Patrick Melville for AVEENO: Win Nourish+ Shampoo & Conditioner

Sep 28, 2011

Lara Eurdolian, Patrick Melville — Quality hair time with Patrick Melville!

I’ve been a huge fan of the Patrick Melville Salon for some time now. I used to frequent the salon when I worked in Rockefeller Center and exercised at The Sports Club LA (where the salon is located in NYC). Although in all my visits (and they are literally responsible for some of my best blow-outs and manicures), I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting Patrick himself until Fashion Week.

Aside from running his successful salon and being one of the most sought after celebrity hair stylists, Patrick is also a consultant for AVEENO’s hair care lines. And as a major perk of being an AVEENO Ambassador (yay for me!), I was offered some one on one time with the hair guru and a blow-out. We talked about AVEENO and his role with the new NOURISH+ collection which has been receiving so much praise in what feels like a never expanding line of shampoos and conditioners with the recent addition of NOURISH+ Volumize and NOURISH+ Revitalize. Patrick consults on everything from the formulation to the smell and considering they are all clinically proven help repair damaged hair within 3 washes (and add strength, softness and shine!) and carry a price tag of $6.99, I’d say that’s pretty incredible.

And I can vouch for it! After one use and Patrick’s generous offer of cleaning up my ends, my hair looked amazing! I walked in with a frizzy, unkempt disaster and walked out with beautiful, shiny and healthy hair. If I could bottle Patrick I would, until then I’m content with the Aveeno Nourish+ collection. Patrick is so lovely, talented and incredibly knowledgeable and approachable, it was truly an honor.

WIN IT! I’m giving away NOURISH+ Revitalize or NOURISH+ Volumize Shampoo and Conditioner (winners choice) to TWO lucky winners on my blog.

To enter leave a comment! Tell me anything about your hair to enter… like why you’d like to win, or your favorite hair trick is. Any (non-spam, happy) comment automatically enters you into the drawing.

An extra entry will be given if you are a fan of Pretty Connected on Facebook as well as if you follow me on twitter and tweet the giveaway using @PrettyConnected. For instance tweeting: “RT & Follow @prettyconnected to win AVEENO Nourish Shampoo & Conditioner. Additional chances to win & details @ http://bit.ly/oDWeZo #win”

Official Rules:

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Pretty Connected Photo Credit in Elle!

Sep 26, 2011

How exciting! My first MAJOR photo credit in Elle!!! As most of you know I partnered with supermodel, extraordinaire, Elettra Wiedmann to join the PR team for her GOODNESS pop-up restaurant during New York Fashion Week. Elettra is also the face of Lancome and during GOODNESS, Lancome hosted a private beauty editor event — as in literally all my hero’s in the beauty industry were there (*contain excitement*)!

My first Elle photo credit! Look it says "Photo: Lara Eurdolian/Pretty Connected"

And fortunately for me, they asked if I would shoot the event! While I’m an amateur photographer at best, I have to say, I did pretty good for myself!

I mean seriously, how beautiful does Elettra look in this picture?!?! It’s a good thing she’s flawless — it made my job super easy! And I’m so grateful to Elle for such a thorough photo credit! “Photo: Lara Eurdolian/Pretty Connected”, MAJOR!!!

For the complete article visit http://fashion.elle.com/beauty

Spotted: Giuliana Rancic at the Lia Sopia Lounge

Sep 24, 2011

Spotted: Giuliana Rancic at the Lia Sopia Social Fashion Suite, as the jewelry brand debuts their Fall/Winter 2011 collection and Red Carpet line at the Empire Hotel during New York Fashion Week.

In what felt like a Pretty Connected exclusive with the E! News host, what with my friend Jonathan Valdez (of OJ&B ) and I, being the only lounge attendants with her (other then the staff and camera-man); we took full advantage of some quality time with Giuliana, complimenting her on — her jewelry!

Scope out the Lia Sophia Fall/Winter 2011 Red Carpet Collection! I picked up the red/gold necklace.

Although after making my selection I had slight remorse over not getting the arrow ring! How hot is that!?!?! Jon Valdez scored it instead (arrow earrings and necklace are also available).

Then we played with the jewelry on the step and repeat until our unexpected guest Giuliana came through the lounge, then all eyes

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The NEW Bliss Fabulips DIY Treatment

Sep 5, 2011

For all of you obsessive lip balm appliers, lip plumper connoisseurs, compulsive scrubbers or general lip enthusiasts, I have some exciting new for you! Bliss’s NEW Fabulips in-spa treatment and at-home kit ($45). Designed to recreate the professional in-spa experience, this kit perfects your pout in just four easy steps:

1. Refresh: Lift impurities with our one-of-a-kind foaming lip cleanser

2. Retexturize: Exfoliate with our deliciously sweet and gentle sugar lip scrub to remove dead skin

3. Rejuvinate: Follow up with our visibly volumizing instant lip plumper

4. Replenish: Seal the deal with our luscious moisturizing softening lip balm

So whether you’re trying to wash away the kisses of a fizzled summer romance and refresh your pout for fall or give your lips some well deserved TLC, Fabulips

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And then I jumped out of a plane

Sep 3, 2011

It’s been an exciting couple of weeks, although I’ve been unusually quiet lately (especially on twitter). The reason being, I have been asked to host and produce several VERY exciting events over fashion week, which I can’t wait to share with you! Between that, keeping up with my social life, getting everything in order for officiating my consulting business (I’m such an adult!) and managing my Pretty Connected world, it’s been a lot. Although I haven’t felt this exhilarated in a long time. Don’t get me wrong, averaging 4 hours of sleep/night, every few days I hit a wall and am ready to jump of a bridge. My boyfriend one-uped me and said how about a plane?

After several attempt to go skydiving over the summer and it being canceled due to weather conditions we finally made it! The perk of being flexible on the time and open to a weekday, we had a reservation for the next day. And it was just what I needed. A total adrenaline rush and 4 minutes of being completely out of my head to just enjoy the world and soak in the scenery.

After 45 seconds of free-falling, my instructor released the parachute and we floated for a few minutes doing twirls and taking in the sunset before making a perfect landing. I didn’t realize it until I got the pictures, but I’m a hard-core lip biter when I’m nervous!

It’s kind of the most amazing thing ever!

We jumped in Perkasie, PA at skydivingphiladelphia.com. My instructor was Rom (he was great, although he believes in humor over instruction until about 30 seconds before you’re about to be hurled off the plane). Onward and upward!

SATURDAY Express Invites YOU to Rock the Sidewalk

Jul 22, 2011

Playing dress up! Nicole Miller dress, Express glasses, scarf, beaded bracelets, Jeffrey Campbell shoes

Ever wanted to be a model and walk the runway? Or watch a fashion show live? Well here’s your chance! This Saturday, 7/23 Express is taking over Times Square (NYC) and is opening their runway to the public in an attempt to break the Guinness World Records for most people modeling on a catwalk (current record is at 521). From 9am-5pm, models (that’s you!) get an exclusive Express tee, a surprise savings card, and a chance to win a $250 Express Gift Card. Then at 9pm Express will host their Holiday 2011 Runway Show. Can’t make it? Watch the show live at 9pm at Express.com.

And yes, I’ll be there! Last night Lucky Magazine and Express hosted a little soiree to celebrate the campaign and asked 8 bloggers to partner with them –myself being one of them! So I’m throwing out my camera fear and going to rock that runway! I hope you’ll join me! I’ll also post pictures from Saturday’s event and how I styled the Express collection so check back!

More pictures from last nights Lucky/Express event…

Caroline from sweetcarolineinthecity.com and I we’re jazzing up our outfits with Express accessories. I’m all about this Express Necklace!

I was getting Parisian nerdy-chic with Express while

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Refinery29’s Summer Jam Series

Jul 18, 2011

On July 6th, the cleverly hip and ever so stylish fashion and beauty website, Refinery29.com kicked off their Summer Jam series at the W Downtown Hotel.

While I’m not generally one to be spotted in the financial district –uh pretty much ever –okay maybe a few times a year –I make an exception for friends that are tourists and that live in the area and now Refinery29!

I grabbed a group and hit the terrace. The inside was overly happening as guests flocked to the bar. As I maneuvered my way through the crowd to grab a drink, it was a reunion and half. I ran into old friends, new friends, old coworkers (I really must be on my 10th anniversary in NY).

Great DJ’s (Caitlin Moe and Mia Moretti was spinning!), good drinks, fun crowd, amazing friends, nice breeze… What more could you ask for?

The party continues July 19th through August 30th. Get in on it!

Congratulations Erika and Bryan!

Jul 8, 2011

Erika Mercado, Bryan Yates — Bryan Yates and Erika Mercado

Okay future weddings I will attend, the bar has been set high! Congratulations to Bryan Yates and Erika Mercado, in what could be the most amazing, beautiful, fun, wedding I may ever witness (until I have my own). The bride planned the perfect destination wedding single handed! Although that should be no shock to any of her friends and family, she professionally produces events and photo shoots for a living.

Watching Erika and being apart of the process (even if it was just hearing about it during our regular lunches), and the big day made me believe in magic. It was refreshing to see someone enjoy all the parts of her wedding and not turn into a bridezilla or give into the stress and politics so many do. Instead, it was a everything it should be. A special day when two people unite in holy matrimony in front of their dearest friends and family.

And seriously, how beautiful does she look? Drool over the details…

Destination: Acapulco, Mexico

Erika’s Look:

Hair and Make up: Diego Americo
Lips: Mark. Glow Baby Glow Lip Gloss
Fragrance: Un Jardin Sur Le Nil
Dress: Chloe
Shoes: Badgley Mischka

Venue (ceremony and reception): Hotel Boca Chica
Decor: Caty Gomez
Food: Kesiku (former Bond St NYC chef)
Bryan’s Suit (Groom): Paul Smith
Bridesmaid dresses: Donna Morgan Belted Chiffon Dress

How did she amp up for her big day? Erika cut out cheese, regimented herself at David Barton Gym and drank a lot of Kusmi “Detox” Tea (ahem, I got her hooked on it!).

Lara Eurdolian, James King — Check out my handsome date! And yes, he's licking my face

Like a true Mexicana wedding, we started the night refreshed, then the lovebirds got hitched and the tequila came out, the jackets came off and next thing I know my date is licking my face. Chalk it up to puppy love.

Lucky Magazine’s Summer Jam

Jul 6, 2011

I’m really glad to be in with Lucky Magazine. Since last year the publication has been very supportive of bloggers. In addition to hosting their semi-annual Fashion and Beauty Blogger Conference (FABB), they regular feature bloggers in their issues and have a whole Style Collective on their website.

Last week Lucky Magazine hosted their Summer Jam Cocktail Party for their favorite bloggers *blush*. I wasn’t about turn down the opportunity to meet the staff at Lucky and mingle with my fellow bloggers.

Lara Eurdolian — Being rated by The Bumbys

I was greeted by the wonderful Colleen Call (Lucky’s Fashion Merchandising Director) and prompted to see The Bumbys! Do you know The Bumbys? They’re team Gill and Jill who sit behind a desk and offer honest appraisals of your style. No bias here, the duo’s face is covered and they don’t speak. Of course the first think out of my mouth was, ‘do the sunglasses work for me? I want you to know I grabbed them at the bar, so if they give me extra points add it in, if not I can take them off”

THE OUTFIT:

Dress: Nicole Miller
Shoes: Report Signature
Necklace: Ralph Lauren
Bracelet and ring: Tiffany & Co
Bag: Carlos Falchi
Sunglasses: Compliments of Lucky
Nail Polish: Borghese Rapido Fast Nail Lacquer in Chroma

My report card said the following:

“YES. Yes to the sunglasses. They remind me of the little shock of color that was streaked in the bangs of the emo girl that I sat behind in High School. But that’s coupled with, in your case a kind of debutante meets Steffi Graff thing. And let me just take this opportunity to tell you, that girl from Algebra 2 is looking fiiiiiiiine. Also, don’t take the Steffi Graff thing out of stride, I just meant sporty. Not horse-like.

Average Rating: 9.7”

Woohoooo a 9.7!! Which rocked, because I worked that room and it was the highest score of any blogger I met! That was a serious ego boost, although I credit the dress. From the moment I left my apartment to the final event I attended that evening, I don’t think 15minute went by without someone complimenting me on it. It’s a good thing I went for it! I was debating between that outfit, high wasted shorts with a tucked in vintage shirt and snake-print leggings. Apparently there is no consistency in my wardrobe these days.

If you’re a fashion and/beauty blogger looking to get in with Lucky sign up for their FABB Conference! Tickets go on sale this week so

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Happy 4th of July!

Jul 4, 2011

You know what, I’ve barely scraped the surface on today and it’s already the best 4th of July weekend EVER!!!

Saturday, I spent the day sailing up the Hudson on my friend Craig’s boat, with my Burning Man crew. At night we docked at Boat Basin and through a little birthday party for Nick!

All aboard the Mochson boat!

Dr. Brett and Lenny (in his little life jacket)

Sunday, my fellow fashion blogger, Elizabeth and I headed up to New Canaan, CT for Jon Streep’s annual 4th of July party. Tragically, they are selling the house so this would be my first and last one to celebrate with the host. I had a blast! It’s been a while since I’ve been to a house party this epic. Everyone was super welcoming, the beer pong and ping pong was going in full force, while the band jammed in the background. Despite questionable weather, I was able to take full advantage of the pool and hot tub and my favorite part — the deluxe slip and slide! It was unreal, I’ve never been in an inflatable one before! It was so fun!

Welcome to the party!