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Dove + StyleCaster #RestoreYourSenses Hamptons Retreat

DOVE

Lately, it’s been real busy. And by lately, I mean the last year+ of my life. So anything labeled as restorative or relaxing I’m all over. Especially if the invite is coming from Dove and StyleCaster complete with an all inclusive to trip to the Hamptons. I’m listening…

Parties, Places, & Faces: Kiehl’s Kicks off Pride, Mark Ronson Performs for Fendi, Toy Says Goodnight and StyleCaster Turns 5!

Chris Salgardo with Ally Sheedy, Leigh Lezark of The Misshapes, and Ana Matronic of the Scissor Sisters.
Kieh’s President, Chris Salgardo with Ally Sheedy, Leigh Lezark, and Ana Matronic

Last night NYC was happening! Skincare brand, Kiehl’s Since 1851 kicked off Gay Pride weekend at their flagship store in the East Village. Hosted by Kiehl’s President, Chris Salgardo and Ben Cohen, with music by KISSETTE, the brand made a special donation to the Ben Cohen Standup Foundation. Special guests included Ally Sheedy, Leigh Lezark of The Misshapes, Ana Matronic of the Scissor Sisters. As well as the dynamic duo Jeffrey Costello and Robert Tagliapietra of Costella Tagliapietra.

Chris Salgardo with Jeffrey Costello and Robert Tagliapietra of Costella Tagliapietra.
Chris Salgardo with Jeffrey Costello and Robert Tagliapietra

Then off to the Meatpacking District to the CATCH Rooftop for Fendi Perfumes & Modern Luxury’s Manhattan Magazine for a live DJ set by Mark Ronson to celebrate the new Fan di FENDI Pour Homme Acqua Fragrance.

Manhattan Magazine, Fendi
Manhattan Magazine + NEW Fan di FENDI Pour Homme Acqua Fragrance

The evening concluded with a surprise live performance of Bang Bang Bang accompanied by Amanda Warner of MNDR! The crowd went while as the duo instantly amped up (the already very energetic) crowd into a total dance and cheer-fest. The only thing that could have possibly made the moment better was Q-Tip and the rangers.

Mark Ronson, Amanda Warner, MNDR at Manhattan Magazine x Fendi Party
Mark Ronson, Amanda Warner, MNDR at Manhattan Magazine x Fendi Party
Mark Ronson DJ's as Amanda Warner of MNDR performs BANG BANG BANG at Manhattan Magazine x Fendi Party
Mark Ronson DJ’s as Amanda Warner of MNDR performs BANG BANG BANG at Manhattan Magazine x Fendi Party
Mark Ronson DJing at Manhattan Magazine x Fendi Party
Mark Ronson DJing at Manhattan Magazine x Fendi Party

The video is too good not to share…

We then crossed the street to Toy, for their re-location party. The restaurant-bar hotspot celebrated it’s final night in the Meatpacking with a sensual burlesque performance — all eyes were on this feathered goddess. As to where Toy will be re-locating to, it’s under wraps… for now!

Burlesque at Toy

burlesque at toy

burlesque at toy

Meanwhile at the Jade Hotel our friends at StyleCaster celebrated their 5th birthday with performances by The Misshapes and Mick! Congratulations StyleCaster, we love you!

9 Last Minute Father’s Day Gifts Sure to Please Dad!

Father’s Day is quickly approaching so there’s no time like this Sunday to give Dad some extra attention. Looking for the perfect gift can always be a challenge. Experiences (from a coffee tasting to wine tasting, taking in a baseball game or spending hours at the driving range) go a long way. There’s nothing quite like spending quality time with Dad (or planning a date) to ring in the holiday.

Sometimes, the best gifts are those that hardly cost anything, a handmade card or making Dad a playlist (if he’s like my dad though, opt for music from his generation–Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, rather then your modern day favorites). The other piece of advice I took from my dad in the gift giving department is opt for presents that go in or fit on their dresser. We did our best! Here’s 9 gifts to help inspire you to find the perfect gift for Dad.

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1. Watches! With the variety of fun watches out there, this staple father’s day gift always makes our list! And a great site to get learn about different styles or help you pick a look for Dad is watchco.com. Here are some of our current favorite styles (displayed left to right as seen above):

What’s New at QVC: Top Beauty Products at Amazing deals

If you’re looking for top beauty, hair and skincare brands at a fraction of their retail price (we’re even talking brands that rarely discount…) then visit QVC. Recently, I stopped by their beauty event to sample some of the new products debuting on their site and network including finds from Stila, Laura, Geller, Josie Maran, Tarte and Philosophy (to name a few) and meet the experts behind the brand.

QVC
1. Josie Maran – Luxury with a Conscience 2. Julep – Freedom Polymer Top Coat: (dries in 5 minutes) 3. Philosophy Grace Products 4. From right to left: Tarte – Mascara, Bare Minerals – Lash Domination mascara, It Cosmetics – Anti-Aging Full Coverage SPR 50+ CC+ Cream, Nuface – Collagen Booster 5. Stila – Countless Color Pigments Eye Shadow with Brush 6. Sarah Potempa – Beachwaver curling iron

My first stop was to the Stila booth where I got to experience the new Countless Color Pigments Eye Shadow (#5 below) that offers long lasting full coverage and an endless shade possibilities.  I have been using the Groupie shade and just love mixing different shades for different occasions.  And since it’s color pigment don’t feel limited by using this product solely on your eyes. Depending on

A moment with Oscar de la Renta…

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Oscar de la Renta, Lara Eurdolian

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IMG_3883{Rebecca Taylor top, Urban Outfitters skirt, KO Knock Out Nail Polish in Powder}

I stopped by Bloomingdale’s for the launch of the latest Oscar de la Renta fragrance, Something Blue, and got to meet the man himself! A moment was all it was, but a moment with Oscar de la Renta is enough to last a lifetime.

MARNI! ~ The New Fragrance (Exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue)

Marni fragrance

Exclusive at Saks Fifth Avenue, Marni has launched it’s first signature fragrance available in a Eau De Parfum (120ml/$155, 65ml/$105), Body Lotion (200ml/$55), Shower Gel ($200ml/$50), Body Creme ($200ml.$90) and Purse Spray (10ml with Huggy Doll, $50). A uniquely feminine scent that’s splashed with a hint of something sexy and masculine.  Like a debate between strong

Coach Love – Enough said

COACH Love fragrance

On Valentine’s Day the doorbell rang and what arrives but the new Coach perfume, Coach Love!  Inspired by love (and the most visceral emotions that go with it), this fragrance leaves a subtle sillage of florals and woods with a cool green undertone and a touch of patchouli.  “It’s the most romantic fragrance Coach has created. It has

AVEENO Welcomes Jennifer Anisten!

As an AVEENO Ambassador (and fanatic user of their products), I’ was so excited to hear that Jennifer Aniston has been announced as the new face of AVEENO® skincare. Jennifer’s holistic approach to life and natural beauty are a perfect match for AVEENO®.  “I have been using AVEENO for years so this partnership is a

Gift Guide: $25 and under

From stocking stuffers to hostess presents to secret santa gift! Here are some of our favorite finds for under $25!

Pretty Connected Holiday gift guide

1. Henri Bendel Cafe Girl List ($15), Cafe Girl Mug ($25) – I’m a Bendel’s girl, I love everything about walking into their Fifth Avenue store, the history, the decor and their signature line.  They have a great assortment of gifts under $25, two of which you can find in my kitchen. Their over-size mugs are a pleasure to wake up to and their line of magnetic note pads are perfect for hanging on the fridge for your grocery lists.

2.Prestat Rocket Bauble Christmas Ornament ($12.95) – This ornament is filled with Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Truffles! (Just the thought of it makes me drool a little.) It’s no wonder they are the chosen chocolate company of Queen Elizabeth ll — and were served at Kate and Will’s wedding. Perfect for a hostess gift, housewarming or late night choc-attack. Additional truffle flavors available, purchase through chelseamarketbasket.com

3. Kusmi Tea Essentials ($21.96) – This is my go-to hostess gift. It never fails, everyone loves tea or entertains guests that do. This sampler set includes 24 individually-wrapped

Gift Guide: Fab Finds Under $50

If you’re stressing over the less then 2 week mark before Christmas, don’t there’s still time! (Plus now’s the time to shop, holiday prices are dropping!). Here are some of our favorite gift ideas for under $50.

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Laura Mercier Kohl Eye Pencil Set ($32, $75 value) – In a world where eyeliner pencils are generally harder formulas, I’m grateful for Laura Mercier’s Kohl Eye Pencils, which glide on smoothly and have a much softer formula then other brands on the market. It”s easy to apply on the inside lining of the eyelid & the base of the lashes for a stand alone look, or it can be smudged and worked onto the eyelid for a smokey effect. This set comes in 5 Shades include Stormy Grey, Black Violet, Brown Copper, Black Gold and Black Navy.

Incase Capsule headphones ($49.95) – These are a great set of portable headphones for any commuters or travelers on your list. Both stylish and practical, they come with three different eartip sizes that are interchangeable for your most optimal comfort and fit. The audio cable features an integrated mic and remote to control audio playback and works with for sound and calls with Apple products (iPhone, iPod, iPad and MacBook).

Everlane The Solid Tote ($35) – I love this website. Everlane offers really great basics that can be worn on repeat without them getting tired. It’s an ease tote that fits comfortably over the shoulder, for carrying anything from groceries to your laptop.