Bill Blass said, “Style is primarily a matter of instinct,” an idea that offers women equal measures of hope and fear. With her comprehensive new book Eva Scrivo on Beauty, hair and makeup doyenne Eva Scrivo provides an antidote to the fear part of that equation. Scrivo’s approach to beauty and style is democratic and sensible. According to her website, she believes “Beauty is within the grasp of every woman,” and her book includes chapters on hair, makeup, diet, and dress. A veritable encyclopedia, the book provides any woman with all the tools and know-how necessary to feel and look her best.

I don’t spend much time on hair and makeup (we’re talking blow-dry, mascara and lipstick on a fancy day), and I’m a little intimidated by it. For that reason, the three things I appreciate most about Scrivo’s book are its simple, no-nonsense writing style; the directions, which, along with helpful pictures, are easy to follow; and the fact that it addresses female aesthetics on every level, inside and out. On Tuesday night, my comrade in arms KP of Stylenik and I were lucky enough to meet Scrivo in person at a Gilt City-sponsored book party at Di Pietro Todd salon in San Francisco.

Scrivo was also kind (and patient) enough to allow me to snap about a thousand shots of her beautiful bracelet. Le voila:

A few words about Di Pietro Todd: the flagship branch lives in a gorgeous space on Post Street in downtown San Francisco. The salon is large and white and airy, done up in true Soho-loft style. The staff was friendly and approachable. Stylist Lauren Klein, in an outfit that displayed excellent blue-on-blue color-blocking skills, suggested that I take advantage of my wavy hair by cutting some simple layers, a style that would allow me to simplify my already simple routine–no blowdryer! Impeccably dressed colorist Maclaine Defelice advised thinner highlights and more emphasis on my natural color. A productive evening, all in all.