F.S. ~ Packing Lists

Spend or Save?

Good quality items can last for YEARS. A designer brand doesn't always mean just a high price and a "touty" title -- many times it means a quality product of natural fibers that last.

Below is a list of items that I would spend more money on for the quality, and a list of items that I would choose to spend less for seasonal trends.

Example: I will pool my funds to purchase a pair of classic black leather pumps from Nine West, but I will save my money by buying LOW priced trendy sandals. Each must be comfortable, but one will last only a season; the other will last for years if they're taken care of properly.

Spend More ---------------------------------------- Save More

Black Dress ----------------------------------------- Bright Spring Dress

Watch ------------------------------------------------------- Sunglasses

Classic Pumps ------------------- Flip Flops, trendy Flats and Sandals 

Blouse (neutral color, cream, white, black) -------------- Stylish Tee

Trouser Jeans ---------------------------------------------------- Purse

Swimsuit ------------------------------------------------- Beach bags

Now just because you are spending, this doesn't mean you can't find a great deal. Look for sales and check out the thrift store for items. Often you can find quality for low prices and then you can save and save!

5 Simple Things

If you're like me, there are just simply days when life seems to go too fast and you need to focus on the simple things in life -- not the complex or over-elaborate things. Here are 5 things I find refreshing after a fast-paced week.

1. Read your favorite Bible stories (the ones you think you know by heart).

2. Change your sheets.*

3. Listen to soft classical music and drink country peach tea.

4. Arrange a vase of freshly-cut flowers.

5. Call a friend you haven't talked to in months.

*Proper way to change sheets.

Best Looks...

...from the spring/summer look books! 

We rummaged the Internet to find fabulous outfit inspirations, and this is what we found. As we searched these photos out, we wanted to separate the "wheat from the chaff." Let's be honest, there are a lot of lewd outfits in the look books of 2012. We were encouraged to see many modest separates such as maxi/midi dresses and skirts, but many designers even make those garments very immodest. 

We have found these few photos to prove we can be modest, feminine, and express personality through clothing. We hope you will enjoy and will be inspired!

 

Classy Classics

When you think of classic style, do you think of Audrey Hepburn? Or maybe you think of Jackie O, Grace Kelly, or Kate Middleton? These icons of fashion always seem to be so put together, yet it looks so easy.

That, Ladies, is the secret. When I was a ballet dancer, I was continually reminded that no matter how hard the dance, I had to make it look easy and graceful while performing it. Classic style, I believe, is a lot like ballet. It might take a little more thought, but if done with an air of ease, you can accomplish the difference between preppy and classic. Here is a classic style list to give some inspiration for clothing and accessories!

1. Black dress -- well-tailored to your form
2. Red- or camel-colored pea coat
3. Flesh tone pumps -- not too high
4. White fitted blouse
5. Neutral over-sized, lady-like purse
6. Ballet flat -- black or metallic
7. Fitted cardigan
8. Over-sized sunglasses
9. Red lipstick
10. Navy or black fitted skirt

Clothing of quality will never go out of style! Basic classic pieces can build your wardrobe and make your personal style pull together.

Thrifty Shopping

Let's face it, even if we do find clothing that is becoming to our forms, is modest, and expresses our personalities, the most disappointing factor can be the price tag!!!

Clothing prices are as open and varying as art prices. Many clothing brands and designers designate the price using the value of the name on the tag, not the true worth of the clothing. It is true that clothing made from natural fibers has a longer life than synthetic clothing, but many times what seems real can be fake. (That is a truth within a truth.)

I enjoy shopping, but my bank account does not. I have to exercise a lot of self-control! The secret to looking polished and spending very little money is taking advantage of sales, consignment, and thrift. These shopping avenues take a bit more digging and patience, but I like to think of it as treasure hunting! I have found many jewels in thrift stores!

Here are some tips I keep in mind when I shop:

1. Have a spending plan before I shop.
2. Don't allow myself to become overwhelmed by disorganization. 
3. I find consignment and thrift stores that offer quality clothing.
4. Remind myself to never feel defeated when I walk out of a store empty-handed. Clothing at these type stores change every week, so I'll just check back another time.
5. When going through a rack of clothing, if an item doesn't catch my eye, then I pass it quickly. I start from one end of the rack and go as fast as I can.
6. It's great if the consignment or thrift store has a dressing room, but not always necessary if the store has a good return policy.
7. Brand names on clothing are important to view.
8. I check to see if the garment looks old, e.g., holes, fraying, missing buttons, zipper problems, faded color.
9. Remind myself to not be tempted to over-buy because of the great deals. Keep to the budget!
10. I search for clothing that is up-to-date, not necessarily trendy -- clothing that is classic and fresh.

Happy Shopping and Treasure Hunting!

Vintage and how to wear it!

Are you an admirer of vintage clothing, but are not sure how to wear it? Well, pull out your grandmother's fur coat and embrace the elegance of vintage!

The top thing to remember is a little goes a looooooong way! I love my great-grandmother's fur coat, my grandmother's earbobs, and my 1940's laced Peter-Pan collared dress, but I wouldn't choose to wear them all at the same time (unless needing a 1940's costume). It's important to balance more modern clothing with the flare of vintage!

Seven thoughts regarding vintage...

1. Clothing size numbers have greatly changed! A general rule is to double your size number when shopping for vintage clothing. If you're a Size 8 in today's clothing, start with a 16. ALWAYS try it on or take good measurements.

2. Check for quality of garment. Moths are vintage clothing's enemy! A little hole is a big hole. Be sure to inspect the zipper, hem, buttons and check for stains. Beading and lace can be tricky to examine, but it will be worth your time. No matter how wonderful a garment may seem at a glance, you can't wear it if it's falling apart!

3. Look at all eras of vintage! The 40's seem to be a favorite among young ladies due to its modesty and classic appeal. Remember not every woman in the 60's wore mini skirts and hippie jeans. Some of my favorite vintage items are dated from the 60's and 70's. :)

4. Choose one vintage item, no more than two, when putting an outfit together.

5. Purchasing vintage can get pricey sometimes, so don't go overboard. Yes, it is true you'll truly be one of a kind, but make sure this is the best purchase for you, e.g., don't blow your whole clothing budget on one vintage necklace. Lots of stores now carry vintage-inspired pieces that may be more cost-efficient, so check them out before making a big purchase.

6. It can be fun to add a bit of a vintage twist to your hair and makeup with your ordinary wardrobe!

7. Vintage shops are not the only places that have vintage clothing. Visit the thrift store, the back of your grandmother's or mom's closets, yard sales, and online.

I hope you have a fantastic time making things a little more fun, a little more unique, and a little more elegant!

The Shoppy Guide

Let's face it! Shopping can be just as hard as raking the front yard or just as fun as being treated with your favorite food! Many times we walk, stand, try a million things on -- only to come up empty-handed, or when we do find something, we feel we've won Publishers Clearing House!
Maybe you like shopping or maybe you avoid it like the plague! Either way, here are a few ideas to keep shopping fun, frugal, and fruitful.

Before You Shop

• Plan to make your shopping day fun with family and friends! 
• Ask someone you admire where she shops. If she has time, ask if she might go shopping with you. It's great to get new ideas from friends.
•  The mall is not the only place in the world to purchase clothing. Boutiques, consignment and thrift stores, outlets, vintage shops, and seasonal shopping conventions can be fun!
• Budget how much you are willing to spend. It is easy to go a little crazy with money once you're at a store. By having a spending plan, you won’t have to guess about what you can buy.
• Do some research online before you go. You'll have a better idea of pricing and style.

As You Shop

• Wear comfy ballet flats and an outfit you won't mind changing in and out of. (Tip: I find it's good to wear a basic color camie to use as I try on lower cut tops and dresses.)
• Wear your best undergarments to properly fit in clothing.
• Pack an over-sized tote to carry small water bottles, granola/energy bars for when you are hungry but don't have time to stop for a meal. (Keep tote light so it won't get heavy through your shopping day.)
• Keep an open mind to color and cut! 
• TRY EVERYTHING ON! Even if you're halfway interested, things always look different on the hanger.
• Show Christ's love to those with whom you come in contact.
• Consider minor alterations to clothing items.
• Expect to walk out of a store empty-handed. It's okay not to buy something at a store. Not all stores carry brands for all body types.
• If it's not on sale, it's not worth it. Keep watch on an expensive item; retailers know they can't sell marked-up items. Be wise with your pocketbook!

For me personally, I prefer not to do marathon shopping days. I much prefer shopping at my leisure. I try to keep a running list of items the family needs for when I have time to shop. I try not to have a big mission item I am searching for, e.g., an Easter dress the day before Resurrection Sunday... bad idea. I find that I buy more of my personal style when not having to hunt on a deadline.

If you have to spend a day on a marathon shopping trip due to family scheduling or you like to shop more sporadically (I do do both), remember above all to consider Christ in all that you do -- as you should always do ;)