With another holiday before us, we can always count on the Accessories Council to weigh in on their favorite gifts. So incase you’re still pondering what to get Dad for Father’s Day, we’ll be doing guides all weeks (plus don’t forget to check out the awesome GIVEAWAY we currently have going on).
You realize in life, you make time for the things that are important, even where there’s no time. Generally when it comes to New York Fashion Week there’s no getting ahold of me — literally it’s the 2 week span my friends and family know not to call or text because I’m completely unavailable. Well right before the designers hit the runway, I was forwarded an email from the non-profit, Family-to-Family, which was working on a special drive in honor of Valentine’s Day, collecting unused cosmetics to help distribute them to women in homeless shelters on the 14th.
Every season I look forward to visiting with super-mom, style expert, Pamela Pekerman for her holiday picks for the season. Being a true taste maker in the fashion industry, Pekerman picks a plethora of brands spanning beauty, fitness/health, style and lifestyle products to introduce her audience. This season, here’s what made her list:
1. Boy Meets Girl – Inspired by the vibrant art and music culture of New York, Boy Meets Girl provides fun and flirty graphic tees with the iconic boy and girl silhouette logo. We’re obsessed with her Coco Hoodies and if you are ever in need of a bridal shower gift, can I recommend her personalized version where you can put the bride and groom’s name on it? And great news fellow Boy Meets Girl fans! Stay Igel, the designer behind the brand is expanding her empire of chic, to now include jewelry! Available at Macys.com, check them out!
2. Coiffie ($55) – Coiffie is a chic, water repellent
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?
{What do you think, do I look 5 lbs thinner in my Yummie Tummie Original Tank?}
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
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.
