Playing Dress Up

Creating a "look" is all about the shoes, though some argue that it's the hair.

Frivolity Warning: Summer Play Ahead


Yesterday, we went to a family wedding; my husband's sister, Giselle, got married. I thought it would be fun to share with you our dress up "looks". Amber is the pretty bridesmaid on the left, then Wendell with a bit of distinguishing gray, and there I am in my oxymoronic Retro look. (I seem to be running from aging by running toward the past.) And there is our subtle son, Alex, looking a bit subdued after his mother patted down some of the hair spikes. (We don't want to freak out Grandma on this "Day of her Daughter's Wedding"- she's a bit like the Godmother-you get the movie reference?)

The wedding reception was held in a romantic Puerto Rican country setting under three large white tents. The tables were graced with tall crystal vases upon which, abundant hydrangeas, pink roses and white daisies were precariously perched. I attempted to take this floral arrangement home. "Alex, Grandma said you can take it." (It is not one of my finest moments but I must now confess that I rushed him to grab it off the table and take it to the car.)
What Grandma actually said was that no one will want them because they weighed so much. Somehow that bit of detail did not sink in. The first attempt to bring the arrangement to our car landed on the reception area's cement floor as the Rock Star-our progeny to the left- tossed it over his shoulder while adjusting to its surprisingly heavy weight. Sigh. It's all a matter of gravity... what goes up (and over your shoulder) must come down. Or cause and effect- a physics lesson involving momentum and all that..."Okay, son, it's not a sack of potatoes or a bale of hay! Be gentle." Through trial and error, we discovered that the arrangement was cautiously balanced on top of the narrow glass flute with florist tape. We were embarrassed. We survived, however, the flowers did not. The second flower arrangement made it all the way home- sans Calla lilies but pretty none the less.


Did I tell you that the cute and quirky French blogger, Marie Reed of Cpaphil Vintage Postcards, inspired my up-do hairdo? I watched the 40's hair tutorial she posted in March and kept it in the back of my mind. When I realized that I needed to "fancy myself up" for the wedding, I decided to modify the look a bit to suit my own skill level. I was supposed to lift the hair in the front to attain greater height but I lost my nerve. Still, I did boldly wear this vintage look, though upon reflection, I did need a tutorial on make up application. (Did you know that I rarely wear make up?) A friend, Daphne of Energize Your Life suggested that I make a French Twist in the back; while another, Mark of The Red Beech Tree, said I should apply false eyelashes and bright red lipstick. I did my best but got lost while pinning up my hair and forgot to pin down the period. What is it?- 40's 50's 60's 70's? What do you think?

My daughter loves me no matter what silliness I get into..although she did say, "Mom you're getting a little Madonna-ish."





Now she wants me to teach her how to make Eggplant Parmesan. She needs to learn to cook her favorites before she goes off to university next year. (Yes, I know, I have been remiss! I should have taught her how to cook much earlier. I just don't like to go through the anxiety of watching my daughter cut food with a knife. Get over it, Cynthia. Okay! I'm better. Back to the event.)

I got a compliment yesterday. My brothers-in -law, Eddie and Albert, agreed that I looked like a movie star. Okay, I blush to confess that they said I looked like Grace Kelly. (I did have on blue contact lenses.) What do you think? Okay! It was dark! What a beauty she was...(I don't think she would try to grab a free flower arrangement. I'm so ashamed.)

I think I look more like the B52s' Cindy Wilson in their "Love Shack" video. I did work at the Sugar Shack during high school... however, it was a diner and not a place to find "love"- though you never could be too sure-with the singles arriving and couples departing-but that's another story...
I had so much fun playing with my Retro look though today my hair is frizzy from the heavily applied hair spray...(I'm thinking my roots need a bit of a touch up. :-) BTW Amber's meal was Delicious. Her first Real dinner prepared at seventeen... :-) My little girl is growing up.
Thank you for playing with me. I leave you with the B52s who are also celebrating summer with their quirky mixed period Retro looks...