Would you like to have a tea party with Jo Malone? Yes, please!
Well come tomorrow, you can! Jo Malone is launching a collection of limited edition, travel-friendly Tea Fragrance Blends ($55). Inspired by British tradition (he’s going back to his English roots), it was only proper he create three classic tea base fragrances –Assam & Grapefruit, Earl Grey & Cucumber and Fresh Mint Leaf followed by two additional scents; Sweet Lemon and Sweet Milk, which can either be worn alone or on top of the tea scents.
So how do you take your tea? I’m a mint girl myself, so I previewed the Fresh Mint Leaf fragrance, and for creativity sake added Sweet Milk on top. Apparently I take my fragrance exactly the way I do my tea –with nothing added (okay, sometimes I mix in lavender-honey, but that wasn’t an option). The Sweet Milk was pleasant, but sweet –and since when
I always have mixed feelings about Valentine’s Day. It’s become so commercial that it’s easy to get caught up in the fancy dinners and expensive gifts when really the holiday is all about being romantic and thoughtful. So get creative and make that special someone feel special! Here are some tips to finesse your way through Valentine’s Day.
Papaya Envelope Set
Write a Love Note: Hide it in his/her bag or mail it to their work! What better surprise then to find a love letter? Just skip the cheesy, generic card, where all you do is sign your name, and either make one or take the time to really pick out one that really resonates. I LOVE Papaya Envelope Sets ($12/pack of 6), they are my ultimate go to cards for special occasions.
Flirty Little Secret Perfume
Flowers: Necessary or unnecessary cliché? It depends. Secretly, all girls hope when the FedEx guy walks through the office doors it’s to deliver them flowers. It’s always a thoughtful surprise that makes one feel special. Plus it results in major coworker-envy, which can be quite the ego boost. It’s also a nice touch if you’re picking up your date from their home. However, if you’re meeting them at dinner or out on the town, it’s a nuisance. I had a date bring me flowers once (it wasn’t Valentine’s Day) and the whole night through dinner and drinks I had to carry them around, and it was not enjoyable. I know that’s a terrible thing to say, but it’s true. If you’re going to bring some, less is more! Go for an elegant, single, long-stem rose.
Smell Great, Feel Confident: Find that perfect cologne or perfume, for an extra dab of confidence. I’ll be wearing Booty Parlor Flirty Little Secret ($22). It has a roller ball application and it’s packaging conveniently fits in my makeup case for the perfect pick-me-up at any point in the day. And it’s infused with pheromones so I will be sure to attract everything in site (in theory). You’re probably thinking ‘pheromones have a scent?’ No, they don’t, the scent is a blend of plum, raspberry, jasmine, cedar and sandlewood. It’s delightful; feminine without being too sweet– I smell like a sugar-plum fairy! In the evening I may switch to Dolce & Gabbana The One Eau de Parfum ($62), it’s very sensual and intense with notes of Bergamot, Manddarin, Lychee, Peach, Madonna Lily, Vanilla and Amber. Molta sexy!
Make a Plan: Put some thought into the evening, don’t just wing it. Start with–to stay in? Or go out? If you go out, pick the place you first met, or has some significance to your relationship. Personally I opt for staying in, since I’m not a fan of big crowds, stressing over reservations and the stupid prix fixe menu all restaurants insist on. If you do, some advice:
Do Your Research: Cook something special, pick out a great bottle of wine or spend some time and create a signature cocktail. Pick up some desserts in advance and indulge. There are no calories
While I love to accessorize and get creative with my outfit choices (and makeup), there is something to be said about owning really great, quality basics that can be worn on repeat to build a variety of looks and outfits or be worn alone and look effortlessly chic.
A warm coat that fits and is made well, will go a long way in your wardrobe. I bought mine last year from Marc by Marc Jacobs (#1) and it still looks brand new. Red has been huge this season and the shade I chose is a really happy one that works with my skin tone. No matter how disheveled I am, this coat instantly brightens me up and makes me look considerably more put together.
To compliment my coat, I opted for a crisp, white beanie from D&Y (#2). What I love about this knit is that it’s not too tight like a snowboarder hat or too big like an oversized beanie and I it’s light enough that I can carry it over into Spring. For those really bitter cold days, I turn to my Kaldi Arctic Hat from 66 North –the Icelandic brand designed to deal with extreme weather conditions. And if it’s good enough to keep Icelanders warm, then it can handle this New Yorker. And the lining is
Okay it’s getting down to the wire. Have you bought all your holiday gifts? Lets talk through a few ideas to help you figure out what to get those remaining on your list.
There are a lot of great holiday sets available right now in the wonderful world of makeup so if the person you’re shopping for has a favorite brand, visit their website and check out their gift sets. Otherwise I recommend #1 & #3 for any picky beauty queens on your list who appreciate quality makeup. #2 is great for anyone from teenagers to your coworker looking for a little friend for their desk. Their scents tend to be on the sweeter/fruitier side. However owning a Harajuku Lover may
Okay so it’s the final weeks before Christmas, Hanukkah ends tomorrow so if you’re looking for some gift inspiration, here are some great gifts for everyone on your list.
1. Tocca Gift Sets – Eau de Parfum Viaggio ($45) gift set includes three of their signature fragrances Stella, Florence and Cleopatra in miniature size, and Candele Da Viaggio ($42) box set includes an assortment of four travel size candles including Cleopatra, Grave, Havana and Kyoto.
2.MAKE UP FOR EVERRock For Ever Aqua Eyes – $36 ($49.50 Value). Set includes five travel size Aqua Eyes pencils in shades Gold, Bronze, Dark Grey, Mat Black and Silver.
3. NARS Cosmetics – Follow the Boys Lip Gloss Coffret – $40 ($48 Value). Set includes four medium size glosses in shades Turkish Delight (Pink Sorbet), Moon Fleet (Sparkling Platinum Gold), Easy Lover (Ultra Sheer Hot Pink) and Sweet Revenge (Sheer Pink Grapefruit).
4. TarteThe Jewelry Box $52 ($637 Value). This combination set includes 32 eye shadows, 8 lip glosses, 5 eyeliners, a mineral powder bronzer and highlight powder in soft pink all, which opens and folds to condense into a compact jewelry box.
5.Cellies($35) – Fashionable stretch cuff bracelet that carries your cell phone so you don’t have to. They have a terry version perfect for working out, and a collection of decorative studded ones in pink and black to wear as a fashion accessory.
6.PylonesMug Angel Wings – $25. This mug is available in colors: blue (featured), red, lime, black, pink and orange.
7. ThinkGeekElectronic Rock Guitar Shirt – $29.99. Complete with mini amp this interactive t-shirt has a fully playable guitar built into the t-shit. Available in ADULT
1. Boots No7 Quick Thinking 4-in-1 Wipes ($6.99/pack of 30 wipes) – If you don’t have access to your beauty regiment, these wipes are the next best thing. They cleanse, tone, moisturize, and remove eye make-up! So whether you’re at the gym, on a plane or just feeling too lazy to make it to the bathroom to take off your makeup, these wipes are great to have on hand.
2. Scent Genie($11/4mL) – Turn any of your fragrances into travel size. The Scent Genie, refills in seconds and holds 50 sprays. Lightweight and leak proof, it’s the perfect addition to any makeup case.
3. Dr. Hauschka Daily Body Care Kit ($22.95) – Just because you’re traveling, that’s no excuse to neglect your skin. Packaged in a convenient on-the-go tin, the Daily Body Care kit has everything you need to keep your body hydrated. Plus it’s a great way to try the Dr. Hauschka’s body care range. This set includes
How selfish of me. Here I am trying to get everyone to vote for meon The W List when I should be doing something for you! Your support has boosted me up the list from the #60 spot to #22. Additionally my readership has hit a record high this past month and as a special thank you for all of your support I’m giving away one of my favorite fragrances, Marc Jacobs Daisy.
And to make it that much more perfect for festive, the Marc Jacobs Daisy fragrance we’re giving away is their new EDP Pop Art limited edition version ($80). Same original fresh and vibrant formula (with key note of strawberry, violet, grapefruit gardenia, jasmine, musk, vanilla, and white wood) but packaged in a specialty collectible bottle inspired by Jacobs interest in and love of art. This luxurious fragrance is packaged in a high shine red lacquer with a crisp white logo across the bottle and shiny black and gold daisy cap.
Perfect for the holidays, we’ll be giving away a bottle of Daisy Marc Jacobs EDP Pop Art Edition 100ml/3.4 fl.oz to one lucky winner ($80 value). To enter leave a comment for your chance to win. Get creative. Tell me why you’d like to win or what fragrance you currently use, or what you look for in a fragrance. Or just say hello, any comment is welcome.
An extra entry will be given if you follow me on twitter, tweet the giveaway using @PCbeauty in the tweet or are a fan of Pretty Connected on Facebook (if you do all three that’s an additional 3 entries).
Official Rules:
The promotion begins on November 27th, and ends December 8th at 11:59pm EST.
One winner will be chosen at random.
Winners will be selected on December 10th and contacted for their mailing information. If no response is given by August 14th, and alternate winner will be chosen.
Lara (right) with fellow bloggers Christine and Erika at Dots Style & Beats Launch Party
On Wednesday, November 7th, Dots Fashion and The King Collective held the launch party for Styles & Beats. Hosted by Rocco Leo Gaglioti from Fashion News Live, and beats provided by DJ Reni Lane, the fashion and music event featured “fashion face-offs”, where guests put their styling skills to the test using Dots apparel and accessories.
Style & Beats host Rocco with Gen Art Co-founder, Ian Gerard
Held at 2 Great Jones, the store carried a mix of fashionable finds and labels at all different price points (Dots winning the most affordable vote). I stumbled upon the below (non-Dots) vintage, orange necklace ($79). Guest of a Guest extensively covered the event (check out more of their pictures HERE) and I woke up to
For anyone who was in NYC for the 4th of July, as far as the climate goes, you know it was pretty miserable. To Brooklyn’s disappointment the fireworks we’re held over the Hudson River instead of the traditional East River location (congratulations Jersey). Mixed in with 90+ degree weather, a blazing sun, no breeze and I think I’ve made my point. However, while I felt like a pile of sweat, my deodorant did not quit on me. Secret Clinical Strength Waterproof Advanced Solid deodorant ($.9.99) survived the heat, subway, and kiddie pool while offering a subtle flowery-powdered scent and formula that managed to keep me dry and sweat free.
The creamy formulation is both hypoallergenic and waterproof with 12+hour long lasting protection. It absorbs easily into skin without leaving behind any white marks or stains and contains skin-soothing conditioners such as dimethicane and petrolatum for an extra level of comfort and smoothness that helps
Just in time for spring, the June 2010 issue of Women’s Health Magazine will report the winners of their 4th annual Beauty Awards. Featuring both reader’s and editor’s picks by category (hair, face, body, and makeup), I had the privilege of joining the publication for the announcement of their winners and received an advanced copy of the magazine.
