You all know how much I love a style challenge! So when I was gifted this classic Women’s Fishing Net Sweater from Lands End Canvas, and asked to participate in a style project, I was all in. First off, everyone should have a few basic knits in their wardrobe (I have quite an assortment), they are incredibly versatile and one of the easiest pieces to transition from summer to fall!
First Look: Summer Casual – shorts and booties (flip flops/sandals also work).
If I had to describe, Pamela Pekerman in three words, it would probably be: fit, fierce and fabulous. So when the style expert hosted her Accessorize for Wellness event showcasing her tips and product recommendations to mirror those three adjectives, I was so there (and taking notes!). Take the journey with Pamela, all of her recommendations below:
{Meet our host, Pamela Pekerman}
{Seriously though, how happy does Pamela make you? Even in 100 degree weather this stylista’s hair looks flawless and does anyone else need a minute for her Barbiesque neon heels?}
And now for our recommendations…
1. Pluggz – What an innovative flip-flop company. They look like regular rubber flip-flops, only they have this big black plug in the center of the shoe that allows the flow of free electrons between you and the earth when you walk . The technology is set to mimic that great feeling you get when you walk barefoot on grass and sand that comes from standing on a natural energy source. Personally, I think it has a reflexology vibe with the plug hitting the center of my foot when I walk. I’m into it.
2. Yummie Tummie– Can one ever have too much shape wear? Yummie Tummie is a modern body contouring shaper, with a full clothing line of intimates and seperates that works to slip your mid-section and camouflaging visible lumps and bumps. Their collection doesn’t need to be concealed under clothing and can be exposed to do it’s job! Their tanks (I am modeling the Original below) are designed to take 5 lbs off your appearance! And they are super comfortable and fashionable. Everyone needs a good collection of basic tanks… am I right?
3. The Fitness Cell Collective – Taking a “cellular” approach to fitness, this semi-private personal trainer center is located on the UES and is where the event was hosted. You can learn more on their website or follow my tweets @PrettyConnected on Thursday at 5pm (the hashtag is #getfit) when I take my first class! “The sessions are specially designed to keep the body’s structural and cardio-respiratory systems in a constant state of adaptation” — I have no idea what that means, but I look forward to finding out. (You can also follow their twitter handle @CellCollective)
4. Emmi Swiss Yogurt– My grandmother used to say 2 tablespoons of yogurt a day fixes everything, which is probably why I try to eat it daily. While Emmi has a full line of flavored yogurts (they recently launched Green Apple), I’m afraid when it comes to yogurt
Last night, skincare brand, Kiehl’s Since 1851 showed their true colors and kicked off Pride weekend with the one and only Cyndi Lauper! The Grammy and Emmy-award winning artist, hosted an unforgettable evening, which honored her LGBT charity, the True Colors Fund to which Kiehl’s donated a $5,000 check to.
Kiehl’s President, Chris Salgardo will be joining Cyndi Lauper this Sunday for the Gay Pride Parade where the duo will serve as Grand Marshal’s! For anyone unable to watch the parade live, you can follow Chris’ twitter handle @KiehlsPrez for live updates from the parade and tweet along!
Now for my official freak out! I MET CYNDI LAUPER!!!! I needed a moment for that. This woman has inspired me endlessly over the past decades and is such a role model and spokesperson for originality and being yourself. She’s so hip and looked flawless on the eve of her 59th birthday sporting a blonde bob with pink streaks.
Highlights of the evening…
{Interviewing Cyndi Lauper!}
{I met fashion designers, Robert and Jeffrey of Costelloe Tagliapietra!!! I’m such a fan}
{Always so fun to see Richie Rich, especially when he’s giving me a much needed touchup — yes, he’s powdering my nose in this picture}
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.
Yesterday, I had an event-full day of meeting some major industry experts at the Opensky beauty launch party.
Some of you may be familiar with Opensky — they are a shopping site that pairs industry experts in food, style, healthy living, kids and home to curate some of their favorite products and make them available to you. Fresh to the website is now BEAUTY! To name a few… Dr. Neal Schultz, MD, Pati Dubroff, Chandler Burr, Sue Devitt, Alicia Silverstone and Dr. Brandt are all curators for this new category and the product range for beauty spans over Hair, Makeup, Body, Fragrance, Skincare and Wellness.
I had some one-on-one time with Dr. Brandt (yes the Dr. Brandt!!) to talk yoga, summer must-haves, SPF and how to fight back against sun damage! Take a look:
While I’ve done several beauty and fashion partnerships, this was the first month where I was recognized in a national campaign by a beauty brand for my volunteer work — and for that I am really honored to have had all of your support.
I do like to use my site to highlight ways for my readers to get more involved and support their community, which is why I’m excited to join my fellow fashion bloggers in support of Blondes vs. Brunettes.
Blondes vs. Brunettes, is a flag football game that pits blondes vs. brunettes to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association. Last year alone, the New York chapter raised over $100,000, contributing to already $1,000,000 the organization has raised between nationally towards research.
Alzheimer’s is a cause close to my heart. I had a very difficult month with the passing of my grandmother. And while
I find it extremely entertaining that I can completely burn out on the NYC event scene, and yet have the time of my life participating if it’s in a different city… Maybe it’s time to move or just that the weekend of The White House Correspondents Dinner (WHCD) DC is just that fun. (I’m going with the latter).
First off, the fact that the WHCD is referred to as nerd prom is kind of hilarious — which would only be outdone if it actually involved more cuberbunds, awkward glasses and the most outlandish frizzy hair possible; while in actuality it’s a very formal affair with the crowd dressed to the nines and more celebrities in one evening then all of fashion week combined.
The only people not expected to be on their best behavior is our President and host, Jimmy Kimmel who take the stage as though it’s an episode of Comedy Central’s Roast — and maybe Woody Harrelson as the representative of the stoner community.
{My lovely fellow writers with the ever-so-classy (and gracious) Diane Sawyer}
The event takes place at the Washington Hilton and right before the dinner the pre-cocktail events begin in the hotel. Amy and I hit up the CBS/National Journal/Atlantic party which was pact! We had a few glasses of wine, took pictures in the photobooth and mingled with the crowd.
{The most hilarious picture of Claire Danes and Bob Schaffer}
I saw Lindsay Lohan’s head pop through the crowd, but all eyes we’re on Claire Danes, who was standing next to Bob Schaffer! As I made my way over, he moved out of the way, so humble trying to not block the way; only to be surprised that he was the one I was gunning for! It didn’t seem appropriate to say, I’ve been watching you since I was a child, so I went with, “I’ve been watching you forever” — to which he replied, “I’ve been on forever”. All I needed was Charles Osgood and my evening would be complete.
{Me and Bob Schaffer!}
Rosario Dawson, Mary J. Blige and Gayle King formed a nice corner and mingled amongst themselves and fans. Rosario Dawson, who is STUNNING (how is she not a spokeswoman for a beauty brand? Her skin is amazing!) and I bonded over Burning Man.
{Mary J. Blige could not have been sweeter}
{I’ll see you on the playa!}
{Rosario Dawson chatting with Gayle King}
{Mary J. Blige and Norah O’Donnell}
The cocktail party concluded and the dinner guests filed downstairs, while the rest of us formed a viewing party and had dinner upstairs in the hotel. It’s funny to eat dinner and watch Obama speak knowing he’s directly one floor below. Then once the dinner concludes we all regroup in the lobby, which is an even larger red carpet scene then the actual parties!
{Diane Keaton!}
{Barbara Walters!}
{Mother and daughter duo Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson}
{Bruce and Kris Jenner with Kim Kardashian}
{Calling Malin Akerman!}
{Viola Davis}
{I wonder what Ivanka Trump thought of the hits on her dad}
{I never thought Newt Gingrich would make my blog…}
{My lovely date Amy is wearing BCBG, and I’m in a one-of-a-kind hand made Daniel Feld (head designer for Kymerah), and Betsey Johnson jacket (pictured above)}
Eventually, I’ll update the Pretty Connected Facebook page with the whole album, so check back for more photos from the evening…
What better time to skip town and head to DC then during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner weekend? Last night I kicked off the festivities at The National Journal/Funny or Die First Amendment Party!
Rosario Dawson gave a speech, Charlese Theron held down the VIP section, while Rishanda Jones and Jon Favreau casually walked the room.
{Charlese Theron may just be the prettiest of them all}
{Rosario Dawson greeting fans}
The event was such fancier set-up then last year. Hosted in a former Borders bookstore, it was quite swanky and not without a sense of humor — Amy and I fully enjoyed the photobooth and ridiculous array of props.
{Amy and I hit up the photo booth!}
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner happens tonight hosted by Jimmy Kimmel at the Washington Hilton! I’ll be at the CBS/Atlantic pre-reception tweeting from the event. You can follow me @prettyconnected.
H&M celebrated NBC’s ‘Fashion Star’ last night with a very fun bash at their Fifth Avenue location! Hosted by Nicole Richie (sigh, I love her) and John Varvatos (double sigh, I love his suits on men); they screened a sneak peek of the latest new episode while the drinks were-a-pouring and the waiters were serving up just about every type of dessert you could ask for.
{Fashion Star mentors, John Varvatos and Nicole Richie –love, love, love}
{H&M buyer Nicole Christie with Nicole Richie, John Varvatos}
{Nicole Christie works that dress! — It’s available at H&M!}
{Now that’s a party!}
{Full screen Fashion Star showing — too bad there was no audio (or bag big enough to fit that projector in!)}
{Photo booth! Sometimes James loves me, other times he’s ready to strangle me}
{‘Fashion Star’ contestants: Kara Laricks, Nikki Poulos, Ronnie Escalante}
“Fashion Star” is a new reality tv series which gives 14 unknown designers the chance to win a multi-million dollar prize to launch their collections in three of America’s largest retailers: Macy’s, H&M and Saks Fifth Avenue. Hosted by Elle Macpherson, along with celebrity mentors Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie and John Varvatos, every week these designers debut their collection to these respective retailers in hopes of having their designs produced. If the buyers buys their design, it’s available the next morning at their department store for purchase.
I would like to send a big shout out and congratulations to my friend, Jenni! The infamous queen of DIY, (she founded the website ISpyDIY.com) has written her first book, I SPY DIY STYLE. Inspired by looks from the runway, Jenni encourages women to “find fashion you love and do it yourself.”
While trends come and go, especially from the runway this book is great for getting inspiration on how you can use different materials, hardware and paint to make something your own or reinvent a basic. It’s well laid out with clear direction (and beginner friendly); not too many steps or copy and very visual. My key takeaway was I need to go on a glue spree. There are at least 3 variation of glue I never knew I’ve always needed.
{I SPY DIY STYLE book launch party}
{Besties turn twinsies! Mike and I come to support — with unplanned matching outfits}
{Cheers to Jenni!}
{In deep thought over creating my own custom Lara Eurdolian original DIY bracelets}
{Voila, my bracelets! — clearly DIY is not my forte}
{DIY drinks on the other hand…}
There is a downfall to knowing Jenni (and some of you avid readers may find this as well…) — my favorite DIY project of hers wasn’t in the book! As she would say, “you need to wait for the sequel”, and lets face it, she posts new projects almost daily so she can’t fit them all in. However, since patience is not my virtue, until part duex is written, I’m bookmarking posts from her blog for when I’m ready to get creative! And fortunately for me, I found the recipe for the Rope Wrapped Chain Bracelet I was looking for!
I SPY DIY STYLE by Jenni Radosevich, SRP: $21.99, available on amazon.com ($14.95)