[Inspired Thursdays, v.4] Be a Lady

Over the past year, I have really started to embrace femininity. This is not to say that I am a recovering tomboy; I've just never really considered myself a girly girl (primarily because I thought that meant I was somehow sacrificing an intellectual identity, in so far as that encompasses an identity either). But now...there aren't enough ruffled pillows or lilac scented candles to be found! I think being in love has something to do with it, as well as approaching my 30s and leaving many insecurities behind to learn, in a real way, what it means to be a woman. (That, of course, is not typified by pretty pillows and sassy dresses, but I'm not trying to get too analytical here before breakfast.)

Classy ladies are getting rarer these days, so I find myself emulating traditionally feminine behaviors and loving every second of it... 

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I enjoy taking the time to prepare for a proper night out. Not every evening with my honey is going to be candlelight and cocktails. But when it is, taking a few hours to pull out all the stops (sugar scrub, illuminating face powder, fresh coat of Ballet Slippers) makes the wide-eyed, look-you-up-and-down moment all the sweeter. I long for a plush vanity with perfect lighting, but for now, I'll settle for sitting on the bathroom counter with The Devil Wears Prada playing in the background.

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Pink cheeks and black liquid liner have been paired together for ages, and there's a reason for that: it's perfection.

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I admittedly have a mondo girl crush on Joy Williams of The Civil Wars. (If you don't know who I am talking about, I urge you to remedy that STAT.) Her rotating wardrobe of flirty-yet-tasteful black, A-line dresses is swoon-worthy. I used to reserve dresses for super special occasions, but I've learned that any day can be a dress day. And let's be honest: when I'm wearing one, I do feel pretty, especially if it's lace or satin. Adds a little skip to my step. (Gotta watch that when rockin' heels, though.)

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I finally discovered my signature scent last year. Though I walk through a gentle mist of it daily, I save the hearty sprays for when I'm with my man. It is well known that smell has an incredibly powerful impact on memory, and there's not much sexier than smelling your beloved on you after they've gone. A spritz on the pillowcases is a classic, girly trick that still makes me feel like I should own a velvet fainting couch on which to swoon.

I love being a woman...labor pains, PMS, leg shaving and all.

Ladies, what is your favorite feminine indulgence? Gents, what are your favorite signatures of a woman?

There's still time to enter the Shabby Apple giveaway!