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!

Absolut x Hella Bitters

Vodka and bitters, hello. Sounds like a good start to a week, right? I was recently commissioned by Absolut for their Absolut Crafted with Love campaign, in which I had the pleasure of highlighting a local quality maker in the beverage/cocktail industry. Personally, I’m particularly drawn to any cocktails that have a healthy amount of bitters, so getting to feature Hella Bitters in this campaign was the perfect pairing.

Over the past few years, I’ve placed greater importance on the quality of everything I bring into my life, and ingredients are a big part of that. Most people probably don’t realize that Absolut sources all their ingredients within 75 miles of their distillery in Sweden. And of course, as a local small business, Hella Bitters cares a great deal about the quality of their craft and their end products, which are made in small batches with the finest ingredients available.



During a visit to the Hella Bitters production facility in Long Island City, we learned all about the process of bitter making, and it’s surprisingly simple (in the sense that you can easily make your own bitters at home with a bit of patience!). We started by looking at some of the ingredients that go into their Aromatic Bitters, and then we made a small test batch featuring chilies, cassia, cloves, and a custom spice mix.



The basic idea is to add any mixture of spices, orange peels – whatever you want really – to a high proof alcohol (the Hella Bitters guys use a 160 Proof Grain Neutral Spirit) and let it sit for ‘x’ amount of time (the time really varies depending on what you have in there too). Then, they manually tend to their production batches by shaking up the satchels of spices or stirring the mixture vigorously with a paddle.

You can also test your small batch during the process by using a dropper to get a few drips into your palms, rubbing your hands, and taking a deep breath. Of course you can taste as you go too. When your bitters are ready, just strain the liquid into a bottle and now you have a little extra something to strengthen your favorite cocktail recipe.



After we were all versed in bitters (at some base level at least), we made a few Moscow Mules featuring Absolut and Hella Bitters. Shown here is a take on the Absolut Spicy Pear Mule, which contains 1 part Paddy Devil’s Apple, 1 part Absolut Pears, lime juice, ginger beer, and Hella Bitters Ginger Lemon bitters. As cheesy as it may sound, bitters really are like the spices of cooking in the cocktail world. A little goes a long way, and adding just a few dashes can completely transform the cocktail (but still in a nuanced way).



I admit I’ve always been a bit skeptical about flavored liquors but I was surprised to find that Absolut Pears is made from natural ingredients and doesn’t contain added sugar. So the pear flavor actually tastes like a fresh pear. This particular cocktail hits a lot of my preferred elements in cocktails – it’s got a good amount of booze, no added sugar, a ginger element, and bitters.



The perfect Autumn drink.



Disclosure: This post was created in partnership with Absolut. Thank you to Hella Bitters for being awesome on this shoot and Pamela Duncan Silver for styling!

Rue Legouvé

I ran away to Paris for a few days and it really did feel like a sprint the whole time. Three days is just not enough time. Everyone has always said Paris in the fall is the best, and this was my first taste of that. I was greeted with super crisp chilly air and sunny days. Truly the best.

Rue Legouvé is a narrow street around the corner from Holybelly, and I poked in for a few quick shots one morning after pancakes and two rounds of coffee.

(Kitty!)

I never thought I could pull off mules (open-toed especially), but I wanted to branch out from my usual and try something new. These suede mules were a kind gift from Trademark and I love them. I walked for miles in them and felt ok! The heel is just about 3-inches and chunky without being clunky, so bring it on, cobblestone streets.

This coat is a Max Mara reversible coat, but I prefer it on the camel side – for some reason, the grey side really makes me feel like I'm wearing a bathrobe! Here's a similar style with a much friendlier price point. I like this oversized coat option too, for under $200.

I mentioned in this post I'd be wearing this mockneck with everything, and I literally have been living in it. It's held up just fine after a few washes too.

Ok, back to the grind!