Sunday, October 21, 2012

Wearing: Floor-Length Casual

Skirt:  ASOS
Sweater:  GAP
Jacket:  Aeropostale
Booties:  Mia Cadet
Bag:  FOSSIL Vintage Re-issue
cute sewing projects and modest outfits

How do you approach your modest clothing style as winter approaches?  --email question from Sara

I read an article several years ago about a certain celebrity’s seemingly effortless style in which her stylist was quoted as saying, “Don’t be fooled by the laid-back appearance. What looks easy-breezy and effortlessly styled is actually the result of very deliberate clothing choices.”
The same is true about standing on a platform of modesty while still trying to look attractive and approachable. The effort to build attractive, yet modest outfits has to be deliberate because nothing in our culture caters to modesty, even during the chilly, winter months when layered looks can quickly become careless and non-cohesive.  As a Christian, I'm very aware that during the time I spend in public looking haggard and unkempt, the world is forming an opinion about my God…and at the very least, I am confirming for them what they think they already know—that Christianity is a sloppy religion. 

As cool weather approaches, the tendency is to forget about shape and run out the door in a baggy sweatshirt simply because it’s functional.  Instead, I reach for a blazer and boots to pair with a pretty dress or extend the life of my maxi dresses by wearing a denim or safari jacket on top. I've always thought it was visually interesting to pair a low-key piece with something dressier. I also mix my summer tops under cardigans and pair my maxi skirts with sweaters to increase the versatility of my wardrobe. 

Elisabeth Eliot said, "The fact that I am a woman does not make me a different Christian, but the fact that I am a Christian does make me a different kind of woman."
I'm always trying to dress like the best version of myself--to take what culture offers and work the pieces together in a way that glorifies God and creatively reflects my personality. 


20 comments:

  1. You always look so beautiful, Kristina. Not just because of your rad sense of style, but because of your poise, grace, and confidence!

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  2. What a great post! Totally agree!
    http://dixie-n-dottie.blogspot.com/

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  3. Well said and definitely something to think about.

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  4. You are AMAZING!! Love this outfit, love your jacket, LOVE your thoughtful words :0)

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  5. Such a classy lady! Adore this look. Come style me please ;)

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  6. you looks amazing! and i love your hair, just great!

    Anya

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  7. loved this post! That's an excellent Elizabeth Elliot quote by the way. Thanks for sharing :)

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  8. I love this post!! I totally agree. You always look so pretty and chic. (^_^)

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  9. Elisabeth Elliot always has some of the best advice. I need to read some of her books one day. I read a book about Jim Elliot that I loved a few years ago though.

    You are beautiful inside and out as a Christian woman. I think I fail too often. . . . :(
    +Victoria+

    Continue to be the most amazing encouraging person as you are.

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  10. I love your sense of style and appreciate how you are able to incorporate current fashion trends into your beliefs on modesty. I grew up Apostolic / Pentecostal and totally wish I had someone like you back then to teach me the way to dress well while still being modest. Sadly, I just had long, hideous jean skirts :) haha

    I am no longer in the church at all, but still love to rock skirts and dresses. Even though I am not required to dress "modestly" I still find so much inspiration from your looks.

    Thank you for being a role model to Christian women on how to dress well! And thank you for inspiring a backslider like myself on how to dress feminine and classy :)

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  11. Great outfit, great hair, great post! I really enjoyed this:)

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  12. I've been reading your blog for a while now, but I've never commented before... I have to say I was surprised by your pictures today. I looked at them and thought my usual thoughts of appreciation for what you had put together and then I stopped and looked around you and thought "I know that place!" I knew you lived in a small town in the midwest, but I didn't realize you lived in/nearby where I grew up! As I looked back through the pictures I started discovering a lot of familiar scenes that I had never really "seen" before. I just wanted to say thanks for sharing your style, thoughts, and creations, and thanks for giving me a little picture of home today.

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  13. Excellent post. I have never quite thought of it this way.

    Now I just HAVE to ask...have you considered doing wardrobe consultations? You know - help those us of with no sense of style figure out how to put together what we have? :) I could send you pictures of my clothing. *laughing*

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  14. That's a great viewpoint - "to take what culture offers and work the pieces together in a way that glorifies God and creatively reflects my personality." Love it! And you always look amazing.

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  15. You look so beautiful on that!Love your outfit!

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  16. Gorgeous style combination and beautiful photos! I didn't have the opportunity to read Elizabeth Eliot but currently at my bedside table lies Unorthodox by Deborah Feldman. Quite instructive for a woman, I believe.

    Cheers!

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  17. Kristina-Love the reminder that we are representing Christianity even through our clothing choices. Sometimes I feel like I spend too much time thinking about clothes, but this makes me feel better about it! Best foot forward!

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  18. I am loving my maxi skirts as fall rolls in! And I am SO glad I found this blog! Its a breath of fresh air to see someone so modestly dressed yet looking so fashionable. Blessings!

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  19. Wow, this is so well put!

    -Hannah Avery

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