elusive

the last time i was in new york, i popped in the nars shop. you know, for this and that and a few other things.

i was attempting to squeeze in one last lipstick try-on, while carrying on a conversation and wrangling a baby, when i noticed one of the nars makeup artists dabbing something shimmery on joanna's cheekbones. in the midst of all the chaos, i finished up my purchase as joanna and i headed to the park for our scheduled playdate with the wee ones.

we were sitting on the benches swapping stories about our motherhood experiences, when i couldn't help but become mesmerized by this fantastic highlight stretching from her temple to just above the apple of her cheek. it's just my luck that i got distracted by a protest or a spill from graham before i remembered to ask what that magic highlighter was.

so distracted in fact, it took me approximately one and one half months to remember that i had to have whatever that magic highlighting stick was. so i went on a journey to department stores near and far. and here's what i've come up with.

nars, the multiple in maldives.

there are two other options i haven't seen in person to test out (luxor and copacabana), so i could be wrong about the shade. but my guess is, as long as you stick to one of these three, those brilliant cheekbones i was swooning over will be yours (barring certain genetic components, you know).

p.s. the other thing i have to pick up on my next trip!

image via polyvore

cat's pajamas

on any given day, you'll find me wearing liquid eyeliner.

i love the stuff. i've been winging it (pun!) for a few years now, and i've tried a host of brands from five bucks to too many bucks. i know my way around the block when it comes to picking the best of the best. so here it is.

the cheapy  

covergirl line exact liquid liner

this liner retails right around six bucks. it's perfect for beginners who need some practice with their winging technique. it's also great if you only wear  liquid liner every now and again.

the bummer, if you laugh like i do (tears running amuck) or cry a lot, then you should know that this stuff stings pretty badly when it gets into your eyes. i.e. it's definitely not waterproof. so if you live in seattle, splurge on the good stuff.

one for the pros

 

stila all day waterproof liquid eyeliner

i use this just about every day of my life. the tip is a bit more slim than the cheap pick, so application is more refined. it comes in a true jet black and stays that way- no scaley, matte finish here. the reason it really takes the cake? SO waterproof! it's fantastic.

the bummer, twenty bucks a tube! but even with daily use i only have to buy it every month and a half or so.

images via covergirl and stila

p.s. here's my heartwarming stila tidbit. i found this eyeliner after searching high and low because when i started dating the husband figure he made me laugh. no, he really, really made me laugh. tears were everywhere. eyes were stinging and hearts were beating. i was not giving up my eyeliner and i wanted to keep him, too. so stila and i became friends. it's a beautiful friendship really.

is this my week or what?!

did you know that sofia coopola is my number two girl crush (only taking a backseat to one, miss jenna lyons, obv)?

did you know that miss coopola got married over the weekend?! in this fabulous dress, no less!

 

did you know that sofia coopola directed marie antoinette? did you know that marie antoinette is only my very favorite motion picture?

 

did you know that laduree is the parisian bakery which provided all the goodies and treats for the movie marie antoinette? did you know that they just opened a store in nyc today?!?!??!

 

i didn't. but now i do! thank you, refinery29.

top image via elle
center image via little fashion prayer
bottom image via refinery29

pockets are key

i'm getting murried.
in. one. year.

 

i'm getting murried in one year (i say murried, because married is serious. if i said it that way then i'd actually have to get my act together and plan a wedding already, which, pffft. that's not happening just yet). this is serious stuff people. have you seen the wedding industry lately?!?! it's bananas, b-a-n-a-n-a-s.

luckily, i have a secret. lovely bridal shop. as promised, it is lovely, but also unconventional and rad, too. it's this perfect type place where you find your wedding dress and much more. you'll get inspired by the flowers on display and the music that plays as you try on your dream dress. best of all are the stylists.

how do i know, you ask? well... i was one of them (and how! shameless, i know). but seriously here, these girls care. they listen. they know their stuff. they pull through and persevere in an industry where the tulle alone could suffocate!

if you want a glimpse of all that's lovely, check out the blog. the one great dress feature is an awesome source of inspiration for brides-to-be and style mavens alike.

my favorite blogs are by merrill, but i'm a little biased since she's also half of the husband-wife photography duo that is sweet little photographs. i've been eying them for my wedding since before i was engaged!

visit the blog and tell me, what are you favorite features?

top photo is of yours truly and the husband figure!
middle photo via lovely bride
bottom photo via lovely bride by way of samm blake, on once wed