No, not THAT one! This is a story about a tube of lipstick and how it is a connection to the happiest and most influential time in my childhood.
When I was a girl, I was fortunate enough to have Doris Fulford as my Grandmother. Doris wore Revlon’s Fire and Ice lipstick exclusively. Click here to get your own tube on Amazon!
As you can see from the picture, Fire and Ice is a fantastic red lipstick that has been a Revlon staple since the 50s. Everyone should have a go-to red lipstick. Doris taught me that.
I got to borrow her lipstick and compact. When we were at home only, of course. I mean, a little girl wearing a red lip out in public “just wouldn’t do”. I felt pretty. I felt glamourous, just like her.
Doris had beautiful framed, top-clasp handbags all with matching shoes, which I would put on my tiny feet and shuffle around the house. Doris had hankerchiefs and hats. Doris wore gloves to church on Sundays. Doris had a group of friends with names like, “Madge” (her best friend’s actual name, by the way). They went to church, played bridge and went to the beauty shop together.
I drank all this in like a sponge. Just being around these ladies made me feel so glamourous! I was fussed over, but ignored just enough that I could employ my Dian Fosseyesque skills and observe and study. The Southern lady in her natural habitat…OBSERVE!
I got to wear dresses and spend time with them at the beauty shop. I was indulged and allowed to sit under one of those industrial size hair dryers that probably picked up signals from Sputnik. Cool air, of course, with a “Redbook” magazine to flip through with a very serious expression on my face. I mean, “Redbook” was serious business. So glamourous!
Which brings me back to the tube of lipstick. I carry it with me everywhere. Whether I go with a red lip that day or not. It reminds me of Doris, the bags with matching shoes, large hairdryers and the glamourousness it all entailed.
We all lost Doris in the early 80s, unfortunately. The example she set, however, was not lost. I grew up and fashion and beauty remained a huge part of my life. My kid and I started cosplaying, and then started a nerd fashion blog together.
I’d like to think that Doris would be proud of me and what I’ve accomplished. I couldn’t have done it without her.
Love, Kim and Scout
