Lipstick stains

I am a devoted user of eyeliner and mascara.  Since the moment I left high school (where make up was banned but I still wore concealer least people ask me what was wrong at home due to my naturally dark under eye circles) I have worn eyeliner and mascara at every practical - and many not practical - moments.  My love of makeup however didn't really extend past my eyes.  I have always loved how lipstick looks and admired those women with glossy red smiles, but I could never quite be that girl.

All that changed last August when I went to Charm School.  Finally I learned how to wear lipstick without looking like a clown.  As a fan of a vintage look, particularly the 40s and 50s, changing to a slick of winged black eyeliner and red lips was probably inevitable, but what has amazed me was how instantly it became my "face".  Not only that it has actually cut down the time I spend doing my makeup in the morning!

And so it was that today I found myself, giant cup of tea on my desk complete with lipstick mark, reapplying said lipstick while wearing a full skirt and heels, and it occurred to me that I look like a perfect 1950's secretary.  And you know what, so long as no one treats me like one I'm just fine to look like that.

Have you ever changed your look?  Was it a conscious decision or did it just evolve like mine has?

Lace Tights

Today I'm wearing my Jonathan Aston "Sweet Roses" lace tights.  The picture is not me, somehow I thought it really would step over the limit of office comradery to ask one of the guys to take a picture of my legs.  Seriously, that would have to be some kind of office harassment case waiting to happen.  Also I'm wearing a work appropriate knee length skirt so the picture gives you a much better idea of what they look like.

Anyway, I LOVE these tights.  That is right LOVE - with capital letters.  I spent more on them than I've ever spent on a pair of tights, but luckily they seem to wear very well so are actually decent value on a per wear basis.  They definitely good value on a per comment basis.  Every time I wear them I'm bound to get a comment.  I wore them out on the weekend a couple of weeks ago and got 6 comments, including 3 random strangers who stopped me in shops to comment.  Now that is one hard working pair of tights!

But mostly I just love how they make even a rather ordinary work outfit a bit girly and special.  They are lace, with roses and a backseam.  What more could I ask for?  They also remind me that sometimes it is ok to spend a bit more on something special because they make me feel great - does that make me shallow?

Leopard Print

I love animal print, but I'm a bit afraid of wearing it.  Somehow I feel like I'm going to come out all Joan Collins in full 80's Dynasty regalia.

So I restrict myself to small items, like my much beloved leopard print peep toe shoes.  Without fail, every time I wear them I get at least one positive comment.  They are so cute, and no one could accuse my feet of being Joan Collins like.  I wore them today with jeans, a white top and black and white 30's style jacket, very stylish I think.

P.S.  I've loved getting a few comments in the past week or so.  Feel free to comment on what has made you smile today, this blog is all about sharing the happiness.

A meeting of minds

I was standing in the queue at Woolworths trying surreptitiously check out the awesome 50's hairstyle of the checkout chick when I accidentally caught her eye.  It was a tad awkward, there is nothing like someone realising you've been looking at them.

Of course as luck would have it, I ended up at her counter, so I decided to break the ice by declaring that her hair was really cool.  "Really" she said "because I've been thinking how excellent your dress is".  There it was, we had both been checking out each other's retro styles!

As she scanned my groceries we had an excellent chat about mod-vintage style, where to get a decent petticoat (ebay is your friend) and other clothing / fashion topics.  It was a surprising momentary meeting of the minds and reminded me of a decision I made ages ago to comment if I think someone is looking good.  There is nothing like a compliment to lighten your day.

Casual Friday

Does your workplace do casual Friday?

My workplace is generally pretty casual unless we have clients in, but because of my role, I tend dress "corporate" although not necessarily suited up. However, I do join in on casual Friday, usually by wearing jeans.

Today is my first Friday since Frocktober, so it was the first day back in jeans since September! Oh how I love jeans, I really do. They are just a brilliant item of clothing, so comfy, look so good, just so nice to wear.

Maybe it was because it was my first day back in jeans in a month, but when I went out to lunch, I noticed how many people do the casual Friday thing by wearing jeans. But while jeans may be the staple for casual Friday, what people wear on the top is very variable. There are plenty who go very casual top to tie. Personally I like to wear nice shirts or a jacket because it still makes me feel " worky" and I noticed quite a few people do that, but one guy was taking it to the extreme. With his jeans he was wearing a white business shirt, tie and suit jacket - he had literally just replaced suit pants with jeans to go casual. He reminded me of the old shots of newsreaders with shorts on under the desk!

So whatever way you do it, I hope you have had a great casual Friday.