Shop Chic...or...the influence of a cute little purse

A few weeks ago I saw a cute purse at a vintage shop. I didn't buy it, but it's been haunting me. I have a confession to make, I am a purse addict in recovery. I've always wanted to do a wall of purses, but I've resisted, knowing my penchant to tire of things quickly.

Anyhoo...the lovely shop owner told me the purse was designed by Mary Quant. After Googling her, I must admit, I am obsessed. She is one of the most prominent designers of 60s London-based pop. A very playful, happy and exuberant trend. Here's a picture of Mary.

 

How freaking adorable is she?  I think this pic could be the influence for a beautiful color scheme. I also think this picture would be really cute as a poster.

Here's a pic of one of Mary's designs. I am in love with the pop flowers! Last week I decided to do a little retail therapy. I wanted some new happy pieces. Mary had me craving some retro mod influences.

Here's my loot influenced by Mary! All this loot was $38 at a local consignment store. Loving the orange. Look at those shoes, aren't they fab? I could see Mary wearing them.

Love this color scheme: orange, pink and turquoise.

Here's something I love, but didn't buy. How fab is this flamingo bag from Pat Catans? Would look great on my hypothetical purse wall.  I've said it many times -- I need a virtual reality machine.

I've always wanted to have my own a little boutique. That would satisfy my love of creating vignettes. It occurred to me, why should beautiful objects like purses be hid in the closet? Why not display them proudly? Afterall,  they are pieces of art. So I have my new shoes proudly displayed with a gorgeous beaded purse I found at the Goodwill. I called this new look Shop Chic. I'm sure Mary would approve.

Pretty Pink Vase No. 2...or...Ask and You Shall Receive

Dear readers, I've been listening to the book The Secret (it's available on Netflix). I've read it many times, but I am finding it particularly profound of late. The law of universal attraction is something that I've been considering more and more. I've been following quantum physics, simulation theory and Elon Musk.

BTW, have you seen Cover Girl's model Maye Musk (Elon's mother)?

She is a stunner! I have a major girl crush on her. This family definitely knows The Secret. Sorry, I digress. But y'all know how my mind works. Creativity influences creativity.

So... pretty much the law of attraction is very simple. You receive what you focus on. So one day last week I'm sitting on my sofa and I'm thinking I really want a pretty pink vase for my dining room table. I take to my drawing pad and I'm drawing the vase that I want. I start searching Etsy.

I've got a specific image in mind. I want a fully committed and unapologetic pink. Not blush, not mauve but a fearless, real pink. I want a modern simple shape and I want it to be about 11 inches tall.

I can't find it on Etsy, I find a couple of maybes, but not exactly what I want. And not in my budget.

After spending a little time contemplating the vase, I decide to go grocery shopping. As I walked into the grocery store, what was in my eyeline? A wine bottle. The perfect pink, the perfect height and the perfect (cheap) price. I snatched it without a second thought. Thank you universe, I said. That night I celebrated with a rare glass of wine, as I admired my good fortune. I sent love and gratitude to the manufacturer of this wine for having the fortitude to use labels that peeled off easily.

Isn't it gorgeous! It proves you can decorate on a budget. You will notice there are no dining room chairs around my table. There's a reason for that. Here's another secret: when I want something in my apartment, I create a vacuum for the universe to fill. I want two square ottomans to use as seating for this small space. I have no doubt I will find the perfect ones.

But why stop there? If the law of attraction works on something small, it can work for something big. Sound too simple? All truth is simple. I'll have more to say about that in asubsequent post.

I am taking part in a thought experiment with focus, I'll be sure to let you know how it goes. In the meantime I'm totally in love with my perfect pink vase.

Pink Hair Experiment

As you know, I've been obsessed with hair recently. I love talking about hair about as much as I love talking about color. Maybe I should have been a beautician.  Also, as you know, I recently got a hair cut. I cut off about ten inches. I love having my hair long, but the detangling of my hair became agonizing. Especially during the friggin' hot summer. I know, I know, I'm gonna piss some people off. But I like winter. I like rain.  I like gray skies. I know I'm a freak, and I do beat myself up over it. But hey, lately I'm giving myself a break. I'm just in the wrong environment. I should probably be in Iceland.  Hmmm.  Need to add that to my travel list.

Anyway, I love my hair long.  Worn it long almost my whole life.  But it was making me cry when I combed it out after washing. Seriously. It hurt that bad. A couple times I experimented with growing dreads. But not for me. I prefer soft, natural, ahem, platinum hair, just the way nature intended.

The cut felt great, the front was drastically longer, just like I wanted. (see previous post here). But here's the thing. I'm a lover of asymmetry. I even thought about having the right side longer than the left. The stylist wouldn't do it - bless her heart.  She said, this is a great starter cut. See where you go from here, and stay comfortable with who you are.  It's easier to cut more hair, if needed (and affordable since I was at Great Clips where this divine creature cuts my hair for $13, no lie.) I'd much rather go back to have more cut. The adding more on is the difficult part, lol.

So I did it.  It felt great and weightless, fluffy.  But I hated those pieces in front. Can't stand the hair in my face. Was really grateful I had enough hair to pull back in a scrunchy.  I had a short cut that I HATED once, so that's my rule. I must be able to pull my hair back.  But....like I said...those pieces in front.  I adore that cut when I see it on others.  I just don't like it on me.

One day looking in the  mirror, I cut them very precisely.  I am still a great lover of a super geometric extreme blunt cut  Younger friends tell me to get long layers. True, layers are better than they were when I was a kid. But...I think I hate them.  Yep.  I'm obsessive about my hair.  Have been since I was about three years old.  If I can work up the courage, I will share a couple of pics from my childhood.

Anyway, will you just look at that fabulous creature Zanna Roberts Rossi in this pic from Under the Gunn, Season One?  I mean look how fab her hair is.  Although that is deceptive. It's simple, but not easy. That took a stylist who had to blow it out, tease it and iron it and gosh knows how much product. But it's freaking gorgeous.  I am a lover of geometry.  She'd look great with a pink streak in her hair.

And okay, can I just mention those bitchin' shoes she's wearing.  I need them. Badly. If you know the designer, please leave a comment.

I wanna be Zanna when I grow up.  Look at that hair, look at that style. And when you hear her accent, well forget about it.  Working for Marie Claire, Zanna has to remain at the forefront of fashion, and she does it with ease. These vests are gonna be big this fall and winter. They're warm and allow for mobility. I want a gray one. I'd wear it with gray long johns, large clunky bracelet and rain boots.  I shit you not. I love wet weather, and I want to be stylish as well as comfortable.  Sorry I digress. Image via DuJour (warning!  highly addicting site)

Anyhoo...Zanna would like great with a pink streak.  I've worn pink hair in college, we actually died our hair with kool aid, and I was in love with Dale Bozio's style.  I had a corporate job so haven't played with pink hair in many years, and I've been itching to.  Wouldn't you know?  Garnier Fructis has a new line of pop colors?

Not a sponsored post

And reasonably priced too!  What's cool is that you don't have to dispose of it after each use, so it's very economical.  My hair was freshly colored with my favorite L'oreal dimensional color (see previous post here).


DAY ONE

oh dear. wish i had done a streak rather than a dip. the product feels stiff and the rest of my hair is so luxuriously soft. needs some tweaking. put it in a bun to go out.

DAY TWO

pink towels and pink hair, lol!  a little improved on the softness.  put the number three conditioner that comes with the L'oreal hair color on the pink and kept it in all night. was able to wash it and get a fine tooth comb through it. a miracle! felt much softer and like the fading. experimenting with hot ironing the front and leaving back messy.  can't wait to see how it grows out. i'm an expert at growing my hair out.

In my next post I'll have some tips for adding pop colors in your hair.  If you have insomnia, you can follow my pink hair experiment at instagram and/or twitter @margiemax....or not... because I may write about it more...or not....haven't decided if I am unplugging or not, lol. Just taking it day by day.

Today was a good day to stay in the A/C and play with pink hair.  What about you dear, readers? What are you doing this long weekend?

Girl Crush: Meg Ryan

Still obsessing about hair, this edition of Girl Crush is dedicated to Meg Ryan. Lately, I can't get enough of her films. I recently watched Hanging Up (2000), Proof of Life (2000) and Kate & Leopold (2001).  The girl sports some funky hair dos.  And she pulls them off, no matter what length, short or long.

I love everything about her, from her casual wardrobe to her Betty Davis walk. Mostly, though, I love how she embraces fine blond hair, which is often tussled and downright messy. Her beauty has a carefree and comfortable feel that I find inspirational, making her my current muse. I think my next hair cut maybe this last one.

Google images.

Hair!

I'm obsessed with hair. I should have been a hair dresser. I love long hair, I've worn my hair long most of my life except for a stint during my corporate days when I wore a bob. After the big hair days, I gave my poor tender head a break from all the abuse and cut my over-processed hair into a bob and stopped with the perming, teasing and spraying. I wore the bob for many years, and wore every variation of it. Bangs and no bangs. Prefer no bangs.  If you want to grow your hair long, the bob is the perfect place to start.

Anyway, it had been over five years since I had been to a salon. Poverty forced me to cut my own hair. But now it's time for a change. Detangling my hair has gotten to be a hardship. I actually cry when I detangle my hair - it hurts.  And don't tell me about magical detangling solutions. I've tried them all, and they don't work. Not for me anyway.

I started craving something more sporty. More carefree and bouncy. The key for me is low maintenance.

Remember this gorgeous model from my previous post? I see this hair cut a lot, and like it on other people, but it's not for me. Honestly I never want a cut short enough that the back of my neck needs shaved. I remember one time when I went for a trim and heard the electric clipper being turned on.  The horror! And then when I felt it on the back of my neck - well, I never went back to that stylist again and there were lots of tears.  The good news about hair is, it does grow back.  Anyway, I love the color of this model's hair. I wish I could achieve a beautiful gray blonde, but I think it would be high maintenance.

Here are some sporty looks I like.  I really love Kaley Cuoco's new swingy 'do.

I'm still really loving Jenny McCarthy's 'do.  This was the influence for my new hair cut. Gosh, I wish the stylist could make me this beautiful. I might even dye my hair red.  Hmm.  So many choices.

Love your haters

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED 9/30/13


Dear readers, as you know, I've been in deep prayer and meditation for the past several weeks.  I am happy to report that I am feeling better than ever, and have never been happier.  The intense introspection was painful at times, I discovered parts of myself that I didn't like, but with God's help I am working hard to eradicate those qualities. I'd like to thank my haters for causing me to pause, humble up and examine my life.  I have emerged stronger than ever before.

Also, out of this time period came a very prolific artistic period.  I started giving away paintings.  I never did paint for money - which is a good thing because no one wanted to pay me for a painting. I painted because I love it.  My only criteria for a painting was that the new owner love it.  I took great pains to be sure that each painting went to a loving home.  They are my children, after all.

I had been sad that I could no longer use acrylic due to an allergy.  But.  Clearing out the paintings felt good. I felt lighter and now had room to create new art!  And it doesn't matter what medium I use, as long as I create.  I create because I must.  It's that simple.   I've been very prolific over the past several weeks.  I could barely keep up with my various muses.

Over the next few days I will be revealing my new art, and the direction I am taking.  Then we will be discussing colors - aren't all the bright colors fantastic?  They look really fab tempered with gray.  One of my favorite color combos is neon coral pink and gray.  Also love mint green and gray.  Teal and gray.  Orange and gray.....you get the idea.

Once we've discussed colors, I will reveal my apartment.  I have worked hard on my apartment to create a beautiful, edgy, girly pad that doubles as an efficient work space.  Not easy in 450 square feet with small closets.  Fortunately, I am resourceful.  There will be plenty of tips on organization.

Also, don't forget to check out my urban photojournal.  I've been taking a lot of pictures lately.  Politics aside for now, let's have some fun!

Stay tuned, cuz you're gonna hear me roar.

Katy Perry, you are fabulous!  Thanks for being an inspiration.  You go girl!

Happy Monday!

Good morning dear readers!  I had a great weekend.  Creative and restful.  I hope you did as well.  I have several exciting announcements.  But before we launch into that, pour a cup of your favorite Colombian coffee or jasmine tea and settle in.  Let's listen to the grooves of Bob Marley.  And what's better than Bob Marley? Why Bob Marley with Lauren Hill, of course!  Dedicated to my boo.  I miss you.  Who do you want to give some good, good lovin' to?

Happy thoughts for a Monday, indeed!

Saturday Night: Gettin' Girly

I'm so excited.... and I just can't hide it!  I'm going to a fab party in Cleveland tonight!  Woo hoo!  It's been a long time since I've been in my home town.  I'm homesick!  Remember Mazi?  The fabulous dude who let me tour his beautiful pad?  Well, it's his 50th birthday!  And we are gonna celebrate 50 years of fab-u-lous-ness!

I am hoping to meet artists that Mazi turned me onto.  Namely, Kevin Busta and Halim Ina.

It's been a long while since I've gotten all dolled up.  I've been considering my clothes, makeup and hair all week.  I really wanted to get all Nicki with it.  As you know, she's the shizzz.  Can't get enough Nicki? That's a coincidence.  Neither can I.  Check out my Nicki Pinterest Board.

This pic made me wanna cut my hair and dye it green.  My girl Haley says, no better get a wig.  Good thinking.  Any way, I love the makeup so much I tried it last night.  I can pull off a pink lip.  Fail.  Nicki is so much cuter than I am.  And she has professional stylists too, I guess.

I spent a ton of time on my hair this week.  I had a large tangle like you've never seen.  I thought I was either gonna have to cut it or go with dreads.  Took hours to get it out.

I thought about this cut.  Doesn't she look fab?  Nothing like a cute girly-girl in a comfy outfit.  That hair is not as easy as it looks, though.  it's dyed.  A lot, see no roots.  It's blow dried, it's straighted and it's teased. Great look, but too much maintenance for me.

Hmm.  I'd love to do something like this.  Luckily I talked with a girl at Sally Beauty Supply who had a hot pink dip.  She told me it's more trouble than it's worth.  It got all over her clothes, and all over her neck and shoulders cuz she sweats.  Uh oh.  What to do?  I do have some pink extensions.  Maybe I'll put those in.

I settled for this hair color.  It's close to my natural color, and provides great dimensional color and doesn't turn out too yellow, like many blonde dyes do.  It also makes my hair so soft!  An added bonus.

Wanted to add a little youthful pizzazz, so bought this temporary comb in color from Sally Beauty Supply. Glad I didn't go with the hot pink.  What a mess.  Cute on my hair, but all over my neck and shoulders. Yuk. Also the hair won't dry.  But I just did a small piece underneath so it's all good.  But won't be buying this again.  It's crap.

Smoothed this on my hair before using the straight iron.  Fab!  Hair feels so soft.  And dig the bottle.

Got some of this for after the party.  Wanna look fab in the morning.  Will let you know.

Think I'm gonna go with makeup inspired by this look.  Love the pink.  Wish I was this skilled with liner.  Love the fuchsia lips, but prefer a matte lipstick.

Wish I had this pink velveteen from Lime Crime.  Gotta keep a watch on the site, it's not available yet.  I'm sure it will sell out the second it gets in.

Settled for Wet and Wild 967 Dollhouse Pink.  Love it.

Nails are periwinkle by China Glaze.

Hope to have some glamour shots for you later!  Hope you are doing something fabulous as well!  xo

What I'm listening to - Sisters Rockin' it Old School

The Pointer Sisters, Slow Hand.  mmmm hmmmmm.  Great music to clean the apartment to!  And I'm happy to report that I'm up shaking my thang.  Hey, ya gotta do it - it's good for you.  Your butt isn't too big, or too small, or too anything....if you are a woman you are fabulous.  If you are a man - well - you are fabulous too. Heck, we are all fabulous.  But a slow hand....I can dig it....

No one says it better than the Sisters three.  Well, Sister Sledge ain't too shabby either.  Ah, back in the day at Kent State.  The night I got my big sis at the sorority - we shook our (then littler asses) to Sister Sledge. Only thing is, I didn't know how cute I was.  Such a shame - I'm gonna hammer this - young girls - old girls - if you are woman - YOU ARE FABULOUS!  No exceptions.  God don't make no junk.

We danced and sang "We are Delta Z!  I got all my sisters with me!"  Yeah, we were clever like that.  Good times.

God's been sending me a lot of angels lately.  Fellow Warriors of Love who want to change the world with love and humor.  Love is our religion.  God been berry, berry good to me.  I lamented to one angel when I showed him a pic from my youth, "Man I didn't even know I was cute."  He reminded me:  "You're still cute and you don't know it."  hmm....  This is what The Course refers to as a Miracle.  A change of mind.

Light bulb!  I'm doing the same thing now that I did then.  Hmm.  It didn't work for me then - so why on Earth would I expect it to work for me now?   Forget that crap.  Time is precious.  There's no time like the present.  And every other cliche you can think of.  That's right - I'm fabulous.......and so are you....don't ever forget it.  Now go out there and love your neighbors, sister!  And ignore the haters, they're suffering.  Don't judge them, but don't get sucked into negative vibes.  We are all on the path.  We're on GT (God's Time), so might as well surrender.  Let go and let God.  Oops, I did it again.

As always, thanks for reading.  Love to all!  xo

A Profound Week...or....I am My Own Bride

Hello my loves!  This is meant to be a quick update to keep you posted on happenings in my life.  I've had another profound week.  Experienced the whole gamut of emotions from excruciating pain throughout my entire body, a near death experience (I am not shitting you), so much puke, poop, barf and tears, I was cursing orifices!!!  So much humor, laughter...and so many tears.  So many angelic nurses...and a psychotic nurse.  I actually provided feedback to the ombudsman at the hospital.  I complimented those who did their job well - they don't hear it enough as we tend to complain more than compliment.  Don't know why this is, but it's stupid.  And in an effort to perform the work God has assigned me, also filed a formal complaint against a very mean doctor.  That was hard for me.  But I must do all I can to eradicate this type of behavior.  I must do my part to create a better world for my nephews.  I don't have any choice.  I am God's conduit.

Whew.  What a mouth full.  So much for a quick update, lol!  I had minor surgery Monday.  Had complications from anesthetic.  I met God.  His name is Dr. Park and he is Korean-American, I believe. And so, so gentle.  I asked him to marry me.  Had the nurses cracking up even before I was on drugs.  And I'm sorry to report that it was not possible for them to give me enough pain medicine.  Man, who knew the human body was capable of sustaining so much pain?  I guess moms do.  I didn't know because I've never had a child. Also made the angel-nurses cry.  So much love and kindness.  And then.  A brutally vicious, impatient and unkind nurse.  After all the love she couldn't have hurt me worse had she stabbed me in the heart.  In fact, a knife would have been preferable to her cruel treatment.

I was in the wheel chair and ready to go.  Sooooo ready.  I friggin' hate hospitals.  Lame, I know, but who does?  I just couldn't wait to get out of there.  I was there much longer than anticipated.  Had cell phone issues so couldn't reach my ride.  Cell phone would not work in the hospital.  Mean nurse wouldn't let me use land line.  Mean nurse wouldn't let me go outside.  Finally I said, "Am I a prisoner?"  No, she said.  Then I'm leaving.  I got up and I fully intended to walk home if need be.  I will never ever stand helplessly and let someone treat me badly again.  I've reached my limit.  I'm 52 years old.  I will not engage in meanness. From now on I will run from meanness.  Even if I love you.  Just cuz I love you don't mean I gotta take your shit.  If I love you and you love me, then it's on.  I'm gonna be good to you.  But I must protect my heart.  Can't do God's work if my heart is broke.  Hey Al Green and Smokey Robinson say it better than I ever could.

I got up to leave.  Mean Nurse said in a lazy-i-don't-give-a-shit-voice (look lady, I know you're tired and overworked, and oh yeah, you're the only one in the world in that boat):  I can't let you do that.  I did not give a shit what she could or could not let me do.  I can be a hot head.  I'm really, really stubborn.  Not kidding.  Sometimes God has to give me a blow to the head (that's a Monty Python joke), lol!

I said, "Are you going to call security?"  Not giving a shit what her answer was.  I was leaving.  Once my mind is made up...that's it.  Plus I was over-medicated.  She said no.  I said call the cops if you want.  Do what you gotta do, I'm doing what I gotta do.  I wasn't bluffing.  I was ready to be a 52 year old woman who just had surgery being taken in cuffs to jail - on the news.  My friend was from out of town, I was panicking that he had an accident.  In 30 years I've known him, he's never ever showed up late.  I was beside myself.

I left.  I walked.  It's only 7 miles home, so I was ready to walk the whole way if need be.  My friggin' cell phone is still not working.  I never have problems with that phone!  I only walked a couple of blocks.  Then God sent another angel, my sister-in-law.  She saved my life.  Again.

My loves, I'm getting a little tired and still have so much to tell you.  But I need to wrap this up for now.

Some wonder how I can prepare such long posts, and have been criticized for being too prolific.  Here's a confession:  the reason for large gaps on my blog is that sometimes a post takes me a week to write.  As is the case here.  If you're impatient and want a quick look at what's happening, I invite you to check out my Facebook page on the sidebar.  I do use Twitter to a lesser extent, but mainly for politics and trying to catch Prez Obama's attention, haven't succeeded there.  Yet.  And oh yeah, I'm an insomniac.  It's a gift.  And a curse.

Here's a boring update on my love life (or lack thereof).  A few weeks ago, I was excited because I thought I had found THE ONE, who sure took his sweet time getting here.  I even smugly reminded my readers that love comes in all shapes and colors.  Like paintings.

I was mistaken.  Oh well, not the first time.  Hoping it's the last.  He abandoned me at this crucial time.  I put his ring down the garbage chute.  I did it with love, not anger.  I thanked him for the lesson.  I told him, "See ya.  But not again in this lifetime."  I even laughed at that.  I laughed again when I heard the incinerator squash the ring.  Poor little innocent ring.  Thanks for serving me little ring.

Here's what I want to know.  Is there a player handbook?  They all say the same shit.  Heard it all before, but hopefully not again.  I stood there and said, next!  I didn't look back.  I wish I had read The Rules when I was a young woman.  I did read He's Just Not that Into You, but like I said, I'm stubborn.  I tend to be a slow learner.  Jeez.

I feel pretty good.  And am amazed at my strength.  A friend told me years ago that I aim too low.  Wish I had listened.  LG thanks for that.  I'd like to say to young women:  Don't settle and don't waste time with Mr. Wrong.  If you do, Mr. Right might not show.  You have to leave room for him.  Live your life, love yourself and take no crap.  Ever.  If you are a woman you are beautiful.  Period.  Not too tall, fat, short, skinny or anything.  We are all friggin' beautiful.  We just forgot it.

And hair.  Well, what does hair have to do with this?  Well, I think you already know I am obsessed with hair.  Usually after a break up I cut mine off as a symbol of my emancipation.  Remember this hair cut from a previous post?  Usually I'm not a fan, and I don't like hair cuts that involve shaving.  But....

Miley Cyrus sure wears that hair don't she?  I mean look at her rocking that hair and owning it.  No wonder she was voted most desirable by someone (Maxim?).  Gosh, wish I had known how cute I was back then.  Miley, you go girl!  'Course Miley's got a cute little face and a banging tiny bod.  The girl would look good in a potato sack.  Not so with me.  But ladies here's the point:  you are fabulous just by being virtue of being a woman.  Period.  The reason Miley is so popular is not just her good looks, it's her confidence.  There is nothing sexier than a woman who is comfortable with who she is.  So whoever you are, rock it.  Use what ya got.

Remember when Felicity (played by the adorable Keri Russell) chopped her locks?  Yeah me neither.  I've never been a TV viewer, I caught the show on Netflix.  I hate commercials.  Not a profound show, but a fun one about a girl with a problem we all need.  Two fabulous men in love with her.  She loves one, but he's not into her.  She lets him go to free herself from pain and cuts her hair.  This is a step almost all women have gone through.  Don't we all want to experiment with short hair at one time or another?  I read that when she cut her hair, her popularity plummeted.  How stupid.  I don't understand haters.

I think she rocks this hair.  Like Miley, Keri is so cute she could rock a potato sack.  She'd look good no matter what she does.  I've had my hair short, coupla times.  I don't feel pretty with short hair.  I've envied girls who can pull off the short platinum look.  But that's not me.  I feel more comfortable in long hair.  And it's bullshit that "older" women can't wear their hair long.

I'm growing my hair to my ass.  But I'm not doing it for a man.  I'm doing it for me.  I can do bad all by myself.  And I'm also okay by myself.  If you are bringing me drama and pain stay away.  I've wanted a ring for so long, I decided to marry myself.  After all, I love my company.  I'm fabulous.  And God blessed me with a great sense of humor.

Ahh Cher.  What can I say about my love, Cher that you haven't read, heard or said yourself?  But I gotta give it a try anyway.  How can a 70 year old woman rock purple and pink hair?  Cuz she's Cher and she's fab.  Cher, you go girl.  For previous post about Cher, click here.

No matter what, I love being a girl.  One of my favorite things right now is nail polish.  Luckily I can get the new funky colors at Dollar General - for - wait for it - a buck!  That's right I'm rocking periwinkle, another of my favorite colors - for a buck.  I married myself today in a lovely ceremony on my balcony.  My best friend, the tree, presided.  I don't believe in diamonds, so this is a 99 cent cheapy from Dot's.

Happy Independence Day!  That's right!  I am my own bride. Image by Peggy.  This is a pic from my art journal, which I plan to publish in the near future.  ( Blue ladies are vintage gift wrapping paper.)

Fuck the haters.  i learned that from Rihanna's instagram.  Warning!  Do not click on badgirlriri's instagram unless you like have nothing to do for, um, the rest of your life.  It's so incredibly addicting - even though she speaks a foreign language I do not understand.  I mean it.  I got so addicted I almost had to find an AA meeting.  But when I called AA, they didn't have a badgirlriri group here in Akron.  Yet.

BTW she is rocking those specs.  Don't believe for one minute that men don't make passes at girls with glasses.  Men make passes at all kinds of women.  Small, big, young, old, white, purple, pink and brown.  It don't matter.  The most appealing thing to a man is ........confidence.  Yep, if you are comfortable with yourself men will be falling at your feet.  And if you're not there yet, don't fret.  Fake it till you make it.  Don't take my word for it.  If you want a man, try it.  Heck if you don't want a man, try it.  Confidence is fun! Confidence is the new black (sorry).  I hate "the new black" metaphors, lol.

Happy Monday Dear Readers!  Hope you had a great weekend.  It's gonna get real on this bitch this week. Warning!  Not for the faint hearted.  I am working on a photo journal telling the story of my life.  It's an insomnia cure for sure, so not a total waste of time.  Some of it will be very graphic, and I hope that all of it will be funny.

I am God's servant.  I am humbled and honored to accept my new mission.  As with my paintings, I do what I do because I must.  I have no choice.  I am here to serve.  Please continue to send prayer requests and thank you for your prayers.  And always remember, I am fabulous.....and so are you!  xo

Friday Fashion Fun!

Welcome to our Friday Fashion Extravaganza!  It's Friday!  Why not put on something that makes you feel fabulous and grab a bite or a drink with someone you love.  Let's get this party started!

MAKE UP

Your face is your canvas!  So why not have some fun with color or monochrome as the mood strikes you.  I am particularly in love with pink eye shadow, white eye shadow and glitter!  I like to play up either the eyes or the lips so they don't compete.  If I do a bold lipstick color, I use a neutral shadow.  If I use bold eye shadow, I use lighter lipstick.  These are just preferences, there are no rules!  We are all fabulous in our own way.

Love glittery eyeshadow.  Love the winged eyeliner.  Not that good at applying it, but working on it.  Image the fabulous Promise Phan.

Love bright orange lipstick with neutral eyes, gorgeously lined.  Image source unknown.

This girl is rockin' those specs, that hat and blue lipstick.  Image via Her Tiny Teeth.

Love the pink monotone.  Image via Wedding Beauty.

Ah.  Porcelain pink perfection.  This is my favorite look today.  I may try this.  I know it's photo shopped, but you can't deny that it is exquisite.  I have finally come to embrace my pale skin.  Only took me 52 years.

Caution digression alert!  A quick word about fake tans, if I may.  I don't mean to rankle any feathers, but IMHO they are not attractive. I can tell one a mile away, they are a strange color, not natural at all.  Sorry folks, the sun is dangerous.  I know it's sad.  But it's true.  So what's wrong with being the color you are?  All skin colors are gorgeous, even pale white. Your natural skin color is softer and less high maintenance looking than a fake tan.  Again, I'm an advocate of having fun, doing what makes you comfortable, but also of self-acceptance.  I am proud to say I love my pale white skin.  That was a long hard battle, I used to be teased ruthlessly at the swimming pool, and adults to this day try to talk me into going into the claustrophobic monstrosities also known as tanning beds.  They're just not for me. I'm pink and I'm proud. End digression.

If you need to change colors, how about doing it with your hair?  At least that's only temporary.  It's so fun to change to reflect a new attitude with a new 'do.  And if you make a mistake, it grows back.

HAIR

I think about hair constantly.  Sometimes I think I should have become a beautician. I've worn every variation of the bob there is, and still find the bob to be my favorite.  I like my hair long and one length.  I've had it layered and I've had bangs, and I don't like either.  I love to let my hair air dry, it feels fresh and silky.  After much experimentation, I find that long hair is what I feel comfortable in.  It's a part of who I am.  And I don't give a shit that people think I am too old for long hair.  Nor do I give a shit that my hair is considered too fine by some experts to be long.  What's wrong with being a natural blond?  Nothing.  What's wrong with being a bottle blond?  Nothing.  The point is, it's fun to be a girl no matter what age, and you should do whatever makes you feel your most fabulous.  I sometimes envy girls who can rock a spunky short 'do, but I'm not one of them.  I am obsessed with all the new colors and dipping techniques.  

Love this dipped look.  This 'do is calling my name.  But, I just can't get with a high maintenance cut/color right now.  But once I win the lottery.... Oops, sorry again image source unknown.  I'll investigate and update.

Really cute twist on the ombre treatment.  Edgy and feminine at the same time.  The gray color gives it a cute  ironic twist as the look is very youthful.  Image via Creators of Desire.

Love Jenny McCarthy's new 'do.  Love the dipping color effect.  Via Google images.

Ah Kate.  You just get better and better with time.  Kate Winslet looks so fab in platinum blond.  The only reason my hair isn't platinum, is well..the maintenance.  Like I said, I'm a low maintenance kinda girl.  Via Google images.  Kate's one of my long-time girl crushes.  See previous posts about Kate here and here.

I want this color hair.  I am obsessed with pink hair (and have been since my college days, when I fell in love with Dale Bozio of the Missing Persons.  See previous post here). Your hair is just another extension of your canvas.  If you are like me, and can't get enough of pink hair, see my flickr gallery here and my pinterest board here.  Image via Pastel Locks.

SPECTACLES

Glasses are nothing to be ashamed of.  If you need them, have fun with them.  Nothing is worse than being uncomfortable.  I'd love to wear contacts, but can't.  Glasses are very expensive for me, so I've never been able to afford to have multiple pairs to change as fashion statements.  That may change since I discovered Zenni Optical!  So excited!  I'm thinking about ordering the Drew Carey type frames that I wore in the 80s.  So comfortable.  I love looking like a sexy librarian.  Demure and refined, and then a tiger when she lets her hair down.  And don't believe the old adage that men don't make passes at girls with glasses.  I'm here to tell you, it's not true!  Men like all kinds of women.  Especially ones who are comfortable with themselves.  Image Carice van Houten via Fuck Yeah Hot Actress.

ACCESSORIES

Go big, bold and dramatic with your jewelry!  You only need a couple of pieces, but nothing polishes a simple, geometric look like a large piece.  I am especially addicted to costume jewelry because it helps me stretch my very small wardrobe.

I'm an advocate of the low maintenance, imperfect chic look.  I adore this blouse.  The imperfect hem is the perfect foil to potential perfection of this shirt.  There are several things I refuse to do ever again in my life, having done them for so many years.  One is:  ironing!  I will never ever iron again!  There I said it.  I hate ironing!  Always have.  I ironed clothes for about 30 years during my nightmarish stint in corporate America.  Never again!  I have learned to embrace and even love wrinkles.  Two:  I will never ever wear those torture devices -  also known as pantyhose - again!  Ah, getting to know yourself and being comfortable with who you are is such freedom.  Don't get me wrong, if you like to iron, have at it.  And can we make appointment for you to come iron my sheets?  LOL!  The point is to do what makes you feel comfortable, don't worry what any one else thinks.  You can be cute, but you don't have to be in pain to do so.  That was a long hard lesson for me.  Wish I'd learned it sooner.

In fact, the girl who is comfortable is her own skin and comfy/casual is far sexier than the high maintenance woman.  Have fun, but don't take yourself too seriously either.  An air of mystery, and a sense of effortless beauty are very sexy.  Above two images Kaliyana via Closet Rivalry.

Oh gosh, here is another obsession of mine.  Clutch bags.  So cute.  I especially love vintage, beaded and Lucite ones.  They look great dressed up or down.  So easy and effortless.  Just pop in a few things, i.e, license, keys, phone, lipstick and go!  I gotta be careful here.  This could become a problem for me.  I could easily own tons of them and I am trying to control my consumption.  Ah, I've said it many times.  I'm such a good consumer, just not a very good capitalist.  Image source unknown.  My bad.

COMFY/CASUAL CLOTHES

These days I'm all about comfort.  If something is uncomfortable or hurts, I'm not gonna wear it.  One of my favorite looks is dressed up jeans.  They look adorable dressed up with funky jewelry, a pair of dressy shoes, a jacket or a hat.

 

And provide just the right amount of edgy femininity.  These yellow pumps are a nice whimsical touch with this outfit and look so fab with no socks!  Socks is another thing I hate (unless they are the cute, lacy ankle variety).  And dig that bag.  I love over sized messenger bags and have been on the hunt for one for a long time.  I really love the design of man purses and have bought them for my own use.  I really need a camo bag.  Ok, in fairness, I want one.  I can probably live without it.  :)

This lady looks cute enough to go to the office and then to dinner and drinks.  Love the silver pumps and the jacket.  Cute business casual look.

Gray is my new favorite color!  I want a whole wardrobe in gray t-shirt fabric.  This lovely lady looks smashing in her simple, comfy gray dress, statement necklace, and sandals.  Notice those cute toenails.  Ahh, nail polish in funky colors.  One of my favorite, affordable girly luxuries.  Oh gosh.  I hate being such a bad blogger.  Can't remember where I got the above three images.  Will investigate and update.

SHOUT OUT

I've been wanting to do a shout out to Gabi of GabiFresh for a while, so this seems as good a place as any.  Gabi is well...totally fabulous.  Ha!  Thought I was going to say Fresh, didn't you?  Well she's that too.  Check out her website.  She's got great style.  I love this dress with the tights and those shoes - to die for!  Love the clutch, the hair and I need those specs!  Gabi, you go girl.  Thanks for always being an inspiration.

Emma Stone via Google Images

One last word about hair color.  I finally got off my butt and colored my hair.  I had been putting it off for quite a while.  My hair is naturally blond, but sometimes nature needs a little help from science. I dearly love platinum hair, but am unable to maintain it.  I also like my hair to look healthy and prefer dimensional color.  Most blond hair dyes make my hair too yellow, so I experimented with an ash blond yesterday.  Here, the fabulous Emma Stone shows that ash blond looks great with pink lips.  Here is a bonus treat for my loyal readers, since I love ya'll so much.  I am working on some glamour shots tomorrow to show you my new hair color.  I'm sure I will be doing bold pink lips.  I won't look as cute as Emma, but hey, like I said we are each fabulous in our own way.  Please see my post below if interested in the shit I was thinking about before posting all this fabulous beauty.  

And what about you dear readers, what are you wearing this weekend?  Send me a pic if you'd like and perhaps I will feature you here on this blog. Whatever you wear, I know you will be fabulous.   Thanks for reading!  xo