I'm Bringing Beauty Back | Re-Writing "All About That Bass"

I'm Bringing Beauty Back | Re-Writing "All About That Bass"

OK. So, I'm late "weighing" in on this one, and I know it.

The thing is, I haven't been able to stop thinking about this song because, well, it's everywhere! On the radio, when I'm out shopping, topping Taylor Swift in the charts! And, unfortunately, stuck in my fiance's head, which completely enraged him and made me laugh.

People obviously like the song, because it's hugely popular at the moment. When it first came out, so many dear friends messaged me to share it with me. It was sweet that they thought of me when they heard it, and the association was well intended. However, upon my first listen all the way through, I was pretty perturbed by the lyrics. I also didn't care so much for the fact that it seemed as if Trainor was "accessorizing" with black people. If you haven't heard the song yet, check it out. The lyrics are seemingly innoccous until you get into the first verse, where Trainor begins to drop little notions that don't exactly resonate well with me. 

As many others before me have noted, the song seems to suggest that women should frame their ideas around their physical worth based on what men like...but then it gets worse. Trainor calls out the "skinny bitches" in a passive-aggressive voice, but recants a moment later when she claims all of us are "perfect".  We know this isn't helping women out there--I mean, it makes sense that we would validate all bodies and shapes. You can't possibly succeed at raising the confidence of a particular set of women by tearing another set down. This is only creating unrest and feelings of inadequacy amongst people who really DO need to embrace their perfection.

Some people claimed that listeners should "just have a sense of humor about it", when folks like me expressed concern. Against all good judgment, I made the mistake of reading the comment section from an article regarding Trainor's recent chart-topping, only to find this comment from Bill, who wrote on 9/11/14 at www.Yahoo.com:

"I think it's fun. It's obvious she's not a bombshell and she knows that. It's obvious that this type of song is an uphill battle for someone like her, and she knows it. So, she put all that aside and made the song anyways just for fun to see what would happen."

Wait, WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT, BILL?

I'm sorry, but why is Meghan Trainor not a bombshell? And how is her song like an uphill battle? Please do explain. Because her entire physical persona is presented for your evaluation. So enlighten us, Bill, on all of the "obvious" shortcomings that she has.

But I digress.

We (women of all shapes) have worked long and hard to appreciate our bodies. We simply can't tear eachother down, and though it may seem that a "thin" girl couldn't possibly be offended by the lyrics to this song (a possible perception of a world thought to be dominated by some sort of elite perfection), we have to consider the message we're sending.

Though there have been so many interesting commentaries on this matter, I thought it might be thought-provoking to simply flip the script. 

Here are selective passages from "All About That Bass", rewritten from the opposing perspective:

Yeah it's pretty clear, I ain't no size fourteen
But I can shake it, shake it like I'm a beauty queen
'Cause I got that perfect shape that all the boys chase
All the right gaps in all the right places

Yeah, my momma she told me don't worry about your size
She says, boys they like little flat tummies to hold at night
You know I won't be no thick-figured, plus size or big and tall,
So, if that's what's you're into
Then go ahead and move along

I'm bringing skinny back
Go ahead and tell them chubby bitches “Hey!”
No, I'm just playing I know you think you're fat,
But I'm here to tell you that,
Every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top

AMIRIGHT?

It's pretty clear how upset people would be if these lyrics were in a hit song. Perhaps outraged might be a better explanation! I have a feeling that, deep down inside, the intent for "All About That Bass" was positive. Yet, when a song is so catchy, and really gets gets in to your head, that's even more opportunity for the same message or mantra to be sent, over and over again, to your sub-conscious mind. It becomes a subliminal meditation!

When it comes to messages about self-acceptance, we can only hope that more high-profile artists will begin incorporating lyrics that empower and compliment ALL body types, and more importantly, encourage self-love that goes beyond the reflection in the mirror.

In closing, I've re-written just a small portion of "All About That Bass" with a message that I feel is more important than booty--which, by the way, NEVER LEFT THE BUILDING (so we didn't need to bring it back).

ALL ABOUT THAT BASS 

(Re-written Thrift Trick Style):

I'm bringing beauty back

Of all varieties and cultures that

Women belong to--we’ll define it as

Your soul and spirit. 

Every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top!

My 1920's Hair Inspiration for the Lumber Baron's Ball!

Image courtesy of Arabia Weddings

My 1920's Hair Inspiration for the Lumber Baron's Ball!

So...what was trending for 1920's hair? Well, definitely shorter 'dos: bobs, finger waves and closely coiffed hairstyles were all the rage.

  

Images courtesy of  Best of Hairstyles, Hair Archive and Wikipedia

But, what to do if you have longer hair like me? 

You have a few options:

1) Rock a cloche or similiar period hat! Tuck hair underneath and allow some curls to pop out.

2) Fake a bob. It's easier than you think; check out this article on Elle for directions on how to do it in six easy steps.

3) No matter your length, curl and adorn. Add waves and beautiful accessories to your hair to transform any length 'do into a respectable 1920's statement!

Check back with me soon as I have an accessory DIY, as well as "trial run", planned for my Lumber Baron's Ball hairstyle!

Pennies Into the Pig: Budgeting for my Wedding

Image courtesy of Dexknows.com

Pennies Into the Pig:

Budgeting for my Wedding

It has to be the least romantic detail of wedding planning: budgeting. No doubt, though, it is of paramount importance. Yet, as TheKnot.com says, 16% of brides surveyed "didn't even have a budget" (CNN Money, 2011).  

WELP!

I can't imagine trying to do this without planning finances carefully and it's not just because I don't want to overspend--I can't AFFORD to! Therefore, the first thing I did after the excitement from my engagement settled down was start number crunching. Although I'm not sure what my final numbers will be, I can tell you that I'm not planning on spending more than $5000 (honeymoon included) on my wedding. If you consider many people spend over $20,000 on a wedding (dress and ring included) according to polls, than that sounds like a mere fraction of most budgets. Then again, who has $20,000 to spend on a wedding? I don't. I think most people I know end up spending between somewhere in between--usually no less than $1000 on even the most DIY, backyard hitchin', and most of the time, closer to $10,000.

Between the costs of a venue, food, photography and incidentals, the dollars stack up quickly. Therefore I'm trying to budget for the big stuff right away. Though looking at the numbers can be scary for some people, I wanted to get hit in the face with them right away so I can budget and spend that money before it's even in my pocket (Dave Ramsey style).

Without getting too detailed, here are the basics for my PHASE ONE savings plan:

• All loose change is being saved in a bank for the wedding (to be deposited regularly in to our savings account for the event)
• My fiance and I are both starting to deposit $10 weekly ($20 collectively) into the savings account as a base, which will balloon as time passes.

Deposits will increase in amount, and we'll be taking a percentage of tax returns this year, but that is phase one for me! There are 53 weeks left until my wedding, so depositing that amount each week (without figuring in any loose change deposits) only brings us to a fraction of our cost. Therefore, we'll be looking at making that up somewhere along the way, but it's a start!

It's intimidating to think about--but what's the alternative? Burying my head in the proverbial sand and having a huge freakout in the summer next year? HAHA! Let the saving begin.

Also check out the Pinterest board I've made dedicated to saving, "Thrift Trick Thrifty Wedding Pins!"

_________________________

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2014 Lumber Baron's Ball: Let's Get "Hotsy Totsy"!

2014 Lumber Baron's Ball: Let's Get "Hotsy Totsy"!

In case you're wondering, "Hotsy Totsy" is 20s slang for "pleasing to the eye." ;)

I'm so excited to announce that I will be helping to style the 2014 Lumber Baron's Ball for Lakeshore Museum Center again and this year's awesome theme is the 1920's!

Make sure to follow my 
Pinterest Board "1920's Life: Lumber Baron's Ball"

I have a few fun DIY's up my sleeve and I'm so excited to attend this year! I'll be covering the event and posting a re-cap as well, so don't miss it and follow along for ideas on how to dress appropriately for this awesome event!

Five Looks from Michael Kors Spring 2015 that you can Thrift or DIY

Five Looks from Michael Kors Spring 2015 

that you can Thrift or DIY

Image Source: InStyle Fashion Week

1. Crisp white dress shirt, floral skirt, cute knotted belt (instructions here courtesy of FashionRolla.com), sandals.

2. Extra long white t-shirt, with sheer or tulle calf length skirt overlay (easy sewing DIY!), cute knotted belt, sandals. 

3. Cream or white blazer with chambray blouse, neutral calf length skirt, cute knotted belt, sandals, neutral handbag. 

4. White dress shirt under a grey knit OR sweatshirt (DIY rouching?), 3/4 trousers or rolled trousers in a neutral shade, sandals, neutral handbag. 

5. The ultimate classic: crisp white dress shirt with a calf length or full length black skirt, plus black sandals or ballet flats.

Makeup Review: Younique Moodstruck Minerals Pigment Powder (and eyeshadow tutorial)!

Makeup Review: Younique Moodstruck Minerals Pigment Powder 
(and eyeshadow tutorial)!

I had an awesome experience reviewing Younique's Moodstruck 3D Fiber lash masara, so I jumped at the chance recently to review another interesting product: Moodstruck Minerals Pigment Powder.

These high pigment powders interested me for a few reasons. First of all, they have all kinds of fun names rather than hues; "Playful", "Heartbroken" and "Corrupted", to name a few! I was able to choose four colors for my review, and I chose the following shades (shown in the same order below as pictured by photos on the website): Famous, Sexy, Curious and Dignified. They are $10 each. Shop for the pigments here!

             

Cool facts about the pigments: They are 100% natural, chemical-free, mineral-based pigment powders, free of talc, oils, preservatives, perfumes, synthetic dyes, and parabens! (And you can mix them with anything...and that's where the fun starts).










Here's what I noticed right away:

--The pigments arrived in handy little pots with locking systems.

--The colors really ARE high pigment; a little shake goes a very long way. 

--The colors blend smoothly with other products (lotions, water, mascaras). PERFECT for ladies who want to create their own makeup shades, tinted moisturizers, temporary hair streaks, tinted nail polish, tinted lip gloss, eyeshadows and eyeliners...the list GOES ON!

--I love the coverage and application of the colors. They lasted a long time and I still can't believe how far a little bit stretched (even when added to nail polish!)




MOODSTRUCK MINERALS PIGMENT POWDER EYESHADOW TUTORIAL

Once my other makeup was done and my eyelids were primed and powdered, I took the following steps to acheive the look above!

1.) I applied a sheer layer of "Curious" pigment over my entire eyelid, using a large, flat, eyeshadow shading brush, including the inner corners of my eye. 

2.) I lined my eyes with black eyeliner to provide a solid line and dark focal point for the bright liner (which I mixed myself) to compliment.

3.) Using just a couple shakes of "Dignified" on to a small mixing tray, I added a few drops of water, and blended with a thin lining brush. An eyeliner brush, small angled brush or even another eyeliner tool from a pot (cleaned, of course) would work well for this job!

4.) Following the black eyeliner as a guide, I painted a parallel line over each eye using the "Dignified" eyeliner paste. The pigment was actually quite pronounced with just one line, but I allowed it to dry and painted a second for extra coverage. Be patient waiting for the pigment paste to dry. I then followed up my normal mascara with a layer of Younique 3D Fiber Lash mascara!

The coolest finshing touch?

After my makeup was done, I decided to add a few shakes of the same pigment to a small mixing tray with about 5-6 drops of top coat nail polish, and I matched my exact nail shade to my eyeliner! I was shocked at how well a few sprinkles of pigment covered my nails when mixed with the polish. I could have easily done one coat--the color was totally rich! I loved having nails that matched my eyeliner so well.

OVERALL IMPRESSION: Each pigment pot might cost a little more than individual eyeshadows at the drug store, but the color goes a long way. For me, a definite selling point is the natural, paraben free state of the pigment, as well. It's nice to know that a product that you can add to your other products doesn't contain any harmful chemicals, fragrance or even talc! Not only are the colors safe, but they lasted all night as I rode bikes in the warm sun, without melting away or smudging. I'm sold on these products and I would definitely recommend them!

Check out the mineral pigments here, or shop other Younique products as well!

Fall Looks: Cropped sweater with boots

FALL LOOKS: Cropped Sweater with Boots

I loved cropped sweaters and vintage Liz Claiborne (the striped knit above was both!) I purchased it for $2 at Lakeshore Rescue Mission Thrift in Grand Haven and I knew that it would pair nicely with black, brown and this thrifted Guess handbag. Here in Michigan, it seems we've been having "fall" weather all summer, so cropped sweaters have actually been pretty appropriate for both day and evening wear! There are so many cute looks out there like this black and white look from Fashion Bomb Daily and this cute outfit from LoveMaegan.com!

Moral of the story? You need to find a cropped sweater for your fall wardrobe, and why not thrift one? It looks fantastic over a long cami or even better yet, a dress shirt. Or be bold and bare some skin by pairing it with high waisted shorts, pants or a maxi skirt.

 

BODY IMAGE: What I think about Lena Dunham (and myself) naked.

Image courtesy of Shopping With Girls

BODY IMAGE: What I think about Lena Dunham (and myself) naked.

I'M NOT A BIG TV PERSON. In fact, I'm not really a "little" tv person. The truth is, I barely watch television at all. Despite enjoying a WTF Marc Maron podcast from last spring that writer and director Lena Dunham had appeared on, I really hadn't given any amount of time to the HBO series Girls until my fiancé talked me into watching the pilot episode with him a few weeks ago...and I decided to give it a chance. (For the record, I fully recognize how BEHIND the times I am--both in the spectrum of this series and, well, the modern tv watching world). I actually connected quickly with the show--it reminded me of a hipper, more pared down and relatable Sex In the City.  I liked the quirky characters and though I haven't always approved of their development (major "what the hell" moment when Jessa married the weirdo businessman, and irritation at multiple terrible "fake crying" moments from varying cast members), the show makes me think. About myself. And body image. A lot. Particularly because Hannah, the main character who is based primarily on Lena Dunham herself, is clumsy, a little overweight and naked on screen. All the time. (No judgment, just arbitrary fact).

Recently, we made it to the episode where Lena's character Hannah awkwardly seduces an attractive and much older (not to mention RICH) doctor "Joshua" (played by Patrick Wilson) in his home after a random encounter in the coffee shop she works at. It wasn't my favorite episode--it seemed a little contrived and I had a hard time finding it believable. Critics tore it apart on multiple occassions (as I discovered today in my research) and echoed my thoughts about the storyline and mistmatching of Hannah and Joshua's characters... BUT...how much of that unwillingness to accept the convention was my own unrealistic viewpoint on physical attraction and body image?

When it comes to unlikely pairs, I've seen it all (and I'm sure you have, too!). In this modern world, we're always shockingly impressed when two people are attracted to eachother without an epicenter of physical perfection and ultimate aesthethic beauty between them--right? "How can she even KISS him? He's not in her league!" or "Have you seen his girlfriend? She's FAT!"

I won't tell you that I think that the episode of Girls I'm referring to was the best written, or that it went down the way I would have preferred. I do know one thing, though, and I'm certain of this: watching Lena Dunham bounce around in a short romper as a somewhat plump and less than ostentatious twenty-something (and seeing her stripped to bare flesh on the regular) made me a little uncomfortable, initially, because of one thing and one thing only: expectations, and projection of my own naked insecurities.

At first, in the HBO series, I convinced myself that I was embarrassed for her nudity and seeming naivete because of how awkward she appeared, but I knew that morally and ethically, I should champion both Hannah's character and Lena Dunham personally, because, well, what she was doing took guts. Major guts. And her figure is that of an everage woman--relatable, normal, and flawed! So, why not show it?

Yet, I found myself mortified for her as she rolled around with her lovers, or ripped her shirt clean off mid-program. I remembered Dunham's expression in WTF with Marc Maron of how frequently people questioned why she had to be "naked so much". I wondered if people would file the same complaints to Heidi Klum or Beyoncé. I couldn't help speculating that the answer would be a resounding "NO!". Standards aside, and no matter what you think of Dunham's body, you certainly can't deny how comfortable she looks in it.

That's when I realized that my discomfort was clearly about my own body.

Hannah playing naked ping pong, Hannah sitting on a counter in short shorts, Hannah walking around in comfortable draw string pants without spanx on or bothering to suck in her tummy, Hannah ripping her clothes off in front of her lovers without reaching for the blankets to conceal love handles, dimples, or fat rolls. Hannah, uncut.

My distress in these things wasn't nearly as diplomatic as I initially contemplated: "You know, she's a cute girl, but that outfit is unflattering!" or "Oh-m-gosh that was bold...but I wouldn't want my body to look like that in the broad daylight. I would be careful to {position, conceal, hide}."

What I'm bringing to light here isn't a complete death sentence in terms of positive body image (though my journey has definitely been about the process and not the product, and I'm far from finished). It is, however, a full admission of my innermost thoughts (and not the dialogue I'd normally put OUT there that sounds more like, "It's great that non-traditional women are writing and producing realistic love scenes with average bodies!"). That's right--I'm talking about what my BRAIN is saying to me...that internal dialogue that no one else can hear...the one that says, "Judge her body, and hers, too!"

Trying to quiet this voice and lead her to a place of healing has been a huge part of my journey in accepting my body (and subsequently, others!). Therefore, it is my challenge to you to ask yourself: can you honestly say that your viewpoints of other women (and their bodies) aren't a manifestation of your own insecurities? If the answer is yes (and I'm skeptical that anyone would be able to claim otherwise), what can you do to change that?

How can you use the image of Lena Dunham, comfortably playing ping-pong naked in all of her soft, common glory to become more content with your own, stripped down self? 

I have a mind to believe that exposure therapy is a good place to start, and for that reason (no matter how I feel about the storylines or character development), I'll be glad to embrace Lena's nakedness on screen with an increasingly fresh perspective. Can I find that same peace, in my most vulnerable and pared down moments?

The answer is in the future, so you'll have to tune in. (And you don't even need to turn on the tv.)

How to Style Your Kimono Into Fall: Thrifted Fashion

How to Style Your Kimono Into Fall: Thrifted Fashion

Confession: the piece I'm wearing above isn't a real "kimono"--in the sense that I thrifted it for $1 as a sheer seperate that was paired with a dress about five sizes too big for me! Basically, it was a perfect "kimono-inspired" piece, which was EXACTLY what I was looking for! In fact, that same day, I bought another floral "kimono" just like it at Use it Again Thrift Shop in Muskegon, Michigan.

Unfortunately, my dedication to finding a second-hand piece rather than rushing out to buy a brand new item came a little later than this spring/summer trend began, but that wasn't of much concern to me--I knew I could easily style it into fall!

For those of you who might have a kimono in your summer wardrobe, have no fear--you can transition this item in to your autumn rotation easily! Tips are bulleted below!

• Pair your kimono with a longer item with more coverage, such as a long maxi dress (as I did)
• Use a belt or other items to add extra layers (such as scarves, hats, etc.) to create texture and warmth
• Try pairing your kimono with jeans and boots rather than shorts and sandals
• Pair a kimono with a long sleeved shirt and a heavier bib necklace for an autumnal "boho" look
• If you want to keep the shorts with your kimono, add tights and boots or closed toed shoes like Oxfords or flats
• Add your kimono under a fur vest or another warm piece to add depth, length and warmth to your existing outfit

Looking for more tips on how to work your summer wardrobe in to fall? Check out this video from stylist Lindsey Albanese on EOnline.  Also, as this article from FashionMagazine.com states, it's really just about "adding on" to your staple pieces until you have a weather appropriate ensemble!