for more by this artist, check through previous posts or go to Lovely Whatevers.
15 comments:
Anonymous
said...
Dear Lady Lydia,
I love your blog so very much, and I am continually learning and growing as a Christian wife and mother. I greatly appreciate your example and teaching for the younger women.
I am in need of advice. I have always been one who wears dresses or skirts willingly, though pants are also part of my wardrobe. I have always worn only dresses or skirts to church services, and that has usually been the norm at our church. However, as you know, over the past few years pants have become the common article of clothing even at church services. I am very sad that I am an "oddity" for wearing a skirt to our ladies' Bible class or even just to the library or out shopping. I feel out-of-date and as if other women my age (39) and younger see me as very odd. My husband does not indicate a preference either way, but recently noted that he likes my jeans or loose yoga pants as well as anything else. :-(
I knew an older lady who always wore a dress unless she was working in her yard or a few other rare instances when I saw her in slacks. She always looked as if she was going to a tea party, and I would like to be that kind of example to younger women.
I know Helen Andelin in Fascinating Womanhood advocates looking feminine, and also keeping up with current fashions (as modestly as possible).
How do I bridge the gap between these "ideals" and the desire to appear more "in style" with current fashions? Or is that just a hurdle I have to overcome and just accept that I am an oddity?
The modern dresses are found in catologues like Speigal and J.C.Penny and others. There are lots of long skirts and dresses in style today. Those who are not wearing them, or those who make you feel like an oddity--they are the ones out of style, not you. Look at Victorian Trading co. at the skirts I put here. They are just revised for modern wear. The ones not dressing in skirts and dresses are out of style. Pants have had it. If you have seen one pair, you have seen them all. They dont get any more interessting. Trhey are always dull.
Lady Lydia, I saw an older woman at the Hallmark Store shopping the other day. She was wearing a casual skirt and her hair was in the most gorgeous femine ringlets. I hesitated but I just couldnt help but tell her how lovely she was. I was so inspired. We got to talking and she was so NICE!! I mentioned your blog and she followed it as well!! I shared with her some of my fears and she encouraged me so much!! I am short and a little pudgy and I always think I will look funny trying to dress feminine. She assured me the exact opposite was true. I was so ENCOURAGED!! I knew the Lord had blessed me by putting her in my path. I share this to encourage you that what is posted here has such far reaching blessings to those that read and apply. Thank you so much! I am off to look at the Spiegel website!! Blessings, JulieB
I always direct people that want to wear long skirt and still be stylist to New York & Company. That should be in most malls. Don't be fooled by what you see in the windows- go into the store and look around!
If nothing else, a stylist sweater and a denim or cargo skirt would work.
And if your husband likes you in yoga pants, by all means get some cute pairs and wear them around the house or to sleep in. I wouldn't go out to dinner wearing them of course, but they can have their place.
Women shouldn't feel like they have to wear cape dresses and jumpers to be modest. (Or, if that is what you want to wear, that's fine too)
I, too, prefer wearing dresses or skirts to church services. If I put one on during the week, for going to town to shop & other errands, I really don't feel out of place. As long as I keep my other clothing items (shoes or boots, the jacket or coat I choose, & accessories like jewelry, etc.) a little more on the plain side I know that I look just fine....& I am comfortable & can go all day in such an outfit. It gets very cold where I live so I like to wear sweaters, & I have a couple different shorter coats that do well for me getting into & out of the car.
I think it's such a shame that many people are quick to say things like "Soooo....you're all dressed up! Where are you headed?" I mean, on the one hand, that could be taken as a compliment, I guess. The person probably thinks you look nice, & is telling you so. But, on the other hand, it's as if they're reacting to anything else a woman might wear (besides pants) as being unusual, & calling attention to that fact.
Anyway, I still have my favorite skirts for daywear, & they serve me well. Also, if one's demeanor is relaxed I think it puts others at ease, too. They might even be inspired to try a dress or skirt, themselves....like the lady at the card shop that one of the other readers here mentioned! :o)
I too wanted to comment to the lady who feels that she may be an "oddity". If someone notices you for not looking "generic" then that is a good thing! There is nothing more beautiful than a lady in a skirt or dress. If I see someone dressed in a nice manner when I am out and about it makes me want to ask her where she attends church--some people are looking for others that are like-minded and dress is a good indication of that person's character:)
Dear Lady Lydia...as of one week ago, I am officially pants free! Your blog was instrumental in helping me realize that I *can* do everything in a dress or skirt that I could in jeans and sweats. Now, to be fair, I still have yoga pants for exercising, and pajamas pants for sleeping in, but during the day, I am dresses/skirts only. It is a rainy dreary day here in Florida, and I am wearing a bright turquoise dress with my cardigan and my slippers as I do my chores. It took me less than five minutes to do my hair, and even less time to properly wash my face and apply light make up. I feel totally put together! I would not be embarrassed if I had to run out to the store quickly, or the UPS man came to the door. I still get stares and comments, especially from extended family. I'm still "finding my way" as to styles, prints, fabrics that flatter me specifically, but I like how I feel these days.
You can wear leggings or certain kinds of pyjamas, under your skirts, to keep warm. Skirts in winter are ankle length, and generally heavier than summer wear: corduroy, heavy cotton such as denim, decorator fabric, and any kind of wool or warm cloth that would be too uncomfortable in summer. As long as you feel happy wearing it, I dont see why it would make you feel self conscious. Pants have never been an acceptable mode of dress. You never see an invitation to a formal occasion that says "Pants on women acceptable." Pants are underwear toted as outerwear. A hundred years ago, pants were worn under the dresses in the form of bloomers or pantalooners. Designers made them popular by designs for movie actresses. Now you see nothing but women in jeans. Henry Makow wrote an article about it called "The communist uniform." The goal is to get every woman in jeans, and to mock those who refuse to bow to that style.
if you would like to view authentic and reproduction victorian clothing and learn a little about Victorian lifestyles, manners and ideals. The movies are well done and show clean faced ladies in long dresses and skirts in all manner of their domestic lives. I learned a lot and really enjoy the site as well.
Today I just bought another piece of fabric for a skirt. I wanted to replicate the one you featured, but did not find fabric I liked in a light colored background, rather I found a great piece with a dark blue background with lovely roses. Now I am trying to figure out how to sew it! Any ideas would be helpful. It looks like the bottom will be wider than the top. I read in the catalog that there is a zipper in the back, so I'll see if I can come up with something that works.
I would like to thank everyone for the wonderfully inspiring and supportive comments in response to my anonymous request for advice above.
It is very much that others "react" as if I'm the one not dressed appropriately (as in the reader who commented about others asking if she was going somewhere). However, I have had positive reactions, too, such as a girl in one of my children's activities who I heard telling my daughter "Your mom has on a really pretty dress!"
I will focus on that and the positive points you have kindly brought out, and I will save the yoga pants for my hubby ;-)
I would like to thank everyone for the wonderfully inspiring and supportive comments in response to my anonymous request for advice above.
It is very much that others "react" as if I'm the one not dressed appropriately (as in the reader who commented about others asking if she was going somewhere). However, I have had positive reactions, too, such as a girl in one of my children's activities who I heard telling my daughter "Your mom has on a really pretty dress!"
I will focus on that and the positive points you have kindly brought out, and I will save the yoga pants for my hubby ;-)
Oh my! This painting/print is so touching. As a historic costumer, the impact this image had on me was instant. It's beautiful & heartbreaking & hopeful all at once.
And utterly contemporary in this time of war.
Many modern viewers will just see this as a pretty home scene. But the mourning dress tells a very different story.
I love black, so what am I mourning? And why does my husband's family wear Easter dresses to funerals?
This image speaks volumes across centuries... when one understands the 'dress code'.
15 comments:
Dear Lady Lydia,
I love your blog so very much, and I am continually learning and growing as a Christian wife and mother. I greatly appreciate your example and teaching for the younger women.
I am in need of advice. I have always been one who wears dresses or skirts willingly, though pants are also part of my wardrobe. I have always worn only dresses or skirts to church services, and that has usually been the norm at our church. However, as you know, over the past few years pants have become the common article of clothing even at church services. I am very sad that I am an "oddity" for wearing a skirt to our ladies' Bible class or even just to the library or out shopping. I feel out-of-date and as if other women my age (39) and younger see me as very odd. My husband does not indicate a preference either way, but recently noted that he likes my jeans or loose yoga pants as well as anything else. :-(
I knew an older lady who always wore a dress unless she was working in her yard or a few other rare instances when I saw her in slacks. She always looked as if she was going to a tea party, and I would like to be that kind of example to younger women.
I know Helen Andelin in Fascinating Womanhood advocates looking feminine, and also keeping up with current fashions (as modestly as possible).
How do I bridge the gap between these "ideals" and the desire to appear more "in style" with current fashions? Or is that just a hurdle I have to overcome and just accept that I am an oddity?
The modern dresses are found in catologues like Speigal and J.C.Penny and others. There are lots of long skirts and dresses in style today. Those who are not wearing them, or those who make you feel like an oddity--they are the ones out of style, not you. Look at Victorian Trading co. at the skirts I put here. They are just revised for modern wear. The ones not dressing in skirts and dresses are out of style. Pants have had it. If you have seen one pair, you have seen them all. They dont get any more interessting. Trhey are always dull.
What a beautiful painting! Very wonderful! Thanks for sharing!!
Lady Lydia,
I saw an older woman at the Hallmark Store shopping the other day. She was wearing a casual skirt and her hair was in the most gorgeous femine ringlets. I hesitated but I just couldnt help but tell her how lovely she was. I was so inspired. We got to talking and she was so NICE!! I mentioned your blog and she followed it as well!! I shared with her some of my fears and she encouraged me so much!! I am short and a little pudgy and I always think I will look funny trying to dress feminine. She assured me the exact opposite was true. I was so ENCOURAGED!! I knew the Lord had blessed me by putting her in my path.
I share this to encourage you that what is posted here has such far reaching blessings to those that read and apply.
Thank you so much! I am off to look at the Spiegel website!!
Blessings,
JulieB
I always direct people that want to wear long skirt and still be stylist to New York & Company. That should be in most malls. Don't be fooled by what you see in the windows- go into the store and look around!
If nothing else, a stylist sweater and a denim or cargo skirt would work.
And if your husband likes you in yoga pants, by all means get some cute pairs and wear them around the house or to sleep in. I wouldn't go out to dinner wearing them of course, but they can have their place.
Women shouldn't feel like they have to wear cape dresses and jumpers to be modest. (Or, if that is what you want to wear, that's fine too)
http://cgi.ebay.com/Womens-New-York-and-Company-Black-and-blue-Skirt-LONG-6_W0QQitemZ380151191412QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_CSA_WC_Skirts?hash=item5882c6d774
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-YORK-AND-CO-LONG-DENIM-SKIRT-SLIMMING-SIZE-4_W0QQitemZ170365076989QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_CSA_WC_Skirts?hash=item27aa8cc5fd
I, too, prefer wearing dresses or skirts to church services. If I put one on during the week, for going to town to shop & other errands, I really don't feel out of place. As long as I keep my other clothing items (shoes or boots, the jacket or coat I choose, & accessories like jewelry, etc.) a little more on the plain side I know that I look just fine....& I am comfortable & can go all day in such an outfit. It gets very cold where I live so I like to wear sweaters, & I have a couple different shorter coats that do well for me getting into & out of the car.
I think it's such a shame that many people are quick to say things like "Soooo....you're all dressed up! Where are you headed?" I mean, on the one hand, that could be taken as a compliment, I guess. The person probably thinks you look nice, & is telling you so. But, on the other hand, it's as if they're reacting to anything else a woman might wear (besides pants) as being unusual, & calling attention to that fact.
Anyway, I still have my favorite skirts for daywear, & they serve me well. Also, if one's demeanor is relaxed I think it puts others at ease, too. They might even be inspired to try a dress or skirt, themselves....like the lady at the card shop that one of the other readers here mentioned! :o)
I too wanted to comment to the lady who feels that she may be an "oddity". If someone notices you for not looking "generic" then that is a good thing! There is nothing more beautiful than a lady in a skirt or dress. If I see someone dressed in a nice manner when I am out and about it makes me want to ask her where she attends church--some people are looking for others that are like-minded and dress is a good indication of that person's character:)
Dear Lady Lydia...as of one week ago, I am officially pants free! Your blog was instrumental in helping me realize that I *can* do everything in a dress or skirt that I could in jeans and sweats. Now, to be fair, I still have yoga pants for exercising, and pajamas pants for sleeping in, but during the day, I am dresses/skirts only. It is a rainy dreary day here in Florida, and I am wearing a bright turquoise dress with my cardigan and my slippers as I do my chores. It took me less than five minutes to do my hair, and even less time to properly wash my face and apply light make up. I feel totally put together! I would not be embarrassed if I had to run out to the store quickly, or the UPS man came to the door.
I still get stares and comments, especially from extended family. I'm still "finding my way" as to styles, prints, fabrics that flatter me specifically, but I like how I feel these days.
Jo
You can wear leggings or certain kinds of pyjamas, under your skirts, to keep warm. Skirts in winter are ankle length, and generally heavier than summer wear: corduroy, heavy cotton such as denim, decorator fabric, and any kind of wool or warm cloth that would be too uncomfortable in summer. As long as you feel happy wearing it, I dont see why it would make you feel self conscious. Pants have never been an acceptable mode of dress. You never see an invitation to a formal occasion that says "Pants on women acceptable." Pants are underwear toted as outerwear. A hundred years ago, pants were worn under the dresses in the form of bloomers or pantalooners. Designers made them popular by designs for movie actresses. Now you see nothing but women in jeans. Henry Makow wrote an article about it called "The communist uniform." The goal is to get every woman in jeans, and to mock those who refuse to bow to that style.
This is very inspiring.
Hi Lydia,
there is a website called Victorian Fashions Tea Party
http://victorianfashionsteaparty.ning.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network
if you would like to view authentic and reproduction victorian clothing and learn a little about Victorian lifestyles, manners and ideals. The movies are well done and show clean faced ladies in long dresses and skirts in all manner of their domestic lives. I learned a lot and really enjoy the site as well.
Today I just bought another piece of fabric for a skirt. I wanted to replicate the one you featured, but did not find fabric I liked in a light colored background, rather I found a great piece with a dark blue background with lovely roses. Now I am trying to figure out how to sew it! Any ideas would be helpful. It looks like the bottom will be wider than the top. I read in the catalog that there is a zipper in the back, so I'll see if I can come up with something that works.
I would like to thank everyone for the wonderfully inspiring and supportive comments in response to my anonymous request for advice above.
It is very much that others "react" as if I'm the one not dressed appropriately (as in the reader who commented about others asking if she was going somewhere). However, I have had positive reactions, too, such as a girl in one of my children's activities who I heard telling my daughter "Your mom has on a really pretty dress!"
I will focus on that and the positive points you have kindly brought out, and I will save the yoga pants for my hubby ;-)
Thank you so much! I am very encouraged.
I would like to thank everyone for the wonderfully inspiring and supportive comments in response to my anonymous request for advice above.
It is very much that others "react" as if I'm the one not dressed appropriately (as in the reader who commented about others asking if she was going somewhere). However, I have had positive reactions, too, such as a girl in one of my children's activities who I heard telling my daughter "Your mom has on a really pretty dress!"
I will focus on that and the positive points you have kindly brought out, and I will save the yoga pants for my hubby ;-)
Thank you so much! I am very encouraged.
Oh my! This painting/print is so touching. As a historic costumer, the impact this image had on me was instant. It's beautiful & heartbreaking & hopeful all at once.
And utterly contemporary in this time of war.
Many modern viewers will just see this as a pretty home scene. But the mourning dress tells a very different story.
I love black, so what am I mourning? And why does my husband's family wear Easter dresses to funerals?
This image speaks volumes across centuries... when one understands the 'dress code'.
Post a Comment