A shrink-break

This morning I wanted to take a picture of a shirt I wear pretty frequently.  The fit is ok, although it could be better, and I wear it a great deal with sweaters.  I wanted to add it to the touch closet app, and thought a photo on Matilda would be better than a flat shot.

But alas, Matilda could not fit into the shirt.; it would not reach around her upper chest or her bosom and was therefore not photographable.

This afternoon, my sewing time was spent on a depadding Matilda and fitting her into a new bra.  Not only was this necessary for photography, but if I hope to fit any kind of jacket or blouse I need Matilda to be closer to my actual measurements.  

Here she is, in process (she kindly asked for there to be no embarrassing "before" photos).  The white shirt is another version of  the purple blouse that did not fit this morning.  I included two shots because I was shocked at the first photo, as I see myself more like photo 3.  Photo 4 was taken in a pose comparable to the first photo.

All photos are clickable, as usual, if you want to see the gory details.

While I was working on this it occurred to me that I needed to take a photo for reference next time I get my hair cut because I really love the way the cut turned out this time.  This morning I really made no effort, no blow-drying, just occasional tousling with my hands as it dried, and I really like the look.  Since I had new photos it seemed like time to update my blog photos as well.  This photo is not clickable.  No one needs to see my wrinkles in all their glorious detail.

This is about how I look day to day.  I don't really have the discipline for a polished "do".  

One thing I have noticed, and my hairdresser mentioned it as well, is that my hair has gotten darker over the past few years.  Yes there is more silver and gray, mostly widely scattered strands, for which I am thankful, but that hair which is not gray has gotten darker and more uniform in color.  This of course has meant that I can wear stronger colors than I used to pull off, but it has not been dramatic enough to really change my palette.  

Here is where I need your help:  I got a little carried away with the eyeshadow this morning.  I am out of my favorite eye-tonic, the one that makes my dark circles fade, so I thought to distract the eye with a little more color on the lid whereas I often go for  the "3 shades of invisible" look.  I am torn between thinking it is nice, and thinking it is way too bright.  I like playing with color, but I can't really see what it looks like until after I have my glasses on, and then I don't notice the eyeshadow through the glasses.  The photograph brings out the color really well.  Is it good or is it too much? Opinions welcome.

Comments

[Lisette M]

I think your new look is fantastic, it looks fresh and modern.

[Omega]

I love your new cut, it looks great! The shadow is nice too! I agree with Mary it didn't pop out until you mentioned it but it looks great.

[Robin]

It looks fantastic!
Thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting on my vest. I appreciate it! I have admired your work for along time. Nice to see you posting on Stitchers Guild again. Your latest sweater might just push me to learn knitting after all.

[Vicky F]

Wow, Mardel,
Great photo; great look.
I had to look really hard to see the eye shadow. It complements your complexion so well that it does not look overdone.
Vicky F

[materfamilias]

You look fabulous! I love this haircut, and I have to say my overall impression was just of the gorgeous new photo/look -- I certainly didn't read this as too much eye makeup.

[MarilynB]

Your eye shadow could be toned down just a little, but that was not what stands out most in your picture. Your hair is fabulous!

[vicki]

Looks great but probably in real life it may be a bit over powering. Maybe a darker shade on the sides for some depth. Love the photo though, the hair looks really becoming.

[Isabelle]

The lavender shadow looks wonderful on you! However, I'd suggest applying it just a little less high up on the lid. You could pair it with a really light highlighter just under the eyebrows - sparkling white, even; and blend the two colours where they meet.
This colour does look great on you - you look radiant!

[Gina]

I think the eyeshadow looks nice. In fact, I immediately thought (before reading) "Wow! Her eyes look so bright and pretty. I love the shadow." However, I am the sort of woman who admires the strong eye makeup of a 1960s Fellini film, so perhaps I'm not the best person to offer my opinion...

[Mary Beth]

Yay! I vote for eyeshadow.

[Mary in FL]

Let's just say that the eye makeup did not pop out at me, and I didn't really look at it until after I'd read about your concerns. In other words, it looks pretty normal to me! I think you should try that look more often. With the dark hair, your look can handle more color like that. Go to a department-store makeup counter and try different colors to see what they do. Have fun with it!

Now for the caveat: I don't even wear makeup, but I think my lipstick is in the bottom of my carry-all tote bag ...