pussy bow blouse Archives - Suzanne Carillo

A sincere thank you to each and every person that left a comment on my last blog post. It touched my heart.

I am grateful to those of you that took the time to share some of yourself with me. Kind words can make a difference in someone else’s life.

Everyone has their own scars and challenges to overcome and accept. When it felt like the earth was moving out from under me your words made a difference to me.

Thank you.

Let’s move onto some light and frivolous thoughts shall we?

What’s Your Secret Splurge?

Do you ever feel guilty about splurging on something for yourself?

I had a discussion with some friends recently and they all agreed that they sometimes feel guilty about splurging on themselves. One example brought up was expensive clothing or shoes. We traced some of this guilt back to how and when the women were raised. In past eras it was deemed selfish to be extravagant and overspend on yourself. I know it’s hard to believe given today’s obsession with over consumption and the masses of enablers we encounter on social media.

My Secret Splurge(s)

Lash Extensions & Hair Care

Two of my splurges that make my life easier are lash extensions and professional hair care.

When I was blond I sometimes streaked my own hair (with the help of a willing friend) and it turned out okay.

When I went red I tried dying my own hair once, that’s all it took to realize it wasn’t a good idea. I had to spend loads of cash having that catastrophe fixed by a professional.

vintage lurex leaf maxi dress suzanne carillo style

Lash extensions are the only way people can see I have lashes as my eyes are too sensitive for mascara and my lashes are so blond they are invisible.

suzanne carillo scotland 1987 — Blond, spiral perm, invisible lashes and a taunt jawline (sigh). Wearing my Dad’s trench he sent over in a care package and a borrowed plaid flannel shirt because I was freezing all the time. Scotland, mid 80s.

I don’t spend money on makeup, nails or personal care products. The makeup I wear is probably five years old, or older! (eek!) and from the drug store.

Comfortable Footwear

I sometimes choose to splurge on comfortable, stylish footwear. If I can find them secondhand it’s even better but it’s not always possible and the older I get the more I’m aware that when my feet aren’t happy I’m miserable.

snakeskin boots and tulle skirt suzanne carillo — These boots were my last footwear splurge. I bought them at 50% off.

I don’t splurge on clothing anymore.

Everything I buy is secondhand.

Apart from underwear and socks.

Choosing to shop secondhand aligns with my personal values and helps save our world. Small choices can add up to big changes. Every little bit counts.

Skirt and blouse, thrifted. Boots and hat, vintage bought in the 90s. Belt, gift.

Travel

None of my friends or family live within driving distance and my husband lived overseas for the last two years. Travel at that time was a necessity rather than a splurge.

10 facts i learned about hong kong — 10 Fact I Learned About Hong Kong

Travel is a priority splurge for me now.

The older I get the more I value experiences and sharing moments with family and friends over things.

Couch bought at an estate sale. Floral wall mural Society 8.

Have your values changed as you age?

What’s your secret splurge(s)?

Do you ever feel guilty when you treat yourself? If so, why?

Linking up with Visible Monday, Turning Heads Tuesday, Fancy Friday, and Spy Girl

I recently had the opportunity to take in the Christian Dior exhibit at the Royal Ontario Museum and thoroughly enjoyed myself.

Christian Dior Exhibit ROM

A brief bio on Christian Dior

Dior’s parents envisioned a diplomatic life for their son however Christian’s interests were in architecture and art. He briefly owned a successful art gallery which collapsed with the Great Depression. Afterwards, to make ends meet, he sold his fashion sketches and eventually landed several jobs with design houses allowing him to perfect his designing skills. At the age of 41 Christian Dior chose to open his own design house where he revolutionized and dominated the fashion industry for a decade. He was one of the first to grow his brand through licensing deals of perfumes, stockings, accessories, jewellery, shoes and handbags.

He died at the early age of 52 from a heart attack.

What I found extremely interesting in this exhibit was how Dior’s sketches were left open to the interpretation of the flou (dressmaker) or tailleur (tailor).

These geniuses were truly able to see beyond the mere sketches before them and interpret the dream.

Some of the sketches were so vague I marvelled at the details of the finished gowns.

The imagination and skill level of the team members and artisans required to realize these visions was astounding.

Specialists were brought in to do beading and embellishments.

Every piece Christian Dior designed was given a name.

The year and the season were often woven into the label.

Each collection had between 150-175 designs suitable for all times of the day.

I noticed that often they were marked, morning dress, afternoon dress, early evening dress, dinner dress or late evening dress. Apparently you were expected to change four or more times a day.

Each sketch was assigned a head seamstress or tailor to interpret Dior’s sketches and turn them into reality.

Every dress was designed for one in house model to her exact measurements and only she modelled that particular dress.

Once the dress was completed all items such as fabric and trims were recorded.

Each one of Dior’s designs were made to order so you could choose the fabric and trims to personalize your dress.

“…some people will always wear a brooch in the same place…Another woman with fashion sense will…pin it, with a coloured chiffon scarf, to the hip pocket of her suit – it will look marvellous and be twice as effective.” – Christian Dior

” A wise woman never discards a dinner or evening dress that’s becoming to her, no matter how often she’s worn it.” – Christian Dior

“There is no key [to good dressing] If there were it would be too easy, rich women could buy the key and all their fashion worries would be over! But simplicity, grooming and good taste… cannot be bought… they can be learnt, by rich and poor alike.” – Christian Dior

I created a thrifted outfit inspired by Christian Dior.

Everything I’m wearing is vintage.

The tight fitted jacket with overstated puffy shoulders and the fuller skirt is reminiscent of la Belle Époque which was Dior’s inspiration for many of his deigns. My 1980s’s jacket is embroidered with floral flocking. Dior was partial to embellished pieces.

Are you a fan of Dior?

Linking up with the lovely Patti for Visible Monday.

What’s Your Secret Splurge?