SKIRTS! Finally!

Surprise! Surprise!

Girls, I've discovered a new shop for skirts of all shapes, sizes, and lengths! 

Style J certainly doesn't possess a stock of 5000 items like some of your main department stores but they do carry what we like!  No more rummaging through countless immodest and cheaply made products!

Style J offers beautiful skirts in just about every length, including tall and extra tall which I personally prefer! 

Check it out today!  For updates on newly available skirts and sales, you can choose to subscribe by email!  Yes, I've done so and am looking forward to less tedious shopping!

These people know what we like and have some great, stylish selections to choose from!

Check them out at http://www.denimskirts.com/!

And The Point Is?

Why does an Apostolic Pentecostal website even care about Fashion?

"While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal " (2 Corinthians 4:18).

Having included fashion in this ‘Everything Apostolic Pentecostal’ site, I would like to clarify the reason I've included such a topic for Apostolic Women.

Please do not misunderstand my inclusion of this topic as a statement of salvation; God does not look upon the curtains of your house, he looks upon your heart! God does not judge between the well-dressed sophisticate and the hardier tomboy in her denim skirt and sneakers; he weighs their actions for him.

Based on scripture, God is completely uninterested in the color of the couch, the length of our scarf, or whether we serve appetizers at the ladies luncheon!

As a woman, however, I do understand that we are often concerned with these areas of our lives. Some to the point that they will overstep scriptural mandates to achieve the look they desire; my goal is not to provide a stumbling block or a race for fashion, but rather to provide ideas for securing godly beauty and confidence.

How It All Fits In:

Whether you are a tomboy or a girly-girl, chances are you care what people think of you. Every woman wants to be thought beautiful, smart, worthwhile. There is nothing wrong with this. God created us to be feminine and to care about these things. Just because the feminist movement of the 1960s and 1970s guilted women for being feminine does not mean it is something we should deny in ourselves. We are women.
And looking nice builds confidence!

Furthermore, just because men have over-reacted against the feminist movement as to discourage our women in their ministerial interests doesn't mean you must give up your dreams and ministry. Before the feminist movement, we had countless women ministers in our midst who started churches, lead the way onto the mission field, and held church families together in rough times. Don't allow your womanhood to be despised!

God addressed our love for beauty and how we are to achieve it:

• I Chronicles 16:29, Psalm 96:9, and Psalm 29:2 "worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness." Holiness makes our worship beautiful!

• Psalm 149:4 "he will beautify the meek with salvation." Salvation is a beauty that he grants us when we submit to him in meekness!

As far as our outside adornment, women do care about their looks but we don't have to push the boundaries of godliness to be attractive. It's important that we learn to be holy, for then we can be beautiful physically and spiritually!

Wool

My earliest memories of wool was of those itchy, scratchy wool a-line skirts my mother would put on me in the winter.  She meant well but my skin was always so red and irritated by the end of the evening that it was quite some time before I tried the fabric again in my adult life!

I have found that there is such a thing as soft wool which does not irritate the skin!  It just takes time to choose superior fabric and fit!

Wool, of course, was first utilized to make clothing due to its warmth!  Therefore, it should be common knowledge that this is a winter fabric only!

If you are concerned that wool might irritate your skin, one of the easiest ways to incorporate this very warm fabric into your wardrobe is by using it as a cape or coat. 

In that way, it provides warmth while not coming into direct contact with your skin!  This selection is a particularly charming alternative to the ubiquitous coat!

An adorable addition to the cape is this cap, which comes in a variety of colors to accent your outfit!


While this look will not work for everyone, it is a great way to keep your head warm and pull off an adorable look with wool at the same time!



Aside from winter caps and capes, there are also a number of adorable styles!

Of course, there's also Cashmere!!!  Experiment and add this fabric to your closet soon!

The Blessing in the Curse

As many of you may have noticed--because people have been noticing all my life--my hair is hardly the typical Apostolic length.  Allow me to begin by clarifying that I've never cut nor trimmed my locks before in my entire life.

In fact, the length of my hair is genetic.  There are certain families that cannot grow hair much beyond the middle of their back as their bodies do not produce strong enough strands to withstand the onslaught of daily living.

I remember hating my hair as a teenager.  Many were the times that some other teen--and sometimes even an adult--would approach me, asking if I had cut my hair.  I was always so embarrassed that it wouldn't grow much longer than my shoulder blades.  For a couple years during high school, I seldom wore it down.  I had learned a few techniques for hiding the length of the my hair in a french twist where the cascading curls were actually taken from the crown of my head.

I didn't want to bring a reproach upon my father's ministry or to shame God.  Eventually, however, I found that it's not about what everyone around you thinks.  It's about being obedient to God.

If anything, my inability to grow long hair made me more understanding of others' flaws; I think twice before quickly assuming they are in 'transgression' just because what I see doesn't measure up to my expectations.  Sometimes, there are genetic difficulties ... or even blessings that we are unaware of.

For instance, I also do not wear make-up but my mother suggested recently that I remove one of my profile pictures because my eyelashes looked too dark.  She said, "With your blonde hair, no one will believe that's not make-up!" 

Of course, if you know anything about me, you know that my father has--or shall we say had--jet black hair.  I was, therefore, born with that same hair color.  During my late childhood, my hair turned lighter and lighter like my mother's; my eyebrows and eyelashes remained black, however.

I feel pretty fortunate to have such a combination but, once again, sometimes it leads to disturbing questions.

Still A Quandary

Recently, I have changed careers--all glory to God!  My previous position yeilded quite a bit of harrassment and an immense amount of pressure.  Often, I couldn't keep the tears from overflowing my cheeks as I made dinner and my husband would just stand aside, not sure how to help.

This past November, my beloved grandfather passed away.  November and December were exhausting...overwhelming.  I was daily fearful for my job and the death seemed to push my family members and me over the top.  So much was happening at once.

In response, my hair, which I had coaxed to almost reach my waist for the first time in my life, began falling out in handfuls.  A couple weekends ago, my husband was talking to me while I combed my hair when another section simply came out in the brush.  I just looked at him and began sobbing.

Although I am having blood tests taken to test my thyroid and check for anemia, my doctor has assured me that she believes the sudden hair loss to be due to the incredible amount of stress I have been under. 

The frustrating part?  I'm stressed about being stressed enough to lose my hair!  Unfortunately, it is also breaking off like it's suddenly brittle and yellowing blades of grass.  Not only can you see through it but it has broken off to shoulder length, roughly resembling the lovely furr of a sheepdog!

What To Do When My Best Falls Apart

Of course, I realize that I am not the only woman who faces such frustration.  So many suffer from various maladies--many far more serious than losing hair--and they may not see how the sun will ever shine again.

As I walk through this trial, I just want to encourage any of you facing similar circumstances that, first, God does not look on the outside but rather looks on the heart.

He knows when you've given everything you have and find yourself empty, unable to meet the obligations facing you...and He will make up the difference.  Just like he multiplied the oil for the widow whose sons were threatened with slavery, He can multiply the efforts you've made.  Believe me...or rather, believe God...it will be enough!

Second, no matter how far down you fall...even when you do make mistakes and fail...God is there to catch you if you'll let Him.  Deuteronomy 33:27 says, "The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms."  Beneath all the failures...beneath rock bottom...beneath it all...His arms are waiting to catch you!

And finally, God knows where you are.  In Job 23:10, even Job in all of his trials could say, "But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold."  He has never lost sight of you or lost touch with what you're going through.  God has His eye...and His hand on you!

Just steer your eyes away from what you think everyone else is thinking of you...and keep it simple.  Keep it just between you and God.

It's Not About Them Anyway

Although I am not Catholic, I love this poem attributed to Mother Teresa:

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered;
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;
(It was never between you and them anyway.)

I seldom share trials I am currently facing, but for some reason, I felt this may be needed today.  I hope you enjoy this song that has given me solace so much lately.  God bless...

Dressing for Your Body

Dressing For Your Body ...
And You Do Have One!

Dressing is more than simply finding bargains at the next mall! It is about dressing for your personality, your pigmentation, and, yes, even your body!

So often we see an outfit that looks amazing on another sister or even on a celebrity; we instantly think that wearing that outfit will gain us the beauty she has! However, we each need to realize that we are completely individual!

Unlike Any Other

There is no one quite like you! The mix is totally unique: your hair color, your eye color, the tone of your skin, the shape and size of your body, your personality, and even the body movements that characterize you! No one—even an identical twin—is a carbon copy of another person!

Being so unique then, why do we all try to pack ourselves into the exact same clothing styles?

I’ll tell you why….Hollywood and the media present a one-sided coin to us. You either fit X, Y, and Z of the requirements, or you do not fit in at all!

Unfortunately, Hollywood and the wide array of modeling agencies across our nation do not portray an image or series of images that is a correct representation of our society!

What does that mean?

Over 99% of models and actresses we see in clothing ads, films, and on the stage are smaller than a size 4! However, this is not a representative model! In fact, less than 5% of average American women are that size!

What’s amazing is that we allow that 5% to tell the rest of us what is acceptable. We allow them to dictate our worth and how we measure up in the beauty department!

It’s time to wake up and smell the coffee! These women aren’t any happier with their bodies than we are; many of them have had multiple plastic surgeries! They tuck! They inject! They implant!

There is no satisfaction because they, like many of us, have never understood how to simply dress for their bodies! Before you need to sit a spell on the counselor’s couch, let’s just get some facts out in the open!

Let’s Bust Myth #1 Right Now!

It’s not about having a perfect body. In fact, I challenge you to find a woman with a perfect body! The reason it is impossible is because everyone has a different idea of beauty.

For instance, I recently found out that a male coworker of mine has thought I was sickly since I’ve known him; now, I am not a puny size 0 or even a size 4 by any means, but my height makes me appear thinner than I am. However, since I was not curvaceous, he actually thought something was wrong with me!

His idea of beauty is a woman who is at least a size 14; never smaller has he ever dated! And, let me tell you, he is not settling or desperate as we would say, tearing ourselves down even further. He is a very attractive, very successful, and very intelligent business man who has become dear friends with me and my husband! He isn’t desperate; he simply has a different idea of beauty than those assembling our catalogs!

None of us is doomed to be unattractive; beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder and we have to stop seeing ourselves with Hollywood’s eyes! Doing so can actually wreck our marriages as the men who already love us struggle to understand why their love and adoration are not enough to please us!

No matter your physical size or shape, it is about (1) the inside, and (2) how you package yourself!

Advertising

It is a well-known fact in the advertising world that 80% of what sells a product is its packaging. Sad but true, you could pass up a truly wonderful Bar-B-Q sauce because of shabby labeling in favor of a lesser flavored brand that boasts a creative marketing team!

We all fall for these tricks on a daily basis; isn’t it time we learned a few of them for ourselves?

Now, please don’t misunderstand me. We are not for sale. We don’t flaunt ourselves in a parade, selling ourselves to the highest bidder!

First Impressions….Ok, all impressions
However, it is true that first impressions count! I am reminded of when I used to teach college English. Every semester, I made it my goal to be the most upbeat, encouraging, and even interesting instructor on staff. And for many semesters, my students absolutely loved me!

I was the one they invited to their weddings and their baby showers. I was the one they came to for advice. I was the one that several divulged their hearts to because I was the only stability they could turn to at the time.

Taking care of my first impression with them built lasting relationships—relationships I still have though I have not taught there in over four years!

I am reminded, however, of one semester in particular. I had a bad case of strep throat during the first week of classes. Rather than allowing another instructor to cover for me, I wanted to be there, but I just couldn’t be upbeat, interesting, or even overly friendly. I was exhausted and sick; I thought surely this new group of students would understand.

Instead, their first impression of me had been set. It was the toughest semester I ever taught. They distrusted me and couldn’t understand the visits by former students. That one week made a huge difference!

My packaging was all messed up.

How is Your Packaging?

Packaging matters. It can relate whether you respect yourself or not. In fact, it can tell perfect strangers whether or not you even love yourself.

If you indeed do not care for yourself, may I tell you that no one can love you if you don’t. And no one can love you for yourself if you don’t even know who you are.

If you are in this category, you need to come to the realization that you are worth loving, worth caring for, worth taking care of, before you read further.

Advertising a Woman Worth Pursuing, Respecting, Loving:

Step One

Assuming you care about yourself—after all, you are reading this article:

Advertising involves several steps. First, you must evaluate the product, YOU.

Take out a sheet of paper or a word document and begin listing:

1. What do you dislike about yourself? This can be anything from the crook in your nose (yes, I have one too!) to the way you walk. It can be your laugh or lack thereof. Anything that you are not proud of, list it. Just be honest with yourself.

2. What do you like about yourself? Really think about this and list your ‘likes’ both great and small. Do you like your smile, your ability to decorate, or your nails? What things make you interesting and beautiful? Believe me, these items are there!

3. Now, narrow down your ‘like’ list to at least 3 things you Absolutely Love about yourself! Yes, sometimes it almost feels hypocritical or silly to list these…but it’s important that you do! If you can’t find anything you like or absolutely love, that is an entirely different article! In short, you need some major esteem building. Try this exercise with a loving friend who can help point out your best characteristics for starters!

Step Two

Advertising is now about handling both ends of the spectrum: the good, the bad, and sometimes the ugly!

First, with any product, advertisers try to hide, mask, or simply not mention its defects or imperfections! As humans, we all have weaknesses! What is funny is that. many times, we are the only ones who notice them! However, if hiding or masking them makes you feel more confident as a woman, it’s worth it because that added confidence will be noticed!

A quick example: Some time in my childhood, I seem to have broken my nose…or at least knocked it a bit off course, you might say!

Due to this unfortunate imperfection, my left profile differs from my right! Yes, it’s one of those things that no one seems to notice but me … well, and any of my friends who are reading this who will undoubtedly be looking next time! Hehe….

The profile of my right side shows the slight crook in my nose, making it appear longer and less attractive. The profile of my left side, however, shows a pretty, straight nose that fits me well.

What have I figured out? Well, luckily, the man usually drives when you’re on a date and he sits to the left of the passenger! What luck! Of course, my husband has no idea how many times I opted to sit to his right for this reason nor did he realize the engineering on my part while we were taking engagement and wedding pictures! I’m cautious to show my left side to the camera!

Since I seldom switch the orientation of my personal photographs, you will likely notice that just about every picture of me on this site is of my left side! Voila! Silly but so worthy it to me!

Now that you know my secret….well, my hitmen will be arriving at your door any minute now!

Ok, Back to Advertising

Like I was saying though, advertising is about masking imperfections while highlighting your strong points!

In advertising, they are called ‘features!’ Do you have a beautiful, long neck? Then, stock hiding it underneath turtlenecks! Choose flattering necklines that emphasize your strong feature!

Do you have beautiful hair? Take extra time to make sure it is fixed each day and don’t wear clothing that detracts from it! In fact, wear colors that call attention to your hair color! (More on this later!)

If you can’t find anything you like or absolutely love, that is an entirely different article! In short, you need some major esteem building. Try this exercise with a loving friend who can help point out your best characteristics for starters!

If You Get Anything From This Today,

1. Realize there are no perfect women. We all have weaknesses and strengths; some of us have simply learned to dress accordingly!

2. Assess yourself. What are your weaknesses (or flaws, as we mistakenly call them) and what are your strengths?

3. Stop beating yourself up for being who you are, and stop holding onto an ‘ideal size’ that is out of reach. Start loving yourself now…and dressing like it!

Velvet

Velvet, while being a fabric strictly reserved for cooler climates and months, is an essential for the elegant lady. As Napoleon Bonaparte is quoted as saying, “A throne is only a bench covered with velvet.”

Just imagine the sophistication it can lend a woman’s figure! In a world where appearances add up to impressions, this is one fabric you should definitely include in your fall and winter wardrobe!

Essentially, it doesn’t matter whether you have a perfect waistline, a huge bust, or smooth hips, it’s all about how you flatter your good points and detour attention away from your weak points. One key method is accessorizing! The other is choosing the appropriate tailoring for your figure.

To accentuate your assets, velvet adds a soft texture that invites touch while adding a warmth to your look.

Casual, Business, Church…Anything Goes!

While velvet is seldom used in casual wear, its second-cousin, corduroy, is often a favorite for skirts and jackets. The ivory velvet blazer below would also pull double duty as a dressed-up separate or as a casual piece when accompanied by a denim skirt and the right undershirt and scarf!

Velvet is more readily added to business or church attire than denim, of course! Being dressed up need not be mundane, however.

Outerwear: Cold Weather Calls for Cozy Measures!

Velvet need not be restrained to carefully planned outfits. It can also be used as a mainstay, such as your winter coat, earmuffs, or gloves!

Being most often viewed as a classic fabric, it can be trendy as well! Just look at this goody by Newport News!

On the other hand, velvet can also be part of an exquisitely planned outfit, such as this wedding cloak in ivory velvet!

One can just envision the front doors of an elegant 18th century church opening as the couple emerges and alights into a beautiful sleigh for their getaway!

Finally, Formalwear

While silks and satins are the usual fabrics utilized for formalwear, why not step out of the status quo and try something new? A large part of being an alluring, elegant, and exciting lady is having that touch of mystery about you.

Does your husband know your style inside and out…or is he never quite sure what you’ll appear in? Perhaps an Oriental influence might be in order….such as this black velvet mandarin tunic.

Of course, adding a mysterious, fanciful flare need not involve purchasing a completely new outfit. Accenting pieces you already have is simple with this fabric. For instance, a sheer black shawl with velvet inlay is a beautiful accent even to the simplest piece as you wrap up for the next cool Sunday morning!

A little more on the trendy side, these black velvet gloves are another quick addition that can add pizzazz and class without breaking the piggy bank!

With and without the animal print, these are winners every time! Who says your winter gloves for going out have to be the same ones with which you shovel the front walk?

Seasonal or Non-Seasonal?
Velvet is most definitely a winter fabric. In recent years, several knock-off designers have actually created crushed-velvet T's that are marketed in the summer months. Unfortunately, the wisdom of our grandparents still stands firm and even a young woman like me wrinkles her nose at the smell of sweat that drenches these garments in the summer sun! This is definitely a winter or fall fabric only! Quite simply, it doesn't breath well so you'll feel much more comfortable in the look during cooler days anyway!

How Do I Care For Crocheted Items?
Velvet is strictly a dry-clean material. It's fibers are so delicate that it cannot withstand regular laundering. It will also not endure a whole lot of sitting! I know from experience as I've finally had to retire my favorite black velvet skirt because the back side is worn down to nubs! Basically, be careful with your velvet. If you spill something on it, only dry-cleaning can save it--if it can!

Suede

Suede is certainly for winter wear!  It need not be in drab colors, however!  From boots to pumps to ballet flats, suede is incredibly versatile.  Do be cautious with snow and rain, however, as suede does not hold up well in moisture!

Suede skirts come in all shapes and sizes but often, due to their texture, look best in earthy tones!  While I am not a fan of the A-Line skirt, I could not resist the one above!  It certainly has flair when paired with heeled boots!

Of course, in the case of suede jackets, there are elegant choices and ... not so classy ones!

I personally would consider all three of these styles above to be a wrong use of suede.  The woman in the tan jacket could pass for a man if her face and hair were not showing.  Why would you want to leave anything to chance?  You are a woman!  Dress like one!  Are you a bounty hunter or a creature of mystery and intrigue?

As for the young lady in the draping jacket, notice how she doesn't appear to have any shape at all!  Keep that in mind when buying this heavier fabric! 

As for the tassled suede jackets, I would simply make certain you live in New Mexico where this is more of a cultural statement.  Elsewhere, it will likely make you stand out like a sore thumb!

Below is a collection of beautiful choices for suede jackets that have real personality, class, and femininity!