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Henri Bendel Spring/Summer Collection

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.

Ideeli Spring Preview + Win the nOir Enamel Link Necklace!

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!}

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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!

Last Minute Holiday Gifts

1. Two Faced Sweet Dreams Makeup Collection – $52 ($186 value). Exclusive to Sephora, this whimsical makeup set is a dream! Filled with 15 of their best-selling eye shadow shades, a full-size Prime Anytime eye primer, two shades of blush, bronzer and highlighter and their signature “How To’ Cards to learn how to apply gorgeous looks with step by step instructions. Every girl in my office bought this palette (it’s that good).

2. Rebecca Minkoff Collaboration Timepiece with Baby-G ($200) – Here’s your chance to own Rebecca Minkoff’s first watch and as of now there are only 500 of these Baby-G watches being made!

3. kai bubbles & light holiday set ($49) – The gift of relaxation is always a winner in my book. This limited edition set comes in a sheer gift bag and is filled with kai’s bubble bath and all-natural fragrance candle.

4. ALEX & CHLOE for FOREVER 21 -Alex and Chloe designed a full collection of jewelry for Forever 21 all under $20!! I’m all about mixing their Rhinestone Bangels (set of 3 – $14.48) with their thicker  Rhinestone Hexegon Bracelet ($14.80), pictured above, and am very excited to welcome them into my jewelry collection.

5. Pantone Mug – offered in a variety of Pantone colors ($15.95 each or $90/set of 6), this mug is a full proof present for any creative-types or coffee addicts on your list.

6. Clinique Chubby Sticks Trio ($45) – I love these hydrating color balms! They offer a soft tint of color and shine with every application. This set includes shades Super Strawberry, Chunky Cherry and Whole Lotta Honey. They are also available individually (in a variety of shades).

7. Sock it to Me knee socks ($9) – offered in a variety of funky prints and colors, forget buying underwear this holiday and go straight for the socks!

8. CND The Plum Truffle Collection – This duo nail polish set includes CND shades Plum Truffle Colour and Plum Truffle Sparkle Effect. Designed to be worn together, apply two coats of Plum Truffle Colour, followed by one coat of Plum Truffle Sparkle Effect (don’t forget your base and top coat!). Makes a great stocking stuffer! This set is available on timetospa.com.

9. Parker Pens Ingenuity Collection ($190)- I was recently at an event for Parker Pens and fell in love with them. Pick a pen based on the way it writes, looks and feels, and Parker has a grand collection of pens. However if you need a guidance, check out their new Ingenuity Collection (my favorite is the Large Daring Black Rubber and Metal pen). Everyone can use a quality ink pen, especially right around the holidays — just think about all of those ‘Thank you’ cards you’ll have to fill out. Plus it makes you feel so fancy!

10. Martha Stewart Crafts Set Your Own Stamp Case ($20.59) – If you’re looking for a gift for any of your craft friends/family, check out Martha Stewart Crafts collection. I have my eye on her Set Your Own Stamp Case which lets you create your own message on cards, invitations, tags, scrapbook pages… and includes upper and lower-case letters, numbers, punctuation marks, icons, phrases, and circular border stamps. Includes 318 pieces to be used with any colored ink pads (sold separately).

11. Victoria’s Secret Party Perfect Makeup Kit ($18) – A medley of 20 must-have VS eyes and face shades, including 16 eye shadows, blush, bronzer, eye applicator and face brush. What more can you ask for from a beauty kit?

12. “Blowout in a Box” by Living Proof and T3– $200 ($258 value). Don’t you love it when two quality brands that compliment eachother partner together to bring you a value set? Exclusive to Sephora, this set has everything you need to create the ultimate salon quality blow-out from the comfort of your home. The “Blow Out in a Box” contains a T3 Featherweight Hair Dryer, Living Proof Straight Styling spray, and a Shine & Volume Application Kit which contains Neo-tortoise shell comb to detangle the hair when wet and Ceramic barrel brush for styling.

Brands Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is special month, when brands rally together to help raise awareness and funds to help fight against breast cancer.  This year for BCA month, I received a record number of emails by brands participating, so as I weed through (and I’ll try to update this as more come through), here’s a list of how some companies are showing their support:

**assume all of these product promotions are for the month of October unless otherwise stated**

Dior fans can go to www.diorauction.com to bid on items in three categories: Luxe Trips, Elite Experiences and Lavish Products as well as a “Shop Now” section, where customers can purchase items like a Christian Dior book or an engraved Dior Blue Tie palette, all available exclusively through Dior and select partners. 100% of the proceeds benefit Look Good…Feel Better, an organization dedicated to helping women deal wit the appearance related effects of cancer.

Catwalk for a Cure invite

Catwalk for a Cure – Tickets ($100) to this annual breast cancer charity event in benefit of The MA Affiliate for Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation hosted in Boston on October 13th includes a cocktail hour, hors d’oeurves, silent auction, fashion show, reception and gift bag. When: Oct.13th from 7-11pm at 60 State Street, Boston, MA. Click HERE for tickets.

Stila

Stila – Get empowered in pink with Stila’s limited-edition Positive and Pretty Palette featuring four award-winning Eye Shadows, a Cheek Color and a Highlighter. A mirror is included for on-the-go application and a detailed face chart offers how-to tips and tricks. 10% of the proceeds will go to a variety of BCA charities including the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Price: $14 (a $62 value).

OLEHENRIKSEN is offering a special 1.7 oz. size of their best selling Truth Serum in BCA packaging ($65), with a portion of the proceeds going to the National Breast Cancer Foundation available at  www.olehenriksen.com and Sephora.

Clarisonic Almond Blossom Plus

Clarisonic is donating a portion of the proceeds of its “Pink” products to Look Good…Feel Better throughout the year as well as $15 for each specially designed, limited edition Almond Blossom Plus Skin Cleansing System ($235) sold during October to LGFB available at Clarisonic.com, Nordstrom or the Ritz Carlton spas.  Additionally for the month of October, Clarisonic will donate $1 to Look Good…Feel Better for every Facebook “Like” they receive (Facebook.com/clarisonic). They have also partnered with The Ritz-Carlton who is working with them and Skin Authority skin care company to offer an exclusive Look Good…Feel Better facial in select Ritz-Carlton spas. With every LGFB facial performed, $15 will be donated to Look Good…Feel Better ($5 each from Ritz Carlton Spas, Clarisonic and Skin Authority).  The facial will be available through November 5, and costs $180 for 50 minutes.

B&B Spray de Mode

Bumble and Bumble is donating $5 from every purchase of Spray de Mode on bumbleandbumble.com to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Skyn ICELAND – For the 7th consecutive year, skyn ICELAND is releasing a limited edition Pink Detox Kit ($45), donating $5 from the sale to Cancer Support Community.

AHAVA – For every purchase of their Hope Blossoms Mineral Bath Salts ($22), AHAVA will make up to a 15% donation to the National Breast Cancer Foundation in support of their mission to help fund research and promote education and early detection. These mineral-rich salts contain 21 essential Dead Sea minerals, including Magnesium, Potassium and Calcium that work to melt away stress, while providing essential moisture to skin and relief to tired muscles.

CND Pink Wishes Set

CND launches Pink Wishes Colour & Effect duo nail polish set ($20) to help raise awareness against breast cancer and commemorate women everywhere fighting against it. Plus what better way to match that pink ribbon then with some extra pride on your fingers and toes? Available for a limited time, visit CND.com for locations.

TIGI’s BCA Collection – With each purchase of TIGI’s pink ribbon products, TIGI will donate a portion of the proceeds to City of Hope, a leading research, treatment and education center for cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Darphin is donating $15 for every specially packaged Redness Relief Soothing Serum in pink ($85) sold to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  This high potency

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Spotted: Giuliana Rancic at the Lia Sopia Lounge

Spotted: Giuliana Rancic at the Lia Sopia Social Fashion Suite, as the jewelry brand debuts their Fall/Winter 2011 collection and Red Carpet line at the Empire Hotel during New York Fashion Week.

In what felt like a Pretty Connected exclusive with the E! News host, what with my friend Jonathan Valdez (of OJ&B ) and I, being the only lounge attendants with her (other then the staff and camera-man); we took full advantage of some quality time with Giuliana, complimenting her on — her jewelry!

Scope out the Lia Sophia Fall/Winter 2011 Red Carpet Collection! I picked up the red/gold necklace.

Although after making my selection I had slight remorse over not getting the arrow ring! How hot is that!?!?! Jon Valdez scored it instead (arrow earrings and necklace are also available).

Then we played with the jewelry on the step and repeat until our unexpected guest Giuliana came through the lounge, then all eyes

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GOODNESS Twitter Giveaway: Win Elettra’s VIP Gift Bag from Orange Hat Group!

Earlier I posted about GOODNESS, the full service Fashion Week pop-up restaurant created by supermodel, Elettra Wiedemann.

Taking over the space of Ed’s Chowder House at the Empire Hotel (across from Lincoln Center), from  Sept 11th – 14th,  7am – 3pm, GOODNESS will be open for breakfast and lunch to provide healthy and delicious appetizers, entrees and desserts. Free wi-fi provided by the Orange Hat Group.

WIN IT! To help celebrate the launch, Orange Hat Group and the GOODNESS team are giving away Elettra’s VIP GOODNESS gift bag to one lucky winner (as in literally that bag on her arm in the photograph!).

What’s in the bag?

  • A certificate for a complimentary pair of Civic Duty “Fascination” shoes (in your choice of color/size).
  • Half United Bullet Necklace (for every on necklace sold, Half United donates a week of healthy school meals to a child in need).
  • Lancome Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover (4.2 fl oz), Hypnose Mascara in Black and Bienfait Aqua Vital Continuous Infusing Moisturizer
  • Kusmi Tea – Detox (pack of 20)
  • Cynthia Rowley  BAND-AID (pack of 20)
  • TheraPearl Eye-ssential Pack
  • VITA COCO 100% pure coconut water (11.1 fl oz)
  • The latest issue of The Daily Front Row

All wrapped up in a Radley London tote bag (pictured).

TO ENTER Tweet…

RT & Follow @OrangeHatGroup and @GoodnessBadness to win Elettra Wiedemann’s official #GoodnessNYC VIP Gift bag http://bit.ly/qxA60U

Or

RT & Follow @OrangeHatGroup to win Elettra Wiedemann’s official @GoodnessBadness VIP Gift bag http://bit.ly/qxA60U #GoodnessNYC

**Any condensed link used in the tweet is allowed as long as it links back to this post so anyone who enters may view the prize and rules to enter.

For more information on GOODNESS or to make a reservation visit www.goodnessbadness.com. Please feel free to share our invitation to the pop-up restaurant above. We hope you can make it!

Official Rules:

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Last Minute Mother’s Day Guide

1. Garden Art & Lanterns on ahalife.com – $50

Designed by Allsop Home & Garden, and hand made by artisan glassblowers, these beautiful, rechargeable, solar-powered garden lanterns are sure to brighten any garden.

2. Jo Malone Sakura Cherry Blossom – $55

Jo Malone recently launched this new limited edition fragrance, Sakura Cherry Blossom and it is divine! This delicate fragrance mixes the subtlety of cherry blossom with layers of rose, bergamot and mandarin. Both light and feminine, this scent is a great celebration of spring. I’m a big fan of their simplistic but oh-so-elegant packaging and the way they gift-wrap is their off-white/black box is perfection.

3. Baroness Monica Von Neumann Savon Candle – $38.50

I’m new to Baroness’ line of quality candles, but I can already say I’m hooked! They burn for 70+ hours (which is exceptional for a candle that size) and the scent is so full and sophisticated with notes of Jasmine, Rose and red amber. It’s a very regal scent and the woodsy hint really makes it rich.

4. Crabtree & Evelyn Lily of the Valley Duo Shower Gel and Body Lotion Set $34 ($44 value)

Lily of the Valley reminds me of my childhood. This scent is so beautifully captured and divine for spring. While the Duo Set makes a great gift, if you’re looking for something extra, add the Lily of the Valley Body Cream ($33). It’s my favorite product from the collection. It’s so hydrating and soothing

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AHALife and Ivanka Trump Do Good

Event: Ivanka Trump and Ahalife Jewelry Event
Date: February 7, 2011
Location: Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry Boutique, Madison Avenue, NYC

Wendi Murdoch, Shauna Mei and Ivanka Trump
Ivanka Trump Girl Up Bracelet

I kicked off the week with AHAlife and Ivanka Trump at a private event hosted at her jewelry store on Madison Avenue. If you’re not familiar with AHAlife.com, you should be or at least sign up for their newsletter. They are a website that sells unique finds from all over the world curated by a series of tastemakers (all of which you can “meet” on their site). One of which, Wendi Murdoch, featured Ivanka Trump’s Girl Up Bracelet, which went on sale on AHAlife the very next day.  Priced at $40, 100% of the proceeds from the sale benefits the United Nations Girl Up campaign, an organization that works to improve the lives of girls globally.

“We help provide basic needs such as access to school supplies, clean water, life-saving health services, safety from violence and more for these young girls,” says Trump. The bracelet features a sterling silver chain and a coral silk cord joined by two sterling silver charms—the Girl Up bird and the Ivanka Trump logo.

Considering you’ll likely never see anything at the Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry Boutique priced at $40 (or on AHALife.com), let alone with the proceeds going to such a worthy cause, I would recommend jumping on this opportunity. Oh look at that, I just

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BE MINE: Valentine’s Day Tips

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

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