And we’re live! Kicking off my debut on Macy’s “Makeover at Macy’s” series that’s available on Macy’s Youtube and IGTV featuring the lovely Ciara and me! Talking about Macy’s 4 Step Skincare Routine! Their pillar skincare categories are: Cleanse, Prep, Nourish and Protect! Take a look at the products we’re loving in each category and why you need them in your life!
Also I share my 3 cardinal rules of skincare! 1) Don’t sleep with your makeup on, 2) Invest in a good moisturizer (and use it), 3) Wear an SPF 30-50.
SpaceNK Beauty Edit event featuring over $500 work of product!
It’s time for the Space NK Fall Beauty Edit 2019, which means you get an epic gift with purchase. This season SpaceNK is offering everything photographed above, 30 deluxe beauty treats from some of their bestselling and new brands including Oribe, Dr. Barbara Sturm, Briogeo, Rodial, Eve Lom, Hourglass and more. FREE with any $285 Space NK purchase! The bag is valued at over $500 worth of product so if you’re thinking about splurging on some must haves, now is the time! (See the full list of what’s in the bag HERE).
The event is happening in store and online through November 3rd, while supplies last, so get on it! Learn more and shop at spacenk.com
Pretty Connected featured in the Rent the Runway Newsletter Unlimited Life! Promo code ($100 off 2 months of Unlimited with code: RTRLARA).
You know how when you love something and you talk about for years, tag them all the time and then the company recognizes your obsession and puts you in their 2+million person newsletter? Right, that doesn’t actually ever happen, except with Rent the Runway.
After being an Unlimited Member since forever, it’s really an honor to be recognized and an ambassador for Rent the Runway. The majority of my TV, events, weddings, hosting, panels, and everyday outfits are from them. I have so much pride and appreciation for how much this membership saved my bank account and changed my life.
Over the years so many of you had questions about how Rent the Runway works and how to maximize your account. Below are all my hack!
First the facts… on the average I borrow $6,228 in designer brands a month using their Unlimited 4 items/month plan. It’s a $159/month plan (which includes all the dry cleaning and shipping costs). That might seem impossible but just look at the designers from the newsletter: I wore outfits from brands including Marni, Tonya Taylor, Badgley Michka and more! (I’m literally wearing a $1200 romper from Christian Siriano to an award ceremony!), it’s insane the value a membership like this can offer. It gives me the Carrie Bradshaw wardrobe to match the lifestyle.
With the plan I’m able to stretch about 12-20+ outfits/month
depending on how diligent I am and how much I’m traveling.
Here are my tips to maximize your Unlimited account. PS my promo code ($100 off 2 months of Unlimited with code: RTRLARA):
When you order your first 4 items, immediately try them on to see what you like whatever doesn’t make the cut, mail back or drop off to the store same day.
It’s 4 pieces at a time, they don’t need to all be rented/returned at the same time. I like to have 2 at home and 2 in transit at all time. This way it’s a constant flow.
Return immediately after you wear. Don’t wait to return everything together. When you’re done with 1-2 items send it back so you can open new spots. And thus, reorder new things. If you want to do all 4 at the same time you lose time since you have to wait a few days for them to get back to the warehouse and for the spots to open up on your app.
Order to the store (you just change the shipping address from your apt/work to the store address). This is especially good if you’re in NYC. Not every city has a store but with NYC’s it gets me my items same day if I order in the AM or do so the night before for a guaranteed next day pick up. If I use my apartment address it takes 2-3 days and also there is room for delays and errors. With the store I like to order the night before and then pick it up the next day. Another perk of ordering to the store is you can try it on there and return anything that doesn’t fit instantly and then either replace them with items in the store or start ordering new things on the site.
You might wonder why not just always shop in store. I like to order pieces to the store instead of assuming I’ll find something because the assortment online is far greater. Also I find they are limited in sizing so the store makes a great backup or place to look when I’m not shopping for a specific look/occasion. I sometimes get lucky and find 4 amazing pieces in the store, and other times just 1. Putting in a pre-order online just gives me more options since I’m heading there anyways to rent.
If you travel a lot here are 3 tips: 1) have the clothes sent to your destination so you don’t have to carry it and/or return it from your destination in the bag (or ask them for an envelope), this way you don’t have to pack it and save luggage space. NOTE: ship times can take longer depending on which city you return from. Lastly, know your stores. I’m based in NY but I’ve returned/swapped out clothes in DC and LA for trips there. When a city has a store it means I need to pack less since I can swap out my outfits for new ones.
If this is your first time signing up for Unlimited, never pay full price your first month! I have the code LARA50, which offers $100 off your first two months, and I also encourage you to check their promo page since they are always changing the promotions – currently they have one for $80 off your first two months so you’re better off with my promo, but always check before spending full price!
Nervous about signing up? Wait until a big month, like when you have a wedding and a graduation and need multiple outfits. That’s always a great way to kick off and use the discount. If you find it doesn’t work for you, cancel. At least you got a discount and outfits for your big events.
It’s no secret, I’m a HUGE New Beauty fan! And I’m so honored to share one of my new favorite products in the latest Beauty Report issue. New Beauty introduced me to Definage a few years ago and I finally started using them at the beginning of the year. It’s a 4 step (mask, cleanser, moisturizer, serum) turned 5 step system with the addition of a new DefenAge 3D Eye Radiance Cream.
My best organization hack: Ikea Alex organizers (the wide and skinny ones)
Spring cleaning is here and I’m also currently moving offices so I’ve been decluttering, donating and reorganizing my beauty closet like a mad woman. I had two amazing features this month, one with Elle Decor, the other with Spotlyte all focused around tips for storing/organizing your beauty products. I was also featured in an awesome article in Self last year that goes super in depth with their recommendations.
In the 10+ years of blogging and 15 years in the beauty industry, I’ve literally tried it all. And for me the Ikea Alex Drawers — both sizes, ALEX™ Drawer ($89) and ALEX Drawer Unit ($129) are the holy grail. For the latter I remove the casters and I stacked two on top of each other.
Most of the suggestions I read in these articles by other contributors are good for smaller beauty stashes (I definitely recommend reading them all for inspiration) but I’m highlighting a few that inspired me from each article. Check them out below but between all of these articles you should have what you need to get organized!
Elle Decor 7 Brilliant Ways to Organize and Store Your Makeup
Highlights: Mugs and candles to hold brushes (I do this too) and it’s a common hack but definitely noteworthy.
Acrylic Organizers in Drawers, amazon to container store have a lot of options but containers for inside your shelves is so necessary.
Spotlyte Tips For Spring Cleaning Your Beauty Stash — Straight from Editors and Influencers.
The Clear Stackable Large Shoe Drawers (on sale $9.74 each) from The Container Store, another winner for when you need to see through your stash. A lot of the acrylic organizers are cute but not practical if you have a large stash I found this one to be genius and affordable. Awesome recommendation by Christen Dominique, Founder of Dominique Cosmetics
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.
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!
