Guilty Pleasures?

I still love walking into my closet. 

All of my favourite treasures sit waiting there for me - carefully curated, collected and cherished pieces from so many different lives lived (and reminders of all the many different people I have been over the years). Part Museum and part dreamy 'happy place' - so much of me that I don't share with the rest of the world is hanging in this secret cove.

From the shoes (oh the shoes) to the fancy purses to the makeup and the jewelry - It's a guilty pleasure for sure! I love and long for that woman who used to put them all on (Guilt Free) who didn't think twice about what others might think. Is it because I'm a Mom now (#momscantwearthat).. is it because of the pandemic and that most of these relics have collected dust as we have nowhere to go? 

Or is it because I have two young girls who are also drawn to the magic of this place and are watching my every move - I have to be so careful how I introduce them to this complicated relationship with the Cult of Beauty and Fashion. Can a feminist really wear a bold red lip?

I'm definitely having some interesting conversations with myself (and my children) these long days at home... about why I have so many party dresses, lipsticks and shoes (and why Fashion simultaneously brings such joy). I can count on my one hand the times my kids have seen me in anything other than jogging pants and a single coat of mascara over the past 8 years- they don't know their Mom who wore suits, designer jeans or even (gasp) Makeup and heels >>This is one of the things that happens when you start to work from home...

Back to the closet - I really do love watching them play dress up in here (like I used to do when I was a child - ha - or even before I had children). But - I also want them to ease in slowly and find their own unique/personal style and expression (something I am only just discovering now in my Forties). So where do all the make up brushes and designer bags fit in?? Why is Getting 'Dressed Up' still such a guilty pleasure. 

... At the risk of going off topic and launching into an entirely different post; I'll pause on all this for now (Don't even get me started on the clean beauty movement, body creams and shampoo's I'm introducing to their little bodies).

Back to the Closet:: I would love to tell you about my most cherished artifact and the story behind this special white Designer (now *yellowish) purse. ::Ugh:: Why didn't anyone tell me to keep it in that cute little dust bag? Adulting is hard...

I love this Purse partly because of what it is, but mainly because of where it came from and who gave it to me. You see: Every time I pass by it I'm reminded of the Strong and loving women in my family and my friends who attended my Bridal Shower and gifted it to me. 

When I was getting married - My fantastical Aunties, Mother, Grandmother and their cherished Cougar Pack (yep) - threw me a glorious "Kittens and Cougars Shower" to welcome me to the other side. It was magical!

It was also the first designer bag I had EVER owned. And before you role your eyes and wonder 'why' a Kitten needs a clutch -I think I finally know the answer myself (and it gets clearer as the years zoom by) - these cougars knew how important it is to celebrate; To celebrate eachother and life milestones and to have something special just for you. Something to remind you of special events and inspire you to make more... to cherish the years as they go fast. And to never apologize for being sexy and confident. A purse you say? Yes... this Purse made me feel so 'grown-up' and fancy all these years ago.. and so much more... Maybe it still can??

I've also learned to take better care of such things - so they will last. (*gentle reminder to do more sit-ups)

I love seeing my closet through my girls eyes- as it's clearly making me see everything in a new light. It's also reminding me that Beauty and Fashion do have a place in our world - as long as it's fun and creative.

Every piece I own has a story - and I'm having fun telling them all to the kids *and passing pieces along.

Until we can get out again- we have been dressing up and staying in - and I've pulled this purse and so many other favourite pieces down to play with (I'm using them more now than I have in years actually).

We are beauty seekers and wonder collectors in my family - sparkly things make us so inspired! It's no surprise that after all this time spent painting and creating with coloured papers, glitter glue and markers - that my kids are now drawn to my closet full of sparkly neckalces, fun dresses and all the colourful eye and lips palettes...

Don't think to much my mother would say - just enjoy. And always dress to make yourself happy!