Scary nails? Never fear the nail Dr. is here!

Having your nails polished and shined is the perfect way to sass up your look for less. However, if you're like me they tend to get a bit neglected and you end up with that chipped nail polish look that's Not So Pretty.

Luckily, Duri has brought forth Rejuvacote ($12) which you paint on under and over polish. The directions say to paint it on each day for best results. I think just paying attention to your nails each day will make a difference. It's better than a nail hardener because those just make your nails hard. Rejuvacote, which has won an Allure's editor's choice award, makes the nails less prone to breakage and strengthens them all over. I've been using it for a bit and notice that Rejuvacote is excellent when used alone or with polish. So what are you waiting for?

Duri products and Rejuvacote available online

image source

Ashley Paige for Target is a downer

What is knitted all over? Comes in two pieces? And painfully boring? The Ashley Paige for Target bikini collection. Even if I was thirteen I still don't think I'd want to buy one they're Not So Pretty. First of all knit leaves nothing to the imagination and it wont enhance, support, or do anything for your boobs. Second, the bottoms on all the bikini's are so mundane and I question how they will actually hold up after some fun in the sun. Most of them are held on by strings, so they'll have to be tied up well. However, being made of knit fabric means they probably wont untie.
Okay so maybe the rainbow is kind of cute, but if you compare what's sold on her website to what's at Target, then it's a complete let down. Plus, there are zero one pieces in her collection for Target- those are the cutest ones on her site. Although, $29.99 vs. $250 for a bikini is significant difference. Besides, it's all about the Power of Juan anyways. Below are pics of brighter hues that I wished we would've seen.

Get Parisian Pretty with Sothys

Planning a trip to Paris soon? Me neither, but oh, it would be ever so nice. Luckily I have all the French luxury I need right in my own shower because of a couple new products from Sothys. With spas in both Paris and New York, L'Institut Sothys offers "the quintessential French spa experince." Sounds wonderful, but not in this economy!

So I'm so happy that they've begun a collection called Aroma Sothys and are offering it to all of us who can't afford a trip to Paris and would never step a single foot in that cold, mean place called New York. The line includes both a scrub and a shower gel for a full body treatment. Both products contain 100% natural active ingredients and essential oils knows for their exceptional affects on both your body and spirit.

Just like John Frieda's Root Awakening, the Energizing Shower Gel relies on eucalyptus oil - we're sensing a beauty trend! - along with cardamom, nutmeg and neroli essential oils. And their Delicious Scrub is simply yummy. It includes spices, ginger, nutmeg, orange, and mandarin which soften and delicately perfume the skin. Ohh la la!

Four Seasons Resport & Spa, 300 South Doheny, Los Angeles.

Don't get frisked by the law

Vehicle citations are Not So Pretty, so contributing writer, Pretty Kim gave us all deets on how to get out of a ticket without being frisked by the law.

How To: Get out of a traffic citation, and score better parking free of tickets after 6 PM

In Los Angeles there are 527 miles of freeway and 382 miles of conventional highways. Every last mile of them are patrolled by traffic cops with nothing else better to do than give you a ticket. And when you DO get a ticket, you risk higher insurance premiums, headaches, and the possibility of getting runny eyeliner as you cry to get out of it. Here’s my guide to getting out of a ticket if you do get one and getting better ticket-free parking.

Use your cell phone camera to take a photo of the dashboard AND the clock in your car. As soon as you get pulled over, snap these photos, especially of the clock! If you camera phone logs the date and time of each photo, even better.
Why this works: When you contest your ticket, if the date or time is incorrect on the ticket, you can successfully challenge the ticket either in court, or via Trial-By-Mail or Trial-By-Declaration. Provided your ticket is for a simple infraction or moving violation, more likely than not, the judge will toss out your ticket! Simply print the photo, attach a copy of the picture to your statement as evidence.

Take a photo of your car ASAP after you get the violation.
Why this works: I successfully got out of a ticket when I noticed that the officer incorrectly indicated that my car was silver in color. My car is unmistakably bright white. Again, you can usually successfully contest your ticket with this technique. If the officer can’t even tell what color your car is, how can they tell if that really was you talking on your cell phone?

Request a trial in traffic court.
Why this works: Most officers are reluctant to go to court over small violations. For example, a HOV or carpool lane violation will run you about $450-600 plus fees. That’s serious scratch that I would rather not part with. Although you will still be required to pay the bail amount, odds are very much in your favor that your citing officer will not appear in court. Also, once your citation is dismissed, you get your money back in the mail, less a $10 processing fee. Less than 25% of citing officers appear in court for non-felony traffic cases.

Park in Yellow or Green Curb Zones after 6 PM.

Why this works: http://ladot.lacity.org/tf_Colored_Curb_Zones.htm

TIP:

Take Fountain Ave.

Why this works: Not the most direct route between Silverlake and West Hollywood, however, the LAPD seems to be much more interested in the goings on of Sunset and Santa Monica Boulevards during the day. If you’re OK with 4-way stops, Fountain is OK with you.

Tampons.
If you get pulled over by a cop for speeding, whip out a tampon and mention it's your time of the month, right here. Right now. And you urgently need to... ahem!Why this works: Male officers are still male and usually completely grossed out by periods, period. They don't really want to know what goes on in your no-no-zone. As a dude, they also want to avoid being on the receiving end of PMS. I mean, EW Listen, THIS WORKS VERY WELL VERY VERY WELL. No one else will know except you and the cop who is NOT issuing you a ticket.

What about the CAT???

Flying cat alert! Kenley Collins, most known for her pretty feather headwear and being the one PR contestant who could get under Tim Gunn's skin, was just involved in a domestic dispute. The victim? Her (we hope, ex) fiance Zak Penley, the man with the scared, frozen smile in the picture below:

Apparently, she woke him up by throwing their cat in his face (alert PETA!!!) and then she switched to throwing a laptop at him. After falling to the floor, he tried to crawl away, and that's when Kenley slammed a door on his head and then began pelting him with apples. Oh, and lest we forget, she also poured water on him. The poor guy called 911 and she was promptly jailed.

According to The Celebrity New Examiner, she was released. But what about the cat??? Hopefully TMZ's reporters are on the case!

Cat image via Tubcat.

In case of emergencies, Pretties use Blemish-B-Gone

So on Monday I woke up to a couple of surprises in the form of two red zits on my face. We've all been there and it's so Not Pretty. I wanted them gone, and fast. Who wouldn't? Luckily I've just discovered the best spot-remover I've ever tried and I'll let you Pretties all in on the secret.

We've told you about professional skin care line Pevonia before (remember that scary hand picture??) and luckily I was given a sample of their new Blemish-B-Gone from their SpaTeen line. Yeah, yeah, I'm far from a teenager, but man does this stuff work. It's does exactly what it title says, it makes those zits take the fast train to nowhere-land. Using high quality organic ingredients including organic Benzoyl Peroxide and organic Salicylic Acid to make sure that the formula is gentle and non-irritating (plus Pevonia Botanica traditionally utilizes ingredients derived from natural and organic sources in its products), Blemish-B-Gone delivers a potent dose of "zit, go AWAY" medicine to your target problem areas. It's powerful antiseptic properties unclog pores, prevent new breakouts, and destroy acne-causing bacteria. It's gentle and alcohol free so that there's no awful sting after applying it like a lot of other spot treatments I've tried in the past.

But the part about this stuff is that it works. After a couple of days, those little blemishes were just a distant memory. Thank you Pevonia!

Get it at DermStore.com or at The Spa at Le Merigot (1740 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica).

Felonies and a Kid's Choice Award?

The crew at AC360 (The Silver Fox, Anderson Cooper's show) just posted that bully Chris Brown is still in the running for a Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Award. We're shocked that Nick didn't take him off of the nomination list after his altercations with the law!

After all, when Jamie Lynn Spears got knocked up her show was pulled off the air instantly. Well they claimed "hiatus" but we all know the truth.

So, shame on you Nickelodeon! Let the kids choose between and Jesse MacCartney, Kid Rock,T-Pain for male singer! Pull Brown outta there!

Besides there really shouldn't be any competition; the winner has gotta be T-Pain for the magic that is: "I'm on a Boat" with Andy Samberg.

Louis Vuitton has a case of the fug

From fragrance to apparel celebrities morphing into designers are hard to ignore. However, the Kanye West for Louis Vuittion sneakers are something we can't ignore, I tried.

Nothing says upper-class angst like bright colored designer high tops. These are so ugly, but that probably means they'll end up being cool and featured in magazines and music videos. This is just going to inflate West's ego even more. Hopefully his balloon head will float him back to his home planet before he can create any more fugly designs.
source.

Waste not, want not with Sacred Glo

From highlighters that can be used on face AND body to a pomade for your hair and skin, multi-tasking products are a great way to save some bucks in a "Not in this economy!" type of climate. So hooray for Sacred Glo candle/lotion/glass because their products are all three at once.

First it's a paraffin-free candle infused with all natural shea and soy butter. (The completely natural candles emit no harmful toxins or black sooty residue.) Then it's a warm body oil or lotion - it can even be rubbed in it's solid form on the body and is a great moisturizer.

"Sounds like some kind of S&M thing," you may be thinking. We'll no, the unique property of the soy bean oil causes it to heat to just 2 degrees about body temperature. While the oil will be comfortably warm, it will never be hot or painful. So rub away (but blow out the candle first!).

And because the oil easily pours out, when you're all done, you have a nice glass. No waste! Our swollen landfills will love you for that. Sacred Glo candles are available in four varieties, get them here.

Style sins in 'The City'

We admit it, we haven't been keeping up with the lovely Whitney Port and her antics on The City. We're still a tad upset that she left LA for those dreary New Yorkers. Even though the show is getting a second season, it seems like the style is taking a downturn. Xiyian Tang of Refinery29 (yes I read their site a lot), found the top 5 style sins:
1. Wearing the same outfit as the roommate you're feuding with on the most loaded holiday of the year

2. Headgear as a walking target versus fashionable accessory

3. Wearing a "timeless" outfit to a rock concert you're not on time for

4. Making plaid the symbol of your "downtown" persona

5. Loading up on eye make-up when you know you're about to lose all your marbles

Can you match each 'sin' to it's guilty character? full explanation here.

images/article via Refinery29

Pretty improvements: Open letter to Marisa Tomei

Dear Marisa,

Apparently taking off your clothes and working the pole will breathe new light into your career and get you an Oscar nomination. Well, way to go Marisa and thank you for not wearing a fugly dress to the Superbowl of award shows. After channeling Jack Sparrow for The Golden Globes we were left wondering - who lied to you?

That dress was a hot mess and so was your face. Your eyes were too dark and cheeks too rosey, especially with your bunny face smile!

Well, we're so excited that you hopped off the pirate ship and back on the classy train. Versace Atelier saved your ass and totally hooked you up with that pleated gray gown. GORGEOUS! We're guessing you got yourself some new gays to turn you Oscar Pretty! Well, it worked!

Marisa your makeup gave you soft features and a that gown showed off your sexy body. I could actually look at your face. Well, congratulations and maybe you'll get some new staring roles so you can be invited back next year.

xx,

The LA Pretties!

Pirate Marisa source
Versace Marisa courtesy Getty Images.

Bad beauty at Oscars

We hate to say it, but there was some bad beauty going down at the Oscars. Here are the ones that annoyed us the most:
We're really, really, really over this "I just came in off the beach and didn't have time to fix my hair" look that Jennifer Aniston's been pushing since 1999. Seriously, stop it. Get a brush, a curling iron and some bobby pins and give us something new. Who knows? Maybe you'll be into it! (And while we do love that you're opting for the spray tan rather than the real thing, well, the hairline just isn't working.)

We think the gays put it best when they said: "She must've shit herself when she saw Anne Hathaway's dress but she really should have shit herself when she saw what her hairstylist did."


With reluctance, we add Reese Witherspoon. And it's with reluctance because her hair was flowy and oh so Pretty on the red carpet, but then was a flat, uneven mess when on stage. What the hell happened? We think it was probably super hot backstage and Reese did that "I have GOT to get this hair off my neck" move because what kind of hair stylist would let her out like that?
Natalie Portman's makeup is just way too much for me. It reminds me of what I didn't like about the bad 80s vibe of YSL's Spring collection. Too much blush, too much pink - it was like the makeup artist was so into matching the dress, she forgot to think about whether the colors would match the face she was putting them on.

And speaking of bad 80's makeup/hair gone awry:

Jennifer, Reese, Lisa images via Just Jared.
Natalie image via Bella Sugar.

Fashion week: AWE, OMG, or WTF

With everyone going gaga for all things Fashion Week the past few days, it's nice that the runways are clear and the tents are coming down. Why should New York have all the fun anyways? Well, Glamour decided to do one more post about Fashion Week with the memorable moments that left us all saying AWE, OMG or WTF.
WTF? Next season's hottest handbag isn't a clutch or a hobo or an oversized tote, it's...a hat. Isaac Mizrahi gave a little wink wink, nudge nudge to his audience with these hilarious toppers.
OMG! The only thing worse than taking a tumble on the runway? A wardrobe malfunction! The audience was temporarily distracted from Matthew Williamson's pretty prints when a model revealed a little more than we were expecting.
AWE! The talk that runway models are too thin seems to be never-ending...but one photographer found solace in the form of redhead beauty Coco Rocha. As she struttted down the runway at Zac Posen, he yelled out, "Now that's a real woman!"
AWE! When the monster high heels at Brian Reyes proved to be too much for a few models, the rest of the gals showed their support by walking the last lap of the show barefoot.
And finally, Pretties, your #1 OMG moment of New York fashion week is....Pam Anderson. On the runway of the Richie Rich show. In a gold thong-Not So Pretty!

Images and article via Glamour

Guess who got fat?

While dinning at trendy restaurant Ketchup this weekend my party and I noticed a few celebs around. Apparently we were sitting by Kathy Griffin, but sadly we didn't even realize it until she had already left and the BFs mentioned her presence. We would've totally said hello to this LA Pretty, but alas missed this opportunity.

Anyways, we still got our laughs that evening from desperate star, Jesse Metcalfe who has visibly put on some weight. His face has gotten much fuller, while his body has become pleasantly plump (man boobs!). The picture below is him from exactly one year ago. As you can see he looks fit, but that guy is stronger and wants to beat the crap out of him. The actual video is available on TMZ.

Good times! Too bad now you're wearing sweats to Ketchup and have man boobs. Time to hit the treadmill Jesse. You may want to read our Pretty Fitness section for tips.

image source.

Not in this economy

Excuses and white lies to get out of obligations and family togetherness can sometimes be difficult to conjure up, but not in this economy! The upside to our financial recession has given birth to our new favorite catch phrase: Not in this economy! Apparently, we're not the only ones that have taken notice; a recent NY Times article shed some light on others who feel the economy is the perfect scapegoat. These are some key examples:
Excuses to yourself:

"Leonora Epstein, an assistant Web editor for a magazine in Manhattan, said she has used the excuse to put off joining a gym. She figured she could just run in Central Park instead and save the $90 a month.

It didn’t quite work out that way. “I have yet to take a run in the park, and know I’m now spending approximately 90 more dollars per month on cabs, dinners and drinks.”

Excuses to your family:

"One woman who lives in Queens said she and her boyfriend recently used the economy as an excuse to extricate themselves from a trip to Disney World with his family.

“When we travel, we like visiting international cities, going to museums, cafes, sitting in parks, so this really wasn’t our kind of trip to begin with,” she explained. “And as it turns out, you can basically spend a week in Europe for the same price as visiting Disney World during a school vacation week.”

Results of their approach were mixed. The family wondered why they could afford Europe in the fall, but not Florida in the spring. Some family members suggested they go along and just stay in a tent."

Firing the nanny:

"Ms. Modisett told the nanny that she had to “downsize” her staff, due to the slowdown. She adopted an appropriately sober tone, like so many bosses these days when delivering bad — but unavoidable — news.

Soon after, she hired another nanny."

Well, folks remember karma may also come to get you, using the economy as your free pass may only get you so far.

NY Times source.
Nanny image
Cartman image
Stupid image

Bacon makes everything Prettier

Like your Pretty with a side of bacon? Add it here with Bacolicio.us.

Pinkberry Puppy Scandal!

We at LA Pretty love our furry friends and know where our little buddies are and are not permitted. During a post-dinner snack at Pinkberry I noticed two pooches in the dining area.

One was being held by its owners in the corner and seemed very well behaved. However, my Partner in Pretty informed me that it's actually not permitted have dogs on your lap in dinning establishments, they must be on the ground. Well, these LA mavens didn't get the memo, and their pooch was practically on the table licking Pinkberry remnants (which probably isn't good for Fido). Here's an incognito image taken of the little Maltese below. I assure you that's not a purse, it's a pup.
The second pooch was a lone wanderer in the shop. He was originally near the other doggy, but left to peruse around the entrance. This little guy had no collar, tags, or leash on. The dog was naked of all identity and wandered in and out of the store for at least 10 minutes. Some customers stop to give him a little pat, while others completely ignored him. I found it very odd that the owner was no where in sight and employees didn't seem to care at all. Fellow customers found it odd as well because I could hear them talking about it. Well finally a large not-so-friendly looking woman came in and picked up the little pooch. She took him to the back and didn't come out again. Thus, I'm assuming that this was the location's manager or supervisor.


Now, as most of us know animals are not allowed inside restaurants. So, how is someone that works inside Pinkberry able to bring their pet into the building? Does she have a note from her therapist like the crazy lady in our building who takes her Yorkie everywhere? This obviously is not a seeing eye dog either.

This poor little guy wandered in and out of the store and a few more steps could've been out on the busy street. Why was there no identification on the dog either? Are people really that stupid and obvious? Well, apparently yes and apparently they hang out at Pinkberry.

Pinkberry has always hit the sweet spot for all of us in LA. But with the economy's doom and gloom taking its toll on everyone; they should be putting effort into the locations and people they want to keep. The shop does always has friendly service and staff with a smile, but seriously if some dog is just wandering around the entrance maybe employees should do something about it? Lets not forget the popularity of frozen yogurt is on the decline, so it's time to up the customer experience. It's hard to enjoy my swirly goodness, while I'm worried about a lonely dog.

xx,
Amy

Malls are becoming an endangered species

While Best Buy is stayin' alive malls are closing throughout America. According to NY Times, "there are roughly 1,500 malls in the United States, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers, many of them ailing, some of them being converted into office buildings, and others closing their doors for good." That doesn't sound so good.

The article also links to deadmalls.com, which is exactly what it sounds like. They have pictures and information about dead malls. Those on watch in CA include:

• Central City Mall / Carousel Mall: San Bernardino, CA
• Fallbrook Center: West Hills, CA
• Hawthorne Mall: Hawthorne, CA
• Indian Hill Mall: Pomona, CA
• The Quad: Whittier, CA
• Sherman Oaks Galleria: Los Angeles, CA
• Whittwood Mall: Whittier, CA

I have two major ones in my area, Century City and The Beverly Center. I'd rather venture inside Century City before stepping foot in the Bev Center. That place is an obnoxious tourist trap that has a labyrinth parking garage.

Anyways, as we've said before it's going to take creativity and innovation to keep retail alive.

image courtesy of Caroline Yang for the NY Times

Why wont Best Buy die?

We keep hearing about stores closing and retail turning anorexic. So, why has there been no news about mega-corporation Best Buy? Aren't they struggling? If there's one store we'd like to see go it's Best Buy! I have NEVER had a positive experience at this place - ever! The sales people are completely incompetent and talk out of their ass. I doubt they know the difference between a TV and a monitor.

According to their chart on NY Time's company description page, it actually looks like the store is doing well after bottoming out in Oct.

It's not that I want all of the people to work there to be out of a job. It's just that I can't understand why such a terrible store is still doing well - damn their cheap prices.

I think they need a Pretty makeover to make them more friendly.

Wells Fargo throwing Vegas bailout bash!

The geniuses over at Wells Fargo took their bailout money to reserve themselves a little Vegas shindig! Sorry, you're not invited. According to AP,

"Wells Fargo, which received $25 billion in taxpayer money, has booked 12 nights at the Wynn and Encore hotels starting Friday. Previous events have included horseback riding in Puerto Rico and a private Jimmy Buffet performance in the Bahamas.

At the end of the month, the company's insurance division has scheduled a meeting at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas.

Company spokeswoman Melissa Murray says recognizing employees remains part of the Wells Fargo culture. She says it's very important that employees know they're valued."

Really, nothing goes together better than old men and Vegas. I bet they'll drive up to the bunny ranch for some real action!

PS - watch MORE! on Fox 5 in Vegas!