I love Glamour magazine! If I can I get the British one. I prefer it over the U. S. one, but I still like the U. S. one. I’ve always liked fashion and clothes and shoes and bags and accessories, even though that’s not shown in my wardrobe. I do like to accessorise, but, with the exception of one job, I’ve never really had the opportunity to wear a lot of extras in my everyday life. So I just got away from trying. Lately, though, I’ve been thinking of ways to do this in a classy yet individualistic way. Something that wouldn’t distract from my walk with God nor distract others from it, but also be an indicator of my own personality. There’s a strong creative side to me (that’s a lot more dominant than my logical, but that’s there, too) that longs to express itself in different ways, and, lately, jewellry is one way. The only thing is, I don’t have a lot of money to buy the stuff I like, and I don’t have much at home that I can wear at just any old time. So I’m trying to figure out what to do in order to make my accessories work in my lifestyle without being all gaudy or gauche. Oh, such words! 
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In the current Glamour, February’s issue, on page 72, there’s a list titled “How To Always Dress Like Yourself,” and I like it. So I’m sharing it here. Just each point, not their subpoints. For that you’ll have to read the mag or website yourself (if it’s on the website. I didn’t go to see).
“Dress for yourself and accept that not everyone will like your look.
“Remember what you loved as a kid (you probably like the grown-up version, too!)
“Wear things your way, not the expected way.
“Unique doesn’t have to mean expensive.
“If your clothes are plain, accessorise!”
Great tips! I especially like the fourth point. I’m certainly not cheap, but I have learnt to spend without blowing a bundle and to look for bargains and sales, thanks to last year!
I’ve thought about making my own jewellry. I want to get a book or two on the subject and then get some materials. That way, I can get what I like without always having to look for it. I’m not considering jewellry design as a career or anything, but it is something that would interest me for my own self. Just like clothing design, but I can’t sew, and I wouldn’t want to go to someone else all the time to make it for me. I could learn to sew, I guess, but I have other things I’d rather do. So I’ll just look for mix and match pieces and go to a seamstress or tailor sometimes when I want to splurge on something totally unique.
If I can find it, I have a really great pic of my high school grad dress that I helped to design, along with the seamstress, who was a family friend.
I do have to be careful, though. Once I have a little extra money, I go and spend it on something that I probably don’t really need. I’ve always had a hard time saving money, but I’m slowly getting into that and really forcing myself to. Besides, I often spend it on fads and trends that’re over very quickly, and then what’s the point of that? Yes, it’s good to be in style if you can and if the fashion isn’t sleazy or making you look like something you’re not, but it’s not the end all be all of life. I don’t think I’ve ever really been the most up-to-date girl when it comes to clothes, but I’ve also never been completely lost, either. I can put together an outfit that looks good on me and really does wonders for me, and that’s what I like. If I’m unsure even in the slightest about a piece of clothing, I won’t buy it. I used to buy stuff “just because,” but not anymore. Not only is it a waste of my hard earned money, but it’s also just going to sit in my closet, never begin worn until I give it away.
Speaking of which, I really do have to go through all my stuff, starting with clothes, one of these days. Hmm!
If I had the money, would I buy haute couture and go all out on my wardrobe? Maybe. Probably. OK, I’d buy at least one piece of haute couture, even if I never wear it. The “stuff” is art in and of itself, and the work that goes into each piece….wow! I would dress better and have nicer things to wear, but I will never be what anyone would consider the height of fashion. But then, who knows for sure? Unless you yourself are really and truly in a certain place in the world, you can never really know what you’d actually do. You can guess and try to figure it out, but you can never really be completely sure about it. I do know that I would buy more expensive clothes, just a few really good, quality pieces with that certain “timeless something” that makes them last from season to season without ever really looking out of place. Oh, and some really great shoes! I think I’d set up a closet just for all the shoes I’d buy! Yes, Imelda! 
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Seriously, though. I would buy some really nice pieces, as I was saying, and I would get better shoes and some good bags/purses, along with some great jewellry, but there’s a lot more on which my money would be better spent.
Here’s a perfect verse that helps to keep this all in perspective: 1 Samuel 16:7 ~ ”
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
Footnotes: Septuagint reads For God does not see as man sees; Targum reads It is not by the appearance of a man; Vulgate reads Nor do I judge according to the looks of a man. (from BibleGateway.com; I wanted to include the notes here. This sort of thing really fascinates me. )
I am fully aware that any undue attention to someone’s looks is wrong and a form of idolatry, to put it bluntly, and my focus is now on my inner self, the part that God is truly concerned with. However, there is a certain value to our outer selves, as well. Why else would God have created each of us with the ability to admire and to be attracted to someone based on his looks (or “her,” if any men happen to be reading this)? I fully believe that it’s important for a person to look her best whenever possible. Not at all times ~ that’d be unrealistic if you’re exercising or doing something grubby or the like ~ but when you’re out at work and in church (after all, we’re in the house of the King!) and shopping and just spending time with people. A person doesn’t have to get all gussied up or anything, but to be neat and presentable when the occasion requires it honours God, I believe. Also, it shows respect for yourself and, more importantly, those around you. It says to others that you cared enough about them to make an effort with yourself to be ready to meet with them. I don’t think a person should dress obnoxiously or in a way that draws attention just to herself, although some people do and that’s their choice. I’m not going to run them down; just stating my opinion here. In Proverbs, God tells women to dress modestly, and I believe that should go for men, too.
It’s been said that how you look on the outside reflects how you see yourself. This is true most of the time. What I want to reflect is a girl who loves God without hesitation and who respects the people around her. With my own individual touch to things, of course!
Anyway, I’d actually really be curious as to what people think about clothes and fashion and the whole outward appearance thing. Please leave a comment with it if you’d like. It’s not some kind of survey or anything; just something to satisfy my curiosity.
