Dressing with Dignity

Hemlines Dip This Fall

2008-09-01T04:32:00.000-07:00

Long skirts are 'in', so scoop them up while you can.

Hemlines take a dip to mid-calf and longer this fall. Add a longer-length skirt to your wardrobe to add a fresh perspective. Taller gals can go to near-ankle-lengths; shorter women look best in mid-calf lengths.

Carolina Herrera Spring 2008

2008-05-07T09:08:00.000-07:00

Plenty of dresses in Herrera's Spring collection (actually, only one pair of trousers), shirtwaist dresses and cocktail styles topped with sporty cardigans. Lovely colors and materials!

Wool Tights!

2007-11-27T19:36:00.001-08:00

It's getting chilly here in Texas, which means it's downright COLD in other parts of the country. Time to haul out the winter wear...which means warm tights under skirts. Here's a great place to buy wool tights for cuddly, snugly warmth. (It also allows you to keep the house a few degrees cooler in the winter which saves even MORE money!) Normally $30 each, this site has them for under $20.

Anne Klein Spring 2008

2007-10-26T20:12:00.000-07:00

Aquascutum Spring 2008

2007-10-26T20:00:00.000-07:00

Imagine ALL the skirts two inches below the knees...!!!

Alexander McQueen Spring 2008

2007-10-26T19:35:00.000-07:00

Anna Sui Spring 2008

2007-10-25T18:06:00.000-07:00

A.F. Vandervorst Spring 2008

2007-10-25T17:29:00.000-07:00

Carolina Herrera

2007-10-25T17:05:00.000-07:00

Fall Fashion Trends

2007-09-03T05:36:00.000-07:00

Big Shoulders are BACK!

2007-08-06T11:00:00.000-07:00

Pull out your old 80's jackets and dresses...the big shoulder look is back and all over the runways for Fall 2007!

Poll

2007-07-04T05:50:00.000-07:00

Please take the Poll in the left column on my other Blog. I have so many irons in the fire that I'm trying to decide what to focus on. HELP!

Sleevies!

2007-06-28T08:41:00.000-07:00

An interesting idea to make tops that are immodest (because of too-short-of-sleeves) more modest without adding layers of bulk. Available for $12 in black, white, or blue from Funky Frum.

Designer Liz Claiborne Passes Away

2007-06-28T07:14:00.000-07:00

A budding dress designer, Claiborne helped revolutionize career wear for women in 1976, when women were just entering the workforce, by introducing versatile pants, skirts and sportswear that was appropriate for the office, but still conveyed a sense of individuality and femininity. After launching the Liz Claiborne label with her husband and two partners, Liz took the company public in 1981. It became the first company founded by a woman to be listed in the Fortune 500. Today, it encompasses more than 40 brands.

New Modest Clothing Line!

2007-06-20T08:54:00.000-07:00

Marabo. Check it out. Lovely!

Gorgeous Skirts from Florence Adams Spinrg/Summer 2007!

2007-06-18T17:22:00.000-07:00

Florence Adams is back, with feminine, classy, modest, and moderately priced skirts. Here are a few examples, but check out their website for more colors and styles.

2007-06-18T17:15:00.000-07:00

Sunglasses with Style!

2007-06-11T04:36:00.000-07:00

Take a peek at the large styles being shown this year.

Oscar de la Renta

2007-06-05T12:25:00.000-07:00

Knobby, textured sweaters and clean lines. A lovely collection of resort wear from Oscar!

A.F. Vandevorst Fall 2007

2007-06-01T15:31:00.000-07:00

Okay, so ignore the cat wiskers painted on the girl's faces...and you see a couple of lovely outfits, here. A.F. Vandervost seems big on French Cuffs, warm wraps, flowing skirts, and textures.

New designer '6267', Fall 2007

2007-06-01T15:24:00.000-07:00

Not all that impressive...lots of coats. Lots of hats. Lots of black. Little style. Very little to show you...

Mark Jacobs Fall 2007

2007-05-31T11:29:00.000-07:00

I loved the billowy looks from Jacobs last year, but some of these are nice, too.

What you noticed first were the hats. Multicolored, with knit crowns, and short or wide brims, they made the gangly teenage girls onstage hold themselves like proper ladies. ... Jacobs showed printed satin and matte jersey shirtdresses to the mid-calf, ... and knee-length skirts. ...This was American sportswear, but with a European sense of impeccability. Some might call it "grown-up."

Bill Blass Fall 2007

2007-05-31T10:11:00.000-07:00

Bill Blass got a boost when Angelina Jolie wore one of their numbers on the cover of Vogue...and this collection is colorful, classy, and reminiscent of the 80's. Some of the models even have pleasant looks on their faces! A nice change from the scowling looks in some other collections.

Carolina Herrera Fall 2007

2007-05-30T08:55:00.000-07:00

I'd like to see more color, but you get the idea!

Side-by-side with chic little skirtsuits and covetable furs (among them a must-have three-quarter-sleeve tunic), she showed a cropped jacket in broadtail with a sly, standup collar, a muskrat trench with felted-wool trim and belt, and long, languorous skirts with graceful trains.

Ermenegildo Zegna

2007-01-17T16:11:00.000-08:00

The New Line has been created! Refined simply and luxurious elegance for men. LOVE IT!

Peter Jensen for Spring

2007-01-16T07:29:00.000-08:00

Sorry I haven't been 'around' (except over at my other Blog), but Blogger isn't allowing me to post pictures all the time...except I don't seem to have trouble in the middle of the night! (It's 2:30am Central Time).

"Normal" clothing from Peter Jensen! Okay, a bit whimsical at times, but a few trends to pick up on. For example, 'florals' are a trend for Spring but you don't have to have all the silk flowers actually glued to your skirt.

Bill Blass, Spring 2007

2006-12-01T10:06:00.000-08:00

Some functional and pretty items with clean lines from Bill Blass for Spring.

Vogue magazine's Laird Borelli says, "The designer looked for truth in his materials, which for spring included matte jersey, linen, and organza. "The fabrics rule, and I let the cut do the rest," he explained. The result? Neat, fresh looks for day, like sandy-colored jersey suits and dresses (paired with snazzy patent-and-steel shoes from the house's new collection). White-on-white dresses featured intricate embroidery..."

"Where have you been?"

2006-12-01T09:58:00.001-08:00

I've been getting that question a lot lately...

Due to my continuing health problems--not to mention the Thanksgiving holiday here in the States--I've been required to take a bit of time off. Not only that, the fashion season is a bit between times...there is snow on the ground here in Texas and Spring fashions on the runways!

Thank you for your kind thoughts, emails, and prayers. They are gratefully appreciated, even though I haven't been able to thank each of you individually.

Biba Spring 2007

2006-10-18T05:36:00.000-07:00

So, this is the hot new label from London? This is a, "brand that's going to be pushed hard worldwide"?

It just looks like old stuff to me... not "vintage". So, you can pull something out of the closet, wash off the moth-ball smell, and wear it with platform shoes.

Behnaz Sarafpour Spring 2007

2006-10-18T04:38:00.000-07:00

Basic black and white, simple textures, and pointy flats.

Zac Posen

2006-10-06T04:46:00.000-07:00

Okay, so he's Hollywood's darling designer. I'm looking at his Spring Collection because his fashions are often seen on the Red Carpet, so oftentimes others will follow his fashion lead.

His dresses this year are far too short--a trend with designers this year, as modesty is OUT. The lines, in general, are not flattering to all figure types. But I've concentrated on his use of fabrics, neckline details, and use of flowing sleeves and feminine details.

Aquascutum Spring 2007

2006-10-04T12:35:00.000-07:00

Notice how they took a basic trench coat/dress and added pleats and tucks and a few ruffles to add some feminine touches? I especially liked the detail on the collar. Pretty!

Carolina Herrera

2006-09-29T19:29:00.000-07:00

I usually like Carolina Herrera, (that's her in the white blouse and black skirt) and she did show some beautiful items for Spring.

Many of her fashions are 'realistic'...meaning you would actually feel comfortable wearing one of her fashions to work or a wedding! Notice the details--especially at the waist. Long, simple, lean lines. Beautiful fabrics. Gentle pleats.

Nicole Phelps at Style.com said, "It was polished, but also effortless—a combination the designer pulled off with a fair degree of consistency in this collection."

2006-09-29T19:18:00.000-07:00

Peter Som

2006-09-29T18:49:00.000-07:00

I haven't been posting much this past month for various reasons, but am getting a lot of emails asking the same questions. So, before I get into the new fashions for Spring 2007...

Yes, I'm alive. Yes, I'm still undergoing testing. Yes, I'm struggling with the after effects of the "episodes" (strokes and TIAs) that I suffered over the Summer. I'm also spending more time writing and may have a new book to share with you by Christmas. So much for the update!

I've been warning for a long time that fashion swings back and forth, and that even though "modesty was in", it will "go back out". Well, guess what. The new trend in skirt lengths for Spring 2007 are short, shorter, and non-existent! But some of the fashions are pretty, the fabrics lucious, and the cuts feminine. So just imagine them with skirts that are a decent length!

There are a few good designers to look at. Peter Som had some beautiful ideas and fabrics, and Laird Borelli over at Style.com had this to say:

Peter Som did his homework, visiting the Louvre and studying eighteenth-century garments at the Costume Institute, before designing for spring. Thankfully, though, he didn't take his sources too literally. Instead, he presented a collection that, while it took few risks, was full of pretty but not overdone confections that should be right up his well-heeled customer's avenue. "I was thinking about pared-down luxury—not minimalism," the designer said. "My aim was to spin texture and tone with a light touch."

Update on Colleen...

2006-08-23T19:49:00.000-07:00

After a long day in the hospital's Day Surgery department, Colleen is now resting comfortably at home. The test went well and she came out of anesthesia fine. Colleen is a bit sore and a bit bruised up, so she has to take it easy for a day or so.

We thank you for your continued prayers!

My TEE Test: PRAYERS, PLEASE!!!

2006-08-22T19:14:00.000-07:00

After the heart infection and subsequent “episodes” (what the neurologist feels were mini-strokes), I’m feeling better but still having some residual problems….AND I must still undergo some testing!

The doctors are still trying to figure out what’s going on in my heart—if anything! Your prayers are gratefully appreciated. I’ll be in the hospital (Baylor, in the DFW area) Wednesday, August 23rd for a TEE: a Trans-Esophageal Echo. I have to be sedated for it, so I'm sure the anesthesiologist will send us a bill, too.

Also, I’ll have Dennis post the results here, since I’ll be coming out of sedation and not up to (or able to!) email or write.

Thank you all for your prayers and support during this difficult time. We couldn’t have held things together without the Grace we’ve received from your prayers. A quick prayer right now would be grand...THANKS!

What Information is provided by TEE? A TEE is extremely useful in detecting blood clots, masses and tumors that are located inside the heart. It can also gauge the severity of certain valve problems and help detect infection of heart valves, certain congenital heart diseases (like a hole between the upper chambers of the heart, known as an ASD or atrial septal defect) and a tear (dissection) of the aorta (major artery of the body). TEE is also very useful in evaluating patients who have had mini or major stokes as a result of blood clots. The procedure may detect the responsible clot inside the left atrium.

Yet ANOTHER test...!

2006-08-16T21:41:00.000-07:00

I talked to my cardiologist's office today, and they want to do another test (called a TEE) to check out my heart next Wednesday (23 August). Prayers are gratefully appreciated!!!!!!!!

TEE:

"A TEE is extremely useful in detecting blood clots, masses and tumors that are located inside the heart. It can also gauge the severity of certain valve problems and help detect infection of heart valves, certain congenital heart diseases (like a hole between the upper chambers of the heart, known as an ASD or atrial septal defect) and a tear (dissection) of the aorta (major artery of the body). TEE is also very useful in evaluating patients who have had mini or major stokes as a result of blood clots. The procedure may detect the responsible clot inside the left atrium. "

Funky Frum is ONE!

2006-08-15T15:26:00.000-07:00

Funky Frum is celebrating its First Birthday, and will be giving away a free tote with purchase. See website for details, but below is one of their outfits. Layer it with a came or tank underneath (sold separately) for a fabulous Fall fashion look!

Funky Frum ~ Modest Clothing for Modern Women

2006-08-15T14:45:00.000-07:00

Frill Seeker

2006-08-15T14:33:00.000-07:00

Some beautiful blouses, picked out by the fashion experts at Style.com. Look for this type of blouse in the stores and pick one up!

The jabot took a fresh turn on the Chanel runway for fall, but Karl Lagerfeld wasn't the only eighteenth-century buff in town. Anna Sui paired a ruffled top with a black velvet jacket and leggings, channeling Little Lord Fauntleroy, while some swashbuckling forerunner to Captain Hook appeared to be the inspiration behind some of the more elaborate neckwear at Nathan Jenden's debut. Alexander McQueen, meanwhile, took the idea and went full frontal with it: Frills wafted in cascades of airy blue down the front of his romantic show-closing—and showstopping—coat.

eDressMe

2006-08-10T02:47:00.000-07:00

A fabulous find! All dresses, all the time. Keep the Outfit Guidelines in mind as you look around!

From the website:

"eDressMe is selected by fashion editors regularly for its trendy styles and timeless classic dress collection. Current editor's picks are listed below. Most recent are listed first."

Spark up your Style with Fall Fashion Trends

2006-08-09T14:59:00.000-07:00

Top of your look with a bit of military...or what the fashion industry refers to this year as the Napoleonic look! Double breasted. Brass buttons. Cuffs. Gold braid. Overcoats. But be sure to soften it with a feminine bow or ruffled blouse or pair it with a flowing skirt.

Layers...

2006-08-09T14:53:00.000-07:00

One Fall Fashion Trend is layers. I don't care for the look myself as it can quickly fall into a sloppy look. See the pics...

Trend: Oversized clothing for Fall

2006-08-09T14:47:00.000-07:00

One of the trends this Fall is oversized clothing... so skip the tight stuff! But don't let it get frumpy. Keep it structured, long and loose.

Metallics: Fall Fashion Trend

2006-08-09T14:27:00.000-07:00

Lame. Brocade. Or anything shiny or glittery...even beads or shoes! Kind of reminds me of the late disco era...

Another Fall Trend: Fur!

2006-08-09T13:27:00.000-07:00

Faux fur in all colors, styles, and trim is in for Fall! So look for a blazer with a fur cuff. A jacket with a fur hem. A fur vest. Or a fur shoulder shrug to toss over your winter coat. Fur is fabulous for Fall!

More Fashion Trends for Fall

2006-08-09T12:51:00.000-07:00

Look for a "bubble" hemline for Fall. I have a gorgeous Oscar de la Renta dress from the 80's with a bubble hemline. I wonder if it still fits...

Moms should stay home

2006-07-24T16:35:00.000-07:00

"Moms should stay home"

Mr. Coren makes a number of interesting points in this article that should be the launching point for a few good discussions.

The dignity of Motherhood is under attack. But the power of ONE MOTHER is unbelievable.

As I wrote in a book review, "The influence of a virtuous mother raising her children is undeniable. Women can make or break a culture by how she raises one child. Where would we be today if Moses’ mother had not chosen to be the queen of her home? How about Charlemagne’s mother, Bertha? But the opposite is true as well. It is said that much of Karl Marx’s life of revolt was aimed at revenge towards his manipulative and possessive mother."

Mr. Coren makes a few more points in this article. Enjoy.

TorontoSun.com - Michael Coren - Moms should stay home:

"Nobody is forcing women to become moms, but if they do they should take their new job seriously and not pretend it is some hobby or part-time occupation. Instead, we have created a situation where many women are embarrassed to admit that they are at home with their kids. "

Speaking in Michigan

2006-07-19T21:04:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm back...sorta.

First of all, thank you so much for your prayers, frozen meals, gift cards, restaurant gift certificates, and notes of encouragement. I have them all here and will be answering them all soon.

Second. My visit to the neurologist on Tuesday brought BAD news.

Through the grace of God, I survived the heart infection, a series of "mini" strokes, and to top it all off I had food poisoning a couple of weeks ago. I'm still having a few medical problems, and the doctors are trying to figure it all out. I have tons of testing coming up in the next week, so your continued prayers are appreciated.

BUT...the neurologist gave me the "ok" to travel!

I'm heading to Michigan this weekend where I'll be doing one of my last speaking engagements (July 29th I'll be in CT, August 12th in CO) and then I'll be taking a hiatus from traveling and speaking to get healthy...and then to finish up the many writing projects I’ve been working on, and get the next book done!

So, please come join us this Saturday in Ann Arbor for this FREE event (but you must RSVP). It promises to be fantastic!!!

July 22, Saturday - Colleen Hammond, Dressing with Dignity
9:00 A.M. Mass, Christ the King Church (Ann Arbor)
10:00 A.M. - 12:30 P.M., Continental Breakfast at Christ the King Parish Center Gym, the "Barn" on Domino's Farms property

I'll have a few new stories to tell and look forward to sharing this last visit to Michigan with y'all.

May God bless you, and I pray the Holy Spirit draws you to be with us in Ann Arbor this weekend.

See you then! And keep those prayers coming!!!!

Endocarditis

2006-06-13T08:11:00.000-07:00

Colleen has been diagnosed with Infectious Endocarditis, an infection of the heart. Your prayers for her would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Emma Cook Fall 2006

2006-06-09T18:16:00.000-07:00

Gray...UGH! Gritty is right. And is it cheating to do the same dress in gray AND in peach?!?

Emma Cook Review:

For fall, she put Susie in stiff leather coats and scallop-edged, A-line trapeze dresses with laser-cut, stained-glass Art Nouveau overlays, a motif repeated later on with gray jersey dresses. (Gray is big on the London palette this season.) Cook’s marble-printed, long-sleeve shifts jibed with the trend toward covered-up day dresses. Meanwhile, her party frocks with shards of mirror embroidered onto champagne satin looked as if she might be steering Susie toward a West End cocktail for the first time. For a girl who works in the gritty East End, that’s a step in a whole new direction.For fall, she put Susie in stiff leather coats and scallop-edged, A-line trapeze dresses with laser-cut, stained-glass Art Nouveau overlays, a motif repeated later on with gray jersey dresses. (Gray is big on the London palette this season.) Cook’s marble-printed, long-sleeve shifts jibed with the trend toward covered-up day dresses. Meanwhile, her party frocks with shards of mirror embroidered onto champagne satin looked as if she might be steering Susie toward a West End cocktail for the first time. For a girl who works in the gritty East End, that’s a step in a whole new direction.

Emilio Pucci Fall 2006 Ready-to-Wear Collection on Style.com: Runway Review

2006-05-30T17:11:00.000-07:00

Some of these are nice...

Emilio Pucci Fall 2006 Ready-to-Wear Collection on Style.com: Runway Review:

"Those ideas, as well as his flippy-hemmed dresses, vaguely tinged with Biba-era references, compounded the feeling that he'd landed these clothes wide of the essential mark of Pucci's luxe Italian heritage. "

2006-05-30T17:06:00.000-07:00

Emanuel Ungaro Fall 2006

2006-05-24T09:45:00.000-07:00

Emanuel Ungaro Fall 2006 Ready-to-Wear Collection on Style.com: Runway Review:

"Yet it was precisely those draped dresses--some of which contrasted Ungaro's chiffon leopard prints and bold dots in scarf-like hip-ties against plain covered-up tops--that made the look suddenly jump to modernity. "

Vacation

2006-05-24T09:19:00.000-07:00

Thanks for all of your emails wondering where I am!!! I've been busy "on the road" doing speaking engagements and book signings and am taking a MUCH needed vacation in the upcoming week or so. My duties as wife and mother have come first, so when I return home I'm usually busy gathering hugs and kisses from the children!

I'll be "back at it" soon!!! God bless you and thanks for your kind thoughts and prayers!!!

Dsquared2 Fall 2006

2006-04-26T15:22:00.000-07:00

Looks like a hunting party! Lots of tartans, layers, and white blouses.

I include the first picture with the long skirt to show you how the eye moves up the leg when a woman has a slit in her skirt.

The folks at STYLE seemed a bit disappointed in this year's collection by Dsquared2:

The red carpet set atop a grass runway said it all about Dean and Dan Caten's Dsquared show: a camped-up collision of huntin' and shootin' clothes and hoity-toity formalwear. The cheerful play on gamekeeper checks, mackintoshes, and tartan that came at the beginning of their escapade produced some good shrunken jackets, vests, and plaid shirts, which were cleverly mated with tuxedos, bow ties, and jeans.

Dries Van Noten Fall 2006 Ready-to-Wear Collection on Style.com: Runway Review

2006-04-26T11:58:00.000-07:00

It looks like a lot of masculine styles using feminine fabrics. I'd like to see prettier colors instead of the dark, drab and lifeless look.

Dries Van Noten Fall 2006 Ready-to-Wear Collection on Style.com: Runway Review

When the partitions finally lifted, the audience was dazzled by what seemed like acres of delicate gold leaf (flecks of which could be found in the preshow treats) and a fall collection that was equal parts Eastern splendor and somber masculinity.In less able hands, the combination could have proved jarring, or forced at the very least. But forced isn't Van Noten's style.

Make-up!

2006-04-26T10:36:00.000-07:00

Since I show you what's in fashion to cover the body (and what you wear will reveal your soul!), let's take a look at faces! Notice what the top makeup artists have to say: natural!!! So, go for fantastic skin care and keep the makeup to a minimum.

Here are some details:

Pat McGrath: "Very fresh, but porcelain and doll-like, and at the same time, not too much.' So we've done a lot of blush on the face and a little bit on the eye sockets, and we made the eyes a little wider with mascara, but it's always doll-like, which is very Anna Sui."

Pat McGrath: "We are doing very natural skin, fresh blush on the cheeks, and a light bit of taupe in the contour of the eye."

Eugene Souleiman: "They're meant to look like young ladies or young royalty. We've taken this Princess Anne kind of back hairdo, and then gathered it into a ponytail. So the back of it is kind of cute and bouncy and young, and the front of it is a little stiff and old-ladylike."

Terry Barber: "We're not trying to do trend; we're just trying to make the girl as beautiful as possible. Cashmere skin; sculpted cheeks; wet, brown, feline eyes; juicy, pale, apricot lips. "

James Kaliardos: "We're doing another version of natural, which we've been seeing a lot of this season. I'm using everything: foundation, clear mascara, lip balm, a little bit of foundation on the lips, and a little bit of contour on the cheeks—but it's not completely beiged out. So we're redoing the face, but very, very transparently, and then at the end, we're glossing the eyebrow, just to give a little magic to the show."

Peter Philips: "It's very transparent, the foundation we used. Skin tone is the only thing we actually did. We curled the lashes, but didn't use any mascara. There's a bit of highlight in a pearl cream—transparent pearl gel, actually—on the temples of the face, nose bone, eyelids, and that's all. It's very clean, very pure."

Tom Pecheux: "There is no color at all, except around the eyes, a taupe-nude color. We wanted the girls to be very mysterious, very fragile, very delicate."

2006-04-26T10:32:00.000-07:00

Back, but not much...

2006-04-26T09:42:00.000-07:00

I've received a lot of emails asking, "where are you?" so I thought I'd post a general comment here.

Mostly, I've been absorbed in family health issues. One family member recently had surgery with post-surgical complications, and another has had a decade of brain growth issues that have finally (please God) come to an end as of yesterday.

So, I would sincerely appreciate your prayers for these family members!!!

I'll be in Cleveland this weekend speaking at Sts. Cosmas and Damien in Twinsburg, Ohio. The event is FREE and starts at 7pm, so be sure to arrive early to get a seat. Hope to see you there!

Derek Lam

2006-04-26T09:36:00.000-07:00

Not my favoite designer, and the only thing I picked that was nice was these trench coats! Lots of leggings, though, and a few cowl necks...

Here's what STYLE had to say:

Leggings were an important building block for the fall line, functioning as a sexy, minimalist pedestal of sorts, upon which to display his fabulous outerwear. A maxi-length trench with silver fox cuffs rendered his popular crinkle-cotton version from a few seasons back immediately obsolete. Capes, too, are becoming a signature. Lam did long and short versions in salt-and-pepper tweed, as well as evening styles. One was lavishly embroidered with velvet rosettes, another came in ruffled stripes of black dévoré.

Mikarose Spring

2006-04-18T00:30:00.000-07:00

Vacation is over. I have internet access again. There is a TON of new dresses to show you!

But first, someone sent me this today. I like to help out small businesses when I can, and the NEW collection of this young company looks nice. What do you think?

From their website:

"MIKAROSE is a clothing company that specializes in modest, elegant and fashionable dresses. Our company's idea evolved when the owners realized how difficult it was to find modest dresses in today's market. We are sure you have had similar experiences when looking for a modest dress. After many frustrating outings, we formed MIKAROSE. Our goal is to provide an extensive line of modest dresses, without having to sacrifice style. You will be able to wear our line to a broad range of functions: from everyday
events to corporate parties. We hope to not only meet the needs of women looking for modest wear, but all those who are seeking elegant dresses.
We sincerely hope that when you wear our dresses, you will not only feel modest but fashionable as well. "

April Cornell

2006-04-05T01:23:00.000-07:00

Many have emailed to let me know of April Cornell's filing bankruptcy in the US. Since they're not selling online, you may find a great deal at a shop near you!

Modest Clothing Resources UPDATED!

2006-03-30T09:16:00.000-08:00

Thanks to those of you who have sent me recommendations, there are now many new websites on the Modest Clothing Resources page of my website. Take a look!

Chole 2006

2006-03-30T09:08:00.000-08:00

What happened to grace and femininity?!? This is what gives "dressing modestly" a bad name.

Remember: clothing covers the body, but reveals the soul!!!

Even the fashion commentators were saddened by this collection:

It would be exaggerating to call it definitively ugly—though a pair of giant overalls and saggy-backed, folded-front turn-up pants were close calls. The trouble is more that Chloé, for so long a pacesetter of perfectly thrown-together personal style, has now inevitably decelerated into the league of followers. Without the instinctive drive of a strong designer, team-driven analysis tends to look outside, see what other people are doing, and come up with a general trend consensus.

Book Look

2006-03-19T14:10:00.000-08:00

Too funny...

A model wears a dress by Ukrainian designer Andre Tan during fashion show at the traditional spring-summer pret-a-porter Fashion Week in Kiev, Ukraine Friday, March 17, 2006. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

Central Saint Martins Fall 2006 (students)

2006-03-13T14:41:00.000-08:00

Central Saint Martins Fall 2006

2006-03-13T11:23:00.000-08:00

Some pretty interesting items from students!

Central Saint Martins Fall 2006 Ready-to-Wear Collection on Style.com: Runway Review:

"Central Saint Martins' MA degree show is always good, but the Class of 2006 exploded onto the London runway with such a sustained display of individual excellence (19 collections and not a dud among them) that the graduation presentation became the spectacle of the week.
...
Leili Morshed draped jersey into chic gray wool dresses. Alexis Giboin cut navy and black taffeta into scallop-edged, big-sleeved silhouettes, cinched with enameled owls. And Lisa Pritchard printed gold and silver lame into multilayered tiers of fan pleats.

If there were trends, they were in the collective fascination for folds, knots, and pleats, and for experimenting with the classic trench... "

Burberry Prorsum Fall 2006

2006-03-10T18:41:00.000-08:00

Known for the trench coat, double breasted coats and dresses, I choose a few of the other styles that are fresher!

"That such a whippersnapper has been able to turn the frumpy old country lady's Burberry into a fashionable thing for the first time in its 150 years is in fact something of a cause for national pride in Britain. And it's that new energy as much as the milestone itself that the brand is celebrating this year."

Boudicca Fall 2006

2006-03-08T06:32:00.000-08:00

We were out of town over the weekend, and have been planting our garden the past few days, so I've been off the computer for a bit! But here's a quick look at a beautiful dress from Boudicca.

The entire line was done in black and white, and I found this to be the most inspired piece. Notice how much lace and feminine details are showing up on the ruways? (Okay, ignore the hair...)

BeNotAfraid.Net

2006-02-28T16:38:00.000-08:00

Great resource. Pass it around!

BeNotAfraid.Net:

"Benotafraid.net is an online outreach to parents who have received a poor or difficult prenatal diagnosis. The family stories, articles, and links within this site are presented as a resource for those who may have been asked to choose between terminating a pregnancy or continuing on despite the diagnosis. The benotafraid.net families faced the same decision and chose not to terminate. By sharing our experiences, we hope to offer encouragement to those who may be afraid to continue on."

Bottega Veneta Fall 2006 Ready-to-Wear Collection on Style.com: Runway Review

2006-02-26T17:31:00.000-08:00

Drab colors, not a lot of feminine details. But notice the waistline treatments and lovely pins as accessories!

Bottega Veneta Fall 2006 Ready-to-Wear Collection on Style.com: Runway Review:

"Those were followed by shadow-painted plaid kilts with a sparkle in the pleats, and matching jackets--yet more items on the checklist of interesting pieces for Bottega's moneyed customers to inspect, come fall."

Bill Blass Fall 2006

2006-02-22T16:35:00.000-08:00

Lots of too tight business suits, but this one dress had some pretty details.

Here's what Vogue had to say:

There were (way too literal) Tippi Hedren-style suits with ungainly belts, numerous coats (many in double-faced cashmere or shearling), a series of LBDs and, of course, event-friendly evening gowns (the best a red chiffon halter dress). Unfortunately most of the looks were shown with nude stockings, which, as one attendee was heard remarking, "instantly add 20 years."

Badgley Mischka Fall 2006

2006-02-21T03:40:00.000-08:00

As with every picture I post here, remember that not all of them will fit the 'Outfit Guidelines' that are detailed in the book! These pics are posted only to give you and idea of what is currently being shown by the fashion world.

And look at all of the details...beautiful fabrics, all the intricate embroidery and detail, plus the feminine touches at the wrists and neckline show that 'cross-dressing' is out and being a feminine female is IN!

Badgley Mischka Fall 2006 Ready-to-Wear Collection on Style.com: Runway Review:

"In addition to the embroidery the duo is known for, pleats were a recurring theme, and looked good applied to tiered knee-length dresses. "

Anna Sui Fall 2006

2006-02-20T15:46:00.000-08:00

I just love this sleeve...which was really the only item I enjoyed from Anna Sui's Fall collection. Oh yes, Vogue says that, "Anna Sui is fashion's consummate magpie, borrowing bits from here, pieces from there, but putting them all together as only she can." But it all looked "old" to me. Nothing fresh. Nothing really pretty. Just cluttered and thrown together.

But this sleeve...!!!

Erdem Moralioglu Fall 2006

2006-02-17T12:37:00.000-08:00

We'll take a break from Spring fashions, as this is the end of Fall Fashion Week in the fashion world. Here's a look at a collection I stumbled across. Pretty fashions!

Erdem Moralioglu Fall 2006

"His competition collection won on the strength of its soft printed dresses—not, in this case, wraps, but long, accordion-pleated floor-sweepers. That whimsical, romantic bent comes, he says, from a childhood spent watching Merchant Ivory films on PBS; and if he's going to make a mark, it will be as a dressmaker."

Top designers go for ultra-feminine look as summer comes early to the catwalk

2006-02-16T08:07:00.000-08:00

"The dress reigns supreme this season whether it's a stunning black lace sensation from Gucci or a signature Stella McCartney gown emblazoned with horsey images, writes Kathleen O'Callaghan."

NICE!

But, then again, some are saying that, "Girls will be boys, or at least borrow from their closets, as seen in coquettish cross-dressing references sprinkled throughout the autumn/winter 2005-6 collections on show at London Fashion Week."

Cross-dressing? No thanks. I'd rather be a woman. And my husband prefers me as a woman, too!

Frankly, what heterosexual man wants, "a girl that will be a boy"?

Olympic distress

2006-02-16T04:41:00.000-08:00

I couldn't put my finger on it, but this columnist does! First, compare the Olympic Oath from 1920 to the one they take now. Yeesh.

We don't watch TV, and we don't watch the Olympics. Oh, we did growing up. But now-a-days it's an R-rated event.

Last night, for example. I took the children out to dinner at Applebee's, where the ever-present TV's were shooting their images from all corners of the building. CNBC was showing curling (the stone sliding on ice sport).

Innocuous, right?

I was enjoying my appetizer and chatting with the children when, in eerie unison, all four of their heads snapped away from the television set.

I glanced at the closest TV to see one of the women’s curling team members in a soft-porn pose—one hand and forearm strategically pressed over her nipples. The TV continued to flip through a few pictures of various female team members who were evidently at the same photography studio at the same time.

WHY!?!? Why did they pose? And what was the purpose? That they didn't have enough personality to interview so they had to show their bodies to get attention? Poor things... I wonder who put them up to it? Someone they probably trusted. Heartbreaking.

Next time, I’ll bring my TV-B-Gone!!!!!!!!

Olympic distress:

"Today's televised sporting events are a kind of warfare; we are visually and audibly bombarded with soft porn, scatological humor, obnoxious music---the kind authorities blast to flush out our enemies---and violence. And that's just the commercials.
. . .
And it's not only the sports themselves, but the presentation. Like virtually all sportscasts, TV encourages adults to stay young by imitating immaturity and taking the rest of us along for the ride. This Peter Pan-ish tendency to avoid growing old is best exhibited by the relatively recent marriage of sports with music. This music is sometimes combined with a wistful nostalgia which can produce a weird mix of hip-hop with a sprinkling of Baby-Boomer banality."

Doo-Ri Chung Spring 2006

2006-02-15T11:00:00.000-08:00

I could only find one nice outfit in this collection, but it is beautiful!!!

Doo.Ri Spring 2006 Ready-to-Wear Collection on Style.com: Runway Review

"Chung built her name on architecturally draped jersey dresses, and she did just one for spring, embroidering the torso with an extravagant array of Swarovski crystals. But mostly, she traded in her flowing knits for silks and satins. Cocktail length or to the floor, they looked luxurious (and expensive), especially when they came with net overlays attached by swirls of rhinestones."

Muslim made head girl of Catholic college- The Times of India

2006-02-15T07:18:00.000-08:00

So, let me get this straight...a Muslim young lady models the values of a Catholic better than the other Catholic girls in the school...? This is a sad commentary on how poorly formed the Catholic young ladies are! Or rather, shows their lack of fortitude, maybe...?

Muslim made head girl of Catholic college- The Times of India:

"He said while non-Roman Catholics had been head students before, it was important that the student was able to model the values of the school. "

ADULT Stem Cells again...

2006-02-14T19:03:00.000-08:00

YUP!

Stem Cells May Strengthen Failing Hearts:

"Desperate for an alternative, Carty found the Israeli-Thai company Theravitae, which has begun performing an experimental procedure that multiplies stem cells taken from a patient's own blood and injects them into the ailing heart in hopes of strengthening it. "

Richard Chai Spring 2006

2006-02-01T05:26:00.000-08:00

Even though the Fall Fashion shows have begun, I thought we would continue to look at Spring fashions...as that is what most of us are getting ready to buy anyway!

"The Innocents" are 'in' for Spring, says Vogue magazine.

Eyelet. Lace. Embroidery. Needlework.

These are all key words for what to look for in Spring fashions for women.

Richard Chai had a few nice dresses for Spring, seen here. The last photo shows what Vogue magazine is talking about...very feminine!!!

Richard Chai Spring 2006 Ready-to-Wear Collection on Style.com: Runway Review:

"The trends are finally catching up with Richard Chai, who is a devout minimalist. His spring collection was a continuation of themes he has been developing over the past two seasons and had a uniquely appealing preppy-meets-Asian vibe."

Check out Janeville!

2006-01-27T11:25:00.000-08:00

Janeville is showing new styles for Spring. I haven't purchased anything from them, but take a look!

Victoria Beckham's Fashion Tips

2006-01-17T14:19:00.000-08:00

"...(Victoria Beckham) said that skin tight jeans, high heels and a tee shirt are all a girl needs to seduce a man."

So than why do women wear sloppy clothing at home (where their husbands are) and those types of clothing out in public (where their husbands are not)?

"Baby, you can park my car"

2006-01-12T09:22:00.000-08:00

Hat tip to John for sending me this story.

These young 'laides' are willing to wear less clothing than concubines wore only a few decades ago!

If a young lady has enough intelligence, personality and character, she wouldn't feel the need to show her body in order to attract attention to herself.

So why do they do it? To get a job? A date? A husband?

How sad that society encourages young women to degrade themselves, then the feminists scream that these women aren't being taken seriously for their minds. How can we take them seriously when they don't?

Baby, you can park my car - Small Business - MSNBC.com:

"Clients, most of them movie stars and producers, can request a variety of uniforms, including lingerie, bikinis, capri pants, camisoles and miniskirts.

'If it is legal, we will do it, but we draw the line at nudity or topless,' Saltzman said."

Valentino Spring 2006

2006-01-07T06:23:00.000-08:00

Valentino has plenty of floral prints this season, chiffon, silk, and other softly flowing feminine fabrics, but this was the only pic I thought passed the "Outfit Guidelines", except I wish the skirt went below the knees.

Valentino shows, once again, that FEMININE IS IN!!!

Come see me for FREE in St. Cloud, MN!!!

2006-01-03T14:29:00.000-08:00

THIS FRIDAY, we have a last minute addition to my speaking schedule!

On the 6th of January at 7pm, I'll be speaking at the HOLIDAY INN in ST. CLOUD, MINNESTOA!!!! This is a FREE EVENT, and seating is limited, so get there early. If you have any questions, feel free to email me , but the link is the map to the hotel.

I'll have books and CDs...and maybe my new DVD will be available by then!

I look forward to meeting you and hearing YOUR story...GOD BLESS!

FIRE!

2006-01-02T11:40:00.000-08:00

I've received emails asking if we are anywhere near the fires raging in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. YES!

Houses of two families that we know have burned to the ground, one person has lost a relative, and the smoky air last night was choking us.

Today is being spent cutting down all the grass in the front pasture (a couple of acres), bagging it up, and storing it. We're watering the lawn around the house and drenching the roof tops of all our buildings. We've taken buckets of water down to the road to douse the roadside in case someone drives by and flicks a cigarette out of the window.

We appreciate the emails of concern, and would gratefully appreciate some prayers for everyone being affected by the fires!!!

Mercy...

FIRE!

2006-01-02T11:18:00.000-08:00

Wow, I took Advent off, but didn't realize I hadn't posted here since mid November.

I've received emails asking if we are anywhere near the fires raging in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. YES!

Houses of two families that we know have burned to the ground, one person has lost a relative, and the smoky air last night was choking us.

Today is being spent cutting down all the grass in the front pasture (a couple of acres), bagging it up, and storing it. We're watering the lawn around the house and drenching the roof tops of all our buildings. We've taken buckets of water down to the road to douse the roadside in case someone drives by and flicks a cigarette out of the window.

We appreciate the emails of concern, and would gratefully appreciate some prayers for everyone being affected by the fires!!! Mercy...

Fearlessly Feminine

2005-11-10T08:14:00.000-08:00

Hat tip to Lindsey for finding this Blog and sending it to me!

Fearlessly Feminine: Why Women Are Exposing Themselves (part 1) by Dennis Prager:

"You may have noticed that many young women wear less, and more sexually provocative, clothing in public than they did a generation, or even 10 years, ago.

It is easier to notice, however, than to explain.

But explaining it is crucial to understanding what has happened to men and women in the last 40 years and where male-female relations are headed."

Alberta Ferretti: Spring 2006

2005-11-10T05:23:00.000-08:00

Alberta Ferretti Spring 2006 Ready-to-Wear Collection on Style.com: Runway Review:

"The fashion news from this collection was compressed into that last sequence: Empire line, traily grosgrain bows beneath the bust, pale chiffon draped over opaque linings, and a vague glance in the direction of an arty, early twentieth-century Poiret-influenced silhouette."

"Aquascutum" Spring 2006

2005-11-03T18:49:00.000-08:00

More proof that the "shirt-dress" is in this year...

Aquascutum Spring 2006 Ready-to-Wear Collection on Style.com: Runway Review

NBA institutes a dress code

2005-10-31T03:59:00.000-08:00

A pic of Iverson is on my other Blog.

Professional teams usually do have a dress code for their athletes. The NBA clarified theirs this year, and some players are upset. Why? Philadelphia's Allen Iverson says that it's unfair to take away a players 'style'.

See how it's always 'me, me, me' centered? 'I wanna wear what I want, and if you don't like it you shouldn't look.' But what if it's offensive? What if the people who are paying you have a dress code?

Clothing does make a difference, and you only have one second to make a first impression. Those with a position of dignity dress with dignity. Can you see a US Senator dressing in hip-hop?

From the BBC: 'NBA dress code upsets black stars':

'Several stars claim the off-court code is an attack on black American culture as it outlaws hip-hop style attire.

Philadelphia's Allen Iverson said: 'I don't think it's good for the league - it kind of makes it fake.'

But NBA commissioner David Stern said: 'Some of my (team) owners are hip-hop, but they dress in a different fashion. Hip-hop doesn't mean sloppy.'

Banned under the new code are headphones, chains, shorts, sleeveless shirts, indoor sunglasses, T-shirts and jerseys and headwear such as baseball caps. ' "

Zac Posen Spring 2006

2005-10-28T17:26:00.000-07:00

I include this designer because of the comments from the fashion expert (below). Fashion designers design for Park Ave and Hollywood. Period.

However, the 'shirt dress' is in...which can be copied by anyone outside of New York or LA.

Zac Posen Spring 2006 Ready-to-Wear Collection on Style.com: Runway Review:

"It's true that there weren't a lot of looks that will work for the office, but that's not what the Park Avenue set and Young Hollywood want from Posen."

Carolina Herrera Spring 2006

2005-10-28T08:24:00.000-07:00

Carolina Herrera seems to be a favorite in the fashion world. Their biggest complaint is that she didn't show flats with the dresses and didn't cater to the young crowd.

Again, lots and lots and lots of dresses in her line-up. The cap sleeves are "out", so I was surprised to see them in her line-up. Most women over the age of of 22 are concerned about 'flabby upper arms', so longer sleeves are just more practical...and dignified!

Carolina Herrera Spring 2006 Ready-to-Wear Collection on Style.com: Runway Review:

"Herrera's shapely, floor-grazing skirts, fitted to the knee and flaring out in a cascade of ruffles. These appeared in silk gazar and embroidered cotton. If the designer's most recent collection was stripped of embellishments, her new lineup made up for lost time and had them in abundance. More Arts and Crafts than high glam, hand-painted floral appliques, raffia belts over chiffon gowns, and exquisite embroidery that gave one thyme cotton column the look of brocade were all clever flourishes. "

Celine Spring 2006

2005-10-28T08:07:00.000-07:00

An odd collection with a few interesting pieces. My oldest daughter wants me to make the point that the outfits are nice, but the skirts are too short.

Celine Spring 2006 Ready-to-Wear Collection on Style.com: Runway Review

"(The Show) included too much black, an overabundance of cut-out swimwear, and what seemed like endless reiterations of the tight-bodice, full-skirt dress that opened the show. Quite possibly, taken apart and seen on a rail, this collection will look far more attractive. But styled and presented like this, it just didn't work. "

Donna Karan: Spring 2006

2005-10-28T07:41:00.001-07:00

As with every picture I post here, remember that not all of them will fit the Outfit Guidelines! These are posted only to give you and idea of what is currently being shown by the fashion world.

Feminine is in. Some may say, "ugh, too girly-girly"...as if being a girl is somehow less dignified than being a man. Hot flash: it's a privilege to be a woman!

Also, if you go to the designer's website, you will see that not everything they design is 'dignified'. That's why I weed through the fashions and show what is 'more' decent.

Donna Karan Spring 2006 Ready-to-Wear Collection on Style.com: Runway Review

"(The) show's most-powerful pieces...(were) reserved for what Karan described ... as freefall back dresses. Gathered by a sash in front that passed between the middle back and the fabric, they tented out behind the models as they glided around the runway. Silhouettes for both day and evening were generally full, although she did show a few strict pencil skirts..."

Ashleigh Verrier: Spring 2006

2005-10-18T07:04:00.000-07:00

Fabulous, practical, and sensible. Avaialbe at Saks!

Keep an eye on this 24 year old designer...

More Ashleigh Verrier

2005-10-18T07:02:00.000-07:00