Pistachio

Finally a few good, hot days in a row. Now I remember summer! No sweater required walking to the bus in the morning, windows open at night, big floppy hat in the garden - all good things!

Reality Check

Last week my mom gave me a book called There's Lead in Your Lipstick, which is about all of the toxins in beauty products, and it's really worth reading. I was reluctant at first, feeling like I didn't need to know about another pile of things that are killing me that I should really spend more money on, because life seems to throw a lot of that my way these days, but it was so fascinating that I couldn't put it down. It's really well laid-out and accessible, and teaches the basics of label reading and gives suggestions of less toxic alternatives. As I read it I was running to the bathroom after every chapter to thrown out something else that was full of dangerous crap.

There are many references in the book to a website done by the Environmental Working Group called the Skin Deep Database, which allows you to look up almost any beauty product and see it's safety rating, which is really helpful The advice that the book and the website give as an underlying philosophy is "fewer products, smaller amounts, less often" which is something I can work on, I think.

I've already made a bunch of changes, and I'll continue to work on being more aware of what my skin is soaking up. In some cases, choices I've made over the last few years were reaffirmed, such as natural toothpaste and hair products. There are some things that I will continue to use sparingly, infrequently, feeling guilty every time: lipstick and nail-polish. A few of the changes were no-brainers: toxic synthetic perfume out, lovely natural perfume in. A few are works in progress: I'm cautiously optimistic after a few funk-free days with the natural deodorant, but the old stuff is still on stand-by. One was not at easy as it seemed: I'm perhaps the only person allergic to the most natural soap ever, and have an itchy full-body rash to show for it. As a result I'm going soap-free until it clears up, then I'll try something else. There are a bunch of products, mostly makeup, that I'm going use up before I replace, but I'm going to be more conscious of when I really need to wear them.

So when do I need to wear make-up? I never look like I'm wearing much, but I wear a range of products most days. I can forgo lots of things on the weekends, but at work I like to look pretty put-together. The big thing for me is mascara, because my lashes are so invisible, I feel like I look weird without it, but I'm trying to tell myself so what if I look weird? Going to the gym, for example: some girls look great at the gym, full hair and makeup, smelling great... but I went without a stitch of makeup yesterday and felt fine. There are two pressures at work, I think. One is my own vanity. I want to look nice, in case I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror. I'd rather not think, Eh, should have worn mascara, but I think that's something I can get over. The second thing is this feeling that I owe looking pretty to people. It's that What Not To Wear ethos: how dare you go out in public like that? But who cares? In some situations, like the gym, or grocery shopping, or a weekend outing, I'd rather assume that no one is freaking out if I'm not fully painted. Anyway, I know I'm rambling, but I guess it's an evolution, finding what products work for me, and what I'm comfortable with.

the standard complaint

Shall I just schedule a stock post in which a complain about the weather? It's getting a little repetitive, I know, but I'm feeling cranky about the lack of anything resembling a summer. We get one day of sun, then a week of "cloudy with a chance of showers, possible sunny breaks", but the showers happen with more consistency than the sunshine. The forecast is always crappy with a hint of optimism three days away, and those three days just keep getting pushed further into the future. Blah. And it no good for the garden; it looks like May out there. Still lettuce, that's the only bright side.

Flimsy

I got this cute little cloud-blue silk top at Value Village last night, along with another little sleeveless silk top. I just scan the racks for silk these days; it's so light and soft and looks dressy but is so easy to wear.

Wedding Day

Mary's beautiful wedding was on Saturday, and I'm kicking myself now for not taking more pictures! I was lazy and just wanted to enjoy myself, and it looked like the wedding photographers were taking care of business. I didn't even get a good shot of the bride, but trust me, she was a knockout. These are just a few pics of some cute wedding guests.

Serendipity

Yes, people were giving me funny looks on the street today. I did not plan this outfit. Here's what happened: I knew I wanted to wear this skirt, and I thought I would wear a blouse that I have at work, but when I tried it on when I got there I decided it was too see-through. Luckily I have several options at all times in the shop, and I picked this. What goes with navy with white polka-dots? Red and white seersucker, duh! I felt a little bit like a member of an obscure religious sect, especially with the severe haircut and minimal makeup, though Little House on the Prairie schoolmarm was also suggested. Perhaps two of my favorite looks!

The festivities continue...

Somebody clever remembered a camera, so here are the girls in the hotel lobby after tea. The concierge arranged us all; he had obviously done this before!

Irresistible goodies!

Later that evening we went out to dinner and dancing. I don't really do clubwear anymore. OK, I really never did clubwear, but in my advancing years it's totally not happening, but I got such an awesome compliment from a friend's sister who just got in from Berlin for the wedding. She said that from the haircut down to the shoes I looked straight out of Berlin. Couldn't have asked for a nicer compliment!

Teatime

The lovely Mary is getting married next Saturday, and today we had a bridal shower tea for her at the Wedgewood Hotel. Tonight there will be more festivities, but it was such a perfect afternoon that I thought it deserved a post of it's own. I only took one picture: the guest of honor looking at her gifts with glee, but I hope I get copies of other people's pictures because everyone looked so cute. You know when you get a server to take pictures? I think three cameras is about the tolerable limit. You see the smile turn to a grimace when she gets seven of them...


I designed these pieces. The skirt is so pink it's funny. I figured that if there's ever an event to which it is appropriate to wear pink and ruffles and a big bow, it's a bridal shower. The shoes belonged to my grandmother. She gave them to me years ago, but I've only worn them a couple of times because they lack the modern comforts like cushioning and stability. Great for sit-down events though!

Let the heat wave begin

I'm still excited for summer dressing, though summer is taking its time materializing. All photos from Mr. Newton.

Holy Hannelore

Love these super-luxe interiors. Where are my velvet drapes and paisley wallpapers???

Spending Spree

Chartreuse and acid yellow in How To Spend It magazine. I love the 70's disco glossiness and the big hair, partly because it's a look I would never even attempt. And what about the name of the magazine? How To Spend It? I love it and I hate it. It's cocky and clever, and it reminds me that I have none of It to spend!

Thursday after work:

Yes, I need a haircut. Now that I have short hair I have much less tolerance for shagginess. I made an appointment for next week, so I just have to resist the urge to start chopping at my bangs for seven more days. I'm so happy that these loafer/moccasins fit now. They used to be just a smidge too tight, but now I can wear them all day without a blister.

Strides

Two great shots and great looks from Tank magazine. I don't know why they are so small!

Signs of Life

Oh, I love the sunshine. I think we skipped spring and jumped right into summer, but I'll take it. I'm not much of a flower gardener, but there is some blooming going on. If only I could replace the vast tracts of weeds with pretty flowers. Right now I'm envying my neighbors with pretty peonies in their gardens, so if I ever make some room I might try my hand at peonies.

Black on Blue

Yay, sunshine!! As I was taking pictures after work Blackie Fluffers came for a visit and then proceeded to roll around on the sidewalk on his back. Cats sure do know how to enjoy themselves. Oh, you can really see behind me how out of control those buttercup weeds are! Damn the damp!