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Thursday Inspiration: Do More of What You Love {Sponsored}

“Never continue in a job you don’t enjoy. If you’re happy in what you’re doing, you’ll like yourself, you’ll have inner peace. And if you have that, along with physical health, you will have had more success than you could possibly have imagined.” – Johnny Carson

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Being a full-time blogger isn’t a job per say, it’s more of a lifestyle. One that if you plan on being successful at you need to be very passionate about since it goes beyond a full-time job. A job you leave at the end of the day, not the case with your lifestyle — it’s virtually impossible to escape. And I feel so fortunate to be in a generation of bloggers that started sites before it was trendy and 4 years later we’re still making up the rules and evolving.

Style Mondays: Seasonal Mix

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With finally some chill in the air, I can start bringing out my pants again! I’ve had these J Brand coated pants for years, and I love them as much as the first day I got them (they suck everything in). Mixed with a light sweater and my awesome monogram C. Wonder belt (yes, that’s an “L” as the belt buckle), I’m pulling items from my fall wardrobe (the pants/shoes), and incorporating them with my spring/summer pieces (the bag/sweater) and mixing them all together. So before I retire my white bag for the season, how about an unexpected mix of items that still makes the outfit feel summery as I slowly get ready to transition my wardrobe. In the words of Tim Gunn, you just have to “Make it work”.

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Kesh x American Apparel

Kesh x American Apparel

Wednesday night, right before I hit the W party, I stopped by the American Apparel location in the Lower East Side for the not-so-private reception for the release of the KESH x American Apparel capsule collection. It was so crowded I only made it to the front door but at least I got a nice view of the black/white eyes-filled collection…

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Kesh x American Apparel

About KESH: KESH is a Los Angeles based visual and digital artist. The London-native works with an array of mediums that integrate bold shapes and digital graphics with a monochromatic color scheme. KESH held her first independent show entitled ME.ME.ME in Los Angeles in winter of 2012 featuring 14 signed and framed 40×52 self portraits.

d.brand’s Spring/Summer Arrivals! Plus 20% off for PC readers

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d.brand‘s Spring/Summer arrivals have made quite the impression on my wardrobe! Their philosophy, “denim affordability”, merges a moderate price point for premium denim (all made in Portugal) with an incredible fit offering basic styles like skinnies and boyfriend cuts in a variety of washes. Initially the swedish label was exclusive to the UK, Sweden, Italy, and Germany but once the demand grew, they expanded to now be available in the US. Sleek and modern, their collection expands beyond denim to great basics for men and women, from tees to button down tops, shorts and jackets in all cuts from utilitarian to oversized to blazers.

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Great new d.brand fans! The brand is offering an extra 20% for Pretty Connected readers! Just use the promo code “prettyconnected20” at checkout!!!

Q&A: What is Dermaroller Skin Rejuvenation all About?

Everyone would like to have perfect skin; unfortunately this is not always possible. The natural wear and tear of life can take its toll on your skin and cause significant damage. Wrinkles can be caused by stress, acne can cause scarring and sun damage can cause visible damage to your skin. In past years there was no way of repairing this damage once it had been done, however new technology has meant that this is no longer the case. Sceptical? Me too, which is why as part of my commitment to better understand the MedSpa world and I took some time to interview MYA Cosmetic Surgery on this new treatment, Dermaroller.

PRETTY CONNECTED (PC): What is Dermaroller?

MYA COSMETIC SURGERY (MS): Dermaroller is a revolutionary technology we offer which neutrally rejuvenates your skin. It works through a micro-medical skin-needling procedure, which encourages skin rejuvenation and promotes collagen production. The tiny roller is moved across your damaged areas and stimulates the skin’s natural ability to heal itself, meaning that whether the damage is new or old, it can be repaired without the use of chemicals.

From Flip Flops To High Heels: Relax Your Feet With Foot Petals This Summer

Foot Petals Shoe Cushions LogoI think any woman in high heels can relate to the love-hate relationship with sexy shoes. Can’t walk in them (for long) but the outfit just doesn’t work without them.  Well stop hobbling around and start strutting your stuff with Foot Petals – a brand known for their fabulous and fashionable shoe insertsshoe cushions.  Used by celebrities on the runway, fashion editors, and notable stylists like Patricia Field and Rachel Zoe, and we’ve been longtime fans of their shoe cushions especially the Heavenly Heelz insert (it’s great for preventing your heel from slipping out and preventing blisters).

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Tina Aldaz founder of Foot Petals

Meet Tina Aldaz, she founded the company in 2001 after working in the fashion industry and endless hours of walking in painful shoes. She is now a certified Pedorthist (a expert in shoe fitting and modification) and is determined to prove that you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort! I recently met with the brand at the Blog Meets Brand event and am so excited over Foot Petals 3 new products launching this summer! Here’s what you have to look forward to:

Hampton’s bound with C. Wonder…

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It’s officially Hampton’s kick-off weekend and if you’re headed to the area, stop by C. Wonder for their grand opening filled with fun festivities fit for the whole family. I should know! Last weekend I was in the Hampton’s with the lifestyle brand for a sneak peek of their new pop-up shop location and a celebratory lunch at C. Wonder founder, Chris Burch’s private Hamptons estate!

Lara Eurdolian, C. Wonder

What you have to look forward to: All weekend long (May 25th – May 27th), Hamptonites and out-of-towners are invited to join in on a whole range of activities while shopping for chic, fabulous summer must-haves C. Wonder style. The festivities include a Candy Bar & Balloons, C. Wonder Prize Wheel (prizes include C. Wonder summer essentials as well as a $250 C. Wonder shopping spree!), Gift With Purchase (Limited edition “C. Wonder by the Sea” Tote Bag with any $50 purchase), Eleni’s Bakery ‘Color Me’ cookies (in collaboration with C. Wonder) and Live DJ (Southampton only).

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Locations:

C. Wonder Southampton, 5 Main Street, Southampton NY, 11937. (p) 631.287.2645

C. Wonder East Hampton, 48 Main Street, East Hampton, NY 11937. (p) 631.324.8513

My new purchases!

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{Inside Chris Burch’s Hampton’s Home}

Chris Burch Hamptons Home

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Faux-cruising in Chris Burch’s mini car with Rachel of The Style Line, Christine of NYC Pretty, and Kat from WithLoveFromKat

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Lara Eurdolian
Photo Credit: Rachel Schwartzmann. Gestuz dress, Better B top, R.J. Graziano necklace, Buddha Girl bracelet, Burberry shoes

Learn more about C. Wonder at cwonder.com

Girls night out with Smirnoff


Tuesday night I joined The Glam Network and Smirnoff for a much needed girls night out. Hosted at the NYC nail salon, tenoverten we we’re treated to makeovers, mani + pedi’s, massages, tarot card readings, a sushi dinner and an assortment of cocktails using Smirnoff’s new Sorbet Light vodka. Available in three flavors, Mango Passion Fruit, Lemon and Raspberry Pomegranate, Smirnoff had a list of specialty cocktails using their new infused vodka line. I opted to try all three and while I was impressed by the light refreshing taste of them all, hands down their Smirnoff Sorbet Light Mango Passion Fizz cocktail was my favorite (Note the recipe: Mango Passion Fruit Smirnoff Sorbet Light, Fresh Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup or Agave Nectar, Club Soda or Basil Leaves). It may just be my new summer drink!

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No girls (or shall I say ladies…) night out would be complete without a gal pal to enjoy it with. I was fortunate to bring one of my favorite makeup artists and good friend, (we used to work at NARS together) Jenny Smith! Sitting in a-joining mani/pedi stations, catching up on life, while getting our nails done reminded me of High School — only this time it came with alcohol. New rule,

Get Best-selling Going Social by Jeremy Goldman for just $1.99

Going Social In StoreMany of you know my friend and colleague Jeremy Goldman (aka @jeremarketer on twitter) from our stints at Jurlique and Kiehl’s together (before we split off and he went on to Temptu, and then to Unilever to launch a new brand. Now pay attention (especially you  want-to-be social media experts), Goldman recently wrote the book Going Social: Excite Customers, Generate Buzz, and Energize Your Brand with the Power of Social Media. It’s a great guidebook for those of you looking to take your social media marketing to the next level, and features case studies of Bonobos, Modcloth, DKNY, and many more! It’s a great read which I’m not saying just because I may or may not be in the forward;)

So here’s the good news your you (and you’r bank account). Amazon just picked up picked up Going Social for its “Kindle Big Deal” promotion! From now until this coming Memorial Day, they’ve dropped the eBook price from $19.95 to just $1.99! Be sure to pick up your Kindle copy if you haven’t already.

Of course, if you want to simply tweet your support for the book, just go here and post away! Happy reading!

Vacation Flawlessly With Travel Beauty Tips From Elizabeth Arden

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As a girl constantly on the go I am always looking for ways to make my bag a little lighter and more efficient while still having all the essentials I need on hand.  Basically if it doesn’t fit in my carry-on-bag it isn’t coming.  Having recently stopped by the Blog Meets Brand! event, I had the pleasure of meeting with the Elizabeth Arden team and learning some travel beauty tips from their Global Makeup Artist, Rebecca Restrepo.

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Whether you will be away for a few days or weeks the Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum let you can bring just enough capsules for however long your away.  They are compact and individually packed to ensure fresh product every time you apply.  Ceramides comprise of 50% of the essential lipids found in the skin and are essential in maintaining defense against sign of aging.  Rebecca Restrepo’s tip: apply mid-flight for extra hydration and also can be used as a makeup primer.

Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Luminous Lip Gloss, Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum, Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectan
Beautiful Color Luminous Lip Gloss, Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum, Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectan

Since skin can get really dehydrated when flying another must have in the bag: The legendary Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream (created by Ms. Arden herself in 1930 and has yet to be changed)  Rebecca Restrepo’s tip: apply to lips and use on hands and elbows throughout the flight.  Warm up the product in the palms of your hands before applying to the skin to help activate