The Trials of a Conspicuous Consumer

Image from Paul Kepple and Jude Buffum of Headcase Design

Rather than beginning my year with a new set of resolutions destined for adding to anxieties and guilt, I have instead chosen to take another tact to begin the new year. I am editing my life. (Perhaps this is just a rose by another name, but nevertheless...)

Just like a good film, life needs a little editing every now and again to make it fit the romantic notion of reality you like to create in your head. Where I would like to have a well organised wardrobe where each item is visible and available at a moments notice, I instead have three wardrobes full of clothes, shoes, handbags and other accessories. When I look at my bookcase it is no longer a reflection of the me I am today, but is full of dog earred dross and unread gifts from an age ago. The same can be said for the contents of my storage cupboards, kitchen, studio etc... and the list goes on. While I have been on a mission to have "nothing in my home that is neither useful nor beautiful", it is a slow process, and is only half the story. To really begin the year anew, a good hard edit of lifes commitments, goals and time misspent is also in order.

When you look at how you spend your time each day, breaking it down moment by moment, how much of what fills it really counts for you? How many of those moments are things that you wish to build memories from, and how many are just the motions of an over scheduled automaton? Here is a little selection of some of the things that are to be shed from my life and the little rays of inspiration that are to replace them.

* Breakfast routine - I almost always eat the same thing for breakfast, and while it is nutritious, it is beginning to bore me. Instead, I am going to make breakfast a treat to start each day. Eggs in little china cups, with hot buttered toast cut into little fingers. Fresh flowers on the table. Jam served from a nice crystal bowl instead of the jar it came in and butter in a white china dish. My coffee in my favorite cup and saucers instead of a big mug - what's the use in having all this great china if it is seldom used? It doesn't have to be any harder, it is just a matter of changing a habit.

* Gym - I am so bored with my gym. The routine, the solitude of it and the sense of obligation. Instead I am going to replace my gym sessions with more dance sessions. A chance to dress up, interact, learn a new skill and stealth exercise.

* Housework - I spend a great deal of my time each day picking things up and returning them to their rightful places. It is depressing, tiring and makes me very irritable to live with. When reading about the daily housekeeping routine of women in the 1940's, something occurred to me. While it appears that they must have spent a great deal of time each day on straightening up, the reality wasn't near as bad as I had imagined, ( a quick chat with Nana confirmed this). And do you know why? They had so much less STUFF! With toy boxes bursting at the seams, more kitchen equipment than I could possibly use in a life time, and more miscellaneous ornaments than I even have shelves for; it is no wonder that I am driven around the bend by this chore. So the simple solution is to get rid of it. If I only have five sets of towels in the house then I won't have to wash and store so many. If Miss four only has a few dolls, I won't have to pick up twenty every night. I could be overly ambitious in this plan but the proof will be in the pudding.

* Television - I go through phases with this one, but it truly is one of the greatest time thieves. At the end of a busy day it is all too easy to collapse in front of whatever is on and zone out for a few hours. Generally though, the selection of shows tend to involve someone being killed, dying, on trial or being autopsied by some government agency or other. None of these make me feel any the better for it, and I find I can diagnose whatever obscure life threatening disease will kill our character within the first five minutes. So it has to stop. If I chose to watch something, it has to be on MY schedule and fit the emotional bill of whatever I am craving at that moment. Feeling a little hard done by? Watch Schindler's List. But whatever you do, don't leave the thing on for the next show to creep up on you and steal your evening.

* The Mall - Yes, I am somewhat of a shopping addict. I am also a bargain hunter and a fantasist. All these things add up to trouble when shopping in a mall. I don't tend to shop for clothes and things this way, but I do head into them often for the groceries, the mail and all those weekly necessities. And this is the problem. I just can't seem to pop in and out. I loose so much time browsing around for things I don't need, being distracted by sale racks and promotions. What I really need to do is shop at my local grocer / butcher / fruit store. If I go to stores that have only what I specifically need, then I am less likely to lose that extra hour being distracted by shiny things. And I'll be supporting small business which I am all in favor of. This one seems like a win win situation.

So with a little carefully editing, I should once again be the master of my own destiny. No longer a slave to the lure of 50% off, the power of meaningless obligation or the tyranny of possessions. At the very least I will be the owner of a shiny new set of good intentions.

The Making of a Voluptuous Vixen

The gorgeous Kerosene Deluxe - Plus Sized Pin up.

I recently received an email from a reader who is wanting to put a little more sassy in her step. After having children however, she now finds herself wearing a somewhat larger clothing size and is faced with a dilemma.

"I really love your blog, your style and your approach to life, which is why I'm writing for some advice re vintage/50's vamp styles for women bigger than a size 6...all the retro shops I can find supply basically nothing over a size 12, with *very* rare finds in size 14...I *would* like to dress in a way that has a distinctive style and pizazz of my own. Are there shops that sell gorgeous retro/psychobilly/50's vamp style clothing in other than uber skinny sizes?"

Size and/or weight is not an issue I have discussed on this blog before. But perhaps it is time to remedy that, after all I wasn't always this small and I know first hand the dilemmas faced by many of you when it comes to putting together a unique look.

Firstly, the silhouette is key to a great retro look. This means that even if you don't have a waist, create one. If you want to go really retro you could go in for a girdle or even a corset. Although corsets are somewhat restricting they can be very sexy for a special occasion. In the absence of period appropriate underwear, I suggest getting hold of some of the Nancy Gantz shapewear, or Spanx for my USA readers. It can be purchased inexpensively, is easy to move in and has the added bonus of helping you to improve your posture. Being able to stand tall with our shoulders back, strips kilos before your very eyes. Even better, it gives you a nice smooth line to work with.

Make the most of your womanly assets and wear a good supportive bra that does the lift and separate job well. If you are really looking for a vintage vixen look, you could always source a bullet style bra on Ebay or other online vintage stores. You'll find these over at What Katie Did too.

When it comes to vintage and retro styled clothing in larger sizes, there are two major problems. With original vintage, people were generally smaller in those eras, so the chances of finding something to fit is not high. With reproduction vintage, the bricks and mortar stores cater to the 8 - 12 market, so pieces made in quantities like this are somewhat cheaper to find. However, the good news is that there are some great reproduction makers out there who will custom make to your measurements for a reasonable price. When I say reasonable I mean that, should I be making these for myself, the price they are charging would cover my time and materials but wouldn't be looking at serious profit.

If you sew this will be your savior. There are vintage patterns galore on Ebay and you can also find some great resources here on A Dress a Day. You don't need to necessarily find patterns in your size, just Google - "How to resize a pattern" for loads of links to find the one that explains it to you best. I learnt to sew fairly recently for this express reason, as the stores never had anything I wanted.

Additionally, you can always look for clothes that work for this look in your regular stores. The trick is to pick things with the right silhouette ( circle / flared skirts, single button cardigans, lots of red and black etc), and pair them with retro accessories to translate something ordinary into the extraordinary. A great elastic waist cincher belt, that can be found everywhere from Supre to Myers to Ebay, and is one of the tricks of the trade to turn your look into Retro Goddess.

So much of what I wear day to day is not authentic vintage ( I can't bare to see them ruined by the children), but I style them in such a way that they take on a retro flavour. It is about injecting the right stylistic elements into your look to create the overall image you want. For instance; the classic pin up look relies on a smaller waist to hip ratio, utilises lots of curls and flowers in the hair, and is nothing without the ubiquitous red lips. You can achieve this at any size, and even if your waist isn't usually visible, create it with the help of undergarments, belting and cross over styles.

Adding this Retro Goddess flavour to your look can be achieved in two key ways that don't rely on clothes at all. Hair and Makeup. For simple hair go with high ponytails and a rolled fringe. When your skills advance a little more, check out the great range of vintage hair tutorials on You tube for more inspiration. (Yes, you'll find mine there too). The basics for the vintage goddess look are windged black eyeliner and red red lips. Check out this tutorial for a great starting point. What you do outside of that is up to you. You may want to add a dramatic beauty mark, heavily penciled brows or something else to make it your signature look.

Links for your looks

Daddy O's Retro - a gorgeous range of all sorts of reproduction vintage styles and dresses up to 3XL!

Hey Viv! - Stocking Vintage and reproduction vintage wear including XL sizes.

What Katie Did - Super Sexy, super glamorous lingerie with some bras up to a 42 DD

Mode Merr - As their slogan says "Dressing every girl from XXS to XXXL!"

My Baby Jo - Fabulous collection of pin up style clothing and vintage styled accessories. including things for your pad. Some styles in sizes up to 16.

Whirling Turban - For classic pin up looks custom made to your size - this is the place to be. Very very reasonable prices too!

Etsy - For a fabulous range of accessories, just search for your favorite style. eg: rockabilly, psychobilly, goth etc... Support hand made and look killer to boot!

Pinup Girl Clothing - Skip the clothes and go straight to the shoes. From hoochie to down home, these girls have your look covered.

I've kept this as short and sweet as possible for you all (as with most things I could ramble on forever), but I'm happy to answer any other questions. So with all these secrets to add to your kit, you're ready unleash your sexy self on the world.

*** I'm off to the seaside for a little pre Christmas respite, and with the internet connection here being on holiday speed too, posting may take a hiatus for a few days. But don't go away, more tantalizing reads are soon to come. **

Secret Weapons

Slightly disturbing, you can actually buy these lipstick knives!

I've made a few fabulous product discoveries recently that have made it onto my Essentials List. Rather than keeping this bag of tricks to myself, I'm going to share these secret weapons and their miraculous powers with you.

Erase Paste from Benefit. This little cracker is my new favorite product. I've tried every concealer under the sun, yes even that well know YSL one, and nothing has come close to this. I only got my hands on some on Friday and I'm already a convert. Not only does it completely cover and brighten dark circles, it hides bags and puffiness with ease. I've had concealers that promise the world, but end up just adding a strange shade to my skin, or becoming wrinkle highlighters. Oddly, in the jar it looks a darker colour, but when applied to the skin, the brightening effect is extraordinary. Whether you are a Mum or just a party animal - do not leave home without it!

Olay Regenerist Thermal Mini Peel. I've used some pretty fancy skin care products in my time, but nothing has given me the almost instant results (with consistency) that this little wonder has. Its called a "thermal peel" as when you apply it to your face it has a self warming quality, rather like that lovely hot towel effect. Use it daily in the shower and you won't believe your eyes. It really does gently polish the skin, and gives it a much smoother, silkier texture - and it even reduces pores! God knows all those nights on the town with the makeup piled on do nothing for the complexion, and I find that simply cleansing isn't adequate to keep the texture smooth and that radiance we all love.


Vaseline Intensive Care Moisturiser. I've taken to keeping a 1 litre pump pack of this on my vanity, which I apply head to toe morning and night. I've got a rather sad collection of about 10 different moisturisers all around the place, but I'm always forgetting to use them. They are either organic, or smell of marshmallows, or had stunning packaging, but at the end of the day they have been forgotten in the back of the cupboard. But keeping a pump pack on the vanity is a constant reminder that I'd like my skin to be as soft as butterflies come the height of summer, and not be rushing for an emergency body scrub to do a half arsed job. For all of your coming out of winter, I'd highly recommend making this a part of your daily routine.

Lemons. No not for a pie or for a trendy table decoration, but for adding to water to make sure you get your daily requirement. There is nothing like a little fresh lemon juice to make drinking a couple of litres of water a day more palatable, and you have the added bonus of all that vitamin C. I start the day with a huge glass of this before I'll allow myself that first coffee, and it always makes me feel better for the rest of the day. I aim to drink about 2 litres of the stuff every day, and yes, it is hard at first, but then you'll find you can't live without it. I am always receiving compliments on my skin, and I really think this is the trick. It seems to have turned back my body clock in a way that no other fancy pants product has.

With all these secret weapons in your bag of tricks, you wont need a fake ID for all your beauty espionage, just a fabulous pseudonym.

Making the Mundane Magical

I'm having a lovely week at home this week, trying to make my way through all those annoying things that have been hanging on my To Do list. It can sometimes be overwhelming, and if I had it all written down I could diguise it as a copy of War and Peace. To keep a sense of humor in the midst of all this responsibility, I turn to one of my never fail tricks - doing my job "Vintage Housewife" style. Pop on a pinni, a little Doris Day and even the most mundane tasks take on a whole new shine. Who knew making spaghetti could be so much fun?

And while I'm tackling the list, I am attending to all the requests you have sent me too. Today I can tick off one more. I have been tagged by Chloe Van Paris to bring you another glimpse into random pieces of my life, and yet again I've managed not to exhaust my list of superfluous facts.

What are the last three things you purchased?

A vintage sheer peignoir gown. Peacock blue paint for my bedroom walls. A new pump for my fish tank (boring I know).

What are the last three songs you downloaded?

Embarrassingly enough, that was so long ago that I can't even remember! I was kindly given Duffy's CD for my birthday though, so that is close enough to an answer.

What are the last three places you visited?

Beechworth in country Victoria. The beach side town of Warnambool and Sydney. All my travel recently has been local, but I head of to Texas and Tokyo in three weeks now!

What are your three favorite movies?

Rozencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead (based on the play by Tom Stoppard). Mame, with Rosalind Russell (campery at its finest). Heathers, the 1980's classic of bitches, fashion and murder.

What are your three favorite posessions?

My antique Arctic fox fur

A vintage Jean Paul Gaultier red dress that is so stunning, but has never fit me to date.

A huge oil painting of a Chinese noble woman holding her fan.

What three things can you not live without?

Water, sunscreen ( the best anti-wrinkle combination), and red lipstick.

What would be your three wishes?

I'll have to go with that old childhood plan of asking the Genie for unlimited wishes as my wish. Then the ability to time travel at will and a magic housework wand.

What three things haven't you done yet?

Reached fluency in any of the languages I've studies, mastered basic mathematics or travelled by camel train across Morocco.

What are your three favorite dishes?

Thai green chicken curry, barbecued baby octopus and Oysters Churchill. Ohhh...

Which three celebrities would you most like to hang out with?

Noel Coward, Johnny Depp and Dita Von Teese ( I think we'd make great buddies).

Name three things that freak you out?

Large hairy spiders, Space invaders ( those people that always come way to far into your personal space) and unexplained power cuts (extreme paranoia here).

Name three unusual things you are good at.

Making up songs about random things at the drop of a hat. Picking extremly subtle colour differences at ten paces. Being one step ahead of the zeitgeist.

Which three things are you coveting?

Minna Parikka shoes, a large taxidermy peacock ( I found him a year ago but he wasn't for sale) and a bamboo 1930's patio setting.

Name three bloggers you are tagging.

Casey's Musings

Porcelaine Blonde

Only Shallow - who has just picked up a pair of my coveted shoes!

*P.S. Sorry for today's odd text, blogger is misbehaving.*

Style at the School Gate.

It has come to my attention that many of you Northern Hemisphere readers have children heading off to school soon. Recently I read a post about School Gate Chic, but I have to admit that all the picks left me feeling cold and depressed. Where was the life, the pizazz?

I see no reason to tone it down for the school yard. I find so many fashion faux pas there it almost makes my eyes bleed. Spangled "Juicy" butts, G-strings making that extra flesh look like an unappetizing ham, and oversize novelty t-shirts with baggy track pants. Yes that is the worst of it, but even with those who dress well by school gate standards, I still find the landscape generally bereft of life. I know that getting the kids off to school can be an exercise in military precision, often with Mum's outfit being last on the list. But if at no other time, at least make the first day of school a special occasion to remember.

Cartoon Capers

It's the little details that kids love, (and me too). Keep it young and fun with this cute shirt by Skelanimals and these vintage cartoon Melissa Shoes. Don't forget juniors lunch and scarf to keep away the morning chill. Oh, and the dark glasses are a must, just in case of emotional emergencies.

Marching Out The Door

For mornings with autumn showers you'll need something to keep the hair under control and I love this little knitted cloche style hat from Marc Jacobs. Add a gorgeous pea coat and the knee high boots, and you'll both be jumping puddles.

Super Mum

If you're looking for a little more sophistication, this stunning jersey dress from Roberto Cavalli will bump it up a notch. And don't worry if you're running late, with these Marc Jacobs blue boots and golden filigree headband, you'll be able to leap the school fence in a single bound.

Toot Suite

To mix a summer piece into some autumn chic, try this short sleeved jersey dress layered over chocolate pants. To keep the morning chill at bay, add these chunky knitted arm warmers and gorgeous Chloe beret. And whatever you do, don't forget the camera to capture that parting smile.

So when you are labeling the lunches, packing the pencils and stitching name tags into the socks, don't forget to create an outfit that will give junior something to be proud of as they wave goodbye!

Rosie Remix

Recently, a reader wrote to me wanting to update her 'Stay At Home Mum' style. Already quite the cute mama, she wanted to incorporate a more vintage feel into her daily wardrobe, and asked me to look to Rosie The Riviter for some inspiration. So I've put together a few options for daytime and a few for playtime.

I don't believe that mums have to live in pants or jeans. Given that small children require lots of bending and floor time though, skirts need to have lots of movement. I've included this plaid number for those days when the babysitter is on call and a sexy someone meets you for lunch. Our mystery mama is still nursing, so 'easy access' tops, that flatter a larger bust, are critical here. So to create balance, I've focused on her lovely hourglass shape. Wedge heels are a great alternative to court shoes. They give you a bit more stability and are a much more flattering choice with these longer line skirts.

Of course, you can always break out the denim for days at the park, and it wouldn't be a 'Rosie' look with out a little blue. Once again, I've focused on the waist using vests instead of belts to give this look more shape. Updating 'Rosie's' polkadot scarf, is the super cute polka dot head band. A few big curls in the fringe, and you're good to go.


After all this talk of Rosie, I chose to channel her myself today, and fixed a little scarf action for a day of housework and errands. And I think this is a super kawaii do!

The Long Promised Hair Tutorial

Finally, I have some time to myself and the technology gods have smiled on me. Here is my first hair tutorial showing you how I did my hair in yesterday's Daily Outfit photos. The tutorial runs for about 10 minutes, (the hair only takes about 5 minutes without all the chatter), so kick off your kittens and pour yourself a dirty martini. I'll be bringing you more hair and other tutorials in the future, so this should whet your appetite for now. Any feed back or questions are more than welcome.

5 Minute Glamour Girl Makeup

As promised, here is a tutorial on how I do my daily makeup. This is the simplest version, and the one I wear most often during the day, as it is a fast and simple routine. It is an image heavy tutorial, but I hope it helps to answer the many questions I am asked daily about my look. Also, please note that I am not paid to endorse any of the products I use, I just think they do the best job for me so I have no problem telling you what I use.

Before I begin, let me say that it does help to have good skin to apply my makeup on. This wasn't always the case, but with a good skin care routine and drinking about 2 litres of water daily, I now have the glowing skin that I am constantly complimented on.

So, before you begin, make sure that you skin has been cleansed and moisturised. I also like to use an eye firming cream under my eyes 'cause I'm not getting any younger. My other trick is to use eye drops to keep my eyes looking bright. I find they get quite irritated with air conditioning so these are something I carry with me at all times.

The Products

(from left to right) YSL Red lipstick and Red Lip Liner, Lancome Eyebrow crayon with brush, Shiseido liquid eyeliner in black, Loreal Lash Architect mascara in Midnight Black, Concealer from Avon, Visine eye drops, Benefit dandelion powder, Laura Mercier eyeshadow in Vanilla Nuts, Laura Mercier Mineral Foundation in Rose Tendre, Three make up brushes from Sephora for Mineral Powder, blush and eyeshadow.

The Application

Concealer. Firstly I begin by applying concealer to the inside corner of the eyes. I find this is a more effective way to cover dark circles that using it under the eye. When I use concealer under the eye is just comes off looking heavy and thick; and even worse it sits in the lines and accentuates them. Using your ring finger, dab your concealer into these areas then blend it by patting on and not rubing or wiping as this gives an uneven finish. You can chose to cover the whole eyelid lightly with concealer to give the eyeshadow more staying power.

*Don't be alarmed at my choice of colour, I have used blue to indicate what I am working on in each shot.*

Mineral Powder. Lightly load your brush with powder and then tap the excess off into the lid. This will be all the powder you need to do your whole face and you may even have some left over. I have had a lot of people tell me that they have tried a mineral powder but end up looking 'cakey'. Chances are that you are using too much powder, and make sure you are working in an area with good light so you can see how you will really look out on the street. It is better to be light handed with this as you can always add more.

Using your large, soft round brush, apply the powder in a circular motion, working from the outside in, and blend, blend, blend.

The Eyeshadow. Using your nice, wide eyeshadow brush, (not one of those nasty sponge applicators that often come in the packet) blend the shadow over the entire lid to just under your brows. The colour of this Vanilla Nuts shadow is only a few shades darker than the mineral powder, so it is a very natural look.

Eyeliner. Where would I be without my Shiseido? It is THE BEST liquid liner I have ever used, both for ease of application and longevity. It has a sturdy brush tip and a refillable ink cartridge, so it is very economical too. The type of brush tip allows you to achieve both extremely fine lines and much thicker ones a'la Amy Winehouse. The tip also doesn't have as much flex as the thin little brushes so it is harder to make mistakes. Just in case you do though, keep a cotton bud on hand for quick clean ups.

You'll notice that when I am applying mine, I keep both my eyes open. I find that it is much easier to get a fine, straight line right on the edge of the lashes when they are positioned this way as opposed to being shut. It also helps the angle of the brush reach the desired area without creating too wide a line. If you want it thicker, you can always recover the same area. As for achieving the little extension flick at the ends of the lashes, a light touch is best. When you get to the corner you just use a light sweeping motion and the fine tip does the work for you.

Mascara. Pretty self explanitory if you have used it before, which I am guessing that all of you have. I like to use the Loreal Lash Architect as I find that it doesn't clump or irritate my eyes, and it comes an a very black black. I only apply it to the underside of my top lashes, otherwise I find the look is too heavy. I start from the outer lashes and concentrate on a lengthening effect, then work my way in to the inner corners of the eye with a light tough. I really hate those little lashes looking heavily made up.


Brows. Because my brows are dark, I find that having them professionally shaped is critical to achieving a sculptured and polished look. I make sure that they are combed into shape and occasionally elongate their tales, giving an overall more pronounced arch. I use the Lancome 'crayon' which is actually a compressed powder in pencil form, rather than a traditional pencil. It allows you to control just how much pigment you are applying and is easier to feather into a more natural look.


Blush. Here is am using Benefits Dandelion powder which is marketed as an all over face pinking powder. I find that its colour is less intense than other blushers so it is harder to apply too much. I also use a light bronzer instead on occassion, just to vary the look. Using the second smaller soft round brush, I apply the blush to the apple of my cheeks in a half circle sweep. I'm not trying to achieve the doll like look that comes from concentrating solely on the apple and applying in a full circle motion. So the overall look here is softer, but still focuses on the apple of the cheek rather than that 1980's sweep up to the temple.


Lip liner. In my opinion lip liner is critical to achieving the perfect red lipped look. For more detailed information on How To Wear Red Lipstick, read my previous post on the topic. I love the formula of my YSL liner as it is neither too soft nor too hard for this baby bear. Just make sure it is freshly sharpened and you shouldn't have any problems. I follow the true outline of my lips as I find that red just doesn't come off looking too crash hot when I go outside of the natural line.



Lipstick. Now I could tell you that I am a good girl and use a lip brush like all the 'experts' say, but who am I kidding? I am trying to keep this routine to 5 minutes or under girl. I also find that I don't get any better a result with a brush, so frankly I can't be bothered. I have about ten different shades of red and you'll also find tips in the How To Wear Red Lipstick post on selecting the correct shade for you. Basically I just paint it on, following the lip liner and never going outside the line, just like when you are learning to colour in. I don't bother with all the blotting and lip-smacking, but it does help to stick a finger in your mouth ( like you are going to suck it) and close you lips around it. This picks up any stray traces and stops the dreaded lipstick on teeth event.


And there you have it. All done. While the tutorial may seem like a marathon (laying it out in Blogger certainly did), once you have practiced a few times, you'll have it down to five mintues too. Without all the screwing around trying to blend foundations, and multi coloured eyeshadow, it saves a lot of time. I hope this helps you achieve the look you are searching for.

Question time begins... now.

Fashion Is Where You Find It

Not all of my inspiration comes from movies or fashion pages. And while I love to see the everyday outfits of many of my friends in blogland, there is a wonderful overt sense of style I see in many artists work. I particularly love the pen work of Krystof Nemeth.

"Krysztof Nemeth is a Seattle based artist specializing in fetish, gothic, retro, and low-brow kulture pin-up illustration. For the past ten years, Krysztof has been making a name for himself creating saucy pin-up girls for everything from bands to burlesque troupes, gallery shows to rock shows, and clothing stores to private commissions." Taken from Krystof Nemeth's Charm School.

I love these women, with their curves, their outfits (or lack thereof) and that wicked look in their eye. Unlike so much of the modern photographed pin up work, I find these much less subjective of the subject (if that makes sense), and these gals much more self possessed. Now while I have no intention of replicating these looks to head out for milk at the supermarket, it is the little details Kriztof has included that could add some much needed sass to your day. Break out the pigtails, work some suspenders and wear gloves with short sleeves. You don't need to wear your underwear on the outside to be a fashion hero!

Uncommonly Fetching Mamas

Remember my plan for a little Flickr group of our own? Well we are slowly but surely growing in numbers of Uncommonly Fetching Mamas. If you haven't joined yet, what are you waiting for? Even if you aren't game enough to start posting photos, you can get involved in discussions, ask questions and get a daily shot of inspiration from other stylish mums. Check out some of the fabulous outfits these mums have put together.

Caroline



Thrift Candy

Cuestaray

MotherRocker

Thank you to all the wonderful gals who have joined us so far. Feel free to add Uncommonly Fetching Mamas to your own blog and spread the word; just remember to link back to give credit where it is due. Together we will change the fashion landscape; one Juicy tracksuit at a time!

What To Wear To a Job Interview - For The No Longer, Stay At Home Mum.

There are some that would rather swallow rusty razor blades than attend a job interview. I have had my fair share, from both sides of the table. I worked for a number of years as a recruiter, hiring everyone from Secretaries to C.O.O's, and do I have some stories to tell! But this time, rather than revealing others in their most embarrassing moments, I can hopefully help you to avoid yours. I recently received an email from a Stay at Home Mum, who is no longer staying at home and has to hit the interview circuit. Not having been in paid employment for years, and her best suits long since gone to charity or the costume box, this Mum is in dire need of interview fashion magic. While I have a list of general interview tips a mile long, I'll keep this advice specific to the aesthetics of how to present yourself - on a budget.

Firstly; The Suit. While not all jobs call for a suit, interviewing in one is your safest option. You can get out your elasticated pants once you have the job, (but for god's sake please don't!). And one suit will do you for all your interviews. Worry about more once they start to pay you for being your fabulous self.

Now I know that everyone thinks that black is slimming and goes with everything, but that isn't always the case. Black fades when pieces are dry cleaned separately, it gets a nasty sheen with ironing, and will give the interviewer a clear picture of how many pets you own. So 'No' to the black from me. Instead opt for a grey that suits your skin tone (yes, there is one for everyone), in a shape that is both modern and conservative. Personally I love the 1940's look that is going around now, as good tailoring in your outfits sends a subtle message of an organized personality to your interviewer. Pant suits can be lovely, but skirt suits have more power, (and that's a whole topic right there) so if you have the option, make sure to buy both matching pants and skirt. This one suit will be the basis for all your interview looks so buy the best you can afford.

Corporate Job

Keep it simple, sleek and classy. Pair your skirt suit with a neutral coloured blouse that still has great detailing. It says, " I may be conservative but I still have imagination." That way your interviewer's first impression will not be that their next hour would be better spent chatting to Joe in Accounting.

When wearing a skirt ALWAYS wear hose. Do NOT wear coloured hose, sheer black hose (so 90's) or nude hose from the supermarket, (these always look like they have the texture of cheap sandpaper and come pre-prepared with dubious lumps). Instead purchase yourself a pair of near nude, ( just a little darker than your skin colour) hose with a subtle sheen. Make sure you get two so you have a spare pair for your interview bag.

Jewelry: Keep it to a minimum. Rings should be simple not statement, and earrings should just peak out with a little sparkle from behind your hair, not blind your interviewer with their size and brilliance. Bracelets and bangles are a no go, as they jingle around creating a distraction during the process.

Bag: Here you can use black, if for no other reason but that I know women are more likely to spend good money on a black bag than any other colour. Make sure it is large enough for everything you need, (but not oversized) structured (without being a brief case) and NOT containing baby bottles, left over sandwiches or a hundred parking tickets - they will come tumbling out at the most inopportune moment.

The Creative or Arty Job

Same suit, but punch it up with a coloured and detailed blouse. It can have more competing detail than the corporate blouse, and chances are that if you are going for a creative job you should have an eye for this.

Hose: While tights may be optional for these industries, I'd still play it safe and wear hose. However, this is the place for your coloured or patterned numbers.

Jewelry: This is where you can have a lot of fun in these interviews. Pick something that reflects your personality or interests. Something with irony or whimsy, not just another knock off vintage brooch. Interviewers love to have a visual cue that can get them talking to you on a more personal level; and jewelry is a great conversation starter.

Bag: You have your great black bag, but how can you punch that up? Add some embellishment in the form of key chain dangles to the handle. This can be customised easily and specifically to the job you are after. Travel involved? Add an Eiffel tower or an I Heart New York, (you get the picture). But just one please, we are not a Christmas tree.

Tech / Geeky Job

This time pair your suit with a witty T-shirt and industry humor jewelry. There is loads of this to be found online, (didn't you know that Geek is the new black?) so have fun, but make sure you get the joke, because there could be some very awkward moments if not.

As far as pants vs. skirt, I would still chose the skirt for this one, but if the job calls for crawling around on the floor with networking cables, those pants could come in handy. Oh, and even if you don't wear glasses, you could always get a fashion pair because they always seem to add a few points to the perceived IQ; and it is another chance to accessorise.

Fashion Job

Relax the suit a little with a structured cardigan jacket, belted with a contrast belt. Once again, the hose with a sheen is still appropriate here. Keep in mind that you want to look professional and fashion-forward, but not outshine your prospective employer. So show of your style with some well chosen accessories instead.

Shoes: VERY important here. Shoes are always important at interviews, but this is the interview where you can really choose fabulous shoes that give a clue to your personality. A good rule for interviews is to never wear open toed shoes. However, for a fashion interview, something along these lines with opaque hose would indeed work.

Jewelry: Given that you are likely to have a fairly animated interview in this environment, I'd recommend a huge, sleek and gorgeous cocktail ring for all that gesticulating. Not super sparky mind you, but still dramatic and day appropriate. And remember to leave those bangles at home.

Bag: Using your trusty black bag, give it a little character that is a hint to your personal style preference (and probably budget too) by adding a colourful scarf tied to the handle. While I'd go for skulls on pink, you might choose Hermes or Versace instead.

So, 'No Longer Staying At Home Mom', you should now be well kitted out to make a great impression at your interview. Better make sure that your resume is just as fabulous as your wardrobe.

Excuse Me But Your Style Is Showing.

Get our your glad rags girls, Mama has a new project and it's all about you. Introducing...

Uncommonly Fetching Mamas

My latest project is for all you other Mamas out there who either have style, or need some inspiration. I get a lot of emails asking me all about my personal style, and how I find the time and motivation to dress the way I do every day, while also juggling two kids, ( I know some of you have many more). All of these got me thinking; often times we don't dress to our best because we don't feel we have an 'audience' for our look. This may be because you spend most of your time at home, or have a workplace filled with Tweety bird T-shirts (as one poor reader told me). So I have decided to create that audience.

Uncommonly Fetching Mamas is a new Flickr group for you to post your best and brightest fashion creations. Somewhere you can check out other's style and find out how they do it. There are lots of unforeseen fashion challenges with children, (read nursing, food and Dry Clean Only) but that does not mean we have to live in jeans and T's, or (heaven forbid!) Juicy tracksuits, on a daily basis.

Now there will be those of you reading who don't have children and probably think you can give it a miss, but we need you too! Who are the Uncommonly Fetching Mama's in your life? Is it your best friend, your work mate or your own Mum? We want to see all fabulous mamas here, so get snapping.

So Mamas', your mission is to dress for You, even if you can only do it one day a week, and show us the best of your creative endeavors. Now, no pushing, who's first? You may even just end up here as Mama of the Month.

How To - Wear Red Lipstick

In response to the requests of my delightful readers, I have decided to post a series of 'How to' articles. To start the ball rolling, today I am covering a topic near and dear to me; "How to Wear Red Lipstick". While there have been a plethora of magazine articles covering this topic over the years, my advice comes from personal experience. Red lips, in their varying shades, have been my trade mark since I was about 15 years old or so, and I have had all manner of nightmares and successes.

Before we begin, let me say that I am in no way paid to endorse any products mentioned here, I only mention them if I have personally tried them and found them to be successful.

Firstly;

Preparing your mouth.
While I have read articles touting the colour correcting benefits of certain red shades on stained teeth, I do not believe this is the case. If your teeth are stained, then using a particular shade of red to balance the colour, may trick the eye when in comes to the teeth; but if it is wrong for your skin tone, it is WRONG.

I suggest using whichever teeth whitening method is within your budget. Whether that is as simple as a whitening toothpaste, having bleach trays made by your dentist, or going the whole hog and having the laser smile thing done. Just don't over do it, you don't want to cause cornea damage every time you smile at someone.

Check your upper lip. If it is seen to be wanting, get thee to a beautician. When you draw all that attention to your mouth, you don't want a soup-strainer getting in the way of your new found glamour.
Give your lips a gentle exfoliation with a soft tooth brush to remove any dead skin cells.
Apply a good quality lip balm morning and night. I like to use one by L'Occitane, as I find the preparation works well alone or under the lipstick without getting sticky or causing the lipstick to 'melt'.

Small lips? Most advice will tell you to steer clear of red lipstick. While I don't advocate drawing in oversized lip lines and then filling them in, I do think there is still a place for red on the less well endowed lip. Two things are your friend. Lip plumpers (the Avon Beyond Colour lip plumper is a great cheap fix) and sheer reds, not gloss mind you, but sheer red lipstick. It is less intense and doesn't require a hard lip line.

Choosing a colour.
This is the hardest part for most people. Simply, you need to know whether you skin is a blue based or yellow based skin. I suggest using the old colour consultant trick and holding up a piece of fabric under your chin. Using a true yellow and a true blue fabric, hold each one alternately under your chin. Then see which colour makes you look more rested, more awake and your skin more alive. You will know straight away. Then which ever colour was best, is the base colour in the red that is right for you.

When shopping, if you are having trouble determining which is a blue red and which is a yellow red, rather than relying on the consultant, keep a little swatch of your fabric in your bag and hold the lipstick against it. Blue based reds will just look 'right' against the blue and visa versa. I test the colour on the inside of my arm as I find this is the closest skin colour match to my face.

Chosing a formula.
There is every kind of stay-on red lipstick out there, but I am yet to find one that truly does stay on, without making my lips feel like the Gobi desert by the end of the day. They are either sticky, drying, bleed or make my lips peel. Even the much touted 'lip seal' that Marilyn Monroe allegedly wore, doesn't work for me in the rigors of my day. So here is what I do. Chose a formula that is moisturising, creme not pear,l and with a good pigment. Getting a lipstick with good pigment is the key to a longer lasting look. They can all look red, but varying degrees of pigment is added in manufacturing and you need something with a higher pigment to wax ratio. When you are testing the colour on your skin, see which one leaves the most red stain on your hand after a quick wipe off with the tissue.

Choosing a Liner.
You'd be surprised just how important this is. I spend more money on my liners than on my lipstick. Many of the cheaper liners are either too hard (impossible to draw with) or too soft (melt and bleed into all the lines on your lips). I find almost all of the twist up liners to be too soft and have a low melting temperature. My best lip liner is by YSL, not too expensive, and always works a treat.

Application.
You have research, shopped and prepared your lips; now you want to add your perfect red lipstick. Apply your lip balm, then using a good quality liner, outline you lips, starting from the outside of the lip and working in towards the bow. This helps prevent you from creating a super sharp point on the top of the bow.
Use the lip liner to colour in the lip about 2/3's of the way. It will give the colour more staying power. Fill in your colour. You can use a lip brush to apply the colour, but I find this really makes no difference to its staying power and takes longer to apply. (Some say it gives better control, but if you aren't controlled enough to use a tube without getting it all over your face, then red lipstick really isn't for you!) Blot on a tissue and apply a little more. To avoid getting any on your teeth, pop one finger in your mouth allowing the lips to blot around the finger. It saves any embarrassing moments later on.
Gorgeous!

Maintenance.
Take a stunning compact and your lipstick out with you to reapply after lunch. Learn to eat without your lips touching your fork, and avoid greasy food and hamburgers. That's all you have to do for a sirens red lips for the day.





While this may all sound like a lot, the process only takes one minute. It is all in choosing the right products. And while I could have given you a long list of choices, I hope I have rather given you the information to find the right products to suit you budget.

So now you know how I do it, if you haven't already, give it a try. Your inner Vamp is just waiting for her moment.