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Coming this Fall: Roberto Cavalli “Wild Diva” Special Edition Sunglasses

“An earthly paradise populated by creatures of fantasy…the Eden of femininity…my creativity is expressed through clothes which make the Cavalli woman a sensual and mysterious being.” – Roberto CavalliThat said, I want to be a creature of fantasy, a mysterious being — in these sunglasses.

Roberto Cavalli and Marcolin presented the Special Edition Sunglasses Collection for their Fall/Winter 2012-13 women’s fashion show so we can expect their arrival in the coming months. Consider them added to the wish list!

From everyone at Pretty Connected… we salute you!

Fashion Week Saviours: Lounges + Perks

New York Fashion week may have ended last month, but it’s only this week that I’m finally caught up with all of my posts and stories from then. While in theory it’s every bit as glamorous as you’d expect; beautiful clothes, exotic stages, fancy gift bags, front rows filled with celebrities… the part that’s rarely featured by us bloggers is the ultimate first world problem of how absolutely exhausting the experience actually is. Covering both backstage and front; running from uptown to downtown, then back uptown only to go home and update my blog. Plus balance all of my consulting gigs and personal life at the same time, if only it were as simple as showing up, looking fabulous, blowing air kisses and taking in a show.

That said, there are loads of Fashion Week revival lounges and programs that take place that I owe a very special thank you to for making Fashion Week that much more fun and enjoyable!

Barbie Dream Closet – Adult and kids alike can agree, WE LOVE BARBIE! Stepping into her 9,000 sq foot Barbi Dream Closet, kind of amazing! Her closet includes 36 pairs of high heels and 6 live Barbie fashion models wearing her iconic looks. Did you know Barbie’s real name is Barbara Millicent Roberts?

Lia Sophia Social Fashion Suite – I joined the likes of Lia Sophia’s Creative Director Elena Kiam and Red Carpet Collection Designer Dani Stahl to preview the latest jewelry selections, including the debut of the boudika Red Carpet Collection.

{I brought Mom! I’m modeling my NEW Lia Sophia Ring}

{How fab is my new Lia Sophia ring?}

ELLE Magazine’s GLSEN Fashion Lounge – Being pampered while making a difference in someone’s life, the GLSEN Lounge gave attendees a chance to draw a picture or write a message to stop bullying via the use of art at the Royal & Langnickel Beauty Art Studio. John Barrett set up his braid bar as well and gave guests the most amazing braid updos in literally 10minutes or less.

{My John Barrett Braid}

American Express Skybox – Overlooking all of the major shows during Fashion Week in Lincoln Center, Amex opened it’s Skybox to their card members + select influencers to give them the VIP Fashion Week experience. Drinks, snacks and a slew of Fashion Weeks finest designers pass through and host private events. I was lucky enough to join Amex for the blogger tweet-up and Charlotte Ronson’s Fall 2012 RTW show!

{The View}

{Makeda from Glamazon Diaries and I playing host at the Amex Skybox}

{The bar}

GOODNESS Lounge by Renaissance Hotels -I’ve talked a lot about the New York Fashion Week pop-up restaurant founded by Elettra Wiedemann, since I’m on the GOODNESS PR team. While the restaurant was happening on the 9th floor of the Museum of Art and Design, I spent a lot of my time at the lounge we created on the 7th floor which included makeovers by Lancome, massages by Equinox, tunes by DJ Travisty, a comfortable living room space complete with internet thanks to CIRCA and a stacked bar of three beverage staples in my life, Kusmi tea, coconut water and Ty Ku sake.

{Elettra Wiedemann with mom, Isabella Rossellini at the GOODNESS launch party}

Kmart to the rescue! Kmart was literally there to solve all of my #fashionweekproblems. As part of a special fashion week service, I just needed to tweet to them @Kmartfashion with what I needed using the hashtag #fashionweekproblems and they would purchase it and deliver (free of charge). I forgot my makeup case one day and they brought me a black eye pencil, bright fuchsia lipstick and flats — just what I asked for! #Lifesavers

Robert Verdi’s Luxe Laboratory Fashion Week Retreat – The Luxe Lab is the ultimate fashion week retreat. Robert is a super host and literally has a lineup of makeover treatments and gifting booths there to spoil his guests! I had an amazing blow-out by T3, makeover by Neutrogena, and manicure by Sinful Colors (which has 150 nail shades that all retail for $1.99!).

{Robert Verdi playing host}

{Playing with bamboopink by JudeFrances jewelry collection}

{I got me a POP phone – they plug into iPhones to give that home phone feel}

{SinfulColors gave me a manicure and preview of their POPtastic Summer Collection}

{Lorna from The Fabulous Report and I getting silly at the snapfish by HP photobooth}

Also while at the lounge, I stopped by the SENSA® by Dr. Hirsch table (remember my post on them last year?) to learn about some of their new products available; SENSA® QUENCH and SENSA® CHEWS. These are supplements you can take in addition to the program which helps people further reach their weight-loss goals by boosting the metabolism and controlling their appetite. Other highlights included getting the fun, new, REACH by Design toothbrush! REACH partnered with Shoshanna Gruss and Interior Designer + Reality TV star Jeff Lewis to design a line of super designed toothbrushes.

I’m not sure how I missed it but the lounge also debuted Robert Verdi’s Sunglass collection for HSN. They are incredibly affordable with most styles priced below $30. Check them out on HSN.com.

{Robert Verdi for HSN Sunglass collection: I WANT THE BROWN ONES ON THE TOP RIGHT! }

The Glamazon Diaries Fashion Week Media Retreat – Hosted by Makeda of The Glamazon Diaries and Touch of Pink PR, this retreat was the perfect conclusion to fashion week. I got to hang out with all of my favorite fashion + beauty bloogers and  just relax and unwind. The event took place at this really cool hostel, called the The Bowery House. I’ve probably walked by that spot dozens of times and never even knew it existed.

The highlight was indulging in JJ’s Rockin’ Cupcakes who makes the most amazing cupcakes and let us custom select our icing to the cupcake of our choice  (I ate about 6), and then proceeded to attack the Popcorners. Chips and cupcakse for lunch — it was like being on vacation!  And in addition to the great company, we have Chandon (sparkling wine) and Nine Walks Wine (sauvignon blanc) to thank for a very good time. After a long few weeks, we were all very ready to kick back and have a drink!

{My fellow bloggers and I taking a moment to appreciate the event’s sponsors, gift bag compliments of Kmart}

Surprise package from The oneCare Company! How nice is this? A travel size, Downy Wrinkle Releaser, Lint Roller and Tide Odor-Absorbing Travel Bag compliments of The oneCare Company showed up at my door with a lovely note to help me get ready for Fashion Week!

 Thank you to all of you wonderful people and brands for taking such great care of me!

PC at The Blonds Fall 2012 Show + Video of the Show

As I posted yesterday, everything from backstage, to the audience to the actual The Blonds Fall 2012 show was electrifying! What a scene, there could have been a fashion show just out of the outfits in the audience.

Unpredictable as ever and just as over-the-top show as we like to expect from a The Blonds Show it unforgettable with the Tron-like motorcycles draped across the stage, Phillip Blond taking the runway, blond ponytails coming out of laser cut motorcycle helmet’s, crystal corsets, models that actually seemed to be having fun, Sebastian Suave… I mean really, does it get any better then that?

Shoes by Christian Louboutin and jewelry by one of my favorite avant garde brands, nOir!

THE SHOW (watch my youtube video!):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBVCjD8jNBQ&noredirect=1

{Phillip Blond takes the stage}

THE AUDIENCE:

{Robert Verdi takes a break from being photographed to be the photographer}

{Nigel Perry admiring the bike}

PC Backstage at The Blonds Fall 2012 Show + Hair & Makeup How-To

Looking back at New York Fashion Week (which ended last month), I need to take a moment to share how exceptional it was concluding the festivities by going backstage to The Blonds Fall 2012 show. The Blonds has been a show that I have sadly missed in preview years due to conflict issues or logistics but never again! It was such a scene and the energy was electrifying. Backstage to the audience outfits to the actual show was beyond an experience!

I was going to make the backstage and show 1 post, but there’s too much amazingness to cover so I’m putting it in two separate ones.

 

A GLIMPSE BACKSTAGE:

THE HAIR –ahem blond ponytail wigs coming out of helmets!!

The Blonds hair was done by lead stylist, Laurent Philippon for Bumble and Bumble

Inspiration: Biker chicks and Johnny Depp in Cry Baby

Styling Methods: For guys: Wet hair with Thickening Hairspray and blowdry. Warm up Sumowax and apply all over the head. Style as needed to create a swoosh in front.

For girls: Create a wig wrap by spraying hair down with Prep then wrapping hair in sections around the head using Bb.Gel. Pin hair so it lays flat around the crown. Put on a wig cap and put on the helmet. Did I mention the wig was steamed to keep hair perfect?

Bumble and Bumble products used: Thickening Hairspray, Sumowax, Prep, Bb.Gel

{Phillipe Blond, founder and head designer for The Blonds backstage getting her hair done by Laurent Philippon}

{Backstage with it model Sebastien Suave — he showed me his Nintendo belt buckle. Jealous?}

THE NAILS! The team spent 130 hours on them!!!

The Blonds hair was done by lead stylist, Kristina Estabrooks for CND.  She and her team spent 130 hours hand detailing biker babe manicures. No nail set was alike – crystals, glitter, leather, Phillipe Blond faces, crushed glass shards and acid washed denim designs were just a few of the styles to grace the runway. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE MAKEUP! Look at this incredible green cat eye!

I’ll just let you read off the MAC Cosmetics face chart to see the products used:

Get the Look: Backstage at Cynthia Rowley Fall 2012 + Sneak Peek at Her Band-Aids

Cynthia Rowley with her signature Band-Aid's

I am such a fan of Cynthia Rowley from her apparel to Band-Aid collaboration and now her as a person! Minutes before her Fall 2012 show Cynthia Rowley took a break from putting the finishing touches on her show to talk to a few special bloggers *inhale* myself included. And instead of being stressed and in need of a sedative, she was cool and collected and just excited. She talked about the music and the intricate hair style designed for the models and how all the pieces went together support the theme of craftsmanship which was the inspiration for her show.

I’ve never felt so welcome or had as much fun backstage at a show. Generally, I’m in and out, just there to interview the beauty sponsors, however this was no ordinary backstage…

As some of you know after going nut-so over the Cynthia Rowley BAND-AID’s they asked me to be a blogger ambassador last year for the collection! At that time they we’re limited edition, however due to the enormous success and popularity, the duo are collaborating again! And as part of the celebration, BAND-AID hosted a backstage lounge at the show and gave guests a sneak peek at the new collaboration, the BAND-AID Brand Beach Sport Kit. The kit ($10) which will launch May 2012 includes 20 newly designed bandages, 4 NEOSPORIN single use packets, and resealable plastic pouch to hold your beach essentials (and big enough to hold and protect your cell phone!).

Cynthia Rowley Fall 2012 Collection

So I hung out, made friends (that where I met my new bff Jenni from ISpyDIY!), and was all around blown away by the texture and craftsmanship that went into the hair created by amika. In contrast, MAKE UP FOR EVER did a nude and natural makeup application to balance the look.

GET THE LOOK! Here’s how to recreate the show’s  hair and makeup:

Hair Lead Stylist: Duffy for amika

Hair Look: Autumnal Texture

Inspiration: “Cynthia and I wanted the hair to play with texture for the hair look. The clothes this season are so structured we wanted to contrast that with the hair. The idea of this look was for it to be free flowing; there is no beginning and no end.” – Duffy

How Duffy created the hair look:

1. Mouse was applied to the hair and it was rough dryed with the amika NRG Professional Hair Dryer

2. A figure-eight technique was used (around the crown of the head) which was created by  pinning the hair around bobby pins

3. The figure-eight shape was sealed in with heat from the amika x Cynthia Rowley styler

4. Tight curls were created using a hot rod

5. The hair was  then dragged out and brushed to create volume

6. Pieces were pulled and pinned

Since each girl’s hair was different Duffy selected the final style based on each individual girl, their personality and the clothes they looks they were modeling.

Makeup Lead Stylist: MAKE UP FOR EVER ALLIANCE artist, Lottie

Makeup Look/Inspiration: The look was inspired by the women of the 40s – effortlessly natural, empowered, and clean. The skin had a dewy finish with supple bare lips. To add a slightly masculine edge, Lottie groomed the brows creating a full and fluffy appearance.

How Lottie created the makeup look:

Complexion: Lottie first mixed MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Invisible Cover Foundation with MAKE UP FOR EVER Uplight #12. She applied this mixture all over, which gave the models a flawless dewy canvas. To finish the look and set the make up, she used MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Microfinish Powder.

Brows: Lottie brushed the brows upwards to create a fluffy appearance. For added fullness, she filled in individual hairs with MAKE UP FOR EVER Brow Pencil and MAKE UP FOR EVER Waterproof Eyebrow Corrector. The brows were then kept in place using MAKE UP FOR EVER Brow Seal.

Lips: The lips were supple and hydrated with MAKE UP FOR EVER Moisturizing Lip Balm.

{SMASH star, Megan Hilty Backstage at Cynthia Rowley}

{Backstage with Jenni of ISpyDIY}

Levi’s Fall 2012 Global Collection Preview

One of highlights of last month was making it to Levi’s first ever global collection during New York Fashion Week. The event started with an art installation and then runway presentation where the brand showcased the key looks from its Fall/Winter 2012 collection.

Inspired by the ritual of getting dressed, the models did just that — dressed! While some models we’re busy putting on their clothes on stage, others we’re already dressed and walking down the cat walk. Mixing both men’s and women’s together, one model even added a bicycle to his morning routine and biked down the runway. Visually, one of the best produced and coolest shows I have been to; although with models coming out in all different directions was a little distracting in not knowing which direction to focus on.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yKsQRzZrsw&list=UU9BX-x1D-YtJhGoX2vY1TVQ&index=3&feature=plcp

Much like the aesthetic for the whole presentation, the pieces we’re very well styled and accessorized. The evolution of Levi’s beyond blue denim was apparent in their tailored jackets, pops of leather pieces, series of dresses and extended color range of men’s pants.  The shoes stole the show.

“Levi’s® has always been about embracing the energy and events of our time. Today, fashion is more democratic and accessible than ever, making New York Fashion Week the perfect moment in time for the Levi’s® brand to launch our first global collection,” said Len Peltier, Global Vice President of Creative Direction.

It was a solid collection based on a more refined and tailored look, for both men (which featured a tapered and slim leg) and women (a redefined bootcut skinny pant). The designs were inspired by the idea of craftsmanship, honesty and authenticity – honoring tradition while defying convention, redefining the norm and re-crafting and re-creating iconic Levi’s® styles. For men the key look was was a slouchy on the top and has a slim tailored leg.

The show concluded with a live banjo performance. They thought of everything.

{Levi’s art installation}

Kara Ross Fall/Winter 2012

Kara Ross, enchanted by her travels to the Sahara, introduced a Moroccan inspired collection for Fall 2012. Using vibrant colors such as deep purple, emerald green, indigo and sand she invokes the feel of foreign lands.  The collection is true to Kara’s style, statement pieces using beautiful stones and exotic skins. These over-sized jewels are not for a wallflower!  A bold theme throughout the collection was the carved stone scarab, an ancient beetle indigenous to the Sahara.

Scarab Ring Photo: Kara Ross
Crescent Necklace Photo: Kara Ross

Her classic handbag collection is offered in vibrant colored skins, which are custom died for the collection. Debuting a new style with the working professional in mind the “Trinity” bag offers plenty of space for necessities as well as a designated spot for an iPad.

Trinity Bag Photo: Kara Ross

What I appreciate most about Kara Ross is that she has unique investment pieces. You wear a Kara Ross, chances are that’s going to be the accessory you’re getting a compliment on for the evening. Look a these beauties:

Backstage at Alice + Olivia F/W 2012 Collection + Chignon Hair How-To

Going backstage for the alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet is always a treat. Getting a peak at her Fall/Winter 2012 collection before it’s being released and watching all the action backstage as the models are transformed into works of art. Playing off this diverse Lolita-inspired collection which puts a fresh, mix-and-match twist on dressing up for a dinner party, Bendet collaborated with Sebastian Professional lead stylist Anthony Cole to create a swept-back, loosely constructed chignons. Coupled with a dark, bold lip and black smokey-eye from Stila, the look balanced this combination of feminine and edginess we saw throughout the collection.

Sebastian Professional lead stylist Anthony Cole touching up the models backstage at A+O

HAIR LEAD STYLIST: Anthony Cole for Sebastian Professional

HOW-TO:

1. On damp hair, apply a palmful of Sebastian Professional Whipped Crème throughout.  Then, layer in a palmful of Mousse Forte.  This combination will give the hair long-lasting, defrizzed body.

2. Blow-dry smooth using a large round brush.  Once dry, divide hair in half horizontally, from recession to the back of the crown.  Pin aside the top section and pull the bottom into a tight ponytail at the occipital bone.

3. Twist the ponytail around the base and pin to secure.  Spray with Sebastian Professional Shaper hairspray for shape and hold.

4. Take down the top section and create a middle part.  Taking one side at a time, smooth back each section to twist and pin around the chignon in the back.  Be sure to keep the hair loose in the front so the hairline does not show.

5. Detail random pieces of the chignon with Sebastian Professional Craft Clay for matte hold.  Pull pieces from under each top section loose to frame the face.

6. Once in shape, lightly spray Sebastian Professional Trilliant over the finished look for a touch of shimmer and shine.


SEBASTIAN PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS USED:

  • Whipped Crème – Ultra-light styler that nourishes and liftscurls and waves for a silky, shiny finish ($18.95)
  • Mousse Forte – Strong hold mousse that creates strong-lasting de-frizzed curls and waves ($13.95)
  • Shaper – Brushable working hairspray to create direction, lift and control with a medium hold ($15.95)
  • Craft Clay – Re-sculpting clay that redefines matte-hold styles to separate and re-style texture (15.95)
  • Trilliant – Thermal Protection and Shimmer Complex for ultra-light body and a glamorous shiny finish ($19.95)

{DJ Mia Moretti getting her hair done backstage before performing at the presentation}

alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet F/W 2012 Presentation


A+O Designer, Stacey Bendet

The alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet F/W 2012 presentation was a visual wonderland! The Lolita-inspired collection had a feminine edge that made me absolutely fall in love with fashion. With a focus this season on outerwear and chic knit dressing, Bendet puts her own fresh twist on ultimate party dressing, including the launch of the alice + olivia Gown collection. This season’s palette features a modern mix of bold jewel tones – rich emerald green, deep ruby red, midnight blue, lush plum, strong metallics and Bendet’s signature black + white color-blocking.

Complete diversity throughout the entire collection, mixing bright button down shirts with floor-length knit dresses, fun mini-dresses, and everything in between. In a world where collections are supposed to be cohesive and consistent, it was really fun to see a complete mix of personalities and silhouettes and have it work! Walking that presentation felt like a museum exhibit that was pure energy and fun!

 

Spreading the GOODNESS! Win The Daily/GOODNESS Gift Bag ($225 value)

Elettra with the gift bag. Photo credit: Abe Shaw

Recently, I posted about the exciting GOODNESS pop-up restaurant I was apart of during New York Fashion Week.  Founded by Supermodel/environmentalist, Elettra Wiedemann and presented by The Daily Front Row and CIRCA, GOODNESS is a full service pop-up restaurant that provides fresh, healthy and delicious food to the fashion community, while showcasing regionally sourced seasonal cuisine created by local culinary talent. This season the chef line-up included Mario Batali, Alain Allegretti, Leo Forneas and Julian Medina and GOODNESS earned the CFDA’s Health Initiative Stamp of Approval.

In addition to launching the pop-up restuarant, GOODNESS also hosted the GOODNESS Lounge by Renaissance Hotels, offering guests a comfortable “living room” atmosphere for reporters, models and editors to relax and recharge. And for guests in attendance there was a an amazing gift bag which we’re giving away to some lucky readers!

Now for the fun part… WIN THE GOODNESS GIFT BAG ($225+ value)! 

GOODNESS Gift Bag! Photo Credit: Abe Shaw

Here’s what’s in the bag:

HOW TO ENTER:

We’re giving away three GOODNESS gift bags, one on this blog and two others on twitter! There are two ways to enter:

1. Leave a comment under this post and tell me what word(s) comes to mind when you think of “Goodness”. Any (non-spam, happy) comment automatically enters you into the drawing.

2. To enter on twitter, follow @GOODNESSpopup and @DailyFrontRow and tell us what word(s) comes to mind when you think of “Goodness” using the hashtag #WinGoodness. Or tweet the following message to be automatically entered, “Fill in the blank: @GOODNESSpopup @DailyFrontRow when I think of Goodness I think of ____  http://ow.ly/9mwh2 #WinGoodness“.

Two lucky winners that entered on twitter will be chosen at random when @GOODNESSpopup reaches 800 followers.

GOOD LUCK!

Official Rules:

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