Category Archives: BEAUTY
Bridget Hoida on: Sunglass Burial
I’ve always been a little bit, shall we say, irrational, devoted when it comes to my Sunnies. Like certain women from Texas who have a thing for bouffants, I’ve always believed that bigger is better. Or, in the words of Magdalena de la Cruz, the protagonist of my novel So L.A. “As long as you have a good purse and big enough sunglasses you can get away with anything in Los Angeles.”
Case in point? See “Post Exhibit A” (archived by my mother) wherein I rock a gingham chambray jumper and fashion a pair of red sunglasses in perfect “Sunnies-Quite-Possibly-Bigger-than-my-Face” style. I was maybe two.
—
Come to think of it, it could be said that the best part about Los Angeles is the fact that you can wear Sunnies anywhere, anytime, always. It matters not that you’re indoors. Nor does it matter that it’s after dark. I’m going out on a glamor limb here, dangling dangerously from a date palm tree, but I’m going to admit that in addition to sporting Sunnies to match my dress, I may even have sunglasses for different qualities of light. I mean, doesn’t everyone?
—
My best pair of Sunnies, by far, were a vintage pair of off-white Dior glasses (see “Post Exhibit B”). They were HUGE in the best possible way. And they died a tragic death in the hands of my daughter, who, when she was two, went on a spiteful sunglass busting bender. She just snapped every pair she could find: crack, pop, burst, like a wishbone the week after Thanksgiving. I was devastated. In fact, I still am.
—
In the hours after, when I was in shock and unveiled disbelief, I rushed out of the house with my puffy eyes exposed and drove them to three (yes I said three) certified optometrists, an ophthalmologist, a jeweler and a patio-glass repair man (that was when I was really desperate) but all six told me the same thing: Ma’am I’m sorry but…
—
Even still I couldn’t part with them. I keep the left “arm” as well as the right “three-quarters” of these glasses (of these tinted, broken dreams) on my desk as a reminder of who I used to be. They are joined by four other, less meaningful pairs, that were also busted by the baby. It’s a variable vintage sunglasses graveyard.
—
My current (favorite) Sunnies are newer and slightly smaller (not by choice) and much less fabulous, but in quintessential Didion fashion, they are about three-and-one-half inches round and a muted grey (perhaps because I am still in mourning?)
—
Bridget Hoida’s new novel, So L.A. must be read poolside with a floppy hat. You can find it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or buy it from the publisher, Lettered Press.
You can reach Bridget, typing behind oversized sunglasses, here: www.bridgethoida.com
“…the beauty of letting things go…”
“The beauty [of Los Angeles] is the beauty of letting things go; letting go of where you came from; letting go of old lessons; letting go of what you want for what you are, or what you are for what you want; letting go of so much—and that is a hard beauty to love.”—Michael Ventura, “Grand Illusion”Letters at 3 AM: Reports on Endarkenment
Happy Mother’s Day, mom!
Add some spring to your step … in fancy shoes! (img) #3PCstyle
Source: Uploaded by user via Pretty on Pinterest
Great question. (via @RonaldSkelton) #Responsible #Consumerism
Look at the last thing you bought, what problem did it solve, what benefit did you buy?
— Ronald Skelton (@ronaldskelton) May 6, 2012
How much thought do we put into where we spend our time, energy and money? Do you consider how the product in your shopping basket got to your hand? How was it manufactured? Whose idea was it to create this? What was intended when the decision to produce the product was made?
Let us know — do you think it matters???
We encourage you to pause and think about what message you’re helping create each time you make a purchase or decision. What you buy makes a bigger statement than you think — it supports ideas, practices and institutions. Be smart. Choose wisely.
Thanks for stopping by.
All the best,
3P
How’s your style? Will it help you reach success? (#3PCstyle)
#3PCstyle details: https://myprettypinkponies.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/3pcstyle.pdf
Join our Twittter/Pinterest conversation with Fashion Designer, Lando Ortega tonight at 6:30 (PT).
Lando provides us with his expert opinion on the following:
- Does fashion or style matter? Why/Why not?
- What kind of impact does styling and fashion have on women?
- How do we dress for who we really are (vs. who we wish to be) – body type, fit, style, fabric, drape…?
Please feel free to interject with follow up questions and thoughts after our guest has responded to the current question. Thank you!!!
3P
Resources: Edith Head's How to Dress for Success Sasha Charnin Morrison's Secrets of Stylists: An Insider's Guide To Styling The Stars
It may not be pink, but it helps tell our story…(img)
Can a stylish woman command a country’s military forces??? (Images)
Can a high-ranking woman official expect respect from male counterparts and direct reports while carrying a baby and a D&G bag?
Spain says ‘yes’. This is not new news, but a great example that illustrates how to execute balance while serving as a high-ranking political official:
When Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero’s new cabinet members took their oath of office before King Juan Carlos on Monday, one of them, the recently-appointed Defense Minister, stood out from the rest. Literally. Carme Chacón, 37, is not only the first woman to head Spain’s armed forces. She is also seven months pregnant.
Article take from Time.com
Read more: http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1730927,00.html#ixzz1s3tSNwKr
Confidently “un-pretty”. (images)

When I worked full time in corporate America, I was always polished and groomed at the office. I worked in an environment where presentation and details made a huge impact on the perception of one’s sense of professionalism.
That said, it was always so refreshing to become “un-pretty” during weekends.
What does it mean to be “un-pretty”? First, let’s take a look at what “pretty” means:
I define ‘pretty’ as being polite, pleasant and polished. “Pretty” is the very essence of being a lady — coiffed hair, a manicure, a poise presentation, warm, approachable and socially graceful. (Think of a house party’s hostess – friendly and sociable). Someone “pretty” offers you coffee and cookies when you visit their homes. The “pretty” girl tells you how great you look (to simplify the concept); she is concerned about whether or not you’re comfortable and considers what your preferences are.
When I use the term “un-pretty”, I’m not implying that I made an effort to look unattractive (although, a lot of times, this was the case). What I mean is, my style of presentation was less ladylike and lacked the polish and niceties one would expect from a pageant-trained woman.
How does one achieve a “pretty” look?
Feminine make up highlighting the shape of one’s eyes + full lips + groomed brows and hairstyle + polished ready-to-face-the-camera style + tailored and put-togehter – any piece of hair out of place
I love the “un-pretty” side of my closet as much as the polished and tailored pieces I own. It’s necessary, at times, to wear wrinkled shirts, athletic shoes, cotton tees and unruly hair. I say this because I think it’s an advantage to be comfortable even without having to project the socially-constructed version of “girl”. You can be attractive in various ways — wearing pearls and a tiara or sneakers and a baseball cap.
To me, an un-pretty style can convey the gritty sexiness of Marlon Brando’s Stanley Kowalski.
Un-pretty means dressing with style without having to make a lot of effort — in So Cal this laid-back style is one that many non- L.A. natives try very hard to emulate. It’s the confidence in one’s self without having to look like a doll who took two hours to apply make up.
It’s an image that actors and models (who spend their working days in full make-up) naturally have on their days off. A look that conveys the understanding that if they wanted to, they could very well shave their scruff and be as pretty as they come. The “unpretty” girl doesn’t necessarily say ‘please’ or ‘thank you’ in a bubbly voice. She may give you a smirk or a nod of acknowledgement if she’s pleased with you.
Simplified, the “unpretty” girl asks you for a smoke without taking into consideration whether or not you approve of her smoking. She is not as self-conscious as her socially-graceful “pretty” girl counterpart.
How does one achieve this un-pretty too-cool-to-care style?
“undone hair” + cotton tee + element of relaxed or athletic gear – bubbly persona – string of pearls – “matchy-matchy” accessories + grit + attitude…

Congratulations, B. (Book: So L.A.)
ABOUT
Beautiful Magdalena de la Cruz breezed through Berkeley and built an empire selling designer water. She’d never felt awkward or unattractive… until she moved to Los Angeles. In L.A. where “everything smells like acetone and Errol Flynn” Magdalena attempts to reinvent herself as a geographically appropriate bombshell—with rhinestones, silicone and gin—as she seeks an escape from her unraveling marriage and the traumatic death of her younger brother, Junah.
Magdalena’s Los Angeles is glitzy and glamorous but also a landscape of the absurd. Her languidly lyrical voice provides a travel guide for a city of make-believe, where even Hollywood insiders feel left out.
Fill in the blank: ________________ make adults insecure. (Vote & share!) Thank you.
Even heroes have “what-do-I-wear?” probems.
Source: geeksaresexy.net via Pretty on Pinterest
I AM AN EMOTIONAL CREATURE (E. Ensler)
I am an emotional creature.
Things do not come to me as intellectual theories or hard-pressed ideas. They
post through my organs and legs and burn up my ears.
Oh, I know when your girlfriend’s really pissed off, even though she appears to
give you what you want.
I know when the storm is coming. I can feel the invisible stirrings in the air
I can tell that he won’t call back. It’s a vibe I share
I am an emotional creature
I love that I do not take things lightly.
Everything is intense to me:
The way I walk in the streets. The way my Mama wakes me up. The way it’s
unbearable when I lose. The way I hear bad news.
I am an emotional creature
I am connected to everything and everyone. I was born like that. Don’t you say
it’s all negative, that it’s only a teenage thing or it’s only because I’m a
girl.
These feelings make me better. They make me present. They make me ready.
They make me strong.
I am an emotional creature.
There is a particular way of knowing. It’s like the older women
somehow forgot.
I rejoice that it’s still in my body.
Oh, I know when the coconuts are about to fall. I know we have pushed the Earth
too far. I know my father isn’t coming back and that no one’s prepared for the
fire.
I know that lipstick means more than show and boys are super
insecure and so-called terrorists are made, not born
I know that one kiss could take away all my decision making ability. And you
know what? Sometimes it should.
This is not extreme. It’s a girl thing. What we would all be if the big
door inside us flew open.
Don’t tell me not to cry, to calm me down, not to be so extreme, to be
reasonable.
I am an emotional creature.
It’s how the Earth got made, how the wind continues to pollinate.
You don’t tell the Atlantic Ocean how to behave.
I am an emotional creature.
Why would you shut me down and turn me off? I am your remaining memory. I can
take you back. Nothing has been diluted, nothing’s leaked out.
I love, hear me, I love that I can feel the feelings inside you.
Even if they stop my life.
Even if they break my heart. Even if they take me off track.
They make me responsible.
I am an emotional, I am an emotional, unconditional, devotional creature.
And, I love, hear me,I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, being a girl
http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf
What are YOUR thoughts?
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From Blogger to Intern: Lucy’s fashion internship at NorthSix… (magazine)
Glossy Magazine Issue 7…
http://static.issuu.com/webembed/viewers/style1/v2/IssuuReader.swf
Quote of the day #Judgement
"…She wore it like she meant it." (a little background)
influenced by my mother.
twist of irony my generation feels compelled to add when they wear classic styles today…subtly mocking
a previous generation known for dainty manners and strings of white pearls.
silhouettes and she wore it like she meant it…
aware that they were in the presence of a lady. And, to those who knew of her
her self-made success, it was understood that she ran her company with the
graceful strength of a savvy woman.
– pencil skirts, gold bangles, diamond studs and fancy high-heeled shoes. I
adore tailored sheath dresses, A-line skirts and silk blouses. The similarities
between my office style and my mother’s professional wear wasn’t apparent to me
until very recently when I discovered a dusty old photograph from childhood –
there I was in my Catholic school uniform walking on stage to receive an
academic award of some sort wearing bangles too big for my tiny forearms. In
the background was my mom in a classic yet angular A-line dress with geometric
patterns proudly walking with me…When I returned back to the
“present”, I realized that I own and wear a dress with the same
patterns, the same color, a similar silhouette in my own fancy shoes. I
continue to discover as I continue to find old photographs that I wear exactly
the same styles my mother used to wear when she was a young mother and business
woman in her early 20s.
"Fallen Princesses" by Dina Goldstein – a favorite post
These works place Fairy Tale characters in modern day scenarios. In all of the images the Princess is placed in an environment that articulates her conflict. The ‘…happily ever after’ is replaced with a realistic outcome and addresses current issues… Disney’s perfect Princesses [are] juxtaposed with real issues that were affecting women around me, such as illness, addiction and self-image issues.
Famous photographer, Annie Leibovitz, is also credited for her beautiful work photographing celebrities as Disney Princesses. Let’s examine the different messages their images convey:
![]() |
Snow White courtesy of Dina Goldstein (Fallen Princesses)
by Annie Leibovitz (Rachel Weisz) |
![]() |
Ariel by Dina Goldstein (Fallen Princesses)
by Annie Leibovitz |
![]() |
Cinderella by Dina Goldstein (Fallen Princesses) |
Dina Goldstein’s photographs serve just that purpose – and well. What a force to counteract the ever-so-influential princess cartoons children are exposed to.
![]() |
Belle by Dina Goldstein (Fallen Princesses) |
![]() |
Pocahontas by Dina Goldstein (Fallen Princesses)
by Annie Leibovitz (Jessica Biel as Pocahontas)
The Disney Princesses
|
Do well in school, young ladies!!!
3P
Charlize Theron CNN interview…(vid)
“Chuck” – as Will Smith calls her – acknowledges the opportunities she was afforded by those who vouched for her when others thought she was just another pretty face.
Multitasking: How to develop your core muscle group while reading (video)
Re-post: Recognizing Uzo (NARS) for being such a class act!
Thank you for the rockstar treatment…
…and the illuminating info about Nars’ trajectory to being the biggest brand in make-up!
Xoxoxoxo,
myprettypinkponies.Blogspot.com
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Uzo:
More on Francois Nars’ accomplice, Uzo:
Vogue article (June ’11)
Youtube clip (July ’11)
L.A. Times.com
blog topic
SHOEtiquette: Brainstorming with The Very Hip Etiquette Expert (aka VHEE), Jacqueline Whitmore (images)
for a hip etiquette expert? (Asked by @etiquetteexpert Jacqueline Whitmore)
graceful. She epitomizes grace and
manners as well as entrepreneurial success. The thought
of giving her my thoughts on what shoes to wear was one I couldn’t even dream of considering.
I. First, I
considered what [little] I know about her style as well as her professionalresponsibilities as an etiquette expert.
She
sets an example. She leads subtly
and politely.
She
is busy and efficient, yet seems to do everything effortlessly and with grace.
She
is appropriately dressed and polished for many social events occurring back to
back to back.
She
is au courant, festive, attractive and engaging. At the same time however, she
is conscientious about drawing too much attention to herself.
She
is always courteous and honors tradition but is never ever outdated.
Compromising
her posture and gait with uncomfortable shoes is unacceptable.
She
must continue making big strides with perfectly put-together ensembles.
that align with @etiquetteexpert’s image in aesthetic, ladylike manners and
personality.
choice was Kate Spade.
casual
professional
social
event
Suggestion: heels (or flats) in colors that add wit to understated classics.
![]() |
img 1 |
![]() |
img 2 |
B. Professional
Suggestion: Rich colors, soft leather, and a hint of Old World craftsmanship that convey refined taste and gravitas.
There are effective ways to convey success and professionalism without looking like a contestant on The Apprentice.
![]() |
img 3 |
![]() |
img 4 |
C. Social
Suggestion: Festive, fun and quality footwear that can dazzle the crowd without being the loudest one in the room.
Images 5 and 6 are perfect for holiday get-togethers with your social circle. The silhouettes are ladylike and feminine without being outdated. It’s beautiful to be sentimental. Balance your 1950’s references with pieces from our time period. As I mentioned, Kate Spade does this with wit and taste. Remember: too many of grandma’s antiquated heirloom pieces can be reminiscent of mothballs instead of nostalgia.
![]() |
img 5 |
![]() |
img 6 |
Overall, our Etiquette Expert will always be the paragon of class and good taste. She’s a delightful example of how to reach success with style….in fancy, high-heeled shoes!
https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf
To contact Jacqueline Whitmore, please visit:
www.etiquetteexpert.com and @etiquetteexpert.
WHAT’S YOUR PROFESSIONAL IMAGE IQ?
TAKE THE POP QUIZ!
CLIFF’S NOTES: How & What to Eat to be a Lean (and, Pretty!) Machine!
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lean muscle should be a priority in all fitness programs. Muscle mass increases metabolism, and is key to losing weight and keeping it off.
![]() |
NOTE: These are basic guidelines. It is recommended that you speak to your nutritionist for in-depth information.
|
- 30%-40% protein
- 20-30% Carbohydrates
- 25-35% fat
ratio allows nutrients to work together during digestion to stabilize blood
sugar. This ratio also optimal for maximum absorption of nutrients into the small intestine.
building”) environment.
into each meal to provide the nine amino acids that are essential for adding
muscle tissue.
and quinoa, are more bioavailable than incomplete proteins like those found in
most vegetables, beans and grains.
a nutrition consultation with Advanced
Athletics, or contact us with questions.
Pretty Pink Professional: Interview w. Prime-time TV Makeup Artist (images)
3P: What is one thing you now know that you wish you knew about your industry when you first started?
3P: What is the best part of your job?
Learn about the industry as a whole (producers, actors, culture, etc…).
Ask A Pro: How do we burn belly fat? (video)
We ask our friend, Adam, how to best avoid the jiggles…(I’m not a fan of point #1)
- Avoid sugar (what?!?! – Is there any way around this?!)…
- Moderate your carbohydrates per meal
- Eat appropriate calories per meal
- Eat at correct meal intervals of every 3-4 hours
- Avoid trans-fats and hydrogenated oils
- Moderate alcohol intake
- Add lean muscle to your body with strength training
- Burn fat stores through cardiovascular training
- Eat whole foods that are high in fiber for improved digestion
- Be consistent in your diet and fitness habits
Are you smokin’??
http://smokefree.gov/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/index.htm
People Profile: Faiza Seth (images)
- Courtesy of Faiza Seth
- Faiza Seth in a pair of Christian Louboutins.
People Profile: Rachel Roy (video)
The lovely American fashion designer was born in California to a Dutch mother and an Indian father.
Wikipedia tells us that the designer got her start by working part-time at a retail store, Contempo Casuals, at the age of 14…Her trajectory spiked exponentially upward from there…
The official YouTube channel for fashion designer Rachel Roy.
Rachel Roy’s designs capture a sense of lady-like glamour with a subtle feminine edge. With knee-length pencil skirts and blouses, the label’s aesthetic catches the eye with a familiar and classic silhouette. However, by combining unusual colors, patterns and fabrics, the lady-like silhouette becomes modern. Cool.
Rachel Roy’s style is one a career-focused young woman can wear with confidence (without having to dress like the boys).
. . .
"Fallen Princesses" by Dina Goldstein
These works place Fairy Tale characters in modern day scenarios. In all of the images the Princess is placed in an environment that articulates her conflict. The ‘…happily ever after’ is replaced with a realistic outcome and addresses current issues… Disney’s perfect Princesses [are] juxtaposed with real issues that were affecting women around me, such as illness, addiction and self-image issues.
Famous photographer, Annie Leibovitz, is also credited for her beautiful work photographing celebrities as Disney Princesses. Let’s examine the different messages their images convey:
![]() |
Snow White courtesy of Dina Goldstein (Fallen Princesses)
by Annie Leibovitz (Rachel Weisz) |
![]() |
Ariel by Dina Goldstein (Fallen Princesses)
by Annie Leibovitz |
![]() |
Cinderella by Dina Goldstein (Fallen Princesses) |
Dina Goldstein’s photographs serve just that purpose – and well. What a force to counteract the ever-so-influential princess cartoons children are exposed to.
![]() |
Belle by Dina Goldstein (Fallen Princesses) |
![]() |
Pocahontas by Dina Goldstein (Fallen Princesses)
by Annie Leibovitz (Jessica Biel as Pocahontas)
The Disney Princesses
|
Do well in school, young ladies!!!
3P
Your Seat @ NY Fashion Week! (videos)
If you’d like some refreshing inspiration for your own Fall 2011 wardrobe, it’d be a good idea to watch the big-name designers’ shows. However, if you’re much too busy to make it to NYC to watch in person, below are the links and schedules of individual shows which will be available for you to view on YOUTUBE: