Beauty Icon Wednesday: Are you a Ginger or a Mary Ann?

Names: Mary Ann Summers (above, left) and Ginger Grant (right, obviously)

Known for: All-American girl-next-door and sultry sex kitten starlet, respectively. Both known for not having much like when it comes to three hour boat cruises 

And the love affair with the Sixties continues with one of the decades most iconic television series, Gilligan's Island. Most of my after-school memories are made up from reruns of this, Happy Days, and Scooby Doo cartoons. The other two programs I will get to in due time, because Pinky Tuscadero and Daphne Blake are each deserving of an Icon Wednesday post of their own, but that's neither here nor there. 

Today's is dedicated to that age-old debate: Ginger or Mary Ann? 

I think if you're a regular reader of this blog, you would know my answer to this question. It's modern day equivalent would be Team Aniston or Team Jolie - I think it's fairly clear whose side I'm on in that particular debate. I've never been fond of the saccharin-sweet, wholesome as Mom's apple pie demeanor that 

Mary Ann embodied, even at a young age. I have always preferred the ice queen, man-eater types; they often had the best clothes. And Ginger, swanning around the island in her fur stoles, sequined gowns and kitten heels with her elaborately coiffed hair and flawless makeup, was my hero. Well, it was a more of a cross between her and Miss Piggy...but then again, that is another post entirely. 

What about you? 

Which one would you be, if you had to make the choice?

Beauty Icon Wednesday: The World's First Supermodel

Name: Jean Rosemary Shrimpton, born November 7th, 1942

Known for: being 'The Face of The Sixties', helping launch the mini-skirt, and for bringing Audrey Hepburn's gamine legacy to the Swinging London scene.


There are times, and I'm sure a few of you would be inclined to agree with me, that it feels as though I were born in the wrong era. I don't worship at the altar of the Kardashians or Jersey Shore. I prefer the more refined, almost classic beauties of days gone past. Some may look at this and think it's too dated or old-fashioned but for me, this is what timeless beauty looks like. And when it comes to iconic faces, this is definitely one that tops the list.

But I won't type a novel - so unlike me, I know. I'd rather leave it to these pictures, and more specifically this face, to say everything that needs saying.

Monday Moments in Makeup History - The 1960's

This post is inspired mostly by the new series, Pan Am, which celebrates the glamorous Golden Age of air travel. Bouffant hair-dos, Mack the Knife, adorable little hats...really, what's not to love here?? Forget the poor rating on IMDB and reserve judgment for yourself - to me, it was kind of like a Mad Men but for chicks. Anyways, enough of my prattling; on with the show!

The Sixties were a tumultuous period in history - the Civil Rights movement, the Vietnam War, the Stonewall riots, the first man to walk on the moon...the list could, quite literally, go on and on. It seems only natural, given all that was going on throughout the world, that the makeup and fashion would change and vary so radically throughout the decade as well.

It started out beautifully enough, with the adulation of that famous First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy - all pill box hats, cropped jackets with matching knee-length skirt, capri trousers or 'clamdiggers'. The makeup and hair was just as elegant, with beehive or chignon hairstyles atop dramatically done-up eyes and nude or pale, frosted lips. Ladies wore gloves, and crossed their legs delicately at the ankle.


Then came Mary Quant with her mini skirt, which just happened to coincide with the onset of the Sexual Revolution. Hemlines and hair lengths shortened, much as they had done in the 20's, whilst the conservative prohibitive views about sex were loosened almost to the point of being non-existent.

By the end of the decade, all hell had broken loose - both fashionably and (some would say) morally speaking. Both women and men wore their hair long, with elaborately patterned tunics over bell-bottomed jeans and sandals, not to mention a whole lot of patchouli. They practiced 'free love' as well as experimented with conscience-altering drugs as part of their protest against the rigid Puritanical roots that had so long formed the basis of American culture. But that's enough out of me and my half-degree in Sociology... let's just say that, glamorously speaking, it was a dark, dark time.


I could probably write an entire dissertation on the effect that the Sixties has had on almost every decade that has come after it, such was its impact on every level of society on a global scale, but neither of us have the energy for that. But if you are interested in learning more about the looks that had become popular - and frequently come back round into fashion again and again - click here for some great information and resources. And with that, I will leave you with what is probably the most recognizable face from the Sixties.

The Original Waif herself - Twiggy.

Beauty Icon Wednesday: Veronica, The Bad Girl of Riverdale

Name: Veronica Lodge, created April 1942 by Bob Montana for the Archie comic series

Known for: glossy black hair, legs up to her neck, and an inexplicable affection for a freckle-faced ginger named Archie

I'm not gonna lie - this week has not been the best, and as early as this afternoon I was still at a loss as to who to feature for today's Icon. But inspiration can hit at anytime and often where you least expect it, and thanks to a certain idea planted by a simple Tweet from Chick Advisor I found my girl.

I've never been a fan of the goody-two-shoes, girl next door. So far as I'm concerned, evil knows how to dress and therefore automatically wins in my opinion. In the decades-old chick fight between the annoyingly perky, saccharin-sweet Betty and glamorous Veronica, there was no question; it was Team Ronnie all the way. She was beautiful, snobby, an unapologetic shopaholic, always got her way and had absolutely zero interest in such menial tasks as cooking or cleaning - that's what servants (or men) were for. She represented everything my younger self aspired to be when I grew up.

If I'm being honest, I still do.

Incidentally, in case you're curious, I'm also one of those Angie over Aniston-types. Now that I'm thinking about it, one can draw quite a few parallels between the two. Am I right?

Beauty Icon Wednesday:The One & Only, Coco

Name: Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, August 19th 1883 - January 10th, 1971

Otherwise known as 'Coco'

Known for: how about everything we recognize as modern fashion today? Yeah, that should pretty much cover it.

I swear I thought I’d already posted this. As in to the point of searching frantically through the Icon post history to check. I must have just dreamed it. 

Oh well, it was really only a matter of time before my memory went. 

Anyway, without further ado, let's get on with it, shall we?

Although sadly not all of us can afford the luxury of owning a Chanel suit, what we must remember is that Mme Chanel has touched each of us in a number of much more subtle ways. Without her, we might not have the now iconic Little Black Dress. Or the trouser. Or the jersey dress. Opera length pearls worn with a simple shift dress would not be the epitome of chic. I could go on and on about how Chanel forever changed the face of fashion but I think you get the idea…

There are some arguments that she was not the original, that she used men of wealth and position to get where she was. Perhaps there is some truth in that. However when you consider that she started life as an abandoned orphan, started out making clothing from material that no one had ever considered before and paid back every cent of any money she ever borrowed from one of her male lovers, I’m willing to look past that. And if she did indeed use men to her advantage, well then, I’m okay with that too. It’s not like men haven’t been doing the same – not for money, perhaps, but a variety of other things like sex, status, revenge – for centuries.

Instead, I would much prefer to focus on her achievements and contribution to fashion and beauty. And how I can get my hands on a vintage Chanel suit. 

Monday Moments in Makeup History - The 1940's

It is true what they say: you really can find inspiration anywhere.

Watching the Indiana Jones marathon today gave me an idea. Not that Harrison Ford was a hot piece back in the day or how it was more than a little far-fetched that an archaeology professor would be so adept with a bull whip, but it got me thinking how beautiful 40's era women were. At least, the way they were portrayed in films, that is. It got me thinking about the various looks that were popular in the past, and that maybe these deserved a post of their own.

Hence, I give you Monday Moments in Makeup History.

Nothing says understated glamour like the classic beauty of women from the 40's. Perhaps it was because, for the first time in history, they were expected to go out to work as well as keep the home while the majority of the men were off fighting in World War II. These women were the hardworking heroes of the everyday, ones who still took the time to put on some lipstick and do their hair.

Veronica Lake

The look can be characterized by red lips, subtly defined eyes, well-groomed but not overly plucked brows and a soft rosy complexion. I've included some examples of how it was done, both in Hollywoodland and in the real world.

Ava Gardner

I also came across this great post from Tart Deco which features scanned pages detailing how to recreate a 40s Pinup look from Vintage Face, a book that is now sadly out of print. Both Tart Deco and Glamour Daze are great reference sources for creating vintage makeup, so if that's your thing these are definitely worth a visit.

Glamour Frugaliste Fall 2011, Look #2: Femme Fatale

Tom Ford Fall 2011

If it's drama you're after, then look no further. There is nothing quite as dramatic - or fabulously over the top - as heavy black liner paired with brilliant scarlet lips. This look not only stalked the fall runways, but continued their dominance in the September magazine issues. The best examples can be found on the models featured in the fall campaign offerings from Tom Ford and Kate Spade. To quote The Spice Girls: The lady is a Vamp; she's a vixen, not a Tramp. In other words,  a woman after my own heart. 

Bryce Dallas Howard for Kate Spade

 I think it goes without saying that this is not your average daytime look for the office, and might be better saved for a cocktail party or gala event. However, there is something to be said for taking a risk... 

Anyway, here's the breakdown, regardless of how or where you intend on wearing it.

For the Eyes: Start with Black Velvet (matte black) applied with a damp smudger brush across the top lashline beyond outer corner of the eye, adding a slight wing at the end. Smudge the colour further up lid to just below the crease, whilst maintaining that sharp line at the lashes. Tip: the benefits of using a powder shadow damp as opposed to a liquid or pencil liner are that you have more control over the intensity of the colour result, and it lasts longer on the face - pencils are made of waxes that melt in heat and liquid liner will run if you tend toward watery eyes (which I do).

Wash Buttercup (buttery yellow with shimmer) liberally over entire lid beginning from base of browbone, using a fluffy shadown brush, building colour till the desired amount of shimmer is reached. Finish with LOTS of black mascara.

For the Cheeks: Dust Go Go Boots (plummy peach-pink) lightly on the apples of cheek working back into hairline using the cheekbone as a guide.

For Lips: Apply Seriously (a true glossy red) with a brush, blot with tissue then dust with Invisible Blotting Powder before applying a second coat, for added staying power.

Random sidenote: When I finished this look and started taking the pictures, I was struck by the oddest sense of deja vu. I know that this is a very retro, Moulin Rouge type look, but it's exact inspiration remained elusive. Until I realized what song had been running through my head the entire time...

 What's new, Buenos Aires...

What do you think? Is there a resemblance, be it ever so slight, or is it just me? 

Glamour Frugaliste Fall 2011, Look #1: The New Naturelle

I don't believe in the all natural look, mostly because I don't see much point to it - if you're going to wear makeup, then just do it. But I have to keep telling myself that this is not about me, and that other people might not want to channel their inner Drag Queen or Vegas showgirl all the time. 

Burberry Fall 2011

Valentino Fall 2011

Nude, 'no-makeup makeup' looks were all over Fall runways, most notably at Valentino and Burberry. This look is exactly what its name suggests: natural, but in a new and modern way. Neutral, fresh and almost universally wearable, with a touch of shimmer here and there to add interest and depth. 

Interested in how you can achieve this look on your own? Well then - read on, dear Reader... Read on!

For the Eyes: With a large shadow brush, apply Discreet (a soft taupe brown) all over top lid from corner to corner, then lightly smudge shadow into bottom lid between the lashes using a smaller brush if necessary. Sweep Buttercup (shimmery yellow) from top inner corner up to just beneath brow bone using a fluffy shadow brush until two colours are blended. Apply a single coat of mascara.

For the Cheeks: Using a blush brush, after first tapping excess onto the back of your hand, dust Spring Forward (muted peach-pink) liberally into the hollow of the cheek, just under the bone, in a circular motion. Repeat until desired colour intensity is achieved, using the extra blush you've shaken onto the back of your hand; it's easier to add colour then it is to remove it.

For Lips: Apply Feline lipstick (a warm pink with gold shimmer) either straight from the bullet or with a lip brush; finish with Disco lip gloss (sheer coral) in the centre of the lips.