Confession: Can’t think to confess. Too shocked about American Idol outcome. Too blown away by how awesome everything but the conclusion was. (Cyndi Lauper + Alison gave me goosebumps!) I’m not saying this HuffPo article says it all, but it’s certainly a relevant consideration. I did, however, work myself into a feverish, fantastical froth of excitement over potential Team Glambert duets – Dave Gahan? Robert Smith? Morrissey? RUFUS WAINWRIGHT? – of course none of them would be caught dead on AI, but still. A girl can dream, and she can dream big. BIGGER THAN JESUS, EVEN, BITCHES. So here, take it. The same dress you saw yesterday, with one of your favorite tops on me. I’ve nothing more to give.

FFAF SPECIAL ALERT: Don’t say I didn’t warn you! The tomboy and I are packing up and heading…um, East! That’s it, East. East to Yosemite for a glorious 4-day camping trip full of horseshoe games, exploration of several lakes and nearby creeks, lounging poolside with a 2′ tall stack of books, and chocolate fondue. That’s right. FONDUE. Ask anybody. Even when I camp, I am fancy.

The downside? 4 FFAF-less days.
The upside? Some rugged FFAF posts when we get back!

Confession: I wasn’t quite sure which pair of pink shoes I wanted to wear with this little outfit and decided to make a theme of it. Can we discuss how much I love this Theory denim jacket? I got it in pristine secondhand condition years ago. It’s as thin and light as a nice jersey cotton, perfectly fitted and something in between a crop and normal length. I think the wash is just right, too.

And MAC Rougette! I remembered that AYL wanted make-up details, and I’m no make-up artist or over-the-top fancy pants, but it can’t hurt to share my favorites with y’all, can it? Nah. While I’m no MAC whore, I do have a few picks that I like – staples like Russian Red, Viva Glam V for a nude with a kick and I used to swear by Studio Fix. Rougette is a gorgeous raspberry shade from the Limited Edition Mattene line that exists no more, but I’d bet the Cargo Plant Love line of lipsticks has a similar shade that wears just as creamily and prettily, albeit less long-wearing, like Gamba or Majella!

Scent: The origins and history of aoud are fascinating to me. Large evergreens native to southeast Asia contain agar, which is found in the heartwood of the trees. They occasionally become infected with mold and aoud is one of many names for the resin produced in the heartwood, in response to this attack or in order to prevent them. Go read more if you’re bored, it’s quite interesting.

Montale Steam Aoud, upon first impression, smells like something crudely swabbed onto your skin in cold, alarming amounts just before they stick you with a giant needle and draw so much blood out of you that you practically faint on the spot. NOT THAT I KNOW WHAT THAT’S LIKE OR ANYTHING. I’m just saying. Then it settles very, very slowly, becoming less severe and more mired in smoke and rose as big and dark and heavily suggestive as a fistful of damp, dark satin on a dirty stairwell. And arrogance, my god. Not at all suited for day, but pretty damn sensational overall. Notes: roses, oud, amber, agar motta, caraway.