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Lara, Lara, Lara

Mark your calendar: Elettra Wiedemann’s GOODNESS pop-up restaurant returns for NYFW

Mark your calendars and start making your reservations! From February 11th – 14th, Elettra Wiedemann’s GOODNESS pop-up restaurant returns to New York Fashion Week.

As some of you may remember from last fashion week, I worked with the glamorous and wonderful supermodel Elettra Wiedemann on her full service Fashion Week pop-up restaurant, GOODNESS. Well I’m excited to report that for this New York Fashion Week season, GOODNESS returns with an all new line up of prominent chefs including Mario Batali, Leo Forneas, Alain Allegretti and Julian Medina.

Open for lunch only from 11am-3pm on February 11th through the 14th, this years GOODNESS will be held at the Robert, located on the top of the Museum of Art and Design. And if you’ve never been to the Robert for dinner or drinks, you need to! Besides having a very stylish interior, the view is to die for! Set on the 9th floor of the Museum, it has ceiling tall windows that overlooks Columbus Circle and Central Park.

Do I have you convinced yet? Sponsored by The Daily Front Row and CIRCA, we’re pleased to announce that this years GOODNESS has earned the CFDA’s Health Initiative Stamp of Approval. Here’s the line-up:

  • Saturday, Feb 11th – Mario Batali of Babbo
  • Sunday, Feb 12th – Leo Forneas of ROBERT
  • Monday, Feb 13th – Alain Allegretti of La Promenade des Anglais
  • Tuesday, Feb 14th – Julian Medina of Toloache

Menu: A la carte or Prix fixe menu ($35)

Reservations are now being accepted at goodnesspopup.com

Also for the first time, Goodness is proud to present the GOODNESS Lounge by Renaissance Hotels on the 7th floor of the Museum of Arts and Design (two floors below the pop-up restaurant). Designed as a comfortable “living room” and wi-fi lounge for editors and fashion week goers to relax and recharge, the GOODNESS Lounge by Renaissance Hotels will feature a touch-up station from beauty sponsor Lancôme. CIRCA, the world’s leading global buyer of fine jewelry, will also showcase their collection of recycled, sustainable luxury jewelry in the lounge, offering attendees access to their collection of antique and contemporary collectible gems. GOODNESS also partnered with Talenthouse and DJ Zen Freeman to choose a resident DJ, and are pleased to announce the winner of our DJ competition, DJ Travisty, who will provide a soothing soundtrack of lounge music and modern remixes for the lounge.

Amazing Chops: Patrick Melville Salon Giveaway!

Under any other circumstances, if I was going to have my haircut by someone as experienced and sought after as celebrity stylist and co-owner of his namesake salon, Patrick Melville, I would probably spend half my morning styling it just to feel qualified enough to be in his presence and call myself a beauty blogger.  It goes along the same principle of those who clean their apartment before the cleaning person arrives.

Fortunately thanks to being an Aveeno ambassador, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Patrick on a several occasions (he consults on their haircare line). There’s something so welcoming and laid back about his personality that I felt completely comfortable (although slightly embarrassed) to refrain from putting my best hair forward, and checked my vanity at the door. In fact, I wanted it to be completely natural — product free — down to the last flyaway and split end so he could assess the best way to cut it, and advice me on how to maintain it.

The good news was, Patrick validated that there’s no reason for me to stray from my natural black color or abandon my long locks. Alas, I am not meant for short hair. However my dry ends needed to go, and my layers were in desperate need of fixing — I’m still recovering from a bad haircut I received in Portland last year (I knew I shouldn’t have trusted a hair salon that serves beer in the waiting room). And despite being capable of remarkable shine when my hair is healthy and happy, it gets desperately dry, especially on the ends and during the winter months.

Patrick used Kerastase Elixir in my hair to help restore some hydration and recommended I add an oil or comparable product to my hair regime. He also insisted I leave a little leave-in conditioner on the tips of my hair for added moisture, and to help keep the ends healthy.

Skimming only a few inches off the length, Patrick Edward Scissorhanded his way into giving my hair more texture and evened out my layers. By the time he was through, my hair was so much healthier and unbelievably soft and shiny!

When I left the salon, I looked like I was walking off the set of a hair commercial; which I was grateful for considering it lasted 3 days and I had a calendar full of press events to attend. Not having to worry about my hair was the biggest time-saver, not to mention I’ve never received so many compliments on my hair by some of NYC’s top bloggers.  Instant ego-boost, vanity in check!

ENTER TO WIN THE GREAT MAKEUNDER: Are you or someone you know, in need of a change?  If so, nominate them (or yourself!) for a chance to win a cut and color ($260 value) from Patrick Melville Salon! Tell the salon in 250 words or less why you or your nominee deserves to win by February 10th, using one of these methods:

The winner must be available during the week of February 13-17th to come in for their cut and color. For more details on this giveaway, visit the Patrick Melville Salon & Spa blog: RinseReadRepeat.com. Good luck!

Avon Celebrates ANEW 20th Birthday with Paulina Porizkova and Alfonso Ribeiro

Look who I got a picture with!

Who knew it took going back to the 90’s to attend easily the hippest party of 2012 yet! Okay provided, it’s barely February so that doesn’t say as much as it should, but Avon spared no detail in their recent 1992 themed party in celebration of the 20th birthday of their prestige anti-aging line, ANEW. Hosted by supermodel and ANEW spokesperson, Paulina Porizkova who announced to the audience, “I have nothing in this face for except what God gave me and Avon put on it”. Quite an accolade to the brand considering at 46, she’s flawless..

Avon packed the Thom Bar with 90’s memorabilia including slap bracelets, Fun-Dip, Warheads, fanny-packs, a photo booth, and tunes that made you want to jump-jump (no literally they played ­­­Kris Kros), along with other hits from the decade.  And speaking of the 90’s, just after Paulina gave a speech to the audience and the brand introduced ANEW’s two latest products; Genics Eye Treatment and Clinical Resurfacing Expert; they announced a surprise guest… On came Tome Jones’ It’s not unusual and out came Alonso Ribeiro (aka Carlton Banks from the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air!) doing his iconic Carlton dance.

It was perfect. And naturally, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity for a photo-opp with him.

Thank you for a very fun evening Avon!

Check out my balls…

I'm very proud of my balls!

As most of you know I’m a big ping-pong fan. In addition to the great exercise it offers, it’s possibly one of the most enjoyable social sports to do while having a beer and catching up with a friend. I usually go to SPiN New York for all of my booze-and-playing whims, however last week, my best friend Mike introduced me to new ping-pong/art gallery space in Williamsburg, when having his birthday party at Pips.  It’s a very non-intimidating, down-to-earth table tennis club that houses 3 tables and offers a very chill environment to hang out in and play. Plus they have beer…

Check out my custom balls!

It was there that I was introduced to the Egg-Bot ($195)! Mike bought it to create the ultimate birthday party favor… custom ping-pong balls! Naturally, I wanted two–one that said my name, “Lara” and the other my blog, “Pretty Connected”. The machine hooks up to your computer to and works to decorates any spherical or egg-shaped object ranging from the size of a ping-pong ball to that of a small grapefruit. We’re talking golf balls, ornaments, eggs, light bulbs, mini-pumpkins… So for all you DIY make-your-own eggs at Easter or Christmas ornaments the Egg-bot could be an investment. In fact if I was a elementary art school teacher, I’d probably be regularly breaking this out for kids crafts. Lets face it, the Egg-bot is the coolest!!!

I for one am in love with my balls… now all I want to do is play with them!

A Night Under the Stars with Susan Miller and Todd English

Susan Miller telling the crowd what to expect for 2012
My photo opp with Todd English!

For lack of a better cliche, I was through the moon over the recent event, Under the Stars I helped produce with the amazing PR Agency, Noise 784 for an evening with world famous astrologist (AstrologyZone founder), Susan Miller, and celebrity chef, Todd English. Considering the event was on the fancier side, I wasn’t leaving anything to chance. So after spending the day getting my hair and makeup done at Angelo David Salon, I dashed to Nicole Miller for the perfect outfit.

Susan Miller, who rarely makes public appearances hosted the zodiac themed evening, complete with specialty cocktails created by the founder of Intoxicated Zodiac mixologist, Gwen Sutherland Kaiser at Todd English’s restaurant, Crossbar. Located within The LimeLight in NYC, it’s modern day medieval charm complimented the enchantment of the evening perfectly. And while the astrologist indulged guests in an hour lecture over what to expect for 2012, the chef was busy in the kitchen preparing a four course meal consisting of small dishes representing the four astrological elements: earth, air, fire and water.

I got to sit with Susan for the dinner!

I was busy tweeting up a storm and selfishly like every person in that room waited for Susan to address my zodiac sign for incite into what I had to expect. She began by announcing the luckiest days of the year — May 12th and 13th. She then asked if there were any Taurus’ in the room. The only person to raise their hand was my date.

She then gloated over his good fortune, especially if his birthday be on those days or right before. It was the May 9th. She seemed pleased and encouraged him to pursue any business opportunities as there has not been a year with this much financial fortune since 1999. My date turned to me and whispered, “Lara, I’ve never made as much money as I did in 1999”. I got chills!

― READ ON →

WWD 10th Annual Beauty Inc Awards

WWD Beauty Inc Awards winners. Photo Credit: John Aquino/WWD Beauty Inc

This morning, I had the great honor of joining Beauty Inc, a Women’s Wear Daily special-issue magazine as they announced their 2011 Beauty Inc Awards winners. WWD/Beauty Inc are the beauty industries bible, so to be in a room full of executives that regularly fill their headlines and are the talent behind the leading mass and prestige beauty industry is as you can imagine, a beauty bloggers dream. I was surrounded by greatness… literally! Seated in the Oscar de la Renta section, I sat next to Alexander Bolen, CEO of Oscar de la Renta and now Beauty Inc Awards winner for the Newcomer of the Year Award. And besides being a rising icon of this industry, he was also an incredibly gracious and lovely neighbor. Also at the brands table, was ever so chic, Erika Bearman, known to 96,445 of us who follow her on twitter as @OscarPRGirl. I hope she tweeted a picture of her outfit, it was gorgeous — back buttoned sweater paired with a long off-white skirt. And however she did her hair, I want a tutorial!

Highlights from the awards ceremony included a special tribute to Evelyn Lauder, for her commitment to this industry and courageous work in raising awareness and funds (over $350 million!) in the fight against bread cancer.  Appropriately, even with her passing this year, she and the Estee Lauder Companies were awarded the Corporate Social Responsibility’ Award, which was accepted by her son on her behalf. Beauty Inc. did a lovely piece on her this morning titled The Incomparable Evelyn Lauder consisting of quotes from those closest to her, sharing their most enduring memories.

Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones, gave an inspirational video speech after being awarded the Visionary Award, sharing memories from his trial and tribulations in the beauty industry. “If your going to be a visionary you need to start from the ground up. There are no short cuts”, this from the man that began his career in the industry at the age of 23 and now reigns as the Honorary Chairman of L’Oreal. To learn more about the man, who graces the cover of tomorrow’s issue of Beauty Inc visit WWD.com.

I’ll admit, I haven’t tried many of the winning products, however two awards I can absolutely vouch for are Bumble and Bumble’s Straight line — it could be my favorite shampoo, conditioner and straightening balm of all time and Sally Hansen Complete Salon 5 in 1 Manicure nail polish — it’s easy to apply, has great coverage and is exceptionally convenient. I’m also very partial to Dior Addict Lipstick, the color range they’ve developed is to die for and the formulation is very smooth and hydrating.

And without further adieu, the winner are:

• Visionary Award – Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones, Honorary Chairman, L’Oreal

• Corporate Social Responsibility Award – Evelyn Lauder & The Estee Lauder Companies. Inc.

• Creative Influencer Award – Peter Philips, Global Creative Director for Makeup, Chanel

• Eco Awareness Award – Pantene Nature Fusion

• Ad Campaign of the Year –

Prestige – Paco Rabanne Black XS

Mass – John Frieda Precision Foam Colour

• Newcomer of the Y ear –
Prestige – Alexander Bolen, Chief Executive Officer, Oscar de la Renta

Mass – Julia Goldin, Executive Vice President, Global Chief Marketing Officer, Revlon

• Product of the Y ear –

Prestige – Color Cosmetics – Dior Addict Lipstick

Skin Care – Lancôme Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector

Hair Care – Bumble and Bumble The Straight Line

― READ ON →

12/15 Join us for Under the Stars with Susan Miller and Todd English

I’m very excited to announce that I’m working on an amazing event, Under the Stars with Susan Miller and Todd English on December 15th and I hope some of you can make it!

Spend the evening with internationally known astrologer, and founder of AstrologyZone.com, Susan Miller (freak out!) as she guest lectures on “What to Look Forward to in 2012”. The event is hosted by renowned chef, restaurateur, author, and television star, Todd English who will be taking guests on a culinary journey with a zodiac tasting tailored to the evening.

Indulge in an open bar featuring cocktails inspired by the zodiac from mixologist and founder of Intoxicated Zodiac, Gwen Sutherland Kaiser and enjoy complimentary CND Shellac Manicures.

WHEN: December 15, 2011 – 6:30 to 11 pm

WHERE: CrossBar at the Limelight, 47 W. 20th St. at Sixth Ave, New York, NY 10010

COST: Pretty Connected readers get a reduced ticket price of $175 (original price $225) or two tickets for $325 and can be purchased online HERE

Personal Style: Lands’ End Canvas Striped Button-Back Sweater

I would use a lot of different adjectives to describe my personal style. Mainly because it’s completely contingent on my mood and if I’m feeling classic, trendy, rocker, edgy or otherwise. However, no matter my style, it’s always all about the details for me, which is why I’m loving the reversed buttons on this Lands’ End Canvas Sweater.

ROCK IT OUT…

{Sweater: Lands’ End Canvas Striped Button-Back Sweater ($69.50, on sale for $39.99), Shorts: H&M, Boots: Joe Fresh Leather Ankle Boots ($79), Bag: Rebecca Minkoff}

Tights and shorts is a great way to transition your wardrobe to fall. Add some boots and a big belt for a polished look with a little bit more edge.

GO CLASSIC…

{Sweater: Lands’ End Canvas Striped Button-Back Sweater ($69.50, on sale for $39.99), Pants: Lands End Canvas Slim Slouch Chino ($49.50), Shoes: Burberry, Hat: H&M, Bag: Foley + Corrina}

What’s more fall then a wool sweater with khaki’s? Add a knit hat for some extra cozy-chic points.

MAKEUP LOOK: Eyes – Shiseido Shimmering Eye Cream Color in Caviar ($25), Mascara – Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara in Carbon Black ($7.49), Lipstick – IL-MAKIAGE Lipstick in Young Gypsy ($21).

Disclaimer: Lands’ End Canvas sweater and chino’s as well as the makeup items used in this post we’re giving to Pretty Connected by a company representative. Pretty Connected was under no obligation to write this review.

Lucky Shops 2011 VIP Night Recap

Makeda from Glamazon Diaries, Lara (me), Eileen from Miss Who Ever You Are

What an exciting weekend! Friday night I was one of the featured bloggers for Lucky Magazine’s Lucky Shops VIP event (you may have noticed me tweeting up a storm).  I partnered with the publication to serve on their blogger committee which was nothing short of fabulous; I was so honored to be working with them.

The VIP event kicked off the annual Lucky Shops, which is 3-day shopping event, where dozens of our favorite designers sell their merchandise at up to 70%! It’s a fashionista’s dream, which NYC is not short on; so needless to say, it was packed.

My fellow committee members included  (check out their awesome blogs!): New York Girl Style, Miss Whoever You Are, My Style Pill, The Beauty File, Cheetah is the new Black, Nubia’s Nonsense, Audrey Allure, Honestly WTF, Cheap Chicas, Platinum Blonde Life, Style Cusp, Glamazone Diaries and of course myself, Pretty Connected.

On the red carpet...
Bloggers unite!

I met the glam team at Bloom Beauty Lounge to start the night out right with some blow-outs and styling. I went with my signature blowout with a some added curls and volume (I call it the Victoria’s Secret model blow-out) to compliment my awesome outfit  [Shirt/Shorts/Boots: Nicole Miller; Tights: Joe Fresh; Necklace: Banana Republic; Belt: The Limited]. Once our hair was red-carpet ready, that’s just where we headed — to the red carpet where we joined the likes of  Bridget Moynahan, Kaylee DeFer, Iman, Susan Lucci, Rachel Roy, Katina Bowden, and Erika Dasher to have our pictures taken and have exclusive coverage opportunities. Then on to go shopping!

Brandon Holly, Mary Alice Stephenson and Mrchy Bloom
30 Rock star, Katina Bowden
My Lucky Shops Outfil {Nicole Miller Shirt/Shorts/Boots}

I invited a few friends at the event and we bee-lined it to Rebecca Minkoff, and all walked away with a new purses. We circled the ground floor and then made our way upstairs to the Hunter Dixon booth. I’m new to their designs but am keeping them on my radar since I wanted everything in their booth! After settling on a pair of pants and skirt (my dates bought up just dresses and tops), it was time to move on. Two Lucky Shop shopping bags full later, I was cut off.

In love with my new Rebecca Minkoff bag!

We then headed to the Lucky Shops after-party at the Crosby hotel for a private advanced screening of Jane by Design starring Erica Dasher, Andie MacDowell and a whole lotta good looking men. As someone who probably doesn’t watch enough television, let alone ABC Family, I found it entertaining and fun without being cheesy (as I find most shows geared towards teenagers to be). If follows unpopular (although very fashion forward) high school student, Jane (Erica Dasher) as she applies for a fashion internship and instead mistaken for an adult, accidentally lands a part-time job. For the love of fashion, I’m sure this show will suck me right in — although it doesn’t premiere until January 23rd, so you’ll just have to wait to see what I’m talking about.

Moi with Jane by Design star, Erica Dasher
Q&A with Jane by Design star, Erica Dasher and Costume Designer, Olivia Miles
More Blogger Love: Christine from Tineey.com, Makeda from GlamazonDiaries.com, and me

Thank you Lucky Magazine for a great night and the amazing opportunity to work together!

3 Days Birthday Extravaganza

A psychic once told me that come my 28th birthday I would have the first of seven great years ahead. As I get another year older… at least I have that.

Generally, my birthday is a one day festivity — I’m not one of those week long birthday people. Although ironically this year it turned into a 3-day affair.

Day 1: October 25th, or as I like to call it ‘happy last day of 27’

Dinner at Catch

My bestfriend couldn’t make it to my birthday since he was traveling, so he and some friends took me to dinner at CATCH. A frequenter told us that the main dishes had nothing on the appetizers so we ordered just about every starter on the menu (3 fold). The Crispy Fish and MRC roll are not to be missed!

Day 2: October 26th — my actual birthday

Serendipity's Frozen Hot Chocolate

For the first time in I don’t know how long I took the day completely off and besides getting my nails done, I spent a quiet day reading. It was kind of the best! Then at night the 8yr old girl in me from her first visit to NYC wanted the frozen hot chocolate from Serendipity’s, so my boyfriend took me. The food has gone down hill and yet still attracts a crowd. The 28yr old in me wasn’t nearly as impressed as the 8yr old version — apparently only one of us got better with age.

Day 2: October 27th — the birthday party

Birthday surprise! My mom
{Skirt: Nicole Miller, Top: Elizabeth and James, Glasses: Express}

This was the big day, I was expecting about 80-100 people which was slightly more stressful then anticipated. Although everything was coming together perfectly; My hair (which I have to thank Bumble and Bumble for, their new Straight line is divine!), the skirt borrowed from Nicole Miller’s showroom (which is incredible!), matched with a black Elizabeth and James halter top; and then to nerd things up a bit, I wore the faux-glasses Express gave me from a partnership we did earlier this year. And I had the festivities at my good friends table tennis club/bar, SPiN New York; which at 13,000 sq. feet is impossible to fill so at the very least worrying about space and fitting all of my guests wasn’t a concern.

Although the problem with parties that large is the ratio of friends trying to buy you drinks to what you can actually handle  boils down to big trouble. Which I got in — somewhere around my 5th jack and ginger I turn around and there is my mother! If I wasn’t so excited, I’d be horrified — she flew up from Boston to surprise me, and surprise me she did! It was perfect.

Then came the 3-day Halloween festivities and I am officially partied out! Good night New York, I love you.

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