Gua sha is a technique used in traditional East Asian medicine to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation and for lymphatic drainage. We’ve seen them in everything from Rose Quartz, Jade to and beyond. Dr Elizabeth Trattner sells ethically sourced tools on her site and shows us the proper way to Gua Sha (spoiler alert, you’ve probably been doing it wrong. And goes above and beyond in her demo below on how to tackle wrinkles and problematic areas like the jaw for a lot of us that grind our teeth! My friend, Dr. Nadia just launched a Bian Stone one that contains over 40 mineral and trace elements, and produces negative ions (which has an anti-aging effects). NOTE: Do not use them on their own! You need a face cream or oil to create the slip so the tool just gently glides along skin.
Dr. Elizabeth Trattner is known for the Gemstone Acupuncture facial which includes gentle facial cupping, Gua Sha treatment, gemstones and acupuncture.
Huge news! Our Lara Chain and Lara Mini Chain has launched on UrbanOutfitters.com! The only difference between the two is the length, otherwise same chain, same hardware. Of all the straps I launched in my shop, I only named one after myself and go figure that was their favorite. Which makes it extra surreal to see my name (Lara) + my brand (Pretty Connected) on their site! While the chain was originally intended for cameras, we’ve since discovered a million other handy uses for it.
1.Rock it as a necklace
The infamous SC star Kathryn Dennis showed us how it’s done! She rocked it as full string, while Chelsea March looped the chain necklace pairing it with others.
2. Best water bottle holder ever!
Water bottles can be a pain to hold if you’re bagless or want your h20 by your side. Any water bottle with an open whole cap makes it easy to slide through and take that water bottle from annoying-to-carry to a fashionable accessory.
3 and 4. Flip flop holder and cell phone holder
How genius is it to throw around your flip flops so you don’t have to carry them by hand on those long walks on the beach!?! If you have a cell phone case to support, like those Bandolier ones, you can use the chain as a replacement strap. For anyone that doesn’t, I am launching these easy silicone cases soon with the strap on my shop, so stay tuned!
5. Bag strap
Probably the most obvious use… a replacement bag strap. We have some makeup case bags in our shop these work amazing with (photo of the ones in our store above). We’re all about DIY and customizing so if you get a bag add some patches or pins and make it your own.
6. A lanyard!
Lanyards are never cute at conferences. I go to a lot of fashion and beauty ones and no way am I wearing those promotional ones that just get thrown out. I just say I brought my own, which also happens to be a way more eco-friendly option.
7. Bag/belt decoration!
Get glam with it! I love it around some belt loops or the way @thebowtiegent tied it around his Hermes for some added bling. It doesn’t have to always be functionable when it’s this fashionable.
8. Add it to a keychain or wristlet. Patricia Field will show you how it’s done!
Sometimes you just don’t feel like holding things, like your wallet, or wristlet, or keys! Or in Patricia’s case her collaboration MCM wristlet she takes everywhere. Just strap it through! To help show how easy it is, we’ll have the SATC, Devil Wears Prada, Ugly Betty, Younger, Confessions of a Shopaholic, Murphy Brown… costume designer and fashion icon, Patricia Field demonstrate in the video above. Please do note this is the sister chain to the Lara Chain, the Patricia Chain, named after this boss, who is my sista from another mista, and all around favorite person.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 70 does not require the connectors while the Instax SQ6
Lastly, I wanted to share some other camera shots since it works with most camera brands, Instax, mirrorless and point-and-shoot styles. With all orders at Urban Outfitters they come with connectors so if your camera doesn’t support a clip, you can use the special connector, which holds up to 3 lbs. It will work with lighter weight DSLR’s, but anything too heavy I recommend some of our fabric straps with bigger hardware.
Above are camera examples that don’t require the connectors, that applies to Sony camera’s and Instax styles like the Mini 70 (which comes with rings). For camera’s that don’t have rings attached, the black attachers included with all UO order will come in handy. These work amazing for all Instax cameras from the SQ6 to the Mini 9 as well as all point and shoot camera!
Don’t forget you can even add your own charms and customize them! All you need are charms, pliers and 7mm jump rings. Especially when you wear it as a necklace it looks sick with some initials or lightening bolt charms hanging down!
I love Mario Badescu, if you need a great facial, hit their spa in NYC. Which is why we were so excited to see they have landed on Sephora.com!
While I was anticipating just their “favorites” which incidentally I have a very long list of them: The Drying Lotion to zap them pimples, the Facial Spray, that every makeup artist has in their arsenal and is way underpriced (it’s also the best afternoon pick me up when you’re feeling dry) and the Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 30 which got me through my 20s, but it’s all amazing.
BoxyCharm really impressed me this month with gifts from Tatcha, Tarte, Briogeo, Ofra and Starlooks. I’ve always thought BoxyCharm was a great value but swayed a little younger and not all the products resonated and maybe only a few at best excited me. That all changed this month! The January box features:
It’s the perfect mix of mainstream and indie brands with all products I’ll actually try and use. Of all of these brands Starlooks is the only brand I’ve never tried and because they picked a black liner, I’ll actually give it ago! Also I’m so excited about the Tarte palette, I find that generally the palettes included are really bright colors and skewed for a younger audience. This one is so neutral and would look good on anyone. Also Tatcha!!!! Love their products, so excited to see them in this box as well as Briogeo. I’m in love with their detox scalp product and mask so I’ve actually been meaning to try more products from their line. Generally I find in boxes I often get random shades I’m not as interested in trying where this box felt very versatile and was a great way to start the year.
In case you’re not familiar with BoxyCharm they are a subscription box service that offers 4-5 full-size products worth over $100 for only $21/month + free shipping. This months box is valued at $111.
My family calls me the SPF police, because no matter the season, if you’re outside while the sun is out, I will hound you to wear sunblock. It’s the #1 anti-aging product you can use to protect against wrinkles, dark spots and skin sagging — yes the sun does all that damage on top of putting you at risk for skin cancer. I understand there’s a lot of confusion about what the difference between a chemical and physical sunblock, UVA vs UVB rays, and what SPF number you should be wearing (spoiler alert it’s an SPF 30 or 50) and that you only need to wear it in the summer — major false, YEAR ROUND!
Here to clarify all the above points and teach us everything we need to know about sunblock is Dr. Terry Zickerman, Founder of Love Sun Body, the first 100% natural origin mineral line of sunscreens to be internationally COSMOS-certified. Meaning they exceed the world’s strictest ingredient, safety and manufacturing standards and take clean beauty to a whole other level (learn more in the video).
Also you can catch Charlie’s epic cameo and question on if they are cruelty free — which they are! Made up of 10 ingredients they are certified Peta Cruelty Free and Vegan, and ranked 1 out of 10 by EWG!
When talking sunscreen here are some points you should understand:
Sun damage happens in the first minutes your skin is exposed to the sun and is accumulative, year round, so don’t think that quick dog walk or coffee run makes you immune.
UV light emitted by the sun steadily effects skin year-round despite the season — no matter if it’s sunny, snowing, cloudy or raining. Most people think winter is a time when you can tone down the SPF but that’s a mistake. The two UV rays UVA/UVB, while UVB is lessened by the clouds, UVA rays can penetrate glass and clouds meaning no matter the season, if you’re going outside or sit near a window (whether it be at home, in the car or in office) a SPF is a must!
90% of skin aging comes from UV rays so basically sunblock is the #1 anti-aging skincare product you can use.
Make sure the sunscreen you use is “broad spectrum” meaning it protects agains’t the sun’s UVA AND UVB rays.
If you’re exploring coral reef make sure your SPF is non-chemical and coral reef safe, like Love Sun Body.
Make sure your SPF is between a 30 and 50, anything above is just marketing since an SPF 30 block 97% of UV rays, and SPF 50 block 98%. And anything below isn’t effective enough. (We talk more about this in the video and what the numbers mean and when you want to wear which).
The video also covers chemical vs mineral sunscreens and the best way to apply. Yes, most people put on too much of a mineral sunblock and don’t apply it correctly.
I had the best Valentine’s Day! Normally, James and I stay in, pick up pizza and exchange cards. We skip the over priced flowers and grandiose dinners, and now that we have Charlie all we ever want to do is go for walks and snuggle with our puppy. Until we got an invitation to Drew Barrymore’s Valentine’s Day pizza party at her new pop-up, Dear Drew from one of our favorite ladies, Christy Doramus of Crowns By Christy.
Photo Credit: @LaurelCreative
With dates and dogs welcome, James and I had the best time at her soho pop-up. I have always LOVED Drew Barrymore and It’s been so frustrating since I’ve had a few opportunities to meet her through her Flower Beauty collection but I am always out of town. And she’s literally my favorite. There’s something about her kindness that’s so inspiring and magnetic. She was everything I hoped for and more, so literally best Valentine’s Day ever. I had to actually remind myself when we were hanging out that we haven’t met before, since in my head we’re best friends. She’s so warm and makes you feel so comfortable that it’s easy to trick yourself.
I’ve talked about how much of a girl boss the CEO of It Cosmetics is before, but wow does she ever continue to impress. Jamie Kern Lima, co-founder, and CEO of the brand accepted the CEW Achiever Award, which recognizes the accomplishments of women leaders within the beauty industry. Jamie took her acceptance speech as an opportunity to call for change within the beauty industry, challenging the current images of beauty that are being put out in the world today.
IT Cosmetics CEO Calls Out the Beauty Industry, Calls for Change. Share this video if you agree!
Posted by It Cosmetics on Saturday, September 16, 2017
“How will these images impact your mothers and your sisters, and how will they impact your daughters?” In closing her speech she asks, “What will you do with the power that is you?” Anyone else have a minor case of chills?!
There really isn’t anything quite like a 3 day weekend to hit the recharge button, especially when you have an exciting 4 day week to look forward to. The beauty and booze lover in me are both being appeased between the FounderMade Beauty Summit on Friday and then Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic on Saturday, which ahem Alicia Keys is performing at! They are really going all out for their 10th Anniversary, I CAN NOT WAIT. I’m also looking forward to being with Nylon on Friday for the celebration of their music issue, which is awesome since it saves me the trip to Barnes & Nobles to buy every issue. Also Charlie XCX is performing and hopefully Tove Lo who is hosting the event.
Outfit details: Ray-ban Clubmaster sunglasses // Mobovida Bristol Belt Bag // Sam Edelman Tilly Suede Sandal exclusive to Gilt // Tart Collection Reed Pant in Ikat Geometric (on sale!) // Roxy Hear We Go Panama Hat // Victoria’s Secret Mesh Top Tank
It’s been over a week since I’ve been back from LA and yet I can’t seem to shake off my vacation vibe. So I’m not. Especially since I’m partnering with Sunglass Hut for a pretty epic summer — on Friday we’re shooting with Extra some summer sunglass trends and playing with fun sunnies is like my dream, building a summer sunglass wardrobe should be on everyone’s list. I mean how epic are these reflective with wood frame Ray-Ban?
Bite Beauty has done it again with their latest launch of The Lip Pencil. I’m addicted to lip liners so this launch I’m especially excited for, although I am one to use their Matte Cream Lip Crayon to line my lips for a thicket edge. These of course offer more precision but much like their other lippies is super pigmented and the perfect addition to the line. Featuring 28 new shades, The Lip Pencil collection offers precise coverage with their super sharpened tip (just make sure to own a good sharpener!) and are easy to blend for a no-mess application.
My family calls me the SPF police, because no matter the season, if you’re outside while the sun is out, I will hound you to wear sunblock. It’s the #1 anti-aging product you can use to protect against wrinkles, dark spots and skin sagging — yes the sun does all that damage on top of putting you at risk for skin cancer. I understand there’s a lot of confusion about what the difference between a chemical and physical sunblock, UVA vs UVB rays, and what SPF number you should be wearing (spoiler alert it’s an SPF 30 or 50) and that you only need to wear it in the summer — major false, YEAR ROUND!
I’ve talked about how much of a girl boss the CEO of 
