First Look: Milkmaid Chic at Ralph Lauren

I make no secret of the fact that I’d be perfectly happy abandoning city life for a place in the countryside, where I could grow my own flowers and veggies, bake pies with fruit from my orchard, and have a dozen or so animals roaming wild around the property. (Of course, this country abode would need to be less than 3o minutes from a Whole Foods, a shopping mall and some decent restaurants and nightlife—which is why that vision remains a fantasy, at least for the near future.)

Until then, I’ll have to satisfy myself with the cool country vibe Ralph Lauren had going for his spring show. LOVE LOVE LOVE this. I wrote the other day that I’d be happy to wear Anna Sui’s Total Look day in, day out for an entire season… well, it looks like she’s got competition now.

Here’s the full body shot:

And here’s the head shot:

Doesn’t it make you want to run off to a farm too? (At least, if we could look this good mucking about in the mud and hay etc.?)

This is simple makeup, and the key is great skin. It just looks like it glows from within, doesn’t it? I know I’m becoming a Blush Nazi, but it’s essential to pull this off. One you might like—since this looks a bit more tawny than pinky—is Dr. Hauschka’s Rouge Powder. It has zero glitter (unlike my nighttime favourite, NARS Orgasm), so it’s actually more of a natural look for day. And it’s totally pure, so it will NEVER clog your pores.

A couple more things: Notice the very, very subtle hint of white highlighter at the inner corners of the eyes, which lights up her whole face (I talked about that technique here). And to get the rosy look on the lips, a lip stain would be ideal. Go for one that’s not too dark—I hear CoverGirl’s Outlast Lipstains are excellent, and the one I’d try would be Flirty Nude.

The hair looks easy, not too fussy—just a nice, smooth blowout. Don’t forget the jaunty cap, of course!

Photos: Style.com