Villette is an unusual, as well as a slightly odd, novel, but it is also a treasure trove for Victorian fashions and Victorian attitudes to fashion!
Thursday, August 7, 2014
THE CRIMSON DRESS
THIS is my own illustration for an article I am writing on Charlotte Bronte's Villette! It shows my favorite character, Ginevra Fanshawe, wearing the famous crimson dress!
Villette is an unusual, as well as a slightly odd, novel, but it is also a treasure trove for Victorian fashions and Victorian attitudes to fashion!
Villette is an unusual, as well as a slightly odd, novel, but it is also a treasure trove for Victorian fashions and Victorian attitudes to fashion!
DRIVING SCENES
WOMEN have a lovely relationship with cars, as anyone who has seen Amber Heard's driving scenes in Three Days to Kill can testify!
The car has been a major vehicle for women's freedom and independence (pun intended). When she becomes an adult, one of the first things Judith Dunbar in Coming Home buys is a car, which gives her freedom of movement away from family and friends. This Rosamunde Pilcher book has much to go against it, especially its treatment of class issues; however, it is great in the way it speaks about female independence and female beauty. Female beauty and cleverness go together!
About cars, any Fifty Shades reader will know that Anastasia Steele is a fearless driver, and that a lot of action happens in cars!
Have a lovely Thursday afternoon, always with beauty and a book!
The car has been a major vehicle for women's freedom and independence (pun intended). When she becomes an adult, one of the first things Judith Dunbar in Coming Home buys is a car, which gives her freedom of movement away from family and friends. This Rosamunde Pilcher book has much to go against it, especially its treatment of class issues; however, it is great in the way it speaks about female independence and female beauty. Female beauty and cleverness go together!
About cars, any Fifty Shades reader will know that Anastasia Steele is a fearless driver, and that a lot of action happens in cars!
Have a lovely Thursday afternoon, always with beauty and a book!
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
THE ALLURE OF THE EXOTIC, or TAILS AND TALES
THE LOVE of this blog for mermaids is obvious and well-documented!
Apart from mermaids, French and Celtic mythology gives us the Melusinas, spirits of the water, part woman, part fairy and half fish. The Melusinas are certain to have existed in France, where they have built castles and married mortal men.
In the Harry Potter saga, mermaids, mermen and mer-people are supposed to be monstrous and ugly, yet I don't think this is true. Mythology and folk stories are firm on the beauty of the mermaid, and they cannot all be false. In fact, I have a strong hunch that myths and stories are all real!
Two writers who realized that, if creatures like the mermaids exist, any love between them and humans must be difficult, are Hans Christian Andersen and Oscar Wilde -- in The Little Mermaid and The Fisherman and his Soul, respectively.
Mermaids and sirens are supposed to be dangerous as well as seductive, but I don't really think that this is true either. It's only fear of female beauty and power. In A.S. Byatt's Possession, the fish tail signifies female freedom as well as the allure of the exotic!
Apart from mermaids, French and Celtic mythology gives us the Melusinas, spirits of the water, part woman, part fairy and half fish. The Melusinas are certain to have existed in France, where they have built castles and married mortal men.
In the Harry Potter saga, mermaids, mermen and mer-people are supposed to be monstrous and ugly, yet I don't think this is true. Mythology and folk stories are firm on the beauty of the mermaid, and they cannot all be false. In fact, I have a strong hunch that myths and stories are all real!
Two writers who realized that, if creatures like the mermaids exist, any love between them and humans must be difficult, are Hans Christian Andersen and Oscar Wilde -- in The Little Mermaid and The Fisherman and his Soul, respectively.
Mermaids and sirens are supposed to be dangerous as well as seductive, but I don't really think that this is true either. It's only fear of female beauty and power. In A.S. Byatt's Possession, the fish tail signifies female freedom as well as the allure of the exotic!
Monday, August 4, 2014
LIFE IS A BEACH
IN JANE AUSTEN'S Persuasion, a holiday on the seaside is restoring for protagonist Anne Elliott. Near the sea, Anne finds her bloom again, magically turning from plain to beautiful! I will not say anything about Frederic Wentworth, Anne's love interest, because he is always beautiful; even Anne feels slightly piqued that a man's beauty can remain so unaffected -- Frederic can look beautiful even after years of unhappiness out on the sea.
Danger is never faraway for the couple, but Anne and Captain Wentworth both learn a valuable lesson during that seaside holiday.
Persuasion is an autumnal novel, with summer at the heart.
I think it is a lovely love story, and would recommend it even for the beach!
Danger is never faraway for the couple, but Anne and Captain Wentworth both learn a valuable lesson during that seaside holiday.
Persuasion is an autumnal novel, with summer at the heart.
I think it is a lovely love story, and would recommend it even for the beach!
Saturday, August 2, 2014
THE LIPSTICK PAPERS WEEKEND REVIEW
FOR this weekend, The Lipstick Papers travels to Fairy Land, to talk about Angela Carter's Book of Fairy Tales!
This is a lovely collection of fairy tales from across the world, published by Virago Press in 2005!
The fairy tales are often quite dark; the collection looks back to the time when fairy tales "weren't meant just for children". Thus, there are no stereotyped princesses or fairies. This is a collection for those who enjoy the scary and sinister side of the fair tale.
The black and white illustrations by Corinna Sargood are absolutely marvelous, and Angela Carter's editing work is valuable in and of itself. Angela Carter may be well known to those of you who read magic realism; her untimely death in 1992 has left a vacuum in the world of literature.
For me, this book will always take me back to the time when I first moved to Exeter, coz this is when I bought it, from my local Waterstones! It was a lovely time, with approaching Christmas, and all the bright feeling of a new start.
I recommend the book for anyone who would like to visit the quirky regions of Fairy Land!
This is a lovely collection of fairy tales from across the world, published by Virago Press in 2005!
The fairy tales are often quite dark; the collection looks back to the time when fairy tales "weren't meant just for children". Thus, there are no stereotyped princesses or fairies. This is a collection for those who enjoy the scary and sinister side of the fair tale.
The black and white illustrations by Corinna Sargood are absolutely marvelous, and Angela Carter's editing work is valuable in and of itself. Angela Carter may be well known to those of you who read magic realism; her untimely death in 1992 has left a vacuum in the world of literature.
For me, this book will always take me back to the time when I first moved to Exeter, coz this is when I bought it, from my local Waterstones! It was a lovely time, with approaching Christmas, and all the bright feeling of a new start.
I recommend the book for anyone who would like to visit the quirky regions of Fairy Land!
Friday, August 1, 2014
AND THE (BEAUTY) AWARD GOES TO...
THE lovely picture below is so right for The Lipstick Papers, a blog about beauty, fashion, writing, and the writing for beauty and fashion!
Which fiction author writes about beauty best? Tough choice! From the classics I must distinguish Elizabeth Gaskell -- her descriptions of female beauty are absolutely amazing!!!!!!!! Check out Ruth and Cousin Phillis. Also, Mary Elizabeth Braddon for Lady Audley's Secret, and Margaret Oliphant in Hester. Not a very interesting novel, Hester, but it contains one of the best beauty descriptions I have ever read.
From the popular writers, there are many. Judith Krantz, Rosamunde Pilcher (for Judith and the amazing Diana in Coming Home), Colleen McCullough. But, in my view, the award must go to Melanie Rawn, the fantasy writer, for the wonderful descriptions of beautiful women and men in the Dragon Prince and Dragon Star series.
About beautiful men, Cassandra Clare is great for her descriptions of Jace Wayland in Mortal Instruments, but here the award must go to E.L. James for Christian Grey! Yes!
Which fiction author writes about beauty best? Tough choice! From the classics I must distinguish Elizabeth Gaskell -- her descriptions of female beauty are absolutely amazing!!!!!!!! Check out Ruth and Cousin Phillis. Also, Mary Elizabeth Braddon for Lady Audley's Secret, and Margaret Oliphant in Hester. Not a very interesting novel, Hester, but it contains one of the best beauty descriptions I have ever read.
From the popular writers, there are many. Judith Krantz, Rosamunde Pilcher (for Judith and the amazing Diana in Coming Home), Colleen McCullough. But, in my view, the award must go to Melanie Rawn, the fantasy writer, for the wonderful descriptions of beautiful women and men in the Dragon Prince and Dragon Star series.
About beautiful men, Cassandra Clare is great for her descriptions of Jace Wayland in Mortal Instruments, but here the award must go to E.L. James for Christian Grey! Yes!
Thursday, July 31, 2014
BEAUTY FRIDAY
HAVE beauty always with you for a great start to the month! Beauty is everywhere and it is absolutely free. Most of all, beauty is for the heart. The Lipstick Papers Weekend Review coming soon! xxx
ROSE BEAUTY
I HAVE been reading about the rose, my favorite flower, and came across this cool fact!
The first reference for roses used in perfumery comes from Pylos, Greece, where archaeologists discovered a storekeeper's clay tablet!
The tablet lists two sorts of scented oils, rose and sage. The tablet was preserved by the fire which destroyed the palace of Pylos, where it was actually found.
Crete is first when it comes to a painted rose: roses were found painted in a Minoan town house in Knossos.
Rose fossils were found in Alaska, and the rose is the national flower of the US.
Though so much has been written about the rose, there is always something new to say! Even the color of the rose is everywhere in the beauty industry and in fashion. I think this is all part of the rose's magic and mystery.
For the information in this post I have used Jennifer Potter's Seven Flowers and How They Shaped Our World. She has written a book specifically about the rose, which I have ordered, and will review for The Lipstick Papers!
Have a beautiful day, and we will talk again soon! :-)
The first reference for roses used in perfumery comes from Pylos, Greece, where archaeologists discovered a storekeeper's clay tablet!
The tablet lists two sorts of scented oils, rose and sage. The tablet was preserved by the fire which destroyed the palace of Pylos, where it was actually found.
Crete is first when it comes to a painted rose: roses were found painted in a Minoan town house in Knossos.
Rose fossils were found in Alaska, and the rose is the national flower of the US.
Though so much has been written about the rose, there is always something new to say! Even the color of the rose is everywhere in the beauty industry and in fashion. I think this is all part of the rose's magic and mystery.
For the information in this post I have used Jennifer Potter's Seven Flowers and How They Shaped Our World. She has written a book specifically about the rose, which I have ordered, and will review for The Lipstick Papers!
Have a beautiful day, and we will talk again soon! :-)
Monday, July 28, 2014
PRETTY AND FANCY
WHEN I read Dorothy Wordsworth's journal, I was intrigued to find out that sometimes she made her own shoes.
Another shoemaker, fictional this time, is Perrine from En Famille, a popular children's book written by Hector Malot in 1893.
Orphaned Perrine has to live alone in a cabin in the woods for a while, and it is during that time she has to make her own pair of shoes. The book describes in detail the way Perinne constructs the soles from reeds, and then sews the body of the shoe using thick cloth she buys from the town millinery.
As a child I was impressed by Perrine's adventures, and read the book several times. I still love En Famille. Even then, however, I disagreed with the way the book treated fashion and pretty clothes.
En Famille follows the favorite 19th century stereotype that love of finery, lace and ribbons was evidence of a flawed character. Perrine passes an important moral test when she discards fancy clothes and materials to buy the plainest and cheapest clothes in the store.
As I said, even as a child, I was piqued at this! Eventually I wrote my PhD on a woman's right to beauty and fashion.
Given the chance, I would buy pretty clothes and shoes. When I can't afford expensive (i.e. most of the time) I buy pretty and fancy. In short, I would certainly fail the moral test in En Famille!
Another shoemaker, fictional this time, is Perrine from En Famille, a popular children's book written by Hector Malot in 1893.
Orphaned Perrine has to live alone in a cabin in the woods for a while, and it is during that time she has to make her own pair of shoes. The book describes in detail the way Perinne constructs the soles from reeds, and then sews the body of the shoe using thick cloth she buys from the town millinery.
As a child I was impressed by Perrine's adventures, and read the book several times. I still love En Famille. Even then, however, I disagreed with the way the book treated fashion and pretty clothes.
En Famille follows the favorite 19th century stereotype that love of finery, lace and ribbons was evidence of a flawed character. Perrine passes an important moral test when she discards fancy clothes and materials to buy the plainest and cheapest clothes in the store.
As I said, even as a child, I was piqued at this! Eventually I wrote my PhD on a woman's right to beauty and fashion.
Given the chance, I would buy pretty clothes and shoes. When I can't afford expensive (i.e. most of the time) I buy pretty and fancy. In short, I would certainly fail the moral test in En Famille!
Sunday, July 27, 2014
BEAUTY ADVICE FROM HOMER'S EPIC POETRY
HOMER'S ILIAD was, for the Greeks, what the Bible is for the Jewish: a history of their religion, their kings and queens, and an explanation of their basic values and aims as a nation.
The Iliad and the Odyssey, rich in content as they are, also contain everyday beauty advice. Here are the highlights:
1. Good nutrition is vital to beauty and a good life. Shop locally, eat fresh and organic.
2. Fresh roast meat can make a man or a woman healthy and strong.
3. Drink plenty of milk. Not even Zeus and Hermes can resist a pot of hot, fresh milk!
4. Shower or bathe frequently. Everyone in Homer comes out of the bath "looking like a god/ goddess".
5. Massage with aromatic oils after the shower or bath. Aromatic oils add to beauty.
6. The beauty of hair is vital to overall beauty. This is equally true for men as well as women. Achilles, for example, was famous for his long, golden hair.
7. Fabric is important to style. Pay attention. Do not wear rugs.
8. Beauty is important to men as well as women. We must all try to look our best.
9. The best breakfast is a large bowl of cereals with added honey and wine.
And, last but not least,
10. Even Athene, the Goddess of Wisdom and Books, was angry when she lost a beauty contest. Beauty is for everyone!
Follow this advice and you will come out strong like a warrior and looking as beautiful as a god!
The Iliad and the Odyssey, rich in content as they are, also contain everyday beauty advice. Here are the highlights:
1. Good nutrition is vital to beauty and a good life. Shop locally, eat fresh and organic.
2. Fresh roast meat can make a man or a woman healthy and strong.
3. Drink plenty of milk. Not even Zeus and Hermes can resist a pot of hot, fresh milk!
4. Shower or bathe frequently. Everyone in Homer comes out of the bath "looking like a god/ goddess".
5. Massage with aromatic oils after the shower or bath. Aromatic oils add to beauty.
6. The beauty of hair is vital to overall beauty. This is equally true for men as well as women. Achilles, for example, was famous for his long, golden hair.
7. Fabric is important to style. Pay attention. Do not wear rugs.
8. Beauty is important to men as well as women. We must all try to look our best.
9. The best breakfast is a large bowl of cereals with added honey and wine.
And, last but not least,
10. Even Athene, the Goddess of Wisdom and Books, was angry when she lost a beauty contest. Beauty is for everyone!
Follow this advice and you will come out strong like a warrior and looking as beautiful as a god!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)