Fashion Pulse Daily - Part 111

June 5, 2015

Fashion Pulse Flash: GapxBirchbox, Sally Hansen Goes Zodiac

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GAPxBirchbox

This morning I spent some time in Gap‘s Herald Square store with Birchbox co-founder Katia Beauchamp and her team, as one of the first to check out the Birchbox + Gap Summer Beauty Shop. Available starting today in seven flagship Gap locations across the US through the end of July.  The shops feature three formats to try and tons of vetted products sprinkled throughout:
Format 1: Three-month subscription starter boxes ($30 for women, $60 for men); shoppers get first box in store (an exclusive Gap + Birchbox sample assortment) with a code inside to redeem the next two months’ boxes on Birchbox.com. Locations: Chicago (State Street), Los Angeles (The Grove), New York City (Lincoln Square).
Format 2: The Try Bar, a full-size product shop, and exclusive subscription starter boxes. Locations: Houston (Galleria), New York City (Flatiron).
Format 3: Build-Your-Own-Birchbox, full-size product shop, exclusive subscription, and starter boxes. New York City (Herald Square), San Francisco (Market Street).
I spotted some of my favorite brands in the mix, such as Dr. Jart+, Supergoop, Tocca, and Whish, with the opportunity to explore new ones that I have a very good feeling about, like Parlor’s Moisturizing Sea Salt Spray and Floss Gloss LTD Pro Nail Lacquer.

Honestly, this is a very very cool, natural team up, and now it gives me just another reason to pop into Gap, more often!

sally hansen

Sally Hansen Zodiac-inspired nail polish is here! With amazing colors to choose from, this limited edition Complete Salon Manicure Beachside Astrologer Collection is inspired by the signs of the zodiac, of course, while the brand worked with astrologer Aurora Tower to present the hues in fashionable nail art styles at the press preview (at Paint Box). The names of the colors are visible via the chart in the pic above,  playing off of each sign with names such as Leo in Rio and Pisces of Me.  The combinations presented above are comprised of signs that nicely compliment each other; I love that my sign (cancer) is paired with capricorn, so now  I know that people who bear that sign are a good match up/balance for me!

Besides the ingenuity of this special collection, the formula itself is not to be missed, as it’s incredibly chip-resistant while including a built-in base coat, strengthener, and top coat. Kick off summer with…your sign on your fingers and toes, or choose the color from the zodiac sign of your significant other or crush for a playful touch.  Available at national retailers, such as Ulta, for around $7.99 each.

 Full Disclosure: Fashion Pulse Daily received some samples of these items for editorial consideration.

June 4, 2015

Sneak Peek: Henri Bendel Fall 2015 Collection

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[The Bedford Drawstring Bag, $398, Available in September]

henri bendal fall 2016

[Metal Studs Interlocking Gloves, $218, available in September]

henri bendel small leather goods fall 2015

[West 57th small leather goods; $38-$68; available in September]

henri bendel fall 2015

[West 57th Street Cosmetic Bag Trio, $98, available in September]

henri bendel fall 2015 jewelry

[Hudson Collar, $128, and Hudson Stack Cuff, $178, available in September]

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henri bendel fall 2015

[Perforated Driver Gloves $178, available in September]

henri bendel

[Dutchess Gem Cluster ring, $68, available in July]

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[A List Satchel in Metal Snake; from $498-$698, available in August]

henri bendel
henri bendel jewelry
henri bendel jewelry
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[The Olivia, Broadway Square, and Bella Flat Top Sunglasses, $145-$155, available in August & September]

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[The Dalton Mini Crossbody, $225, Available in September]

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[West 57th Street Travel Satchel, $398, and other assorted bags; available in August]

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[Hudson Stack Rings, $78, Available in September]

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[Tribeca Open Ring, $88, Hudson Triple Down Ring, $128, both available in September]

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[The Uptown Messenger, $378, Available in September]

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[West 57th Zip Around Continental – Contrast Stitch Wallet, $178, available in August]

For fall, Henri Bendel Creative Director Pina Ferlisi had a “luxury nomad” in mind for the fall 2015, and although we’ve always known that the Bendel girl loves to travel, now it has become even more of a glamorous, and multi-functioning endeavor thanks to new prints, fabrications, and silhouettes meant for the gal on the go.

New inclusions include a messenger bag into the Uptown Collection, and the addition of the Bedford Collection (my favorite!) featuring a slouchy tote and ultra soft and supple, yet reliable bucket bag. See the slide show above for some of my favorites along with pricing and availability information, and don’t miss a sneak peek at the unbelievable jewelry, gloves, sunglasses, and small leather goods.

June 4, 2015

Good Workout Gear is as Important as the Workout Itself!

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pants

[Part of my workout uniform features these RBX Active Military Green Patterned Capri Legging, C9 by Champion Tank, Athleta Braided Headband, FitBit Flex, Happy Plugs Camo Earbuds, & dumbells]

 More than anything lately, and I mean anything,  I’ve been wanting to spend time working out. And for the most part I have, but before you think I’ve been sweating it out hardcore, for the record, I’ve been doing it “my way,” which means heavy on the Pilates, yoga, and meditation, light to non-existent on the cardio. When I am in the gym, opposed to in the studio taking a class via my FitReserve membership, I move at a quicker pace, however, irregardless of the activity, I need to be comfortable, stylish, and up for anything. I recently tested the Digital Camo Legging by RBX Active, which was a revelation thanks to its ease of movement and super duper affordable price ($29.99).

The pants are super lightweight and the ultimate in stretch, thanks to the four-way stretch design, lay flush against the body due to the flat lock seaming, and the combo of fibers and finish wick moisture away from the body so that nothing detracts from your workout.  The leggings are high performance, so that you can be too, and as we all know, I’m a sucker for a cool camo print! As sleek as the design is, there is a tiny, concealed pocket that I actually didn’t even notice until after a few wears that it rests on the hip and is perfect for stashing some cash or keys if you don’t have a locker to leave your belongings in.

Overall, I’ve got to say I’m very impressed with all of the functional and stylish features for the price; so much so, that I think  you should get a pair too! Receive 25% off at RBXActive.com, now through July 31st, 2015 via code “Active25,” plus free shipping on orders that tally to $50 or more.  My particular style is available in four color options, but you can also choose from compression shorts, running shorts, bras, tops, and more, or look for RBX Active and sporting goods and fashion retailers nationwide.

Full Disclosure: Fashion Pulse Daily received a sample for editorial review.

 

June 3, 2015

What It’s Like Getting Hair Extensions at RPZL

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julia dinardo hair extensions

[A few of my tape-in hair extensions right before the were placed in my hair at RPZL]

I’ve never had hair extensions before, save a few thin punky pink strands I had added in for breast cancer awareness month, about six years ago. Since then, I’ve thought about how I would be silly to not try them, having naturally thin tresses that could use a volume boost and what I suspected would be a total game-changer when it came to the way that I thought about my hair. RPZL was introduced to me as a blow out and extensions bar, and finally it was time find out what some extra strands could mean for me. The extension options included clip-ins to  bi-adhesive premium tape hair and NextGen high-tech kertain extensions, which range in price as well as longevity.

julia dinardo RPZL

[The extensions are in, and now it’s time to trim them to size]

I opted for the tape-ins, which last up to eight weeks, and thought it would give me a good taste for what it would be like to have a semi-permanent look and feel of extensions. I had initially gone in to RPZL for a complimentary consultation, returning a few weeks later when my color had arrived in the tape-ins (red is a tricky shade to match), and the process began! The first step was to get my scalp squeaky clean, since it shouldn’t be washed for 48-72 hours after the extensions were applied. Once my hair was blown dry and since the extensions were for volume, I had half of a set (six pieces) applied strategically to the under layers in the back of my head for a natural boost that wasn’t too dramatic.  Next, the extensions were trimmed to my hair length, and I was fully styled to look the height of glamour.

Thankfully RPZL gave me a guide for how to care for my extensions, which included avoiding excessive heat tools, avoid salt and chlorinated waters, use conditioner on only mid-lengths to ends, and loosely braid or pig tail hair for bed. I took the instructions quite seriously, and when I returned to have the extensions removed, I was told that they were actually in pretty good shape. The removal process was pretty quick, including a good wash and blow out alongside gently taking out the extensions; so much so that I didn’t even realize it happening. My stylist, Kelly, spritzed a simple combination of an alcohol-based product mixed with some oil to help it glide right out without damaging my actual hair one bit.

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[Left: Julia with the extensions in; right: Julia with the extensions freshly removed]

I still left looking quite glam, thanks to the blow out after, and felt a bit naked the first few times I tousled the back of my head. Although I did extensions for volume, most people tend to do them for length; be sure to inform your stylist as to how you plan on wearing your hair and what you’d like to achieve with the extensions, not to mention a bit about your lifestyle so that she/he can assess the perfect match for you!

RPZL is located at 27 West 20th Street in NYC, and you can book an appointment online or call 212.255.0036. Blow outs are $40, while extensions using 100% virgin Remy hair range from $60-$850, and the removal process, which includes a blow out, is $80-$120.

 

 

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