Frazzled Fridays!

An Accessory Faith?

My beautiful friend Carol Davis, said something this past weekend at the end of She Speaks that pricked my heart.  If I remember correctly, she said she used to have an "accessory" faith.  Now it's a "necessity" faith.  Whoa.  How long have I worn my faith as an accessory.  Can it be easily removed, broken, repaired, changed.  Worn when and where I deem appropriate; on special occasions only.  My accessory faith can adorn me, providing an exterior "bling", but is it real?

I am challenged by her statement.  I want my faith to be a necessity NOT an accessory.  Not something that can be easily removed and exchanged or put away in a box to be forgotten and discovered at another time. I want my faith, my love and worship of Jesus Christ, to be so necessary that I cannot take a breath without Him.

I've been reading in Isaiah this week.  Isaiah 42:16 (NLT) says, "I will lead blind (Dawn) down a new path, guiding (her) along an unfamiliar way.  I will brighten the darkness before (her) and smooth out the road ahead of (her).  Yes, I will indeed do these things, I will not forsake (her)." (emphasis mine)

Isaiah 42:20 (NLT) - "You see and recognize what is right but refuse to act on it.  You hear with your ears, but you don't really listen."

Isaiah 43:1-4 (NLT) - "But now (Dawn), listen to the LORD who created you... the one who formed you says, Do not afraid, for I have ransomed you, I have called you by name; you are mine.  When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.  When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.  When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.  For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.  .... you are precious to me.  You are honored, and I love you."

What a beautiful love note!

I woke up this morning to this song on the radio... Not a coincidence, not at all!  So reminded to look for blessings or "b-lessons"(a lesson that is a blessing) in those deep waters and rivers of difficulty.

Next time, I will talk about fall 2011 accessories... can't wait!!

Blessings!

Dawn

Frazzled Fridays!

Hey frazzled friends!  Well I don't have any fashion or retail musings for you today.  I do have wonderful news!  My husband has started a new job (Praise You Lord!!) which means very soon I will be able to drop one of my part time jobs and can focus more on my blog and speaking ministry.  Yay!   

Love to all!

Dawn

Frazzled Friday!

Musings of a (wanna be) Retail Therapist

Hi Frazzled Friends!  This week's post is gonna be short - no pun intended!! Ha!  Anyway... I recently had a great time helping a friend shop for a few new outfits.  And by-the-way, I'd love to come along with you on your next clothes shopping excursion!  It would be great fun!  I promise!  

As we were picking items out, looking specifically for the best colors and the best style for her body, she began looking for a particular size.  I "gently" reminded her that different manufacturers make clothes differently and therefore the sizing can be all over the place.  (Example:  I have jeans in my closet that I can wear now, that range from a size 8 to a size 14.)

When suggested that she go up a size in a particular item, she said what most of us say; "I'm not going up to the that size!" "No way!"    ...   I know that I've said this before, have you?   Although I tried to encourage her that it was not about the number of the tag but how it fits your body, she remarked, "but I'm a numbers person."  Ummm.  

Ok, so what does that add up to?  Does size ___ equal too big, too little or not quite enough?  By whose measuring tape are we trying to measure ourselves against?  Yes, it's true that our bodies change over time in all kinds of ways ; up, down and around; but don't you know that this is how God planned us from the beginning?  Yes, we do need to take good care of our bodies because they are the dwelling place of the Most High God.  So there may be areas that have a little or a lot of opportunity for improvement.  But this does not mean that if you have to wear a certain "size" that makes you look proportional and just plain nice that you no longer need to attend to the business of caring for your body.  If you need to lose or gain some weight or tone up here or there then do so in a healthy way and then when the time is needed, go back to the store to purchase clothes that will fit your updated shape!

Realistically, do we really think other people know or even care what number is on the tag of our clothes?  More importantly, do we understand that God does not care what the size says on that tag!?!

I Samuel 16:7 (NKJV)

For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance (or the size on the tag), but the LORD looks at the heart.” (emphasis obviously mine!)

Love y'all

Blessings!

Dawn

Frazzeled Fridays!

^{Fancy Pants}

But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this? Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use? (Romans 9:20-21 - NLT)

God says He created your inmost being (Psalm 139:13-14).  He even knew you before you were created!  He loves you very much and wants to have a personal relationship with you.  Not just when something goes wrong or something bad happens.  An every day, every hour, every moment relationship.

Go with me here... just because my body (the pottery) was not shaped like 'hers' does not mean that her body (or pottery) is more beautiful or special than mine!  I am constantly convicted when comparing myself with others.  Whether it's the way I look, the way I act, my blog, my ministry, my circumstances.  God loves us unconditionally.  We don't have to DO anything or BE anyone other than who He created us to be.  That should be freeing.  But I suspect others struggle with this like I do.  “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Eph 2:10 (NLT)  

In one of her devotions, Renee Swope said "...God has taught me that He wants my spiritual ears more than my spiritual efforts. He wants daily dependence, interaction and intimacy with me. And He is more concerned with my character than my calendar."   Over this last year the Lord has been surveying, drilling, building and shaping my character.  I can say for certain that this has not been the most pleasant experience.  

When you (we) find ourselves comparing the way we look, certain body parts, your clothes, we MUST constantly allow the Spirit to whisper Truth into our hearts... “The king is enthralled by your beauty…” Ps 45:11 (NIV) and my "vase/pottery" may not be as fancy as "hers" but God created us exactly this way because he knew that it was the absolute best for each of us. 

Speaking of fancy pants... I thought I would give you some tips for the best type of jeans for your body type (click here for information on body types).  I realize it is summer now, but there are times when long jeans are necessary and, there are lots of jean shorts and other shorts with pockets.  And there is a secret to pockets.  Read on.

For 'b' body types:

• Make sure your jeans cover your midsection, particularly if you tend to have a muffin top.
• 
• Find jeans with flap pockets with buttons
• Pockets that are not too far apart
• Pockets with decorations in a curvy or vertical line or design.

For 'o' body types:

• No skinny or wide-leg jeans.  You want to have jeans that help form a straight line - balance.
• Stay in between the skinny and wide-leg styles with a relaxed fit or boot cut. 
• Mid-rise is best. 
• Consider wearing a tummy shaper or a camisole shaper. 
• Make sure the pockets on your jeans do not have lots of bling on them (draws attention) and, that the pockets hit right where your bottom begins to curve under.

For 'd' body types:

Because it is very difficult to find a pair of jeans that fit nicely on your waist, hips and thighs, you need to find jeans that fit nicely on your hips and thighs first.  Then if needed, have them taken in in the waist.  This may mean that you will need to go up a full size in your jeans so that when they are taken in it doesn't pull the waist down too far in the back.  Concern over the size? Cut the tag out!  You want to know that you look good in your jeans, not what size they are.

• Look for relaxed fit jeans that do not hug your hips and thighs (draws attention). 
• • Stay away from decorative pockets or pockets with flaps.  These make your rear end look bigger. 
  If the pocket has some detail on it, make sure it is curvy or vertical in shape.  Horizontal designs make your hips look wider.
  
  • Large pockets make your bottom look smaller
  • Simple and small designs are best on pockets that are proportionally sized and spaced on your bottom.

For 'x' body types:

• Because your body is already balanced or proportional top to bottom you can wear most styles of jeans (or pants/shorts)! 
• If you tend to gain weight in your tummy area, consider wearing a tummy shaper
• Pockets should be proportionate to your size and shape.  (i.e., women who are size 12-14 or higher should not have small pockets on their jeans - looks unbalanced).
• Mid size pockets with mid size designs
• Notice the design on the back pockets.  If your bottom tends to be wider, you want to have curvier and more vertical designs.
• Bottom of pockets should hit right where your bottom starts to curve under.

Now that you know what styles of jeans (or pants and shorts) to look for, PLEASE remember to bend over and look in the mirror when you try on jeans, shorts, pants.  Is anything showing or falling out?  When you crouch down does the waist line fall well below ... well, you know... no plumbers please!  Are they too tight?  If any of these are true, then move on to another pair. 

So that's it for today my frazzled friends.  Feel free to leave a comment or question!

Blessings!

Dawn

Frazzled Fridays!

Well Suited

Part 2

I'm back!  I apologize.  I took an unannounced hiatus for dance competition season.  I didn't really think that anyone was paying much attention to the blog until I received a facebook post saying they missed it!  So good; someone is reading this!

So where was I...?  Oh yes, bathing suits!  So did you try yours on?  I did!  Look, I'm not letting you do this alone.  We're in this together.  Today I will encourage you regarding the best 'style' of bathing suit for your body type.  We must also remember that we have a responsibility not to "trip" men/boys up - to see more than they should.  As a mother of a son, I cringe during bathing suit season the most.  It is absolutely possible to have a very stylish AND modest bathing suit!

In general, one piece suits or tankinis are most flattering and modest (in general) on all body types.  Here are some known concerns amongst our individual body types:

Do you want to conceal muffin top, tummy, or upper midriff?  This is for any of the body types - b, o, d, x.

Then you will need to get a suit with extra spandex or Lycra.  The sales associates can show you the different brands that have extra spandex or Lycra.  Do know that these suits are a little more expensive, but absolutely worth the money!  These suits WILL make you look several pounds lighter or slimmer.  Also, prints will make your tummy appear flatter!  Cool huh?

Do you have a waistline?  (b, o)  If not, look for suits that have a crossover or shirred middle or side.  This creates the illusion of a waist. 

 

Are you small - busted? (b, d, x)  You will need to choose a suit(s) that have decorative details on the top.  Rings, ruffles, prints, patterns, ruching or contrasting colors.  No plain, dark or solid colored tops.  Built in padding may also be an option.  I'm personally not a big fan of the removable padding, but that's just me.

Are you large busted? (x, b, o)  Support is key for you!  Always, always get a suit with a built in bra with an underwire.  Also look for suits with prints, patterns, v-necks, and darker colors.  High but armholes are nice to keep you all in with no spillage.

 

Do you want to hide your hips?  (d)  Look for suits that are skirted or have higher cut legs.  The skirted suits come in different lengths depending on just how much you'd like to conceal.  Just make sure your swim bottom is longer than the fullest part of your leg.  If it stops right in the middle of the fullest part of your leg that will draw attention to that very spot.   If you opt for a suit with a high cut leg, then a cute wrap skirt is nice to help hide your thighs.  Also, draw attention away from your bottom half by wearing details at the top half.  Look for straps that sit wide on your shoulders which will balance your hips.  Do not wear a halter neck top.  Remember, balance. 

Do you need to add more curves? (b, x)  Look for suits that have designs or patterns in the center of the suit to create the illusion of a curvier figure.

If you are long-waisted or are tall and slim look for lower neck lines and leg-eyes which will shorten the look of your body.  Avoid vertical designs or stripes!

 

If you are short-waisted or just short, vertical stripes or designs/prints make your body look longer and taller.  Higher cut leg eyes make your legs look longer.

 Are you a plus size?  Then go bold!  Bold prints are awesome for you!  Also look specifically for suits with 15-20% spandex or Lycra.  Again, you may spend a little more money on these suits because of the minimizing fabric, but quality is important as well as comfort and support.

Are your arms heavy?  Then find a suit that draws attention to your neckline with lots of details and decorations, or even a pattern in the middle of the suit.  An added sheer-armed coverup in the same color as your suit will help conceal your arms.

More tips:

For b body types, tankinis are perfect for you, especially those with a flare top that doesn't hug your tummy.  Patterns are best as well as halter tops.

 

For o body types, patterns and solid colors with shirring are best for you.  A suit with strong bra support is a must!

D body types should stay away from halter tops (minimizes shoulders, making hips appear bigger) and choose wide shoulder straps.  Suit tops can have horizontal strips or prints.  Skirted suits are great for you too.  Just make sure the skirt does not fall in the middle of the fullest part of your thigh.

If you are an x body type you can wear just about any bathing suit.  However, pay attention to where you tend to gain weight and use the tips above for the other body types to help keep your proportion and balance.

Accessorizing along with your new swim suit is fun too!  Don't forget hot shades (check out my earlier post where I talked about sunglasses), a coordinating cover up, sandals or flip flops and a great beach bag to carry all your sunscreen and magazines or books.  Don't forget painted toes!  Super cute!  

I'm ready to get my shop on and find a great new bathing suit and cover up!  How about you?!

As I end this week's blog, I would love for you to partner with me in prayer as I continue to seek God's direction for the ministry he has led me to.  I am sending promotional materials out for fall and winter speaking events, and into next year as well.  If you know of a women's group or church who would like more information on my speaking topics, please let me know.  Word of mouth marketing is so powerful!   I would also love to get together with small groups of women and do "style parties".   This would be a great way to find out more about your fashion personality and get tips and tricks on your best colors and dressing your God-given, beautiful body!  We could even do a fun fashion show! 

Blessings!

Dawn

Frazzled Fridays!

Well Suited

Part One

Hello Friday Friends!  I have chosen to blog about swimsuits/bathing suits before jeans because if you are like me it could take several trips to several different stores (or on-line ordering) to find the "right" suit.  However, if you are like me shopping for jeans is just about as stressful!  But that's because I am a 'd' body type and "normal" jeans don't work well for me.   But I digress...

For some, Spring Break is still a few weeks away, for others there may be big plans to get away to some place tropical around Memorial Day.  Either way, it's time...  And, please, please understand that I am right there with ya!  But I will be brave if you will.   Also, please understand that I am "preaching" to myself too.  

We have to give ourselves a break.  Regardless of what we see in airbrushed magazines and digitally enhanced movies, etc. no body is perfect.  Everyone has certain body parts they are not happy with; hence, the great success of plastic surgeons.  Uh um.  Just sayin'.  We need to be realistic.  Bathing suits are designed for swimming and/or sun-bathing.  Therefore, those areas that are not yet toned as we would like may very well be seen.  But you CAN look GOOD in a bathing suit!  Really you can!

Our goal for bathing suits is the same as dressing in general: balance and proportion.  Taking attention away from our challenge areas.  So you need to know your body type, challenge areas, and the parts of your body to accentuate.  Click here to review body types. 

Ok, here's what 'we' need to do first:  Try on last year's suit and get in front of a FULL length mirror.  This really is important!  I hear you now....ugh, no, argh... but seriously, if you are wanting to look your absolute best in a new suit this year it is imperative that you see how you look in last year's suit.   I hope I've convinced you this is a necessity. This activity is not meant for you to berate yourself and only look for flaws!  Look to see if last year's suit makes you look as cute as you are!!  Now, face the mirror first.  Does the suit conceal your fluffiest part(s)?   If you have a larger bust does your suit hold your girls in or is there spillage?  Do they droop, or sit nicely between your elbows and shoulders?  Then stand sideways.  Does it hold your tummy in?  Now face away from the mirror and look at the back of your suit.  Does it cover your bottom completely?  If you are a 'd' body type (hips and thighs) where does the leg opening stop on your thigh (cut high or not)?  Does it have a skirt?    Do you like the way the skirt falls or covers?  

Is last year's suit a color that flatters you?  For info on your best colors click here.  The right color is slimming!  It's that important!  If you are a soft, for goodness sakes please get rid of your black swimsuits! 

After your last year's suit assessment I would suggest having a plan by choosing one or two stores with a good selection of bathing suits and shopping there the first day.  Make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to shop.  This is too important to rush.  If you can go without children that would be best.  Wear really small underwear *smile*.  Don't wear socks when trying swim suits on!  You may want to get a nice pedicure before you go.  Make sure to take last year's suit with you to compare.  And finally, with the way bathing suits are designed you may very well wear at least one size larger than your regular clothes.  This is NORMAL!  So if you usually wear a size 12, then your bathing suit should be a 14.  And please don't stress about the tag size - like I've always said, if it bothers you, cut it out.  The most important thing is to be comfortable and look your best in your bathing suit, not what size it is!

Next week we'll talk more about which styles of suit look best on your individual body type.  I hope you all have a fantastic weekend and a blessed week ahead.  

Blessings!

Dawn

Frazzled Fridays!

Back to Spring Trends

All the Extras!!

Happy Frazzled Friday my friends!  I hope your week has been pleasant and productive.

The world of accessories - all the extras that bring an outfit together is abuzz this Spring (ha, no pun intended!).  There are several decades of influence this season from the 50's to the 80's.  So, you really can't go wrong, huh?!  

Love this slate stone combo

Things to add to your wardrobe can be bought at a variety of stores at a variety of prices.  Choose what's best for your budget.  Bangle bracelets - in lots of pretty colors or wooden and jeweled ones.
  

 

 

 

And look at these great Spring colors:

And one more; pretty jeweled one... although this could be a magnified statement ring.  Pretty non-the-less.

Also for wrists this season, colorful, whimsical, watches!

Notice the bright citrus color - very popular

 

 Even the very popular turquoise....

On those beautiful fingers (yes, yes they are!), make sure you have at least one statement ring.  Something that really pops out and makes a statement.

The very popular coral

How about this pretty gold/silver ring that is very dressy indeed:

Necklaces are long and bold this season.  Either long with pendants or short with longer pendants. 

Wooden, jeweled with a tribal flair:

The very popular turquoise, with the new wooden style intertwined.  Love this piece!!

Scarves continue their popularity this Spring with lighter weight materials.  

Florals and animal prints too!

Then we have those gorgeous, chandelier earrings:

Tribal inspired tassel earrings

Now, for out on the town, or out and about... sunglasses and bags!

The newest trends in handbags carried over from the last fall are satchel handled bags.  

And on the wild side - zebra print!  

And don't forget RUFFLES!

I will go into a little more detail with the "shades" - our big time summer wear, sunglasses!  When choosing sunglasses you need to take into account the shape of your face.  The trends this season are oversized, cat eye, aviator, Victoria Beckham and John Lennon styles.  Oversized is not for everyone. If you have small features these will overpower you.  Pick frames with smaller lines.

If you have an oval face the butterfly frames (some of the Victoria Beckham-like styles) are good as well as the cat eye styles. 

If your face is shaped more like a square try rounder frames like the John Lennon style or cat eye style.

 

For those with round shaped faces, look for sunglasses that are more angular, such as rectangular or square. And the aviator styles is great for you!  Both of these styles will make your face appear slimmer.

And for the (sweet) heart-shaped faces, you need glasses that will balance your beautiful face.  So do not get sunglasses with decoration at the top.  Try butterfly, cat eye or John Lennon styles.  

And so dear frazzled friends, this series of Spring trends must come to a close.  I will continue updating you as we get further into Spring and the start of Summer (can you believe school will be out in about 6 weeks!  Where oh where did the time go!)  

So tell me, are you looking at swim/bathing suits yet?   They all look really good on the ladies in the magazines!!  If we all wear the right kind of suit for our body type, we will all look great in bathing suits!  Really AND seriously!    I will be blogging about these wonderful "suits" very soon.  Would you rather hear about the perfect jeans for your beautiful, one-of-a-kind body first??  Let me know!  Until next time sweet friends....

Blessings!

Dawn