Some Secrets of Style

The secret to style is not an endless supply of cash to shop with or a closet overflowing with clothes. Some girls have both, but still say, “I can’t find anything to wear!”

The secret is wanting to look your best! If you care enough, you will take time to develop a sense of style; you will take time to plan your outfits; you will learn how to shop wisely. Here are some principles to guide you.

1. Choose classic styles.
2. You may want to consider learning to sew.
3. Avoid extremes.
4. Your must dress to reflect your own taste and personality:

• You are a special person!
• You believe in your identity!
• You dare to be yourself!

Less is More

To dress with simplicity does not mean that you must look plain. Simplicity can be fresh and strikingly beautiful.

The trick is to add an eye-arresting feature so it won’t be plain. But remember, it is best to concentrate on one point of interest at a time.

For example, if you wear a bright yellow plastic necklace with a black dress, you should skip the hot pink earrings and arm full of neon bracelets. If you wear a dress that has a large bow, skip the big bows on your shoes and in your hair.

If you overdo your look, you will be causing the viewer to experience fashion overload. Plus, too many attention-getters creates conflict, because each unique and flashy piece is fighting for the attention of those around.

To eliminate this disturbing civil war on your body, start peeling and continue until your outfit looks peaceful and restful to the eye.

Mix and Match with Care

Separates add spice to your wardrobe. But do you know the rules for mixing and matching?

A busy piece of clothing is one that has too many details that catch someone’s eye. For example, lace, monograms, embroidery, ruffles, big buttons, and the like would all be considered “busy.”
Ok, let’s check out the rules. If your top is a busy print, combine it with a bottom that is quiet and simple (example: a patterned top with a jean bottom). If your top is patterned, combine it with a lower of solid color (example: a plaid shirt with a black skirt). If your lower is “busy,” combine it with a top that is quiet and simple.

Also, blend your colors wisely. Sometimes two bright colors can look good together, but choose them wisely so they don’t ‘blind’ those around you.

Often picking several shades of the same color can be soothing to the eye and look classy. However, if you pick the wrong shades, it can be a fashion disaster.

Next week I will give some tips for finding your color!

Share your 'secrets of style' on the C-7 Girls Facebook page! And remember to walk in your beauty this week.

Jody

What Are You Saying About Yourself?

People form their ideas about the “real you” hidden inside by the clues you furnish on the outside. And in their estimation, the way you dress provides a first-rate clue!

Clothes do not necessarily make the girl, but whether we like it or not, they do serve as part of our ‘statement’. You cannot afford to throw on “just any old thing,” saying, “It doesn’t really matter.” There’s no sense kidding yourself… it does matter!

Experience has shown that girls who posses enough initiative and skill to choose attractive clothing are usually more interesting to be around. Don’t let boring outfits send out false signals. See that you look as delightful on the “outside” as you really are "inside."

It is not about the cost, or the label, it is about the way you put your clothes together. A smart girl shops wisely and dresses to make a statement. What are you saying with your clothing?

Is it, “I don’t feel good about who I am on the inside and so I want others to look at my outside. I am showing off what should be covered so you won’t take time to look at the real me.”

Or, are you saying...

"I feel good about who I am and I want you to get to know the real me. My clothes highlight my eyes, my personality, and make a statement that I care enough about myself to not cheapen who I am. And, I am smart enough to know how to put together a cute outfit on a limited budget.”

Next week we will discuss how to find that outfit that reflects your inner beauty on the outside through a few very simple rules.

God bless you as you walk in your beauty!

Jody

Teenagers and Cell Phones: Pro or Con?

It occurred to me that cell phones have not been in use for very many years.

This generation is really the first one to be brought up completely with everyone owning their own cell phone.

So, I asked the girls in my Bible class to come up with some pros and cons of having a cell phone as a teenager and this is what they came up with:

Pros
1. If an accident happens, you can immediately get help.
2. It gives you protection because you can call 911 without having to look for a phone.
3. You have more opportunities to communicate with people anywhere you are.
4. You can talk to people who live far away.
5. You can be reached at anytime. (Can also be a con)
6. Texting enables you to send a quick message of encouragement when you don’t have time to talk.
7. GPS on your phone can help you when you are lost.

Cons
1. Texting can cause fights.  You may be more willing to say mean things because you do not have to face the person.
2. Someone can easily misinterpret what you are saying in a text because they can’t decipher your tone of voice.
3. A cell phone can enable you to lie about where you are because you can use it anywhere.
4. You can be reached at anytime. (Can also be a pro)
5. You have more access to prank call.
6. Can cause you to lose social skills because we do not talk face-to-face as often.

After we thought about the pros and cons of cell phones, we came up with some etiquette and manners of cell phone usage.
1. Don’t text at the table.
2. Don’t talk on the phone when you are with a friend.
3. Don’t text and drive. (More than manners, this should be a strict rule.)
4.  Turn your phone off in a meeting or at church.
5. If you can’t say it to someone’s face, don’t say it in a text.
6. Don’t prank call.
7. Never text or call people during sleeping hours.
8. Don’t ignore others in order to text.
9. Don’t allow yourself to become antisocial because you are always on the cell phone.

What would you add to our lists? Leave us a comment with your ideas for other pros, cons, and etiquette tips you use!

Remember to walk in your beauty this week - and that includes your cell phone use :)
Kristi