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Pretty Connected on Kathy Wakile’s Podcast and More!

I love when people ask me to be on their podcasts. I’m so used to being behind the scenes and the interviewer that whenever you jump in the talent spot light it’s so exciting. Especially when the hosts are inspiring, bad a$$ women bringing so much light into the world. This month I was on 3 podcasts have 3 very different, relevant conversations that for anyone losing motivation or just needs a good distraction, join us!

1.Eat Live Love Indulge with Kathy Wakile Podcast

Kathy Wakile (@kathywakile) is a woman that needs no introduction. The Italian-American former reality star and author of the cookbook, Eat Live Love Indulge took her love of cooking and bring people together around the table into a podcast on radio.com, where she interviews various guests. I’m so honored to be on this weeks episode talking about my experience in the beauty world and ultimately the expansion of Pretty Connected and how I grew the brand over 10+ years. We talk partnerships, thinking outside the box and how right now a lot of us are pivoting, much as I have over the decade I’ve been in the business. What are my thoughts on the influencer world and advice for anyone starting out? Have a listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eat-live-love-indulge-with-kathy-wakile/id1478131634

2. The City Confessions, Mariann Yip’s Podcast

Mariann Yip (@Mariann_Yip) is a native New Yorker and influencer, and started The City Confessions to interview various individuals living in New York. For this podcast we dive into the timeline of my career from starting in Marketing at Nars to being an accidental blogger that ultimately landed me several major consulting roles, on-air appearances, starting a non-profit, and my accessories line. I also talk about standing out, building your community, anxiety, and something I notice a lot of women do incorrectly, which is not believe in themselves. Or make excuses why they can’t do it, and how I used to be like that until I got over it and started taking control over my life. Take a listen: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2SEqJOpFitzQdAzk7RFkMG?si=1SaiU2sTQOGpFEk0vyEknw

3. NY Local Guides, Jennifer aka @jenniferscamera‘s podcast

Full discloser, Jennifer (@jenniferscamera) and I recorded this episode before quarantine, back when NYC was fair game. We talk my favorite places, career and get a bit more personal on this episode. She highlighted a quote I say often and one of the most beautiful parts about living in NY… “1 person in New York Can Change Your Life.” It’s my version of nothing good happens from staying in. Nothing beats the social life of NY. It’s so easy to strike up a conversation with someone or meet a friend through a friend that can change your life is something that truly makes my city so special and unique. Cheers to the good old days and may we see them again soon: Take a listen at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nyc-local-guides/id1497140823?i=1000468945876

Pretty Woman x Time Out New York x ME!

Scream!!!!! I got to be in a all day photoshoot with the cast of Pretty Woman the Musical and take them around NYC to some of the best spots to cool down in NYC, read the full article in timeout.com/newyork.

Ice Cream at Ample Hill. Photo Credit: Joshua Simpson.

Our visit included stops to Canal Street Market which is divided by shops on one end and a food market on the other. Followed by drinks at Gallow Green on the rooftop of the McKintrick Hotel (which is an epic rooftop bar/event space), and also houses the fantastically creepy interactive show/experience, Sleep No More, that is definitely worth checking out if you’re in NYC.

Gallow Green rooftop. Photo Credit: Joshua Simpson.

Lastly we stopped at Ample Hill for ice cream!!!!!!!!! Read all about at timeout.com/newyork.

All photos by Joshua Simpson, cast members from Pretty Woman the Musical included Orfeh, Eric Anderson, Allison Blackwell, Robby Clater, and Lauren Lim Jackson. Pretty Woman the Musical is showing through August 18th in NYC, if you haven’t seen it yet, drop everything! To call it engaging, and the most fun you’ll have sitting down is an under-statement. I smiled the entire time! For tickets visit prettywomanthemusical.com/tickets

Saved by the Bell Pop-Up in LA

When in Bayside… Stop by The Max and put your feet up on Mr. Belding’s desk. For any fellow Saved by the Bell fans (Zack Morris forever!), you can join in my excitement to spend a night at The Max; the infamous hang spot of Zack, Slater, Jessie, Lisa and Screech. The now Los Angeles pop-up restaurant — yes, you heard right, the diner is open for dinner. While tickets are needed way in advance the $40 admission includes an appetizer and main entree by Michelin Star Chef Brian Fisher of Entente at the helm (you can see the menu HERE). Drinks and dessert are available for an additional charge. If you’re in LA, this is a must see!

Dressed in our best 90s we scrounged up hours before walking in, we had a blast. It’s a small pop-up but for the price was well worth the photo opps in the diner, at Dr. Belding’s desk and the lockers. I was expecting it to be larger but for the small space and the focus being The Max it was impressive. Props including Zack’s iconic oversized cell phone, Kelly’s cheerleading pom poms, crutches were also on hand. The free vintage video games in the corner were also a nice touch. James was entertained for hours.

Have a Bold Idea? Here’s your Chance to Win an $18,500 Grant

Two of my favorite things on a very short list, coffee and entrepreneurship. So when the two unite for an unforgettable contest and bring Alexis Ohanian and an $18,500 grant in the mix, this is one for the books. As someone who just launched an accessories line and has expenses coming out of every corner, this is absolutely awesome and probably the perfect base number to fund the start of an idea. Ohanian as many of you know is the co-founder of Reddit and Initialized Capital and also Mr. Serena Williams and Armenian so he’s kind of the coolest in my book. And you have a chance to have him mentor you so especially if this is a tech idea, you’re going to want to get in on it.

1850 Brand Coffee did a live taping with Ohanian to talk entrepreneurship, start-ups  and to announce their Bold Pioneer contest. Click this link to watch the Facebook Live.

Date night: Draw Your Pet Night at Muse Bar

Muse Paint Bar

Since rescuing Charlie a few years ago, I’ve become somewhat of a dog enthusiast and by that I mean total dog mom. So easily one of the best date nights I’ve had in a while was ‘Draw Your Pet Night’ at Muse Paint Bar. With locations in NYC, CT, MA, MD, PA, VA and RI, we went to the Tribeca location in NYC.

They also have a number of different themed art nights, great for kids and adults alike. Prices for classes start at $29 and includes all materials and smocks. All you have to do is show up (and in the case of this class submit your photo in advance). Food and (adult) beverages are available for purchase during the class.

We had a blast! Check them out at musepaintbar.com

Cruising ahead with Lexus

Hi guys! It’s been a crazy week for me. I got back from LA and dropped right into New York Fashion Week and this is the first moment that I’ve come up for air. I can’t even process this week since I’m still beaming over my trip to the City of Angels, which is such an appropriate name since I feel like so much magic happened in my week away. As some of you know I launched my accessories line the night before I arrived and was in town for some beauty events as well as for my camera strap collaboration at Disney with It Cosmetics. I don’t know if it was the magic of Disney, the angels of LA or power of social media, but my line has been on fire! I’m overwhelmed by the amount of meetings, collaborations, events, orders and all around love that have come through. My gratitude meter is at an all time high, and can’t even express what all of this support has meant to me.During my trip, Lexus was generous enough to let me test ride the 2017 Lexus ES 300h, and that car took me everywhere! From Studio City to WeHo to Malibu (I even made a stop in the Valley), I was zipping all over LA from meeting to event to meeting. Normally, I have so much down time when I travel but I completely booked out this trip.

2017 Highlights: Oh the Places We’ve Gone… (and people we’ve met)

2017 was a pretty incredible year for me. I got to be in an Olay campaign with my mom, was profiled in Vanity Fair, danced with the Rockettes, judged Glamour’s Beauty Awards, was on a billboard in Times Square, and meet so many of my idols! And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. If I’m being honest the whole year was a bit of a blur. Which is why every New Years Eve, I take an hour to go through my Instagram feed, blog posts and just reflect on all the incredible things that have happened. So here we go, my top moments of 2017 (in no particular order)!

  1. Being profiled in Vanity Fair. I mean… #goals.

2. Seeing my face on a billboard in Times Square! I hosted a Facebook Live with Sophia Bush for Sunglass Hut that was streamed on a billboard in Times Square. It was incredible.

3. Getting this Owl necklace from Iris Apfel’s personal jewelry collection. She hosted a trunk show of her one of a kind vintage pieces she’s thrifted throughout the years and I walked away with this incredible piece.

4. Being in Greece with Patricia Field and Debi Mazar, two women I’ve literally admired my whole life. From cruising around Mykonos in an ATV, to epic lunches overlooking the Mediterranean, this vacation was the definition of paradise.

5. Getting to judge Glamour’s Beauty Awards for the 2nd year in a row.

6. Being in an Olay campaign with my mom and being apart of the 28-day clinical study for the famed Regenerist and Total Effects moisturizer.

Also being in Health Magazine for the campaign!

7. Got to workout with the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall and learn their moves thanks to Gillette Venus!

8. Getting to hug Joe Biden!

9. Walking in my first fashion show for Livari during fashion week!

Road Tripping with Toyota

Toyota rav4 hybridOutfit details: Tracee Ellis Ross Dress / Ann Taylor Scarf (similar) / Prada sunglasses (similar) / Avon Joyful Beautiful Knit Hat

This past week I spent a lot of time in Boston for the holidays. It was magical. At the 11th hour James and I decided to drive instead of taking the train. We partnered with Toyota and tested out the 2017 Toyota Rav4 SE Hybrid. We loaded up the car with gifts, snacks, and drove through a storm. While the weather outside was frightful, the heated seats, all wheel drive, and spacious interior kept us comfortable and toasty. Plus, we got to enjoy a white Christmas, which made the day extra special.

COAF Honors Patricia Field and Raises $3.6 Million for Villages in Rural Armenia

Patricia Field art fashion coaf lara eurdolianIt was a really special weekend for me. My mom came down for her birthday and to celebrate my dear friend, costume designer Patricia Field, as she received the Humanitarian Award at the 14th annual Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) Holiday Gala. An inspiring evening where $3.6 million was raised for villages in rural Armenia.

Hosted by Emmy & Tony Award-winning actress Andrea Martin (fun fact, my mom used to waitress at her dad’s restaurant), Patricia was presented the award by actress and singer, Vanessa Williams who she worked with on the TV series, Ugly Betty with. There was a lovely tribute to her work, including clips from Sex and the City, Devil Wears Prada, Confessions of a Shopaholic and Ugly Betty, featured above.

5 Super Fan Lady Date Ideas that are Winter Weather Friendly

Baby, it’s cold outside… and minus hitting the bar or picking out a fab new brunch spot I have five fun (depending on your definition) indoor activities that make for the perfect lady date. These are specific to NYC but most cities have comparable options!

1. Hit the Spa – Call it a cliche but it’s so not over-rated!  I recently blew off a Friday afternoon and went to Oasis Spa with my friend Milly (check out her blog!) — that’s us above, don’t we look relaxed? IT WAS THE BEST! She got a Swedish Massage and I got a Deep Tissue and the only thing we couldn’t agree on is who had a better time. Hands down the perfect way to end the week and so relaxing. We both really needed the down time and girl hang. I’ve been to Oasis several time and it’s never disappointed.