It’s still cold here, with positively Arctic temperatures heading in to stay for a spell. We still have stubborn patches of ice from last weekend’s storm, with the promise of fluffy snow coming in on Saturday. That forecast is a near-certainty for snow, although the amount is still uncertain – maybe only an inch, maybe an actual blanket of that rarity in the South, sledding snow.
Either way, it’s been hard to bound cheerfully into the workaday world these last few days.
So what’s a Diva to do?
There are times when the best thing to do is to act “as if.” Sure, you don’t want to leave your snug comforter for the cold tiles of the bathroom floor, but needs must. Therefore, make the best of it and act “as if” you’re going on a marvelous adventure. I find swaddling myself in comfort helps – crisp pajamas, warm slippers (and yes, bunny slippers are a classic for a reason, Divas!), and strong coffee help get the day started, but I find taking a few extra minutes with my toilette helps as well. I may switch work-ready slacks and a scarf for the layered warmth of casual pants and a collared fleece jacket, but I find my attitude is greatly assisted by perfume (which I find to be an Essential), lipstick, and earrings.
There’s a sliding scale here for me that I think is important to mention. I always enjoy a spritz of perfume (and my Beloved has taken to gifting me with a vintage scent at Christmas, which is how I discovered Cinema and L’Heure Bleue) and you can generally judge my mood by my earrings – often playful, sometimes whimsical, occasionally delicate, and sometimes coldly classic. I enjoy mascara and nearly always wear lipstick.
If you know me well, you can read my entire morning from a glimpse of me. Just a hint of a light floral scent, a swipe of natural-toned lipstick, and earrings that look like tiny rubber ducks? I’m feeling pretty lighthearted and am willing to give the rude ones of the world the benefit of the doubt. Something spicier with carefully-applied raspberry lipstick and simple pearl earrings? Maybe the morning needed an extra nudge and I’m on my third cup of coffee. Chanel No. 5, strong red lip, and diamond studs? Approach with caution; I’m wearing armor.
I once had a professor who led my class in costume design (I’ve had an interesting life, Divas) tell me, “All clothes are costumes” and I have often reflected on just how true that is. We decide – every day – what messages we want to send with our appearance. Those messages may be misread by others but make no mistake – you’re sending messages with every aspect of your appearance. And doing that deliberately – yes, that’s a Good Thing.
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