Much as I love making things, sometimes I buy things too. I’m trying to cut down on the amount I buy (although I suspect my consumerist impulses are being redirected towards fabric purchases instead) but I’ve acquired a few nice things recently and I thought I’d share them with you.
In an ideal world, my wardrobe would be full of handmade dresses. In reality, I need more sewing experience before that can happen. In the meantime, I’m going to buy the odd dress here and there to take the pressure off everything being ‘me-made’. I love this dress, particularly the full, swishy skirt. It’s telling that the first thing I did when it arrived was turn it inside out and have a look at the finishing (which isn’t too bad)! I would never have done that before I started sewing.
Normally I wear a lot of dark colours (navy, grey and black) but a friend commented on how much red suits me. So, I’m trying to introduce more red into my wardrobe, starting gently with accessories. I’m a bit of a geek and I do love a nice satchel. This one is a glorious shade of pillar box red and it’s the perfect size for carrying all my bits without being too bulky. I like the fact it has been handmade in Britain by craftsmen – hopefully it will last a long time.
My final purchase is less substantial – Poppy King for No 7 lipstick in ‘History’. I’ve been secretly wanting to wear red lippie for ages. I love the way it looks on other people, but I’m not brave enough to wear it myself. Then I came across this review by Retro Chick which mentioned this was a good way to try out red lipstick as it’s quite sheer and the colour is buildable. I’ve worn it every day for a week and no-one has laughed or pointed yet!
So there we go, a few treats I’ve indulged in! I’m actually decluttering more than I’m acquiring at the moment. I’ve been doing some Ebay selling and I’ve got a specific purchase in mind for the proceeds. Watch this space…
Image credits: Lady V, The Leather Satchel Company and Boots.
11 comments
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July 9, 2012 at 10:22 am
Kat
Oooh I love the polka dot dress – gorgeous! Good tip about red lipstick too – like you I like the look but am a bit too scared to try it…maybe the build up is the way to go!
July 10, 2012 at 2:26 pm
agirlinwinter
It has taken me a few days but I am getting used to the red lipstick now. For the first few days, I felt really self-conscious! It helps that you can wear just a sheer tint with that lipstick until you feel more confident
July 9, 2012 at 1:19 pm
gingermakes
Love the sound of this red lipstick! I’ll have to see if it’s available in the US. I’ve been wanting to try a red, but I feel like I look like a child who’s been playing in mommy’s makeup when I do! Love the red satchel, by the way!
July 10, 2012 at 2:27 pm
agirlinwinter
I feel exactly the same! Not sure if Boots’ products are available in the US – would you like me to send you some?
July 10, 2012 at 3:16 pm
gingermakes
I found a website that sells it in the US (ordered up the History color right away!), but thanks for the offer! You’re too sweet!
July 9, 2012 at 2:20 pm
Brooke
Nice dress – I love polka dots! And that looks like a really great purse too. =)
Red lipstick is surprisingly easy to wear as long as you find the right shade for your skintone – some reds are more blue (cool) while others are orangey (warm). If try to wear the wrong shade it can look a little clownish.
The tip my friend (who is a makeup artist for film) always reminds people of is “pick a feature you want to draw attention to. If you want to make your lips the focus, keep the eye-makeup simple and neutral. If you do an evening look with your eyes with lots of dark liner, etc. then keep the lipstick neutral and light.” You will only look like you have too much makeup on if you paint everything equally bright and your eyes and lips compete for attention.
Look at magazine ads and try to copy a look you like, and you will see they usually follow the “pick a feature” rule. When I wear red lipstick, I usually only put mascara on my eyes. =)
July 10, 2012 at 2:28 pm
agirlinwinter
Good tip! I’ve just been wearing mascara with the lipstick for daytime, keeping it nice and simple.
July 9, 2012 at 3:28 pm
Roobeedoo
Ooh lovely! I’d wear all of those!
July 10, 2012 at 2:28 pm
agirlinwinter
Thank you!
July 9, 2012 at 5:48 pm
projectstash
Ahh, a little indulgence goes a long way. Excellent purchases!
July 10, 2012 at 2:28 pm
agirlinwinter
Thank you! It’s nice to be indulgent sometimes