In the coming months Henri Bendel’s will start to roll out their fall merchandise which includes some of their classic silhouettes in a whole new range of colors as well as unique jewelry items and giftables as we get into holiday. This season the retailer is launching a whole series of
This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to Kellie Rose Wilson, @mirnarabbat (from instagram) and Diane Redcay (from twitter)
Happy Friday friends! I had so much fun last month partnering with my favorite retailer, Henri Bendel and skincare brand, Skyn Iceland for our summer ‘Calm Down and Cool Down’ event that we’re going to celebrate some of the highlighted products with a giveaway!
While Skyn Iceland has all the products you need to keep your skin refreshed and hydrated, there’s nothing quite like a weekend away to rejuvenate the soul. And where better to shop for those weekend essentials then Henri Bendel? So this week I’m giving away some key must-haves from both brands to keep you cool and chic all summer long.
One lucky grand prize winner will get a selection of Henri Bendel products (photographed above) including the Bendel’s Large Hanging Weekender Bag ($70), Bag Tag, Contact Case, and Pill Box as well as our 4 must have Skyn Iceland products for Summer: Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels, Glacial Cleansing Cloths, Arctic Face Mist and ANTIDOTE Cooling Daily Lotion. The grand prize is valued at over $300!
Two additional winners will get a set of the four Skyn Iceland products ($119 value)! There are 4 ways to enter: Each option counts as a separate entry.
As summer heats up it’s important to take a moment for a little R&R and pampering and we did just that. And at my favorite store in NYC no less! On Tuesday night I had the pleasure of hosting an event with skincare brand, Skyn Iceland at the private event space at Henri Bendel’s (where you an now purchase Skyn Iceland products). We transformed the room into a relaxing mecca offering manicures by Spa Nail, cold juice pressed drinks from Liquiteria and the most amazing gluten-free cupcakes (arguably the most amazing cupcakes ever) by Kaked, and of course some bubbly to toast summer. Guests enjoyed an eye cooling bar using Skyn Iceland’s Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels, which instantly de-puff eyes in 10 minutes and are everything you need to look refreshed after a night out or not enough sleep. There were also stress tests on hand, which involved putting a strip under your tongue for 30 seconds and it reads your stress level — on a scale of 20 to 91+ I got a 130 which was a bit of an awakening that maybe I need to slow down a bit!
We also showed off the perfect summer products to help you cool off and cool down (the theme of the event) and have healthy, radient skin. The products included the Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels, Glacial Cleansing Cloths with Biospheric Complex (foaming cleansing wipes perfect for any girl, or man on the go!), Arctic Face Mist, which is the most refreshing spray toning mist and is filled with vitamins. It’s incredibly refreshing and another product I carry around if I’m out all day in the sun. And lastly the ANTIDOTE Cooling Daily Lotion with Biospheric Complex which is a cooling, lightweight moisturizing lotion perfect for red and irritated, oily or acne-prone skin. All of Skyn Iceland’s products are paraben free and great for sensitive skin.
Outfit dets! Dress: Alice + Olivia, Shoe: Schutz Shoes, Necklace: House of Harlow. Eyelashes c/o Velour Lashes. Makeup by Julio Sandino using NARS.
Thank you Skyn Iceland and Henri Bendel for a magical night!
Skyn Iceland is now available at Henri Bendel. Learn more at skyniceland.com
There’s no place like Henri Bendel, there’s no place like Henri Bendel — it’s like the moment I step into that place, I just want to tap my heels and miraculously wake up and live there (accessories and bag assortment included). Recently, I get to peek their summer collection launching between April and June. Take a look at what’s yet to come:
Buttery-soft leather bags in a variety of styles and wallets
Canvas camo print (a la Bendel’s style)
If you’re free tonight (March 5th) from 6-8pm, Henri Bendel and the Accessories Council are hosting an Exclusive Shopping Soiree & Silent Auction. Enjoy a special trunk show, bubbly, and beloved Bendel brands. (Just read the invite, I’m basically reiterating it). Tickets are $50/person, and includes a $50 gift card — plus 10% of the ticket sales and all auction proceeds will benefit the council.
Shop, drink and be merry!
Henri Bendel, 712 5th Avenue at 56th Street
Word can not describe what a joy it is to say, I MET IRIS APFEL! Reconciling that with the fact that I got an exclusive interview, an autographed bag and a compliment on my outfit — it’s a miracle I didn’t pass out.
She is exquisite, a true fashion icon and tastemaker; she’s done restoration design projects at the White House for nine US presidents, had an exhibit dedicated to her at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a custom collection collaboration with MAC Cosmetics and now at the age of 91 she’s launched a new luxury handbag collection, Extinctions by Iris Apfel. I have been a longtime fan and there’s really no better way to say this, that women is my hero.
I joined Ms. Apfel at Henri Bendel’s for the launch of Extinctions. She was so welcoming and lovely, words can not describe her grace and ability to make you feel like you’re the only person in the room when she talks to you. Don’t let her age fool you, she’s so sharp and endearing (and what a sense of humor!), I could have listened to her all night.
Unfortunately, I had some technical difficulties with the sound quality so I transcribed most of the interview below. However, I had to include at least a part of the interview for you to see just how incredible this woman is.
PC: How did this handbag collection start and why Extinction?
IA: I was invited to do an accessories collection for HSN, and handbags was one of the things I started to design. And I was very pleased with the output and after the first bag it was so beautifully finished and so elegantly done. So I called Lisa [Nunziata, President of L & Leung Design Group], who owns the company to thank her. She said she was very happy to hear from me and happy I appreciated it because she worked very hard and is very passionate about what she does. She pays a great deal of attention to detail and she feels like she’s the last of an old breed. And I said if you’re the last of an old breed then I must already be extinct. So we had
By now you all know that I’m a Bendel’s girl. Their Fifth Avenue flagship store feels like a museum every time I visit — except better since I can actually play with the assortment and have the opportunity to purchase it. So naturally, any invite I get from them should come with an oxygen tank. Recently, I visited the office to peek the holiday collection, which I’m so excited to share with you!
But first, mark your calendar for November 15th! You’re invited to join, Chris Fiore, President of Henri Bendel for the unveiling of their holiday windows. Rumor has it Bendel’s is going 1920s style. Plus, you can see all the beauties I featured below up close and personal and for any purchase you make that evening 10% of the proceeds will benefit The Eric Trump Foundation Charity for Children.
{Henri Bendel Holliday 2012 Collection}
Are you ready for the craziness that is Fashion’s Night Out? It’s all going down September 6th in NYC, so be sure to get your beauty sleep the night before because the parties and events are never ending and it’s bound to be an amazing time! Here are some of the happenings, for starters:
Who: Karen Millen
When and where: Thursday, September 6th from 6PM – 9PM. Karen Millen SoHo, 114 Prince St.
Who: fresh
What: Join fresh for the launch of their limited edition Fresh Turns 21 Oval Soaps. Meet the artist R Nichols, creator of Exclusive Artisanal Pieces and received an exclusive custom stationary with your purchase of $125. Plus get a sneak peek at Fresh’s new Sugar Berry Tinted Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF 15
When and where: Thursday, September 6th from 6-8PM, Fresh Union Square 872 Broadway, NYC
Who: Alexandra Taylor, Assouline and Fashion 4 Development (F4D)
What: Designer Alexandra Taylor has teamed up with F4D to advocate for the strengthening of collaborations between fashion and humanitarian efforts. FNO scarves will be sold for $55 and a portion of the proceeds will go to F4D.
When and where: Thursday, September 6th from 7PM – 9PM. X’TIGE SHOWROOM 37 West 57th Street, 11th Floor.
{FNO scarf, $55}
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Who: Bergdorf Goodman
What: Bergdorf Goodman’s 111 birthday celebration! From 3PM – 6PM on the beauty level, expect guest appearances from beauty experts and makeup artists including Aerin Lauder, Francis Kurkdjian, Colette Malouf and Miss Pop nail bar, Brows by Sonja, lashes by Taylor, DJ Johnny Dynell and more. Guests enjoy a gift with purchase fromBalenciaga Paris. From 6PM – 9PM on the third floor, celebrate Bergdorf’s new book Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf Goodman with author Sara James Mnookin and contributing designers like Bobbi Brown, Edward Bess, Lela Rose, Michael Bastian, Naeem Khan, Rachel Zoe, and Thakoon Panichgul. From 6PM – 10PM on the main level, enjoy a dance party with Lady Bunny.
When and where: Thursday, September 6th from 3PM – 10PM at Fifth Avenue and 58th Street.
Today, I joined #1 tennis superstar, Maria Sharpova at Henri Bendel’s for the launch of her new gummy line, Sugarpova. Yup, I’m talking candy — and a whole lot of it — 13 different bags to be exact in fun, fashionably shapes and colors including:
Regular Gummies
1 Chic: High Heels, Purses, Sunglasses
2 Flirty: Lips
3 Silly: Worms
4 Sassy: Lemons, Bananas, Strawberries, Cherries, Grapes
5 Splashy: Aquatic Life
6 Cheeky: Bears
Sour Gummies
7 Flirty: Lips, Hearts, Stars
8 Silly: Worms
9 Sassy: Lemons, Bananas, Strawberries, Cherries, Grapes
10 Spooky: Spiders
11 Smitten: Rainbow strips
And also…
12 Sporty: Tennis Gum Balls
13 Quirky: Licorice Revolvers
“Creating Sugarpova has been an exciting labor of love,” says Sharapova. “My tennis and business schedules keep me traveling worldwide, and I confess to having a sweet tooth that knows what it wants! When I didn’t find it in the marketplace, I decided to create the type of candy that girls like me crave.”
{What’s in the bags… fun shaped gummies}
{The women of the hour! Maria greeting fans earlier today}
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.
