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Beach Bag Essentials: Top products to have on your radar

Whether you’re planning a trip to the beach, a lake or Central Park, there’s some key don’t-leave-home-without products that make the leisure day in the sun that much better. And with summer in full swing here are some of our top beach bag picks!

Morning routine: Start fresh!

1. Rembrant Deeply White Toothpaste – It’s an all-in-one fluoride toothpaste with Active Dental Peroxide that helps safely whiten below the enamel to remove deep and surface stains. I like that it offers a deep whitening without being too strong and makes for a pleasant brushing experience. The packaging is simple and clean and aesthetically looks great in my bathroom along with it’s Deeply White Mouthwash counterpart (which I also use). At 2.6oz, it’s big enough for your bathroom and yet small enough that it fits comfortably in most makeup cases if you’re on the go and need an afternoon freshen up.

2. Degree NaturEffects deodorant– With temperatures hitting close to 90 degrees do everyone a favor (including yourself) and apply! I use the orange flower + cranberry scent which smells lovely. As both an anti-perspirant & deodorant in one, it keeps me dry and is offers long-lasting protection. Plus it goes on smooth and has never given my clothes a single mark.

The gear!

3. THE BAG! People often use weekender bags interchangeably with beach bags and unless you’re packing for the whole fam that can get a little bulky (plus the bigger a bag, the more you’ll fill it with stuff you don’t need). I opt for the L.L.Bean Boat and Tote bag in size medium ($33.95). Opting for a size smaller then the weekender makes the bag much more comfortable to hold while still guaranteeing room for all your beach essentials.

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Weekender Packing List: 10 Beach Bag Essentials

Since kicking off Memorial Day weekend in the Hamptons, I have not spent a single weekend in New York — I think I’ve officially played into the NYC stereotype (you know what they say New Yorkers leave the city during the summer weekends). No, not really! While I’ll be spending plenty of future weekends in NYC, the time away has helped me perfect my beach destination weekender bag packing list. While the products may change (although I’m a bit of a loyalist), the list shall remain the same… (for now.)

1. A Large Tote/Beach Bag

Vineyard Vines Vineyard Classic Tote ($95) – great for a weekend escape and perfect size tote for the beach! It can comfortably fit my towel, sunnies, book, snacks and bottle of wine (beach approved). Plus I’m originally from Mass., so I gotta represent for my Vinyard friends!

2. Bathing Suit Holder

Henri Bendel Bendel Girl Bikini Bag ($38) -It’s everything I never knew I always needed! It’s amazing this Bendel’s girl went so long without a case for her wet bathing suit. Especially since I like to be at the beach until the  very last minute or my getaway and don’t always have time to hang my suit to dry before packing it. (And I really dislike wasting plastic bags to carry it in.)

3. Bug Reppelant!

Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard Towelettes (8 pack/$14) and Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard Anti-Itch Spray ($10) – Mosquitos love me. Like, literally, I could be your walking bug repellant which is why I don’t leave my house in the summertime without an Avon’s Bug Towelette in my purse. It’s deet-free, affordable and it works, enough said. In fact, Avon’s entire Bug Guard collection is great (I just go with the towelettes for travel for convenience). Avon recently added an Anti-Itch spray to the collection and while I haven’t had the chance to use it (I haven’t been bitten yet!), I’m not traveling to a mosquito friendly destination (ahem Hamptons) without it. SIDE NOTE: If you enjoy games as much as I do, Avon also launched a super fun bug-squating game, BugBash on their Facebook page (get competitive with it and challenge a friend).

4. SPF!!!

Aveeno Hydrosport Sunscreen Spray with SPF 50 ($8.99) and Aveeno Positively Radiant SPF 30 ($16) – SPF is a must… always (unless you’re hanging out inside). The spray is great for in and out of the house, it’s no-fuss, no-mess and super lightweight! The Daily Moizturizer is great for my face and my favorite from the Aveeno line; it’s not oily, chalky or too heavy, which I prefer for summer. I’m so happy with it.

5. Flat Iron

 T3 SinglePass Compact Flat Iron ($79) – Don’t let it’s compact, travel-friendly size fool you, this flat iron does it all; it smoothes out my hair and gets rid of frizz while straightening it, and it makes strands super shiny and modelesque. I have a thick head of long, curly hair and this baby heats up quick and delivers! It’s my weekend warrior!

6. Defrizz Oil

Pureology Precious Oil ($40) and Sally Herschberger Hyper Hydration Super Argan Serum ($15) – Now you may think two oils is overkill. And it probably is if I didn’t have completely normal hair until the humidity comes out (then I’m a walking Monica from the TV show Friends in those island episodes —you know what the reference). Pureology’s oil is perfect for anyone with colored hair. It’s Green Seal certified and contains 100% biodegradable ingredients in a paraban, sulfate and silicone free formula. I was introduced to this product by Wendy Belanger, Pureology Global Artistic Director and owner of Influence Salon in Calgary, Canada,who described it with something for everyone: “Sunflower seed oil is great for softness and color protection, coconut oil helps with elasticity, olive oil gives shine, and jojoba oil imparts moisture.” I like it because my ends need more moisture and shine since getting an ombre, it fights humidity and I even use a little extra to weigh down my hair intentionally to give my long tresses some definition in their wave without looking greasy.  Sally Herschberger’s serum is great on dry hair and when my hair starts to frizz during the day. And unlike most oils it doesn’t leave that oily residue on my hands after application. The results are instant and it removes the frizz and smoothes out my strays without weighing down my hair. I like to think of it as my touch-up oil.

7. Hair UV Protectant

Living Proof Restore Revitalizing Spray ($26)— I think of this as SPF for my hair! Complete with UV protectant to shelf my strands from sun and heat damage from my flat iron. It’s super lightweight, making it an easy addition to my hair routine. Now if only Living Proof would just make it in travel size!

8. Lip Balm (with a little something something)

It Cosmetics Vitality Lip Flush 4-in-1 Reviver ($20)-  I use shade Je Ne Sais Quoi (which is a light pink), although I want to try the other shades (Love Story and Pretty Women). I’m fascinated by how something that doesn’t have a tinted stick, miraculously stains my lips, does all the work of an anti-aging lip treatment and chapstick and is paraben-free! Packed with antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E, acai, green tea, and white tea and combining the anti-aging superpowers of plum oil, cherry oil, shea butter, aloe, and jojoba, these ingredients all work together to condition, and nourish lips, and keep them from looking and getting wrinkly. And it feels oh so good on!

9. Self-Tanner

Beautisol Face Self-Tanner Need I Glow More? ($23)- fake it until you make it! I may not be getting a sun tan, (and probably attacking you with my SPF spray) but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to come back from a beach filled weekend, looking like I did! Beautisol is the first to create a skin-type-specific face self-tanning lotion and I use it all the time and have never broken out or it looks freakishly natural. Anyone thats ever complimented me on my tan will attest that I say, “it’s fake” with a little pride.

10. Cynthia Rowley Band-Aids

Cynthia Rowley for Band-Aid: Beach Sport Kit ($6.99) – While I have to admit the original collection of Cynthia Rowley for Band-Aid brand was my favorite, it wasn’t nearly as summery and colorful as the duos latest collection. The designer recently collaborated with Band-Aid s on a vibrant beach-friendly set that includes 20 qty waterproof bandages, and 4 qty Neosporin single use packets, wrapped in a plastic resealable case to keep the sand out. Great for anyone on the go and in your beach bag just in case someone gets a boo-boo. If I owned a car, you would fine a set in my glove-compartment.

 Disclaimer: These products have been given to me over the years for post consideration. Most have already been featured and are now part of my list of must-haves. Pretty Connected was under no obligation to write this review.

Packing List for Santa Monica

Packing for LA is always a joy — and compact! Only a carry-on required (lay everything flat and you’re good for a week worth of outfits). I like to stay in Santa Monica where it’s beachy and so much more laid back then LA proper, which means packing extra sweaters and/or jackets since it’s warm summer weather during the day but chilly at night.

Day 1: Airport chic

{American Apparel leggings, Peppermint top, SEE sunglasses, H&M Stacked bracelets}

Day 2: Promenade Rock Ready

{Ya Ya top, Nicole Miller Indego Africa shorts, H&M Tassle earrings, Forever 21 stacked bracelets, Enzo Angiolini pumps}

Day 3: High wasted fun

{Jockey top, American Apparel high-wasted jean shorts, thrift store necklace, Cartommier jacket}

Day 4: Orangely girly

{Express dress, ASOS vest}

Day 5: Romptastic

{Alice Roi romper, YOOX jacket, LOFT sandals}

Day 6 + 7: Printed out

{LEFT: H&M shorts, Millau top, Banana Republic necklace, Belle by Sigerson Morrison flats. RIGHT: Maxi dress, Alice + Olivia belt}

Beach Ready:

{LOFT sweater top, Roxy swimsuit cover-up, Marni for H&M sunglasses}

Packing list:

  • 3 pairs of short (at least one versatile black and jean shorts)
  • 2 sweaters/jackets (neutral colors to be worn in the evening)
  • 2 bathing suits + cover up skirt and long sleeve lightweight top
  • 2 dresses
  • 4 tops
  • 1 pair of leggings – good for the airport, working out, pj’s or otherwise
  • 4 pairs shoes – black pumps (for going out), fashion sandals, beach sandals, converse (casual closed toe shoe for night)
  • 2 bathing suits
  • unlimited accessories

Pretty Dis-Connected (See you May 18th!)

Greetings from Lebanon!

My over ambitious self thought I would be blogging like a maniac while on vacation (my suitcase is filled with look books, press releases and thumb drives filled with beauty and fashion news I can’t wait to share with you!). And I will, but first, I need to basque in the beauty that is Lebanon and then eat my way through Italy.

I will be posting on and off during my travels, but otherwise am pulling the plug. It’s hard to be on a computer when the Mediterranean is at my feet, and there are trams to be ridden, villages to be discovered and a verdict to be given on if Beirut is really “the Paris of the Middle East”.

To be continued…

Until then I’m doing two great contests, that I think you should enter!! One is to win The Buried Life’s new book “What Do You Want to do Before you Die?” Which is kind of the most amazingly inspirational book ever (enter HERE). The other to win the Phebo Trio Soap set for Mother’s Day (enter HERE).

Travel Smart with T.J.Maxx and Marshalls

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.

Nivea (& Rebecca Romign + Jerry O’Connell) Wants You to Get Physical

Rebecca and Jerry get physical on stage

In a world where we use email to catch up, text instead of conversations and watch as online dating replaces any form of ‘love at first live sight’, NIVEA acknowledges the importance of human touch and is on a crusade to take it back!

Launching a Million Moments of Touch Movement, NIVEA has partnered with Lifechangers expert Dr. Drew and celebrity couple Jerry O’Connell and Rebecca Romijn to kick-off this year-long program that aims to take back kissing, hugging and touching one again.

While Dr. Drew presented some interesting  facts on how we’re starved for affection (did you know we do touch our cell phones more than we touch a loved one?), out came Rebecca Romign and Jerry O’Connell showing the room just why affection is so important and more fulfilling than any computer or smart phone could ever be. Talking about how much they miss each other when they are apart, and how they incorporate a weekly date night into their routine (sans kids) they reminded us not to lose sight of the importance and joy physical interaction plays in our life. I was ready to kiss them both.

Lifechangers expert Dr. Drew

Some interesting stats NIVEA discovered on the road to launching their Million Moments of Touch campaign:

·         Nearly equal percentages of women (74.5%) and men (74.4%) agree that Americans are in a state of “skin hunger,” a desire for more touch and human connection than they

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Great Gifts Ideas for Men

Let’s face it, men can be impossible for shop for. Dad’s especially –they tend to buy what they need and take everything else as clutter (or maybe that’s just mine). Here are a few ideas and some of my favorites for the category!

1. Pick a great scent! Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Cologne ($55/30ml, $105/100ml) – Scents are a very personal choice, yet this one hasn’t failed me yet. Although it’s unisex, every time I wear it, men compliment me on it. Generally the remark is something along the lines of, ‘that’s a great scent’ or ‘Is that Jo Malone? I wear it too!’ They all have great taste.

2. A weekender bag – Lands’ End Canvas 1963 Trip Bag ($130) – Something that’s missing out of most men’s closets are a great weekender. This one form Land’s End has that minimal, masculine charm, while still being incredibly functional (and practical) at the same time. Something he never knew he always needed.

3. Headphones – Bose QuietComfort Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones ($299) –  If he’s a headphone man, at some point it’s just worth investing in a great pair… especially if he travels a lot.

4. Charging station – Powermat Portable Wireless Charging Mat ($99.99, on sale for $59.99) – If he owns a lot of electronics or travels with several, a portable, compact charging station is both convenient and helps get rid of the bulk!

5. A Sweater – J. Crew Cotton-cashmere V-neck Sweater ($59.50, on sale for $29.99) – Sweaters are maybe cliche’s like ties, but non-the-less super practical and something you’ll notice him wearing for years to come. Just pay attention to if he’s a crew-neck or v-neck kinda chap.

6. Skincare Set with Case – Kiehl’s Dopp Kit for Men ($59.50) -A fully functional and stylish men’s travel case, designed in Italy by world-renouned photographer and blogger, Scott Schuman of The Sartorialist”. It holds everything from cuff-links (the case has multiple pockets) to your favorite products. Included in the set is Kiehl’s face wash, moisturizer, lip balm, shaving cream and soap all travel-approved sizes.

7. Travel Size skin care products – (Malin+Goetz) 1 oz Essential Kit ($30) – If he’s a big traveler or gym goer (and already has the case to hold the products) this set has every product your man could need while on the go (with the exception of shaving cream). It’s also a fun way to try a medley of new products.

8. A candle – (Malin+Goetz) Dark Rum Candle ($52) – I’m convinced men love candles as much as we do, and this dark rum scent is one of my favorites for men (Jo Malone and Votivo are also at the top of my list). Brand isn’t as important as just finding one that’s reminiscent of the one you’re choosing it for. Plus, men smell.

9. Magazine Subscription – Robb Report (1yr/$65)  and Architectural Digest (1yr/$24) – Whether or not he can afford them, fancy cars, fine wine and spirits, and gadgets rank high on my dad’s list, so a subscription to the Robb Report is up his alley. He’s also in the process of building his second house so he appreciates architecture or interior design magazines. When picking a subscription, choose something he’s interested in. It’s a fun way to have him think of you every time a new issue comes in the mail.

10. An experience – Whether it’s tickets to a movie, laser tag, pilot lessons or a day at the driving range, a gift that’s something you can do together is always a great way to go. Put some thought into it and figure out something fun! Discount sites like LivingSocial or Groupon often have fun deals on these types of things and at a fraction of the price.

DC Cupcake Season Finale –Katherine and Ben Get Engaged!

Cupcake Engagement Ring!

This month reality TV series DC Cupcakes premiered the season finale of their 2nd season. The show, which is centered around two sisters, Katherine and Sophie, who traded their corporate jobs to open the cupcake bakery, Georgetown Cupcake.

The finale, labeled “Katherine’s Surprise”, follows Sophie as she attempts to plan and surprise her sister with an engagement party for her and fiancé, Ben. Funny enough, I was there for the party and taping of the episode (random, right?). Although until the finale aired I wasn’t able to talk about it –I signed a waiver.

Enjoying my amazing cupcakes gift box! Dress: Nicole Miller

Ben and I share a very close mutual friend who asked me to be his date to the event. I’m not sure what I was expecting out of a surprise engagement party –maybe a huge crowd and an even larger cake? Frankly I didn’t care. It was filmed in mid-January, back when I was recovering from a partially collapsed lung (and you thought you had a bad week), and needed out of NY. Any excuse to get out of bed, void of take-out and sweats and put on a form fitting dress (ahem Nicole Miller) sounded like a dream.

The party was hosted in a private room at contemporary Asia-French fusion restaurant, OYA. I walked in and was surprised to see it was an intimate gathering of close friends and family of maybe 25 people…and uh, me!

Ben and Katherine walked in and we’re both glowing, as the crowd yelled surprise. I would like to take a moment to appreciate the ginormous cupcake engagement ring Sophie made! It was unreal!

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Where Did You Go Louis Boston?

R.I.P Louis Boston Newbury St. Location

Growing up, Louis Boston was everything that exemplified high-end fashion. Great clothes, quality products and an iconic location residing in a historic building on Boston’s Newbury Street. The interior was beyond classy, and they even had a restaurant called Boston Public. Despite barely being able to afford anything in it, it was really a very special store; one I’d marvel at similarly to a museum with an exceptional fashion exhibit–all year round. This past trip to Boston I made it a point to stop by and low and behold it’s completely abandoned *heart break*.

You were once the greatest location ever, now you're a parking lot:(

After some further investigation it would appear Louis is not lost, just moved. But still, I would like to take a moment and reflect on the store that once was.

Inside Boston’s The Colonnade Hotel

While I do consider myself a New Yorker (we’re going on our 10th anniversary in September!), truth be told I’m originally from Boston. Well technically Belmont, a little suburban town all of 15minutes outside of Boston. I don’t really have a lot of Boston pride, except for when it comes to Red Sox-Yankee games, otherwise the only thing I think Boston has on us is cell phone service on the train. Don’t get me wrong,  it’s a great place to visit, I just wouldn’t want to live there again.

Although after a decade of trips home, only in the past month have I ever stayed at hotels (which is so unnecessary, especially since I think my dad’s new house could qualify as a hotel). Although by doing so it’s been a completely different experience. Last month I was at the Charles Hotel in Cambridge (for a wedding), and this past week at The Colonnade in Boston. This past trip has somewhat changed my stance that I maybe I could live in Massachusetts again if The Colonnade was my permanent

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