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Fall Preview: Dressbarn

While I admit, I’m probably not Dressbarn’s core demographic, however after participating in their blogger challenge, I learned it is a store that has something for everyone (and at an affordable price point). It just comes down to combing the collection for what’s your style and cut. Here’s a sneak peek at what the retailer is launching for fall (as well as my favorites from the collection).

dressbarn Fall Preview:

Pretty Connected Favorites:

{How cute is the back of this dress?}

{Faux bomber jacket}

{Soft oversized tops are a staple in my wardrobe — add some leggings, ballet flats and a long necklace and you’re good to go}

{Stretch pants! The mannequins are wearing a size 10, I’m curious to see the fit in my size — I’m all over the flower print although it feels more spring appropriate}

To learn more about dressbarn visit dressbarn.com

How do you Lands End Canvas: Women’s Fishing Net Sweater

You all know how much I love a style challenge! So when I was gifted this classic Women’s Fishing Net Sweater from Lands End Canvas, and asked to participate in a style project, I was all in. First off, everyone should have a few basic knits in their wardrobe (I have quite an assortment), they are incredibly versatile and one of the easiest pieces to transition from summer to fall!

First Look: Summer Casual – shorts and booties (flip flops/sandals also work).

{Lands’ End Canvas Fishing Net Sweater paired with Elevenses Puckered Plaid Shorts (available now at Anthropologie), vintage booties}

For a more polished look add a belt and jacket. It also goes great with a hat!

{Outfit add-on: Cartonnier Jacket (available at Anthropologie), B by Bill Adler Design belt, Goorin Bros. hat}

As you transition into fall, update your shorts with Khakis. Belt it in either a brown or red and add a casual shoes or wedge.

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Surfs up for the NBA: Get your Quiksilver Boardshorts!

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has partnered with the world’s leading manufacturer of surf apparel, Quicksilver to launch a mens board short collection. The multi-year merchandising partnership between the duo will launch with an initial collection featuring the Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, New York Knicks and the Orlando Magic.

“Quiksilver is excited for the opportunity to partner with the NBA on a boardshort offering basketball fans the opportunity to showcase their fandom on the street as well as the beach,” said Bob McKnight, Quiksilver CEO. “At Quiksilver, we are committed to providing the best surf apparel for the finest athletes in our sport—and now we can extend that quality to basketball fans across the country who want to support their favorite teams all year long.”

The Quiksilver NBA mens boardshorts retail for $65 and are available select Quiksilver locations and on NBAStore.com.

7 things you need to know about Nordstrom coming to NYC

Seattled-based luxury retailer Nordstrom is going to announce that they’re coming to Manhattan later today. Here’s what you need to know:

#1 The new Nordstorm flagship will be based at the bottom of a new skyscraper located at 157 West 57th Street.

#2 When you think of Manhattan and 57th street, you think of high-end shopping, right? Well, the new Nordstrom is going to be on the west side on 57th, which could use a bit of a facelift. Expect more high end stores and new renovations to get greenlit to take advantage of the Nordstrom halo effect. The area between the new Nordstrom and the The Shops at Columbus Circle is going to get pretty hot in terms of development pretty quickly.

#3 Don’t get in line just yet; this new flagship should take approximately 20-28 months to open. So, two years, give or take a few months.

#4 How convenient is this for New York City Nordstrom addicts, like myself? The closest full-fledged Nordstrom is in Paramus, a whopping 18 miles from the Upper East Side – and pretty tricky to get to without a car.

#5 This won’t be the first Nordstrom in New York – sort of. There’s already a Nordstrom Rack outlet located on 14th street, right by Union Square. Nordstrom also has a Treasure & Bond charity boutique located in Soho.

#6 This new store will be approximately 300,000 square feet of shopping, putting it at somewhat larger than some of its nearby competition (Barneys and Bergdorf) but over half as small as some other retail giants (Saks and Lord & Taylor).

#7 While this Nordstrom will have most of what you’d expect, given that it’s selling in territory typically controlled by Saks, Bergdorf, and others, some typical Nordstrom brands distributed in those other department stores could run into distribution agreement challenges if they want to sell at Nordstrom in Manhattan.

Hope you guys are even half as excited as we are!

Rock out with your mark. out

I’m seriously digging mark.’s latest jewelry line. While the younger, hipper little sister to Avon may be known for it’s makeup collection, it’s really the accessories that have been catching my attention this season. It’s very Alexis Bittar meets Alex & Chloe glam-rocker (at a fraction of the price) and I’m totally into it.

1. mark. Line Up Necklace ($18): It looks super cute on the model featured on mark.’s website and curves perfectly along the signature of her neck.

2. mark. Pick a Posey Earrings ($18): Holy ball of sparkle glam. I love the rustic inconstancy of these earrings. I want!

3. mark. Double Skull Ring ($16): This is my first skull jewelry of any kind and I wear it all the time. It’s a great shape and can be layered or worn on it’s own.

4. mark. Pave the Way Bracelet Set ($24): Totally cute worn together, although they look great in a sea of mixed bangles.

5. mark. Triple Threat Earring Set ($20): Everyone should own a pair of pyramid studs. You’d be surprise how often they compliment an outfit. I’m not a fan of the wishbones (I think they look a little cheap), and the green heart earrings are cute and nice compliment to a bright, summer outfit. Basically, what I’m saying is this set is worth getting just for the pyramid studs.

Disclosure: Pretty Connected previewed these items at a mark. event and was sent a complimentary sample of the Double Skull ring for post consideration. Pretty Connected was under no obligation to write this post.

 

#Accessorize4Wellness with Pamela Pekerman

If I had to describe, Pamela Pekerman in three words, it would probably be: fit, fierce and fabulous. So when the style expert hosted her Accessorize for Wellness event showcasing her tips and product recommendations to mirror those three adjectives, I was so there (and taking notes!). Take the journey with Pamela, all of her recommendations below:

{Meet our host, Pamela Pekerman}

{Seriously though, how happy does Pamela make you? Even in 100 degree weather this stylista’s hair looks flawless and does anyone else need a minute for her Barbiesque neon heels?}

And now for our recommendations…

1. Pluggz – What an innovative flip-flop company. They look like regular rubber flip-flops, only they have this big black plug in the center of the shoe that allows the flow of free electrons between you and the earth when you walk . The technology is set to mimic that great feeling you get when you walk barefoot on grass and sand that comes from standing on a natural energy source. Personally, I think it has a reflexology vibe with the plug hitting the center of my foot when I walk. I’m into it.

2. Yummie Tummie – Can one ever have too much shape wear? Yummie Tummie is a modern body contouring shaper, with a full clothing line of intimates and seperates that works to slip your mid-section and camouflaging visible lumps and bumps. Their collection doesn’t need to be concealed under clothing and can be exposed to do it’s job! Their tanks (I am modeling the Original below) are designed to take 5 lbs off your appearance! And they are super comfortable and fashionable. Everyone needs a good collection of basic tanks… am I right?

{What do you think, do I look 5 lbs thinner in my Yummie Tummie Original Tank?}

3. The Fitness Cell Collective – Taking a “cellular” approach to fitness, this semi-private personal trainer center is located on the UES and is where the event was hosted.  You can learn more on their website or follow my tweets @PrettyConnected on Thursday at 5pm (the hashtag is #getfit) when I take my first class! “The sessions are specially designed to keep the body’s structural and cardio-respiratory systems in a constant state of adaptation” — I have no idea what that means, but I look forward to finding out.  (You can also follow their twitter handle @CellCollective)

4. Emmi Swiss Yogurt– My grandmother used to say 2 tablespoons of yogurt a day fixes everything, which is probably why I try to eat it daily. While Emmi has a full line of flavored yogurts (they recently launched Green Apple), I’m afraid when it comes to yogurt

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Ariat outfits the U.S. 2012 Olympic Equestrian team + Scope their Fall Collection

It’s official, fashion brand Ariat, known for their western styles and professional riding gear will outfit the U.S. Olympic Equestrian team for the 2012 London Games. As the official apparel supplier and partner of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), Ariat will provide Team USA with official team gear, which includes a cap, jacket and polo for men and women in traditional red, white and blue. In addition to the team gear, Ariat will also support some of the members of Team USA with leading performance riding apparel such as breeches, red show coats (for Show Jumping), and show shirts.

As for any of us not participating in the Olympic games, here’s a sneak peak at what’s in store for fall.

{Check out this footwear!}

{The detailing on their cowboy boots is pure craftsmanship}

{See what I mean…}

{If I owned a horse, I’d be all over these riding shoes — I want a made-for-walking-not-riding version!}

{This style caught my fancy, I like the western meets simplicity vibe to it}

{I’m also partial to these for hiking in the woods}

{Ariat also has a full line of belts and clothing for men and women launching this fall}

Select styles photographed are currently available on their website. The rest you have to wait until fall. Learn more about Ariat and the collection at Ariat.com

WIN this must-have Chantelle lingerie set + Peek their Fall 2012 Collection

As someone who’s especially chesty and has at many points felt self-conscious about their bust, I know the importance of finding the right bra (that preferably doesn’t look like something purchased it in the grandma section). Chantelle bras are the best of both worlds; supportive and flattering while still managing to be unbelievably sexy and gorgeous in design and fabrication. I mean if you want to feel seriously hot… this is the lingerie to own. So we’re giving two Chantelle sets away!

WIN IT! We’re giving away 2 sets of the Chantelle C Chic Sexy set ($100 value): 1 on this blog on 1 on twitter! 

Win me! Chantelle C Chic Sexy Set

TO ENTER: Leave a comment on this post — any nonspammuy (happy) comment, automatically enters you.

And/Or

Follow @chantellebras on Twitter, and  tweet: Would you love to win a Chantelle lingerie set? RT and follow @ChantelleBras and this set could be yours: http://bit.ly/KXkdfg

**Extra credit: “Like” Chantelle on Facebook: Facebook.com/ChantelleLingerie

Now for a sneak peek at their Fall collection! I was in lingerie heaven — look at all of these beautiful patterns and rich colors! The collection was inspired by precious gemstones and haute couture high fashion.

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Brooks Running Shoes Next Generation of Sneakers: Pure Drift

You don’t need to be a marathon runner to see that Brooks sure knows how to make a good shoe. Wednesday I got a sneak peek at Brooks Running’s “Pure Drift” – the newest design of the Pure Project line available in the fall. Drift boasts a flex groove sole which mimics the bare foot’s natural motion. It is the lightest weight shoe of the line, weighing in at only 5.1oz! The Pure Project collection was created to give runners more than just a way to exercise but an experience.

Not only were the shoes amazing, but Brooks has developed special night safety apparel that allows drivers to recognize a person in motion by outlining the silhouette of the figure.

My favorite part of the evening was the gait analysis station where the facilitator made me run on a treadmill for 30 seconds in order to measure my gait. By recording my movement he was able to calculate the degree and direction that my foot tilts and suggest the right kind of shoe for me!

{Yes, this is actually a picture of my feet in motion!}

180 degrees is a well balanced foot. I, on the other hand, have awfully flat feet, so shoes with the most support we’re suggested for me.

I came away with a fun goodie bag and stronger appreciation for the design of running shoes. This is the perfect motivator set to start getting me back on the road running.

The average price for Brooks running shoes run from $90-$140. For more information visit BrooksRunning.com

– by Pretty Connected Fashion Correspondent, Naomi

Packing List for Santa Monica

Packing for LA is always a joy — and compact! Only a carry-on required (lay everything flat and you’re good for a week worth of outfits). I like to stay in Santa Monica where it’s beachy and so much more laid back then LA proper, which means packing extra sweaters and/or jackets since it’s warm summer weather during the day but chilly at night.

Day 1: Airport chic

{American Apparel leggings, Peppermint top, SEE sunglasses, H&M Stacked bracelets}

Day 2: Promenade Rock Ready

{Ya Ya top, Nicole Miller Indego Africa shorts, H&M Tassle earrings, Forever 21 stacked bracelets, Enzo Angiolini pumps}

Day 3: High wasted fun

{Jockey top, American Apparel high-wasted jean shorts, thrift store necklace, Cartommier jacket}

Day 4: Orangely girly

{Express dress, ASOS vest}

Day 5: Romptastic

{Alice Roi romper, YOOX jacket, LOFT sandals}

Day 6 + 7: Printed out

{LEFT: H&M shorts, Millau top, Banana Republic necklace, Belle by Sigerson Morrison flats. RIGHT: Maxi dress, Alice + Olivia belt}

Beach Ready:

{LOFT sweater top, Roxy swimsuit cover-up, Marni for H&M sunglasses}

Packing list:

  • 3 pairs of short (at least one versatile black and jean shorts)
  • 2 sweaters/jackets (neutral colors to be worn in the evening)
  • 2 bathing suits + cover up skirt and long sleeve lightweight top
  • 2 dresses
  • 4 tops
  • 1 pair of leggings – good for the airport, working out, pj’s or otherwise
  • 4 pairs shoes – black pumps (for going out), fashion sandals, beach sandals, converse (casual closed toe shoe for night)
  • 2 bathing suits
  • unlimited accessories
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