::: Glamor @ Home :::

If decided to expand my blogging business further into another area I know entirely too much about. I can conquer the interior design world with my many talents (and limited budget) as can I dress to impress with the best (with an equally limited budget).


I strongly believe that your outward appearance reflects how you feel inside. When I am feeling a bit under the weather, caught a bug, laying in my bed praying to be shot in the head by anyone gutsy enough to do the job; I often run myself a bath full of bubbles, lounge and unwind and immediately go the closet to get dressed in something comfortable, yet pleasing. I dab on some makeup and do the best with the tresses as I have the energy for. Upon drinking a cup of hot tea; with a lipstick stain on the brim; I find myself feeling better and better with each passing minute. Any woman can attest to this with the power suit or infamous LBD and black heels. It does wonders for any chip on the shoulder, lack of confidence, & worry or wonder you might have. 


Working from home hasn't traditionally been conducive to glamor. Isn't part of the joy of homeworking being able to please yourself? Perhaps this is why "Do you work in your pajamas?" is the question I'm forced to answer at least once a week. But I think that there's a certain kind of "glam loafing" or "luxurious lounging" that can and should begin at home. And not just when you're getting glammed up to go out. 


Work from home in your pajamas by all means, but make sure that they are in jewel colors and made of silk. An alternative is white or soft-cream-colored linen. If your're feeling chilly, throw on an organza of chiffon wrap, or perhaps a beautifully beaded sweater. 
In winter, velvet or cashmere take to the stage. I often complete this look with sequinned Moroccan slippers which, every now and again, I shrug off to reveal my exquisitely exfoliated feet and perfectly pedicured toes.


I do realize that unexpected guests-whom I always welcome with open arms because I'm always looking my best-might question why I'm all glammed up. I stick to my guns. I do so not only for the people that walk in and out of my home at any given moment, but mostly for myself. Nothing makes me more frigid and timid towards anyone than frumpy frocks filled with flouncy frayed fabrics leaving me feeling the same as such. I'm a stay @ home mother and wife yes? Why certainly. But that is no excuse for allowing myself, nor my wardrobe to appear like I'm sitting on the couch everyday eating ho-ho's right out of the box weeping away to every Soap Opera gracing the television screen. (I do however sometimes sit with a array of assorted nuts or fruits, vegetables and cheeses, perhaps some chocolates I hid away on the top shelf in the cupboard from the smaller beings in my household and laugh hysterically to "How I Met Your Mother" but that's entirely another blog in itself.)




If you'd like to have a go at glam loafing, here are some do's and don'ts.


Don't:
*Wear clothes that are better suited for the gym or jogging. (I am guilty of this but it's all the fault of Ann Taylor Loft. Lounge-wear is made just for that and the fabrics wash up wonderfully. Do switch it up @ times though to something more elogant so it doesn't appear your pilates has consumed your entire life)
*EVER have potpourri in bowls (not ANYWHERE)
*Loaf around without make-up (even if you only apply mascara and 5 seconds with a curling wand. Spend the extra time and then quickly dab some shine on your lips and smile @ yourself each time you pass by a mirror hung on the wall)
*Have a bad-hair day or wear a scrunchie. A low slung bun loosely knotted with strands framing the face is perfectly acceptable)
*Leave dirty dishes in the sink (Not now-not EVER)
*Indulge in general sloppiness 


Do:
*Watch old films in the afternoon (anything with Audrey Hepburn will get your glamor gushing)
*Plump your couch cushions and throw pillows
*Have fresh blooms all over the place
*Take to your bed whenever you feel like it- eye mask is optional
*Have a bathroom of hip hotel standards
*Throw on your husbands pressed oxford every now and again, roll up the folded over sleeves and prance around while you dance around (he'll enjoy it and it'll later smell of you which he'll equally love)
*Enjoy being a charming hostess
*Light candles- church ones or naturally scented
*Spray your favorite fragrance on your neck (just below the ears) and the interior of your wrists. (Amazing what kind of attention Chanel No.5 can attract)
*Observe the Cocktail Hour- From three (the time I head to pick up my kids from school) onwards it's time to up the ante. I like to change into something different; a LBD and knee high boots or a pair of skinny jeans and a plain sweater with coordinated heels-maybe wrap a scarf around my head to hold back my hair). Sip a Peach Bellini in summer, or a martini in winter. 


I most certainly wait for drinking until after I have picked the brood up and safely returned them home. I usually enjoy my cocktail(s) while the children watch me preparing their dinner. (Pretending you are the host of a show on the cooking network is equally entertaining for the entire family).

We all are on different walks of life. We all play different roles and wear endless amounts of hats (oh how I love me some hats)... there is no reason to NOT do any of these roles glamorously. In fact, it should be the only way you do things. 

“I don't mind being burdened with being glamorous and sexual. Beauty and femininity are ageless and can't be contrived, and glamour, although the manufacturers won't like this, cannot be manufactured. Not real glamour; it's based on femininity.” -Marilyn Monroe

...going forward with glitter & glamor...