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How-to: The WaterSlide Braid (+ New Matrix Products)

With the exception of table tennis, back-gammon and maybe rummy (there are few things I would be arrogent to boast that I’m great at; until attending a wonderful event at Matrix where I learned to do the “WaterSlide Braid”, to which I now add to my list. While the hairstyle made popular by The Hunger Games, I haven’t been seeing it done by the public nearly as much as I expected (I mean seriously, how cool does it look?); which I chalk up to people thinking it’s more complicated then it looks.

{I did it myself! Behold the WaterSlide Braid}

Here’s the “How-to” I received by Ammon Carver, Artistic Director of Matrix. If you still have problems, let me know or tweet me @prettyconnected and I’ll help you through it! In the tutorial Ammon recommends two new Matrix products, Total Results Silk Wonder Oil (which helps reduce frizz and add shine — use sparingly!) and Design Pulse Mega Dust (which is like a dry shampoo powder that adds texture and volume to your roots).

How-to: The Waterfall Braid

1.     Use Total Results Silk Wonder Oil on the fingertips and piece through hair, avoiding the root directly, to create slippage.

2.     Take a section at the front hairline, and divide into 3 pieces as you would do for any regular braid, preparing to go diagonally around one side of the head as opposed to straight back down the center of the head.

3.     Braid normally – pull the lower strand (closest to the face) across the middle strand, and then bring the top strand (closest to the middle of the head) across as well, like in a normal braid, but let this section “fall” with the rest of the hair.

4.     Pick up another section from the top of the head to replace the one you let fall, and keep working this way around the head as far as you’d like, and then pin or tie the braid securely.

5.     Finish with Design Pulse Mega Dust to add texture.

Once you get the hang of the braid it’s so quick and easy to do that it makes getting ready that much easier. I will say it looks better on lighter, straight (and dare I say shorter) hair since you can see it better. Which is a tough break for my long, dark hair. Both products recommended are optional — that’s probably what I like most about it — you can do it anywhere, no heat required, just a little finesse.


7 Great Gift Ideas for Dad + Win Taun Skincare for Him!

We’re keeping it simple this year and sticking to the basics since men are complicated enough to shop for. And while ties didn’t make our list, that’s mainly because that’s the one thing my dad says every year “no more ties”. (Under other circumstances I’d approve.) 7 great gifts for men:

1. A solid moisturizer – most men neglect a basic moisturizer as part of their daily routine. Not only is it great for their overall complexion, but also anti-aging. Which is why we’re giving away 2 bottles of Taun, specifically formulated for him!

Taun Facial Repair Formula ($79/1.7oz) is a household favorite in my humble abode. All dad needs to know is it feels good and helps hydrate his skin (he’ll like it, it absorbs quickly into skin and feels very refreshing). Why we love it: It’s dermatologist-approved, and packed with anti-aging and moisturizing ingredients to help keep him looking young. The special blend of 13 ingredients, including retinol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin-C esters, peptides, jojoba oil, and apricot kernel oil, are designed to stimulate collagen production, neutralize free radicals (aka damage from the sun), even skin tone and color, and strengthen skin cell barrier.

WIN IT! We’re giving away 2 bottles of Taun 1 on this blog on 1 on twitter! 

TO ENTER: Leave a comment on this post on why you’d like to win OR tell us what you plan on getting dad!

And/Or

Follow @TaunForMen on Twitter, and  tweet us your response using the hashtag#Win4Dad or tweet the following: Win @TaunForMen for Father’s Day! RT to enter. http://bit.ly/KsCErM #Win4Dad

One winner will be picked from the blog comments and the other from twitter. Entries will be accepted until June 15rd at 8pm EST. US residents only. All federal, state and local laws apply.

2. Cufflinks!

How fun are these Esc & Ctrl Keyboard Button Cufflinks ($9.99)?  Makes for a fun gift for techy dads…

 3. Boat Shoes!

Sperry’s Men’s 3 Eye Boat Shoe by Band of Outsiders ($175) – Sperry has teamed up with Band of Outsiders designer Scott Sternberg to merge their classic Authentic Original style with funky detailing in a variety of colors and materials to add a stylish twist on a classic boat shoe. For the more conservative dad, Sperry has a variety of more classic styles starting at $75.

4. Shaving products

Unless he’s a burly dude, dad shaves! So you can’t go wrong with a shaving kit or products (he’ll use it!). Murad has an extensive line of shave products starting with  Cleansing Shave ($28/6.75 FL. OZ.), a generous tube of antioxidant-rich cleansing formula that features Murad’s exclusive Beard Softening Complex® and Mushroom Enzyme exfoliants to uncover stubborn facial hairs and provide

Tell @Bergdorfs: How do you Jason Wu + Meet the designer

I have such a strong appreciation for Jason Wu, he’s one of the few designers I’ve had the pleasure of following since attending his very first runway show in 2006. Since then Michelle Obama wore his gown for the presidential inauguration and the flood gates opened. Then came the Target line and now? Hopefully an expansion into home starting with Nest Fragrances Jason Wu Orchid Rain candle!

Isn’t it chic? In perfect Jason Wu fashion, the frame is adorned with a signature orchid-floral print inspired by his Spring 2012 runway collection. While the scent is unmistakably feminine, there’s a unisex appeal to the design that makes it fit for any shared spaces with your spouse or otherwise… The Orchid Rain candle, combines white orchid with nashi pear, pomegranate and goji berry to create an airy, fruity-floral scent that enhances any room both in fragrance and in aesthetic.

With that in mind, Bergdorf Goodman invites you to print a picture of it, cut it out and style it for your chance to win it!

The contest is open through June 13th. To enter, tweet @bergdorfs a picture of JASON WU Orchid Rain (using the DIY cut-out above) styled in your surroundings. . . the setting can be home, office, wherever you see fit – just remember to be really creative! They are looking for the five best submissions. When sharing your picture, be sure to tweet at @bergdorfs & use the hashtag #BGJasonWu. For complete details visit the Bergdorf blog or click HERE.

Meet Jason Wu & have your candle signed! Additionally, Bergdorf Goodman is hosting the designer for a meet and great on June 14 from 5pm – 6pm on the Beauty Level at 5th Avenue and 58th Street. If you would like to attend, RSVP at [email protected] OR  by calling 212 872 8764.

As for how I styled this little marvel… In the bedroom.

NOTE: This candle is too pretty to just disregard after it’s burned out. Clean it out and re-use it as a holder! It can hold anything from a collection of markers or pens, hair elastics and bobby pins, jewelry and pins, loose change… the possibilities are endless!

The Nest Fragrance Jason Wu Orchid Rain Candle ($48) is available at BergdorfGoodman.com. Approximate burn time 45 hours.

Disclaimer: PC was given a complimentary candle by Bergdorf’s for review purposes and consideration of a post. PC was under no obligation, financial or otherwise to write this post.

QVC: The Sephora of TV (and online)

Me with Poppy King (aka The Lipstick Queen)

Having lived in major cities my whole life, I never much subscribed to home shopping networks like QVC — which I associated with stay-at-home moms and consumers that didn’t have immediate access to stores at every corner. Living in a place where there is a Sephora on every other block, TV is the last place I look to make a beauty purchase (although they do sell online as well).

However, after attending a recent QVC event, I could not have been more wrong — given the amount of beauty brands out on the market it’s a challenge to pick which product is worth the investment; QVC offers consumers that educational component and the opportunity to learn about the products beyond just staring at the packaging straight from the expert behind the brand.

I was shocked by the amount of prestige brands they are currently showcasing — Perricone MD, Bliss, Algenist, Clarisonic, Fresh, Tarte, Lipstick Queen, Make Up For Ever, Go Smile, Josie Maran, Mally, Laura Geller (to name a few) as well as retailers like Space.NK, and Sephora are now partnering with them as well!

Talking vitamin C with Dr. Perricone!

And they certainly got my attention. Walking the isles of the QVC event, I got to meet Dr. Perricone and hear first hand why I need to drop everything and try his Vitamin C Ester 15 (QVC Item #A221548) — which has a high 15% concentration of vitamin C  fused a with fatty acid derived from palm oil that’s going to brighten my skin and give me a glowing complexion. And then there was Poppy King (THE LIPSTICK QUEEN!!!) — who I’ve been obsessed with for some time now. Her lipsticks are so luxurious and rich and offer this perfect combination of hydration and pigment without being messy or flimsy. She’s launched the Lipstick Queen Liptopolis Lipstick Collection ($48/QVC Item #A226460) which has this super cute packaging that includes 3 lipstick shades, Central Park (peach), Soho (red) and Upper East (nude hue). What can I say… I’m so Soho — I haven’t stopped wearing this shade since I got the set. I met Josie Maran, Ken Paves, Laura Geller… and hearing first hand from these experts what makes their products so great and the best way to use them adds such a value and educational component that I’m a total QVC convert. Plus you can expect a medley of specials and exclusives from these brands only available on QVC.

{Ken Paves gives Cheryl of The Fashionista Stories his signature Hairdo extensions — looks so natural!}

{Sarah Potempo demoed her “The Wrap-Up” ($24/QVC Item #A323424) on a model, instantly giving her the perfect bun in seconds!}

{Fresh co-founder Lev Glazman introduced us to their hand blended (in a monastery) ancient remedy to the fountain of youth, Elixir Ancien + Face Treatment Oil ($50/QVC Item #A226364), which is being offered exclusively in a .5 ounce size on QVC}

{Former super model Josie Maran has more then one reason to be glowing — we suspect it’s part baby-bump, part her latest Argan Illuminating Body Butter ($30/ QVC Item #A224383) which combines her lightweight, hydrating body butter that’s infused with her signature ingredient, argan oil and a delicate luminzers that offers a subtle shimmer for that perfect summer glow.

For the complete list of beauty offerings, visit QVC.com

 

Inside NYC’s Salon Ruggeri, Evo products (and my Best of Boston Hair Salon Pick)

When evaluating a salon there are basic principles we judge on (whether we’re conscious of it or not); the first being the most obvious of how great our hair looks. The rest comes down to the experience; how pleasant the staff is, was their a wait despite having an appointment, how was the atmosphere… Rarely does a salon exceed on all fronts the way Salon Ruggeri did.

If you’re looking for a flashy sign (or any type of sign), trendy music or a big scene, you’ve come to the wrong place. Salon Ruggeri is a whole other type of fabulous. If Eloise had an aunt that owned art galleries and invited you for afternoon tea at her apartment, this would likely be more aligned with what you would expect to walk into. The interior is exquisite — a mix of colorful furniture, with vibrant wall paper in one room and a perfectly crafted display of art in the other. Spanning over two, living-room size rooms (one for cutting/styling, and the other for hair color appointments), the salon houses only a few customers at a time to really hone in on that one-on-one experience. If you’re someone that values privacy, or a tranquil experience while getting your hair done, this is definitely the place for you.

When I was there, I had the room all to myself. Just me and my lovely stylist, Cassie of whom I liked instantly enough to take the lead on my hair style — I just asked for party-ready hair for a big night out. As a result I got the most gorgeous Brigitte Bardot-like, 60s bombshell blow-out. It was packed with volume and shine (without being sticky or crazy on the hairspray) and so undeniably glamorous. It lasted 3 days!

Cassie also introduced me to a new Australian-based product line (or rather new to the US), evo, of which she used in my hair. Since volume and a solution to wearing my hair naturally curly are my main hair concerns she recommended evo’s Liquid Rollers (if you like light creams that help reduce frizz and define your waves or curls, you need to try this) and Haze (a dry shampoo + volume powder that absorbs your oils while giving you a ‘Bump It’ effect). Haze had a hand in helping my blowout last so long…

Considering they specialize in everything – you  can’t go wrong, whether you’re settled for a complete makeover, fixing a botched job, or a standard blow-out. It’s no wonder Salon Ruggeri was named “2011 Pick for Hair Cut” in InStyles Annual Beauty Black Book issue.

Salon Ruggeri, 153 W. 18th Street 2nd floor, NYC

And funny story… for all of you Bostonians, if you’re looking for a fantastic salon with some edge, try Trephin. Set in a big loft, it has a very Williamsburg-chic vibe to it… Go see Brian Rand, he was awarded the The Best of Boston 2011: Women’s Haircut award, and needless to say I was turned onto him and the salon by my mom, (who after a lifetime in Boston and trying just about every salon has deemed it her favorite and is a loyalist). She took me over the holiday and not only did he do a great job on her hair, but guess what I see sitting on the shelf — evo products. Apparently, the salon just picked up the line (and was surprised that I was familiar with it as they are one of the first to pick it up in Boston). The perks of being a beauty blogger! And thus I have concluded that evo has great taste in hair salons and if I ever move out of the NYC/Boston area I’ll follow their distribution path to find my next great salon.

Trephin, 25 Temple Place, Boston

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.

Krigler Celebrates 100 Years of Chateau Krigler 12 with…

Krigler is probably the most famous fragrance brand you’ve never heard of. Originally founded in 1904 by Albert Kringler in his desire to create unique luxury fragrances made from the finest ingredients around the world. Kringler Perfumes rose to fame in the early 1920s as a favorite amongst celebrities and high society figures of the era including Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Marlene Dietrich. And before Coco Chanel created her signature No5 fragrance, she was wearing Krigler.

Now in it’s 100th anniversary since launching their iconic Chateau Krigler 12 fragrance, Krigler (which is still family owned and fun) introduces a classic scent reinterpreted for modern-day, Ultra Chateau Krigler 212. The original, which

WIN IT! Enter our Lolly Scarf Giveaway ($74 Value)

I am a bit of a scarf collector — I consider it genetic. Newest obsession, LA-based Lolly Clothing scarves. While they’ve already taken over the necks of many celebs (including Gwyenth Paltrow, Gisele Bundchen, Jennifer Aniston, and Sarah Jessica Parker) they are new to my company so I’m excited to give one away to a lucky reader!

Their collection combines artisanal and textile patterns and for Spring 2012 they have beautiful range of dip-dyed scarves and silk pashmina’s. Everything is one-of-a kind and done with an innovative layering dye process, giving each scarf it’s own unique, individual look.

 WIN IT – The Lolly Silk Pashmina ($74 Value)!

Description: 100% silk, unbelievably soft pashmina/silk scarf. The gorgeous splatter wash is done by hand (no two pieces look alike) in a cascade of yellows that’s perfect for spring. (For more details click HERE)

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment under this post and tell me why you want to win OR what your must-have accessory is for spring. Any (non-spam, happy) comment automatically enters you into the drawing.

Extra entries if you…

Follow us on Twitter, @PrettyConnected and tweet to us why you’d like to win this @LollyClothing Scarf.

“Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/PrettyConnected and leave us a comment referencing this giveaway.

**Entries will be accepted until April 15th at 8pm EST. US residents only. All federal, state and local laws apply. Winner will be announced on April 17th. Good luck!

Sweepstakes, WinPrizesOnline: Sweepstakes

Disclaimer: This giveaway is sponsored by Lolly Clothing. Pretty Connected was under no obligation to host this promotion, nor is receiving any financial gain.

Dinner with Harry Josh + What’s NEW at John Frieda


Harry Josh showing off the models stunning hair color (John Frieda's Precision Foam Colour)

If ever a man that could get you excited about hair… it’s Harry Josh. Hair stylist to the stars including Gweneth Paltrow, Katy Perry and Rose Bryne (he’s responsible for that amazing bob we all drooled over at the SAG Awards), Harry Josh is also the International Creative Consultant for John Frieda. And I love that! It takes someone constantly working with different hair consistencies and styles to really get to know what’s lacking in the market place and what can be improved.

{Harry Josh and the John Frieda team present the new products at the blogger dinner}

So as part of a special celebratory dinner of their latest product launches, John Frieda & Harry Josh hosted an intimate dinner for myself and fellow bloggers. And without further ado, here’s what’s new at  John Frieda:

First up, Frizz-Ease Sheer Solution ($9.99):

For all of you looking for a lightweight frizz reducer but get turned off by serums that are too greasy or weigh your hair down, get excited! This rendition of their existing Frizz-Ease serum, is specifically designed for fine to medium hair.

Part lightweight serum, part smoothing elixir this shake-to-activate dual formula is specifically designed to fight frizz and leave hair light and manageable whether you style straight, wavy, or curly.

I have long, wavy (I know it doesn’t appear that way in most of my pictures since I’m always straightening it) but it’s thin. So in theory this is meant for my hair type, however I have a lot of it — I have enough hair for small village. And because of this I fall somewhere in between this product and the original. For the time being, I like the how light it is and that it goes on towel-dried hair. Although, I can already tell come that come summer, I’ll need something heavier to fight my

Stella & Dot Spring Collection

EXTRA's Maria Menounos in Stella & Dot Sierra Necklace (Retail, $148)

Back in January, I got a preview of Stella & Dot’s spring collection, and now that spring has sprung, I’m excited to share the collection with you!

It’s a mixed range of styles spanning from delicate pieces to bold, statement ones. And the color ranges from ocean-hued jewel shades to silver and gold pieces that will carry you through the season and beyond.

Much like the Avon selling system, Stella & Dot creates entrepreneurial opportunities for women to sign up as reps. The collection is available exclusively through in-home Trunk Shows by these Independent Stylists and on their website, StellaDot.com.

 

 

{Love these delicate necklaces that can be layered. Especially the arrow one!}

{Can’t have enough rock bracelets}

{Did I mention they also have handbags?}