Who Are You Dressing for Anyway?

As women, you may grow up wanting to be a people pleaser, and that includes the clothing that you wear. You wear what our mom wanted you to when you were little, what your peers wanted you to wear when you hit high school, and then you move on to what your spouse or partner wants to see you in. Where does that leave you? I'll tell you where - disconnected from your true self, wearing what I call your 'shoulds' and dressing for everyone but you!

Getting dressed and adorning yourself for who you truly are is one of life's real pleasures, yet many women never get to enjoy this experience. Unfortunately, getting dressed isn't as simple as we'd like it to be. Often it comes with a whole boatload of 'shoulds', as in 'I should wear the dress my mother bought for me when she comes to visit', 'I should wear a black suit because it's safe and I won't stand out' or 'I should wear that low cut dress because my husband likes how I look in it'. Do you see a pattern here?

I'm here to tell you that you GET to dress for you who are. Your real, beautiful and authentic self. Putting clothing on that fits not only your body, but your personality, will help you to feel confident about who you are and can help you feel more comfortable in your own skin. Dressing for someone else can leave you feeling out of sync with yourself, uncomfortable in your own skin and confused about who you are.

I know that after years of dressing in what you 'should' wear it's not easy to just ditch your wardrobe and start from scratch, or to even know what is really you. Here are a few ways to get started dressing your gorgeous self so that you can truly shine:

1/ Add some color - Wearing color is a wonderful way to create your own unique look. Black is basic and, well, boring. Amp your look up a bit with bright shades of turquoise, blue, red, green...whatever makes you sparkle! Don't know what shades look best on you? Try wearing your eye color or a metallic version of your haircolor and watch the magic happen.

2/ Fit that's Just Right - If you're hiding in big, baggy clothes because you don't want to show your body, or wearing clothing that's tight because you think others like it, then I have to tell you that you're not doing yourself any favors. Baggy clothes, as well as too-tight clothes, can make you look heavier than you really are and feel less like you. Who needs that? Wear clothing that gently skims the body to show off your shape and helps you put your best image forward.

3/ Accessorize Accordingly - Accessories are where we get to have some fun with our outfits and put your own personal stamp on your look. Chose accessories that really speak to you and show the world who you are. Are you wild at heart with a touch of whimsy? Why not wear a colorful animal print scarf, bangle or even shoes to set your look off. Are you classically elegant? Wear your best pearls, everyday! Find those items that will become your signature and let them speak for you. After all, your image speaks louder than words.

4/ Break the Rules - I admit it, I'm a big fan of breaking the rules, but that doesn't mean go crazy. What it does mean is that you can wear white shoes before Memorial Day, you can wear your summer dress in the fall with boots and tights and you can create your own look. Don't become a fashion victim and let the trends dictate what you wear. Learn to trust your instincts to know if something is right for you and you'll gain a true understanding of yourself. If in doubt, ask a trusted friend who will tell you the truth.

5/ To Thine Own Self be True - Dressing yourself can be a very spiritual as well as personal experience. When you dress who you truly are you present yourself for all to see. Let this empower you to step forward in your life and become the person you were meant to be. Your very own style will get you noticed for all the right reasons and will attract wonderful people into your life who instantly connect with the image you project.

If you're not sure what your style is, then spend some time playing dress-up (in the privacy of your own home, or in the dressing room of your favorite shop). Try on items that you like, but may have never worn before. When something resonates with you, make a note of it. I recommend keeping a style journal and documenting looks you love! When you try something on, ask yourself, "Do I love it?" If the answer is no, put it back on the rack, or start a pile for a local charity. When your closet is filled only with items you do love, dressing will become effortless and enjoyable. Soon you'll begin to see a new pattern emerge, as well as a new you

Medieval Costumes for Peasants

Are you looking for a different theme for an event or party? Medieval peasants can be a fun, interesting and refreshing theme for that special occasion, be it a wedding, a child's party or even just a get together for friends and family.

Peasants were from the lower-income group in medieval times, mainly farmers and artisans. They had to live with the bare basics and the men went out to work whilst the women stayed at home to take care of the household. They were humble people, strong in their religion and bold. The medieval peasants wore very basic and practical clothing, with a humble look. Having said that, by no means does this dress have to be boring; do a little research on what peasants' clothing looked like and you will be surprised how refreshing one can look in medieval costumes for peasants.

Medieval costumes for men, women as well as for children can be found on many online stores and from some party & costume hire shops. Most online stores offer delivery no matter where you are in the world. Men's clothing mainly consisted of hooded cloaks, tunic skirts, a belt or sash around the waist, breeches, gawky looking leather shoes or boots plus a cap. Women wore scarves over their heads, basic dresses and often wore aprons or tight-fitting waistcoats over their dresses to enhance their waists. Some women wore wide skirts with basic wide sleeved blouses often white in color and a belt. Women's shoes were basic and practical. Most of the peasants clothing were self-made from the cheapest materials available, normally extremely uncomfortable to wear for the women, but some were lucky to be able to wear softer materials. As the peasants were the lower-income group they were not allowed to wear bright colors, the bright colors were only for the higher income groups. A lot of people are under the misconception though that they were only allowed to wear dull colors but in fact some of them wore lovely greens and reds.

Medieval costumes for peasants need to be simple and practical looking, but needn't be dull. Medieval costumes can be very exciting if you do a little research and put on your thinking cap. You have a large choice from online shops, maybe party shops or costume hire shops, or you could choose to make your costumes yourself. If you have a basic knowledge of sewing, these costumes can be made in a short amount of time. Or you might even be able to take some of those old clothes you have put away in the top of your cupboard and redesign them to suit the image.

Medieval costumes have become the latest trend for many 'theme' events. But don't be like everyone else and choose to be a King and Queen or a Knight in shining armor, be different and surprise your friends, choose rather to be a peasant. Your friends and family will love you for it.

Shopping And Accessorizing Party Dresses

Most of the evening parties are usually the formal tie and long gown events. But the dress that every single woman must have in her wardrobe is a versatile party dress. These party dresses are generally made from materials such as silk, satin and at times chiffon. Party dresses and cocktail dresses always add the fun element in your personality and make you look stunning. They key thing in wearing a party dress is to carry it off well. If you are confident in the clothes you wear, it is bound to make you look even more flattering. Otherwise, there is no use in wearing an expensive cocktail dress yet not look your very best, just because you aren't fully confident in it.

There are a number of places to get the best party outfits. Malls, service-oriented local stores, branded showrooms and also online stores are some of the best places to get the cocktail dress of your choice. A lot of shopping destinations are famous for such party dresses. Cocktail Dresses in UK are well known around the world. Besides cities like Milan and Paris too are world renowned shopping hubs.

Rather than choosing the best outfit, one of the most essential factors to look good is accessorizing it. Wearing a cocktail dress is no walk in the park. As mentioned above, you must know how to carry your outfit so that it fits best with your personality. And to be in a complete party wear, accessorizing is one of the key necessities. Shoes, jewelry, necklaces, earrings, evening handbags and clutches, bracelets, belts are just some of the commonly used accessories.

Deciding on your party dress in accordance with the party theme is also a thing to be noted. If it's a retro themed party, all your accessories and clothes must be matching. Otherwise, it advisable for your accessories, complement your party dress properly. Your shoes must always pick on the color of your party wear. Having shoes and an evening handbag in color coordination will not only reflect your outfit but also your handbag and shoes. In this way, all of the main elements of your cocktail dress will be highlighted.

The jewelry must be minimal yet elegant. Two or three pieces of jewelry are more than enough to complement your dress. It could be a necklace, bracelet, hair accessories or earrings. One of the age old norms of dressing up for a party is to take a final look at oneself before leaving for the evening. Then take off one piece of jewelry that you feel is making you look too gaudy! And this is a tried and tested method to make you look your elegant best.

If you find it too difficult to choose the right party dress for the evening, remember that a black cocktail dress is considered to be an all- season favorite for party goers. It is also a must have for every woman's wardrobe. So, pick the right cocktail dress, accessorize it neatly, settle your nerves and party hard!

A Little Black Dress Can Really Take You Places

In the world of fashion, as well as in any smart women's wardrobe a little black dress definitely holds a special place. Though flowing fabrics and long gowns with vivacious colors were more in vogue in the recent decade, our little black dress, or LBD, as it is popularly known never lost its significance. It is still a predominant hue for the fashion conscious sophisticated ladies. It has been a staple and safe bet for any occasion when a woman is confused about what to wear. Even the modern current designers treat this simple elegant concept of little black dress with reverence.

If we ask any woman about their favorite party outfit, the answer would surely be a little black dress. There are reasons galore for the same. The most obvious being, it definitely flatters the figure and gives the slimming effect which everyone would agree. You can multitask with it which means it can be worn at work with a formal jacket and then changed as party wear for evening or even on a casual hang out with friends. Though it provides one with a slimming effect it is imperative that your little black dress has a perfect fit, good quality and a timeless style. This would ensure making you look sophisticated as well as sexy. Now it can get boring sometimes to wear the little black dress for many occasions. But rest be assured, there are ways and means to bring your dull outfit to glory. It can be dressed up for parties, weddings or be dressed down for funeral, formal meetings etc.

All one needs to do is to accessorize the little black dress appropriately and differently for different occasions.

Jewelry

It is the most important means to give a new look to your little black dress. Eye catching necklace or earrings ranging from delicate pearls to diamonds or even chunky heavy jewelry and bangles complement the little black dress without any ado. It also shows your flair for style. Depending on the occasion, the jewelry can be selected. Even brooch gives it that special look for any trendy occasion.

Shoes

You can change the look by experimenting with shoes which can make your little black dress look completely different. Ranging from high heeled stilettos which go remarkably well with little black dress, to a simple pair of black pumps also suit the outfit. As black shoes would be boring and predictable on black outfit, going colorful would be a better idea. It will also give that much needed contrast to the outfit.

Bags & Belts

Accessorizing with the right clutch or handbag will definitely add to the glamour factor. Either a simple or fashionable clutch with array of colors goes well with the black outfit. The shoes and bag can be matched or at least complement each other which would definitely make the whole look striking in totality. Similarly belts give that much needed emphasis and diversion from the black dress. It also can help in changing the look of the dress. Depending upon your body structure the belt can help in hiding the flaws and enhancing the assets.

Hats, scarves and tights

With the above 3 accessories you can definitely create a chic and ultra modern look. Right color and choice can definitely add color to your little black dress. So go ahead and experiment with different types of hats as well as different material and colors of scarves and tights. As it is a well known fact that every color goes well with black.

Top Fashion Tips

If you are looking for some of the top fashion tips possible, you will need to take a somewhat strategic approach. A lot of women tend to just copy what they see on TV and will completely forget about ever creating their own style. Fashion is all about creating your own look and making it your own but it seems like the majority of people tend to forget that fashion is an individual venture. If you are serious about looking and feeling better, you should take these simple fashion tips into consideration.

Do Not Overdress

Always learn how to dress for the occasion and never look to over dress. Often it's much better to be slightly under dressed with converse shoes rather than having to wear a suit at a children's birthday party. However, dramatically undressing can be a horrible thing as you obviously will not wear slippers at a wedding. You must always understand what the occasion is and how you can possibly dress for the event. If you have a pair of DC shoes, then those are best for casual outings and not for a job interview.

Do Not Be Afraid To Not Match

Too often people tend to think that you must always match to be fashionable but it really all depends on the person that's wearing the shoes. This means that you will be able to be creative and match colours together with what you prefer. However, it is not a good idea to simply just match colours without much thought process. Randomly putting a pink shirt on with blue pants just may not be the best fashion statement to create but it surely will grab people's attention. Always experiment with different colours and remember that it will always take some time to be able to fully create your own style.

Experiment

Take the time to go out and buy some of cheap clothes and see what looks good on you. This will give you a better understanding of what you can look like without having to spend a fortune on different clothes. This means that you will look for bargain sales pick some clothes out that you normally would not wear. Though this might seem like a crazy thing to do, this will help you develop your own sense of fashion and ultimately make the process go by faster.

Overall, fashion is all subjective and so you will need to develop and understand what you want to be able to have your own style. Take your time with the process and enjoy the process of finding your own style. If you are serious about finding your own fashion style, you should certainly take these things into consideration.

tim chesterton

tim chesterton

Fashion Is About More Than Clothes

As a Christian we say "don't dress like the world," but what is worldly when it comes to dress? I think we can learn something about what it is by what the world say about dress? I think also we can learn about it by discerning what's behind the sad looking, gaunt expressions of the models who stride down the runways displaying the latest fashion ideas. What they seem to be saying may relate to the spirit behind the whole business that they are in. Sad and empty. This was evidenced recently as I read about a world-renown wealthy Italian fashion designer who a few years ago was murdered in cold-blood - and some of what the fashion world and its editors wrote about him after his death:

One writer suggested that he understood that fashion was about more than clothes. He knew that a simple dress could also make allusions to art, music, architecture, and the cult of celebrity. Another said his style was flamboyant, profoundly sexy, and often crossed the line into a wonderful, dangerous vulgarity.

In writing about his style, they said he unapologetically cut dresses obscenely low or ridiculously high. But he could also cut a perfect suit that blended classic lines with delicate sensuality. And fashion for him was a glamorous, colorful, sensual world. The article indicates as well that he was a homosexual and designed men's wear accordingly.

Through such comments as these about this one designer and in looking generally at those who represent the world of fashion design, it's not difficult to sense the spirit behind the whole scene of today's fashions? They also give more than a hint why the poor models look so lost and hopeless? How does any of it line up with the Word of God? It doesn't.

Everyone's life in various ways will reflect what or whom they admire or follow. And without doubt the story of Gianni Versace 's life, his work and his wealth sheds a great deal of light on the world of fashion. As a Christian I should be concerned with what the story of my life will reveal? Will it highlight my desire to dress like the world - or will it reveal that my life's goal is to always reflect in all that I say and do - the purity of Christ?