Tricking proportions

You've all probably heard me bemoan my proportions here (looonnnng torso, short legs), and I hate to beat a dead horse but now that I really recognize my proportions, I am constantly on the lookout for ways to trick the eye. While in Paris, I was on a mission to find a suitable outfit for the La Mer Celebration of an Icon event that I knew I'd be attending in LA. I didn't love the idea of getting a fancy dress because we all know the cost per wear on those ends up being terrible. I ideally wanted to find separates that I could make work for all sorts of other events, no matter the formality.

After a stressful morning (pre-flight back to NY and I almost made us late to the airport) trying to track down the right pieces, I came home with these high-waisted Valentino culottes and Stella McCartney bustier top (and wow, are prices way higher in the US than in Europe – yikes). I also picked up these Jimmy Choo pumps while in Paris knowing I'd get decent wear out of them. I can't wear high heels for shit, so if they are going to be 4 inches and up, they really need to be a chunkier heel for me to feel steady. Thanks to Rent the Runway, I borrowed this killer Anya Hindmarch clutch (I dig everything she does) and Alexis Bittar necklace.

To recreate this look for way less, I really love these culottes from James Jeans (and you can take advantage of Shopbop's 25% off Friends & Family sale, which ends on 10/15!). And if you happen to be a size 8, this corset/bustier top is lovely and on sale. This secondhand option would be very chic as well. For shoes, I've been very curious about the M.Gemi products after seeing a number of styles I've admired and then sell out immediately. Though this heel is lower, this pair has a somewhat similar feel with the ankle strap. I think I also just appreciate all the photos/design/art direction on the site.

I also wanted to call out a new beauty favorite of mine. After Min Min used it on me, I wanted to track it down immediately. It's this Charlotte Tilbury Powder and it literally feels I'm airbrushing my face when it goes on. I have no idea what magic is in it, but damn, it's good. I actually didn't have the product on me when I came to LA, so I made a mad dash to the Nordstrom at the Grove to pick one up before the event (you can read some more reviews on the product on their page here). On my lips, I'm wearing Lipstick Queen's Velvet Rope series in Brat Pack (did I mention I'm a sucker for amazing packaging...). Hoping to do an updated hair/skincare/beauty favorites soon!