ok real talk for one minute. this has been, hands down, my favorite shoot to date for so many reasons. my father recently received a humanitarian award for the work he has done with – and for – the covenant house. for those of you who have never heard of it, the covenant house is a nonprofit charity serving homeless youth. it gives them ‘a hand up — not a hand out.’ visiting the covenant house earlier in april was an amazing experience. i spent a few hours at their manhattan shelter. i met some of the young people who are living there – applying for jobs, getting back on their feet, even learning trades or finishing their education. it was sobering to hear some of their stories. these are people who were never given a first chance in life. all they’re asking for is a second. i’m so proud of how much my father has helped this amazing cause, so seeing him receive this special honor called for an (almost) equally special ensemble.
i got my hair done by alex efstratiou at arrojo tribeca. i was wearing a high-neck blouse, so i opted to wear my hair up and away from the face. she created a really neat top-knot/braided twist on the faux hawk. i felt so cool. (ps: original top linked above, similar top linked below) i did my makeup myself – per usual – but i really took it back to my roots with this one. fun fact: i used to work for mac cosmetics – and while makeup isn’t what i want to be doing all day every day, i really do love the artistry of it. it’s rare lately that i go ‘full beat’ – but for an evening formal event, i knew i needed to smoke out that eye. i busted out some of my oldie but goodie favorites (loose powder eyeshadow, anyone!?) and i was really pleased with how the makeup came out overall. smokey eye/nude lip is one of my favorite combinations.
my skirt is from target’s ‘who what wear’ collection, which is honestly mind-blowing. this skirt is the definition of “looks like a million bucks”. target always has the wins for me. i came so close to renting an evening gown, or scouring the sales at macys….. and then this absolutely gorgeous piece fell into my lap (and into my closet). it got so many compliments, and it really stood out without being bright or sparkly. i paired it with my favorite jimmy choo ‘candy’ clutch (linked in champagne but worn in black) and an easy & comfy pair of black mules. i wore an aerie bralette beneath the top. the racerback lace detail showed through my top and worked perfectly. so comfy to not have to wear a strapless! the earrings (from express) tied it all together, fit the clean-lined theme of the outfit, and looked killer next to a smoky eye.
this shot took place on desbrosses street, right outside of tribeca rooftop…. which as some of you know, is where my husband and i got married almost one year ago to the day! the last time i was taking photos on this street, i was in my wedding gown. so i felt like i was back on my old stomping grounds. this whole look is an example of edgy, modern and affordable eveningwear. the next time you’re at target, be sure to check out the ‘who what wear’ collection for more pieces similar to the skirt i wore to this event…. and don’t forget to follow me on instagram to stay in the loop!
shop the look here:
