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Things I'm loving right now:
1. Odwalla Superfood $2.89, yummy and healthy
2. Balenciaga Cristobal: don't you love it when you try something on, and it's just a perfect fit? This may replace Givenchy Indécence, even (gasp!). Green fig and plum, honeyed o'er, with the powderiness of orris (iris root) and musk to balance the sweetness, and vanilla/sandalwood/amber in the drydown. Lovely. It's got that rich, sweet, warm thing going on, which always smolders on my skin (chemistry's like that, I guess), and it's even more complex than Indécence.
3. Decléor Baume Essentiel $39 (it's $61 here, but that's how much I paid in France), though I'm not a fan of the scent, my skin likes it very much.
4. interesting flats: I walk around a lot, so heels aren't very practical, but flats are great. They jazz up jeans, are fancy enough for skirts, and, of course, go well with trousers of all descriptions.
5. Blue Cults and Express Editors
6. lipglosses by Guerlain
7. Garnier Fructis Long & Strong
Dain at 4/13/2005 03:48:00 PM

SKINCARE

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser & L'Oreal Eye Makeup Remover
Better Botanicals Rose-Tulsi Toner (I always feel dirty but don't like to put on mascara AGAIN; this way, I won't have to wash my face again)
Better Botanicals Dandelion Moisturizer
Decléor Baume Essentiel
La Prairie The Retexturizer
Dain at 4/12/2005 04:12:00 PM

I'm searching for the perfect bag (or three). I need a big schoolbag, a more everyday bag, and maybe a couple of evening clutches. At least.

The ideal:
Chloé Paddington $1380

Of course, it's much too expensive for me. As well as well nigh impossible to get.

schoolbags
Bulga Tote $395 (comes in white, safari yellow, fuschia, and sage)

Tammi Lyn Large Saddlebag $480 (comes in teal, eucalyptus, and truffle)

bohemian everyday bag
Treesje Long Island handbag in gold $138

Treesje Sunset handbag in custard $270

Treesje Pina Colada handbag in black $178

Vintage Enbroidered Bag with Costume Jewels $50

clutches/evening
Stephanie B. Blue Screen Print Tube Clutch $105

Vintage White Beaded 40's Clutch $37

Lauren Merkin Calf Suede Swift Clutch in Amethyst $100

Dain at 3/30/2005 03:28:00 PM

How to perk up pale, winter skin

Transition periods are tough. But a few key products will switch you into balmy weather with ease. NARS Orgasm is the secret to a healthy glow, without muddying up pale skin. Keep eye makeup minimal (just mascara, and maybe a sheer hint of color). Switch your lipstick for sheer, festive lipglosses (I'm partial to Guerlain Terracotta Gloss & Shine, myself). And my personal secret: great skin, brought to you by Decleor Baume Essentiel—the perfect transitional treatment for rough, tired, and dull skin.
Dain at 3/29/2005 12:11:00 PM

It's a queer thing: nobody thinks I wear make-up. And yet, I couldn't think of anyone more high-maintenance when it comes to personal hygiene and upkeep. I actually break out into a cold sweat when I touch filth, so I shower (which requires an extensive lotioning up afterwards, as well, since I have very dry skin), wash my hands frequently, brush my teeth three or four times (very bad, I know), wash and moisturize my face meticulously—every single day. My hair doesn't require styling, but I keep it well-trimmed, I color when necessary, and my haircare products are extremely well-honed. In addition, I keep my nails well-manicured (though I do it myself), my skin well-exfoliated, my underarms waxed and deodorized, my legs shaved. I don't leave my room without makeup or perfume. And yet... "no makeup".

Part of the illusion is maintained by the fact that I am very good at what I do, so my look is never amateurish or cartoonish or overcooked. When someone tells me, "I love your makeup", I know I've done something wrong, unless I happen to be wearing red lipstick or blue eyeshadow (in which case, "natural" is hardly the issue). The compliment excites me is rather: "You've got such perfect skin", or "What an adorable smile you have!". But mostly, I think it's because I am socially and emotionally low-maintenance. And intelligent. What I wear on my face is a minimal part of how I interact with people, at least from my point of view. That comes across. Fashion and cosmetics, that is for myself. I devote energy towards it because it pleases me; it makes me feel good. If you don't like my teal eyeliner, I couldn't give a damn, so neither will you. It's not quite insouciance; it's just none of your business.
Dain at 3/25/2005 08:14:00 PM

Ok, Spring 2005!

Chloé tan Paddington bag $1380 (why the hell is it the "it" bag? I don't want it to be... I won't be able to get one)
Hermès blue Globetrotter Zip
Dolce & Gabbana ivory/brown/gold peeptoe pump $645
Michael Kors baby blue kidskin pump $310
Anthropologie Aphrodite suede sandal $128

Christian Lacroix couture ivory lace coat
Valentino couture Johannesburg, Be Mine dress (detail)

Express Editor pants, in cream and navy
Blue Cult 5 Pocket jeans, in grey and shadow
Ralph Lauren Collection Ring Ricky bikini top $62 and Ringed String Pant $58
Halé Bob Floral Printed Halter $146

Decléor Baume Essentiel $61
YSL Touche Eclat $35
NARS Orgasm blush $22.50
Guerlain Terracotta Gloss & Shine Terre des Sables $20
L'Oréal Full Definition Voluminous mascara $5.99
Michael Kors EDP $65
Garnier Fructis Long & Strong system $3.99 each
Dain at 3/23/2005 11:45:00 PM

I'm surprised... I thought I'd like the Terre Indienne so much more, but Terre des Sables is so wearable.

Am so in love with Decléor Baume Essentiel, but mustn't overdo it.
Dain at 3/23/2005 12:37:00 AM

Whatever happened to minimalism, I ask you? Well... enough. NARS duos are excessive (though unique and innovative and a general thing of beauty), and while I love couture, couture does not love me. Here are a list of things I desire, beyond me in most cases, but not always:
Hermès Birkin, gold courchevel
Hermès Globetrotter Zip, blue jean courchevel
Chloé Paddington bag, brown
Christian Lacroix Couture laced ivory coat (not a particularly good picture... oh well)
Dolce & Gabbana ivory/brown whipsnake with gold peeptoe pump
Michael Kors baby blue kidskin pump
Anthropologie Bluestone sandals
Express Editor pant, natural
greyed industrial jeans
Blue Cult 5 Pocket Super Flare, shadow
Ralph Lauren Collection aqua bikini with gold ring detail
Dain at 3/21/2005 02:55:00 AM

Revised lippie stash:
MAC O lipstick
MAC Red Haute lustre lipstick
NARS Flair lipstick
NARS Shanghai Express lipstick
NARS Dolce Vita lipstick
Biotherm Glossy Shine 155
Trish Celebrate lipgloss
Dain at 11/29/2004 02:08:13 PM

Ok...
stuff I have bought:
Blue Cult jeans $50
Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Lace Demi Balconet Bra, warm nude $45
Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Lace Brazilian Panty $20
Victoria's Secret Angels, sheer lace demi bra (yeah, I don't know the techinical name for it), parma violet/silver $44
Victoria's Secret Angels V-String, parma violet/silver $18
J.Crew pink hat (may return... I have too many hats)

stuff I want:
J.Crew Vachetta Stitched Envelope, turquoise $22
a pair of Converse chuckie Ts (sneakers), to go with my new jeans... $40 (light blue, green, or purple?)
Victoria's Secret Very Sexy European Lace Balconet Bra, nude/black $38
Victoria's Secret Very Sexy European Lace Embellished V-String, nude/black $16
Chantecaille Les Délices lipgloss palette $68
LUSH Big Shampoo $15.95 & LUSH American Cream Conditioner $18.95
LUSH Ultra Bland $9.55
LUSH Celestial $14.70
Biotherm Source Thérapie Skin Perfecting Spa Water Concentrate $37
Biotherm Source Thérapie Yeux Perfecting and Correcting Eye Care $29.50
Kiehl's Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion, 4 oz $9.50
Nars Angelika blush $22.50
Nars Fame palette $65
Nars Retractable lip brush $25
Serge Lutens Bois de Vanille $89
American Splendor DVD
Victoria's Secret Angels Lace Plunge Bra with Moonstones, spray blue $44
Victoria's Secret Angels Low-Rise Ruffled Silk Panty, spray blue $20
Dain at 11/22/2004 02:09:20 PM