Empowered Traditionalist

Many have asked how this whole thing began, so for your sake (and mine) I have resolved to actually write it down. Hopefully, I’ll stay on task and not interrupt myself multiple times with random facts or rabbit trails

It all started when several years ago my girlfriends and I jokingly suggested that someone should open a modest clothing company. “Why can’t someone put together a store filled with beautiful, feminine apparel that all meets our standards?!” Little did I know what I was saying!!

That was just the first pebbles that started the avalanche.

My frustration mounted when searching high and low for a modest (and cute) bathing suit. Now, I know everyone’s standards vary, so I won’t go into detail, but there was nothing close to what I was looking for. So after discussing the idea a bit, Dad encouraged me to go ahead and draw up my own. That started the ball rolling and aprox 6 months later we had our first prototype.

Let it be known right now, I DO NOT SEW. Nope, apart from the occasional mending, I rarely approach the machine. I mean, I love homemaking and all that, but somehow I never pictured the sewing machine as part of it. Needless to say, I worked closely with a seamstress during the entire process.

We knew online business was the place to be, so we headed in that direction, building the site, acquiring photos, doing paperwork etc. We launched Jan 15, 2007 with a rough, but usable website. We then began adding on additional apparel and additional team members. We are still fairly small, but are advancing our borders one step at a time. Currently I’m working on the Summer and Fall line, corresponding with local and overseas manufacturers, writing product descriptions, networking, blogging, sorting out photo shoots…and on and on. Thankfully, I have an assistant now (she really does all the work).

The driving passion behind Christa Taylor as a company is using Business as a tool for missions. We are a kingdom business, meaning we see business as means of creating funds to further the cause of the gospel around the world. R.G. Latourneau is one of my greatest heroes. Latourneau, a multi-millionaire, gave 98% of his income away, supporting missionaries across the US and around the world. That’s really my heart in the whole thing, I just want the Lord to use our feeble efforts as a means to glorify Himself.

Never in a million years could I have done any of this without my very amazing, incredible, brilliant, self-sacrificing, ingenious and entrepreneurial family. But, actually, they are really just normal people who do the little things extraordinarily well. Each of us is an Empowered Traditionalist- with different passions and focus. Mine just happens to be modest clothes.

So that’s my story. Short and sweet version .

If you have any other questions- feel free to ask. ( I really like answering them)

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We are pleased to introduce the Pantone Fashion Color Report for Spring 2008!

Pantone comments in the report, that the spring ‘08 palette is defined by classic, versatile neutrals punctuated by splashes of invigorating brights, empowering consumers to explore new and creative ways to combine colors.

Variations on popular colors such as energizing red, cool, waterborne blue and eco-friendly green also play a key role this season.

“The spring ‘08 color palette perfectly reflects the cheerfulness of the season,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “Stabilizing neutrals combined with pops of brighter colors to create unique, distinctive looks are the basis for a great spring and summer wardrobe.”

As we consider the details of each color individually over the next couple of week remember that while you obviously always want to pick base colors that look good with your eyes and skin color, you can still wear ANY of these colors! Three words for you: placement, variation, balance.

Stay tuned!

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Tired of those blemishes crowding your face? Here are some suggestions that can be helpful to make your face clean and clear!

Use light agents on your skin, NEVER use anything heavy or greasy on your face. “This sounds like a no-brainer”, says New York dermatologist Pat Wexler. “But I have patients who put pure vitamin E oil on their skin and then wonder why they break out”. From my personal experience, when I have applied oil (i.e. coconut oil), it has caused some serious breakouts.

Check with your doctor if you have especially bad adult acne or recurring problems, your hormones may be out of whack. Your overall health definitely affects your skin.

Wash your skin twice a day- once more if you’ve just hit the gym. Replace the needed natural oils with a simple moisturizer.

Apply all over your face, the cleanser, even where you aren’t broken out. “Acne affects every oil gland on your face,” says San Francisco dermatologist Kathy Fields. “you need to treat the entire zone” It is our natural tendency to treat the infected areas only. Wrong-o!

On it’s own, “a pimple usually fades in eight days,” says Wexler, “If you pick at it, you’re looking at three to four weeks and possible scarring.”

Hide the blemish, it’s easier than you think.
- Always use a slightly cakey concealer. Liquids and creams don’t work as well.
- Yellow-based tones are best for covering- they neutralize redness. But don’t use it all over your face, it will make you look dull.
- Pick up a bit of the concealer with the side of a small, firm brush; keep the brush in a pointed shape, dab off excess product. Apply on the pimple first, working your way to the outside. Press-rather than rub- the concealer in place and finish with translucent powder.

Natural ways to cure breakouts!
-Apply honey to any affected area(s) several times a day – the honey is known to reduce redness, nourish the skin and give a natural glow to the skin.
-Rubbing your skin with lemon juice is the best and most effective way to treat pimples – lemon juice lightens red scars and blemishes, maintains the pH balance of the skin.
-Drink at least 1.5 liter mineral water every day to help detox your body from the inside out.

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Dance through 2008 with flowy fabric, vibrant colors, impressionistic floral prints, belts and retro curls.

In with Spring…

Shirt-Dresses

Thin belts

Head scarves

Pencil Skirts

Sequins and Metallic (be careful)

Silk, Jersey, Chiffon

Tote (for day), Clutch (for night)

Dresses should have, “lots of flowers and abstract prints. Print dresses are a must!”, suggests Nick Verreos from Project Runway. Be sure you pair your light dresses with delicate shoes, no clunky heel. Black and white mixes and ballerina chic help define this spring, as well as an all new passion for white sun-dresses. Asian, African and vintage print dresses are going to hit the racks as well.

Skirts and Pants will be ditching the super low cuts non of us cared for, your natural waist is your best friend this Spring. You will see lots of nautical-themed, “high” waisted skirts, dresses and pants, but unless you are super long-waisted, sticking with your natural waist is the best option.

DO
Go with feminine clothes
Add curl to your hair
Love your natural waist

DON’T
Buy a light jacket that goes past your hips
Wear low-waisted items

REMEMBER
Lean to classy side, think quality not quantity
Walk tall, smile, laugh and love life…that never goes out of style!

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Sleeping past your alarm does not mean you have to have a grub day! Here are some “get-ready-really-fast-and-still-look-good” ideas…

Makeup

-Always put a moisturizer on before any make up, let it dry for 2 min (I know you are in a hurry but it is worth it in the long run) This makes your face look smooth, keeps your skin from drying out and will keep your make-up on longer.

-Find a cover up that is quick and easy. Compact powder or foundation are good choices.

-Blush. A quick, light brush stroke across the cheek bones, eyes lids, and the hair line to give you fresh color.

-Eye liner on top. There are 2 kinds of liner that are the fastest:

• 1) Liquid, it takes practice and a light hand but when mastered it is quick and does not move all day.
  2)Angle brush, get a fine, stiff angle brush and dark shadow, this is very timely. Don’t try to use a new brush on a 15 minute power job, it never works!

-There is nothing more feminine then lashes. Do one light coat of mascara on one eye then do the other, let dry for 10 seconds and do a second coat. This will lengthen your lashes and give you a more finished effect.

Hair

-Dirty? Put it up. Pull the top up in a bobby pin for a different look. Pull the rest back in a mid pony tail, twirl your hair around the rubber-band and allow some hair to spring out. Bobby pin the bun. Always hair spray the fly always for a sharp, complete look. Or try a cute hat!

-Clean and boring? Before the make-up, plug in the curling iron. Choose random chunks and curl away. Turn you head upside down and hair spray. Hold for 10 seconds to add volume. Part on the side.-A sleek part down the side to a low pony tail is classic and girly. Do not forget hairspray!

-Feel like you aren’t ready for the day? Finish in the car with a nice colored lip gloss!

Clothes

It takes just as long to put on a skirt as it does to put on sweat pants. Come on girls! Find a dress or a skirt and top. A black skirt goes with just about any top. A long wool coat dresses up just about anything. A tailored jacket dresses up jeans. Don’t always reach for the sweat shirt when you are running out the door!

Don’t forget, it’s your smile that always makes you complete!

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Ever wonder what to wear on those evenings when you need to look fabulous?

If we all had the same body type, the world would be really boring, and it’s important to know how to flatter each one! Here is a fun way to find the best dress for you.

You’ll find each body type named and defined with tips!

Straight – Little definition between bust, hips and waist. Love v-neck, baby doll or empire waist with A-line skirt or dropped waist.

Pear – Smaller bust, rounded hips and defined waist. Love open necklines, such as cowl, boat or square, with a full skirt. You can also go with major jewelry and scarves!

Hourglass – Bust and hips in equal proportions, with defined waist. Love wraps, adjustable waists and pencil skirts.

Spoon – Full bust, small hips and waist. Love squared necklines, waist belts and flare at the bottom, also, drapey or gathered dresses.

Apple – Full bust, narrow hips and average waist. Love empire waist with full skirt. Flat fronts and side fastenings are your friends.

Happy Valentine’s Day from the Christa-Taylor team!

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With the freshness of spring upon us a little reminder of some no no’s.

2008 is all about the volume (not 80’s volume, it’s way better then that!) Clothing, hair, even make-up is light, girly and amorous.

Let’s stay away from…

Stick straight hair (if that is unavoidable for you try to bobby pin the top front and add some lift) Hair spray your head upside down, and let it sit for 10 seconds before bringing your head back up. A loose pony tail or braid. If you have short straight hair consider a bob with bangs.

Fake tans. (OK lets be real girls: the white girl is prettier then then orange girl—that is no trend!)

Super bright footwear. It was fun while it lasted!

Short shorts and skirts. No need to cry on this one, they are unflattering and hard to walk in! Flowy, as well as A line or pencil knee length skirts are the way to go this year.

Dark colors. This is a winter trend. Try some light flowery prints or brighter colors. If you really want to wear black, try it as a black and white printed dress. Olives and tans are the new base color for Spring (think Safari!).

Low waisted jeans. Again unflattering, hard to walk in and no one wants to watch you bend over. Even if these come back, I recommend steering away from them. Stick with clothes that stay on and actually fit.

Come back next week for what IS in!

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It’s amazing how 2 short weeks can radically expand your perspective on business, American wealth, all of life.

The last 2 days have been a whirl of travel, from Siem Reap, back to Phnom Pehn and then for the long flight home. I’m feeling very close to “back to normal”; at least, as normal as life can be after an unforgettable trip. I need some time to think and cement in my mind all that I have been experiencing.

What a privilege to see first hand what business and mission can do; it’s truly thrilling.

pictures will be coming soon. They speak so much louder than these words.

…and don’t worry. I don’t have lice.

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It looks as though the barely there look we have seen in the past is no more. Bold colors are hitting the shelves and runways this year. Artists seem to be having fun with the shadows–beautifully blending shades such as indigo and light violet. Brushing a pretty terracotta on the cheek bones. Lips are going colored.

Trends include icy shades white and pink. Glitter is back. There will also be iridescence or metallic in some shadows.

Tip, don’t fear color this season. Strong lips and eyes can go together if done correctly. Make sure if you’ve gone heavy on the eyes you use a matte lip stick. Colored lips always give a finished look, even if it your natural color.
Red lips are a go, and with them their own set of rules: no eye liner or blush.

Be Careful when you use the shimmer, glitter or iridescence going over board will look ridiculous! Choose where you will wear it and don’t move from that spot. (If you are going to shimmer the eyes, keep it off the cheeks)

FYI, Blue Satin is the next “it” polish. So if you are digging the navy blues go ahead and grab one!

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We have just arrived in Siem Reip, the “tourist magnet”of Cambodia for some R&R after our grueling labor. We just returned from a part of Northern Cambodia so remote there was no internet access within a 4 hour drive. Needless to say, I wasn’t able to keep you as updated as I would have hoped.

My head is so full of thoughts, new memories, new faces…new jokes.

1. The team has been amazing, such a fantastic group of individuals, of my 4 previous overseas trips, this has been the best. We’re constantly laughing, joking, and razzing each other- but also serving one another, caring and protecting. What a perfect combination.

1A. The work is hard, laying brick, painting, mixing cement (by hand), sanding walls, carrying gravel, working on re-bar, cleaning, scrubbing whew!  My back is a perfect mass of knots, (shoveling for 3 days straight can do that really well) But there is a certain deep satisfaction and joy in knowing the job is well done, and looking over all we were able to accomplish on the orphan home.
2. The children have completely won my heart, I wish I had pictures to show you now…

Koone, with her bright eyes, Poi, the mischievous one, Peethe, the quiet one (it’s hard to get him to open-up), Hoone, the servant, Se-Ren, such a hard worker and always eager to learn English, Marie, the sweetest baby girl, Poi and Christyen the inseparable duo…And so many more.

I miss them already.

The contrast between the orphan home children and the village children is like night and day. They are still children, they still get dirty and scraped up, but they are sooo happy! I feel so privileged to be here.

2. The misquitoes love me. In fact, they keep wanting to become better aquainted! For some reason the others remain untouched while I sport numerous bites from head to toe. Yea, I look like I have the chicken pox.

3. I’m praying I don’t get lice. Everyone has it, why not join the club?! I’m terrified of the very thought…last night I was awake …”Oh please, Oh please, oh please…no!! Don’t let me get lice!”

4.  Funny story: Joc is our resident photographer, (she came on this trip to serve the Cambodian ministry by using pictures to communicate the to the States what words and stories just can’t…) Anyhow, because of previous injuries she can’t do a lot of physical labor, leaving her quite a bit more clean than the rest of us. Joc was quite proud of this fact, and was careful to maintain her cleanliness.This was too much for our buddy Scott- her perfectly clean turquoise pants were a sore temptation. Joc walked inside the doorway for a moment, fetching something or other…Scott crouched behind, and flung himself at those poor doomed pants, covering them in cement grime and dust.

They weren’t turquoise anymore.

And Joc’s face…oh it was priceless!

Just a few more days before we head home. I miss my family, but I also feel like it was too short. Cambodia is a culture that comes out and grabs you….it’s like “this is where life really happens”. The warmth, the community, it will be hard to leave.

signing off,

CT

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