I apologize for being MIA these last few weeks—I moved again, started a new job, am working on a new television project in addition to some other things. But I definitely have a slate of posts that need to be edited and will be published soon.
I’m working on a post about prayer and courtship, sexy vs. femininity, as well as more style and outfit posts. I’m still getting settled in to everything so please bare with me.
In celebration of my new job I decided to look at Eshakti’swebsite to buy some tops and low and behold I’m on the front page! Haha, I was really shocked to see my face as you can probably imagine. (I’m the second one at the bottom.)
In any case, I’m thinking about buying these two tops. What do you think? I think they’re both adorable and appropriate for a number of occasions…
I recently went over to a girlfriend’s house to help her put together outfits appropriate for work, as well as some work-to-play and date night looks. (Yes, you get wardrobe help if you’re friends with me! LOL) One of the issues that came up during our session was her anxiety about coordinating colors with black and white wardrobe basics. I will admit it does take some practice, but you would be surprised as to how many different looks you can get from say—one black dress or one black skirt that you typically wear with a white top. If you find yourself having some trouble in this area, here are some tips:
Jewelry & Scarves
It doesn’t have to be a bold color or super chunky if that’s not your style. Try layering chain jewelry, your favorite simple saint medal. Try pairing it with a coordinating belt or shoe.
Belts
You can go for color, a vintage feel, or even classic black or white for that Audrey Hepburn feel.
Sashes
I might be the only one, but I rarely ever wear those sashes that come with my dresses, skirts, and tops. Instead, I mix and match them! Try a colored sash with a black and white outift. Also, try pinning broaches or adding a flower to your outfit. (Forever 21 has tons of these for under $5.)
Shoes
Sometimes, all a classic outfit needs is a show-stopping colored shoe. Try it, you might like it.
Bags
Never underestimate the power of a well-coordinated bag.
Cute outfit ideas:
Disclaimer: I’m not a big fan of ripped jeans due to their lack of modesty, but that last photo is a good example of how to use a scarf to make a bolder look.
I was downloading some music yesterday when I saw that iTunes is giving away a free download of the song “The House You’re Building” by Catholic artist Audrey Assad. And not coincidentally, her album is currently #1 in the Christian section. So check it out! (I’m hoping perhaps we can bring her to Catholic Underground LA some time next year.)
UPDATE: You have to read her beautiful testimony about entering into the church:
Flying in the face of the Protestant faith my family has held for many generations, I crossed the Tiber and became a Roman Catholic during the Easter vigil in the year 2007. To this convert, the Catholic Church presented herself as the answer to many questions that had plagued and rattled me for decades; I wrestled as a Protestant with why, like Bono, I still hadn’t found what I was looking for. I set off on a journey to discover the truth and, to my shock and great delight, discovered that Rome was indeed ‘home.’ I did and do take solace in the Church, as a sparrow makes a nest in an old, solid oak; the Church’s very age and wisdom speak quietly for themselves, silently drawing in wanderers like me. Jesus loves wanderers and prodigals; and the Church must welcome them with open arms–in my case, she did, and warmly at that.
I find it beautiful about Catholicism that worship, in her way, is not so much an experience as it is an act of the will; yes, the senses are engaged by the sweet, thick smell of incense at the alter, the soft flickering of candles, the otherworldly melodies of chant; but ultimately, as a Catholic, I go to Mass to worship–to give Jesus the honor and glory He is worthy of; I go to Mass because I love Him.
I love Pope Benedict XVI particularly because it is the Church’s very historicity that he symbolizes; he stands, unmoved, against the tides of post-modernism and materialism that ravage the West, (often) a lone voice in the battle. I admire and respect his staunch willingness to be Catholic–theologically, intellectually, volitionally, and emotionally Catholic–in a world where religious freedom and tolerance are preached by many, but where the Catholic voice has for centuries been either stifled or diluted. On the heels of the much-beloved John Paul II, any flimsier man would perhaps have been cowed; but Benedict, speaking with both grace and power, has preached Christ, and Him crucified, as the answer to the questions of every man–Jew or Greek, Muslim or Hindu, black or white, man and woman.
Many despise his unwillingness to budge from a traditional, conservative position; I, on the other hand, rejoice in it. The Church doesn’t need a babysitter or a mentor to sit in the seat of Peter; she needs a man with principles, a man of conviction; Pope Benedict XVI is *being* that for us. Americans in particular, I think (and I am obviously speaking as one), have issues with entitlement; we don’t want rules and regulations, we want a pat on the back or the license to do as we please; thankfully, Benedict is refusing to acquiesce, which in itself reveals his great respect for the dignity of man; he will not water down the message of Christ for the sake of seeker friendliness. No–he speaks the truth; He speaks of freedom; and, in a world fraught with hatred and bitterness, He speaks of Christ. (SOURCE)
In the last couple of weeks, I think I’ve broken three pairs of my favorite sandals. I went shoe shopping with my girlfriend yesterday, but did not make one purchase. Now I love shoe shopping just as much as the next girl, but when it comes to shoes I’m really picky. Why you might ask? Because I’m willing to drop serious $$$ on shoes that I love and then wear them until they apply for retirement! (a.k.a break) The problem that I seem to be having is not just finding a style that I like, but in the color that I want AND in my size. (I have big man feet. LOL) Shopping online sometimes works, but not always.
So yeah, I just needed to vent to you ladies. LOL.
If you’re wondering why I haven’t done a Swimwear Week this summer, it’s because I’ve been underwhelmed by the 2010 lines currently out by most retailers. (Although as an aside, the 2011 line of Rey Swimwear is super fab!)
In any case whenever I get bored with the big kids on the block, I love taking a look at some of the smaller designers. Etsy has a number of very cute, completely unique pieces of swimwear up for sale.
My friend Claire just premiered her film The Waiting City in Australia…and looked gorgeous while doing so! If you’re in Aussie land go see it…it’s in theaters now.
Ladies, as I have said in posts before, it is imperative that as women we be a voice for the voiceless:
An Iranian woman faces death by stoning after being convicted of adultery. Amnesty International yesterday called on the Iranian authorities to halt the imminent execution of mother-of-two Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani and the hanging of another woman said to be a political activist.
Ashtiani was convicted of having an ‘illicit relationship’ with two men in May 2006 and received 99 lashes as her sentence. Despite this, she has also been convicted of adultery and sentenced to death by stoning. The 43-year-old has retracted a ‘confession’ she said was made under duress.
Appealing for help to the international community, her daughter, Farideh, 16, and son, Sajad, 20, said yesterday: ‘Please help end this nightmare and do not let it turn into a reality. Help us save our mother.’
Still haven’t gotten ‘em all…but you’ve waited long enough. (I’m on vacay in SD, but when I get back to LA I will upload the runway video which is pretty awesome if I do say so myself.)
Per the request of the parish, this time around we didn’t do a full 4-week program, but smashed everything together into a three-day conference. To kick things off, on Friday evening we had a tea party, which to my surprise the girls really loved. In addition to getting to meet everyone, Maggie gave an etiquette talk and Jes gave an introductory talk about modesty.
On Saturday, I gave a talk about fashion, followed by a talk on chastity given by the super-amazing actor Skylar Testa. We also had a runway class, as well as another talk by our friend Sarah.
Sunday’s runway show show was split into three categories: casual, swimwear, and dressy attire. Most of the clothes are from Urban Outfitters, Nordstrom, Target, Lulus, & Villain’s Vintage. A few of the items are from the respective closets of Jes and myself.
Funny story: Jes was super excited about this lighting she had bought to project our logo…we get there and the thing doesn’t even work. So our girls had to draw our logo!
These are our girls from last year who we are going to train as “student leaders” of sorts to start giving talks as well. (Aren’t they super cute?!)
The Decent Exposure A-Team: Myself, Jes, and Maggie
So sorry for the lack of posts lately; work took over, I’m moving, etc. etc. But…
Here’s a sneak peak of photos from Decent Exposure! I have video and whatnot, but am still waiting for everything to load. This photo is from a run through.
I try to research as many apparel resources for this site as I can.
Be advised that while most of the links in my "Modest Apparel" category are from designers who specifically design modest apparel, some of the websites include only a select amount of modest choices. Modest dress is dependent on styling. If it isn't modest, make it modest.
One asterisk (*) next to a link means it is a plus size site. Two asterisks (**) indicate that the site sells both plus size and average size apparel.
