Primping & Pastel Robes

What is it about seeing other people's daily routines do we find entertaining? I find myself on YouTube watching tons of "Get Ready With Me" videos of women and men primping and grooming themselves with their favorite products. I guess seeing someone transform themselves (even in a small way) and feeling good about their appearance is rewarding to see.

I've always had to have a routine in the morning. Putting aside 15-20 minutes for lash application and red lipstick not only helps prepare me to take on the day, but I find it extremely relaxing. I will play an Oldies music playlist or Dita Von Teese's Morning Beauty Prep Playlist from Your Beauty Mark as sort of a timer for myself. If I had to label where I place my daily beauty ritual in a filing cabinet, it would go under "Self Care," because I truly believe taking time for yourself to prepare to put your best foot forward is a necessity!

I have discovered that I have a slight obsession for vintage slips, nightgowns, robes, and everything in between! Silk two piece sets, charmeuse sleeves, quilted robes, chiffon peignoir sets, all hold a special place in my heart. Pastel colored makes it even better! I never realized that I had a bit of a collection going for myself. (This isn't even half of my sets!) Whenever I go into a vintage shop, there's a 9/10 chance that I'm leaving out of there with some form of vintage pajamas. (Stay tuned for a Part II that will include detailing from some of my favorite vintage pajamas that I own!)

Now note: I do not wear these gorgeous gowns on a daily basis because of fear that I may overwear something and ultimately destroy it. These pieces take a lot of hand washing and special care. For daily wear, I typically wear my two piece sets or slips because they're a bit more durable. However, if I'm having a leisurely day, I like to throw one of my more fancier items on to make myself feel dressed up despite being in the house. You will never catch me with sweatpants on, EVER!

Once the gown is picked for my day spent inside, I sit at my vanity to apply my makeup. Even if I'm not going outside, I never skip my beauty ritual. I may shorten it down to just lashes and lipstick, but I can't forego it all! My routine consists of: a freshly scrubbed face, setting Coty powder (which has been around since 1935 and smells so good!) under my eyes in case they're looking a bit baggy, a dust of peachy pink shadow on the eyelid and dusty brown on the crease, a bit of brow powder on the brows, winged liquid liner, lashes, pink blush, and the final and most important step--lipstick! This is my all time favorite lipstick, Russian Red by: MAC.

Can't forget to take those clips out! (I have forgotten on several occasions, how embarrassing!)

A spritz of perfume always boosts my mood, even on a down day! My favorites are: Joy by: Jean Patou (from the 1950s, my all time favorite!), Lanvin's Arpege (great for dates or a night on the town!), Daisy by: Marc Jacobs (a great every day perfume), and Revlon's Jean Naté (an after bath splash that has been around since the 1930s).

The finishing touches of my routine typically includes me over fluffing my hair and checking to make sure I don't have lipstick on my teeth!

Finally, it is time to lounge around the house and feel like a star in an old film! This 1960s white vintage dressing gown is my latest purchase and I am obsessed with it! I snagged this for $15 at Vintage Thrift Shop in New York, New York in the Lower East Side. They have the loveliest vintage loungewear/pajamas, hats, gloves, and purses at good prices. It has a lace empire waist bodice with gorgeous drop sleeves and gathered chiffon below the breast with lace trimming at the hem. The cherry on top are the ties that create a gorgeous bow in the front. Dressing gowns were huge back in the day and differ from a robe and housecoat as a woman would wear her dressing gowns for lounging around the house. They are also generally made in a lighter material whereas, housecoats are typically thicker materials for colder weather. Dressing gowns pair great with pretty much everything--simple slips, peignoirs, or even short sleeved two piece sets--for additional warmth or simply to look more fabulous!

Now pull out your favorite perfume and shade of lipstick and click here to listen to my Beauty Ritual Playlist!

All photographs were taken by: Henrietta Audu.