Tag Archives: Fashion Beauty Friend Friday

November 9, 2011 · 6:51 am

Bare-faced Beauty Challenge

Here’s a challenge that had me nervous: Franca at Oranges and Apples proposed a “no makeup” post for Fashion Friend Beauty Friday. I don’t normally wear a lot of makeup, but I have a few standbys. I’m comfortable going without cosmetics at home or walking my dog, but to show the whole world? Wow! It’s the most I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone since I confessed my age.

Here’s the trap I fall into: I need sunscreen, so I slather it on. Then I realize the lotion has made me shiny, so I add powder. The powder makes my eyelashes lighter, so I add eyeliner and mascara. And I’m addicted to lip balm, so I wear that. It’s not that I plan to wear a lot of makeup.

Straight out of the shower (and indoors where SPF isn’t required) is the only time I can avoid the trap. I also thought I should forgo hair products too and be 100% natural for the photos.

Sometimes though, it’s fun to get dolled up. I like wearing lipstick and eye shadow. It’s also good sometimes to take a step back and not rely on makeup. If too many months go by and I haven’t gone bare-faced, I start to feel like I need all the extras. I don’t want to feel like makeup is vital. I need to remember that I’m not made of plastic. It’s good to see skin.

I started to wear light makeup in junior high. In high school, I started to wear more and, as a result, I often passed for older than I was. As a fledgling feminist in university, I “stuck it to the Man” and abandoned makeup for a while. But I made peace with cosmetics when I realized they don’t define my beliefs.

Now, I appreciate a good concealer and I like lipstick. Interestingly, most guys don’t “get” makeup, and my boyfriends have often preferred me without it.

What’s your relationship with makeup? Do you wear it every day? Sometimes? Never? What product can’t you live without?

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Filed under Fashion, Feminism

Tagged as beauty, fashion, Fashion Beauty Friend Friday, feminism, makeup, natural beauty, style

September 23, 2011 · 6:51 am

FBFF: Refashioned Clothing

Today’s post is a challenge by Fashion Beauty Friend Friday. This is a group effort; a lot of bloggers will be answering the call. Be sure to read all the other posts at ModlyChic.

When I was challenged to share something I’d refashioned, I was initially stumped. I buy a lot of second-hand clothes, and I sometimes take them in, hem a bit, or add ruching. But would that count as refashioning? Then I remembered my Windows 7 skirt:

Top: Swapped
Blazer: Swapped
Skirt: Thrifted and refashioned
Boots: Thrifted

I wrote about this skirt once (shortly after I made it). It once was a giant t-shirt. A men’s XXXXL to be specific. The corporate logo is so subtle. It’s a white “7” on a black t-shirt. I found it at the Goodwill in Bellevue, a mile away from the Microsoft campus. I bet a Microsoft employee got it free at work and then donated it. I picked it up for $1.99. I cut off the sleeves and neck, took in the sides, and added a 2″ wide elastic band to the waist.

patterns

I tried a subtle pattern mixing by wearing a pinstriped blazer and a black and white geometric print tank top. All in all, this outfit cost $12. Do you change-up your clothes too? What’s your best re-creation?

FBFF: What Sets Bloggers Apart

I recently joined Fashion Beauty Friend Friday. This is a group effort; a lot of bloggers will be answering the same questions. Don’t forget to read all the other their answers too, over at ModlyChic.

Q: Since you began blogging do you notice a change in the types of things you gravitate towards while shopping?

A: Yes. For starters, I’m actually shopping less. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but I spend a lot of my spare time assembling outfits, taking pictures, and writing. There’s almost no time to shop. Fortunately I make time for it. However, I’ve become more interested in buying things that I can remix in many different ways, not things that work only as an “outfit.” Also, because I post about what I buy, I feel like my readers hold me accountable. I like to shop ethically (animal-free, fair-traded) and not overspend. I make smarter decisions knowing I have to ‘fess up online.

Q: Do you find, as a fashion blogger, that you dress differently from your family and friends? Do they comment on that?

A: Ha! Yeah, I get comments. It’s positive. Usually that I’m stylish or colorful. I don’t dress differently because I’m a blogger; dressing differently drew me to blogging. My husband sometimes says, “did you wear that today?” It’s his code for “wow, you’re creative” (that’s what I’m telling myself). I like bright tights and unusual color combinations. I’ve always loved clothes and fashion. To me, it’s an artistic way to express my moods.

Q: What’s the weirdest fashion that you secretly like, even if you aren’t bold enough to wear it?

A: Tights or socks with sandals. It’s so “ugly” it works, especially if done “right.” And because it’s a rule-breaker, there’s no right way to do it. I do think it should look intentional. Chunky heels and thick tights is a good bet. And go for color because, hey, you’re already in uncharted territory.

Q: Looking at current trends – what would you like to try but need to build up the courage to do?

A: I’ll try any trend, as long as I truly like it. One thing I like but don’t try enough is mixing patterns. I feel like there’s so much room for error. And honestly, I’ve trained myself not to mix patterns so I often don’t think to try it. Now that I’ve written this, I’ll be more aware and give patten mixing a whirl.

Q: Toot someone’s horn – what fashion blogger out there inspires you with her bold fashion choices?

A: I’ve made a lot of online blogging friends, so it’s hard to decide. I recently met Julie from Mint and Mellow and admire her style. In fact, all the Seattle Style Bloggers I met that day are amazing women with wonderfully individual styles. You can see some of them (and links to their blogs) at my previous post, Seattle Style Bloggers Picnic.