I love a fun evening out, but even more I love getting ready for an evening out--especially when I am getting ready with good friends. For me, the anticipation in the air, trying on outfits, chitchatting, shoe swapping, and sipping a glass of something add up to a party before the party. My friends and I partook in all of this the other night, and had , a new-to-LA hair and makeup service that comes to your home, do us up right. Proof: the pic, below, in which I'm sporting a chignon I could never pull off on my own, a dramatic stay-on the Vensette makeup artist put on me, and a gorgeous lace backless dress by . Check out the pre-party at my friend house .

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