{ don't } leave home without it

lots of girls have that one makeup item they simply won't leave home without applying. for many, it's mascara; for others, it's a swipe of red lipstick. personally, i won't even go to the gym without employing a little brow filler. when my eyebrows are on point, i feel like my whole face is in focus ~ even without anything else on. i've tried dozens over the years (powders, pencils, etc.), but on this video shoot, a makeup artist introduced me to stila's stay all day brow pen (i use the medium tint), and i haven't looked at another ever since!

i like that its soft brush tip allows me to make delicate-enough strokes to mimic actual brow hairs, and that it goes on dark enough to give definition, but sheer enough that my eyebrows never look painted-on. my only complaint is that each pen only lasts me a couple weeks ~ but that's why i've been ordering them in bulk, so i never have to go a day without it!!

what's the one product you won't leave home without?

{ pavé party }

lately i can't get enough of delicate gold jewelry, especially when it's dotted with sparkling stones. two new favorite pieces include an evil eye necklace by susan hanover, and alexa leigh's star+om lariat (both above).

of course, i'll forgive my pavé a little peacocking when it's as smashing as david yurman's chunky, gemstone-studded chain bracelets (below). unfortunately, i'll have to save up plenty more pennies if i want to add those puppies to my permanent pile!!

{ makeup faves }

i get a lot of questions about my beauty routine, but the truth is i don't really have one. i am pretty promiscuous where products are concerned ~ i like to try em all!! that's why i thought it would be fun to begin integrating regular beauty posts into this site's spectrum of stories, to let you in on what i'm loving of late.

since my favorite area to experiment on is my eyes, that seemed like the best place to start this series. my sister recently turned me on to chanel's illusion d'ombre eyeshadow, and i must say i'm amazed. it is hands down, by far, the most long-lasting eyeshadow i've ever encountered! put it on in the morning and find yourself still crease-free in the evening. below, the three colors i've been using most: mirifique, ébloui, and épatant:

i also recently decided it was high time i tried urban decay's famous naked2 palette, which sephora's website describes as 'the most anticipated sequel of the decade'. marketing hyperbole notwithstanding, it didn't disappoint. it contains every neutral you'll ever need, making it great for gals on the go. i love to use the chanel colors above as a base, then blend with one of the shimmery shadows below:

do you have any new favorites or time-tested standbys that i simply must try? or any beauty questions you'd like me to address? let me know in the comments!

{ new bags }

i've been on a bag-buying-bender recently!! these four are my favorite new acquisitions: your classic chanel 2.55, a vintage gold-hardware ferragamo that i'll wear till i rot, that giraffe-applique-pattern charles jourdan clutch that does day-to-night double duty, and this red-froth box with beaded bow that was generously gifted to me by my pals at lena erziak. that one's obviously got #fashionweek written all over it.

{ rebecca taylor } ss12

we had a little burst of warmish weather this weekend, and it made me wish i were rocking this rebecca taylor look (seen at fashion week in september) ~ a little nod to now with that cargo jacket, visions of the spring to come in the silk skirt, and killer shoes to finish it all off.

{ love } forever

i hope all of you here in the states had a very happy thanksgiving yesterday ~ and that everyone else had an amazing thursday!! i have so much to be thankful for, including terrific readers (thank you!), a great family, and an incredible group of creative, kindhearted friends.

two of them, marie and fred, were recently married in austin (i flew in from this shoot to attend), in a celebration that was distinctive, inspiring, and very them.

my dear friend whitney (we've been thisclose since 6th grade!) and i served as flower girls, in crowns i whipped up (using this process, but with fuller garland and real flowers). she wore a custom-made louise black dress and vintage cape; i coordinated in an over-dyed marni gown (i bathed it in navy dye to better match whitney's look) and alexander wang boots.


the bride was beautifully bold in a buckskin, fringed poncho and ball skirt (made by leslie crow of heyoka leather and paired with white cowboy boots), the groom even bolder in a red velvet, saville row suit with black leather lapels (paired with a bolo tie and bare feet!).


it was a joyous occasion in every way, and i thought you might enjoy seeing this little peek as you head into a long weekend filled with family and friends.


{ special thanks to jordan and jacqueline for bestowing their hair and makeup magic on whitney and me!! }

{ diana } in malibu

these are the third and last batch of photos taken on my diana mini before it got swept up in ocean waves, while i was trying to land an aquatic shot in malibu. of course i'm so hooked on this new toy that i've already ordered another to replace the now-water-logged one. i'm excited to keep playing around with its possibilities!!
PS: for those who have asked, the aqua wedges can be found HERE.

{ diana } at tiffany's

one more batch of photos from the same roll of film as yesterday's post, taken with my diana mini. you've seen photos from my dinner at the st. regis's tiffany suite already, but i love how this camera gave the night a totally different look. compare for yourself!!

{ diana } in puerto rico

lately i've been experimenting with taking real-deal film photos on my diana mini camera. it's like the original instagram ~ it makes for surprising, nostalgic color combinations in an old-fashioned, square format. and it's so much fun waiting for the film to develop, while anticipating the surprises inside! a delightful indulgence in today's digital age. here are a few favorite frames i just picked up, from last month's trip to puerto rico:

{ did you see } my tweets

i just wrapped an admittedly obnoxiously-awesome weekend, spent staying in kelly wearstler's malibu beach house, styling and appearing in her resort 2012 collection campaign ~ as shot by my friend jamie. if you follow me on twitter, you're probably already annoyed by the awesomeness of this experience. if not, just wait! we shot things i didn't know were possible. serious surprises coming soon...

anyway, the above shots were made in her house the day i arrived. i wore tiffany sunnies, a zara vest, a white + warren sweater, a juicy couture bag, a kelly wearstler skirt, and alexander wang shoes. and then i changed into THIS.