Beauty

Photo credit: telegraph.co.uk

Dita Von Teese, today's "paragon of pinup style," has confused me. But I've always appreciated the care she takes to present herself as well-groomed and confident. Her new book, "Her Beauty Mark," just hit the shelves, and I read a bit about her views on beauty in Sunday's Los Angeles Times.

Here is my favorite part of the feature, when Von Teese is asked about her view that "beauty is duty":

"I look at it [beauty] as natural as brushing my teeth. And it doesn't have to talk a lot of time. I can narrow it down to a few little things, like having my lips on, and my hair pulled back in a neat chignon. I choose little things that make me feel better and give me confidence."

What are the "little things" that you regularly do to make you feel your best? These "little things" can make the difference between us having so-so and terrific days.

Beauty and Usefulness

Beauty in Bouzy, France

One simple way to make a decision about a purchase or whether to get rid of something already owned is to ask yourself if it is useful and/or do you find it beautiful? If the answer to either of these questions is no, the decision has been made: Don't buy it or get rid of it.

Do I always follow this advice? No, but I try to. Today I put on my exercise bra--one I have had for years. I used to say that it was unattractive, but it did the job. However, it is no longer doing the job.  When my daughter announced that I looked "saggy on top," I realized the bra had to go. Give your wardrobe the once over and ask yourself about your clothing's usefulness and attractiveness. And have a donation bag nearby!

P.S. By far, the best sports bras I have were purchased via Title9. This website offers a variety of bras,workout clothing, and casual clothing. Title9's customer service is superb!

Age and Dressing

Photo credit: www.dailytelegraph.com.au

I just finished reading "Dressing Your Age," by Lisa Armstrong in Harper's Bazaar. She writes about the value and importance of letting go of certain "treasured" pieces which no longer flatter or work for you. Instead of becoming depressed at the idea of not being able to wear former favorites, she encourages women to "see that letting go not as a loss but as a process of streamlining, simplification, and replacement." Armstrong suggests that we should always be letting go, paring down, and re-evaluating our style if we are to look stylish. It's not a matter of making dramatic changes as we get older.

Here is a passage that really stood out to me:

The basis of style is an understanding of not only who you are but also the kind of woman you want to project. "Don't ever try to compete with a younger woman on the age proposition. Why would you want to when you can outrun them by looking sleeker, more stylish, and generally better dressed?" asks Annabel Hodin.

The Rise of "Over-grooming"

I so enjoyed reading "Vanity Clause" by Andrew O'Hagan in The New York Times Style Magazine. Of course I appreciate a well-groomed man, dressed in a sharp outfit that fits him well. But it seems men are now expected to be as (openly) vain and concerned with their appearance, health, and grooming routines as women. Could anything be more boring than listening to people talk about their new diet or face cream?   The tone of this essay is humorous, but O'Hagan sure nails it when he talks about the "fresh hell of new choices" in our over-grooming society. Read it!

Thank You, Humorist Sam Levenson

 Image credit: www.fanpop.com


The advice below has been attributed to Audrey Hepburn repeatedly, although she always let people know the words were those of Sam Levenson. In any case, the sentiments are lovely, and I think Audrey Hepburn was the embodiment of loveliness and grace.

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed; never throw out anyone.

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of each of your arms. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.

The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode, but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives and the passion that she shows.

The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years.