Six Ways to Make Yourself Feel Prettier.

I’m going to be totally honest here. This is a somewhat superficial post. Yes, beauty is on the inside. And yes, confidence is the best way to feel fabulous. But there are simply some days when I feel tired, frazzled and just NOT sparkling. On those days if someone were to say to me, “Just smile! Be confident! You’ll look GREEEEAT!” I think I might slug ‘em. So here is a list of practical tips you can employ to make yourself feel just a wee bit prettier. Use ‘em all together. Or just do one. I guarantee it will help pull you out of the doldrums, pronto!

1. SMELL NICE.

“A women who doesn't wear perfume has no future.” Coco Chanel

Oh Coco. I love how she throws down these missives with such authority! Well, whether you love perfume or hate it I think we can all agree that smelling nice is a very good thing. Even if you’re an obsessive showerer or someone who favors a more “European” approach, an added little spritz of something can be just the thing. Don’t over do it, of course. A little dab in the crook of your arm or behind the ear—or heck, even just a spritz in the hair—and you'll smell lovely. I like to choose nice light scents, nothing too powdery or cloying. Nothing is nicer than giving someone a hug and have them says, “Oh, wow. You smell great!”

Oh and if you’re someone who can’t do a scent, try a lightly scented body lotion or a nice smelling hair product. I love Bumble and Bumble Brilliantine for hair.

2. PAINT YOUR NAILS.

Ya know, I wish my fingernails always looked good. But honestly if you are at all crafty or have kids or like to cook or garden etc….its tough to maintain. That’s why I love pale polish. Even if it chips just a bit, you don’t really notice it. And for those who say you don’t have time? I discovered this genius Sally Hanson polish that truly dries in 60 seconds. Like REALLY.

Your toesies on the other hand? Those suckers can last for quite a while. Treat yourself to a pedicure or simply paint ‘em yourself. I personally lerve candy apple red or hot pink on my toes—but whatever floats your boat! And if you’re a guy, you know what to do. Just keep ‘em trimmed and tidy.

3. COLOR! COLOR! COLOR!

Wear something colorful. I’m always amazed when people say to me “I love that hot pink on you….but I could never pull it off.” Sure you can! I admit my taste is a little louder than most, but color is always a good thing. If you’re already playing with color, then BRAVO! But if you’re a bit shy about dipping your toe in the rainbow try some little accent pieces. Tights in a pretty robin’s egg blue or vibrant pink, flats in Kelly green or yellow, picking that red bag instead of the classic black. I promise you’ll have an extra spring in your step!

4. ACCESSORIZE.

“When accessorizing, always take off the last thing you put on.” — Coco Chanel

"It’s better to have bad taste than no taste at all!” — Diana Vreeland.

There is a saying that the devil is in the details, and I couldn’t agree more! I think accessories are where it’s at, my friends. You can be wearing jeans and a tee, but add a sassy little scarf or a fun necklace and suddenly you have an “outfit”. Accessories are a great way to show off your personality and add pick me up to an old outfit. But mostly I think they are FUN—and dare I say a compliment magnet. And who wouldn’t feel better when they have people telling them, “Cute necklace!” all day long?? A bold piece of jewelry, a sparkly hair clip or flower, a fun cocktail ring...and honestly you can get some really fun affordable pieces at stores like Forever 21 (or as I like to call it, Forever 31. *cough*) or go the vintage route.

Now, with regards to the quotes. Coco is right. Let your accessories be the hero and don’t make them complete with one another. Especially if you're a little nervous about mixing up your usual look, go for one big statement piece. Then again, I think Diana is right on the money too! I have to admit I'm a "More is MORE!" kinda gal. Hey, at least an over-embellished person has character! So don’t be afraid to go bold or experiment! If you’re even concerned with overdoing it, then you’re probably not the kind of gal who has anything to worry about. Knowhuttamean?

5. WEAR GIRLIE SHOES WITH A HEEL.

This one might surprise you, but I think a heel makes you walk a little bit taller and feel a little sassier. Let’s be clear, I’m not advocating crazy stilettos, but I know whenever I wear a touch of a heel I feel just a wee bit fancier. Trust me, as a mommy I’m not tottering around in crazy sky high heels…I’m talking a low wedge, a chunky heeled boot or a mid-heel girlie shoe. Even a flat with a kitten heel. I love sneaks and ballerina flats, but I rarely feel “sassy” in ‘em. Take a look at these and you’ll see what I mean!

Images from these lovely ladies: frecklewonder, graygoosie, bitsandbobbins

6. LIP TINT.

Some people love makeup. Some people think it’s a chore. I truly think a little bit of makeup can make you feel just that much more put together. If you are a lipstick lover, then I know I’m preachin’ to the choir. For those of you who claim they just don’t have time I say: LIP TINT! These are those colored lip balms that come in a convenient chapstick-sized tube....and the best part is it can be slicked across your lips in 5 seconds flat, without a mirror. My faves are Laura Mercier HydraTint in Crimson. It looks bright red but actually just gives your lippies the sheerest little blush of color. It also has a yummy fruit smell. Tarte makes a very pretty one as well. Another fave (and even cheaper!) are the Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmers, which you can get at the drug store. These smell pepperminty and make your lips tingle a little. Merlot and Raisin are my faves. Seriously, even if this is ALL YOU DO, I bet you’ll look cute.

AND FINALLY...

When all else fails, go out and buy a big bouquet of flowers are a whole mess o' balloons. You'll bring a smile to your face and everyone around you. Guaranteed!

60s Illustrators are Peachy Keen: Margaret Keane's Big Eyed Wonders

image: the lovely whoreange

I've long been obsessed with the work of 1960s artist Margaret Keane. When most people hear the name "Keane" they think of the somewhat cheesy big-eyed orphan paintings. What most people don't know is that Margaret Keane's early work is very different. She painted some of the most deliciously languid and lovely mod portraits around. The big dreamy eyes were still there....but these paintings are decidedly more grown up. I have a few prints of hers and an amazing book with excellent photo plates. I thought it would be fun to take a look! (This post goes out to my sweet friend Danielle, of Kistchy Digitals. Thanks for asking me about Margaret Keane and inspiring this post. You're gonna love it, I promise!)




See what I mean? Totally dreamy....let's go in a little closer, shall we? I love these petulant girls sipping their coffee:



This next one is quite interesting. A portrait within a portrait. The young girl looking somewhat realistic and the canvas portraying the more classic big-eyed version.


While we are on the topic of the "classic Keane" look, allow me to dazzle you with a little of the history behind the Legend of Keane. It's a good story. Back in the 60s, Walter Keane was known as the Master of the Big Eyed Waifs. His images were largely of young children with hauntingly sad eyes. Walter and Margaret opened up a gallery in 1959 in New York. Walter was the consummate business man and the story goes that he would often leave faux packing cases addressed to famous movie stars so people would walk in and say, "Oooh, Dean Martin is buying one? I better get one before the prices go up!" Crafty, eh?



Throughout the '60s, the popularity of Keane paintings soared. Stars like Joan Crawford, Natalie Wood, Dean Martin, Dinah Shore, Liberace and even Zsa Zsa Gabor all owned original Margaret Keane paintings. My favorite is this picture of Jerry Lewis and his family. And their pets. All with longing eyes. Totally insane:


In the '70s LIFE magazine declared Keane's paintings to be the most popular art in the western world. They even got a nod in the Woody Allen movie, "Sleeper" (Diane Keaton, presented with a big-eye painting, squeals with delight, "It's Keane, it's pure Keane!").

In 1965, Margaret and Walter went through a bitter divorce—and it was revealed that Margaret was ACTUALLY THE ONE PAINTING ALL THE PAINTINGS! Walter simply took credit for them. It was never clear whether it was because they thought a male artist would have more credibility or if it was because he was a savvy, controlling business man. Either way, Walter was now attempting to stop her from painting "big eyed waifs" claiming he was the one who originated the style. They battled in court for years and finally the case made it to a federal court. The judge requested that they each paint right then and there in the court room. Margaret triumphantly dashed off a quick portrait of a saucer-eyed child looking over a fence....while Walter, in a TOTAL Brady Bunch style maneuver, claimed he couldn't paint because of a neck/shoulder injury. HAH! Needless to say, Margaret won. Bravo Margaret!


Oddly, I'm not as drawn to her more recent work—the post Walter stuff. She said that while she was "living a lie" and letting him take credit, all her paintings had "sad eyes". Her later work (in the 80s and 90s) has "bright eyes" as a result of her new-found happiness (and I think she got religious too, if I'm not mistaken). ANYWAY....let's get back to her sad eyes, shall we?






Soooooo gooood. To date, Margaret Keane's work has been discovered by a new generation and claims fans like John Waters, Tim Burton, Matthew Sweet. David LaChappelle and Kate Hudson (who is slated to star in a movie on her life).

The popularity of Margaret's big-eyed babes inspired a slew of copycats...but I think we'll save that for a follow up post, no? So whatcha think friends....are these paintings terrific or terrifying? As Margaret herself has said, "You either love them or hate them....there really is no in between."

Psst. I've been cheating on you: MAEVE Mag & Bleubird Vintage

hello lovelies. I have some fun posts coming (including a big ol Tiki Oasis recap, with loads of fab vintage tiki fashions) but in the mean time I have to confess, I've been cheating on ya'll. I have another article in the groovy MAEVE magazine. This time I wrote about my lerve of Blythe. I love Kate and Lou—the ladies of MAEVE. It was so much fun to write for them again, and Kate is a great designer and always make muh stuff look fab.




Read the whole article over at MAEVE mag.

I was also invited by the super lovely *miss* james at bleubird to guest post while she is spending time with her amazing, new little baby girl gemma. james is truly one of the sweetest and coolest chica's around so it was a honor to be asked. Here's a little sneakie peek:






Check out the whole post at bleubird.

more updates soon!
xoxo

Tiki Oasis 2010: Mai Tai Show You Some Photos?

Well hello lovies....oooooh, have I got some fab vintage fashions for you. A few weeks ago Greg, Wolfie and I hit the road and flew to San Diego for Tiki Oasis 2010. It was my birthday weekend—August 22 doncha know—and it was thee BEST way to celebrate. [this is a long ass post....just to warn ya. loads of pictures...]

If you’ve never been to Tiki Oasis, you must. It’s a sun and fun-filled weekender down in San Diego celebrating the magic of classic 50s/60s Tiki culture. Hosted by my good pals: premier Tiki expert Otto von Stroheim and his ultra lovely wife Baby Doe. It’s a truly cool experience. Basically they take over the historic Hanalei hotel (now called the Crown Plaza) and fill it with amazing bands, DJs, dancers, loads of tiki mugs brimming with tasty cocktails and unique symposiums on the history of tiki. While it's a decidedly grown up affair, it's also wonderfully family friendly. Wolfie had A BLAST.

For those of you who haven't had a chance to visit me over at Modern Kiddo, my other blog, you can find a super recap of all the events at Tiki Oasis Part 1 and then Tiki Oasis Part 2, which is more focused on the Tiki Kiddos.

Today's post is mostly about the fashions. I'm not going to lie, I love a good dress up opportunity and I took FULL advantage. A bunch of you asked to see what I wore, and whoooooo sistah, all I can say is—YOU ASKED FOR IT!

We begin with ze travel outfit:

I rarely dress head-to-toe vintage but this was a special weekend and yer gonna see a lot of it here. This picture cracks me up. I'm like, defying gravity with my sideways stance. No clue what's up here! I think the wall/shed is a little crooked so maybe the pic got angled weird. On to the fashions....

+ vintage Tiki shift
+ vintage mod/tiki style pendant
+ yellow cardigan, Old Navy (keepin' it real...)
+ vintage yellow slipper shoes
+ vintage Enid Collins Pineapple Princess bag

The yellow slipper shoes are super cool, but I will admit not TOTALLY comfy. My sweet friend Pilgrim (of the phenomenal blog Draw! Pilgrim) gave me the hot tip to score these suckas.





DAY ONE: THE ARRIVAL
The Hanalei hotel is fabulous. It's been refurbished but still has lots of amazing retro details. Cool pool. Waterfalls. Tikis scattered all over the place. The vibe is funky, retro fabulous.



That honker of a tiki bar was brought to the hotel specially for Tiki Oasis.

All told, over a thousand people frolicked at the Oasis that weekend. During the day, you could swim or browse the amazing vendors who had set up shop on the lawn near the pool and in the hotel conference area. Vintage clothing, records, artwork, tiki mugs and necklaces, even polynesian BBQ spices. There were also a wide variety of symposiums—The History of Tiki, Rum & Chocolate, The Persuasive Power of Punch, Pin-Up Hair and Makeup, Live Tiki Carvings...it was overwhelmingly awesome. Lounging poolside was a top priority.

Of course I found myself pouring over the colorful clothing racks with my fabulous friend Denise. She tried to get me to by the best gold lame 60s swim suit (very Esther Williams) but it was just a tad too pricey.















This one guy had the coolest hats EVER. My fave was the hat with the built in sunglasses. SO CUTE! I was ready to throw down a little cash for it (a girl can buy herself a bday prezzie, right?) but the guy wanted $300 for it. YEEOUCH!!!

So many people were sportin' amazing outfits. Check out my glammy friends in their fashiony finest:

Here is Doe looking gorg in her custom Tiki Oasis dress. The fabric was designed by famously hip illustrator, SHAG.

Check out this cool girl in her RAD SUNGLASSES HAT!!!!! It was even better than the $300 one. I told her to hang on to it because clearly it's worth a bundle....







I have no clue who this dude was, but I liked his smooth Tiki Tux style...



VAVOOM! There were several pin up shoots happening through out the day.



DAY TWO:

There was an awesome car show in the parking lot—Wolfie and Greg had a blast checking out all the cool cars.






I got a lovely retro wrap-around gown to wear poolside.





That afternoon was also the grand debut of my vintage Swim Cap. I searched high and low for this sucka. It's hard to find one that is in great shape—the rubber tends to crumble after years of sun-n-fun. This one was deadstock so I was fairly certain it wouldn't disintegrate on my head.



Every day amazing DJs spun vintage vinyl—boat loads of 50s/60s exotica, surf, lounge and more. The vibe was super chill and cool. You honestly felt like you were living in a vintage movie....





Listen, I wasn't jokin' around when I said I was all about the outfits for this shindig. Here's what I wore for the evening show. And yes, we're at outfit #3. Whoo ahhh!



It's not required by any means, but loads of people got dolled up in their vintage Hawaiiana finest. High off my vintage bathing cap victory, I decided to bust out THE BIG BUN for Saturday night! This was a big ol hair piece that cracked me up.




"You like me hairpees?"  (yes....it sounds like herpes....)

As the sun set, the vendor booths disappeared only to be replaced by lawn chairs...and the night time entertainment began. Fun bands and dance performances. Wolfie was allowed to stay up a little later to watch the first few performances.






One of my fave acts were the kitschy cool Lampshades, a faux lounge act featuring Kate Flannery from The Office. They were hilarious.


Hangin' with Kate in one of the room parties. (Greg kindly put Wolfie to bed and let mama have a lil late night  birthday fun...)





My friends Chrissy and Denise....Denise bought her groovy dress at my Vintage Clothing sale a few weeks ago!


Every night there were a series of themed room parties—each with specialty drinks. The "Tiki Hell" room played Jimmy Buffet and was, indeed, a nightmare. (The place looked amazing....super great decorations) "Tiki Heaven" had drinks served in real pineapples for the first 100 peeps. Yummmm.




DAY THREE:

We went browsing around San Diego, had brunch at a great little restaurant and, of course, found a cool vintage place. I'm totally spacing on the name. Oh oh, FROCK YOU. How could I ever fergit that??







That crazy poodle is a water bottle cozy (!!!!!!)


Awww yeah, got me a cool pair of $10 chooz!


Oh wait, what's that? I haven't had an outfit change.....hah. Here we go. Casual Hawaiian Modern with mah Jackie Os—these Nina Ricci sunglasses are the same style Jacquiline Onassis wore back in the day. My awesome pal Becky, from The Bubb Report, hooked me up with them. They are huge. I love 'em.




All in all it was one helluva time. I leave you with one final outfit....which was as colorful, fun and sunny as the whole weekend. *mwuah!*







And seriously, you GOTS ta come next year...