A Note From The Girl Behind The Curtain..

Dearest Readers,

Yesterday, I received feedback from a ConstantlyAlice follower indicating that they had taken offense to my review of The Notorious Bettie Page (not the review itself, but the appropriateness of the subject matter.)

My initial reaction was to feel mortified.  It is certainly never my intention to offend any of you.  I consider the ConstantlyAlice blog to be about a PG-13 rating and did not think that my review violated any of those boundaries.  I have posted in the past about Bettie, and various other pin ups, without rebuke, so I thought nothing of it.

I will be honest…I obsessed a bit.  I worried about what specific part was offensive, and if any of the rest of you were offended as well.  I obsessed to the Man..I obsessed to my family..I obsessed to my friends.  One theme that came up consistently as a possible reason for this reaction was that the ConstantlyAlice image is a typically innocent and sweet one and Bettie could have, for that reason, appeared jarring and out of place with my content.

While I can understand this, ConstantlyAlice is not a fabricated personality.  It is not a corporation, or a faceless entity.  It does not market to the masses in a homogenized way aimed at making as many people “like” it as possible.  ConstantlyAlice is me.

Yup…That’s me.

Yes.  I am faintly reminiscent of a fairytale character..I like fairytales.  I also like pin ups.  I am whimsical, and sometimes down right naive, but I’m also a little impatient and have a knack for sarcasm that I try to keep in check.  I have nerd-like tendencies.  I love to read and my bookshelves run the gamut from Jane Austen to Anais Nin.  I find it almost impossible to repress my humor..unless someone is grieving..in which case, pass me the tissues (I would have made an excellent “mourner-for-hire” in victorian times..)  I don’t like vulgarity, but, as I’ve discovered, vulgarity is subjective.  I keep an open mind, trust that the people I know have the best of intentions and sometimes suffer from debilitating panic attacks brought on by my anxiety disorder and my need for perfection (only in myself..I ❤ the flaws of others.)

Any or all of these things may come across from time to time here in my blog.  I consider you all friends and fellow enthusiasts.  I hope you will feel free to share with me in an open and constructive way if anything here makes you uncomfortable.  I am happy to chat with you about my choices.

I leave you with this..in the spirit of ConstantlyAlice..  I gotta be me 😉

Hugs and Smooches,
D

The Signature Style Project – Signature Women

I have to confess..this may end up being my favorite post of the Signature Style series.  I SO admire the style of the women who have come before me!

I believe signature style falls into two categories.  The first category encompasses a signature “look”.  A little black dress, a trademark accessory, a specific color, a unique hairstyle.  The second category includes women who don’t have a specific trademark item, but who have an overall feel to their wardrobe.  Bombshell, boho, flirty, quirky, retro.

I’ll show you what I mean..

These women embody a signature “look” for me:

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AUDREY HEPBURN – Pixie bangs, heavy brows, cigarette pants and winged eyeliner

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JACKIE KENNEDY – Hair flip, Pillbox hat, Tailored suits and gloves

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GOLDIE HAWN – ..those bangs 😉

..and the following evoke a certain style “feeling” that is unique to them:

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MARILYN MONROE – Bombshell

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STEVIE NICKS – Boho Romantic

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TWIGGY – Ethereal, Whimsical

If you have an affinity for the style of one of the women listed above (or another style icon), take the time to examine what it is about their style that appeals to you so you can make it your own!

What category do you fall into?  Are you a signature “look” gal, or are you more of a signature “feel” kinda girl?

Hugs and Smooches,
D