You may be wondering why I would post a tribute to my Aunt. Well, my Aunt Jean passed away last week at the ripe old age of 88. She was my Mom's only sister and they grew up in a time when ladies wore stockings and dresses a lot more than they do these days. My Mom seemed to wear pants a lot more when I was growing up, but my Grandmother never did and Aunt Jean was in her 60's at least before I saw her wearing pants.
My Gram and Aunt were also of the time period when women wore the Playtex girdles - all-in-ones with the garters. Add a pair of nylons and heels and your foundation garments were all set! I discovered these over some summers when I would stay at my Gram's house and found some in the basement laundry room - a pile that she had placed there because they needed mending, a garter that needing fixing etc. I of course, looked for any opportunity to be in the basement to try them on!
I remember staying with my Aunt one weekend and being in her living room but needing to ask her a question. I don't remember the question but I went in search of her and found her in her bedroom in the process of changing out of her dress. There she stood, absolutely lovely in her Playtex, nylons and heels. Still with full makeup on. It inspired me that emulating that kind of femininity was what I aspired to in my dressing! I was maybe 12 years old, but gosh what an impact! I appreciated that she didn't seem to be mad at me for seeing her in the middle of dressing.
So, a tribute if you will to a lady who inspired a portion of my dressing and to a by-gone era of some very sexy everyday undergarments! Lipstick had to be perfect and watching all three of these ladies apply their makeup whenever I had a chance was a very learned experience for me!
None of them knew I dressed, although I think my Mom may have suspected once or twice, but tonight I will get all dolled up, apply my lipstick in as perfect a fashion as I can - and sip a nice red wine thinking about all the lovely outfits, shoes, etc, and all that I have learned from Aunt Jean in my early years.
Thanks for reading!
Krissy