At First Blush

There's a new makeup trend. I find these things out while I'm working. When I say "working," I usually mean painting my nails for a mini photo shoot or getting my eyelashes dipped in something or other. Sometimes, "working" means writing. I understand if someone wants to reach their arm through the computer and cyber-slap me.

Anyway, as I was saying: new makeup trend. Blush is on the up and up—literally. It's gone from the apples of the cheeks to the cheekbones and now, to the temples. Here's a prime example:

Pretty? Yes. Easy to pull off? No. Depending on placement and saturation, blush at the temples can have a sickly effect. Worst case scenario, it resembles a rough case of pink eye. Which is neither cute nor comfortable.

However, a few tweaks make it surprisingly easy to try in real life. Just keep a few things in mind: don't wear eyeshadow. At this height, blush does double-duty as rouge and eyeshadow. Secondly, try sweeping it from the cheekbones to the temples, as shown below. That way, you get the best of both worlds. Lastly, commit. A wimpy patch of pink is going to look exactly that: wimpy. Here, the perfect real-world execution of this trend:

Would you be game to try? Or is it too over-the-top?

[photo cred here and there]

Little Bit of Leopard

I'm of the camp that when it comes to leopard, less is more. However, I've seen women who can pull off a leopard cardigan or even a pencil skirt. In its own right, the latter looks fantastic with a classic collared blouse and a good dose of confidence. Where do you fit in? Are you a little leopard lady or a lot?


(photo cred to 1, 2 and 3)

Backstage at Milly

Today was baby's first blowout (at the new Drybar in Flatiron). There was a collective gasp throughout the office when I mentioned that I'd never had one before. I also went to my first fashion show today (first backstage, and then to an unexpected fifth row seat). Milly's Spring/Summer 2012 collection didn't fail to impress.

I loved the geometric patterns and vivid colors. Plus, I'm a sucker for the bright orange and navy blue combo. Every single shift dress that made its way down the runway stole my heart. The silhouettes, perfectly swingy, were simple because the patterns said it all. The pants kept in line with fall's '70s moment—either slim and cropped or loose and long, all of the trousers were high-waisted. I want everything.

The beauty backstage was incredibly simple and carried the neon touches of the clothing. The look was all about a bare face with a bright matte lip. A semi-matte lipstick in a playful shade like Nars Schiap (I just really adore Nars lipstick in general) is an easy way to get the effect. The models wore CND polish in Electric Orange with a new Effects booster (available in November) to get a more saturated shade.

And to think, I was outlining a paper on Lady MacBeth's masculinity this time last year.

(photo cred to Style.com, Narscosmetics.com and CND.com)

Missoni Magic

Full disclosure: I'm far more excited for the Missoni for Target dishware than the clothing. Give. Me. Those. Mugs. And those trays! They're the exact things I need to spice up my very new and very white apartment. I want to buy a million and put them everywhere, just to make the place look lived-in and cozy. I wouldn't even keep them in cabinets.

I also adore this pillow—it's such a cute, 70s-esque riff off the classic Missoni weave. And the wine case would make a chic but inexpensive hostess gift. Just pop a bottle of Chianti in there and you're set. Wallet, be prepared!

(photo credit here)

Touch of Gold

The simplest way to transition bright summer colors into fall? Pair them with subdued neutrals, like charcoal grey. Charcoal grey is a natural shoo-in for me. It's a) my favorite color and b) one of the reasons I'm looking forward to fall. Instead of being overplayed, though, it looks surprisingly modern when paired with a bit of gold sparkle or a rich, buttery yellow. All a light sunshine-hued jacket needs is a warm grey scarf to make it ready for this season.

(photo cred to 1 and 2)

Style Snapshot

Quirky accessories and a fabulous pair of shoes can make all the difference.

P.S. Have you seen the rest of the collaboration between The Man Repeller and Dannijo? (I know I'm about three weeks late on this). I'm not the biggest fan of the former (I'm not into Man Repelling so much as Of Course You Can Pay for my Gin and Tonic-ing) but I can't say no to a cheeky moustache necklace. Check out the entire line here.


[photo cred here]

A Little Celebration

I turn 22 today, so I'm going to take this opportunity to paint my nails with glittery polish at my desk and eat an entire plate of cheese for dinner. Here's to champagne and having a job and playing with beauty products and graduating and family and happy hours and this dress (need it, but my wallet just shriveled up and died from sticker shock) and heirloom teacups and friends, both new and old.


Things I learned when I was 21:
1. If you can smell the whiskey on his breath through the door, keep it closed.
2. I hate Ikea. I love Ikea. I have a love-hate relationship with Ikea.
3. Whispering is rude.
4. Wearing a slip is important when your dress is sheer. Owning a full-length mirror is also helpful.
5. How to tell the difference between a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA.
6. Pear and bleu cheese ice cream exists. It's not too bad.

[photo cred here]