Travel Fashion: My Minimalist Wardrobe

Hi. Yes, that's my "I leave the country in ten days!!!!" face. It's part trepidation and part a hunky load of excitement. I am sorry I haven't been blogging recently! My new job as Mary Poppins has been going wonderfully well, but I'm learning that all those people who complained that work left little time in which to blog were 100% correct. My days off are filled with the pressing business attending my days on and I'm still learning how to juggle it all. It's fun though. The girls and I get along so well, and their parents are fabulosity itself. But I decided to drop the news that I'm leaving the country again for a 17-day missions trip to Romania with a huge fat post full of the topic about which I've been dropping broad hints. This topic? 

A "minimalist" travel wardrobe

 In Romania last year, I packed far too many clothes. I was still under the 50 lb. limit for the checked bag, but along with that bag, I was toting my huge Baccini and Thomas (Barrow), my utterly confused carry-on suitcase. Somehow I made my way through two weeks of lugging around far too much luggage. This year when I knew I would be going back, I wanted to take far less. It's going to be summer so I wouldn't need gobs of clothing. We will be traveling in the mountains, but the most I will need in Romania in May would be a light jacket and jeans. With this in mind, I started thinking about packing. Pinterest can be a huge time-waster, I know. But far oftener than not, I find it a beautiful cause of inspiration. Sometime in the fall, I came across the idea of minimalist packing and I was hooked. This pin is the inspiration for my insanity:

8 items of clothing to make 22 outfits? Seriously? Could that even work? The closer I scrutinized the system, the more I thought it looked like something I wanted to do. When I heard that we will be traveling within the country with limited luggage space, I was decided. I looked at some of the items and colors I already had in my closet and settled on a palette of coral, cream, navy and sage:

Because I felt crafty that night, I made a cute little thingamajig to help me shop. It was more fun than it was useful, but it made the whole thing feel legitimate, which was lovely. Haha. I am a sucker for lists, doodles, and artistic bents on tasks. By God's provision through my job, I was actually able to shop for quite a few things; Shrinkage has been going well which means that I have lost weight and instead of being an 18, I'm a pretty solid 14 (and I got one skirt and some shorts that were 12s!). Most of my summer clothes from last year are way too big, so I needed new stuff. I shopped sales and thrift-stores, bought a couple of full-price (but still reasonable) things, and put together my wardrobe for Romania.

My minimalist travel wardrobe consists of:

• 2 maxi skirts
• 1 pair of cargo capris
• 1 pair of  dark-wash jeans
• 4 blouses
• 2 pull-over/shrug things
• 1 scarf
• 1 belt
• 2 camis
• 1 pair of sandals
• 1 pair each flip-flops and walking shoes (not pictured)

Plus, your average set of pajamas, underclothes, and a light-weight jacket. As a list, it looks like a lot, but in practice, as you shall see, it's fabulously tiny. Could I really make that many outfits out of these items? Yes, I can. I had assumed I'd be able to make enough to carry me through the seventeen-day trip with only a couple repeats, but I hadn't tried making outfits till today. Apparently this whole "Choose colors that coordinate infinitely" thing works pretty darn well. Observe:

My four tops and four bottoms

My "accessories": navy shrug, cream-lace shrug, belt, scarf

All of it (sans camis and shoes) laid out on the floor

 This? Really? All of this could carry me through the entire trip? I was loving the size of this pile--so dinky!--but would it really serve me for both church outfits and casual travel/hanging-out clothes? I started working outfits. Wouldn't they at least start looking identical? I can't even wear jewelry while in the Romanian churches, so how would I shake up the looks? See for yourself: (and while you're at it, pardon the sometimes-foggy mirror-selfies. It's harder than it looks. XD)

No. 1

I started casual, with my jeans.

No. 2

These are the most comfortable sandals! Got them from Payless and though I paid $24, they are worth it.

 No. 3

 No. 4

Switched to sage cargo-capris after 3 options ...

 No. 5

We get tired of making the same faces, preciousss

 No. 6

Switched to my striped navy maxi skirt ... 

No. 7

Love this sage Henley I found at the Salvation Army for $1.50!

 No. 8

 No. 9

This anchor-top is my favorite ever! Bought it on clearance at Belk for $10 (had been $37)

 No. 10

Switched to my blush maxi skirt.

 No. 11

Funny face and hair-shot. I don't think I've showed my new glasses or haircut here, so voila! I love both. ^.^

 No. 12

A dozen outfits, and I am nowhere near to having made all the combinations I could think of! (I just got tired of posing and taking clothes on and off! ;) Packing a minimal amount of clothing (eight main items, four accessories) takes a load off your mind when preparing for a trip.

This stack? Yeah, it includes pajamas (sweatpants and two t-shirts), the camis, and a slip. The only thing missing is my jacket and undergarments. And you do realize I will be wearing some of this to the airport? So the packed stack will be even shorter.

I am in love with packing this way, though I know that I had a little leeway because I was able to purchase some items I needed to pull it off this well. I know that whatever I bring will match with whatever else I bring so I could quite literally pull any top and any bottom out of my bag and wear it with pride. I am so glad I ran across this tactic on Pinterest, and that my friend, Jill, had led me toward something like this too. Not only will I have enough variety for my trip, but I'll also have a couple dozen styles to mix and match all summer long. Thanks to travel bloggers everywhere who gave me inspiration to try mini-luggage, I shan't have any trouble fitting my bags on a plane, a car, or a train at any point in the journey. <3

{Framed} The Philosophy of Dressing Well

I've been bringing the topic of fashion back onto this blog the past couple of weeks. It's been just as much a personal challenge as it is for your benefit because let's face it: it's January; it's been raining or snowing for weeks on end; I'm out of money for coffee-runs; I've been working out consistently and it's starting to show a little; I'm out of conventional outfits which means I'm piecing together odds and ends and trying to look better than presentable. Growing up, it took me a while to notice that dressing and dressing well are two very different things. In one case, you're clothing your figure to avoid nakedness and cold and being ostracized by polite society. In the other case, you're using your body like a canvas to display a certain message; you're taking care with your decisions of what you are putting on that body. You are saying that you are beautiful and you care to notice and cherish the fact. Some girls have the desire to dress well but think it can't be done modestly. Others know exactly what message they want to slap across the face of mankind and dress accordingly with care and selfish intent. I want to propose the idea that you can dress with care in a way that brings your modesty front forward as its own unique beauty.

We have each been gifted with a certain beautiful body type. I don't want to hear anyone complaining they are an hourglass instead of a pear or a pear instead of an apple or an apple instead of an hourglass. God (and hence your bone structure) has determined already what sort of body you will have and no amount of dieting or exercise will change that about you. Kiera Knightley is skinny as they come and she's a pear. It's the hips, darlings. I know. I'm an hourglass/pear combo. Knowing your body type and dressing in a way that flatters it is important to dressing well and modestly. If I try to squeeze my pear body into a tight pencil skirt, it will cling to the wrong curves and not only look odd but immodest.

Our common society has this terribly wrong idea that dressing sexy means dressing well. I'm sorry if this conversation is going to make you blush, but it's a point on which I am adamant. Most of the time, dressing to look sexy means dressing look trashy. They assume that our goal as women is to look sexy, to be thought sexy, to promote the sex culture, and to end our acquaintances with men in the bedroom.

No thanks.

Our Christian society has this terribly wrong idea that dressing modestly means shapeless clothing, hiding your figure, and covering every single inch of skin that isn't necessary for breathing. Many women dress to hide their bodies as if embarrassed that they should have curves, as if their femininity cannot be celebrated except in ankle-length skirts and wrist-length tops.

Umm...no thanks again.

Dressing to look beautiful is where modesty and femininity combine in a far more alluring mixture than you could ever get in a massively figure-hugging dress. I think the most definitive quote on this concept comes from actress Emma Watson:

“I find the whole concept of being ‘sexy’ embarrassing and confusing. If I do an interview with photographs people desperately want to change me - dye my hair blonder, pluck my eyebrows, give me a fringe. Then there’s the choice of clothes. I know everyone wants a picture of me in a mini-skirt. But that’s not me. I feel uncomfortable. I’d never go out in a mini-skirt. It’s nothing to do with protecting the Hermione image. I wouldn’t do that. Personally, I don’t actually think it’s even that sexy. What’s sexy about saying, ‘I’m here with my boobs out and a short skirt, have a look at everything I’ve got?’ My idea of sexy is that less is more. The less you reveal the more people can wonder.”

Dressing well means weighing your options, choosing clothes that aren't revealing some things and are making the most of others. My point in this post is not to discuss which is sexier but to discuss why we care to dress well. If our goal in our fashion life is not to look sexy and attract men via our bodies, why do we care?

{1}

It is a social grace

When a woman (or man, for that matter) takes thought with the manner in which she dresses herself, she is saying that she thinks you worth her time. She thinks the possibility of meeting with you--with anyone--worth the effort of thinking through her appearance. She tells the world with her grace and class that she takes her adulthood seriously. She values the physical way she was created enough to learn how to present it in its best and most beautiful form.

{2}

It is an act of worship

You might say I go too far in this statement. But if the definition of "worship" is bringing glory to and praising God, the way we dress our bodies can very much be an act of worship. Our bodies are canvasses for proclaiming a particular message: what message would you like to proclaim? I want people to be able to look at me and see that I know I am something special; I am an image bearer; I have dignity and beauty and a purpose here on this earth.

{3}

It is a kind thing

Wait. Did I really just go there? Yes I did. Too many women spend their lives hating their figures. I know. I've been there. I still get there sometimes. I get just as annoyed at you for still needing the gobs of self-image blog posts. But the best way to learn to value your appearance is to act like you value it. And I am quite serious when I say that you look at least ten times better when you've taken the time to put together a pretty ensemble. Seeing how you clean up is a huge morale-booster. Just don't forget the pretty smile along with the lipstick! 

{4}

It is an expression of creativity

One of the fun things about creating a personal style with care is that it is uniquely you. I would probably never wear a grey and yellow-striped shirt with a grey top, grey boots, and bright yellow blazer but my friend Joanna did because it is so her. And she looked fabulous, I might add. You might never mix patterns but I do. You might never combine glitz with utility or romantic styles with preppy undertones, but someone does. After you've learned the basics of what does and does not look good on you, the details are up to your own taste and that leaves room for all sorts of fun and experimentation.

{5}

It's a mental exercise

Seriously. Keeping it sharp, people. If you saw my closet at most times of the year, you'd hardly believe I am able to dress as well as I do. Being able to take a whole lot of fashion odds and ends, dream up creative color combinations and style-pairings, and drumming up the confidence to try something new takes energy and brain-power. Forget Mensa. We've got fashion on a budget. Who cares if you weren't born knowing how to walk in high-heels or color-coordinating your t-shirts? Anyone can learn if they put their minds to it.

These are only five of the reasons I believe that dressing well is worth the effort. This is my fashion philosophy and it has stood me in good stead for some years. Don't be afraid to enjoy fashion. Don't be afraid to try new styles, embrace old styles, forge your own style, and love being a woman.

Cheers, darlings. Femininity is a charming thing.

Why it Works: Cable Car

Time for another fashion-related post! I apologize again for the terrible photo-quality of these pictures. These are selfies. Again. But hey, if that is all a girl can manage and she can't figure out how to work her sister's camera so it will focus (true story) what can I say? Today's outfit I called Cable-Car. Probably because it combines a modern cable-knit sweater and jeans with some vintage glam. Yes, yes I know. I'm a goose. But a darling goose. You know you love me.

Why it works:

The sweater and jeans together would make a cute but slightly lumpy outfit. I have yet to buy a pair of skinny jeans but someday I would love to own one. All the same, well-fitting dark wash jeans are cute and flattering. Adding a pair of shiny black heels (yay for patent leather. I call them my beetle shoes) and the glitzy jewelry brings a touch of delicacy that the outfit alone would lack. Some people might say this outfit has a touch of affectation but hey: I specialize in bringing glamour to the everyday and if heels and crystal works, I swear by it. It's definitely a statement: when I commit to something that usually makes people think, "evening dress" and wear it with a chunky sweater, I'm essentially telling everyone who cares that you can work the glam 24-7, not just after 5.

I get the privilege, challenge, task, what-have-you of working with a curvaceous figure. Jeans and heels is a way to instantly lengthen the look of my legs and the sweater with the big cable down the front continues the line, making for a nice, smooth silhouette. It's a pretty sweater that begins pinkish orange at the bottom and by the time it reaches my throat, has become raspberry. The sweater already has this color scheme going on so I opted for the white touch of crystal/silver jewelry. I'm wearing chandelier earrings, a choker that just peeps out beneath the turtle neck of my sweater, and a silver wrap-around ring from Icing. You can't see terribly well, but I'm also wearing Essie nail polish in "Ballet Slipper". I picked up the raspberry theme in my lipstain which is something by Loreal that looks like a marker and bleeds if you don't wear something beneath it.

***

I hope to be able to do some shopping soon (having discovered I have little but campaign t-shirts and jeans), so I ought to have more outfit posts in the future, hopefully with some fresh items! Jenny from Adonis Ephemeral helped me choose an outfit for the Romania fundraising concert by Paid in Full and it was rather fun, knowing I had the Why It Works originator condoning my choices. Well, toodle-loo! Here's to adding glamour to the everyday!

Modest Dressing//Bree Holloway

When asked to be a part of this lovely little event Rachel has planned for us, I knew immediately what I wanted to do. One of the topics I can prattle on about most is modesty tips. I wasn't taught these in a class or anything, no, I don't have a diploma in fashion, but I do love fashion, and it is very important to me.

On to the tips, shall we?

1. Trend alert! Layers are in. And I mean in. And that is good news for those of us struggling to make something fashionable, and modest. Layers are super helpful: whether it's a pretty colored tank top underneath that just-too-close top, or a large, thick sweater with a shirt just a little to slight. When you need a quick too-low-top-fixer, layering is the way to go.

2. Leggings are your friend. Whether it's a dress, a cute skirt, or even a pair of shorts that are too short, a great modest fix is leggings. Yes, I said it, leggings under shorts. It's actually quite popular this fall - that is, paired with some cute rainboots. If your not so keen on the idea, leggings are still helpful for dresses and skirts. I also own a pair of jeggings, which are longer and thicker (but essentially the same thing) for under sweater dresses. 

3. Legwarmers. (okay, I admit it: this isn't a modesty tip. Just a fashion tip because I couldn't resist. ;)) Legwarmers and/or patterned socks look great between your boots and adorable winter tights. Definitely a trend I am loving this season. 

4. When your shirt just doesn't quite cover your hips, bending down is a problem in the rear. How to fix this? Undershirts (again with the layering). Undershirts can be so helpful, especially because there are a lot of nice long ones out there. you can tuck it in, leave it out, whatever you want to do. This is definitely a fashion staple.

5. LBD. LBD stands for "Little Black Dress" in the fashion world. But I like to use LBD for "Long Black Dress". Why? Oh, only that long black dresses (maxis) are very in. Not to mention comfortable. And cute. And comfortable. And gorgeous. And comfortable. And twirly. Did I mention comfortable? Yeah. <3 Pair 'em with a pair of cute boots, a belt, a long sweater, comfy flats...great travel wear, actually. :)

So those are just a couple tips to help you when dressing this fall - I hope I've helped you dears!

Who's this little Bree girl?

Oh, nothing much, of course. 5'2'' in stature (and proud of it), loves color (especially pink), is in the process of writing a book (because if she didn't write she would wrong), takes pictures (because someone has to capture this beauty God made), loves Jesus Christ (He made her & died for her, how could she not?), devours old literature (it's like candy to her. but not. she doesn't like candy.), designs blogs like there's no tommorow (there wouldn't be if there were ugly blog layouts), is a strong conservative (my daddy is my inspiration), and dances constanty (okay, maybe only 10 hours a week). Oh, and she loves to meet new friends. Like you. :)

blog//pinterest//twitter//email//blog design 

Eight ways to dress for money's sake

 "I love America, and I love American women. But there is one thing that deeply shocks me--American closets. I cannot believe one can dress well when you have so much."

-Andree Putman

A wardrobe is quite an easy thing to concoct for one's self...online that is. My Pinterest-closet is the most amazing thing you've ever clamped eyes on--I could dress the world out of it. Only...I can't. That's right. Though I have an entire Pinterest board dedicated to fabulous wearables, My clothing is somewhat limited on behalf of budget and that-shirt-is-perfectly-good-even-if-it-isn't-flattering kind of things.

So what's a girl to do when she's inspired for fashion and has a very slim budget? I'll give you my tips on how to dress well without emptying your pockets and exhausting yourself. All you will need is a good eye, a deal of patience, and a bit of money.

 
1.} When sorting through your current clothing, don't keep anything that you don't wear. Chances are if you haven't worn it yet, you never will.Instead, get that clothing out of your drawers so you don't sit there staring at a stuffed dresser wondering what in the blue blazes there is to wear. Makes a person feel stupid to do that.

2.} Shop at thrift-stores and consignment shops: really, this is oughtta be Rule Number One. Sure you feel like you need to bathe in flea solution after coming into contact with some of them, but you've gotta admit that when you're shopping at most thrift stores you've got all the rich, pitying people donating their designer clothes. I'll admit that some thrift-stores are pointless to go to. Visit a few around your area and learn which ones have the clothes and which don't. Generally the shops in rural areas just won't be that great. Instead, look for thrift-stores near the posh parts of a city--chances are the wealthy folks around town will be dropping off all their cast-aways here. I think it's safe to say that....90% of my wardrobe is made of hand-me-downs or thrift-store clothes. It's the way we've rolled for years.

3.} Don't buy it unless you are absolutely certain you'll wear it: This is something I've had to train myself to do. I'll find a shirt or skirt and put it in my basket because it'll work, but when I look at it five minutes later I give it a good going-over. Does this color look good on me? Does this style look good on me? Will I actually wear it? Sometimes the shirt or skirt is just plain ugly. Don't stress about not buying it--you'd do much better to save your five dollars and spend it on something you'll actually get some use out of. We all have that graveyard-in-the-closet where those bad choices dwell. It's full enough already.

4.} When buying new clothes, keep in mind the clothes you already have: Mama taught me a long time ago to be wise in choosing clothes, even if it fits and it's pretty. Sometimes I'll pick up the most beautiful skirt but after considering it, I realize I have nothing that would match with it, it isn't a very versatile thing, and unless I am okay wearing the same exact outfit eight times to church this summer, I really shouldn't buy it. It's hard to do, but in the end when you consider everything you could do with a different item, you'll cheer up.

Someday when you marry that millionaire you can splurge. ;)

5.} Think simple, then snazzy: If you've got the chance to buy four items of clothing, pick three that are simple, multipurpose colors/styles, and one accent piece. You'll find you can stretch out your out-fits pairing the things you have at home with these new pieces. While the accent pieces are fun and necessary, if you bought four accent pieces you might find you didn't have anything to match and instead of opening up a whole new batch of possibilities, you'd limit yourself severely in comparison.

 The striped skirt could be the accent piece you buy, but the grey top can be re-purposed so many ways!

6.} Accessorize as much as you can: (And no, I don't mean all at once.) Look for belts, long necklaces, sweater, shrugs, vests...anything you can think of that is versatile and will change the look of an otherwise drab outfit.

The neat thing about most accessories is that you can wear them with multiple outfits and if you look hard enough they are not expensive. (and necklaces and belts are not that expensive to begin with!) You'll be surprised how much wider your range of outfits will be just by introducing a new piece or two.

7.} Watch the sales racks: this is an area I haven't explored much because I don't have time to frequent Cato and Belk and other stores that have great sales. But many of my girl-friends tell me that the sales can be killer if you just lurk around long enough. I imagine this would be a fabulous time to get some of the things you'd not be able to afford otherwise. Splurge on a bit of a wild, works-with-one-outfit kind of thing here!

8.} Blink, wink, and think: Sometimes you get to the point where there is not a red cent to your name and you're sick to death of every outfit you've put together. Now is the time to get creative with the clothes you do have. Set out some of your clothes in their usual outfits. Then separate them into piles of tops and bottoms. Try mixing and matching and see what you come up with. Often you'll find a color combo you'd never have thought of! (stay tuned to see the Blue Peacock Whimsy outfit I rummaged up a few Sundays ago.) The important thing here is not to over-think it. Cross your eyes if you have to. But I guarantee that you'll come up with something wearable.

I hope these pointers have aided you in remembering to dress well even when you feel poor as Job's turkey! What are some of your tips and tricks? <3

Lots to Love: Dressing for your body-type

A huge component of dressing well is knowing what looks good on you. And I'm not talking about colors here. I'm talking about styles. This is something that I have had to learn over the years as my fashion-sense has grown and matured.
Now, there are some fortunate women who look great in anything they put on. They have a body type that lends itself to any outfit. Such are the women we sigh over and wish we resembled. But if God created us and created our particular body-type, then I know that He wants us to do our best to dress that body-type in the clothes that suit it. I myself am what I've termed a "Robust Hourglass." I have a waist and hips and they are defined enough, but certainly not what you'd call willow-y. :)

So let's pretend to dress up a young woman with ample curves who could even possibly stand to lose some weight. (I am one of them, so this is a lesson from my personal experience. :)

Take Example A:

She is standing kinda funny anyway, but these skinny-jeans definitely accentuate the fact that Model A is a plump person. Plus, wide-stripes running across her middle aren't that flattering. She's going for the slim look of wearing dark-bottoms, but she forgot to take into account the style of pants she ought to wear. If you have toothpick legs, by all means, wear straight-leg jeans but if you've got some to spare, try taking notes from Example B:

Haha! Look--They're standing the same way too--bonus points! {Is that the same model? Nah..don't think so.}This model, like Model A is wearing horizontal stripes. But Model B did something neat and broke up the stripes with another garment, thus directing the eyes away from the side-to-side view. I love the combination of patterns and the colors. Model B chose a really good pair of jeans for her build too. Bell-bottom, boot-cut, and flare jeans are all the best choices for a robust hour-glass figure or a pear-shape because they balance the effect of the hips by flaring out at the bottoms themselves, resulting a slimmer, more proportionate look.

Now that we've covered jeans/slacks, let's move on to skirts and dresses! Quite frankly this...

...is just not real flattering. 

It's a sheath dress and sheath dresses are generally formatted for tall, slim girls. Not the hippies. (Pun intended. ;)

I don't like short dresses anyway, but especially not on a heftier frame. I mean, honestly. It just kinda points out all the places you aren't looking your best. (And goodness--I know I keep using the same model, but she's just got every example I'm looking for, so sorry. :P) Instead, if you've got curves you ought to stick to what actually looks good on your type:

A pretty, classy skirt and blouse with a belt. Definitely flattering.

 I mean, she looks beautiful in this dress!

Maxi dresses, peasant gowns, princess dresses, Greek-inspired gowns, like the one above, longer shirt-dresses...these are made for women with our body types! Stop trying to squeeze into the teeny-tiny things that only make you feel like a sausage in a casing, and start buying things that suit your figure! I promise you that wearing something that actually fits in the right places will automatically make you feel more confident and pretty.

There are so many beautiful pieces of clothing that you can wear and that will actually be flattering...not fattening. Here are just some of my favorites I've pinned onto my Fabulous Wearables Pinterest Board. :) Pairing items of clothing like a blouse with a sweater or belt is another trick to break up the figure and draw attention away from your "problem" areas like a not-so-thin waist or plumpish arms. ;)

I absolutely love the style of this gown, though I'd personally choose a brighter color!

So, dear girls, let's all try to learn our body type and think before we wear something that just wasn't made the way we were. Each and every style of body is a beautiful creation of God and it's a responsibility of ours to present ourselves beautifully each day. Whether you were blessed to be able to wear every single style or whether you're better off choosing carefully, pick things that fit you and your type--not that the world says you ought to wear.