A New You...Shopping your Wardrobe and Thrifting for basics!

 

Hello! How are you all? I've finished my first week of my New You challenge on a high note.   In assessing my body shape (Petite Plus sized Apple) and my body proportions (petite, short waisted), as well as my colour palette (cool), I've had some real revelations. Suddenly I understand why so many of my choices based upon what I 'thought' my shape was, still did not flatter my figure, age or proportions.   Fifties style dresses with gathered waistbands? No. But yes if they're flat at the waist. Ankle length maxis? I think not! Ripped comfort fit jeans? Nuh-uh. Scarves tied up around the neck...no, sadly and this is one I'm still coming to grips with as I love my scarves. But apparently I can wear them untied, and draped so that they create an illusion of length. Who knew, right? Likewise short necklaces, which I always thought drew attention to my face. Long pendants and strands are the way to go, equally to create that illusion of length. Talk about a revelation!   Yes to A-Line and pencil skirts (so long as they're just above the knee), dark coloured boot cut jeans, long earrings (think long and lean for everything for Apple shapes!), simple shaped slimline bags (you don't want to add bulk or thickness if you're an Apple), nude wedge heels to add height to my frame, nude patent pumps to lengthen the leg, black patent low wedge pumps to give a continuous look when wearing black pants, and so it goes on. I'm learning something new almost every day!   The top right photo in my collage above caused some lively debate in the French Chic Facebook group. I asked the question 'how could I adapt this look to make it more French Chic?' and the responses were wide and varied, shall we say ;-)   The second photo was considered acceptable, if a bit casual, and the third was eventually voted the ideal, although many commented that they wouldn't wear white jeans simply for practical reasons.   So armed with this information, and having decluttered my wardrobe, discarding anything that did not fit my new ideal self, I had a re-think.   My own closet yielded a pair of black bootcut jeans that fit the idea perfectly, but I needed a few other items. Most of my bags needed an update not because they were old, but just because they needed a clean, or did not fit my idea of 'neat and structured'. Thankfully they were almost all thrifted, so I did not fear re-donating them. I think the most expensive one was $8!   A trip to my favourite thrift store rewarded me with a slimline tan leather shoulder bag, a long strand of faux pearls (see the real ones I rewarded myself with a few months later, here), a pair of one carat sized cubic zirconia studs, a pair of nude patent medium heels, and a pair of black patent wedge heels (low). After my $20 loyalty discount, that lovely haul set me back just $17!   A quick venture into the local department store then saw me sourcing a light cotton white blouse, with fine blue pinstripes for just $15, and a lovely Ponti black blazer that is the perfect length for petite me, for $25. I love pinstripes. They are slimming and just look classy, I think.   So a total spend of just $57, and I have several new classic basics on which to build my new French Chic self.   How was your week? Did you follow your Self Care Maintenance Plan? Did you add something special to it? Have you had a wardrobe re-think based upon your new found knowledge of your own body type and proportions? It's fun, isn't it?   Here's my beauty tip for the week.   Now this is one that I first saw on a Vogue forum, a few years ago. My friend Annabel at The Bluebirds are Nesting swears by it, and I think it's a winner.   Note: Do not use this if you are allergic or sensitive to Aspirin or Salicyclic Acid.   Aspirin Mask   Crush 2-4 aspirin finely, and mix with about 2 teaspoons of water. Apply this to cleansed skin, and leave to dry. Once it's dried, dampen with your fingertips, rub gently to exfoliate, and rinse off. Now this works because Aspirin is basically Salicylic Acid, and that is the primary ingredient in those expensive BHA facial peels. It sloughs the dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, revealing a soft smooth complexion beneath. Finish with your favourite moisturiser and enjoy! This can be a little drying if you overdo it, so we ladies with Sensitive Dry skin, go easy, okay?   Have a great weekend everyone!   ...Mimi...