Home Events

Events

The Wellness Cafe at Norma Kamali

I received an invitation from Norma Kamali to visit her new Wellness Café.  Located at the Norma Kamali flagship store on 56th Street, I was no stranger to the café considering I used to work around the corner.  Tucked in the back of her store, it was an olive oil haven.  Filled with all types of pastries and snacks (all olive oil based); I was a sucker for the lavender shortbread.

I had heard during New York Fashion Week Norma made some adjustments to her life and was adding more raw and vegan elements into her diet. The café is an extension of Kamaili had thus evolved with her.  I was excited to see the changes to the café, and even though I knew the olive oil base would always prevail, I had a feeling this would be the demise of my beloved shortbread.

As some of you know I’ve been on an oil kick for sometime now, olive oil, macadamia nut oil, argon oil, coconut oil, essential oils . . . you get the point.  What began as something I only used on my body has now fully been integrated onto my face and hair as part of my regiment.  I’ve also been on a recent health kick (or at least trying to be), the downfall of months of traveling and abiding by the ‘there’s no calories on vacation’ rule.  And to that all I can say is it’s all fun and games until bathing suit season.  So perfect timing for this invitation, I would be in good company, and I can use all the inspiration I can get!

So through the entrance, past the mannequins to the back of the store I go.  Aesthetically it’s still very much the original café, however

― READ ON →

A Modern Dose to Spruce up Your Apartment! Plus 10% off with the Promo Code “SPRING10”

Well it’s that time of year again in my household –spring cleaning! And my apartment could use a bit of an upgrade.  As a busy New Yorker I never took much stock into seriously decorating since I was never home, but now that I work out of my apt that’s all changed. And as a bit of a website junky, I’m always looking for inspiration, since I’m a merchandiser, not a designer.  What I mean by that is coming up with concepts I’m somewhat deficient in; I never know what I want.  But put me in a room full of fun furnishings and I can easily maneuver my way around to achieve the look I never knew I always wanted (I’m that way with clothing as well).

Robert Verdi, Style Icon and TV personality and Estela Lugo, Founder of Modern Dose

Fortunately, the website Moderndose.com recently entered my life when I met it’s Founder, Estela Lugo, at a Fashion Week event hosted by Robert Verdi (where he called her website, ‘the future of interior design’).  I was intrigued to say the least. That’s quite an endorsement from

― READ ON →

Jennifer Lopez Oscars 2010 Makeup

Last night Jennifer Lopez glowed at the 82nd annual Academy Awards thanks to NARS Cosmetics and celebrity makeup artist Matthew Vanleeuween.  “Based on her dress, I wanted to create an ethereal movie-star look. I kept the cheekbones high and highlighted with the NARS Enchanted Cream Blush for a soft and supportive look”, Vanleeuween explained.

What I loved about Jennifer Lopez’s makeup was how soft and sophisticated the look was and yet so wearable for the everyday woman.  NARS also took the opportunity to showcase their latest Cream Blush, ‘Enchanted’ which will not be available until their Summer 2010 Collection.

Here’s the official list of NARS products makeup artist Matthew Vanleeuween used:

  • Orgasm Illuminator
  • Enchanted Cream Blush (NEW for Summer 2010)
  • Desire Blush
  • Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base (NEW for Summer 2010)
  • D. Gorgeous Single Eyeshadow
  • Brousse Duo Eyeshadow
  • Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara
  • Cruising Lipstick
  • Sweet Dreams Lip Gloss

For more information visit narscosmetics.com

Farewell Bryant Park

New York Fashion Week is over and with it goes the Bryant Park Tents.  Come September the shows will move to Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park, a space that is expected to hold almost twice the amount of the tents.  Bryant Park has been hosting fashion week since 1993.  I had the pleasure of attending my first show in 2003, when I volunteered as an usher.  Oh how times have changed in the past 7 years, but the excitement of opening the doors into the tents never did. Bryant Park you will be missed!

Pretty Connected Backstage at Alexandre Herchcovitch

Post by Melissa Udoff

Inspired by the new Eastern European woman (from countries like The Republic of Georgia), hair stylist Rolando Beauchamp for Bumble and bumble, used buns, braids, and headscarves in bold colors to bring designer Alexandre Herchovitch’s vision to life.  “Alexandre was deeply influenced by director Sergev Parajanov and his film ‘The Color of Pomegranates’. Parajanov was highly controversial and was even jailed for a time in the ‘70’s,” noted Beauchamp.

Using Bumble and bumble, Beauchamp prepared locks with ‘White Hair Powder’.  He first sectioned hair from ear to ear and used the back section to create a bun.  On the side sections he braided random, small sections of hair and secured them with a small elastic being sure to slightly pull on the side of the braids to create a more textured look.  Some braids were left to hang and others were tucked into the bun.  Non-braided sections were flat ironed.  The whole look was secured with ‘Does It All’ for hold, and then adorned with a colorful scarf.

*Makeup by Lead Stylist Philippe Chansel for M.A.C

NYFW Retreat – Robert Verdi’s Luxe Lounge

I love New York Fashion Week (NYFW) — the people watching, the clothes, the makeup/hair, the backstage passes, and all around fabulousness.  However it does have it’s down side — the weather was cold and icy, and it felt like every show was miles apart.  Everyone assumes NYFW = Bryant Park, but many of the shows were held at alternate venues including Milk Studios, Chelsea Art Museum, The Altman Building, and Exit Art.  Not a fun trek in your Manolo’s.  You’re stuck waiting for a cab in the freezing cold with all the hustle and bustle for a fifteen-minute show.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s worth every minute, exhausting yes, but when I received an invitation to Robert Verdi’s 2010 Fashion Retreat, I was not about to pass up the opportunity.

Robert Verdi’s Luxe Lounge was beyond my expectations. The style icon was not only charismatic, and full of smiles, but also the most fabulous host.  He thought of everything a girl needed to relax, and escape from all the running around.  From healthy snacks and juices by Blue Print Cleanse, to manicures by Ginger + Liz Nail Polish, to blowouts by Phyto, the haven pampered guests from

― READ ON →

Pretty Connected Backstage at 3.1 Phillip Lim

Post by Melissa Udoff

“Uptown Debbie Harry” served as the inspiration for Phillip Lim at the designer’s 3.1 Phillip Lim Fall/Winter 2010 Collection. “This is a youthful, rebellious look that exudes a strong sense of confidence.  Energy radiates within the girls through their makeup with eyes that have a bit of a rock and roll feel,” said designer Phillip Lim.  Unlike the infamous Mrs. Harry, this Debbie is not exactly the leather-clad, hard-edged girl of a Blondie video.  She has a look that’s classic yet modern, polished but with a hints of rebellion.  She’s definitely got an edge but it’s more unexpected.

HAIR: Lead Stylist Odile Gilbert for PHYTO

Taking inspiration from this altered state of Debbie, famed hairstylist Odile Gilbert, created a look that was both refined yet Rock & Roll.  Long, voluminous waves had just enough fluff and feather to invoke the spirit of Ms. Harry.  Using all Phyto products Gilbert applied Intense Volume Mousse and created volume by blowdrying hair upside down.   She then used a curling iron to create soft waves and finished with Volume Actif Hair Spray for hold, and #7 Hydrating Cream to seal the ends.

MAKEUP: Lead Stylist Lisa Butler for NARS Cosmetics

“This look has many layers,” said NARS Cosmetic’s lead artist Lisa Butler. “The eyes are punchy and edgy while the skin was kept healthy and glowing. The lips are a soft, sheer pink for the elegant punk-rock princess style that Phillip was looking for.”  NARS Cosmetics accomplished their goal, keeping the models looking youthful and glowing with light lips but captured the edge in the eyes with a smokier look.

Here’s how to get the look:

FACE

  • Riviera Multiple
  • Douceur Blush (NEW for Fall 2010); try Lovejoy or Madly Blush for a similar effect
  • Luxor Multiple

EYES

  • Abyssinia Single Eyeshadow
  • Nymphea Single Eyeshadow
  • Coconut Grove Single Eyeshadow (NEW for Fall 2010); try Bali Single Eyeshadow for a similar effect
  • London Eyeliner Pencil

LIPS

  • Bangkok Pure Matte Lipstick (NEW for Fall 2010); try Sex Machine Velvet Matte Lip Pencil for a similar effect

NAILS: Lead Stylist Angi Wingle used CND Nail Polish

Angi Wingle completed the refined rocker look on nails with a French manicure using Creamy Cameo and Gold Chrome tips.

Pretty Connected backstage at Mandy Coon

Post by Heather Wilson

Backstage at the Mandy Coon Fall 2010 show during New York Fashion Week, Dimitrios Tsioumas, lead stylist from Mizu New York, and his team created the fabulous looks featured in the show.

Dimitrios Tsioumas worked with Mandy Coon to develop a sleek, low, defined French twist for the models using 3 Goldwell products; ‘Hot Darling’, ‘Big Finish’, and ‘Supervisor’.  Starting with ‘Hot Darling’, a lightweight thermal protectant, is used to prep the hair while blow-drying it out.  This is followed by ‘Big Finish’, a volume hairspray that sets the hair.  Tsioumas then finished the look with ‘Supervisor,’ a pomade that omits flyaway, and leaves a beautiful matte finish. The sophisticated look of the hair was perfectly complimented with a very clean, bold, red lip by M.A.C.

All of this was to help show off the beautiful flowing fashions by Mandy Coon. There was a soft drape, to a fitted gown, flowing hoods, and scrunched layers. The tulip cut to the skirts was very nicely hung, and a great fitted jacket made with military inspired Capulet shoulders.

― READ ON →

Pretty Connected Backstage at Karen Walker

Karen Walker’s Fall 2010 fashion show was inspired by her love for Bob Dylan and The Sound of Music (but for totally different reasons), saying, “I’ve always wondered what would happen if the two got thrown together.”

The result? See for yourself:

HAIR: Lead Stylist Rolando Beauchamp for Bumble and Bumble

Rolando wanted to create a messy, rough ponytail that seemed carelessly glamorous. The persona being the girl who did a quick fix up to last nights go-out-hair and managed to make it look effortlessly chic. The trick to avoid bumps when putting your hair up in a ponytail, is to lift your chin up and tilt your head back.

Rolando created the look by spraying Bumble and bumble ‘Thickening Hairspray’ to add volume and texture and height at the crown.  Rolando recommends, “using your hands, not a brush” and to rake hair back with your fingers, then secure with a simple black elastic.  Finish with Bumble and bumble’s ‘Does it All Styling Spray‘.

MAKEUP: Lead Stylist Jenna Menard for Shiseido

Jenna Menard for Shiseido led the artistry team doing a strong, matte, red lip using Shiseido lipstick in Valentine.  To keep the accent on the bold lips, Menard was minimal on the rest of the makeup, using no eyeliner and just a hint of peach shimmer around the eyes.

NAILS: Lead Stylist Angi Wingle used CND Nail Polish in Rose Water

― READ ON →

Pretty Connected Backstage at Peter Som

Everyone was pretty in purple backstage for Peter Som’s Fall 2010 fashion show at Milk Studios.

HAIR: Lead Hair Stylist Laurent Philippon for Bumble and Bumble

Inspired by Steven Meisel’s photography in the ‘90s, Laurent Philippon created simple straight lines for the hairstyle to balance the vibrant mix of colors and textures coming from Som’s collection, and the bold purple lip from MAC. Using all Bumble and Bumble products, Laurent saturated locks in ‘Prep’ prior to straightening, then flat ironed in sections, misting in ‘Does It All Styling Spray’ to create a bone straight look with a sleek middle part.

MAKEUP: Lead Makeup Artist, Tom Pecheux for M.A.C

“The look was uptown girl, meets Woodstock, a shimmery golden eye to contradict the deep, dark, purple lip.”  -Tom Pecheux

EYES:

  • Studio Sculpt Concealer – applied over the eyelid
  • Set Powder in Invisible – powdered over the eye area to set concealer
  • Pigment in with Legal – swept over the concealed eyelid from lash to brow and in the inner eye corner
  • Iridescent Powder in Silver Dusk – lightly appliet to the inner eye corner and under the brow Bone
  • Studio Fix Lash – applied to top and bottom lash

FACE:

  • Studio Sculpt SPF Foundation – applied all over the face
  • Set Powder in Invisible – brushed over the skin to
    ― READ ON →
Load more
© 2017 Pretty Connected. Powered By LIVING PROOF CREATIVE