So another new quest begins. I’m trying to master the art of casual dressing, and by that I mean casual glam of course! The problem is that my version of casual and everyone else’s seem poles apart, but there are activities in my life that really do require toning it down. Taking the girls to swimming lessons, hanging in the park, school sports days… all these things must be done without heels and really without stockings, so I am setting myself some challenge rules.
No Heels – This doesn’t mean flats necessarily, but it does mean no ’spike’ style heels, so wedges and platforms are okay (You didn’t think I’d give them up did you?!)
No tight skirts – picnicking, playing and running all cannot be successfully achieved in these
No super perfect hair – because really, having a casual outfit and a super structured hair do just doesn’t really gel.
I may add to the rules, but I don’t want to give myself a heart attack all at once! So because this is the first time I’m actively applying the rules to an outfit this year, I’m giving you an extensive outfit and makeup list along with lots of gratuitous photos.
So let’s break it down.
- Blouse – Sea foam green chiffon, found at Colour Mix in Chinatown
- Wide leg pants – Made by me to Kwik Sew pattern 2990, the MOST brilliant pants pattern ever!
- Shoes – summer wedges from Rohde
My Christmas present to myself – A gorgeous ring from Sweet & Co.
Going for a softer, more romantic makeup look. But of course, still with SUPER sized lashes!
- Lashes – Eyelure pre glued lashes in style 116
An experiment with a pinky toned, romantic style makeup.
- Base – I’ve custom mixed Laura Mercier Mineral Powders in Tender Rose and Soft Porcelain
- Cheeks: MAC Desirous
- Eyes: Physicians formula Baked Sweets collection and Lancome Colour Focus Electric Dreams 308
- Liner – Missha Black Pearl liquid liner
- Mascara: Loreal Extra Volume Collagen in black
- Lip liner – Max Factor Raspberry
- Lipstick – Loreal Sheer delight Cherry Delight
So what do you think of casual glam?
I was...
Congratulations SKM! Even dressed casually you still look like a movie star!
You look like a casually dressed movie star!
Any details on the hair?
I can’t see a shot of the back, but it looks a little like a bun but not quite.
I love this casual look on you. You look absolutely beautiful in that shade of top.
Wow, those lashes are gorgeous. I always wanted to try some, but never did. Maybe I should. Though these would probably flap against my glasses, I might have to go for a size smaller
You look very glamourous! I love your hair like that!
Lisa: Thank you, it was super super easy and yes there is a tutorial coming
Tizz: They do kind of bump my sunglasses, but then I’ve been avoiding those for the marks they leave on my face too. Just relying on the parasol at the moment mostly.
Cedar: Thank you – I felt like a gelati icecream.
Weedy: A tutorial is in the works.
Hexotica: Oh you guys are just so sweet. Thank you for the love, it is a tricky thing for me to get right so I appreciate the feedback.
You look like a real life Walt Disney princess <3
Your makeup is heaven!
<3 xxx
I think it’s perfect, I prefer going casual in my daily life, I don’t like artifice…
This outfit is so cute!
Gorgeous as usual. The cut of those pants is very flattering and will be nice and cool for summer. As another reader has already said, the shade of the blouse also suits you beautifully. I purchased a similar pair of pants at Laura Ashley last year – black linen – great for school pick ups/playdates etc.
Absolutely stunning! The powder blue with the cream pants looks tremdendous! Still more dressed up than most people will ever get, but fabulous nonetheless!
Are you happy with your foundation? I am also very white and find it ridiculously difficult to find foundation light enough for me that isn’t too pink. Your skin looks lovely, I think I might try some Laura Mercier!
absolutely gorgeous although I do question the cream coloured pants (mainly because I’m a very spilly person and they would be stained in no time)
great casual look skm I love those lashes!!
I adore how this is casual for you…. soft and pretty colors look great, and even your hair is a step up from casual – I really like it! I imagine this is as as casual as Dita Von Teese would get too.
i love love love the make up!
Amazing! I love your take on casual.
Gorgeous, as always!
Fiona: Thank you!
Miss P:
Danielle: Hi There! So nice to see you again. And thank you – I am having a fun time trying things I haven’t in ages and breaking some rules too.
Eyeliah: Man, you really know how to dish out a compliment – thank you so much!
Rebecca: They are killer and yet so fun!
Angelle: Well I often have peanut butter smeared on me at leg height, so at home I’ll put on an apron, but when out I just grin, bear it and hope that the lashes distract you! LOL!
Lily: I am very happy with Laura Mercier. I also love Bare Minerals. Those two are the best formulas for me and I have tried a number of them. I was using the Tender Rose colour but have found that it now seems too dark on me, so I’ve mixed it up with the paler Porcelain. WIN!
Maria:I wish I could find more pieces in that colour – I haven’t even seen fabric at the store in that shade.
Surf vintage: Thank you – I do love cute glam.
PB: Oh sweetie – that is so darling of you! I have actually been watching quite a few of those movies these school holidays and I was really feeling the vibe, so I love that it comes through!
It’s tough dressing down for those of us who love dressing up, isn’t it?
You look amazing, I think. And I also think it’s one of the most important skills to learn when it comes to personal style: the dressed-up looks will certainly inspire a lot of people, but I think they can also find those looks intimidating if they’re not naturally dressy-uppy people themselves. A stylish, chic casual look, on the other hand, is attainable by anyone! I know a lot of women (I include myself in this!) look to you for fashion and lifestyle inspiration, and I think this new project of yours is going to be hugely helpful for them all.
I love your pants! adorable.
But I must strongly disagree with the lack of dresses and stockings in everyday life. I understand not wearing HIGH heels and pencil skirts, but you should not have to sacrifice being glamorous for every day life.
I have 2 kids under 4years old, and take them to preschool and play at the park, hit the post office, thrift shop, make lunch and dinner.. all in a dress and stockings (or thick tights as its winter here) every day. It has never put a damper on what I can do with my life.
I think you can sensibly dress glamorously and still tend to daily needs! in a circle skirt and kitten heels if need be
Twila Jean: You misunderstand me. I’m not saying I can’t do everday things in dresses stockings and heel, I do that now. Just that I also need to learn some alternatives as kitten heels and stockings at an indoor pool look pretty riduclous to most people. I only own two pairs of pants to my ummm… I don’t know how many dresses and skirts. All the things you’ve described I would do in stockings, heels and a dress but I certainly can’t take the girls for a bush walk or to the beach in those. These are the occassions I’m attempting to prepare better for. The whole premise of this blog (amongst other reasons) is that it IS possible to live glamorously everday!
You look more amazing than most people look on their finest day!
Jennifer: Well it is a great, easy pattern to learn with so I’d highly recommend you get started!
Wendy B: You always know how to make a girl feel good. ^-^
Andrea: Thank you so much! I’m very aware that I have a penchant for the theatrical, but even though it can be inspirational I don’t want it to be alienating either. One of the joys of marching to the beat of your own stylish drum is being able to mix it up whenever you want to and not be a slave to your own self imposed rules. Experimentation is the mother of invention in my book!
Wow! Gorgeous outfit! I need that pants pattern!! And then I need to learn to sew, haha!
GORGEOUS!!!
Please go on in that direction coz I also find it hard to dress casual and vintage at the same time… so I am hoping for inspiration here
)
Love the pants and now have a new project on the must-sew-list!
By the way, how do you keep your lipstick from feathering out? I still struggle in that regard and basically have to renew it from scratch several times a day – very unpractical. Any tips?
Keep on glamourizing – you are doing a great job!
Greetings from the Netherlands
Love it darl casual dressing makes my head go all dizzy, but love what you’ve done so far.
I love a challenge, mine last have been
1) Started in October – matching underwear at all times unless no option due to outfit
2) Started in November – no jeans unless doing yard work
3) Started in December – always a touch of sparkle
I think sometimes a challenge can help us refocus in a world that gives us unlimited options.
I think the outfit is awesome
Especially the cutting of the pants!
That looks fab! You did well. It’s funny, when you mentioned the idea of casual dressing, the first thought that popped into my mind (in terms of your general ‘look’ or style) was a really cute, perky, 50’s style ponytail. Not sure if you’re into that, but if you are, that’d be casual but still fun.
I absolutely love your blouse! It looks superb on you. I really like your casual glam style.
This is a great outfit! It looks like something I could wear to classes, and not look/feel like a total slob. I love pretty pants that I can wear longjohns underneath. It gets cold up here!
Cheers!
~Paige
I’m looking forward to your challenge…for completely selfish reasons. I have a pretty casual life and I always like to see how others “dress down”
Now that is how to do casual without sacrificing on iota of glamour!
Casual without sloppy (or the ubiquitous jeans) is a lost art, but it looks like you are well on the way to rediscovering it!
This is how casual should be for sure. No horrible track pants and Havs *shudder*. Proof that you can look good AND be comfortable.
Thanks for always upholding STYLE SKM
What a great project! It’s so difficult to be casual but not slobby, esp in the heat. The blue is super pretty.
Could I put in a request for some closeups of the shoes? I’m far to clumsy for heels but can’t wear flats either because they kill my legs. I’d love some inspiration for alternatives.
You look gorgeous, as always.
Well after gazing longingly at your trousers, I took the leap last night and made my first pair of 2990’s. They’re fantastic and so quick and easy. I only spent 2 hours on them last night and I’m wearing them today. Brilliant!
Thanks for the inspiration!
Violet Devine: I’m so please to hear that! They really are just fantastic and will fast become your favorites.
SKM, love this makeup look on you!!!
Your lashes look intimidating. How does the makeup fare in the weather? Is it hot where you are?
With waist length curly, jet hair I was feeling very uninspired – then I chanced upon your glorious vids on youtube and wanted to thank you for the inspiration!
I work in a small hair salon and our older clientele have never been more complimentary! Not to mention they’re handing out super vintage hair tips.
Some have even bought in photos of themselves with similar dos – it has been lovely reconnecting with them all over again!
Here was the first one I tried:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30715841&l=814c62f030&id=1421295166
And my favourite (makeup not finished- oops!
)
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30715840&l=f178016ba8&id=1421295166
So Thankyou Miss Candice!
Best Wishes x