Va-Voom Vintage's Challenge: Love yourself, Love others, Love Vintage

Let me begin by expressing my deep admiration for a young lady called Annie. As a teacher of grumpy, cloned teenagers, she is a breath of fresh air and shows that there are still young people who don't follow the skinny-jeaned pack (which I would also refuse to do at her age). However, unlike me at 15, Annie is actually exceptionally stylish, tuned-in, and knows where she wants to go, and for that, I salute her. In fact, it is her boundless enthusiasm that keeps me trying my hardest, that makes me say 'no' to that trip into town and instead sit for far too long on Ebay searching for the perfect dress. She makes me crave the same level of perfection as she does, and inspires me to try new things.

Imagine, then, my delight that this wonder-teen selected me as one of the 5 ladies whose looks she admired. Let me explain: The lush Brittany from Va-Voom Vintage has extended the hand of peace to all ladies across (the seemingly warring) Vintageland, and set A Challenge: Love yourself, Love others, Love Vintage. As part of this challenge, you have to select 5 aspects of your looks which you wholeheartedly embrace, and 5 features of other bloggers which you admire. Simple.

This is what Annie said about me:

"5. Kate O for her really 'clean' shiny and healthy looking hair :)"

I guess that's good for a start... So, without further ado:

1. My hair. Although I moan about its inability to retain curls a lot, it has got a glossy softness which makes it really touchable.
2. My eyes. Back in the days when I was a Tesco checkout girl, I used to receive masses of compliments about how sparkly, big and blue they were. School-induced tiredness aside, they've still got it ;)
3. My wrists (which are attached to my very long arms). When I went to an exhibition on Grace Kelly's style recently, I realised that this was the only part of my body which would fit inside her clothing!! Honestly, I think there's something very graceful about long arms and thin wrists...
4. My waist. At a consistent 26.5", it always gives me a lovely curve and looks great in vintage clothing.
5. My lips. Pretty constantly shaped into a big smile and plentiful enough that I don't fear growing old and them disappearing.

Now, that has left me feeling pretty good about myself! This loving yourself lark is pretty fun, actually.

Let's spread the good feeling, then. Here are the ladies whose looks I admire...

1 - Beautiful big doe eyes and an innocent stare which even Judy Garland couldn't equal... I'm an Annie Fangirl :)

2 - For her subtly cheeky grin, which always makes her look like she's up to no good... the very talented Cici!

3 - Oh my! Well, there had to be at least one shapely derriere... just Darhling!

4 - I am super jealous of this next lady's hair (and her clothing designs, all of which I want!). Shona from In The Heyday has the most gorgeous colour and curls...

5 - And finally... The part of a lady which you can't see, but you know if it's a good'un. The lady with the hugest and most beautiful heart, Miss Matilda.

Now I'm feeling a bit guilty about all the gorgeous ladies that I didn't include. Five just isn't enough! Honestly, all the ladies whose blogs I follow are brilliant, and very beautiful in their own unique ways.

I hope that this brightens up someone's day x