…why don’t you…
(Confessions)January 30 2012
I’m not one for resolutions (who is these days?), but I like to issue myself little challenges throughout the new year. I figure I’d share them with the group every so often in the classic Diana Vreeland style. Think of it as a “note-to-self”…or something like that…
Ever since “mother” was added to the list of words and phrases following the comma after my name, I fell into a sartorial lull. Everything easy, all the time, everyday. No color, nothing inspired, just boring. Boring as hell. Pretty soon, I found myself facing the same dissatisfaction I experienced back when I started the blog back in 2008: I was tired of dressing like a 12-year-old boy, but here I was – long sleeved tees, jeans, and chucks. Day in and day out.
Ashamedly, I’m wearing that right now. As I’m typing. Fight me.
I knew that I needed a boost if I was to retain any sort of cred on these here internets, but I was confronted with the extremes that I believe plague everyone’s closet at some point or other: either fall back into the same patterns because it’s so easy to do or completely upheave my entire routine and force myself to do better. Neither sounded that great, so I figured I would meet in between the two:
“Why don’t you do one extra thing while getting ready every morning?“
photo via thefashionbomb
It could be a bit of eyeliner, a wink of mascara, a bit of blush, or scented spritz. A prettier pair of underwear (ESCANDALO!) or something with a higher heel. Admittedly, I haven’t read it, but I’m sure Victoria Beckham was on to something when she titled her book “That Extra Half an Inch
.” It really does make a difference. Maybe only a 1% and therefore possibly undetectable difference, but a difference all the same.
Right now, I’m making a point of never leaving the house without this on my cheeks. It’s the perfect color for keeping me looking alive and awake with minimal time invested in application. Great combo for the mothers of 5-month-olds who like to scream…all the time…for everything…
So tell me…what do you do to keep yourself on your toes? Stylistically speaking?
15 Responses to “…why don’t you…”
I am mamma, mother is far too dignified for what I am able to accomplish each day. I try my hardest to attempt an interesting eyeshadow application instead of the usual hastily swiped one color application.
Marie @ Lemondrop ViNtAge
Alicia Reply:
January 31st, 2012 at 12:07 pm
I wish I knew how to do proper eye makeup. Nice one!
And you’re right. I’m still not comfortable with the word ‘mother.’ Makes me feel like a kid in the principal’s office.
spending more time on my make up…for some reason it has always escaped me but this year i will sit myself down and practice! practice! until i can afford a makeuo artist! justjokes!
Alicia Reply:
January 31st, 2012 at 12:08 pm
!!!
Practice. It’s the practice part I can’t seem to get down. Do you watch the MUA videos on youtube?
Well since my entire life is all about ME and what I like and what I wear I pretty much sit around all day twirling my hair and dreaming up what outfits I should put together for the rest of the week. I’m not even kidding. That’s seriously what I do. I’m doing it right now.
Alicia Reply:
January 31st, 2012 at 12:08 pm
I highly approve of this life. HIGHLY.
Perfume. Even if the day goes by and no one catches a whiff, I will, and that makes me smile.
Alicia Reply:
January 31st, 2012 at 12:10 pm
Love that.
I just started putting perfume on a card and hanging it in my closet. I still haven’t graduated to wearing it daily, though. Baby steps.
Perfume, and I have now added to that mascara and lip pencil (usually reddish-pink).
And JEWELRY. Surely, you can relate to that.
Alicia Reply:
February 3rd, 2012 at 12:21 pm
Indeed!
My witty bone is so tickled by your tab line… and are you a rabid Dlisted fan too, on top of all your other flawless tastes??? It would be an ESCANDALO!!! if you weren’t!
Alicia Reply:
February 3rd, 2012 at 12:21 pm
LOVE Dlisted. Don’t read it every day though…I need to get my shit together.
Mom of a 3 year old and a 5 week old right here. My current struggle is trying to find nice looking “breast-feeding friendly” tops. The few times I’ve been out and about, my uniform has been a nursing tank, oversized cardigan, leggings (sigh) and Uggs (double triple sigh). The other day I decided to jazz up my uniform with a necklace.
I also wore eye liner, hoping it would take away from the bags under my eyes.
Alicia Reply:
February 3rd, 2012 at 12:26 pm
You are amazing. I can’t even imaging having a toddler along with the bean. MAN!
And I know that nursing-friendly top struggle. The best I’ve come up with so far are American Apparel deep V neck t-shirts (with one of their triangle bralettes if I feel like holding the boobs down; nothing if I don’t give a damn that morning), and whatever I can throw on top of a nursing tank (keeps me from being naked when I lift the shirt up).
I have stuck the kid under my shirt to feed him. More times than a few, actually. #noshame
Thank you for posting this. I am not a newly minted mom but I know I’ve gotten a bit into a style/fashion rut. I guess I can do more with my makeup, ie, wear any at all. Maybe throw on some lipstick and blush before I rush out the door. And build from there.