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Lara, Lara, Lara

Redken introduces Chromatics and I get an Ombre!

How great is this color? Redken recently introduced a breakthrough for hair color with the launch of their new Chromatics service.

Generally, I find the words breakthrough to be overused in this industry (isn’t every brand claiming that when they launch something new?). However, this is the first color process I’ve experienced that uses oil! To be more exact it uses, ODS² (Oil Delivery System) + Protein Extract Technology, which envelopes hair in a layer of protective oil, while long-lasting color dyes and protein extracts are propelled deep into every strand. The result is hair that looks and feels stronger, with brilliant color and zero ammonia!

“So many of my clients stick to a strict 4-6 week schedule for coloring their hair.  With NEW Chromatics, they leave the salon with incredible color and fortified hair,” says David Stanko, Color Consultant for Redken.  “Chromatics is great for providing 100% gray coverage, conditioned high-shine color and rich even results from root to tip.”

While, I’m not one to color my hair, I curiosity got the better of me and I’ve been kicking around the idea of an ombre so I went for it. I arrived at Cutler’s uptown salon all nervous as though I was walking into surgery. My virgin hair about to be processed! I was so timid I asked for a very light ombre that I would be able to outgrow within a few haircuts.

While at the salon, I was scoping all my fellow bloggers hair (all of which we’re going for the full Chromatics experience). I saw a range of beautifully colored blondes through brunettes, all gushing over the treatment.

{Dream hair team at Cutler Salon}

It only took 3 hours and 4 men, but I got my color! And for anyone who’s hesitant to dye their whole hair or too lazy to deal with the maintenance, I highly recommend an ombre. I have no idea why I was so nervous now. I assume it’s like a tattoo (I don’t have one of those either), but once you start you want more. And the best part about an ombre is it’s expected to not be uniform so I don’t have to worry about it getting evened out. And even when my hair is up or curly, I love the hint of color that pops out.

{Messy, morning hair is so muh more fun with a little highlight!}

To locate a Redken salon, visit Redken.com.  If you’re in NYC, you should go to Cutler!

Alberta Ferretti Launches at Macy’s + I make the Macy’s Blog!

Ever since the debut of Karl Lagerfeld’s designer collaboration for Macy’s private label, Impulse, the fashion retailer has been on a roll! This week PC celebrated the launch of Alberta Ferretti first capsule for Impulse, which is now available at Macy’s!

The collection, which was inspired by the Italian coastline comprised of a fun mix of colorful sunny dresses, floral prints, navy and white lace separates and one shoulder dresses in varying lengths.

{Alberta Ferretti for Impulse}

Hosted on the 3rd floor of Macy’s Herald Square, the space for the launch party was transformed to reflect the Amalfi Coast. While pursuing the collection, I received the ultimate compliment — “I love everything about your outfit, can I take your picture?” Turns out it was the Macy’s blogger and next thing I know I’m on their mBLOG!

{Woot woot! I made the Macy’s Blog!}

While I don’t know if I would use the words “too adorbs” in verbatim, that in line with my description for how cute this short strapless sweetheart dress is! I love it in both the solid colorways and floral print.

{Alberta Ferretti for Impulse collection}

Alberta Ferretti for Impulse is available exclusively at Macy’s nationwide and Macys.com

Are you an ACTIVE NATURAL? PC Partners with AVEENO to award $10K Grants

If you happened to pick up the new May issue of Elle Magazine, flip to page 130!!

Weeee! I'm in an AVEENO advertorial in ELLE!

Yup, that’s me! I’m thrilled to be partnering with AVEENO and so honored to serve as an an ambassador for their BE AN ACTIVE NATURAL campaign!

For AVEENO, being an ACTIVE NATURAL is at the core of the brand’s values and something they are committed to in both their products and as a lifestyle. As ingredients ACTIVE NATURALS care for your skin and hair to make a healthier and more beautiful difference. As people, ACTIVE NATURALS care for their communities to also make a real difference. For me, getting to partner with one of the most reputable skin care brands is exciting enough, but to do so for a campaign that’s focused around making a difference… I’m elated!

*Deep breathe* Aveeno called me a HERO

So, in celebration of my fellow ACTIVE NATURALS across the country, AVEENO is awarding eight grants in the amount of $10,000!!! To enter, visit AVEENO’s Facebook page and tell them what you’re doing to enrich, engage, and encourage a beautiful change in your community. Apply now at Facebook.com/Aveeno.

If you visit the “HEROES” tab on their Facebook page you can learn more about my fellow ambassadors and how we strive to be ACTIVE NATURALS. Or you can watch my video they posted below. I am so flattered to have been chosen by AVEENO and to be acknowledged as an ACTIVE NATURAL. It’s such a honor to have the opportunity to couple both of my passions and hopefully inspire some of you to make a difference as well as spread the word about this wonderful campaign.

{What makes me an ACTIVE NATURAL}

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=-1VtXb7cD4A

I’m lucky to have grown up with a philanthropic mother who always taught me the importance of volunteering and giving back. And in addition to using my website to promote brands, like AVEENO striving to make a difference, I mentor with the non-profit organization, STOKED, that serves to promote personal development, academic achievement, and healthy living to under-served youth through action sports (snowboarding, skateboarding and surfing) and community service programs.

If you’re an ACTIVE NATURAL or know someone who is, APPLY!

**Style moment (all about scarves): In the AVEENO ad I am wearing an Express scarf, in the picture where I’m holding the magazine, I’m in the Lolly Gauze Fringe Scarf and in the video I’m wearing a mark. scarf.

PC GIVEAWAY! Enter to WIN a custom set of mugs, USB drives, or multi-function tools with YOUR logo on it

I just started working with Sutter’s Mill Specialties, which specializes in custom engraved promotional marketing materials. You know… all of those cool shirts, mugs or wine openers you see with brands logo’s on it, they do that! They have a product assortment that spans drinkware, apparel, desk & office accessories, frames, tools… And I’m so excited to be partnering with them to give one lucky winner the chance to win their choice of either a set of 6qty Ceramic Mugs, 6qty Stainless-Steel Tumblers, 4qty 18-Function Multi-tools or 6qty 4GB USB Drives with your logo (or initials) on them!

{Win your choice of a set of 6 Ceramic Mugs, Stainless-Steel Tumblers, 4GB USB Drives or set of 4 18-Function Multi-tools}

WIN IT! To enter, leave a comment on which item you want to win and why!

An extra entry will be awarded to anyone that follows @SuttersMill1 and tweets “Enter @SuttersMill1 giveaway to win a set of custom promo materials http://bit.ly/HYxFNP #win” (or any link back to this page is acceptable).

Sutter’s Mill Specialties is additionally giving away 10 additional sets to 10 lucky winners of the same sets through their Facebook page! Just “Like” them and enter at Facebook.com/SuttersMillSpecialties for additional chances to win!

I’m constantly getting promotional products at events, but it wasn’t until Sutter’s Mill sent me a “Pretty Connected” mug with my logo, that I truly appreciated the enjoyment of having something custom branded. Now, after perusing their website, I literally want my logo slapped on everything; which is why I’m so excited to host this giveaway and give some readers the opportunity to win their own.

Think about it, not only is this great for big companies, but also for anyone looking for a Bar Mitzvah party favor, brides for their wedding parties, family reunions, corporate gifts… the possibilities are endless. And they are priced so affordable

― READ ON →

PC Featured in the Dressbarn’s Spring Fashion Challenge (+20% off coupon)

Dressbarn's Flutter Sleeve Ruffle Wrap Dress

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.

The Contestants: 5 bloggers, 5 different shapes

The Dress: Dressbarn’s Flutter Sleeve Ruffle Wrap Dress in Cobalt Blue ($39.99)

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}

I went for more of an edgy rock-glam look when outfitting this dress. I styled the wrap dress with Ray-Ban sunglasses, Winter Kate jacket, mark. necklace, Express bracelet, Skweez Couture tights, Zara shoes, and Rebecca Minkoff bag.

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.

PC featured in Smashbox Lights, Camera, BB Video- You can be too! (+enter to win a years supply!)

Last week I gushed over Smashbox’s new Camera Ready BB Cream with SPF 35 (read my review HERE), and I’m so excited to be one of the featured bloggers for their  their BB Cream campaign! And that’s all good news for you, because we want you to be apart of it too! Smashbox is doing a fun interactive video to give you the in studio photo-shoot experience and the chance to win a year’s supply of BB Cream!

Here’s how it works: Starting April 2nd, go to Smashbox’s Facebook page (click HERE). Then on the “Lights, Camera BB Cream tab” simply upload 5 pictures of yourself and then your video will be made! You can then share it with your friends and get them to vote for you! Every week, the video with the most votes wins a year’s supply of BB Cream, plus more Smashbox faves. It’s so easy and literally takes 2 minutes to do.

As one of the featured bloggers, I got a sneak peek into the app, and made my video! Check it out below or you can view it HERE.

Now go out there and make your own! It’s so quick and easy (and fun!). Don’t forget to share your video with me. Leave a comment with the link or tweet it to me @PrettyConnected. xxLara

 

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!

Get the Look: Backstage at Cynthia Rowley Fall 2012 + Sneak Peek at Her Band-Aids

Cynthia Rowley with her signature Band-Aid's

I am such a fan of Cynthia Rowley from her apparel to Band-Aid collaboration and now her as a person! Minutes before her Fall 2012 show Cynthia Rowley took a break from putting the finishing touches on her show to talk to a few special bloggers *inhale* myself included. And instead of being stressed and in need of a sedative, she was cool and collected and just excited. She talked about the music and the intricate hair style designed for the models and how all the pieces went together support the theme of craftsmanship which was the inspiration for her show.

I’ve never felt so welcome or had as much fun backstage at a show. Generally, I’m in and out, just there to interview the beauty sponsors, however this was no ordinary backstage…

As some of you know after going nut-so over the Cynthia Rowley BAND-AID’s they asked me to be a blogger ambassador last year for the collection! At that time they we’re limited edition, however due to the enormous success and popularity, the duo are collaborating again! And as part of the celebration, BAND-AID hosted a backstage lounge at the show and gave guests a sneak peek at the new collaboration, the BAND-AID Brand Beach Sport Kit. The kit ($10) which will launch May 2012 includes 20 newly designed bandages, 4 NEOSPORIN single use packets, and resealable plastic pouch to hold your beach essentials (and big enough to hold and protect your cell phone!).

Cynthia Rowley Fall 2012 Collection

So I hung out, made friends (that where I met my new bff Jenni from ISpyDIY!), and was all around blown away by the texture and craftsmanship that went into the hair created by amika. In contrast, MAKE UP FOR EVER did a nude and natural makeup application to balance the look.

GET THE LOOK! Here’s how to recreate the show’s  hair and makeup:

Hair Lead Stylist: Duffy for amika

Hair Look: Autumnal Texture

Inspiration: “Cynthia and I wanted the hair to play with texture for the hair look. The clothes this season are so structured we wanted to contrast that with the hair. The idea of this look was for it to be free flowing; there is no beginning and no end.” – Duffy

How Duffy created the hair look:

1. Mouse was applied to the hair and it was rough dryed with the amika NRG Professional Hair Dryer

2. A figure-eight technique was used (around the crown of the head) which was created by  pinning the hair around bobby pins

3. The figure-eight shape was sealed in with heat from the amika x Cynthia Rowley styler

4. Tight curls were created using a hot rod

5. The hair was  then dragged out and brushed to create volume

6. Pieces were pulled and pinned

Since each girl’s hair was different Duffy selected the final style based on each individual girl, their personality and the clothes they looks they were modeling.

Makeup Lead Stylist: MAKE UP FOR EVER ALLIANCE artist, Lottie

Makeup Look/Inspiration: The look was inspired by the women of the 40s – effortlessly natural, empowered, and clean. The skin had a dewy finish with supple bare lips. To add a slightly masculine edge, Lottie groomed the brows creating a full and fluffy appearance.

How Lottie created the makeup look:

Complexion: Lottie first mixed MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Invisible Cover Foundation with MAKE UP FOR EVER Uplight #12. She applied this mixture all over, which gave the models a flawless dewy canvas. To finish the look and set the make up, she used MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Microfinish Powder.

Brows: Lottie brushed the brows upwards to create a fluffy appearance. For added fullness, she filled in individual hairs with MAKE UP FOR EVER Brow Pencil and MAKE UP FOR EVER Waterproof Eyebrow Corrector. The brows were then kept in place using MAKE UP FOR EVER Brow Seal.

Lips: The lips were supple and hydrated with MAKE UP FOR EVER Moisturizing Lip Balm.

{SMASH star, Megan Hilty Backstage at Cynthia Rowley}

{Backstage with Jenni of ISpyDIY}

Bloomingdale’s celebrates Hugo Boss with Artists, Jeff Koons, Mia Moretti & Caitlin Moe

Check out my Jeff Koons original!

Last night, was a big day for Hugo Boss (and me)! As some of you saw the invite (I posted earlier this week), Sunham Home Fashions was celebrating the launch of the new BOSS Home bedding collection at Bloomingdale’s. Hosted on the 7th floor, guests had the opportunity to shop the collection and enjoy a musical performances by Mia Moretti & Caitlin Moe. I’ve seen those girls do their violin/DJ set probably 15 times in the past year and it never gets old! BOSS Home will be exclusive to Bloomingdale’s for the next 3 months, so go check them out!

I stopped by with Lorna from The Fabulous Report and we met up with the super fun Fashion Indie team to check out the collection; then headed down to the 3rd floor, where Hugo Boss continued the party with the launch of the new BOSS Black women’s shop. If upstairs was all about the jams, downstairs was all about art, with a special appearance by renowned artist, Jeff Koons! Apparently Koons is a big fan of the brand and to mark the new opening, he designed a limited edition shopping bag for Hugo Boss. And guess what? Jeff Koons drew me an original drawing (in front of me) on the bag! It was kind of the best ever!

Jeff Koons drawing me a pic!

I’m freaking out that I have a Jeff Koon’s original, complete with my name on it and his autograph! This bag is totally getting framed. Side note: Samantha, Editor-In-Chic of FashionIndie had this awesome Samsung Galaxy Note phone and was able to pimp out photo with comments after she took the shot (as seen above with her fancy penmanship)! Wish my iPhone could do that.

{HOME Collection}

{Mia Moretti & Caitlin Moe Performing}

{BOSS Black women’s shop (Bloomingdale’s 3rd floor)}

Epic evening.

Leila Shams RTW Fall 2012 Presentation

Lara Eurdolian, Leila Shams, Sarah Champagne

Leila Shams and I go back, I mean way back… pre-blog, pre-company, pre-just-about-everything. And I’ve always admired her. Besides having the most amazing sense of humor, she’s like this super creative, talented, amazing person, rolled up in a sexy package. Watching her fashion line evolve and display these elements of her personality project into her designs gets me excited every season just to see what she’ll come up with.

Presented by Oster Media, Leila Sham’s Fall 2012 RTW presentation was inspired by tumblr (how awesome is that?). Dark and edgy, she mixed a collection of electric and wild prints and knits with sequins and sparkles. Everything Leila creates is a statement piece. What’s so unique about her collection is that even so, it can all be mixed together without being too much, or on it’s own to wow a room.

Leila Shams in front of her Fall 2012 Collection

More pictures from the collection:

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