I’m seriously digging mark.’s latest jewelry line. While the younger, hipper little sister to Avon may be known for it’s makeup collection, it’s really the accessories that have been catching my attention this season. It’s very Alexis Bittar meets Alex & Chloe glam-rocker (at a fraction of the price) and I’m totally into it.
1. mark. Line Up Necklace ($18): It looks super cute on the model featured on mark.’s website and curves perfectly along the signature of her neck.
2. mark. Pick a Posey Earrings ($18): Holy ball of sparkle glam. I love the rustic inconstancy of these earrings. I want!
3. mark. Double Skull Ring ($16): This is my first skull jewelry of any kind and I wear it all the time. It’s a great shape and can be layered or worn on it’s own.
4. mark. Pave the Way Bracelet Set ($24): Totally cute worn together, although they look great in a sea of mixed bangles.
5. mark. Triple Threat Earring Set ($20): Everyone should own a pair of pyramid studs. You’d be surprise how often they compliment an outfit. I’m not a fan of the wishbones (I think they look a little cheap), and the green heart earrings are cute and nice compliment to a bright, summer outfit. Basically, what I’m saying is this set is worth getting just for the pyramid studs.
Disclosure: Pretty Connected previewed these items at a mark. event and was sent a complimentary sample of the Double Skull ring for post consideration. Pretty Connected was under no obligation to write this post.
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
Mother’s Day is just around the corner and while flowers and a thoughtful card are always a safe bet (and take mom out to dinner while you’re at it), here are some other PC Mom picks. Most of these are our classic favorites, with the exception of a new brand to this site, Phebo!
WIN IT! Brazilian luxury perfumery brand, Phebo is debuting in the US at Macy’s nationwide for only a few months! Available until the end of July, we’re giving away the Phebo Soap Bar Trio Set ($24 value) in your choice of fragrance. Set includes: 2 Phebo bar soaps and 1 liquid soap in your choice of fragrance: Naturelle, Amazonian, Lavanda, Manha, Oriente, Primavera, Rose or Tropical. To view the complete assortment on flavors visit macys.com
TO ENTER: leave a comment on why you’d like to win!
Extra entries if you…
**Follow us on Twitter, @PrettyConnected and tweet to us why you’d like to win using the hashtag #MDay
1. WIN IT (details above)! Phebo Soap Bar Trio($24) – While this set comes in a several fragrances, I’m partial to the Flores de Primareva. Not only does it make you’re bathroom pretty in pink, it’s refreshing floral change to your conventional clean-scented hand soaps. Phebo is 100% vegetal based, using a wide range of essential oils, botanicals, herbs, spices and fruit oils in all of their products.
2. Tocca Candle (10.6oz/$38) – Cleopatra is a classic Tocca scent (it’s a light/clean aroma that blends cucumber and grapefruit), that I’m a fan of, however you really can’t go wrong with any of their candles (especially since they have recently expanded the line with so many more choices). They burn for roughly 60 hours.
3.Philosophy I think You’re Wonderful Pure Grace set ($32) – I’m not sure what’s better, the packaging or Philosophy’s cult favorite products, Pure Grace. In fact, I’m not sure I’ve ever met anyone that didn’t like Grace’s beautifully clean scent. The gift set includes Pure Grace Foaming Bath and Shower cream (8 oz.) and Pure Grace Perfumed Body Lotion (8 oz.). No need to wrap… the packaging says it all.
4. Royal & Langnickel 12-piece Silk Pro Set ($120)- Synthetic brushes have come a long way in the past 5years that there’s no reason animal hair needs to be involved to have a high-end, quality brush. There is every brush you could ever want in this set and they are all so soft, durable and animal-friendly. Quality brushes are
As a Bostonian I grew up on T.J.Maxx and Marshalls (they too are Boston-born) and the funny part about being in New York is now, I rarely go to the ones in the city. However, whenever I’m home visiting the family I somehow inevitably end up at one or the other. Mainly, because my local T.J.Maxx is located in Fresh Pond, right next to Whole Foods. While my mom shops groceries, I’m next door walking the TJMaxx aisles…
{Inside Marshalls – Summer beach essentials for kids and adults}
It’s amazing how much retailer has changed in the past decade — for starters they now have an extensive designer section; I’ve seen everything from Prada, Ferregamo and YSL bags to Alice and Olivia, J Brand, Marc Jacobs and Missioni clothes. (I’ve even seen Chanel.)
{I spy YSL bag at Marshalls NYC}
So last week T.J.Maxx and Marshalls hosted a Summer Travel event to take my fellow writers and I on a tour of their NYC locations (which are right on top of each other on 23rd and 6th Ave). The lovely style experts and TJMaxx/Marshalls spokeswomen, Lilliana Vazquez and Pamela Pekerman walked us through retailers, pointing out some great summer style and travel essentials for the whole family (including your pets!). Oh the treasures we found! First off with Mother’s Day around the corner, you may want to pop your head in considering they have a vast assortment of giftable items and a jewelry section (at roughly 60% off retail).
{Shopping gifts at T.J.Maxx with Lilliana Vazquez — how cute are those color-blocking shoes?}
{Shopping Marshalls with Pamela Pekerman – again, I’m all about the shoes!}
{Pet-friendly travel packs and gifts!}
{Pretty in pink — I spy a really hot Ralph Lauren bag!}
We played a little Price is Right — and I won an amazing new yellow Abro bag (I guessed correctly it was priced at $129.99 — original retail was $230), while the lovely Amanda (from FashionIndie.com) won a set of Skullcandy UPROC headphones.
{Amanda and I holding up our big Marshalls wins!}
I for one, am about to embark on some MAJOR travels — that’s right, on Saturday I depart for Beirut and Italy! Two places I’ve never been and took my lovely hosts advice and took the opportunity to do a little shopping.
First off, I needed new luggage. My requirements were a durable, carry-on friendly suitcase that had 360 wheel spin and was colorful! While I’m not big on logos, I am big on Diane von Furstenberg and scored a bright orange DVF carry-on with a 10 year warranty! Best part, I got it for $69.99 ( it originally retails for $300!!).
Next, I needed a good over the shoulder medium-size purse that I could beat up without feeling guilty about and has a compartment for my passport. Victoire! I found this white Steve Madden bag for $39.99 (compare at $88).
My bags are packed, I’m ready to go!
Bon Voyage!
Disclaimer: PC won the Abro bag, and received a $50 gift card as part of the gift bag — the remaining balance of DVF suitcase and Steve Madden bag was paid for by PC.
Yesterday, I had an event-full day of meeting some major industry experts at the Opensky beauty launch party.
Meet the OpenSky curators!
Some of you may be familiar with Opensky — they are a shopping site that pairs industry experts in food, style, healthy living, kids and home to curate some of their favorite products and make them available to you. Fresh to the website is now BEAUTY! To name a few… Dr. Neal Schultz, MD, Pati Dubroff, Chandler Burr, Sue Devitt, Alicia Silverstone and Dr. Brandt are all curators for this new category and the product range for beauty spans over Hair, Makeup, Body, Fragrance, Skincare and Wellness.
I had some one-on-one time with Dr. Brandt (yes the Dr. Brandt!!) to talk yoga, summer must-haves, SPF and how to fight back against sun damage! Take a look:
I confess, most of this is ripped off from DailyCandy.com with a few additions since I will be traveling this month and would hate for you to miss out on all of these fabulous deals!
Here’s your complete NYC guide to sample sale shopping for May:
What:MCM Why: Up to 70 percent off leather handbags, totes, clutches, and wallets. When: Today-Thurs., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Where: Flatotel, 135 W. 52nd St., b/t Sixth & Seventh Aves., 5th flr., ste. b.
What:Be&D Why: The embellished accessories brand knocks up to 70 percent off merchandise with shoes starting at $75, handbags at $125, and clutches and wallets from $40. When: Wed. & Thurs., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Where: 260 W. 36th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., 8th flr.
What:Raoul Why: Flirty skirts, tailored pants, shorts, and printed blouses from the latest fall, spring, and cruise collections are up to 75 percent off. When: Today-Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Where: 601 W. 26th St., b/t Eleventh & Twelfth Aves., ste. 1745.
H&M celebrated NBC’s ‘Fashion Star’ last night with a very fun bash at their Fifth Avenue location! Hosted by Nicole Richie (sigh, I love her) and John Varvatos (double sigh, I love his suits on men); they screened a sneak peek of the latest new episode while the drinks were-a-pouring and the waiters were serving up just about every type of dessert you could ask for.
{Fashion Star mentors, John Varvatos and Nicole Richie –love, love, love}
{H&M buyer Nicole Christie with Nicole Richie, John Varvatos}
{Nicole Christie works that dress! — It’s available at H&M!}
{Now that’s a party!}
{Full screen Fashion Star showing — too bad there was no audio (or bag big enough to fit that projector in!)}
{Photo booth! Sometimes James loves me, other times he’s ready to strangle me}
{‘Fashion Star’ contestants: Kara Laricks, Nikki Poulos, Ronnie Escalante}
“Fashion Star” is a new reality tv series which gives 14 unknown designers the chance to win a multi-million dollar prize to launch their collections in three of America’s largest retailers: Macy’s, H&M and Saks Fifth Avenue. Hosted by Elle Macpherson, along with celebrity mentors Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie and John Varvatos, every week these designers debut their collection to these respective retailers in hopes of having their designs produced. If the buyers buys their design, it’s available the next morning at their department store for purchase.
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.
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}
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.
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.
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.
**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!
Disclaimer: This giveaway is sponsored by Lolly Clothing. Pretty Connected was under no obligation to host this promotion, nor is receiving any financial gain.
If you’re not already a member (and subscriber) to Ideeli, here’s a few reasons why you may need to (like seriously, right this second…). Behold a preview of what the limited-time discount retailer has in store for you this spring:
{Necklaces from nOir (on sale 4/16) and South Sun (on sale 4/19), watches from La Mer Collection (on sale 4/16) — spring is all about color blocking and neon accents!}
HALT, GIVEAWAY TIME! Before we go on, we’re giving away a nOir Enamel Link Necklace (in Orange/Gold) to one lucky winner on twitter who follows us, @prettyconnected and @Ideeli and tweets: “Enter the @Pretty Connected @Ideeli giveaway for this @nOirJewelry necklace! To enter RT & follow us both http://bit.ly/H1fRHd”.
You can tweet any link for the above that either links to a picture of the necklace or this post to be automatically entered. Entries will be accepted until tomorrow, Saturday March 31st at 8pm EST. US residents only. Winner will be announced on Monday vis Twitter.
{Okay… back to the Spring preview and gushing over these amazing La Mer Collection watches…}
{Reuse Denim (on sale 4/19) — they use 80% recycled denim for their line! LOVE sustainable brands!}
