A Little Glamour

Over at Childhood101 this week Christie is running the Everyday Glamour Challenge, encouraging us as mums to make a little time for ourselves.  She has shared thoughts on hair, makeup, jewellery, body image and more.

I’ve found that most mums fall into one of three categories when it comes to glamour:

#1.  A little glamour a lot of the time.

#2.  A lot of glamour a little of the time.

#3.  What’s glamour?!

Many of my mum-friends are #2.  They go all out for the odd special occasion or date night here and there, and go au natural the rest of the time.  It seems to work for them, but I’m more a #1.  I like a little glamour most of the time!  Sure, if the kids and I are staying home for the day cleaning, crafting and cooking I whip my unkempt curls into a bun and that’s about where I leave it.  But most days I make a little effort – not for everyone else so much as for myself.  Here’s my everyday glamour rundown:

• You won’t catch me with a full face of makeup (unless I’m in a bridal party), but in under 3 mins I can cover a few spots with concealer, brush on some translucent powder, add a flick of mascara and a slick of gloss.  If holding a child at the time it takes an extra 30 seconds.
• As a girl I loved ribbons and clips.  Nothing much has changed, and I still often add them to my ponies, buns and twists for a touch of colour or sparkle.  I rarely straighten my hair midweek, but I often do for the weekend and make sure I get a couple of days out of it!
• I love funky jewellery, though it’s hard to manage with young kids.  My earring collection has been abandoned until my son can learn what “gentle” means, so my bangles are getting a workout instead.
• The vast majority of my shoes are flats, and I have a soft spot for cute ballet flats.  I have a patent leather bone coloured pair that go with everything and get worn about every second day.
• When it comes to clothes I love pairing pretty tops with denim bottoms.  I also love singlet tops as long as they aren’t too tight around the middle!  I’m a bargain hunter and don’t spend a lot on clothes, but I’m always on the lookout for things that fit well and make me feel nice.
• For special occasions… I paint my nails!!  My favourite colour is a gorgeous red Chanel polish (thanks Sis!)

Christie asked us to add our own everyday glamour tip.  As a glasses wearer I find I always have to factor my specs into my outfit.  I have two pairs in completely different colours (plum & green) so that I can mix and match with my clothes!  I always need mascara under the lenses or my eyes get a little lost, and because of the colour in the frames I go easy on the lips.  No popping red lipstick statement if you’re wearing green glasses!!  I love being able to choose between frames to suit my mood and my outfit.

What kind of mum are you?  Do you like a little glamour a lot of the time, or a lot of glamour a little of the time?!  Or have you completely given up on glamour?  (If so, head over to Christie’s and get reading…)