sorry those are MINE!

Want some FREE MAGAZINES? I know, I didn't even have to ask. Well, here's an exciting offer for our Pretty readers to get their hands on mine. This is a new customizable magazine idea that combines your reads into one issue and sends them to you bi-weekly or monthly depending on how often the glossy publishes.

I signed up for it, but haven't received an official copy yet, so I don't know how it'll turn out. I'm also not sure how your interests will be tailored either because they ask you only four completely random questions. Hence, we'll see what craving sushi, juggling, singing in the car, and Socrates have to do with InStyle. Overall no complaints, it's FREE; so put away your sad not in this economy face and smile because someone is giving you a break. Plus if you're dancing between rent and shoes, then maybe you should put Money magazine on your list? You can't say we never got you anything.

MINE: My Magazine, My Way.

No needles for your Pretty skin, thanks to Avon

Avon's going all high-tech on us which is awesome because who can afford high-end, anti-aging skin care products anymore? Not in this economy! I've been seeing this gorgeous bottle in all the major mags and was so thrilled to see that the Pretty blue helix is courtesy of Avon, the brand that you can always count on to be money well spent (especially since my big 3-0 is coming up and I'm this close to freaking out).

Recently debuted (and perfectly timed for the current economic slump), Avon's ANEW Clinical Derma-Full X3 Facial Filling Serum has a formula that contains the same injectible-grade hyaluronic acid facial filler that dermatologists inject into the wrinkles of rich old ladies. Hyaluronic acid is a key component of healthy skin and a proven wrinkle filler, and Avon's serum is designed to stimulate your skin's own filling fibers and build their natural reserve of hyaluronic acid.

We Pretties don't get older, we just get better, so we need to keep our skin in fighting shape! Yes, yes, it's $54 price tag is steep, but only by Avon's standards. How much do you think Nicole pays for that waxen forehead? Yes, put away the needles, Pretties, and head on over to Avon.

Hot hippie style stole my heart

As far as we're concerned spring is upon us and summer isn't far behind! So while we're dreaming of Malibu ditch days Matthew Williamson's items on Net-A-Porter have taken my heart. Loud colors, bright bikini's, and cute clutches - so LA Pretty!


Obviously these items are Not in this economy prices and out of reach on my "hope I still have a job in three month" salary; but a girl can dream. I'm sure there are similar styles out there that I'll be able to get my paws on.

Hair on a budget with John Frieda

This morning I was all about the inexpensive makeup, and this afternoon, I'm all about the inexpensive hair products thanks to John Frieda. I saw a commercial for their brand-spanking new Root Awakening line last night and fell in love with the fact that each product is under $7! How's that for Not in this Economy living?? Designed to purify and nourish your roots and scalp, the shampoo, conditioner and detangling spray are all formulated with natural Eucalyptus. So that's why koalas have such nice hair!

And if you're a color-treated Pretty like me, you're probably putting off your next salon color (err...or my next purchase of box color). Luckily John Frieda's Luminous Color Glaze is there to pump up my color between dyeing. For under $10 a bottle, it leaves your hair with a just-walked-out-of-the-salon shine and a glossy finish. This is second-fave type of glaze (doughnuts will always come in first).

BeautyCrunch will save the day

Are you having money problems because you're in a "not in this economy!" kind of mood? Don't worry, because you can still get your cosmetic fix with BeautyCrunch. They have "artistry brands at beautiful prices."

Their not lying either! The super cute and simple website has mega discounts on brands we love like: Stila, DuWop, Too Faced, Lola Cosmetics, Pop Beauty, and Bella Il Fiore.

Try this Too Faced Glamour Gloss for only $8.00!

Or this Stila Eye and Cheek Palette in Perfectly Plum for $12.00.

BeautyCrunch.com

March Makeup Madness!

Pink up your makeup without pilfering your purse

If the $32 Vivid Garden face powder from Estee Lauder's Spring Collection is making you think Not in this Economy, we hear you! Even though the Lauder collection has us loving the pink, times are tough. Luckily N.Y.C.'s new Pink Persuasion Collection lets us get Pretty in pink without forcing us to empty our purses.

Their version of the pink face powder, Color Wheel Mosaic Blush Powder, is just as beautiful (and even more so as it comes with a $4.99 price tag!). With two shades called "Pink Berry," and "Pretty in Pink," we love how these colors are so bright and fresh for spring! And for $2.99, you really can't say no to the collection's City Duet Eye Shadow. Spring colors are called "Pink'y Swear" and "Pink Wink." Cute! Each duet has a highlight and contour color to give your eyes and extra Pretty pop! The best part is the duel-ended brush/sponge applicator: the whole thing is worth it just for the brush.

The collection also offers two different ways to pink up your pucker. Two new colors of both their Smooch Proof Long Wearing Lip Color ($4.99) and Kiss Gloss ($2.99) are full of pink including shades like "Pink Punch," "Pink Persuasion," "Posh Pink," and "Pink Flamingo."Add to that two different pink shades ("Pink Poodle" and "Pink Quartz") of their In a New York Minute! Fast Dry Nail Enamel and N.Y.C. is a fabulous inexpensive way to freshen up your makeup for the new season.

March Makeup Madness!

Keep yourself Pretty with Dr. Patricia Wexler

Even though it was pouring rain this morning, I still put on my sunscreen. Obsessive you may say, but I'm a freckler and I can't be too careful. I'm obsessed with making sure I'm covered and I'm so happy to find Dr. Patricia Wexler's Daily Defense Anti-Oxidant Tinted Moisturizer.

All of us Pretties (even the famous ones) are trying to scrimp and save in this Not in this Economy! climate, so it's a great product to have because you get a lotion, a foundation, an SPF and an anti-oxidant protector all in one pop! I love the light coverage that it gives me so I'm finding that I often use it in place of foundation. And the fact that this is also an SPF 30 protector and includes anti-oxidants to fight free radicals that can cause Not So Pretty wrinkles makes this moisturizer a must have.

This of this moisturizer as a highly-trained bodyguard to protect your beautiful skin from LA's terrible smog, pollution, and sun that are all desperately trying to damage, dull, and wrinkle your skin. It's formulated with a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30 plus it includes a free radical-fighting super anti-oxidant compound to neutralize and prevent signs of aging by reducing cell damage.

It will also put back some Pretty into your skin by repairing signs of past damage!

Get it at Bath & Body Works at the Westside Pavilion (10800 Pico Blvd, Los Angeles).

Nordstrom's shoe sale - friend or foe?

Need a little retail therapy? Well, Nordstrom is having a shoe clearance! I know this is very difficult, our minds are screaming "Not in this economy!" while our feet and eyes are going gaga over some strapped styles.

But, watch out because it is a total money trap! One of those times where you'll go "I'll just browse," but spend way too much and try to make excuses for your purchases.

Proceed at your own risk!

How the Pretties are doing in this economy

We always keep out eyes out for what the Pretties are into, and The Beauty Counter Blog went right to the source asking the Prettiest of the Pretties how they're dealing with keeping up their beauty regimen in a Not in this Economy! type of climate:

Milla Jovovich (model/mom/Joan of Arc/designer/Target Fan):

Your big investment must always be on skincare. It's just something I believe you can't skimp on. I swear by the Swiss brand Cellcosmet.

Chanel Iman, the hottest model to come out of Fairfax High:

Hands down value for your money is Rosebud Lip Balm at Sephora. It’s just this one product that softens your cuticles, cures baby rash, and glosses up your lips. Cheap mascaras like Maybelline work better for me. The ones that charge more seem to clot. It’s crazy but true!

Freida Pinto, IT girl of the moment

Times are hard but I believe less is more. Concealer is the essential element. I swear by Vichy’s Dermablend. It’s very skin friendly. If I want to add to this I use mascara (Chanel) and lip gloss. My favorite color is Tangerine Jet by Dior.



Scrimping with Dior and Chanel? Something tells me Frieda didn't understand the question.


Info via Beauty Counter Blog.

It's Nast-y if you're Condé

Poor Condé Nast's pockets have a huge hole in them and sad editors are working their stilettos off trying to keep their underpaid assistant jobs. If you're not familiar with the magic that is Condé Nast, they're the publishing company that makes all those magazines that you're too busy to read. Including: GQ, Vogue, Vanity Fair, Wired, and so forth. We all knew they were doing bad; but it seems like the infamous address 4 Times Square is turning into Poor Times Square. As stated in a recent New York Post article:

"They are having the worst year of any publisher," said one rival executive who once worked at Condé Nast and said the company's recent cuts of 5 percent each on expenses and staffing isn't enough.

"They are overstaffed and overpaid. They should have cut back 20 percent when they cut back five," this person said.

The company can barely give out subscriptions these days. They're trying everything along with slashing prices. They desperately need to keep their subscriptions up, so their circulation remains high for advertising sales. For instance, see this GQ offer, (so debbie):

I can live without the "made in China" messenger bag. Is any publication able to persevere through this doom and gloom? Yes, actually there is. "Only one magazine in its stable is showing a rise over a year ago: Golf World, a small circulation weekly, that is up 16.5 percent through the Feb. 23 issue." said the NY Post article.

Does that mean put down the Vogue (which totally sucks these days anyways) and pick up Golf World?

Perfect pores that won't leave you poor

With all of us being in a 'not in this economy' kind of mood, and wanting to save that dollar without letting our appearances dry up, comes a new solution. Introducing Lifebooker, the preeminent marketplace where spas and salons advertise discounted appointments. The site, which is free for clients, allows you to browse through uniquely good deals and book appointments instantly online. In order to ensure users get the best Lifebooker has to offer, they’ve made it possible to filter or sort services by appointment availability, discount amount, total price, by neighborhood, duration of service, individual service rating. You can also book for multiple guests at once.

Say for example 50% off the post Oliver Ifergan Atelier in Beverly Hills?

This way your pores can be Pretty, your locks full of luster, and best of all you'll save yourself more than just a Pretty penny.

FLUXnouveau warehouse sale!

Oh man, my "don't buy stuff" mantra which I use to get me through tough economic times is surely being tested by the newest BargainsLA newsletter that arrived in my inbox. FLUXnouveau, a brand which usually sell in overpriced boutiques, Barney's and Fred Segal is having a warehouse sale this weekend. And from what I can tell, it's a "get rid of it all" kind of sale.

Their hip comfy-looking line of Ts, dresses, cropped jackets, hoodies, etc. will be available for 70-90% off their retail price! Tanks that retail for $28 are on sale 3 for $15, Ts that sell for $30 will be 3 for $20, and flirty dresses that retail for $75 are three for $40! Sounds like a new way to get a spring wardrobe for me.

Cash only and no dressing room: you're literally emptying their wearhouse for them.

Flux Nouveau Warehouse
1750 E. Jefferson Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90011
323-231-7000

Saturday, February 28 from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Get brows done the Indian way

If the awesomeness of Slumdog Millionaire and the beauty of Freida Pinto is bringing out some India-love, try applying it to your beauty routine with the art of eyebrow threading. I was introduced to it after admiring the brows of an Indian friend (hi Simran!) and have never looked back.

It's more efficient than plucking because instead of using tweezers to remove one hair at a time, threading pulls out hairs by rows. (You also aren't left with any small, bloody marks that plucking sometimes gives you.) Waxing also pulls up skin along with the hairs which would cause irritation, not to mention waxing hurts. Skilled threaders can quickly, accurately, and pretty painlessly shape your brows -- there's no better way to Pretty up your face than to get those brows sculpted.

And if you're thinking "Not in this Economy" think again. LA Pretties can make a 10 minute stop to Vinita's Beauty & Threading and get their brows done for only $8.99. No appointment necessary and with locations in Westwood, Beverly Hills, Cerritos and Tustin it's easy to find a place nearby. Loves it!

Vinita's Beauty & Threading; 328 N. La Cienega, Beverly Hills.

What recession? Pretty pricey fashions that are sold out

Since we're in a recession and totally in a not in this economy kind of mood, I'm wondering well who is buying all of the pricey fashionable goods. Europeans? Rich people? NY socialites? Wardrobe stylists? Your mom? Okay probably not your mom, but while browsing Net-a-Porter's 'What's New' section I found some pricey pieces that are already sold out.
This ACB tiered fringe necklace for $300. (Here's the I told you so about the awesomeness of fringe)
This ACB leather knot necklace for $245. I think you may be able to find a boyscout to make one for you.
Miu Miu Python purse anyone? Only $3,950. Boyscouts can make knots, but leave snake skinning to the pros.
Eun Jeong Embellished silk waistcoat for $2,920. Layering is never enough, how about just embellishing a white jacket that won't keep you warm? It actually is a Pretty design, just out of this Pretty's price tag.

Oscar glam at Hamburger Marys

Are you sad because you didn't get invited to The Oscars? Don't have money to throw a party for all your pals? Not in this economy!

Well for only $25, you can glam up the Oscars with they gays at Hamburger Marys. I'm sure it'll be much more entertaining than watching it at home and what better excuse to drink on a Sunday? Hint: Make your martini a double and try the Pinetini - it's my fave!

Besides, it's for a good cause.

Hamburger Marys 8288 Santa Monica Blvd. W. Hollywood, 90046 P: 323.654.3800

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

Have a little luxury with Beau Bain Bath Bombs

Because we're in a Not in the Economy kind of mood when it comes to pricey spa treatments, I wanted to introduce you a luxury that you can enjoy right at home. Beau Bain is French for "Beautiful Bath, and their wonderful products will give you just that.

We had the pleasure of testing some of their famous hand-made bath bombs (it's a tough job, but someone has to do it) and we can see why these decadent bombs can be found in fine spas, hotels and private baths throughout the world. First off, as the picture of their Lavender Collection proves, they're absolutely gorgeous to look at. All are in perfect spheres, and are such little pieces of artwork that you kind of feel bad ruining them by using them.

That is, until you realize how beautiful your bathroom (or your entire one-bedroom apartment, if you're me) smells. The fragrance is like a refined, luxury spa, and I love that even after my bath, I can still be surrounded in the soothing aroma.

Plus, post-bath you'll find that your skin is smooth and moisturized. Oh, and your bathtub also isn't stained. Love that part.

A collection of Beau Bain Bath Bombs, is also a great gift idea. With floral, lavender, ice cream and fruit to choose from, each woman will have a favorite. Get them here.

Want to dress like a chick flick?

Patricia Field is bring her big screen Shopaholic fashions to her NY shop and online. Now you can browse through her "Shopaholic Style" section to find that must have piece that you'll go broke for. All of the pieces scream for attention, but after all they parallel a chick flick. This Pretties pick is the 'Stop Staring Katrina Dress' ($242). Loves it!

Patricia Field also highlights Sex and the City too, in case you still didn't get enough fashion from the film. Sadly, my Katrina dress dream is going to be put on hold. $242? Not in this economy! You should opt for the sale section for some unique steals and deals. Besides, where else will you find $20 Men's Sequined Sneakers?
Happy Shopping! 302 Bowery St NYC, NY 10012 (if you plan to visit soon). Otherwise, online.

xx,
A

Crate & Barrel's V-day treats

Not in this economy do you want to be spending a lot of money on Valentine's Day gifts. So, our friends at Crate & Barrel showed us a few fancy items that are very affordable, yet will make you look like you went all out. Also, when you go in the store, make sure to opt for their packaging for that extra special touch. We picked out a few of our faves from their Valentine's Day page.


Just started that new relationship and not ready to lay out the big bucks on a Valentine's Day gift? Lights up her heart, literally, with the Heart Candleholder (left). Set a romantic scene with flicker of the candle flame, and the flame of your relationship is sure to burn eternally.

Heart Candleholder, $1.95




Treat your sweet to the adorably romantic Valentine Plate (right) that is all heart. Pink and red hearts create a fun & flirty rim around this white porcelain plate and offer the perfect backdrop for delicious Valentine's Day desserts!

Valentine Plate, $5.95



Taking your relationship to the next level? Treat your Valentine to Crate and Barrel's Edge Flutes (left) -- stemware that will stylishly provide you with a dose of liquid courage as you embark on the next stage of your lives together.

Edge Flute, $11.95





Crate & Barrel inside The Grove, 189 Grove Drive Los Angeles, 90036

xx,
A

Search for nudity at The Getty Center

Is your man buying you an expensive dinner, flowers, and jewelry this Valentine's Day? Not in this economy! Instead of going into debt, how about going on an adventure? Introducing, 'The Naked at The Getty Scavenger Hunt' that'll bring out your intellectual and inventive side. This hunt is put on by Watson Adventures who organizes scavenger hunts across the nation.













They will have you searching for nudity at the Getty. You don't need to know anything about art, the museum, history, or nudity to solve the questions. Highlights of the hunt are set to include: a slutry dog whisperer, slapstick with a lemon, an ancient game of Wife Swap, Toulouse-Laurtrec's "moodel," Mischief's bear hide, a Cupid who pulls a Mike Tyson move, a god who enjoys children (preferably with mustard) and more.

After the hunt you can grab a snack while taking in the serene views of our awesome city. Lets also not forget that you'll have a unique story to brag about while everyone else is quacking about their dull V-Day dinners.

Don't worry if you can't make it Saturday. Watson Adventures has many LA events coming up like The Santa Monica Pier Pressure Scavenger Hunt on Feb 28th rated adults only.

Happy Hunting!
xx,
A

Advance purchase of tickets is required and this hunt is rated PG-13.
Feb 14, Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Drive, more info here.