Red Door Spas Blogger Lounge at New York Fashion Week

Earlier this month, when I was in New York for Fashion Week, I got my hair did at Red Door Spas Blogger Lounge at the W Hotel in Times Square. My friend (and Fashion Week roomie, above), Lianne, partnered with Red Door Spas to create space where bloggers could stop - between shows, meetings and events - and relax, recharge (phones too) and get all gussied up.

Thanks to Zahir Zihani, Creative Director of the Red Door Spas, and his team (including the adorable and amazingly talented Billy Dee Williams, who did my hair), every gal left there with head-turning hair. Forget reporting from backstage...we looked like we were ready to sashay down the runway.

Me and Billy Dee

A rear view of my do


Marina's side updo definitely made the best-tressed list.

Want red carpet hair like us? Visit your local Red Door Spa. There are 31 locations nationwide.

Ooh La La: My Favorite Sales This Week at Rue La La

Bulga sale starts Monday, October 19. Don't you want this bag right this very minute?

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation sale (shop leisurewear, accessories and skin care) starts Tuesday, October 20.

Exhale Mind Body Spa sale starts Wednesday, October 21.

Marc Jacobs Collection sale starts Wednesday, October 21.

The Essentials Handbags sale starts Wednesday, October 21.



Bedhead Pajamas sale starts Wednesday, October 21.

Click here for your free invitation to join Rue La La, courtesy of Spoiled Pretty.

Philadelphia Estheticians: The Skin Diva Wants To School You!

Philadelphia esthetician Linda Harding has turned teacher. After 14 years in the business, Linda is shifting gears. Her new Hit The Ground Running Esthetician's Workshop was created to give novice and nervous estheticians a competitive edge in the spa industry.

Linda spoke with the owners and manager of the top six Philadelphia-area spas, and asked them to list the qualities that are most desirable in an esthetician seeking employment. The answers she heard most frequently were: passion, dedication, clear skin, excellent customer service abilities, and professional demeanor.

To help a new generation of estheticians properly prepare to enter the job market, Linda created Hit The Ground Running, a worshop divided into two modules. The first session teaches students about different spa environments, which personality types are compatible with those environments, how to articulately answer interview questions, and sales.

The second half of the workshop is a hands-on module in facial and waxing techniques. Linda also trains students on advanced machinery, such as light therapy and microdermabrasion.

“Most esthetic schools provide you with an excellent theoretical foundation, however they don’t really prepare you for the spa industry and they don’t tell you what to do to get hired," says Linda. "The bottom line is that you touch people for a living: emotionally and physically. If you don’t know how, you will not keep clients and as the word spreads, you will not get clients. Right now, the industry is in a lull - like most businesses in the country. However, estheticians who are good continue to work steadily. This lull in the market allows beginners to sharpen their skills and make themselves more competitive and marketable. The lull is a good thing. It makes the playing ground more even. After completing this workshop, participants will feel confident and secure enough to get the job they most desire.”

The cost for this one-day workshop (approximately 8 hours) is $350; included in this cost is a separate 60 minute, one-on-one consultation with Linda; during this private session, students can seek extra counseling or training on their weakest areas.

Mention Spoiled Pretty when you sign up for Hit The Ground Running and you will enjoy a 20% discount.

For more information and to enroll in the workshop, call Linda at 215.796.3520 or click here to send a message to her inbox.