On April 18th at Kleinfeld presented the ISAAC MIZRAHI New York for Klienfeld 2012 bridal collection in NYC with an intimate runway show and celebratory reception. I had never been to Kleinfeld’s before and was completely taken by it’s serenity and elegance of the store.
The show opened and out came the models sporting tight, low buns with flowing gowns. 15 dresses in the collection, which had an abundance of tulle, sparkles, sachets and contrast of white and black. The black laces up some of the white dresses was a surprise touch as was the finale black gown.
A stunning collection — I expected as much. Enjoy it for yourself, I filmed it for you:)
You know how I live for these Henri Bendel sneak peeks… For fall, expect some of the same bag silhouettes as we saw in summer as well as new shapes to be discovered with a whole new range of prints including leopard, fun metallics, colorful Aztec-like patterns and pink/orange/black color blocking prints.
After working with Dressbarn for their suit drive to benefit Dress for Success (I hope some of you we’re able to donate!), the brand approached me for a fun challenge — finding a universally flattering dress despite size and shape. Does a one-dress-looks-good-on-all frock exist?
Well here it goes… the 5 Ways to Wear It: Spring Fashion Challenge.
Description: Flirtatious ruffles flutter at the sleeves, edges and hemline of this slinky monochrome wrap dress, which ties at the waist to create an instant hourglass shape. 37″ from shoulder to hem. Full wrap detail closure. Material is 95% polyester/5% spandex. Machine Wash. Available in Size 4 – 24.
{How I rocked the Flutter Sleeve Ruffle Wrap Dress}
Usually I find when shopping online the items look better on the site then when they come in the mail. Not the case when it came to this dress. It fits like a glove and cobalt blue is all the rage. It’s an easy dress to take from day to night and style in a variety of ways. It’s also really easy to pack so this dress will for sure be going on my Beirut-Rome trip I have planned next month!
For all of you Dressbarn fans, they we’re nice enough to offer a 20% off coupon for all of you to enjoy, valid through 4/30. Details below:
Disclaimer: This dress was sent to Lara on behalf of Pretty Connected for the 5 Ways to Wear It: Spring Fashion Challenge. Pretty Connected was under no obligation to participate or receive any financial gain.
I am a bit of a scarf collector — I consider it genetic. Newest obsession, LA-based Lolly Clothing scarves. While they’ve already taken over the necks of many celebs (including Gwyenth Paltrow, Gisele Bundchen, Jennifer Aniston, and Sarah Jessica Parker) they are new to my company so I’m excited to give one away to a lucky reader!
Their collection combines artisanal and textile patterns and for Spring 2012 they have beautiful range of dip-dyed scarves and silk pashmina’s. Everything is one-of-a kind and done with an innovative layering dye process, giving each scarf it’s own unique, individual look.
Description: 100% silk, unbelievably soft pashmina/silk scarf. The gorgeous splatter wash is done by hand (no two pieces look alike) in a cascade of yellows that’s perfect for spring. (For more details click HERE)
TO ENTER:
Leave a comment under this post and tell me why you want to win OR what your must-have accessory is for spring. Any (non-spam, happy) comment automatically enters you into the drawing.
**Entries will be accepted until April 15th at 8pm EST. US residents only. All federal, state and local laws apply. Winner will be announced on April 17th. Good luck!
Disclaimer: This giveaway is sponsored by Lolly Clothing. Pretty Connected was under no obligation to host this promotion, nor is receiving any financial gain.
EXTRA's Maria Menounos in Stella & Dot Sierra Necklace (Retail, $148)
Back in January, I got a preview of Stella & Dot’s spring collection, and now that spring has sprung, I’m excited to share the collection with you!
It’s a mixed range of styles spanning from delicate pieces to bold, statement ones. And the color ranges from ocean-hued jewel shades to silver and gold pieces that will carry you through the season and beyond.
Much like the Avon selling system, Stella & Dot creates entrepreneurial opportunities for women to sign up as reps. The collection is available exclusively through in-home Trunk Shows by these Independent Stylists and on their website, StellaDot.com.
{Love these delicate necklaces that can be layered. Especially the arrow one!}
Back in January I took a little stroll to Henri Bendel’s for a sneak peek at their Spring/Summer accessories and designer handbags. Walking into Bendel’s is the ultimate — it’s such an iconic NYC destination and the most beautiful specialty store. Getting to hang out with the Bendel’s girls and peek the new collection early… I’m slain! A few of these beauties below are already available in store, and the rest will hit the shelves in April and May.
I warn you, proceed with caution… these bags and accessories could have a negative effect on your bank account.
If you’re not already a member (and subscriber) to Ideeli, here’s a few reasons why you may need to (like seriously, right this second…). Behold a preview of what the limited-time discount retailer has in store for you this spring:
{Necklaces from nOir (on sale 4/16) and South Sun (on sale 4/19), watches from La Mer Collection (on sale 4/16) — spring is all about color blocking and neon accents!}
HALT, GIVEAWAY TIME! Before we go on, we’re giving away a nOir Enamel Link Necklace (in Orange/Gold) to one lucky winner on twitter who follows us, @prettyconnected and @Ideeli and tweets: “Enter the @Pretty Connected @Ideeli giveaway for this @nOirJewelry necklace! To enter RT & follow us both http://bit.ly/H1fRHd”.
You can tweet any link for the above that either links to a picture of the necklace or this post to be automatically entered. Entries will be accepted until tomorrow, Saturday March 31st at 8pm EST. US residents only. Winner will be announced on Monday vis Twitter.
{Okay… back to the Spring preview and gushing over these amazing La Mer Collection watches…}
{Reuse Denim (on sale 4/19) — they use 80% recycled denim for their line! LOVE sustainable brands!}
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
For all of you Sue Wong fans take a sneak peek into her Fall 2012 collection, for what you have to look forward to!
I had the pleasure of joining the designer on a walk through her showroom and tour of the collection. The theme for her fall link “Autumn Sonata.” She continues to bring out her staple 20s and 30s inspired silhouettes and flapperesk beading and movement. Sue is all about the details! Hand-died chiffon, embroidery, beading all fitting for as she says, “her warrior goddesses”. Her designs are powerful and exudes such confidence for any woman walking into a room in one.
When asked about her loyal following and what brings women back to her designs she attributes it to her strong understanding of the feminine physique (something a lot of designers don’t have), and how she designs to accentuate the positive and cuts her dresses for real women.
{Sue Wong shows us her Fall 2012 collection}
{I Love the back on the number}
{This flapperesk mini-dress is one of my favorites! Look at that bead work.}
{Fall 2012 room view}
{Bridal…}
Sue Wong is also the first designer to have designed a pen collection with Acme pens!
Lately, I’ve been having a lot of tweets and emails from new bloggers asking advice on how to grow their blog, work with brands and break into the social media world. And while I want to be as accessible as possible to my readers, it does get challenging finding the time to respond to every request and often find that much of the advice I have to offer can be found on the Independent Fashion Bloggers (IFB) website.
Me with BryanBoy!
IFB is a really great resource for all levels of beauty or fashion blogger that needs advice or has question on how to navigate this world. They regularly post articles on how to grow your blog and have an extensive community of bloggers as resources. Additionally, twice a year IFB hosts a conference in NYC (in September and February) to examine the evolving influence of the online blogging community. They host a variety of speakers and panelists and it’s an excellent opportunity to ask the experts.
Me with Emily from Cupcakes & Cashmere
For beginner blogger it’s an especially worthwhile conference, for most of us mid-level bloggers it’s more of an opportunity to network. In any case, if you haven’t signed up with them (it’s free), you should!
For this years conference IFB hooked me up with Buyosphere, the platform that helps individuals, help their fellow virtual piers shop. You would simply go on their site and make a statement about what you’re looking for and then other members have the opportunity to comment on your question and give you advice. For instance if you saw someone on the street carrying a bag, you could take a picture asking the community where you can find something similar, or without an image you could pose a question like, “I’m looking for fun, patterned tights under $15, does anyone have any suggestions?” You get the idea… In between panelists, I tweeted with the bloggers in the room asking for their style wants as well as share their street style.
The whole experience was a lot of fun! Plus I got to meet some AMAZING bloggers like Emily from Cupcakes & Cashmere, BryanBoy and…
