F.S. ~ QnA: Posture

Q. What is the proper posture one should have when sitting, standing, walking, etc.?

A. An excellent topic! Posture is a very important part of appearance. A slouchy posture affects your appearance in a negative way, and pretty posture enhances beauty exponentially!

When sitting, your posture should be such that you are sitting directly on top of your "sitting bones." Your shoulders should be back but relaxed, and your ears should be directly over your shoulders. Avoid any arch in your back; your legs and back should be at a ninety degree angle.

Slide down into your seat gracefully. Depending on the length of your skirt, you can cross your legs at the ankles or cross your legs at the knees. Shorter skirts make it absolutely forbidden for you to cross your legs at the knees, and it is generally considered more proper to cross your legs at the ankles, no matter your skirt length. You can also leave your feet flat on the floor and together, either side by side or one sightly in front of the other. Your hands should be in your lap and possibly to one side rather than in the middle.

When standing, your posture should still be tall and upright. Pin your shoulders back and move your head back so that your ears are over your shoulders. Hold your stomach in, and tuck your hips under as you walk. Take smaller steps and keep your feet under you and close together. This will help avoid a boyish gait and make you appear polished and poised.

As you practice good posture, be confident, wear a smile on your face, and remember that beauty comes from the Lord! Your inner beauty will shine forth as you endeavor to hold high the character and appearance that God has blessed you with!

The Q & A is still open! Leave your question(s) as a comment to this post or e-mail it to: seasonsinclair@gmail.com

Secret Swaps

What is your favorite hair product?

Abby ~ "Giovanni Natural Mousse Air-Turbo Charger is my go-to styling foam. It gives me volume, curls, or waves. Perfect for up-dos that need extra hold and wavy locks for a loose, casual look."

Elyse ~ "I have two favorite hair products -- apple cider vinegar mixed with water and infused with essential oils (vinegar makes the hair shiny and keeps flaky scalp at bay) and Giovanni 2chic Avocado and Olive Oil Conditioner."

Hope ~ "My favorite hair product is Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil. I have never colored my hair, but I know it works great on colored or natural hair. It's also a good product for people like me who have thick and sometimes frizzy hair but still want long hair that is sleek and feminine. One of the best things about this product is that my mom, my sister, and several of my friends also use it, and even though we all have different types of hair, it works great on all of us."

Meghan ~ "Suave Dry Shampoo. Although I couldn't live without my root lifter, hair spray (definitely a necessity), gel, and pomade, I want to share with you an inexpensive product that has definitely changed my thought on showering daily. Suave dry shampoo. I've found that it has kept me from having to take a shower every day and there are countless hairstyles that work much better on "day old hair." So give it a try. I've experimented with numerous different kinds of dry shampoo and yet I still keep coming back to Suave's. It's extremely inexpensive and not only keeps your hair from getting too oily, it also gives you some volume at the crown. I'm a fan!"

Season ~ "Olive Oil Moisturizing Hair Lotion by Organic Root Stimulator is something I don't use very often, but when I do, I know why I love it! My hair is long and very thick and tends to get coarse and dry from time to time. After using the hair lotion, it is silky and shiny."

Question and Answer

Q: "My question is about hair; what would you define as long hair, short hair, etc. I know this is an extremely subjective topic, but I would love to know what you think. I have hair half way down my back, and everyone says to me, "You must never cut it!" Yes, it makes me laugh because I have friends with hair below their waists. Long hair is beautiful, and glorious, but the question is, how long is long?"

A: Great question! And you're right -- hair length is a very subjective subject! I have had hair at all different lengths -- to my knees when I was very young, then hips, then shoulders, again to waist, then upper back, then down to waist again, mid-back, again to shoulders, and most recently a short bob above my shoulders. The Lord has blessed me with thick, fast-growing hair, so I've tried a variety of styles and lengths. (Still haven't tried the Audrey Hepburn pixie, but that is on my bucket list. ;)

I think "long" is in the eye of the beholder. If you google "long hair," you'll find pictures like this:

to

Long hair can be beautiful, but more importantly, healthy hair is what always looks best.

Young ladies who decide to keep long hair sometimes think they never need a hair cut. Nope. Regularly getting a trim will keep the dead ends off and hair healthy looking; it also encourages hair to grow. 

Also, it's important to determine what cut is best for you. Seek advice from a professional. A good hair stylist will listen to you and then talk with you about your face structure and hair texture so you can decide what cut and style(s) will be most becoming to your face.

Having your hair "short" or "long" is a tricky decision. Longer hair takes more time and can be really fun when you are young. Just remember, above all, go for healthy and well-styled. This will always look timeless!

Question & Answer

Q: Do you ever allow guest posts?

A: Absolutely! We love guest posts. Simply email Abby with your submission. Please know that the post will be looked over by our fabulous editor. We do reserve the right to makes changes to a post, or not post at all, if it does not uphold the same values as Silk and Purple.

Send your posts in! We would LOVE to read them!!

Q: How can I get involved with Silk and Purple?

A: If the Lord is calling you to invest some of your talents in Silk and Purple, then please contact us. Maybe you would like to pray with us or help us share Silk and Purple to reach more young ladies. Or if you are looking to become more deeply involved, you might fit in as a regular contributing writer, a graphic artist, or be a part of our marketing team. Or maybe you're a savvy shopper and like sharing style ideas! 

As the brain child of Abby so many years ago, the one thing she has learned is she can't do it alone! We would so appreciate your involvement!!!

Question and Answer

Q: I was just wondering, what is the appropriate thing to wear for a school dance? I want to wear something cute, but don't want to show off so much. But how low would be too low and what would be too high? I am really confused when it comes to dress shopping. HELP!

A: What a great question. It is so fun to have occasions to dress up a bit more!  

With any occasion, it's important to know what the dress "code" will be. Is it formal, semi-formal, or just dressy casual? I say this because it's not good to be overdressed for any occasion. It shows a lack of good taste. For a school dance, you'll want to be comfortable and want to have the freedom to move around without the worry of a hemline rising or your top showing too much. You will have more fun if you're not constantly thinking about pulling at your clothing. If you observe girls with strapless or mini dresses, they will CONSTANTLY make adjustments throughout the evening... not fun.

Here are a few ideas of what would be appropriate to wear to a more dressy occasion. Remember you don't always have to wear a dress to be "dressy." An elegant skirt and top can be easier to find sometimes than a dress. For a more polished look, tuck in the top if the skirt has a fitted waist.

Remember to never underestimate a good black dress. Accessories are your best friend for dressing something up or down.

Add a cami to this red dress for modesty. Also note this dress hemline can be lowered by this company.

Question and Answer

Q:I am 12; do you think that I am too young to wear any kind of makeup???

A:12 is such a wonderful age! You are starting to learn how to make wise decisions and developing godly character. When I was 12, I loved all the pretty things of life :) (makeup included), but my mother was wise in leading me into the transition of womanhood slowly. On very special occasions, my parents allowed me to wear a little blush, under eye cover, and lip gloss.

Youthful bloom is on your side at your age. Celebrate this season of life and cherish the days when makeup is not necessary. Makeup is fun, but don't be in a rush. This step of womanhood will come sooner than you can imagine! I had friends who were allowed the liberties of using makeup at younger ages than 12, but in a sense, the drive to fast-forward their lives stole away their days of youth. Makeup will make you look older, so I encourage you to look into your heart and see if there's a possibility you are a little discontent with the age you are right now. This is a question I ask myself very often, even at the age of 21. Desiring to become a woman is a worthy goal, but keep sight of growing a heart that is close to the Lord, and your girlhood will transition into the woman whose beauty will never fade.

Seek guidance from your parents. Honoring their request is far more important than my advice. Regardless of when you start wearing makeup, start slow. Use colors that fade into your skin tones that make you glow rather than stand out :)

P.S. Remember, it's important, no matter your age, to take care of your face. Washing, toning, and moisturizing are good habits to start now so you will keep your youthful glow for years to come.

Question and Answer

You ask, and we will try our best to answer! Don't forget to check out our QnA page in the tab bar.

Q: Where do you get inspiration for style ideas?

A: Blogs, design and beauty books, Etsy, art, and great photography... but really inspiration can come from anywhere -- whether it's rusty old garden tools or sleek modern architecture! Keeping a few files on your computer of great photography, fashion finds, crafting projects, and beloved works of art are great ways to develop a personal style. Pinterest is another new way to keep your inspirational ideas.

Q: How do you find such cute Buys of the Week?

A: Google is a mighty tool, and we use it to its fullest when searching for the Buy of the Week posts each Wednesday. We also have some favorite online shops that we definitely frequent. Our goal is not to always showcase shops that offer all modest clothing {though we do love it when we find them}, but rather to show truly lovely garments from everyday stores. Unfortunately, gone are the days when you could walk into a store, point to what is on the mannequin, and purchase the whole outfit. We have to dig and mix and match from many different shops. It's a lot like treasure hunting! 

We want to know!

We've been public for two months and want more of your lovely feedback!

Leave a general comment, a topic you'd like us to tackle, or a question you might want answered!

Also, Silk and Purple is looking for sponsors! If you have an online store, Etsy shop, local business, or blog, visit our Spectacular Sponsors and Lovely Links page to find out more. 

Remember you can reach any of our team at:

silknpurpleprov31@gmail.com

Or to contact Abby or Elyse personally:

missabby@silkandpurple31.com

misselyse@silkandpurple31.com

Be sure to grab Silk and Purple's button on the sidebar and add it to your blog or website. We depend on you to pass on Silk and Purple to many young ladies and are so thankful for all who have been sharing and supporting this ministry!

We give thanks to the Lord for opening many new doors and for closing the ones that are not in His perfect plan. All we have need of His hand will provide, for His faithfulness is abounding. Please keep Silk and Purple in your prayers as we will be praying for you, that your life will penetrate this dark world.

grateful,

Question and Answer

Here is a great question we recently received from a mom:

Q: What is the recommended age to follow Silk and Purple?

A: Silk and Purple was created to reach a wide age range. While we have many women reading and gathering creative ideas from this blog, we do not believe we have biblical jurisdiction to instruct and lead wives and mothers in the ways of scripture. Our focus is on unmarried young ladies! We love for wives, mothers, and grandmothers to read the blog, and our prayer is that they will share it with the young ladies in their lives. 

We all mature differently. The Victorian idea that girls are not concerned about appearance until 15 is a long-forgotten thought. We believe that the maturity level of a girl should be determined by her parent or guardian. We desire Silk and Purple to be a wonderful resource to girls entering the years that can be the most exciting and productive -- the preteen, teen, and young adult years. Preteen may mean 12 for some girls, others as early as 10. We encourage parents to determine when it is best for their daughters to engage in outside instruction regarding their outward appearances and the deeper heart issues.

We will always strive to place disclosures to help parents censor sensitive subjects in protecting young, pure hearts, as well as provide admonition to the young lady to seek the counsel of her spiritual head!

~ Abby and Elyse

Find more QnA here!

Question and Answer

Q: How high is too high when it comes to high heels?

A: Let's think about why and when heeled shoes were created. A small heel has been around for hundreds of years, but I would say it was during the Renaissance and especially the Baroque eras that shoes became their own fashion statement. They were no longer just necessity, but could be frivolity!

The classic pump as we know it today appeared in the early 1900s. The purpose behind wearing these shoes was to make one taller and create a longer looking leg. Dresses at this time became a lot shorter than in previous annals of history, so legs were now noticed. As time moved on, so did the height of the heel -- from a small 1-1.5 inch to a shocking 6.5-7! The 1960s and '70s platform also changed the shoe movement. These generations seemed to want to push the limit on everything! In the '80s and '90s, heels took a little rest. As women were climbing the ladder of success in the corporate world, shoes had to become more practical, and the only gals wearing the over-the-top high heels were Hollywood stars and desperate prostitutes.

Along the way, taking us into the new millennium, we met up with a woman named Carrie Bradshaw, a.k.a., Sarah Jessica Parker, on a provocative, hit television show. She taught us that you can "have it all" and "do it all" in sky-high, sexy, platform heels! Parker and her gang changed the face of western civilization by somehow "empowering" women to be symbols of lustful ambition and still be "classy," just because they were searching for “true love.” Their view of fashion has now penetrated our culture -- shoes being an ultimate symbol of lust!

Now, let's don't throw the baby out with the bath water. Shoes are not evil! They can, however, become objects of a stereotype. I personally like a reasonable-sized heel when I'm dressing an outfit up a little more. When I wear a longer dress or skirt, heels are a great way to balance the proportion to my form. Also, they are a great way to add a splash of color and personality to an outfit -- very classy when done correctly.

When selecting any shoe to wear, first consider the efficiency it will provide you. If you are only thinking about keeping your balance in a pair of 4-inchers, then I would suggest picking a lower-sized heel. Playing to our vanity can be easy to do when all we are thinking about is what we are wearing. Our concern should be for others, not keeping our balance and wondering how many people are admiring us when we walk across a room.

A pair of 2-inch black heels are, I believe, a basic, but talk with your parents about the shoes and find the best fit for you as a representative of Christ and your family.

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Have a question? 

Send it to us via facebook or e-mail and we will try our best to answer it and post it on Silk and Purple's QnA Page!