken Paves, Laura Geller… and hearing first hand from these experts what makes their products so great and the best way to use them adds such a value and educational component that I’m a total QVC convert. Plus you can expect a medley of specials and exclusives from these brands only available on QVC.

{Ken Paves gives Cheryl of The Fashionista Stories his signature Hairdo extensions — looks so natural!}

{Sarah Potempo demoed her “The Wrap-Up” ($24/QVC Item #A323424) on a model, instantly giving her the perfect bun in seconds!}

{Fresh co-founder Lev Glazman introduced us to their hand blended (in a monastery) ancient remedy to the fountain of youth, Elixir Ancien + Face Treatment Oil ($50/QVC Item #A226364), which is being offered exclusively in a .5 ounce size on QVC}

{Former super model Josie Maran has more then one reason to be glowing — we suspect it’s part baby-bump, part her latest Argan Illuminating Body Butter ($30/ QVC Item #A224383) which combines her lightweight, hydrating body butter that’s infused with her signature ingredient, argan oil and a delicate luminzers that offers a subtle shimmer for that perfect summer glow.

For the complete list of beauty offerings, visit QVC.com

 

A full Hollywood showing for the White House Correspondents’ Dinner

I wish Fred Armisen was my date to nerd prom! Until then I'll settle for a photo...

I find it extremely entertaining that I can completely burn out on the NYC event scene, and yet have the time of my life participating if it’s in a different city… Maybe it’s time to move or just that the weekend of The White House Correspondents Dinner (WHCD) DC is just that fun. (I’m going with the latter).

First off, the fact that the WHCD is referred to as nerd prom is kind of hilarious — which would only be outdone if it actually involved more cuberbunds, awkward glasses and the most outlandish frizzy hair possible; while in actuality it’s a very formal affair with the crowd dressed to the nines and more celebrities in one evening then all of fashion week combined.

The only people not expected to be on their best behavior is our President and host, Jimmy Kimmel who take the stage as though it’s an episode of Comedy Central’s Roast — and maybe Woody Harrelson as the representative of the stoner community.

{My lovely fellow writers with the ever-so-classy (and gracious) Diane Sawyer}

The event takes place at the Washington Hilton and right before the dinner the pre-cocktail events begin in the hotel. Amy and I hit up the CBS/National Journal/Atlantic party which was pact! We had a few glasses of wine, took pictures in the photobooth and mingled with the crowd.

{The most hilarious picture of Claire Danes and Bob Schaffer}

I saw Lindsay Lohan’s head pop through the crowd, but all eyes we’re on Claire Danes, who was standing next to Bob Schaffer! As I made my way over, he moved out of the way, so humble trying to not block the way; only to be surprised that he was the one I was gunning for! It didn’t seem appropriate to say, I’ve been watching you since I was a child, so I went with, “I’ve been watching you forever” — to which he replied, “I’ve been on forever”.  All I needed was Charles Osgood and my evening would be complete.

{Me and Bob Schaffer!}

Rosario Dawson, Mary J. Blige and Gayle King formed a nice corner and mingled amongst themselves and fans. Rosario Dawson, who is STUNNING (how is she not a spokeswoman for a beauty brand? Her skin is amazing!) and I bonded over Burning Man.

{Mary J. Blige could not have been sweeter}

{I’ll see you on the playa!}

{Rosario Dawson chatting with Gayle King}

{Mary J. Blige and Norah O’Donnell}

The cocktail party concluded and the dinner guests filed downstairs, while the rest of us formed a viewing party and had dinner upstairs in the hotel. It’s funny to eat dinner and watch Obama speak knowing he’s directly one floor below. Then once the dinner concludes we all regroup in the lobby, which is an even larger red carpet scene then the actual parties!

{Diane Keaton!}

{Barbara Walters!}

{Mother and daughter duo Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson}

{Bruce and Kris Jenner with Kim Kardashian}

{Calling Malin Akerman!}

{Viola Davis}

{I wonder what Ivanka Trump thought of the hits on her dad}

{I never thought Newt Gingrich would make my blog…}

{My lovely date Amy is wearing BCBG, and I’m in a one-of-a-kind hand made Daniel Feld (head designer for Kymerah), and Betsey Johnson jacket (pictured above)}

Eventually, I’ll update the Pretty Connected Facebook page with the whole album, so check back for more photos from the evening…

Kicking off WHCD Weekend with The National Journal/Funny or Die First Amendment Party

What better time to skip town and head to DC then during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner weekend? Last night I kicked off the festivities at The National Journal/Funny or Die First Amendment Party!

Rosario Dawson gave a speech, Charlese Theron held down the VIP section, while Rishanda Jones and Jon Favreau casually walked the room.

{Charlese Theron may just be the prettiest of them all}

{Rosario Dawson greeting fans}

The event was such fancier set-up then last year. Hosted in a former Borders bookstore, it was quite swanky and not without a sense of humor — Amy and I fully enjoyed the photobooth and ridiculous array of props.

{Amy and I hit up the photo booth!}

The White House Correspondents’ Dinner happens tonight hosted by Jimmy Kimmel at the Washington Hilton! I’ll be at the CBS/Atlantic pre-reception tweeting from the event. You can follow me @prettyconnected.

A Night with Fashion Star’s Nichole Richie and John Varvatos at H&M

H&M celebrated NBC’s ‘Fashion Star’ last night with a very fun bash at their Fifth Avenue location! Hosted by Nicole Richie (sigh, I love her) and John Varvatos (double sigh, I love his suits on men); they screened a sneak peek of the latest new episode while the drinks were-a-pouring and the waiters were serving up just about every type of dessert you could ask for.

{Fashion Star mentors,  John Varvatos and Nicole Richie  –love, love, love}

{H&M buyer Nicole Christie with Nicole Richie, John Varvatos}

{Nicole Christie works that dress! — It’s available at H&M!}

{Now that’s a party!}

{Full screen Fashion Star showing — too bad there was no audio (or bag big enough to fit that projector in!)}

{Photo booth! Sometimes James loves me, other times he’s ready to strangle me}

{‘Fashion Star’ contestants: Kara Laricks, Nikki Poulos, Ronnie Escalante}

“Fashion Star” is a new reality tv series which gives 14 unknown designers the chance to win a multi-million dollar prize to launch their collections in three of America’s largest retailers: Macy’s, H&M and Saks Fifth Avenue. Hosted by Elle Macpherson, along with celebrity mentors Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie and John Varvatos, every week these designers debut their collection to these respective retailers in hopes of having their designs produced. If the buyers buys their design, it’s available the next morning at their department store for purchase.

Tune into NBC for Fashion Star Tuesdays at 10/9c

The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Road to Healthy Skin Tour – Get screened!

All abord the The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Road to Healthy Skin Tour bus!

For the fifth year in a row, The Skin Care Foundation’s Road to Healthy Skin Tour, presented by Aveeno and RITE AID returns to provide skin cancer screenings. Traveling in a 38-ft RV bus across the country for six consecutive months a team of local volunteer dermatologists are at your service to provide FREE full-body skin cancer screenings. With nearly 20 new cities being added to this years 2012 tour, the bus will make 85 stops through September 22nd.  For the complete Tour schedule, visit Facebook.com/Aveeno or http://www.SkinCancer.org/Tour.

“The Tour was created to help detect skin cancers early so they can be easily and effectively treated,” said Perry Robins, MD, President, The Skin Cancer Foundation. “We also hope to raise awareness

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Alberta Ferretti Launches at Macy’s + I make the Macy’s Blog!

Ever since the debut of Karl Lagerfeld’s designer collaboration for Macy’s private label, Impulse, the fashion retailer has been on a roll! This week PC celebrated the launch of Alberta Ferretti first capsule for Impulse, which is now available at Macy’s!

The collection, which was inspired by the Italian coastline comprised of a fun mix of colorful sunny dresses, floral prints, navy and white lace separates and one shoulder dresses in varying lengths.

{Alberta Ferretti for Impulse}

Hosted on the 3rd floor of Macy’s Herald Square, the space for the launch party was transformed to reflect the Amalfi Coast. While pursuing the collection, I received the ultimate compliment — “I love everything about your outfit, can I take your picture?” Turns out it was the Macy’s blogger and next thing I know I’m on their mBLOG!

{Woot woot! I made the Macy’s Blog!}

While I don’t know if I would use the words “too adorbs” in verbatim, that in line with my description for how cute this short strapless sweetheart dress is! I love it in both the solid colorways and floral print.

{Alberta Ferretti for Impulse collection}

Alberta Ferretti for Impulse is available exclusively at Macy’s nationwide and Macys.com

“Affordable” Art Show – Now Open through April 22nd

Okay art fans, collectors, and decorators, it’s that time of year; the Affordable Art Fair kicked off last night in NYC. Running through April 22nd, the show features contemporary art pieces from over 75 galleries. Located at 7 West 34th street, there’s a bit of a battle to get through the lobby of the building. Once you do and make it to the elevators (and up to the 11th floor), it’s like teleporting out of midtown and an endless art gallery. Spacious, with booth after booth of an eclectic array of paintings in mixed mediums and limited assortment of photography and sculptures.

GENERAL FAIR HOURS:

April 19th, 2012:       2 – 9 pm

April 20th, 2012:       2 – 9 pm

April 21st, 2012:       11 am – 8 pm

April 22nd, 2012:      11 am – 6 pm

The word affordable is always an objective term when it comes to art; you can expect pieces to run between $1k – $10k. For more information visit affordableartfair.com

Ain’t no party like a Spa Week party… (SPA WEEK starts today!)

Last week, PC joined the Spa Week team to celebrate Spa Weeks 16th season, which starts today!! Since coming to fruition in 2004 (in just a few spas in New York), Spa Week quickly gained a following for offering their infamous $50 spa treatments at some of the top spas nationwide! Their expansion has made for a very Sweet 16, now being available in hundreds of the fine spas and salons across North America.

Visit  spaweek.com for participating spas and bookings. Appointments are available from April 16 – 22nd.

{Spa Week Media Launch Party}


I look forward to the Spa Week launch party every season. It’s such a fun way to meet some of the participating members and sponsors, plus I get to spend time with the fab Spa Week team and catch up with my fellow bloggers, including…

{Myself with the fabulous Michelle from Spa Week and Lorna from TheFabulousReport}

{Cindy Barshop owner of Completely Bare}

Completely Bare is offering an assortment of $50 services during Spa Week including Laser Hair Removal for Basic Bikini, Chin, and Lower Stomach Line.

{Emily Giffin and Spa Week CEO Cheryl Reid }

Big news for Emily Giffin fans (author of Something Borrowed… you know the movie), she’s releasing a new book, Where We Belong. Emily was at the event signing autographs and mingling with fans.

I had to stop by the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas booth… this season they will be offering a number of treatments including the Spa Week Stress Melter Body Treatment – a 50-minute signature service that features a deep body exfoliation, relaxing aromatherapy body wrap and soothing pressure point scalp massage and their signature Spa Week Facial (50 minutes). And exclusive for SPA WEEK, they are adding the Diamond Tip & Organic Flower Peel Microdermabrasion or Oxygen Blast for an additional $50 ($85 value). Lastly, you can get your feet summer ready, with their 60 minute Magnolia Pedicure, which is also being offered.

I also got the 411 on Keri Glassman’s new Nutritious Life Meals – I’m always looking for a good snap me out of my winter layers and into a bathing suit ready programs. They offer 3 freshly prepared gourmet meals and 2 snacks at your doorstep daily. And what’s so fun about their offering is you can mix and match based on your dietary preference.

And lastly I could pass up some time at the TY KU bar — they are one of my favorite alcohol sponsors of all time. Besides being so fun, their Sake is superb.

PC featured in Smashbox Lights, Camera, BB Video- You can be too! (+enter to win a years supply!)

Last week I gushed over Smashbox’s new Camera Ready BB Cream with SPF 35 (read my review HERE), and I’m so excited to be one of the featured bloggers for their  their BB Cream campaign! And that’s all good news for you, because we want you to be apart of it too! Smashbox is doing a fun interactive video to give you the in studio photo-shoot experience and the chance to win a year’s supply of BB Cream!

Here’s how it works: Starting April 2nd, go to Smashbox’s Facebook page (click HERE). Then on the “Lights, Camera BB Cream tab” simply upload 5 pictures of yourself and then your video will be made! You can then share it with your friends and get them to vote for you! Every week, the video with the most votes wins a year’s supply of BB Cream, plus more Smashbox faves. It’s so easy and literally takes 2 minutes to do.

As one of the featured bloggers, I got a sneak peek into the app, and made my video! Check it out below or you can view it HERE.

Now go out there and make your own! It’s so quick and easy (and fun!). Don’t forget to share your video with me. Leave a comment with the link or tweet it to me @PrettyConnected. xxLara

 

Enter to be the next ROXY Girl and meet their Pro Surfers, Kelia and Monyca

ROXY Pro-Surfers, Monyca and Kelia

Meet Kelia and Monyca, two of Roxy’s Pro Surfers who are living the dream! The ultimate Roxy dream that is. They travel to exotic locations (they we’re just in Spain and Australia and have a trip planned to Tahiti!) to surf and do photo-shoots for the brand. At the moment they are in NYC to promote the brands latest endeavor: Finding the next Roxy girl!

Earlier this month I posted about Roxy’s ‘Let the Sea Set You Free’ competition for the chance to live the dream of a Roxy girl.  If you haven’t had a chance to enter online yet… tomorrow, March 30th from 2-4pm Teen Vogue editor Mary Kate Steinmiller is hosting an event in celebration of the “Let the Sea Set You Free” competition at Roxy’s Soho store in NYC. You can meet Kelia and Monyca and find out what it’s like to be an official Roxy girl and enter in person. The prize up for grabs is a trip to France for the Roxy Pro surf competition, and

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