The Original Face Mask Chain Strap + Note to Small Business’ Everywhere

Pretty Connected Gold Face Mask Necklace Strap ($30-$36)

For some of you that have been following me for some time, you know I pioneered the chain Mask Strap holder. Having launched a collection of multi-use chains a few years ago, it’s been such an incredible journey from journalist to entrepreneur. Also for anyone looking for added inspo on how to use my mask straps:

While nothing about this time has been easy, your support has helped me in ways that I don’t think I’d otherwise be able to do all of this as a 1 woman show.

Star Magazine named our Mask Chains the Hot Accessory Pick of the Week! On stands now!

The journey has really made me appreciate the struggles of small business’ and why it’s so important we support them. Especially in today’s climate. When it comes to the Pretty Connected Shop, I’m currently my own pr, marketing person, and warehouse. I pack all of the orders, I am the web master, social media manager, advertiser, photographer, product developer and just about every other hat you can imagine. And I’m not alone, small business’ everywhere are hustling hard to get noticed, so if you love them, show them some love. Like their posts, share them to your stories, tell your friends… send them a DM with a quick note or comment about how you love them.

― READ ON →

Happy National Sunglasses Day!

It’s hard to believe that 3 years ago, I made my debut as an on-air for National Sunglass Day for Sunglass Hut doing a segment for Extra. Today holds a special day for me.

Photo Credit: Jessica Andrews of Glamazons Blog

While our annual shoot was canceled this year due to Covid, we did partner on the cutest #NationalSunglassesDay mailer that I’m so excited my Mask Chains got to be a part of.

― READ ON →

Salon’s are opening back up. What you need to know/ask before going in.

carlos west vibe
Before and After. Hair by Carlos Lopez at West Vibe, NYC

It’s the moment most of us have been waiting for. After 3+ months, we can finally say goodbye to our gray hairs, our split ends and remember what we looked like in the old normal. For us in NYC, this was the week! I went to see Carlos Lopez at West Vibe, a gem in Hell’s Kitchen in NYC. He took me from Quarantine Lara to pre-Quarantine Lara in a few hours. Just look at that before and after, I’m literally a new woman. I will not miss my DIY hair cuts.

For anyone looking to book an appointment here are a few tips.

  1. Do a virtual consultation, less is more when it comes to the amount of time you spend in salon.
  2. Ask if they accept Venmo for tips.
  3. Make sure a full PPE staff uniform will be worn at the salon you go to.
  4. Try to get the first appointment of the day, less bodies before you = less risk. That’s one of my general hacks, but you can also ask for a less busy time but it’s good to have an understanding of what you’re walking into — how many active stations does the salon have, how many booking they are taking at a time…
  5. Make sure the salon is offering plexiglass dividers or some type of separation policy.
  6. Make sure to read/ask their policies in advance of going in and what you need to know.
  7. I don’t recommend considering any salon that isn’t requiring/enforcing masks and taking all guests temperatures upon arrival.
  8. Make sure each station and tools will be sterilized in between each and every client.
  9. Lastly, wear a disposable or mask you don’t mind ruining a bit if you’re doing color. It’s inevitable you might get a little dye on it if you’re getting your hair colored.

For anyone wanting to visit my colorist, ask for Carlos Lopez at West Vibe, 451 West 46th Street btw 9th and 10th ave. Set up a virtual consultation in advance!

NewBeauty TestTube: The Must Have Beauty Subscription Box – July Edition

The NewBeauty July TestTube box is here and I’m so excited to share it with you! As some of you know I recently joined the NewBeauty team as a Guest Editor, and have been helping curate their beauty subscription service, TestTube. TestTube is the original, editor curated beauty box and features 8 full + travel size beauty products valued at $180+ for $29.95! The July box is epic and valued at $267!!!!!!!!!!!

Here’s what’s in the July TestTube:

  1. Commodity EDP 10ml (deluxe size) – $26
  2. Grande Cosmetics GrandeGLOW Plumping Liquid Highlighter (full size) – $25
  3. Hanhoo Beauty Fix Collagen + Vitamin C Dietary Supplement (2 packs) – $3/each
  4. Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk (full size) – $20
  5. Luminess Crème Confession Lipstick (full size) – $24
  6. Neuma reNeu Scalp Therapy (full size) – $26
  7. Sunday Riley Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment (full size) – $122
  8. 10 Free Chemistry Prep with Peptides Clear Base Coat (full size) – $18 + BONUS: Free $18 Top Coat or Nail Color

Total Value: $267

20% of all proceeds from the July TestTube for new orders will be donated to The Loveland Foundation.

TestTube comes out every other month (6 tubes/year). Each box is $29.95 + shipping (or you can subscribe for 1 year for $149.75).

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