This morning I got a little inspiration from the archives in the form of an article about Anna Karina. She was held up as an icon of New Wave style and I love the simplicity of her look.
Less is more, everybody… well, less effort is more suitable for my lifestyle. In fact, that’s probably true of all of us.
Despite the numerous devices which are supposed to save time and effort in our lives, we’re still under constant pressure.
We’re working, spending time with friends, navigating packed supermarkets, bringing up children and trying to budget time and money for everything at the same time.
I know people who wake up every morning and do all the things that I save for date night. Seriously, these women shave past the knee every single time. In winter – when we need to keep warm.
They have nails painted in bright colours – the ones where every chip will show – and eyebrows that Joan Crawford would have killed for. Seriously, Joanie would snarl at them.
These are the women who wear heels every single day. Don’t be fooled by a wedge trainer. They aren’t trainers – they are heels. Their parkas require dry cleaning.
Now, let me make something absolutely clear – I am not down on women who are ‘high maintenance’. I was ‘high maintenance’ and I still love clothes and makeup and accessories.
I hate the term ‘high maintenance’ – it’s patronising and usually used in the pejorative.
It’s also bullshit. So what if women like to use makeup and buy expensive clothes? Fashion is a multi billion dollar industry – and it’s amazingly resilient in the face of the vagaries of economics.
My life and personality juxtapose. Seriously, I want to be soignée and elegant but I’m usually broke, tired and lazy. I require practical solutions to my life – in all respects.
The most valuable things I have are my laptop and my car. They’re absolutely necessary and they’re reliable. Neither of them were particularly expensive because I am a careful consumer. I need the same things when it comes to style.
So I reject the expectations that society places on me. I do the best I can. Sorry but I don’t want to weight train my eyelids by wearing false lashes. I have a decent, long lasting mascara and a half decent lash batting technique, thank you so very much.
That said, I like looking nice. I do it for me. I like look well rested – I would prefer to actually be well rested but I have about sixteen years to go before both of my daughters leave home.
I like to look like my skin has been touched by sunshine – instead of just the meteorological misery that the Liverpool micro climate serves up for 275 days of the year.
I like to look sleek and smart and together. Without a little bit of effort, I’m kind of messy looking. That isn’t going to get me any jobs. Somehow, changing my clothes flicks a little switch from ‘domestic torpor’ to ‘professionally stimulating’.
That said, my inspiration is very low key. I favour simplicity.
I don’t have time for anything more complicated than that. I have things to do – and so do you, dear readers. It took me a long time to realise that I didn’t have to worry about not looking perfect all the time. I don’t have to be done up. I just have to do something to keep myself ‘up’. As my dear Aunt told me, ‘You don’t have to be good all the time. You have to be good enough’.
I am. I’m good enough for me, I’m good enough for the life I choose to lead and for the people I love. It turns out that there are lots of people like me out there. This piece is full of pictures of others.
We can turn up the glamour when we need to but we’re happy to be pared down too.
Society will just have to get used to us.
Sophie x
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Sophie's Voice 
I’ve always thought there’s not enough hours in the day to be high maintance, if I can skip anything from washing my hair, not shaving or washing my favourite jeans to make my day easier I will, thank god for deodorant and dry shampoo, two things I couldn’t live without. Being low maintance makes those times were you go all out to look good a lot better. I like people to notice I’ve made an effort, it definitely gets you more compliments too 😉
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I know. We can turn up the glamour – and enjoy it – if necessary. In the meantime, I’m enjoying a fresh face and low obligations.
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My mani-pedis are my biggest indulgence, but they serve a practical purpose- my tremor makes doing my nails myself more than a challenge. I dress simply, and use eyeliner, shadow, and lipstick daily. It would be fun to play more with fashion, but I like to spend my time playing more!
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I need time, I think. I prefer using my free time just breathing. Actually, I’m working usually. One day the balance will change but I don’t think I’ll be going back.
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I can’t walk in heels for the life of me LOL But, I’m totally fine with it 🙂 Great article!
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Thank you. I just think we should all be fine with ourselves. It’s the best way to be.
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I have such a similar approach to my daily routine!
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I love this post! I’m also very laid back and relaxed, and it makes my days memorable! This sort of reminds me of my friends who are constantly pushing to wear makeup, but I am fine with my natural face and always have been 🙂
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Good. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I used to be all about the face. Now I’m all about the life.
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I really love this! As a mom of 9, (oldest is 16) I couldn’t be high-maintenance if I tried. But I definitely choose not to be…I’d miss so much!
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My point exactly! There’s a lot more to do with our time…
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Enjoyed this! I always joke that I’m only high maintenance on the weekend! No makeup and sneakers during the week… 🙂
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I love my high maintenance weekends. Probably because they only last for 2 days!
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Lovely, glamorous photos. Low maintenance is a good thing.
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Love the photos. I think low maintenace is great, you can turn on the glamour and enjoy it anytime.
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Yep. It’s fun once in a while.
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yay for low maintence! Give me a fresh face and a mum bun any day!
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People rarely realise how long it takes to learn the messy, off the cuff updo!
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I have always wanted a classic ‘capsule’ wardrobe. Alas, my love of big bold prints and baggy cardigans has prevented this from happening! This post has come at the right time for me as I am about to have a massive clear out and edit. I could do with a special grant to invest in some fabulous classic pieces!
Love your writing Sophie xxx
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I propose that we work together. I can do a piece on a capsule wardrobe and you can come up with a makeup look. We can consult with and advise each other.
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I think I’m a combination of high and low maintenance. Guess that’s medium? I love when the seasons transitions and I can get out clothes that I haven’t worn for awhile. As a swim instructor I shave year round, but I don’t bother with make up at least half the days of the week. 🙂 I love that I can feel myself all dressed up or in sweats and a bun. And I love that you have found yourself too!
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I seem to have found my resting rate now. I’m happy with it. I think having children changed everything for me!
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I am the same way very low maintenance. Life seems more refreshing and rewarding. I’m also blessed to have a very low maintenance husband as well.
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In a way, I’m glad I had kids! I don’t have time now.
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Hi.Thanx 4 adding youtube option while creating.I sometimes thought of creating a contest with videos but downloading + modifying then uploading was such a pain…The new skin 4 quizzes is simply refnhseirg…
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