I’ve been unglamorously busy lately. After dealing with a health hiccup I ended up needing five weeks off work, rather than the planned-for two. Meaning of course that I took three weeks off of work unexpectedly.
No big deal though, right? These things happen. In fact in many ways this was the circuit breaker I needed as I’ve been pushing it a little far lately by being exceptionally busy! So busy in fact that this week’s newsletter was supposed to be about busy-ness in business - but that’s boring.
What my being bedridden, followed by my being bloody busy, has had me ponder is everyday glamour and the concept of living glamorously.
Part of the reason I embarked on this self-employed, entrepreneurial journey was because I wanted complete creative control of my day-to-day life. I wanted to be in control so I too could live glamorously. Busy = not glam.
Being glam in my old place in South Yarra, apx two years ago as I started my business.
In 2020 I embarked on beginning my freelance writing career and in starting my vintage brand. I began both of these endeavours during the first of many lockdowns, which was an exceptionally unglamorous time.
I was determined though, and not deterred by my friends who had surrendered to wearing pyjamas whilst they WFH. In fact I celebrated that I was longer confined to the claustrophobia of an office or the enforced early wake ups (I am a night owl!) required when one has a full time job. Each day I donned lipstick and heels and did my best to keep my spirits up.
Yet time went on. More lock downs came and went and I grew increasingly concerned at the delays covid was creating for my budding business. Morale at my one-woman HQ was descending and so was my commitment to everyday glamour.
I love glamour! Sue me!
Now don’t get me wrong. I was still committed - still wearing lipstick, still wearing heels - but my way of being was becoming slightly slobby. Rather than wearing the tighter fitting wiggle skirts I was accustomed to I started wearing looser fitting garments. Instead of setting my hair each day I found lazier ways of styling it. On some dark days I even forewent my look and *gasp* spent the day donning activewear after my morning walk.
My environment was also becoming messy and crowded with the growing amount of vintage stock I was accumulating for my store. My previously “decorated” space went from being a slice of English-meets-American interiors to being a storage cupboard. So not glamorous!
Glamour shot in the upgraded pad, 2021.
Things improved as my ex-partner and I moved on from that small space and upgraded to a larger, ground floor flat. I moved my stock into a storage cupboard and set up a sweet little desk area adjacent to our kitchen, which I could dedicate to my day-to-day work. I poured effort into decorating the space and felt great about the result. I felt re-invigorated and inspired to up my glamour-game once more.
At last I was able to activate the brand I was building. I organised photoshoots and PR pitches. It all felt terribly rah-rah and fashion industry glam. I finally felt I was starting to arrive (and was wearing the outfits to prove it).
Then late last year my world flipped and with the flip left the glamour. I had to move homes quickly and downsize drastically. Goodbye to my wallpapered staircase and grand fireplace, hello to living in a studio apartment with a restricted budget!
Earlier this year I clawed myself back together post-flip. I was writing like the wind and believed I could revamp my vintage business into a media brand. In this I also needed to reconnect with my glamorous self again.
A shot from Chez Char Shop.
The business I am building celebrates glamour and showcases how accessible it actually is to everyone. Yet if I am to push this message I have to walk the walk.
Where does that leave me now? Despite the aforementioned busy-ness I am recommitting to glamour. No more ignoring my looks in a bid to get more work done. No more excuses.
Now I simply refuse to settle for another unglamorous workday. This year I have hardly caught my breath, so next week I am going on a much needed mini-break by myself. Once I’m reset expect a whole lot more glamour coming your way.
A candid glamour shot. Sydney, 2021.
So what is glamour?
Glamour is not an aesthetic, it’s an essence.
Glamour is of course a manicured hand and the perfect amount of perfume. Glamour is regular haircuts and classic style. Yet glamour is also a sense of high self worth and authenticity. Glamour is making an effort for yourself and others.
Many would argue that glamour has long gone out the window from our society, and in so many ways I agree with this sentiment. Seemingly glamorous style icons are fast disappearing. There isn’t anything glamorous about the modern penchant for mullets and baggy t shirts either. But the essence of true glamour is also disappearing. The ability to be slow, thoughtful, present. All of that is glamorous, and all of that is kind of gone in this age of the algorithm.
As you can likely grasp from the above story, glamour ebbs and flows, for me and for everyone. But glamour is also forgiveness. It is rising above and pulling yourself back together even when times have been tough.
So as I reemerge after my series of health hurdles, and my general annus horribilis (to quote the Queen), I feel reinvigorated to return to glamour.
Glamour, I am back!
xx Charlotte
hello Charlotte
i agree with your definition of glamour. hard times, laziness, grief, should not prevent us from being glamorous. (except when you endure physical plinthe of course). the effort is there but it can be small: putting on lipstick, nice jewelry, perfume, à fine dress, smile to People, sit properly. I always refer to what dita von teese says in her interviews. it has changed my life. i have many dressés that are easy to wear and don't make me feel uncomfortable at all. sometimes the glamour is low other times it's high level, but it's always there. <3
Glad you’re feeling better! Love that glamour is also about self-worth and self-esteem. I absolutely agree x