Feminine Fashion Week: Interview with Rebecca Jane :)

 I had absolutely no time at all to take pictures of today's outfit. We had our annual caroling-ministry event with our choir group where we go around to elderly friends and then a nursing home and carol to them. Then we hosted a Christmas party at our house, and thus I am picture-less. Oh well! You guys have seen quite enough of me, I'm sure. :P

Today's interview is with the lovely Rebecca of Sewing in the Past. I found her blog through another blog and since then I've enjoyed rambling through her posts. She's got such a cheerful, hopeful outlook on life! She reminds of the "cock-eyed optimist" in the song. ;) So without further ado, I give you Rebecca! :)

Rebecca Jane at the Jane Austen Convention in October. :)

1. What first inspired you to be fashionable as well as modest? It has always been a given in my family that modesty was a very important issue. It was never debated. However, it has only been in the last few years I discovered how much fun it is to dress up everyday. Not necessarily dress up in the sense of fancy clothes, but to wear something other than jeans and a t shirt. It became sort of an unspoken challenge to myself. I am constantly being inspired by fashion bloggers and outfits I see on pinterest. Trying to create fashionable outfits everyday has become a fun game for me.

2. What is your purpose in dressing modestly? I believe that dressing fashionably doesn't require short skirts and low necklines. Modesty goes hand-in-hand with fashionable clothing if you go about it the right way. Modesty is something I've been taught all my life and is something that I believe can define the person you are on the inside by the way you dress. 

3. Where do you get most of your clothes? I'm one of THE most frugal people in the world, so I have trouble spending big bucks for clothing, One of my favorite hobbies is looking for fashionable clothing in thrift stores. It's like a treasure hunt! I LOVE spending $1.50 on a sweater that would easily have been $25 in a retail store. You never know if you'll find anything, but the rewards are great when you do. I also like finding vintage dresses in antique stores.

4. What's the single biggest tip you have for girls who desire modesty and fashion in their attire? My advice for girls who desire modesty AND fashion in their attire is: "Don't give up!" I know how seemingly impossible it might feel when searching for modest clothing in today's fashions. One of my tricks is layering: undershirts under low neck-lined blouses/dresses, tights under shorts, shorts under short dresses/skirts. Not only does it add variety to your outfit...it helps you keep on top of modern trends without having to compromise your modesty.

5. How do you define modesty? I believe that modesty is to honor you body by dressing without revealing certain parts of your body that should be reserved...keeping it secret and sacred for that "special someone."

6. Do you agree with wearing make-up? (If not, do tell us a bit more about your thoughts on it!) I personally wear makeup...but not much (eyeliner, under-eye, powder, and blush). I have no problem with wearing make-up, but I definitely believe it is a choice that each person should make individually.

7. Do you believe it is important for a woman to dress well? I absolutely believe it is important for a woman to dress well. It's hard to admit, but before anyone actually meets us, we are judged by our looks, more specifically, our clothes. I love colors and patterns and like to wear as many as possible (without looking completely silly)...thus, I am usually labeled as "artsy" before anyone gets to know me (which is perfectly accurate). I also believe you should stay true to who you are when getting choosing outfits. Our clothing tells other people who we are through a single glance, be sure it's telling them about who you truly are.

8. How has dressing modestly and femininely impacted your life? Dressing modestly and femininely has definitely impacted my life. I believe that dressing in a way that pleases God is evident to the people around you. I truly believe my modest and feminine wardrobe distinguishes me from the crowd, which I believe has been a great advantage in many different situations.

 ***Bonus Round!***

A. What color-group looks good on you? Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall? Hmm...probably winter or fall.

B. What is your favorite item in your closet? My favorite items in my closet are my navy blue sailor dress I found on ebay and my new gray and white striped seater i found at goodwill for $2 (SCORE!).

C. Fashion-wise, which season is your favorite? 

My favorite season fashion-wise AND weather-wise is fall! It's cool enough for as many layers as you choose, but warm enough so you don't have to cover up cute outfits with bulky coats (even though I DO have a few amazing coats). 

D. Tell us something random about yourself!  I am absolutely obsessed with making lists. I even make lists about making lists. :)

REBECCA JANE

http://www.sewinginthepast.com/

I'm a writer. A singer. A ukulele-er. A seamstress. A blogger. A photographer. A designer. A dreamer.

But most important...a Christ follower.

Emariecreations Giveaway and Interview!!!

All right girls. It's the moment you've all been waiting for. It's the moment I've been waiting for.The official declaration that Emariecreations is sponsoring a giveaway for my Feminine Fashion Week.
I'm all excited and befluttered over the idea that such an illustrious personage has patronized this little ol' corner of blogdom! :D

Yes, Samantha, of the lovely shop, Emariecreations, has kindly consented to donating a lovely gift for my giveaway, and to being interviewed!  
Get ready for a double-dose of amazingness! :) 

 

 

 

Only some of the amazing things in the Emariecreations shop!

I have long admired Samantha's taste in her jewelry making. After all, have you ever seen anything cuter than these earrings?

So I was tinkled pink when she agreed to be involved with my Feminine Fashion Week! :) So get ready, y'all! Because Emariecreations has donated a gorgeous Mum Flower Necklace just like this one....

 ....only in turquoise! :) 

I know you all will want a chance to win the necklace, so here's the scoop!

Please complete the mandatory entry in one comment. Then for each bonus entry, please leave a separate comment, according to how many bonus entries you complete. (i.e. 4 entries, 4 comments)

It's not that complicated! :D

>>Mandatory Entry<<

Visit Samantha's shop and heart it, then leave a comment below telling me you did. :)

>>Extra<<

Follow this blog publicly

(4 entries! [and make sure you leave a comment for each one, please.] :)

Visit Emariecreations on Etsy.com and choose your favorite item. Then come back and leave a comment telling me which one it was!

(2 entries)

Blog about Feminine Fashion Week and this giveaway on your own blog

(4 entries. :)

Giveaway closes Dec. 22 , 2011 at 11:59 P.M.

Go ahead, girls! Let the entries begin! :) This necklace will be the perfect gift for you or a friend. :)

Now for Samantha's interview! :)

1. What first inspired you to be fashionable as well as modest?

 I fist became "inspired" to dress modestly when I was around young ladies and women who were dressing not only modestly, but beautifully as well. While I am not opposed to wearing jeans ( I wear them myself!), nothing can make you look more beautiful than a modest, yet fashionable, flowy and feminine dress or skirt. I am most definitely a lady at heart, and wearing clothes that are modest and fashionable helps me to feel refined and lovely.

2. What is your purpose in dressing modestly? I desire to dress modestly because (1) it honors God, and (2) I want to be a Christ-like example to other young ladies and my brothers in Christ. I would hate to think that the way I dressed adversely affected someone's walk with Christ.

That being said, modesty is not just something you do with your clothing. Modesty also involves the heart. You can dress modestly and still have a flirtatious, ungodly, and other worldly traits.

As young ladies we should strive to not only dress modestly, but act modestly as well.

3. Where do you get most of your clothes? I am short (5'0), so finding clothes is really hard! I actually find many of my outfits through local thrift shops.

I will most times come across an outfit that fits really well and it will be an expensive brand, but because I found it at a thrift shop it is quite affordable.

4. What's the single biggest tip you have for girls who desire modesty and fashion in their attire?

Dressing modestly does not mean that you have to wear drab clothes! If you put just a little thought into your outfits you will find that you can add beautiful and fashionably touches to any outfit. Simple pieces of pretty jewelry, scarves, feminine hair accessories and cute shoes all add a fashionable, cute touch to your outfits.

5. How do you define modesty? For me, modesty is not just about the clothes you wear. While that is a big factor, the way you act is also important.You may be outwardly wearing clothes that are modest, but if you are flirtatious, loud, etc. in your manner you won't come across as very modest. On the other hand, you can also wear immodest clothing and be respectful, thoughtful, etc. It is important to find out ways that you can be modest in both clothing and character.

6. Do you agree with wearing make-up? I personally wear makeup, though I try to keep it as minimal as possible. I think makeup is okay for a girl as long as she only uses it as a way to enhance her natural beauty. If makeup is used as a way to "cover up" the natural beauty God has given you, then it isn't being used in a right way.

7. Do you believe it is important for a woman to dress well? Certainly! Woman can dress modestly and attractively while still honoring God. Dressing modestly doesn't mean you have to "hide" behind shapeless, boring clothes. There are many beautiful and modest clothing options available that will not only make you look nice, but also be honoring to God and your brothers in Christ.

 ***Bonus Round!***

A. What color-group looks good on you? Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall?

I am a mix of Winter, Summer and Fall! Deep jewel tones (plum, turquoise, etc.), ivory, burnt orange and dark green are a few of my favorite colors that also look very nice on me.

B. What is your favorite item in your closet? Scarves! They dress up boring t-shirts and add a cute, feminine look.

C. Fashion-wise, which season is your favorite? Probably Fall or Winter. I love the deep, rich colors of those seasons.

Thanks a million, Samantha--I really enjoyed reading all of your answers! And now, girls, to the comment box! :D ~Rachel

Day One of Feminine Fashion Week!

Hi everybody! Welcome to the first day of the New BBC's Feminine Fashion Week! :) I'm rather excited, having interviews, fun posts, and other things lined up for the week. :) I hope you all enjoy this week as muc has I plan to. Please continue to share the news around so we can get lots of young ladies involved, and leave a comment and tell me how you're liking it. :)
As promised, I am posting pictures of my outfits each day to give you a taste of my style. There will be at least one post a day during this week, sometimes more depending on what I've got up my sleeve, so keep your eye out and drop by often! :)

Day One: Whispers of Autumn 

(Sorry. I had to name it. ;)

 

Sorry about the darkness of this picture. It's pretty much hideous, but it was a chilly morning and my sister-cum-photographer didn't relish the idea of going past the porch. :P

 

A close-up of the neckline. I love the crocheted accents--very feminine. :)

My earrings...a $4 Black Friday find at Belk. :) 

Here you can see my skirt and my shoes. :) This skirt is so incredibly comfortable!

Top: Thrift Store (no more than $3)

Skirt: Hand-me-Down from the King's Daughter (free :)

Shoes: Payless (ahem. I prefer not to talk about it.)

Earrings: Belk ($4)

And now I have the first of several interviews I have scheduled for this week! I interviewed the King's Daughter, or Joanna T., as she is a very dear friend of mine with a great eye for modest, feminine style. Actually, she has played rather a role of "older sister" in my life and forever revolutionized my idea of dressing well about 4 years ago when I first met her. :) She is 23 years old and she stays at home with her family nannying, tutoring, sewing, and a enjoying a vast variety of other pursuits. She lurks in blogland over at A Needle Pulling Thread and I love her to death. :) .....

1. What first inspired you to be fashionable as well as modest? 

Too many times I have seen Christian young ladies who love the Lord, and desire to be modest, but look frumpy. I vowed that I would endeavor to dress modestly, but look attractive, and be a good testimony! 

2. What is your purpose in dressing modestly? 

Pleasing the my Lord Jesus, and respecting my body. I don't want a guy to be attracted to me because I'm showing off my curves. That's not the kind of man I'm looking for anyway. :) 

3. Where do you get most of your clothes? 

I think Thrift Stores are great, but I have hard time finding clothes my size there. I get most of my clothes from Belk. You have to be a wise shopper though. Only go when there are great sales. Most of the time, this means buying clothes out of season, and saving them up. :)

4. What's the single biggest tip you have for girls who desire modesty and fashion in their attire? 

Figure out what your style is! Everyone has certain styles of clothing that look best on their figure. It might take some experimenting, but find yours, and work it! :)

5. How do you define modesty? 

For me, modesty is so much more than just your outward attire. Modesty is an issue of the heart. If you love the Lord, and are walking with Him, you'll allow Him to speak to you in this area. I have seen young ladies who were dressed modestly, but acted just the opposite. Make sure you are modest inside and out! :)
6. Do you agree with wearing make-up? (If not, do tell us a bit more about your thoughts on it!) 

I think that a little bit of make-up, applied in the right way, it fine. Make-up should be to enhance your beauty, not cover up your face! I hate it when girls wear so much that you wouldn't be able to recognize them without it on. :) Scary!!

7. Do you believe it is important for a woman to dress well?

YES!! It's ok to look nice people! :) And for us single gals, we don't want a young man to be attracted to us because of our outward appearance, but man does look out the outside. :) 

8. How has dressing modestly and femininely impacted your life? Accepting God's design for women is so freeing! God created us to be feminine, and I'm so glad! I love being a woman, and I love dressing like a woman! When we look like ladies, I think it encourages men to look and act more manyly! And that's always a good thing! :)

***Bonus Round!***

A. What color-group looks good on you? 

Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall? Because I have darker skin, hair, and eyes, I am very versital in my colors. Some of all these color-groups work for me. I try to be very consience of making sure a color looks good on me. If you put on a top or dress, and it makes your face look pale, don't go for it. I have also seen some people in yellow or lime green, and their faces looked the same color. :) Oops! Wear colors that bring out the best in you! :)

B. What is your favorite item in your closet? 

Right now I think it might be my cream colored, fur-lined hoodie. It's warm and fuzzy on the inside, with very cool knit cables on the outside.  

C. Fashion-wise, which season is your favorite? 

I would have to say fall/winter. There are so many possibilities! I love the accessories you can use. I'm really into boots, scarves, and hats. :)

D. Tell us something random about yourself! I love classic literature!

Thank you so much for answering these questions about the issues of modesty and femininity, Joanna! And the rest of you girls, stay tuned for more Feminine Fashion posts!