Friday, May 1, 2009

color me loverly

What's Your Season?

I am amazed at the unique make-up of each individual, for not only does every one of us ladies have unique figures (as we discussed earlier), but we have a unique undertone to our skin of which certain colors are most flattering to.

I bought a red sweater once, in which I loved the fit; however, the shade of red seemed to wash me out and had an overpowering effect. This same sweater I gave to a friend and it looked great on her! How is that? It was after I read Color Me Beautiful did I begin to understand more fully how this could be.

In this book, an idea was presented that each woman as her own color palette which best complements her and may be described in the way of a season: summer (cool colors), spring (warm colors), winter (cool colors), and autumn (warm colors).

There are certain physical attributes which determine your season (eye color, hair color, skin undertone, etc.). According to the the season determining tests, I am a spring. I have golden undertones to my skin, so I look best in warm, bright and sunny colors. The red sweater I bought was bold with a blue undertone, so of course it would look better on my winter friend who looks best in cool bold colors and jewel tones.

Knowing my colors has helped me a whole lot! It's great to know what colors suit you best, and to build your wardrobe with only those colors as your guide, so that every shade in your closet is flattering to you.

Find out what season you are here.

So, what season are you?


Sincerely spring,

Abigail

Thursday, April 30, 2009

fit to flatter

Have you ever seen your friend wear a style that you loved, but when you tried the style yourself, it looked aweful? If so, that's probably because she has a different figure than you! I know this can be frustrating, but there are some who have researched on the topic and have discovered how to best flatter the various figures we ladies have.

Shabby Apple is not only a clothing line that promotes modest dress, but they help you find the "fit to flatter". Have you the figure of an hourglass, apple, pear, pencil, or that of being athletic, womanly, tall, short? Find out: take the quiz!

You can also read the following article for more details on the subject. I found it on a modbe blog by modbe consultant, Laurie Farmer. modbe specializes is more modest-style swimsuits (compared to secular standards, though you may discern for yourself). The following article highlights clothing styles along with swimsuit fits for the various figure types. It's very useful!

Choosing Your Swimsuit
Choosing a Modbe swimsuit that is right for you may be easier than you think. This year’s lineup of Modbe swimwear was designed to cover and flatter all body types, but our shape guide might give you a little extra guidance if you’re undecided.

Here's the lineup:

1. Pear Body Shape:

You Have:
Smaller shoulders, bust and waist; heavier hips, bottom and thighs.

Guiding Principle:
Balance your proportions by visually slimming your bottom half and playing up your top.

You Want:
Detailed or colorful tops, boat neck tops, horizontal strip tops, hip length tops, A-line skirts, empire waist dresses, bootcut or straight leg pants with bigger pockets, wide strap swim tops to broaden shoulders, and dark swim bottoms either in brief cut or bikini cut.

Modbe Suits That Really Flatter You:
The Halter Full-cup coverage with gathering and removable padding gives the illusion of a larger chest. The Bandeau Gathered, padded top that is cinched together in the middle creates a fuller look on top. The Ruffle Wrap Ruffles along the top draw the eye upward to create detail and fullness.

2. Boy Body Shape:

You Have:
A straight shape, narrow hips, small bust and not-so-curvy waist.

Guiding Principle:
Add visual details that create a womanly figure.

You Want:
Ruffled or detailed tops with nipped waists, lower necklines, fuller sleeves, floating fabrics, tailored curvy jackets, any pant cut, skirts and dresses with a little swing and/or details at the waist, halter or bandeau swim tops, and bikini swim bottoms with colored band or brief cut.

Modbe Suits That Really Flatter You:
The Halter Heart-shaped front opening and full-bust coverage gives more shape to the figure.
The Bandeau Cinched top and wide straps with fitted mid-section provide a curvy illusion.
The Lace Up The “V” in the front and lace-up details create visual curves.

3. Curvy Body Shape:
You Have:
A full bust and hips, and possibly a dress size of 14 or bigger.

Guiding Principle:
Minimize your curves but don’t deny they’re there.

You Want:
Open necklines, hipbone or wrist length tops and jackets, draping fabrics, fitted tees with scoops or V-necks, bootcut pants, wrap dresses, halter or crossback swim tops and brief cut swim bottoms.

Modbe Suits That Really Flatter You:
The Ruffle Wrap Ruffles along the top draw the eye upward. Paired with the black Banded Bikini or the black skirt, this suit will help you look long and lean.
The Diagonal The crisscross back offers support in the right places and the ruching disguises any mid-area problems.
The Lace Up Lace-up front brings the chest in, and the V-neck opening and adjustable back crisscross ties slim and narrow the body.
The Retro Adjustable straps, twisted front and busier prints offer comfort and are visually slimming.

4. Slender/Petite Body Shape:

You Have:
A proportioned body and a height under 5’4”.

Guiding Principle:
Wear shapes that don’t overwhelm your delicate frame and zero in on the pieces and combinations that elevate your look.

You Want:
V-neck tops, ½ sleeves, hip length tops, fitted tops, above-the-knee hemline, lower front rise pants, empire waist or long fitted dresses, halter swim tops and bikini or brief cut swim bottoms.

Modbe Suits That Really Flatter You:
The Halter Full-cup coverage with gathering and removable padding gives the illusion of a larger chest.
The Bandeau Gathered, padded top that is cinched together in the middle creates a fuller look on top.
The Ruffle Wrap Ruffles along the top draw the eye upward to create detail and fullness.
Broad/Busty Body Shape:

You Have:
A more than generous bust line with broader shoulders. Sometimes called V shape.

Guiding Principle:
Downplay your top curves with good support, and avoid bulky, over voluminous clothing.

You Want:
V-neck tops, scoop tops, fitted (not tight) sweaters, dark tops with lighter bottoms, pants with a bit of flair, tops and dresses that subtly fit the torso and waist with a flirty flow below, solid colored halter swim tops and any suit that supports, and proportional swim bottoms with a print.

Modbe Suits That Really Flatter You:
The Halter Full-cup coverage and heart-shaped neck flatter and support your upper body.
The Diagonal Back crisscross ties slim the back and offer adjustable support and coverage.
The Lace Up The V-neck opening and spaghetti straps draw your eye into the center, giving you a slimmer look; adjustable crisscross straps also slim the back.
The Retro Adjustable straps, twisted front and busier prints offer comfort, support and are visually slimming.


Thank you for the blog topic idea, Sarah!

Love,

Abigail

Thursday, April 23, 2009

let's be real

Some of these videos have been pretty well circulated, for which I'm glad. Have you ever wondered why you don't measure up to the standards of pop cultural beauty? Wonder no more, my sister.







With love,

Abigail

Sunday, April 19, 2009

More On Modesty

I was looking on youtube to maybe find some more modest fashion tips or examples, and instead found this video of a group of guys talking about modesty and giving a "guy's perspective". This was a video put together as an ice-breaker for 6th-12th grade girls. I found it to be interesting and insightful and thought you probably would too.

Remember, these are just regular Christian brothers being candid on the subject. I know being as open about it had to be a little awkward, so I commend these guys for pressing past that and being honest about what can be a struggle for them.



Again, for a more detailed look at what may serve as stumbling blocks to our brothers as far as the way we girls dress goes, check out a modesty survey conducted by therebelution.com: http://www.therebelution.com/modestysurvey/

Also, check out Free to Be Modest by Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

Love,

Abigail

Friday, April 17, 2009

Mission Modesty

So I'm hoping to teach the Christian Charm Course at our Christian school here on Guam, and in one of the sections we'll be talking about modesty and dressing appropriately for various occasions.

I am so blessed to have friends I can call in to help with this special project! I knew just who to ask to put together some stylish and modest outfits for the following categories:

What to wear when...
Going to a place of worship.
Going out with family and/or friends (evening).
In a casual/fun setting.


A Place of Worship






Models are Samantha, Mary Anne, and Tori.


Out With Family and Friends (Evening Look)









In a Casual/Fun Setting










I would like to publicly thank these girls for there resolve to keep a personal standard of modesty (for guarding the eyes and hearts of their brothers and not seeking to bring inappropriate attention to themselves); and not only that, but doing it with amazing style!

I will be using these photos and some notes sent in with them to help give a visual to the girls I'll be working with. I want to communicate that dressing modestly doesn't mean looking frumpy, but that with resourcefulness and creativity you can put together outfits that look great yet don't serve as a stumbling block.

If you'd like to contribute to Mission Modesty, please send pictures of your modest outfits to abby1211@gmail.com for the following categories:

What to wear when...
Going to a place of worship.
Going out with family and/or friends (evening).
In a casual/fun setting.

Thank you!

More about modesty:

C.J. Mahaney talks about the "soul of modesty".

Read what guys think about modesty (what they appreciate and what causes them to stumble)- very eye-opening!



Love,

Abby

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Great Read!



So I'm supposed to be reading Jane Austen's classic, Northanger Abbey, but a book a friend lent me seems to be before my eyes anytime I have a spare moment for reading.

Stepping Heavenward: One Woman's Journey to Godliness by Mrs. E. Prentiss has be such a jewel. It's written as the journal of passionate Katherine, who candidly writes about her endeavor for Godliness.


Katherine is one of those characters who is obviously flawed, but oh so loveable. Along her journey she shares timeless truths and desires, such as when she confessed, "But this new happiness is deeper; it involves something higher than getting to heaven at last, which has, hitherto, been my great aim." You also get a peek into how she learned some tough lessons, as she's also the sort of girl who better learns by experience and therefor is liable to get some scrapes and bruises.



Written with humility, grace, and humor, the only thing I can say to you is read it!




-Abigail




Sunday, November 2, 2008

The Court of the King

With the staff that had failed in my need
Where the road had been stony and steep;
With the lamp that was smoking and dim,
Though the darkness was growing more deep;
Weary, too weary to pray
And too heavy-hearted to sing,
Faint with the toils of the way
I came to the court of the King.

There where the fountains fall cool,
Their waters unfailing and pure;
There where the ministering palms
Stand like His promises sure,
Oh! there was peace in its shade
Oh! there was rest in its calm;
And its sweet silences lay
On my bruised spirit like balm.

Long did I kneel in His court,
And walk in His garden so fair;
All I had lost or had lacked
I found in His treasuries there;
Oil to replenish my lamp,
His kindness a crown for my head,
For the staff that had wounded my hand
The rod of His mercy instead.

A garment of praises I found
For the sullen, dark garb I had worn,
And sandals of peace for the feet
That the rocks and the briers had torn;
Joy for my mourning He gave,
Making my spirit to sing,
And, girded with gladness and strength,
I passed from the court of the King.

Annie Johnson Flint


He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. -Psalm 23:3
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