Should we all dress modestly?

Suppose a guy named Damien feels called by God to go and become a missionary in Africa. He follows God's call dutifully and prepares to go there... But suddenly, all Christians in America decide to do the same, exact thing. Yup. Out of the blue all Christians are migrating to Africa to share the gospel. They figure, if God calls Damien to go to Africa, then it *must* be His will for everyone else.

I call this the one size fits all mentality.

When everyone leaves for Africa, a shortage of Christians develops in the states.... they're all in Africa, right? While Africans are being told about the gospel, Americans have no more opportunity to hear the good news. This leads me to the question, was it really God's will for *all* Christians to go to Africa? 

Today I received a thought-provoking comment from Maria, and I would like to share it: I love your sense of style! I just wonder why you think ALL people should be like you? I'd love to email you to talk about it more. Is there any way I can contact you besides comments? 

Should all people be like me? I answer with an emphatic no. God created each person differently, with a unique purpose and plan. No two fingerprints are alike, and neither are two life plans. If we all dressed the same way, did the same jobs, and met the same people, our lives wouldn't reflect the creativity of our God. 

Not all people are called to dress particularly modestly, and in a way, that's a good thing. If you try to witness to people in a bar and wear a head-covering and a jumper, you won't get listened to for very long. Matter of fact, you probably wouldn't even be there in the first place. Another person who isn't as demure in their dress (haha) might have an easier time connecting with others in that circumstance and challenging them in their faith. In any case, they'd certainly attract far less attention. It is a fact that Christians lead different lifestyles. Not everyone is the CEO of Walmart, and not everyone is out on a farm in the middle of Nebraska. God places us in different walks of life, so we can reach different people. 

Queen Esther was called to marry King Ahazueras, and through that the entire Jewish nation was saved. Noah was called to build a big boat in preparation for the flood, and through that the human race was preserved. If we took God's call for each individual to be the same for everyone, we'd end up with a lot of boats and big shortage of kings. O.o Some of us are models in NYC, while others are construction workers in Dubai. One way of life is no better than the other, if we are following God.  

There is also no call to judge someone else because they don't believe in modesty or another specific of Christianity... And I have to admit I have been culprit of this, and I apologize. It is the heart that matters and must be right before God, and guess what! We aren't the judge. God is. 

So when you read this little blog, please realize that I'm only sharing what God leads me to do, and this is by no means gospel truth. Base your life upon the Bible, and please don't take any other source as truth, including my blog... :)))

What's the Big Deal with Skirts?

I didn't know it, but that day would change my life. I was briskly walking up the steps, fully ready {or so I thought}, for the ladies' Bible study I was going to attend. However, when I walked through the door, I suddenly felt ridiculously out of place. The reason? Everybody within a ten-mile radius was wearing skirts, while I had my summer shorts on. To put it mildly, it was awkward. But more than that, it was disconcerting. You see, I had never really seen women in skirts. All right, I *had* seen a few mini-skirts in my time, but never the calf-length, feminine ones these girls were sporting. Not only were they different on the outside, but the atmosphere they created was unlike anything I had ever experienced. There was a certain tranquility that pervaded over that gathering, a touch of grace and beauty, which I was not used to. My flesh was repulsed, but in the depth of my heart, something stirred, and I would never remain the same.

Now, over two year later {*gasp* has it really been that long?}, I hardly ever wear pants. You might be thinking that I have something against them. Maybe I've joined a cult and banned pants from the existence of the universe. :laughs: No, I haven't joined a cult, {never will, I follow the one true saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ!!!}, and I will never ban pants from the world. Come on! We wouldn't want guys to wear *skirts* would we? :the horror: Kilts, I understand, are not skirts, but I still don't get the point of wearing them. They look enough like skirts to me :P All right, back on topic: I'll save that debate for another time. ;)

So why do I wear skirts and dresses, instead of pants? I keep leaving you in suspense... If I haven't joined a cult banning pants, you might jump on the next culprit: modesty. Now, we all have different views on whether pants are modest or not. I for one, think they are modest. I know some of you do not wear pants for reasons of modesty, and I absolutely respect that, but I do not have problems with {most} pants. I believe they *can* be perfectly modest. Note the "can". Skin tight leather pants are not high on my list of modest items. :P

All right, you say, not a cult, not modesty... so what is your reason? I call it femininity:

Deuteronomy 22:5 A woman must not wear men's clothing, nor a man wear women's clothing, for the LORD your God detests anyone who does this. {NIV}

You might think, "Uh, isn't that a bit of a technicality? Come on, that was in the *Old* testament! Why would God care about what we wear as long as our heart is in the right place?" I agree, I don't think it is exactly the clothes God cares about, but the principle behind this concept:

Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

Men and women were both created in God's image, but they were made uniquely. Differently. Men are distinct from women, and women are distinct from men. No one tries to refute that concept. In the secular world, {for me, that means non-Christians}, all sorts of theories are coming up to try and describe this difference. Some of them are more crazy sounding than others: books like "Men are from Mars, and Women are from Venus" attempt to explain what makes us different. I'm sorry, but separating our origins to distinct planets is a wee bit over the top. ;) For Christians, the answer to why we are created uniquely is quite simple. The Bible shows us that we are created differently because God purposefully designed us that way. When God commanded people not to wear the opposite gender's clothing, it wasn't because he was being picky, but he wanted us to celebrate the differences between our genders through our clothing. Who are we to refuse him?

Romans 9:20 But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to him who formed him, 'Why did you make me like this?'"

Every morning when I wake up, I want to show the world that I am a woman after God's own heart. Don't get me wrong, wearing skirts and being modest is not going to do this for you. These outward signs should only reflect what is on the inside:

1 Peter 3:3-4 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit which is of great worth in God's sight.

In this world, wearing skirts is taking a quiet stand. It is an act of gentle rebellion. It is a movement: femininity, in a feminist world. We don't need to be like men; we can be equal, but different. I've joined this revolution; this movement to honor our God-given roles. Will you join me?

You don't have to start big: if you are a jeans 24/7 type of gal, wearing a skirt even once a week will be a HUGE plunge. But let me tell you, it is so worth it. My life has been changed since I purposefully highlighted my femininity. If skirts are too much for you, I understand. Maybe you have been a tomboy all of your life, and skirts are a bit.... foreign? Well, why not wear your hair down today. Put on a cute flower headband. Walk around in your favorite high heels. Grab those beautiful earrings you have been eyeing at Claire's. Try on that gorgeous dress at Macy's. Start wearing feminine colors like purple, pink, yellow, and blue. These small touches will make a difference in the way that you carry yourself, and how others perceive and treat you.

It won't be easy. But it wouldn't be worthwhile if it wasn't hard, and Jesus does say that there will be times where we must suffer for his kingdom. No, I doubt you will ever be thrown in a lion's den like Daniel, but you might face ridicule and difficulties. {like NEVER being able to find pretty, modest skirts :P I suggest thrift/consignment/vintage stores} In the end, it will be worth it. More than loving skirts and dresses, I have learned to appreciate the fact that God created me a woman. It is a wonderful feeling, when you embrace the role he has given you!
God bless you, and much love :)
~Southern Belle
*Disclaimer* I do not want this post to offend anyone, so please do not take this the wrong way. I understand if you hold different views from me, and I completely respect that; I know that my view is not the only one on this subject. I only ask that you respect my beliefs. I am definitely not the authority on this subject; ultimately, it is between you and God. Please do not misinterpret my goal! Feel free to discuss your opinion with me, but please do so with consideration, as I hope I have done. :)

Swoon-able Shabby Apple Dresses

If you have never heard of the clothing store "Shabby Apple", you are in for a lovely treat today. :) It is bursting with beautiful dresses, skirts, and swimsuits, and they happen to be modest as well! Can it get any better? Actually, yes. ;) They happen to be affordable, too! I also love their vision: "Every woman deserves to feel beautiful in a dress, but not all of us look like runway models. Shabby Apple celebrates the short legs, curvy hips, straight waists, and flat chests in all of us." Also: "A return to what dresses were always meant to be -- a one-piece outfit. No need to add anything... no tank tops, no cardigans, nothing {except accessories, of course!}."

So, shabby apple just came out with the new collection, "Set Sail"! Can the timing be
any more perfect? With summer fast approaching, it will soon be time to kick back
and relax. This sea green dress looks so refreshing for those hot days lounging by
the pool or beach. That color has won me over already :)

Doesn't this just ooze 50s glamour? That bow is just adorable, and the white is
so crisp. Oh and that scarf is just perfectly placed. :) Hm. Now the inward war begins:
to buy, or not to buy, that is the question. hehe... I think I know which side wins!

I love how this looks like a two piece outfit but it is really a dress. No more re-tucking
those pesky shirts, and adding a belt is so easy. Now that would be the life!

Let the cuteness speak for itself. 

First, I am in love with her hair. Second, those socks are adorable. Third, that
dress is just gorgeous. Well, I know I won't have much to spend after today ;)

Red is sophisticated and exotic. Maxis are exciting. Combine the two? Ooh yes. Its
supercalafrajalisticexpealadocious. :)

I'm loving all the red :) Of course the gorgeous scenery is an added bonus. Too bad
they can't sell that!

This is pure beauty. I can think of no more words to describe it... Its called Ingrid,
presumably after ingrid Bergman from Casablanca, and I can totally see her in it.
Regal and elegant with a touch of femininity. Oh, I really want this.

Much love,

Southern Belle

Modest Alterations 101

Audrey Hepburn :)

Eventually, everyone will come across that utterly *gorgeous* dress (or whatever it actually is/was ;) that was just shy of making your standards of modesty. Sobbing hysterically, you place that piece of pure delight back on the shelf and face the appalling truth: nothing can be done. Or can it? Personally, I have come across that situation far too often. :P However, in reality, many amazing modifications for modesty have been found, and they are saving outfits daily! {yes, I am being melodramatic} Obviously, I am not going to bore you with the history of people altering outfits to make them more modest. You will not yawn during this post! Well, at least I hope not. ;) Please read on! (The links below the images are for copyright purposes)
~My dress/skirt is just a little too short.....

Add a pair of leggings! :)
(dillards.com)

~Hate leggings? Just....

Add a slip to lengthen the skirt/dress. :) It really does lengthen it by a
few inches! (Here is a link to the copyright of this photo, and a great slip shop:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/aslipshop They have some pretty adorable slips :)

~My neckline is too low and my shirt is rather sheer....

Wear a tank top under your shirt
and viola! Nordstrom.com

~My shirt/dress shows too much of my shoulders.... 

Add a cute bolero/shrug :)
bhldn.com

~My jeans are too tight at the back....

Wear it with a mini-dress and problem solved!

~My dress/shirt is a wee bit too tight....

Add cute cardigan :)
http://themodestusfilia.blogspot.com/

~My shirt gapes open when I lean over....

Scotch tape to the rescue! :)

~I work with little kids, and they keep pulling my skirt down....

Just wear a pair of shorts under your skirt!

~My skirt is sheer.... Wear a slip under it :) {not going to use an image for that}

~My shirt is too sheer and has a low neck-line, and my pants are too low-rise :P Is there something that can fix that all at once?

A leotard will fix those problems :)
From good ol' walmart!

~My formal dress shows too much shoulder... is there a way to make it more modest with something a step above a bolero?

Gloves and a fur wrap/shawl will do beautifully.

Any tips you have for altering clothing? Please share! :)  Just thought I would let you know, you all are amazing and wonderful. Thank you so much for your sweet comments and everything else you do... I am so blessed by you all. :)

Have a lovely day, and God bless!

Ladylike Elegance: Sitting Down

Bonjour! :) Yet again, I am starting another series, this time on etiquette. (Yes, I am still continuing my other ones... ;) The topic for today will be about sitting down in a ladylike, graceful manner. You may wonder, 'Er, why is this important? I understand you're into ladylikeness, style, grace, elegance, fashion, poise, class, and glamour... but is it truly necessary to devote a whole post to the art of sitting?!' Constantly, I see women {and men} sitting in a completely vulgar way, and frankly, it looks awful and it is truly disgusting to watch. Etiquette isn't about personal comfort; it is about respect for yourself and those around you. You will feel like a lady when you sit in a classy way, and people will treat you like one. Don't wave aside this topic, no matter how idiotic and tedious this may seem, as it will truly benefit you in the long run! =)

~NEVER......

Slouch. Sit up straight, even when you have
to  sit for  two hours.... determination is a virtue!

~When crossing your legs....

Angle the supporting leg to the side
and keep your ankles as close as
possible! {see above example}

Right above, we have an incredible example of Vivien Leigh looking classy while crossing her legs in a skirt. However, unless you have posture and poise to match her, please refrain from crossing your legs in a skirt.... it ruins the feminine loveliness of your dignity. =) This is my opinion, and if you feel elegant while crossing you legs in a skirt, I will not say a word. ;)
~When sitting down......

You can fold your hands, palms facing up, like this
lovely example :)

~When wearing a skirt.....

Tuck one foot under the other :) It
looks ladylike, feminine and lovely!

~When wearing pants....

You have license to cross your legs. Even though I don't
like it ;) So if you must, *feel* free.... =)

~When wearing a skirt....

Don't cross your legs. =) Why? Crossing your
legs is a "male" position, and frankly, it looks
strange when you have a skirt on. And yes, I
am anti-feminist. Were you wondering? ;)

~Never.....

Sit with your feet apart. =)

~When wearing pants, preferably....

Tuck one foot under the other, as the
beautiful Grace Kelly demonstrates :)

~In public, pants or not, NEVER....

Sit like this.... or lounge about, sticking
your feet up in the air.... enough said.

~You may.....

Fold your hands and place them in your lap, and it will look gorgeous :)

~If you hate all this complexity, just think, "Knees together, and ankles together. :) No stress!" There is absolutely no hassle in that!
How is tucking one foot under the other going? If you find it difficult, you are NOT alone! Here is a funny video from Princess Diaries about her experiences with this pose.... ;)

It was so fun writing this post. ;) I must improve in my elegance and poise.... =)
God bless!
~Southern Belle

Middle-Figure Essentials

I admit that I have been procrastinating... :P But I finally compiled a list of all the essentials for the Middle-Figure body shape. :) If you have utterly no idea what I am talking about, please click on this link, and you will be directed to a post about the why's and what's of body shape! But for those of you who do know what I am talking about, please read on! =) 

The commandments for middle-figures: (Much of this information was adapted from cardiganempire.com, one of THE most fantastic Christian fashion websites ever. Period. Please check it out! :)

~Never accent your fullest asset with belts, tucking in your shirt, cinched waists, elastic waistbands, or anything that draws a line across your midsection. Yes, ladies. No horizontal stripes! ;)

Monochromatic colors are
colors in the same section.

~Draw attention to your lovely face! {yes, this is true for everyone, but especially this body shape} Leave your necklines open with v-necks, scoop necklines, or sweetheart as they frame your face. Stay away from anything which covers all of your skin on top. (no turtlenecks! :) Use your jewelry to draw attention upwards, and try not to cover your arms! (think: cap sleeves) ~Wear monochromatic clothes. No, I don't mean you have to wear matching tops and bottoms, but wearing colors in the same color family is very important. You don't want a huge color contrast that cuts your figure in half, but colors in the same family will streamline your figure. :) For example, don't wear a blue shirt with a pink skirt. Stick within the same color family.

Those are the principles to live by, but really, don't be legalistic. :) But, here are some practical examples:

Peasant Blouses look great on this body
shape because they skim over your midsection.
Try to get one like this example with an empire
waistline a a wide neckline. :) The cap sleeves
look gorgeous too! =)
galtech.org

Layered Ruffle shirt. :) Again, empire waist
always looks best on you. :D
http://image.yesstyle.com/assets/15/892/l_p1014289215.jpg

Any top that flows over your body
will look lovely. A rounded neckline
or a v-neck line look best. :) A dropped
waist (A waist that narrows at your hips)
will work very well for your body shape =)
cardiganempire.com 

Bottoms:
~Try to opt for a lighter color on the bottom, as you can appear rather top heavy. The lighter color will draw more attention downwards. 
The rise is very important in whatever pants you wear. The rise is the specific place a pair of pants sits on your body. Study the picture below. (Sorry about the bare midriffs!) The photo is from Nordstrom.com which has amazing videos about fitting jeans, by the way. ;)

The middle figure should embrace the mid rise at all cost. The high rise can create that mom jeans look, and the low rise can create those marks of love: love handles. So love those mid rise trousers/pants! :) When you get jeans/trousers, stay away from skinny jeans at all costs! :) {If you don't wear them anyway, just bear with me} Why? Since you may be somewhat top heavy, your slim legs will magnify that, and you could appear toppled. A good rule of thumb for the apple figure is don't go tight on the bottom! However, if you are a slim apple, you could probably go for the straight leg cut for your jeans/trousers. But the best options for apples are definitely bootcut and flare. Confused? ;) Here are a few photos explaining it all the options for the cut of your jeans/trousers:

A bootcut fit is not quite flared, but it
does not stay the same size from the knee
downwards like a straight cut. Think of
it as in between a flare and straight cut.
Technically, the thigh fit for this example is
quite tight. In reality, the fit would not be
this form fitting. (Same for the example below)
Nordstrom.com (Citizens of Humanity)

A flare cut is generally looser in the thighs
and flares much more than a bootcut. Choose
either cut, according to your preferences! :)
J brand, Nordstrom.com

If you are a slim middle-figure, you can go for
the straight cut style, which is the same width
from your knees downward. :)
Citizens of Humanity, Nordstrom.com

Skirts:

An A-line skirt hitting as high as you deem
modest looks wonderful on your figure. Low
hemlines on this figure aren't very flattering, so
go for knee length, right below the knee, or
calf length. :)
Nordstrom.com

Another flared skirt :) This is a good time
to mention that tucking your shirt in should
be avoided at ALL COSTS!

Oh, this is cute. :)

Chiffon and silk are great fabrics for your skirts. The golden rule for bottoms is: don't go tight! :) 
Now to move on to dresses! (The thing all you feminine girls have been looking forward to... ;)

This dress with the V-neckline and the
empire waistline would look GORGEOUS
on you. I am SO jealous. (It is on sale at
Chadwicks.com for 29.99!!!) Just had to
say that. ;)

Open necklines and empire waistline is
the way to go. From the waistline, just let
the skirt flare out (again, Chadwicks.com
29.99!!)

Did I mention Chadwicks is having a HUGE sale? :D I am very, very happy!!!

A gorgeous formal dress... *swoon* Just make
sure the waistline is not on your actual waist
but the empire waistline! :) Chadwicks.com
120 dollars only!!!! 

A gorgeous empire waistline wedding dress :)

Now onto the shoes. :) You're probably thinking, "Shoes?!? There are right and wrong shoes to wear?"
The answer is yes! Please read on. =)

Wedges are absolutely the best shoe for you as they balance
your upper body. These lovely espadrilles are perfect for casual
wear. They feel like flats and are SO comfortable!
shoes-pedia.blogspot.com

I admit, this wedge is over the top. Uber-much.
But for those of you who find wedges rather boring,
I hope this has blown that misconception away. ;)
Jessica Simpson Wedge

Some more ADORABLE wedges. :)

The last category is your outerwear, or coats. :) I have one suggestion for you in this section:

The first button on your coat should
ideally button right below your bust.
A V-neck looks gorgeous on you! :)
Think fitted, but not tight.
http://www.bodyshapefashionadvice.com/
(A great website which I get a ton of
inspiration from. :)

I hope this post has helped all of you middle-figured ladies to learn to dress well for your shape! :) If you would like more information, I urge you to visit cardiganempire.com, run by a Christian personal stylist. She is so fashionable, and she does personal style sessions. =)
The next shape I will be writing the essentials for is the "Hourglass Figure"! Stay tuned and God bless, my dear readers!
~Southern Belle