Sartorial Inspiration
I really ought to remember that this was my personal blog before it became a publishing…ish blog. I mean, I have a personality! And interests beyond books! (Sort of. I won’t lie when I say books occupy about 85% of my brain space.) I also like art, photography, fashion, crafts, music, etc. It’s good to acknowledge that sometimes.
Anyway, I’ve been feeling very uninspired in the sartorial department lately. As far as vanity goes, I’m pretty freaking proud of my looks, although you wouldn’t guess it from the effort I’ve been putting into it lately. Hoodies! Jeans! Absolutely no makeup!
Sometimes I ponder through ideas better by drawing them out, so I threw together a quick concept sketch with some pieces already in my wardrobe to see if I can’t push myself into caring a little about my appearance. (I care, I just can’t find the energy at the moment.)
Sketch and photos under the cut.
I call this look Country Mouse, City Girl
For some reason, I’m really into milkmaid braids. I haven’t had hair this long in over two years, so I figure I’ll do something cute with it instead of tying it into a ponytail all the time. (I never wear my hair down; I look better with my hair away from my face.)
My attempt at wrangling my hair into milkmaid braids last night. Somewhat successful. (Not really.) Photo is in black and white to reduce the ugly incandescent cast.
My hair is still a tad too short to fully complete the look, but I quite like it. I often put my hair in pigtails or French braid it, but this is something different. I also used to wear my hair in the Tsukino Usagi/Sailor Moon odango/”meatball” style, so I like to view this as a funny hybrid.
Do you know what's difficult? Shooting yourself with a prime lens when you can't see how the focus turns out.
This morning I tried to get in a few full length shots, but was pretty unsuccessful. First, it’s hard to shoot yourself. Two, I made the mistake of trying to use my 50mm prime lens. Three, there are no real places in my apartment I can photograph myself and showcase what I’m wearing without furniture or artwork getting in the way. (I have no blank walls in my apartment.)
Trying to get a shot of the makeup, which is pretty subtle, but I tried to give myself a youthful look.
If I’d thought about it, I would have chosen a light pink coral gloss to go with it. Full but light brows, some mascara, a little coral blush for some color, a little bit of highlighting powder for that “dewey glow”. Et voilà! Simple and quick.
Milkmaid braids! Oh, that’s cute! I’ve always wanted to try that! But I don’t think my hair’s quite long enough yet…
I really ought to do something like this in my blog, I love reading streetstyle and vintage fashion blogs, but only make an effort at the weekend…
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I know this is totally not the point of your post, but for the record: I am so jealous of your drawing skills! I love that style of drawing and really want to learn it. At some point…
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I wish I knew how to french braid. Seriously, I’ve tried to learn and am incapable. Someday I will learn this! By the by, I am now back from an extended trip in the wilderness and we should chat.
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The milkmaid braids aren’t actually French braided; they’re just two pigtails bobby pinned at the top of my head. :)
We should indeed chat! I’ve got work and other social obligations this week, but does Sunday work for you?
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It’s funny, I’ve been really into milkmaid braids lately too. Only, my hair and my daughter’s hair are long enough for them yet. I’ll have to settle for braided pigtails for now.
PS. I love your drawing, what a cool way to plan an outfit.
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