Muscle Mania

Hey folks!

I've been managing a pretty busy schedule involving working out almost daily after work and once on the weekend. It's pretty much been a lot of eating, going to work, going home/to the gym to train, sleeping and running errands and doing food prep on the weekends. I really like weight lifting though, it's fun to see and feel your strength. I've been been more on the slender side but it dawned on me that I look much better with muscle. So I've been squatting and dead-lifting and tricep dipping  and plyometric-ing? ...and it's been fabulous. I'm sweating a lot more and getting in more water and more protein so it's been a very positive experience.  I did pull a trap muscle a week ago, luckily it's all healed up and I can bring it in the gym now! You're probably wondering what this has to do with the love of all things retro. Well, here's one thing:

Photo credit: selvedgeyard.com

Yep, Ms. Marilyn. Lifting. I saw this photo in a friend's bathroom a long time ago and thought it was so amazing, because it's a simple yet captivating image.

Photo credit: selvedgeyard.com

I think something odd happened in history with regard to women and weight lifting. It somehow became a "man's" thing and it isn't. There are tons of old photos you can view of women in the earlier days who had muscle and a bit of glam.  I never saw women lifting weights when I was younger. I only saw aerobics and maybe those 2 lbs dumbbells. Those are NOT weights. They're just not. My tape dispenser weighs more than that! So.. I'm way into building a stronger body that translates into that ultimate sense of glam and glitz from the old days.  I plan on continuing to be good to my body and keep it fit and lean with lots of curves ;)

Til next time!

~The Retro Natural

An End of Summer Update

Hello retro lovers,

I'm cringing a little as I type this. It's been months since I've posted. I've been focused on work and working out lately.  Of course I try to have some fun when I can...necessary in this life!  I've been weight lifting since January of 2013 and I'm in wonderful shape! I don't think I've been looking 'as retro' as I could and I don't document my outfits often so the photos are somewhat lacking but I do have a visual recap for ya of what I've been getting into.

Most of my Spring/Summer clothing aren't as vintage looking as I'd like them to be. Plus I've gained a bit of muscle (welcome to the gun show!) so some things no longer fit me at all. I've donated old stuff I no longer wear... I suppose it's time for a new wardrobe? Perhaps for my birthday ;)

But enough of that.. here's your photo recap!

A workday, in one few very old dresses.

A sporty day at the beach, but not so much in that water.
Again, welcome to the gun show!

From my birthday brunch. The dress is extremely 80s, very rare for me.

Getting a good sweat in at the gym, I'm one of the few gals in there :-D

Me on the court, I'm actually pretty good at tennis!

I went to the super old school arcade.

Hiking in Ojai, breathtakingly beautiful and serene

The place I stayed at in Ojai had a trampoline. It exhausted me in under 3 minutes!

That about wraps it up, I do hope you enjoyed :)  I do hope to have a hair pictorial sooner or later. I've been doing more up-dos to keep my hair in more simple and protective styles. I plan to wear it curly rather than straight, it's just time for a change.  I trust that all of you are doing well and enjoying the start of a lovely Fall season.

Til next time!

TheRetroNatural

Next Stop: Relaxation!

Howdy retro lovers!

I'm due for a post and I'm also due for some relaxation so how about a combination??  I'm going camping soon and I'm so excited to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. I'll be listening to the radio station that is nature for a few days and frolicking through the wilderness.

Now, there are some who go camping and go au natural, but for me, I enjoy my makeup no matter where I am. Some people don't seem to understand that for me (and countless others), makeup isn't for them. It's for me. The answer to the question: If RetroNatural is alone in the forest, does she still apply makeup? ...is yep!  Don't believe me?  Exhibit A.

Water and makeup.. plus other survival essentials!

Here are a few more photos from camping trips that this ultra femme enjoys going on :)

My headquarters, Long Beach

Snapshot on the road to Pasadena

I made it to the top of Henninger Flats, yes those are toe shoes.. don't judge me! ;)

A lovely view from Henninger Flats. You're above the clouds!

I'm counting down and looking forward to sitting around, doing nothing, eating, napping and being an explorer in nature.  Have you been camping recently? Do you bring your makeup bag?  I love seeing makeup enthusiasts in nature, so send a link if you've got one :)

TheRetroNatural

Statement Pieces - The Cape

Heyyyy retro-lovers!

I wanted to show off one of my most loveliest outerwear pieces - a great cape I found at a vintage shop, perhaps a year or two ago. I haven't had a chance to wear it because I couldn't pair it together with other pieces but I've finally worn it and have found that it makes me feel pretty sophisticated and super elegant.

It's a nice plaid pattern of green and mustard with a nice mustard colored lining and gold colored buttons. Plus, it's got pockets..verrrry important, yes?  I wore it with a tan colored sweater top and whiskey colored wing tip heels.  Browns or neutrals seems to go best with it. Spring is almost here so I'm not sure how many more times I can wear this but, the less I wear it, the longer it'll last? Behold! ;)

Do you have a statement piece that's been rockin' your world? Do tell me about it or link me to your photos!

Sincerely,

TheRetroNatural

I'm Back! ..and Happy New Year!

Hello fellow retro lovers! Happy New Year to you! I realize that I totally missed 2013..whoooops!

It's been a verrrrrrry long time since I've written in my blog. You know how it goes, you get enthusiastic about posting and after some time passes, you either get just a big lazy or you get super busy. It's been both of those scenarios for me. But, I do want to contribute to the retro world as it's very dear to my heart :) 

I may not post as often but hopefully there's still someone out paying attention! 

I've taken a break from my usual retro 'do because the rollers and extra heat do quite a number on my hair. It's good to take a break from time to time and re-evaluate. I've been curly more often than not and sometimes straighten my hair for a week or so. 

My straight hair and my morning cup of tea before cleaning.  

 

I know heat damage is pretty much a part of the process if I'm wearing my hair a certain style so I alternate. 

Sometimes I'm more curly-modern.

I've had crazy knots and split ends too so I cut my hair a little and that makes a huge difference. It's interesting, I don't miss having the longest of hair because I still manage to have fun with it. I think it's due to my desire to wear my natural hair. My confidence has increased so much that it doesn't matter how my hair is, I usually love it. Score! 

My selfie hair cut, not too shabby!

So, I've been here and there and enjoying life, working out a lot more and trying not to sweat the small stuff. I hope you all have been well, do let me know what you've been up to! I can't promise not to disappear because, well, you know lol. But! I think I'm getting back into the posting spirit. Huzzah for that! 

Til next time,

TheRetroNatural