the casual red lip

I never get tired of jeans and a t-shirt. High-waisted or low-rise, v-neck, scoop, or crew, it’s the quintessential casual combo.

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The great thing about the unobtrusiveness of jeans and a t-shirt is the influence the other elements of the outfit suddenly gain. You can look slovenly or ultra-stylish; it’s all down to the accessories and peripherals. How could anyone who loves accessories pass up such a chance to let them shine? I dressed up the simple base with beige d’orsay pumps, pearls, and a belt. Belts can be so effective.

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And a casual red lip like this is so great, so throwaway. Even better with sneakers and tousled hair. An ultra glam red lip is all well and good, but the unexpected, tossed-on red lip is this delightful surprise. Lisa Eldridge recently did a tutorial on this kind of casual glam lip (all red lips are a little bit glam, no?), which I recommend along with the rest of her channel.

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Tom Ford Love Lust blush layered over Chanel cream blush in Affinité with the phenomenal Josie Maran Argan Enlightenment Illuminizer— a stunning, metallic gold cream highlighter—on the cheekbones. Geisha Ink Silk Mascara, which is excellent, a densely bristled wand makes it easy to coat lashes in one or two swipes (I take some of the product off on a tissue before applying to keep the lashes natural). This small Canadian brand does wonderful eye makeup, I would also recommend their liquid liner.

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Don’t usually go for graphic tees but love this one.

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Sole Society d’orsay pumps, Express high-waisted jeans, J Crew tee, Madewell leather belt, Pearl Paradise lavender metallic freshwater studs, Skagen watch, Michael Kors pavé open arrow ring, Ray-Ban aviators. On the lips: Tatcha Kyoto Red Silk lipstick and NYX lip pencil in Hot Red.

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How great is this cocktail ring? Gold molded into coral with jade stones nestled in. Thrifted.

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lady lightning

Bikini tops are so versatile. Am only just now reminded of this look, though the bandeau is completely different. Totally different.

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It was about 95 degrees out, so one had to be creative. Still, sheathed from abdomen to knees, it doesn’t seem that revealing to me. Even though there’s obviously a good amount of skin showing, and a slinky jersey pencil skirt doesn’t obscure much. It always seems to be more a matter of what is showing, rather than how much. All perception.

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The song playing in the background of this look, a rough harmonic translation, say, is the badass, incomprehensible ‘Push Push (Lady Lightning)’ by Bang Camaro. Fellow Guitar Hero players will know this one. Who is lady lightning? What is she pushing? Why aren’t there a couple more lyrics to give me a hint? I don’t care. I like it. [Reminds me, need to wear these earrings again soon.]

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Seafolly bikini, Calvin Klein pumps, Kara Ross python/brass bracelet, 100″ pearl rope from Pearl Paradise, pencil skirt (thrifted), pearl bracelets (eBay), Ray-Ban aviators, French-style market basket. On the lips: Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet lipstick in La Favorite.

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