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The Painted Lady

Now a "Painted Lady" has some interesting meanings nowadays. This term is used to describe a colorful Victorian home and even a type of butterfly, but the meaning I'm most intrigued with is that of it describing a prostitute.

Upon further reading, I found that this term to describe these women was most commonly used in the Wild West times.  Now without going into a history lesson, I'm must curious about how to wear makeup and dress "seductively" for that time one was labeled as "disgraceful" and as "soiled doves" (Legends of America).  My point is that whenever I put my makeup on in the morning and get dressed, I always think of this term and I would be lying if I said that I wasn't a bit fascinated by the use of "painted".

While applying my eyeliner, I thought of the saying floating around social media of eyeliner being a woman's "War Paint" and that couldn't be more accurate! I feel like when I'm "painting" my face at the start of my day, I'm getting ready to make an impression.  One of control, fear, and "don't fuck with me".  A bit dramatic, yes, but true nonetheless.

Cardigan: Vintage made in Hong Kong
Bustier: Vintage by Saks Fifth Avenue


I feel as if this eyeliner, war paint is my tool to get through the day with as much confidence as I can muster.  I mean, seriously, if you can see a winged liner from that far away, wouldn't you pay attention?! I know I would :)
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