i recently went on a long, overdue beauty rampage to stock up on new products for the change in season (and it's effects on my skin!).  here are the stellar standouts:

1. nars bronzing powder in irresistiblement: golden shimmer diffused powder that imparts an unbelievable warmth, glow and contour to the entire face.

2. make up for ever hd microfinish powder to go: translucent and silky-smooth finishing powder. 

3. smashbox high definition concealer: a little tube of magic and my new fave concealer.  weightless and good-for-your-skin while hiding your imperfections.  how?  the formula contains cell-energizing ribose and soft focus pearls to revitalize skin and minimize the appearance of blemishes.

4. smashbox photo op under eye brightener: i can't believe i only started using this now!  put this magical potion under your eyes, on top your brow bones & right above your cupid's bow for an instant lift.

5.  laura mercier smooth focus pressed setting powder - shine control: lightweight and oil-free powder that controls oil and shine with a matte finish; the sheer light green shade corrects redness and leaves your skin oh so smooth.

i.  love.  lace.

(images via fashiongonerogue; see the rest from the rive et gauche libre shoot here)

vogue paris september 2010; photographers - mert & marcus; stylist -  carine roitfeld;

models - malgosia bela, daphne groeneveld, andrej pejic, & lea t. 

as i sit here bundled up in my warmest jammies and enveloped in my down comforter, fighting my very  first "summer" cold (thank you spastic sf weather)...i can't help but wish i was back in boracay where i spent a couple of glorious days last year.  often ranked as one of the top ten beaches in the world, the warm, turquoise water, playing volleyball in the soft, talc-like white sand and amazingly fresh seafood are things that i'll be dreaming of.  if only i had a time machine!

gotta love my title!  anyhow, while skimming the latest issue of nylon, i stopped on an article about one fanny bostrom - model turned artist extraordinaire.

aye aye skipper - mixed media on paper, 2008

saltash luck - mixed media on paper, 2008

watercolor on paper, 2009

red shoes - acrylic on canvas, 2009

mother of misfits - acrylic on canvas, 2009 

watercolor on paper, 2009

(images via fannybostrom.com)

her résumé includes illustrations for lula magazine and barneys ny (love and love).  mosey on over to her blog to see more of her whimsical works.

a couple of months ago, i assisted on a photo shoot for bleu magazine.  we spent the day shooting at the notably retro phoenix hotel in sf.  check it out...

(bleu magazine / summer 2010 issue)

Photographer: Billy Winters

Stylist: Pauline Montupet

Hair & Make up: Tamra Marie

Photo Assistant: Beth Barton

Stylist Assistant: Aleza Guiriba

Digital Retouching: Spilt Milk Imaging

Models: Alicia, Rodney Charles (LA Models), Jennifer (Ford), Maurice (Click)

(interior images courtesy of michaelmina.net)

michael mina's rn74 is a hop, skip and jump away from my office and its modern american fare and interpretations of regional french cuisine is the best thing to happen to the neighborhood.  from the unique menu to the gorgeous industrial and modern interior, this chic and sleek establishment transports you from the moment you walk through the doors.  you'll be captivated by the romantic, european train station environment and fall head over heels in love as soon as you take your first bite.

i come here often and luckily am able to sample the ever-changing, seasonal menu.  two of my current lunch favorites are pictured above: scrum-dilly-umptious grilled flatbread (topped with bacon marmalade, tomato, and pecorino) and soft-poached egg & sauteed pork belly (with fresh cranberry beans, charred tomato, and a crispy squash blossom).   there's nothing better (well, unless you're A and just experienced the real deal).  ;)

rn74.  301 mission street, sf.  www.michaelmina.net.

studded lapel blazer - rampage, peached blouse - thrifted, printed lace shorts - topshop, polka dot tights & ring - forever 21, bead bracelet - unknown, pixie booties - jeffrey campbell

 ah, home sweet home.

i'm back in the bay and completely exhausted from my trip to paris and london, but all the hustle and bustle was worth it as i've waited practically my entire life to see and do what i've experienced over the past week and a half.  words can't describe...so here are some of my favorite photos, capturing the best moments of my travels:

my first night in paris, crossing the seine river.  every corner i turned was a sight more beautiful than the last.  i must've wandered over four miles that night without even realizing it...

indulging at the louvre.

posting on my block, rue madame, baguette in hand.  best bread i've had the pleasure of tasting, courtesy of bread and roses.

boutiques - the quaint sizes and humble locations made them so enticing.  my only regret was visiting in august, because many were closed on holiday.

cheeeEEEeEEse...

candies, cookies and all things sweet at la cure gourmande.

no trip to ile st. louis is complete without a cone from bethillon - pistache, my fave.

dancers on the seine.

breakfast of champions.

the stained glass windows of sainte chapelle - AMAZING!

lovebirds...

of course, i got sick.

but a spa treatment and room service at the sofitel st. james heals all wounds :)

*fin*

p.s. i miss it already.