The Truth About Black...And Sales Ladies

So why is it everyone wears black...all the time. Have you noticed when you go shopping all you see at the FRONT part of the store is black? Look in the display windows...more black.
I was speaking in Tennessee and my husband was with me. During our free time we went to a nearby mall and happened into a Chicos. I came upon a beautiful style of pant suit and jacket...it had a cape-like addition to it and was just enough drama for me. It was black. I searched the racks for another color because you see, I don't wear black. In public. The only thing I own in black is a pair of yoga pants I wear to exercise in...hmmm...haven't had them on lately....what's that sayin'? Anyway, I decided to try it on because I really wanted to see if the style would suit me. I went to the dressing room, put it on and called for my husband. He appeared with a few more things for me to try (in my colors) and along with him came a sales lady. He was standing behind her when I appeared from behind the doors to oohs and ahs of the woman. "That is marrrvellloussssssss on you" she swooned. I looked at my husband who was about a head taller than her standing behind her as he was vehemently shaking his head, "noooooooooooo", like she was crazy. Now I had seen myself in the mirror when I put it on. I loved the style. But I looked horrible in the color. Truly, I did because black ages me, it washes me out. I could see that for myself. But when I stepped out and had a swooning sales lady I almost second guessed myself. I stepped back to the mirror, looked again, and knew I was right. She was wrong.

So why does this happen? Why does every sales lady tell you it looks great, when it doesn't? I know, I know they can't all be wrong, but pleasssssssssseeeee, don't just depend on someone else to tell you it looks good or bad. Trust yourself. Turn around...look at yourself from all angles. Wear a little makeup so you aren't completely bare-faced when out shopping for something new. Don't just pick up black because it's easy...try brown, try winter white, try something different. Black does work on most of you but for anyone who has ever described yourself as having dishwater blonde, dirty blonde, or mousy brown hair, it's not for you. Let's talk more about color next week.

I am off to New York this afternoon to do a Modest is Hottest Fashion Show tomorrow night on Long Island. As I was thinking about what to pack I realized New York is where black is BIG. I might be the only one NOT wearing black...especially at JFK airport with all the winter coats!Mine is rust color...with rust fur on the cuffs and color....and brown trim....I love it! Will I look out of place? Now let me ask you, do you think I care?????? Heehehehe! Well, off to pack...and I'm leaving my laptop at home....I was gonna bring it but I made a decision to have some additional quiet time and journal time these next 2 days during my free time. So I won't be posting on Friday but would love to hear any comments regarding color so I can address them on Monday....we'll have fun discussing that...it's one of my favorite topics! Love you all, Shari

P.S. I just heard the event in New York has over 200 girls and moms coming...Will you please stop a minute and ask God to reveal Himself tomorrow night so these girls and moms will be touched by this message of modesty and real beauty? I thank you so much for that. Hugs!

Image Track at She Speaks

Happy Wednesday! Following is a very exciting announcement that was listed on the
She Speaks Website yesterday! I know there are many of you who read my blog who feel led to have a ministry such as mine. I copied and pasted the following from the site so read away and get excited!!!!! Here it is:

We, at Proverbs 31, are always adding new phases to our conference. This year we are introducing a new Speakers Track for women who are interested in developing a ministry in beauty, fashion and image. We are so excited about this and hope you are, too.

Here’s the catch: we are limiting this evaluation group to 10 women, so please register early to secure your space. Your evaluation group leader will be our very own Shari Braendel.
To put your mind and heart further at ease, allow us to share with you what to expect. You will be giving (two) presentations. These presentations should be written before you come to the conference. There will be time to revise and rework them throughout the weekend, as you learn more skills. We want you to succeed.

1. The first presentation will be Friday night. You will give a 3-minute talk on "Your Story or Testimony." You will not be evaluated on Friday night, but you will receive feedback from women in your group. This presentation is designed to get your feet wet, help you know what to expect, and practice speaking to the group. You can use your peer feedback, along with what you learn from breakout sessions to restructure your "Teaching Talk," if necessary.

2. The second presentation will be Saturday evening. You will give a 5-minute "Teaching Talk" where you share about the aspect of beauty, fashion or image you feel is most reflective of where God is leading you in this ministry. Please build your talk around one scripture. Each presentation will be timed and you will be asked to stop at five minutes. Please dress as though you are speaking at an event. Before you speak, you will tell us the type of audience you are giving this talk to; women, teens, young girls, moms, etc. Shari Braendel, of Proverbs 31 will evaluate this presentation. Evaluations will be on a scale of 1-5, one being the lowest and five being the highest. Here are the seven areas of evaluation:Introduction: How well did you open? Did it capture the attention of the audience? Message: How well did you develop your subject? (Example: with story or knowledge of subject)Support Material: Your use of support, such as Scripture, quotes, references, etc. Did you read from the Bible, a book, etc? Style: How well is your use of grammar, volume and ability to speak clearly? Conclusion: Did you build to a climax, end strong, and get your point across?Delivery: Did you make eye contact, connect with the audience, and show passion about your subject?Physical Appearance: Were you dressed professionally and appropriately? Were you sincere, believable, warm, and effective, etc?

Helpful Guidelines for Your Presentations:

1. Make sure your presentations are the correct length (1 three-minute and 1 five-minute) in order to accommodate the entire group.
2. Your Friday evening presentation needs to be based on "your story." Content for your Saturday presentation must be based on beauty and one selection of scripture and how you build your talk around that.
3. Make sure both presentations are Biblically based and include Scripture and application.
4. You may use visual aids if they add to your message. Let your personality come through! Please make sure they don't distract from your message.
5. If this is your first presentation, we recommend that you practice with friends and family in order for you to gain confidence and improve your presentation style.
6. Share what is unique to your life instead of something that you have heard or thought was clever. Remember - you are the only one that has "your story!"
7. Have fun! You will always remember the time you spend with your group and will continue to support each other long after the conference ends. Many women tell us that this "bonding" is one of the best things about this conference!

If you feel this is something that God is calling you to, please register immediately. I do believe payments can be set up to pay in several different installments. Girls, this is where I got my start....I pray you will get yours there, too! Beautiful blessings, Shari

I Feel So Stupid!

I feel so, well, stupid. I was sure my e-book was ready. I even posted today that it was...notice that post is g-o-n-e....as in deleted. After sending out several e-books I received a call from someone who informed me I had sent out the word doc. form...you know, the one that I wrote it on. Also, my graphics were messed up. Basically, I forgot to put the e-book into the final form! Can you believe it? If you know me, the answer is Yes, you can!!!!! So for now, the e-book is NOT ready as I believed it was. For those of you who got a copy this morning before I got notice of this, please either delete it or read it in the rough form and bear with me. I'd really like you to wait cause you'll be getting the improved, completed version very soon but it looks like it's gonna be another week, maybe sooner, but let's go with that. Winners from last week's contest, you got the rough form, so you'll get the updated version too! Agh!!! So sorry for the inconvenience..... We are not running any credit cards for the orders that came in today until your copy is delivered. Thank you all for your patience. Have you ever done anything like this? love ya, Shari

Comfy Shoes and How to Dress Age-appropriate!

Are there comfy shoes out there that won't make you look like a Grandma? Or as Mocha with Linda said, "the orthopoedic look?!" Yes, there is. You just have to pay a little more for them. Naturalizer Shoes have wonderful support and are fashionable, too. They do a good job of keeping up with the styles each season while keeping your feet feeling good. You can certainly find styles at other less expensive stores but if your feet are killing you, don't do it. Been there. It's not fun. I don't think a woman has to have a bunch of shoes. Really. Plan your wardrobe so you have what you need, even when it comes to what you put on your feet. And no, Steph, you do not have to wear heels to make an outfit...in fact, flats are in!

Sister Honey Bunch wanted to know what basics you should have in your closet so you can pull out what you need at anytime. Lots more of you asked the same question. I'm going to ask you to refer back to my Basic Wardrobe List from a couple of posts ago and go over this list. Don't go out and get it all at once, but be on the lookout for these items. I am a big believer in shopping end of season sales. If you are a thrift store shopper, make sure the quality is on par and you are not getting items that are well worn.

A couple of you also said you are in your 4o's or 50's and want to dress hip and cool, but not look like you are in your 20's. The most important first step is: Don't buy your clothes in the Junior dept. When you do, you have already lost the game of wardrobing to dressing age appropriate. Leave the Junior dept. for the teenagers. Even when you are in your 20's you are better off buying your clothes in the following recommended departments of the store. Make sure you are shopping in the bridge or missy dept. Wear basic, neutral styles that flatter your body type, and make sure your new clothes fit you properly, nothing too tight, skimpy or low-cut. No cleaveage, please...except if you are on a date with your hubby. The man at the grocery store doesn't need to see it. Also, make sure your accessories fit your size and frame. Make very certain your hairstyle is up to date. This of all things can make you look out dated and like you are "trying" to look younger when you're not. A fresh haircut can bring life to you.

As a final note, my e-book will be available tomorrow morning on my website! I'm very excited about this and hope you will find it useful in your quest for fashion knowledge. Tuesday morning's post will give you an outline of what you will find in the e-book so you can be certain it will serve you. Have a wonderful day and don't just throw something on today...consider wearing something you haven't worn in awhile in a color you know makes you 'pop'! And you'll feel better too! Fashionable blessings, Shari

How To Know What's In Style

What is actually in style now and how can you go about changing over to that style without breaking the bank? Can you get away with simple clothes that you might already have and use accessories to beef them up? This was asked by Sandy!

First of all, when you are in the grocery store, pick up a copy of InStyle magazine. If you'll do this just 3-4 times a year you can see the new trends.

Or you can just ask me!

A few posts ago, I made a list of the Basic pieces every girl should have in her wardrobe, so make sure you go take a look at that. If you will make a conscious effort to purchase these pieces instead of just buying things on a whim, you will begin building a wardrobe that is functionable. I would say YES, you can get away with simple pieces and use accessories to beef them up, but you must make sure your "simple" pieces are classis, neutral basics and not just simple....like out of style jeans and t-shirts. If you will add a few basics to your wardrobe each season you will be looking like you are up to date.

Special note here: It's important to look up to date and that you take care of yourself, because you might be the only Jesus someone meets today. It matters. She needs to know that God is a "today" God and not an out of date God. That's why it's important to pay attention to how you look before you leave the house. It's also important to look good for your hubby, too, if you've got one. You might not want to hear this girls, but if your hubby is at work all day and the women are all dressed up and smelling nice, you don't want him coming home to a frumpy woman that smells of dirty diapers!

I guess someone was supposed to hear that cause I wasn't planning on writing that. It's hard to hear, I know, trust me, I hang out more often in a sweatshirt and jeans at home, too, and sometimes it just feels like too much trouble to get fixed up but it's worth it.

As far as what's in style right now: Instead of tennis shoes or those ugly crocs (don't write me bad comments, please, cause you know they aren't cute) wear instead a cute, comfy pair of ballet flats. You can pick them up in a basic brown or black at Payless, Target or NewPort News . They are very big in metallic, too...you'll be lookin' like that hot mama that's dying to come out! I'd also recommend you get a big patent bag (not too big if you are small) and get it in a fun color or one to match your ballet flats. Since it's winter, wear your flats with textured tights. You can pick those up at Walmart or Target and they keep your legs warm, too. The color should be closest to your shoe color. If you wanted to add one new top to your wardrobe, then choose one that has an empire waist (this is a top that the waist sits just under your breastline....they are very "in" and you will look quite the fashionista! Make sure your jeans fit well.
Hope that helps! Have a wonderful weekend and remember YOU are beautiful exactly as you are.....God made your body the way it is supposed to be! love ya, Shari

And The Winners Are......!!!!!

Oh my goodness...how do I pick the winners? This was hard!!! And oh so much fun!!!!! After talking at length to Lysa on how to pick the winners, and I mean, at length, I decided to pick winners based on a few things...humor, title choice and randomly! I even had my husband pick out a number from 1-70 based on the number of comments so one of the winners is from that! Drumroll please........the winners are.....(and we ended up each choosing four!):


dcrmom: Cause she was the FIRST to post on both Lysa's and my sites AND she had good stuff to say!

Lisa B: Cause she came up with a combined title and many of you seemed to like it and kept referring to her!

MrsJoeB: Cause my hubby picked #14!

Cheryl H: Cause, oh my goodness, this title had me rollin':
The Proverbs 31 Woman is One Hot Mama and You Can Be too!

Winners, send me a quick e-mail to Shari-P31@earthlink.net and let me know the best e-mail to send your e-book to. And I'll contact you about the discussion call to set up a time for it!

Congratulations girls, I can't wait to meet you and discuss your fashion dilemnas and questions!

What a fun contest this was....the questions were so great on Lysa's site I've decided to answer one or two of them each day....so here's the first one from one of our winners....

dcrmom asked: Here's my fashion dilemma. I'm a huge fan of the TLC What Not To Wear show, but I am constantly baffled by how they put together multi-color outfits. I love the colors and prints they combine, but when I go to try to imitate it, I always fall back on my plain jane ways. I know they say "It doesn't have to match, it just has to GO" but I don't have the confidence to put together interesting color combinations because I'm afraid it won't GO and I'll just wind up an unfortunate fashion victim.So. My question is, how do you put together interesting and sophisticated color combinations so that you aren't just wearing neutrals all the time?

Great question! I am not much of a fan for putting together multi-color outfits basically because it's hard to do without looking like you are "trying". I would much rather see you wear fun accessories in bright colors and add them to your basic neutral pieces. You will look slimmer this way, too. Build your wardrobe around 3-4 colors max....this way you can add accessories, shoes, belts, and even fun necklaces in colors that add a splash of vibrancy and then you can GO (as they would say on WNTW) and not feel like a mixed up fashion victim....cause honestly, it really isn't very attractive to mix and match crazy prints and colors. It is important to know what colors look best on you, that's for sure, then you will have confidence in knowing what splashes of color to add. The key to looking great is having a few essential pieces and having fun with the jewelry, shoes and bags. Hope that helps!

Well my fashionistas in the making, we are off to some fun stuff! Please post a comment to let me know how confident you'd be doing this...and what you are unsure of....is it color, is it the essential pieces, what is it? (And oh my goodness, I need help knowing how to post pictures cause this is a topic that needs photos....anyone live close to Charlotte NC and can come and help me? Yikes! love ya, Shari http://www.sharibraendel.com/

Give-Away Contest with Lysa Terkeurst and Me!

I am so excited about today because it is a prize give-away day! Lysa Terkeurst and I have been cooking up this contest for awhile now so get ready to win! Welcome to my site if you've not been here before!

First for the prize: Six winners (3 from Lysa's comments and 3 from mine) will each receive a copy of my new e-book (hard copy available, too) called "What Your Mother Never Told You About Fashion."
It is a fashion workbook about your body shape, color, accessorizing and how to build a wardrobe! It also contains lots of tips on how to buy the right jeans and how to look slimmer! You'll also learn how to take 12 pieces and get 64 combinations out of it!

Each winner will ALSO be invited to join me on a 2 hour personal discussion call with the other winners to ask me anything you'd like to know about fashion and beauty and how it pertains to YOU! The call will be scheduled at a time suitable to the winners! This is your chance to get beautified!!!!! And have some fun all at the same time!

Now, here's what you have to do to win: Vote for your favorite title for my new book that is being considered RIGHT NOW with a top Christian Publisher! The plans are for a January 2009 release! It has been narrowed down to 3 final titles and we need YOUR input! So post a comment by VOTING on your favorite title (if you have a better idea for a title, post that!) Thank you sooooo much for taking the time to do this!!!!!! Love you....and make sure you get to Lysa's site to double your chances of winning...she's got something else for you to do there! Here are the titles: (Obviously they want 31 Days in the title!)

A Truly Beautiful You: Your 31 Day Fashion Makeover Guide

What to Wear! 31 Days to a Personal Wardrobe Makeover

Celebrate Your Beauty! 31 Days to a Wardrobe Makeover

Post a comment with your favorite title (or one of your own!) The E-Book will be ready in a few days so if you'd like an e-mail letting you know it's available, please sign up here. Love you, Shari

How I got involved with She Speaks...and a little about my past

Tonight I am going to see the new movie that's out called 27 Dresses...I'm going with some of my P31 pals, Lysa, Renee, Marybeth, and LeAnn, so we can laugh and laugh and laugh. We heard it's a great movie so every once in awile we go for a girls night out so tonight's one of those nights. It is so amazing to be connected to these P31 women. Speaking of that leads me to tell you about She Speaks. If you will go to Lysa's blog this morning, she will tell you all about it...but first I want to tell you my story of how I got connected with Proverbs 31. It's a cool one and I hope it encourages you.

God tapped me on my shoulder about 10 years ago to take my knowledge of the fashion and beauty industry to women of the church. I was so uncertain because I thought it wouldn't fly in the Christian community cause we talk about inner beauty and we know that is the most important beauty of all. So I prayed. And planned. And prayed some more. For 7 years. One day a friend in my prayer group invited me to speak to the women in her church at a conference. She really believed in what I was working on (in my own home, during my prayer time) and thought the women in her church might like to hear it. So I went. And God showed up. There was a few women in that audience who was there from another church and got so excited that they invited me to speak at their church. So I did. And when I spoke at their church, there was another group there from another church who invited me to speak at their church. A few weeks later, I was having lunch with my very good friend, Renee Harris, in Greensboro. She had just heard Lysa speak at a conference at her church. She said, "Shari, I think you are supposed to call Lysa and tell her about what you speak about." And I said, "Oh sure, Renee, and what would I say to this well known speaker who has no idea on earth who I am?" She said she didn't know except she really felt God was prompting her to tell me to do it. So I did. I returned home, called the Proverbs 31 office and got Lysa's voicemail. This is what I said (no kidding)..."Hi Lysa, you don't know me, but my friend thinks God wants me to call you." She called me back! I told her what I did, she got very excited about it and told me she had to talk to some people and would call me back. She did. She said she felt her speaking team could use some image advice (that's a whole other story...ask Renee Swope!) So she invited me to the She Speaks Conference to train the speakers how to dress for their speaking engagments and also invited me to give a breakout session to the attendess. And that's how it all began. Seriously. I was obedient to God and heard His prompting. I prayed. I planned. I accepted an invitation to speak. And another. And another. I made a phone call my friend thought I should make because of God's prompting her. Lysa called back. She prayed. She felt God prompted her to invite me to speak. I showed up. And so did God. The rest is history. I joined the Proverbs 31 team in 2005 and have been speaking to women's groups at churches since then. I also now have an event on Modesty for girls called The Modest is Hottest Fashion Show. God is good. I am not. But He can use women just like you and me when we are obedient. You see, it didn't happen overnight. I was in the secular side of my industry for over 20 years. I went thru a couple of bad marriages. I found out I was married to someone involved with some illegal stuff and didn't know it. I was in the middle of a divorce and got pregnant to an ex boyfriend. I was a single mom. I've had lots of money and then had none (single, alone, pregnant). You see, I've had quite a life. I didn't know Christ personally until I was almost 30 years old. Look what God can do with someone who turns it all over to Him. Cause that's what I did. And everyday is a new beginning. But you know what? All I am doing is living out my passion...and God is blessing it.

I pray you will consider coming to She Speaks this year. It is life-changing. Do whatever you can to be there. I promise you, it will change your life. And, thanks so much for reading my blog...love you much, Shari

Our Final Basic Wardrobe List

Since it's the weekend and you might want to go shopping, I thought I'd finish the list of the clothes you should have in a basic wardrobe. You know, every woman's wardrobe looks different...as well it should, but a wardrobe just wouldn't be complete without the following items in it. So here it is: (This is for fall/winter, we'll do one for spring/summer when it gets closer to that time.)

2 pairs of jeans...one dressy, one casual
2 sweaters
1 pair of black or chocolate slacks in a fine fabric...a wool gabardine is always nice
1 pair of casual slacks in black or chocolate...something you can wear at home to be comfy
1 dress in a deep color that can be worn to a wedding, funeral or evening out
1 beautiful silk blouse to be worn with jeans or dressy slacks
1 classic style 3 piece suit...jacket, slacks and skirt in a neutral color that flatters you
2 pair of casual slacks...one cords, one tweed or kakhi
2 V-neck 3/4 sleeves...knit/t-shirt type tops
Brown or Black belt if they suit your style
Winter coat or Trench coat in a style you feel great in
Dressy (very) slacks or skirt for evening...mine are in gold silk that feels like cotton
Dressy sweater in the same color as slacks or skirt from above
Flats (I'd suggest ballet flats this season)
Dressy pumps or heels for evening (MaryJanes with a heel are terrific this season)
Boots with a medium heel...black or brown, whichever is closest to your hair color
Great handbag for your frame size (color should coordinate with your hair color)
Gold or Silver hoop earrings, again based on your scale
Gold or Silver watch
Fun evening bag
Jog Suit in a flattering color
Athletic shoes

Your wardrobe should reflect you and it should be well- planned. The mistake most women make is not planning and this means you run to the store to buy something when an event comes up last minute. Having clothes in your wardrobe that are basic and classic in good quality fabric will save you time and time again.

Here's what I'd like you to post a comment about: What was the last event you had to go to where you felt you didn't have the right clothes in your closet to wear? And what did you do?

On To More Basics!

I better get on to some more basics for your wardrobe. I'm glad some of you posted your ideas, love that. I do believe that most women feel black slacks and/or dress is an essential. That would be right on...IF Black looks good on you. And for many women it doesn't. If you are Soft or Warm then black would not be your best wardrobe builder. (For more on this visit my website so you can figure out which one you are.) For Softs and Warms, then Chocolate would be your best bet. If you are Cool or Light, then charcoal or black would be terrific. Clears and Deeps, black would be perfect. So, upon knowing that, definetly have a slammin' pair of slacks in your wardrobe in this basic color. And I liked Alyce's idea of having them in a classic pair and a yoga type pant. Add two sweaters to this in colors that make you "pop" and you've got a very smart look going. For accessories, you'll want to make sure you have a good basic flat (I can't seem to get away from that word..basic) and probably a boot with a heel if this suits your style. It suits my style, but I still don't own any boots...isn't that odd? Hmmm, I might need to get some. You'll want to make sure your yoga pants are not too tight or you'll have to wear a sweater long enought to cover your booty. If yoga pants aren't for you (something else I don't own) you can opt for a pair of cordouroys with a fine twill that you can dress up or down. I also believe you can build several basic wardrobes, especially if you work outside your home...you may need one for work clothes and for weekend. Hey, it's getting cold over here in North Carolina....so another good and necessary basic to have is a beautiful coat. Make sure it is in a color that flatters you and that it is long enough to cover your longest sweater or top you wear. Don't add that dress yet to this list...even though it's on there, we're gonna discuss dresses in another post. Kelly gave us a great idea on the 3 piece suit, which we'll also cover another time. Thanks all, keep posting! And, watch out for a give away coming up next week that
Lysa Terkeurst and I are going to do together...you won't want to miss it! Fun, fun! She's calling me in just a little bit to discuss the details...you're gonna love the prize!

JEANS UPDATE

I interupt this blog for an exciting announcement! While in the process of finishing my e-book, due to be out by the end of January, I ran across this most amazing website that I MUST tell you about....NOW. I wish I could go back and tell all the audiences I've spoken to this last year and let them know, too, because you are not gonna believe this! I just found a website where you can find out what YOUR perfect jeans, pants and bra are....and all you have to do is fill out a questionaire based on your body type and it will lead you to the right fit for you. I tried it today and it is seriously awesome. Go to this link and you find it! Let me know what you think! I am loving your comments regarding your basic wardrobe so we'll keep at it! I just had to bring you this little interuption for this all important announcement of this cool website!
Special Note: If you would like an e-mail letting you know when my e-book will be ready (you'll be able to order it in a hard copy if you don't want to download the e-book) then please go here and register for the notice. You'll be the first to know! Blessings in a big way today! Shari

Here's to a Basic Wardrobe!

Since it's a new year, I thought I might take the next couple of posts to discuss a basic wardrobe with you. Like, what does that look like, really? I'll bet if I took a look inside your closet it would be more than basic. More like "oh my goodness I have so many clothes I don't have anything to wear" closet...are ya with me? So I got to thinking about this and wondered if my own wardrobe was "basic". So I took a look and yep, I think it is. A basic wardrobe "basically" means you have the right clothes to wear when you need to wear them. Does that make sense? Okay, a wedding comes up....you already have it it your wardrobe. Your boss just invited you to lunch to talk about a promotion...you already have it in your wardrobe. No stress. You just got an invitation to a baby shower and all your old friends from high school or college are going to be there...you already have it in your wardrobe. Got it? That is a basic wardrobe...one that works, one that is beautiful, one that is stress-free, and one you don't have to "run to the mall everytime an event pops up" kind of wardrobe. Ahhh, are you breathing a sigh of relief? Hmmm...I am and I already have one! I'm breathing one for you! Most basic wardrobes are going to have 12-16 core pieces. This may or may not sound like a lot to you, but it is the number that works. I'd bet you probably have way more than this many clothes now.
So, let's get started with this idea and describe what your wardrobe should look like.

You should start with a pair of really good jeans. And a pair for casual days. Your dressier jeans should be in a darker wash and should be sleeker in design. These jeans also need to be longer in length as they should be worn with a higher heeled boot or shoe. The more casual pair can be a lighter wash but the length should be appropriate for flats or athletic shoes. So that's two basic pieces. Another basic piece should be a good blouse in a light color like white or ivory or even a pastel. This will get lots of use as I'll explain in a later post. You'll also want to have a terrific blazer or jacket. One that flatters your figure and your coloring. You can wear this with the blouse and jeans and depending on how you accessorize, it can be dressed up or dressed down. Well, I think we're on to something here. I'd love to hear what wardrobe pieces YOU can't live without and let's see if they make our basic wardrobe list. This will be an on-going topic for a week or so, so let me hear from you. What one or two wardrobe pieces could you NOT live without...besides jeans? Cause we all know they are a staple! Can't wait to hear from you! Love, Shari

How Many Times Have I Done This?

I found out this week I offended someone. I mean, really offended someone. To the point this person went home and cried all night. If you know me, and many of you do, but many more of you don't, you know I am direct. Especially when it comes to fashion advice. But I also have a very tender heart...I mean, really tender. It would kill me to know I hurt someone's feelings or thought someone would take something I said the wrong way. But it happened. The problem is, I almost didn't even find out about it.
I happened to drop by a church this week to drop off some color swatches that were ordered and as I was leaving I was told by a couple of women how much fun the event was when I spoke there. They said the women were still talking about it and they were having so much fun with the information they'd learned. Then the bomb. I asked them if the woman I had used as my bra model had a good time cause I thought maybe she was a little embarrassed of my pulling her bra straps up about 3 inches to where her bust needed to be, so I was worried because the look on her face was a little more than embarassed. They immediately said, "Oh Nooooooooo, she was fine with it, but one girl in the audience went home and cried all night." They went on to tell me the details of which I remembered the girl and I remembered what I had teased about. I am soooooooooooo upset. My eyes filled with tears because I felt so terrible. I would never, I mean never intentionally set out to hurt someone. I know I am direct, and I think women want me to be when it comes to advice, but sometimes our words are just stupid. Whatever I said, however I said it, didn't make her feel good at all and so I made someone cry. I made her sad. I made her stay up all night. I wonder how many other women's feelings I've hurt? Seriously. I asked the front office for her address so they gave it to me. I'm going to write her a note tonight and ask her forgiveness. Please, please, be careful with your words today. I pray EVERY single time before EVERY single event I do that God will give me the right words and that they will edify the women, lift them up, make them feel better. It just about killed me to hear what I did. I have been thinking about this all weekend, asking
God, even, why He allows me to do this ministry if I am gonna offend women. I have really been beating myself up.

So I was at church this morning standing at the Children's Ministry area greeting the newcomers. A woman approached me and asked me my name. She said, "I've been wanting to find you because a few months ago I asked for a prayer request for my husband's job thru the prayer team at the church and you wrote the most beautiful e-mail back to me with a prayer. It meant so much to me I copied it word for word into my journal. I just wanted to say thank you. Your words thru that prayer touched my life." I just stood there after she left and whispered a "thank you" to God...I think He sent her to me today to touch my life because I needed to know that my words do edify most of the time. It's just that sometimes I just really mess up. Isn't God so good to bring a complete stranger to me? Now I've gotta go write that note. love ya, Shari

What Color Shoes Should I Wear?

With so much talk about hose this week I want to move on to the subject of shoes! Rachel prompted me this week to tell you about the color of shoes to wear and when. I really believe this is one of the smartest tips I give women....if I must say so myself!!! So here is the million dollar question: "What should your basic color of shoe/boot be for your wardrobe? You know, the one that you can put on on most occassions and know it will look good." I'm going to throw something else into the mix here: You get dressed in jeans and a sweater. There is absolutely NO brown or black in your jeans OR sweater. Got it? Dressed? Okay, NOW, go to your closet and put on shoes/boots to go with this outfit. What color should they be? Here's another question: You get dressed in a beautiful new purple (yes, I said purple) skirt and blazer....you are looking quite plummy today! Dressed? What color boots/shoes are you going to put on with this? The million dollar answer: MATCH YOUR HAIRCOLOR! Yes, that's right...match your hair color. Now, for you blondes and silver haired beauties out there, don't go freaking out on me quite yet, I do NOT want you wearing white or ivory shoes, (sorry Alyse!) Let me explain. Go back to the jeans/sweater outfit. If you have light, soft brown hair and you put on black (which most of you would, so don't lie!) you will have a plethera (I love that word!) of colors on your body. If you start at the bottom up, you'll begin with black shoes, then blue jeans, then green sweater (or any other color except brown or black) and then soft brown hair. You see....a real crazy mix up! If on the other hand you but on medium brown shoes/boots, you now have a head to toe look that completes each other. You start and end with medium brown, therefore "framing" your outfit! The same is true with the purple combo. Depending on your hair color, you want to "frame" your outfit, head and toe coordinating! If you have dark brunette or black hair, then feel free to wear very dark brown or black boots/shoes. If you are a red head, then medium brown or rusty brown works, blondes, you will want to go with a camel/taupe color or very light brown. Silver haired or gray headed beauties you can go with black if you have some "pepper" in your hair OR you can go with the taupe/camel. So, bring on the comments and tell me, while you were reading this, were you "framed?" Please note: If you have any brown or black on in your outfit, then by all means, match that. But, have I told you yet that the majority of you shouldn't be wearing black? Oh, oh....that's for another post! hehehe! Love ya! Shari

Are Hose Totally Out?

Here is my fashion question for you: Are hose totally out or are they sometimes still in??? That is the question I received from my friend, Lysa, on a blog post the other day. So what is it? Well my sistahs, I know you'd love for me to tell you panty hose are totally out, but, really now, how could they be? I have been told that women in NYC dress up in their power suits and go hose-less, but, I'm sorry, it is about 10 degrees outside, my legs want a little warmth! Tights are a good option to cold weather woes if you don't want to wear sheer panty hose.

This past fall/winter brought us all kinds of new shoes with the sneak-a-peak toe. They came in flats and heels for casual and dressier types. Here's a link to the style I'm speaking of. For this type of shoe, then hose showing thru are out. So you might want to try the toeless type of hose so it doesn't look like you have them on. However, with all that being said, panty hose are more out than in. We've come to the day where bare legs are more in style and sunless tanners are a way of life, thus making your legs appear tanned and healthy. I still wear knee highs with my slacks cause I've tried going without them (winter only) and my feet and ankles are just too darned cold! If you do opt for panty hose because you feel your legs just look better in them, then make sure the color is the exact color of your arm. Yes, I said arm. This way it looks like skin, but isn't! So, my friends, panty hose are still in...just a bit differently than before. And, hey, look at it this way, at least pantyhose work as a sucky-in-your-cellulite-on-your-legs kind of thing! And that can't be all bad! I'll take any other questions regarding hose...anyone? love ya, Shari

Clutter Happens

Happy New Year! Ahhh, the start of a new year. Why is it on January 1st I end up cleaning out stuff all day long? I just got my shower and it's almost 2pm. I decided to clean out a closet today so I could store my Christmas decorations in the house instead of the garage attic. This way I might be able to get my tree up and decorated much earlier than I did this year...we'll see! As I was cleaning out, I was thinking about clutter. Why in the world do we get so much...and then end up taking it to Goodwill anyway? So I got to thinking of the sermon at our church this past weekend given by Rick Harwell, our worship pastor. It was titled Clutter Happens. He talked about how we not only end up with lots of clutter in our house, office, garage, etc. but also in our souls. Soul lint. Hmmm. Are you cluttered in your soul? Have you made any resolutions regarding uncluttering that area of your life? I get so caught up thinking about the weight I should lose, the exercise I should do, the closets I should clean I tend to forget about what I should resolve regarding my soul. How cluttered is it? How cluttered is yours? I received Beth Moore's bible study on David for Christmas from my steppie (term of endearment for step-daughter of which I have 3 beautiful ones!) I'm determined to spend the best part of my day (and no, that is not always the morning for me) spending time with my precious Jesus. I will begin 2008 working thru this 90 day study of David getting to know the heart of Jesus more intimately. I will try to unclutter my mind and soul with forgetting things from the past that hold me in chains...still. I will cling to God's promise in Phillippians 3:12-14 (NLT), "I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection! But I keep working toward the day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be. No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus is calling us up to heaven." You see, it looks as if Paul had soul lint, too. He just kept straining ahead and keeping at it. We must do the same. I must do the same. So, I shall begin today with my study. I will resolve to forget the things of the past that is just fuzzy old lint anyway, clinging to my soul, and I will just keep keepin' on...to the best of my ability. And I will get those closets cleaned out....someday. Happy New Year! Shari