Glossin' and flossin'

A few of you asked what my perfect lipstick/gloss/balm is since mentioning I finally found it.


The answer: Laura Mercier Lip Balm. I came across this as I was browsing the makeup section in Selfridge's. I was intrigued by the color. I tried it on my hand, and it came off incredibly smooth. I noticed lately that while I have countless Chanel lipglosses that I seem to tote around with me everywhere, I never actually use them. The reason? I love the way they look, but HATE the way that feel. So recently, I have dedicated myself to find the perfect lip product that I could take everywhere and actually use. This was the top contender, and Im' never looking back. It feels and looks amazing, and has the best smell. It offers a tiny bit of color. If I'm really getting all gussied up, I use Trish McEvoy's lip pencil in Bare and Nars' lipstick in Belle du Jour. As you can see, I tend not to stray too far from my natural lip color. I tend to prefer more dramatic eyes and more subtle lips.


The other day someone asked me what kind of engagement ring I wanted. Seemingly random, since I am nowhere near engagement, but as I'm sure many of you know, girls chat about these things often. When I answered, I was surprised to hear that she wanted the same exact thing. And here I thought I was the only freak left who wanted a solitaire emerald cut.

These days, it seems the glitzier, the better. But not for this gal. For my graduation gift, I had a choice between a diamond encrusted, trendy watch or a more classic timepiece with no embellishments. I chose the latter. Heidi Montag's wedding look is my worst nightmare. Not that she didn't look beautiful, because I truly think she did, but the term 'bedazzled' (thanks Lauren Conrad) frightens me. I am a minimalist in every sense of the word.


This ring is from my favorite Dallas jeweler, Ylang 23. (It was called Ylang Ylang when I lived there, though. Anyone else remember those days?) Though it's not a solitaire, I think this is a beautiful ring. Picture it without the sides tones, and you have TAG's dream come true.

As an aside, I personally think that society puts too much pressure on men to pick out the perfect ring. That episode of Sex and the City where Carrie's first response to Aiden's proposal is, "It's such a beautiful ring!" always makes me CRINGE. That is not the first thing you say when a man is down on one knee!!! Red flag, anyone?!

I digress. Under the similar category of The Best Gifts Ever, my Nana sent me a vintage Louis Vuitton clutch last week. It's fantastic. I promise to post a picture soon.