I've been living the desert dream lately, channeling my alter ego of a 'desert rat' in Palm Springs where I am lucky enough to have a home. That soul-stirring expanse of sky and day-long stretches of winter sun topped off by the cool mountain air in the evenings really helps me to reset and reframe after a crazy week in my Hollywood office. The snowbirds are in town right now, jetting into Palm Springs airport from San Francisco, Chicago, Minneapolis and Toronto to escape a harsher winter. And it only adds to the people-watching potential that I love about this part of the world. I've been starting most days with breakfast at Jake's or Cheeky's and then taking a drive along Palm Canyon, scouting around for collectables at the estate sales and my favorite furniture and design stores. A friend of mine calls it 'trinketeering' and it's one of my favorite ways to spend the weekend. When I'm in town I never miss a morning at Misty's Consignment store. Owner Misty Davis has amazing connections, especially within the Old Movie Colony, and receives daily deliveries of vintage jewelry, impeccable mid-century furniture, and great art. I hate the thought that I could be missing out on a must-have piece if I don't get there!
But it's not just about what's in store but who's in store. I've been clocking some incredibly chic women on their own trinketeering excursions, working their resort wear and a refreshingly low-key look. But let's not confuse low key with low fi; these women are still glamazons which means there's great grooming and diligent maintenance going on but they're far more covert about it. Complexions can only be described as perfection: clear, refined, with an almost imperceptible wash of dewy base. [Watch this space: sheer, dewy tints of hydrating foundation and tinted moisturizers are making a comeback!] Eyelashes are artfully extended by way of mascara or super subtle lash extensions while cheeks are very carefully contoured -- no obvious flush of blush! Gravity isn't really on anyone's side let's face it, but these Palm Springs princesses have found a way to coax it into submission and it's all subtle sculpting and soft, skin-like shades that enhance your natural features. I'm definitely tuning into a strong nude makeup vibe edging its way back into makeup bags and onto the streets and it has inspired me to put color to one side and explore the face-shaping, eye-opening capabilities of a more neutral, nude palette for next season. 2012 is all about skinspiration!
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