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The Best Time to Buy… Everything!

I find it so annoying when I make a big purchase, and then see the same item is on sale the next month! Which is why I thought I’d share this article on About.com which lists all the good times to buy just about anything by month.

Here’s a look at January:

Non-food:

Food:

  • Chocolate (Christmas clearance)
  • Soda
  • Oatmeal
  • Diet foods
  • Frozen finger foods

For the complete month-by-month guide on About.com, click HERE.

Additionally, If you’re purchasing from a larger retailer like Macy’s, I recommend going to their website to see if they have posted any additional in-store or online coupons for some extra savings. And if something catches your eye while shopping, putting it on hold (or break out the smart phone) and run a quick search on the item to see if it’s cheaper to purchase it with one of their competitor. Plus most retailers will match prices if you show them the listing.

FashInvest connects Fashion Innovators with Potential Funding Players

A little while back I shared the news of FashInvest. This conference is a unique forum for fashion start-ups to attend lectures and critiques by influential industry players and investors. They pitch their new business ideas, getting immediate feedback from venture capitalists.  Most companies presented online tools confirming the trend that online is where the money is in today’s market.

A total of 17 curated entrepreneurs presented their ideas to potential investors. My top pick is Fitted Fashion (Acustom).  Fitted Fashion is a revolutionary digital tailoring service that can scan your body in 3 minuets and produce a customized personalized pattern.  This can then be used time and again to reorder or shop online for the right fit.  CEO Jamal Motlagh shared that 85% of customers say they hesitate to buy online because of fit. If the technology is as accurate as they say, it just might be Fitted Fashion that walks away with an investment.

Kevin Ryan (CEO of Gilt Groupe), Julie Macklowe of VBeaute, and Steven Alan were highlighted speakers.  They imparted advice to people looking to start their own endeavour sighting a passion that the every day requirements of running your own business requires. “It is all day everyday – 24/7.”, Macklowe shared, “Money and profitability are 2 things you need to watch closely. It helps that I am my own investor”.  It certainly does!

Alan took more of a creative approach. “Don’t be afraid to make changes, or change course if need be. The process is organic, respond to your customers and what they are buying.”

There is a lot of innovation happening in the world of fashion right now and it was exciting to get a peek into the next wave. Although owning your own business can be one of the scariest things you can do, it is also seems to be one of the most rewarding.

Marni to Design Spring Collection for H&M

Well the title of this post pretty much sums it up! And I’m so excited!!!! After a long line of designer collaborations (Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Comme des Garçons, Jimmy Choo, Lanvin, and Versace), H&M has announced their spring designer collaboration will be with one of my favorite Italian brands, Marni. Famed for its original prints and bold colors, founder and creative director, Consuelo Castiglioni, has created a spring collection for H&M for both women and men that captures the essence of Marni. Available from March 8, 2012 in over 250 stores worldwide and online, the collection features both clothing and accessories at H&M’s prices,  making Marni designs more accessible then ever!

“I wanted to create a true Marni wardrobe by revisiting all our favorite pieces in signature fabrics and prints. As always, I love juxtaposing prints and colors, mixing modern tribal with Bauhaus graphic and adding sporty utilitarian elements,” says Consuelo Castiglioni, Founder and Creative Director.

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Josie Natori Open First Ready-To-Wear Boutique at Saks!

Josie Natori at her boutique launch

Josie Natori (as in the woman behind Natori lingerie) has launched her first ready-to-wear boutique at Saks Fifth Avenue on their newly renovated fourth floor.

Launching with her Resort 2011 collection, the line is an embodiment of the art of the Geisha and spirit of the Samurai, with silhouettes that resemble reworked traditional kimonos and origami-like shapes. Inspired by women, Josie wanted to create a timeless collection (whether it be worn today or years from now), which moved effortlessly from day to night and could be layered up or down to compliment our busy lives. A mix of great basics, prints and fabrications, I’m smitten with the red jacket (pictured left on Josie Natori)… so much that I actually borrowed it for a picture with the designer.

Which of course as soon as she took the jacket off, I was all about the black dress she had under it (I’m like that mouse in If You Give A Mouse a Cookie). I love the pointed sleeves on it! Some other favorites from the collection includes:


This necklace blows my mind! It’s so editorial (I wish I could pull it off!).

If you haven’t been to the 4th floor at Saks post-renovation, definitely check it out! It’s beautiful and so much more shopable, housing the likes of brands including Ralph Lauren, Tahari, Burberry, Tory Burch, and now Josie Natori!

Check out more images from the entire collection and launch event:

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December 7th is the Second Annual FashInvest Conference for Entrepreneurs

Being an entrepreneur in the fashion industry is tough. It is notorious for being cut throat and very expensive.

With the goal of encouraging funding for medium to smaller size businesses the FashInvest Capital Conference was created as the only place in the world where entrepreneurs within Fashion, Branded Goods, Retail and Fashion Tech start-ups can showcase their business vying for investment opportunities. Now in it’s second year, the organizers will welcome over 60 national and international capital sources (angel, institutional angel, venture capital and smaller private equity firms) attending the event who are looking to form relationships with viable candidates.  The FashInvest Capital Conference will feature up to 20 selected, vetted and coached entrepreneurs presenting their company in an 8-minute format with the goal of fostering investment and strategic partnering opportunities.

The Conference will also feature Keynote Speakers, panels and networking.

Last year over 15 companies participated and many received initial funding as well as sage advice in their overall branding and prelaunch efforts.

The deadline for applications is November 4th 2011. Companies that are interested in participating can visit www.fashinvest.com for the online application.

The Second Annual FashInvest Capital Conference will take place on December 7 at the Fashion Institute of Technology

(F.I.T), 227 W. 27th Street, New York City.

Good Luck!

Halloween How-To: Glam-pire!

Ever wonder how to get that perfectly creepy vampire look, complete with dropping blood down your lip? Check out this How-To by Make Up For Ever.

SKIN:

1) Start by mixing HD Microperfecting Primer #5 with a pale shade of HD Invisible Cover

Foundation and apply to the entire face.

2) Using the white shade from the Flash Color Palette, highlight the center of the forehead,

cheekbones and brow bone.

3) Sculpt the face using Eye Shadows #127 and #82 on the cheeks and temples.

4) Dust Star Powder #942 over the entire face.

EYES:

Rim the lash line using Aqua Eyes #0L in black, and then smudge the liner on the lids.

Apply Diamond Shadow #307 to the lids.

Sculpt the crease using Eye Shadows #76 and #139

Apply Faux Lash #209 and Smoky Lash Mascara in Black.

Finish by rimming the inner eye with Aqua Lip #8C to create a bloodshot effect.

LIPS:

1) Line the lips using Aqua Eyes #0L, and then add Rouge Artist Intense #42 on top.

2) Finish by highlighting the lips with Star Powder #902.

EFFECTS:

1) To create blood effects on the face, mix red lipstick and clear lip gloss together apply to

the mouth using a thin eyeliner brush. Apply as desired to other areas.

2) For veins, lightly draw tree branch looking lines using Aqua Eues #11L, then add

accents and discoloration using Aqua Eyes #12L and smudge to blue the lines. You can

use the veins on the inside of your arms as a reference.

If all else fails grab that cheapy white face powder from CVS and your best blood red lipstick and go wild! Just don’t forget the cold cream –hands down best way to get any type of excessive face paint off your face.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Halloween: The Perfect Excuse to Quit Smoking?

Oh Don Draper, you smoker, you

Trick or treat? Both. I’ve plotted to trick my boyfriend into quitting smoking, which in return is the ultimate treat for me (and my skin). Whether it’s James Dean, Holly Golightly, or your favorite Mad Men character (ahem Don Draper), cigarettes make there way into many of our Halloween costumes. And rather then roll up a piece of paper and create a fake one, try a smokeless electronic cigarette like South Beach Smoke (prices start at $29.99) on for size.

It offers that nicotine fix without exposing yourself, or anyone else to carcinogens, tobacco or ash since you’re simply exhaling pure water vapor. And as a result there’s no tar, smell or yellow teeth in your horizon. Plus they are home and bar friendly, so you won’t have to miss a moment of your Halloween party.

To each there own, but if you’re thinking about quitting, why wait until New Years and take this opportunity to test it out? Good luck.

Disclaimer: A complimentary sample was sent to Pretty Connected to test out the effectiveness of the product and for consideration of a post. Pretty Connected was under no obligation to write this review.

TriBeCa Whole Foods Launches the Wellness Club to Promote Healthy Living

By Pretty Connected Contributor, Elizabeth Borenstein

Whole Foods is defiantly my go to grocery store when I am looking for food that I think is healthy. That said, I have a sneaking suspicion that the Indian hot bar station I usually beeline to is not the most energy producing, nourishing option. It can be hard to know what to pick up that is healthy and delicious and Whole Foods can feel overwhelming to navigate. For confused consumers like myself and health conscious neighborhood residents, Whole Foods is looking to add a whole new dimension in how to shop their grocery store. Starting this month, with a pilot program at their Tribeca location in NYC, Whole Foods CEO John Mackey introduces the Wellness Club. “Created by doctors, this program offers members a wide-ranging set of tools for a greater chance of sustaining a healthier lifestyle.” Mackey describes.

Whole Foods Bread Breaking Ceremony

I stopped by the TriBeCa store for a traditional bread breaking ceremony and cooking demonstration in the brand new wellness center to learn more about this new initiative and what it means for

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Preview: S/S 2012 White by Vera Wang for David’s Bridal

After an impressive Fall/Winter 2011 collection of White by Vera Wang for David’s Bridal back in July, I was curious to see what the Spring/Summer 2012 collection had to offer; and let me tell you – it did not disappoint. I was greeted with a stunning view of 2 styles that were created to mirror 2 (of the 3!) dresses that Kim Kardashian wore for her wedding to Kris Humphries.

Gorgeous and dramatic are two words I would use to describe the entire collection. Staying true to their ethos of affordable dresses, this collection ranges from $500 – $1,500.

And don’t forget about the bridesmaids! The flattering hammered silk style offered to compliment the collection comes in 9 different shades and costs less than $200.

  Putting the icing on the proverbial cake, White by Vera Wang also offers accessories, including shoes, headpieces, hair combs and sashes. It is hard to believe they are so affordable considering materials like silk and

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PC at Nicole Miller Spring 2012 RTW Collection

My first Spring 2011 show of the season and definitely one of my favorites as far as totally funky, wearable 60’s athletic wear meets 80’s neon hues and checkers turned ready-to-wear collection goes. Appropriately named Fast Forward/Rewind as it took a fashion forward look on the past, I’m all about this collection! It featured fitted dresses with geometric shapes, flowy tops paired with fitted pants, prints, checkers and bright colors galore. Great black basics were mixed in (and easy to miss) within the psychedelic prints and pay special attention to the shoes! They are divine! The collection was so fun and full of energy that it got me super excited for spring!

Described as the speed of wheels in motion. The momentum of a skateboard shredding through the air. The sooming tempo of an inline track. The velocity of a bicycle racing towards the goal… All I can say is Nicole scored!

And seriously, when am I not wearing Nicole Miller to events? In a world where rarely anything looks like it was made for my body, she’s one of my favorites; so a ticket to her fashion show is always a highlight and score to cover for Pretty Connected. Plus it’s a good chance to preview everything I plan on wearing for the next calendar year;)

It’s clear by soft nude makeup (look created by James Kaliardos for MAC Cosmetics) and straight hair (lead by Kevin Ryan for RSession Tool), all eyes we’re meant for the clothes. And considering they speak

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