Surfers, Smashbox and Santa Monica

What do surfers, Smashbox, and Santa Monica all have in common you ask? Besides looking sexy, they are all about keeping the beaches Pretty! Since Smashbox cosmetics is an LA native they're partnering with Malibu based non-profit, the Surfrider Foundation to clean up Santa Monica. They're hosting a beach cleanup Earth Day (April 22) from 9-11 am. Two hours isn't very long, so hopefully a lot of people show up or the beach isn't as dirty as presumed.

If you'd like to join the action you're welcome to show up and lend a helping hand. It really is all about the community and keeping the environment Pretty.

For more information visit the Surfrider Foundation's website.

image source.

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.

lafw: Sjobeck was so good

So the highlight of #lafw (twitter it) coverage was the crowd pleasing Sjobeck. We loved the Native American inspiration of their grandpa. More impressively he was able to make it downtown for the show. Sjobeck started with a live drum performance and traditional singer, then a dancer brought some much needed culture to The Los Angeles Theatre.

After the performance the crowd (mostly drunk women) lost it for the first model to grace the runway in his tight jeans and authentic head dress.
Many of the looks were very California cool with Indian flare. That whole "I look really cool, but I'm not trying hard style" that we're synonymous for. Our favorite piece was this feathered skirt! It was absolutely stunning!
Loves it! More photos via Racked LA.

Gimme More...

We finally found a reason to smile about Britney's song being stuck in our heads. The photos from Robert Pattinson's GQ spread need no explanation as to why they are our Pretty Pick of The Week! Enjoy!


Full article via GQ
Photos courtesy of Nathaniel Goldberg (the world's luckiest photog)

R&R is showing my face a good time!

Pants are so last year, now it's all about Rock & Republic's Cosmetics. This brand has the sexiest packaging coupled with quality products. I recently got my paws on their Extremist Mascara and one of their Luxe Lip Glosses.
My lashes took on the 'extreme' effect this morning when I applied the mascara. The silver bullet case houses a larger than life brush, but it boasted my lashes into tip top shape. Don't feel prude because of the vibrator-like tube; the stealth pocket rocket is the perfect companion for your makeup collection. Each lash was separated with perfection and no clumping occurred. Even hours later after doing lots of Pretty work there is zero flaking and my lashes are still high up at attention! I kind of wish this was one of those vibrating or oscillating mascaras, but then again it may be too vibrator-esque, but is that a bad thing?

Enough with the lashes, my lips went luxe over the gloss. The pout-perfecting formula isn't sticky and has staying power. Just swipe once over your lips and voila! - everyone will want you! Well, add a sexy dress and the mascara and then I'm sure you'll be a hot commodity at your next party. However, with shades like Cougar, Sexy Beast, Hot Sauce, and Mistress how can you not feel sexy? If you take those titles too literally though, you may end up wishing your mascara was a vibrator. Just take at gander at this cougar, I bet there's some R&R on her face.

Don't forget to check out the rest of the Rock & Republic Cosmetics collection.
Online or Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, and Nordstrom.
image source
March Makeup Madness!

Pretty boys love Barbie

Since it is the 50th Anniversary of Barbie french retailer Colette asked M.O.B. Living to create a fun shirt in honor of the icon. The above shirt will be available in three colors and I'm sure the boys of West Hollywood will be all about it!

Stay tuned as the shirt hasn't been released yet.

How Franco gets Pretty

After the Golden Globes showcased the scruffier side of our favorite leading men, the Oscars were a bit more clean shaven and dressed up. We found out how sexy actor, James Franco got Pretty with help from Hamadi. To achieve James' hot hairstyle Jamal Hamadi blew out his curly hair. Then he applied Hamadi Shea Hair Cream to his palms and ran it through James' luscious locks to get the desired texture and style.

Hamadi made Franco's hot hair style for The Independent Spirit Awards, as well as, the Ocsars. (Notice the difference in facial hair-Oscar was clean shaven all the way). Apparently, Hamadi makes an excellent St. Patrick's Day gift too! Get it online.
left Franco image.
right Franco image.

Put this in your man's pants

It's time for your BF to throw away his tattered old wallet and welcome in a new generation of hip pocket accessories. J. Fold is the original sports wallet and they'll add a dose of fashion into the pants that need it most.
These high quality wallets are top grain leather and have lots of card slots. This provides organization without the dreaded butt bulk. All of their wallets come in a protective pouch, so if you want to get a couple J. Folds (so you can mix it up on evenings out) then your alternates will rest safely in their case. This aids in keeping the leather in tact when you want to flop back and forth between styles.Encase a full on wallet isn't exactly your thing. The company also makes flat and folding card carriers. Sometimes I use these on nights that call for a tiny purse or clutch and leave my larger bag at home.
There are so many styles in their product assortment, so there is literally something for everyone. J. Fold even makes stylish business card holders, perfect for all of us young professionals. I love the red one so much and unlike other cases this one closes securely because it is implanted with a tiny magnet. Loves it!

So if you're looking for a gift for your guy, or you're a guy and needs a new wallet, check out J. Fold. After all, shouldn't something that holds money be sexy?

J. Fold products can be purchased online or Brick and Mortar, 8350 Santa Monica Blvd WeHo, 90069 or Body Beverly Hills 210 S. Beverly Dr. Beverly Hills, 90212
(more locations listed online)

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.

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The gays wish you a Happy V-day!

While cruising through WeHo on my way to and from Pretty headquarters I always pass a certain green house off Foutain Ave that grabs my attention. The awesome couple that lives here is Chad Michael Morrisette and Mito Aviles. This is the house that put up that infamous Sarah Palin mannequin hanging by a noose around Halloween. They got a slew of media attention for for that, and it was Pretty funny to watch everyone freak out over it. My favorite interview they gave was one where Chad was wearing an Angelyne shirt.

Enough with my digressing, you can see their latest V-Day display above with the Tin Man and a letter to CA's Chief Justice in regards to Prop 8. It reads:

Dear Chief Justice, I hope when you decide kindness will be your guide. Put a little love in your heart! -Tin Man

Awww! That's just touching and amazing that they can find a Tin Man to put on their roof. I don't even know where I'd get a Tin Man or how to make one. We admire their creative activism and wonder what the next wonderful display will be?
We also admire Hamburger Marys. If you have to ask why then you've probably never been there. Anyways, I may have to visit tomorrow for their V-Day specials! Chocolate fountain? Yes please!

Plus Mary will have 2 Complimentary (with dinner purchase) chocolate fountains with both dark and white chocolate! Plus lots of Fruit and Candy for your dipping PLEASURE!! HOW FUN IS THAT? Come get some chocolate on your lovers face!
Hamburger Marys 8288 Santa Monica Blvd WeHo, 90046

My lips are experiencing a La Mer-icale!

My Partner in Pretty already filled you in on the magic that is La Mer's Body Creme. So now I'm here to let you know that their lip balm is also pure magic! After all, lip skin is far more delicate than facial or body skin, plus it turns over at four times the rate of skin on your face. This leaves our Pretty pouts susceptible to the dangers of cold, wind, pollutants, the sun, bad kissers, and anything else that can cause chapped rough lips - Not Pretty!

Luckily, La Mer's Lip Balm is full of the same nutrient-rich broth that's found in its famous Creme de la Mer. What makes The Lip Balm so unique is that they mix their broth with a Lip Lipid Complex that helps strengthen the minimal moisture barrier. This aids in lips retaining their natural moisture.

If this isn't enough for you La Mer also added in Marine Anti-Freeze Proteins (MAP). I know, you're thinking WTF is that? Well, it's basically AMAZING - this is an essential protein found in arctic marine life (think fish) that helps keep them from freezing. MAP enhances the lip skin barrier and helps protect lips from the most extreme conditions.

I couldn't wait to put this to the test! The Lip Balm comes in a glass tub and you must use your fingers to apply. A small amount goes a long way and leaves lasting results. When I first used this product it as applied at 10:24 am, and my lips felt cool and smooth. Thirty minutes later they were still perfectly kissable. An hour later, the product completely absorbed into my lips leaving them uber soft and smooth. Approximately an hour and a half after initial application I got the urge to reapply, not because I needed it, but because I enjoy obsessively apply things to my lips.

This being said, La Mer's Lip Balm is perfect for use in the am and before your beauty rest at night. The $45.00 price tag is reasonable considering it's like a daily spa treatment for your lips. And hey we're in a recession, so cut the spa and go straight for the quality products. That way next time you get stuck in the cold your lips will be able to tackle any situation, however you must guard against bad kissers on your own.




Purchase online or at select Saks Fifth Avenue or Neiman Marcus stores.



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LA Places for a Super Party

Sunday is a Pretty important day for sports fans, Super Bowl XLIII (43)! This game is the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. The Arizona Cardinals (incase you didn't know). We can't predict a winner, but we know this a time to eat, drink beer and yell angrily at your TV.


If you're watching the game at home or having friends over we suggest checking out Esquire's Recipes for Men. We all know this is a manly day when calories don't matter and we think food ideas by men for men are the way to go.

If you're thinking of heading out somewhere to watch the game here are a few local suggestions. However, most of these places tend to get packed fast so someone will have to arrive early to save a spot for the group. A simple rock, paper, scissors duel is fitting for this situation.

Barney's Beanery 8447 Santa Monita Blvd West Hollywood, 90069
insider tip: Awesome Mexican food!

Happy Ending Bar 7038 W Sunset Blvd Hollywood, 90028
insider tip: Don't waste your cash trying to win a lobster

Big Wangs 1562 N Cahuenga Blvd Hollywood, 90028
insider tip: It's like being back in college

Red Rock Bar & Eatery 8782 Sunset Blvd West Hollywood, 90069
insider tip: Order the fish & chips

and our favorite place:


Hamburger Mary's 8288 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, 90069

When it comes to the Super Bowl nothing is gayer than a bunch of men in spandex fighting over a ball and running plays from behind all in hopes of winning a shiny ring.

insider tip: Watch out for Buffy the Hamburger Slayer while taking break in the disco bathrooms.

And for the Super Bowl high roller in your life, aka gents who can't handle the noise and chaos of Vegas, there's always Game Day '09 at The Playboy Mansion. For only $1,500 you too can party off Cross Creek - painted ladies and all. Lets not forget Bret Michaels will be performing live and so will Girlicious. Who would've ever thought they'd share the same stage? Well, if Michaels needs to borrow some eyeliner I'm sure they'll hook him up. VIP tables are $10,000 and cabanas are $25,000, you know, because general admin isn't special.


Super Bowl image source.
Food image source.
Football image source.

Good vibrations!

"Im pickin up good vibrations
She's giving me excitations
Good good good good vibrations"

We don't think this is exactly what the Beach Boys had in mind when they wrote "Good Vibrations," but we found it fitting to accompany this post.

Valentine's Day is also commonly known as V-Day, well we're going to turn it into O-Day with help from some new vibrating gadgets. These toys will help you reach the big O, on the day of the big V.

Let's start with the Lifestyles Vibrating Ring. This concoction slides right onto your lover's manliness and will help shake things up for the night. The ring comes in a package similar looking to a condom for hygienic purposes. There's a little switch on the side to control when to start and stop the vibrating. But, don't get too excited because each ring only lasts for about 20 minutes. We suggest picking up a 3-pack, and don't worry boys the ring is made with silicone so it'll expand to fit all sizes and is safe for use with a condom (always use protection).

For those riding solo on V-Day, check out OhMiBod. This company took two awesome inventions - mp3 players and vibrators - and combined them for an uplifting duo. OhMiBod's NaughtiBod plugs into your iPod and will rock your world along with your favorite songs. The company encouranges users to post their favorite playlists on the site's ClubVibe forums.

The NaughtiBod is Optimized for all iPod® models & iPhone™, but compatible with other MP3 players. It also works with laptops, home stereos, portable CD players, microphones, electric guitars — virtually any electronic audio output source with a 3.5mm jack. We had no idea that vibrators could ever be so diverse.

Now you have the tools to make your V-Day full of good vibrations!

These love toys can be found at The Pleasure Chest
7733 Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood, 90046 323.650.1022

What's your dream?

Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream that we could all be equal no matter our differences and that dream is coming full circle with the inauguration of President-Elect Obama.

In honor of Dr. King we think it's Pretty to follow your dreams no matter what obstacles you encounter. It's also important to give back to your community to make it Pretty. Visit MLKDay.gov to see how and where you can help.

Image via AllPosters.com

Mantyhose: make them wonder what's under

We're okay with having men in tights and apparently Pretty Boys around the world like being in them. Steven Katz, co-owner of Comfilon's Activskin Legwear for Men, told NBC he came up with the idea because, "men were being told by their doctors that they needed compression legwear for knee problems, So they were sent to buy women's hosiery, and that was embarrassing for them."

He went on to say that "while the market for men's pantyhose in the U.S. is "tiny," 2008 has been "our best year ever." We're wondering if mantyhose is "tiny" in the US, where is it "huge"?


Mantyhose or shall I say, Activskin Legwear for Men, actually looks quite sporty. Not ice dancer sporty, think speed skater sporty or even better dirt bike dude-bro sporty. Apparently it really is all in the legs according their ad below.


Comfilon isn't the only company to get on this trend. The sexy guys over at Sculptees developed body shaping wear for men (manly spanx). Their goal is to "make them wonder what's under."

Apparently, nothing is sexier than the $54 Jimmy Brief, that has a relaxing crotch panel that lifts and supports to give you a nice package. Also, their comfortable fabric waistband won't dig into your skin while it delivers your package. Well, their already super-fit male model doesn't seem like the type that needs a lift. I want to see a before and after of someone a little more shapely, now that's a true test.