Home > The Art of Getting Ready…

The Art of Getting Ready…

….is lost on me. With my night owl ways, I go to bed too late due to blogging or three too many episodes of Law & Order SVU. Every morning is like the movie Ground Hog Day where I repeat the same tardiness-causing acts over and over again.

Too tired and bleary eyed to apply my expensive skincare regimen, I cut three products out of the routine because time is money! Gotta make that 9am meeting! I slap some eyecream on my face (dammit – I thought that was the moisturizer) in the hopes that it will mask the fact that I need 5 more hours of sleep.

The Art Of Getting Ready
I zombie-walk to the closet and reach for the boring work pants I always reach for, that just so happen to be right next to the gorgeous Theory ones with the tags still on. Those Theory gems hang there in all of there woollen glory, often neglected as my sleep-deprived brain never remembers that they are there. Topping off the hastily put-together outfit is a button-down shirt that screams “office drone”. I’m ready and drive off to the office in a narcoleptic haze.
One day, I’ll get 10 hours of sleep a night like Kim Kardashian and be fresh enough to enjoy the getting ready process. I’ll be able to enjoy the 10-step Korean skincare process that goes directly against my lazy North American sensibilities. I’ll be able to peruse my extended perfume collection and layer scents like someone who is time-rich. Maybe I’ll even comb my hair! The luxury!
The thought of accessorizing properly, choosing the perfect shoes to go with the skirt you actually ironed, or to loop a scarf around your neck like a Parisian…which is an art in itself…is so intoxicating, I shed a tear as I glance at myself in the mirror. Sleep Deprived Dom stares back, a frumpy, tired mess.
Until then, I will only dream about the art that is getting ready.
Dominique Baker
Dominique Baker

Dominique is a Canadian-based fashion and beauty influencer with a strong voice in Ottawa’s black community. Since launching her blog Style Domination in 2015, she has amassed a global fanbase. Dominique shares her life through beautiful imagery and compelling story-telling that speaks to her fans on a personal level. She’s been featured in The Guardian, Flare, The Kit and Cityline. She also hosts events for Dress for Success, the Gem Conference, and has been named a United Way Person 2 Know for the past three years.

Find me on: Web | Instagram

24 Comments

  1. November 1, 2016 / 1:10 pm

    I feel your pain! Every morning I have the intention of picking out the cutest outfit and applying the best make-up, but that never seems to happen. One day we will get there:)

    • Dominique
      Author
      November 1, 2016 / 3:09 pm

      Haha! One day! Thanks for stopping by!

  2. November 1, 2016 / 1:10 pm

    I relate to this far too much, haha! What’s worse is buying the beautiful skincare for the routine i follow once before going into ‘water only’ method and then seeing something else lovely in the stores and buying that for the shelves too, it’s a wonder I never finish anything! Here’s hoping we both get to that Kim Kardashianesque art one day x

    • Dominique
      Author
      November 1, 2016 / 3:09 pm

      Oh Zahra! So happy someone understands! My hubby is a total morning person…singing in the shower, goofing off over coffee, and I’m totally useless. And yes – I have more beauty products than I know what to do with. It’s real motivation to wake up earlier! LOL!

  3. November 1, 2016 / 3:36 pm

    Hahhaa great post! I love the term “time-rich” – so well said!!

    • Dominique
      Author
      November 1, 2016 / 4:17 pm

      Ha! Thanks, Alyssa! As I said on Sunday, I wish I was as effortlessly chic as you. Life would be so much easier. I’ve been thinking a lot about what you said about eco/sustainable fashion. It goes hand in hand with capsule wardrobing, and would make getting dressed in the morning a breeze!

  4. November 1, 2016 / 3:45 pm

    Haha! I feel the same way. Some days I try to make the effort and get a little dressed up. But often I am too sleepy to care lol. Great post!

    • Dominique
      Author
      November 1, 2016 / 4:16 pm

      Thanks, Marshalee! I really wish I was more of an early bird!

  5. November 1, 2016 / 4:12 pm

    I so needed to read this post today! I feel your pain, gorgeous! Sometimes I wonder what it would be like as a lady of leisure in the Victorian era with a slew of professionals to help me get ready haha!

    • Dominique
      Author
      November 1, 2016 / 4:15 pm

      OMG! GOALS!!! Imagine how much easier life would be? ;o)

  6. November 1, 2016 / 5:26 pm

    haha this is so me! When I was working a regular 9-5 I started laying out my clothes the night before so I won’t reach for the boring pants everyday! It helped a lot!

    • Dominique
      Author
      November 1, 2016 / 8:00 pm

      My friend, I am doing this right after I finish this comment reply! Haha!

  7. November 1, 2016 / 6:56 pm

    Lol! Fellow SVU addict here, beloved. I’ve been a lot more intentional on placing my feet on the floor when my alarm goes off, although sometimes I fail miserably. Baby steps, though! I will admit that I plan 6/7 outfits for the work week on Sunday so that helps curb my time getting ready in the morning. Podcasts also help boost my mood.

    • Dominique
      Author
      November 1, 2016 / 8:02 pm

      Courtney! These are great ideas! I am hooked on podcasts, but never listen to them in the morning. Maybe I should! And I’m definitely going to start planning my work outfits. I got a great rolling rack – I’m going to start putting it to good use!

  8. November 1, 2016 / 7:38 pm

    Lol! I can relate, I stay up all night watching Grey’s Anatomy and end up struggling to wake up in the morning and when I finally do i just put on whatever I see and totally forget about the cute outfit and bomb makeup I was thinking of wearing the day before.. The struggles of a working lady.

    • Dominique
      Author
      November 1, 2016 / 8:00 pm

      Awww Vanessa! Sigh. I hear ya. I think this post needs to be followed up with a “How To Look Like You Don’t Work At Tunney’s Pasture” guide.

  9. November 2, 2016 / 12:03 am

    So well said! Fortunately, I get to work from home so I don’t really have any hours. This truly helps with my weird sleep schedule (due to Netflix and the like).

  10. November 2, 2016 / 12:26 am

    I know how you feel. My current position has spoiled me by allowing us to where jeans, sneakers and be extra casual. I used to love to wear dresses everyday. Now I wonder what ever happen to that girl, and when I try to revive her comfort wins over style every time,

    • Dominique
      Author
      November 2, 2016 / 11:04 am

      Awww! Looks like we are definitely in the same boat. I’m going to start planning my outfits on Sundays! Thanks for stopping by!

  11. Michael
    November 2, 2016 / 4:03 pm

    I could not stop laughing when I saw the photo! This is fantastic!

  12. November 2, 2016 / 8:22 pm

    I really get you. I love getting ready but I am always way to tired and far too rushed to worry about it. On the days that I have the time, I do really enjoy spending 2 hours applying my makeup and choosing the perfect outfit.

    La Belle Sirene 

  13. C.
    November 3, 2016 / 9:27 pm

    I like how honest this is! It’s tempting to think that everyone looks perfecr everyday and therefore I must too. Definitely takes some of the pressure off! Thank you!

    • Dominique
      Author
      November 7, 2016 / 10:28 am

      Thanks for your kind words! As a fashion blogger, I feel a lot of pressure to look good all the time, but it’s just not possible! LOL! Going to bed much earlier certainly helps!! xoxox

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