Jan 29 2010
Contact Me
Business questions? Fashion dilemmas?
Ask any question, and Christa will answer.
email: christa(at)christa-taylor.com
Please note: Christa may use your question publicly on the blog, she will change all personal references for your anonymity.
Related posts:
- Everybody Merge! Just in case some of...
- Making it’s Debut: Jan Sweater Dress Miss Jan Morrow is a...
- C-T videos Christa-Taylor, busy around town- If you...
Dear Christa,
I have long been an avid reader and admirer of your blog. Its insightful comments on the fashion and conduct of any young (or old) lady attempting to honor Christ and reflect Him in our culture never fails to encourage me. I admire the balance you have created in an area others either ignore or obsess over. I’m not to much into current trends and fads, (can’t afford it for one and they are rarely flattering to my shape for another!) but I love your tips on looking classic and cute, which leads into my question……
It is very small but one that has caused me much confusion this past winter (now that it is spring and no longer relevant)! Is it, or is it not, ever appropriate to wear a low shoe with short socks and a skirt that falls between the calf and knee? I hope that explains it enough…… My confusion is that some people say that you must always wear stockings to the knee (no skin showing) to create a pleasing look while others just go no socks at all. What do you think?
And then my other….. is it possible to wear sketchers with a skirt and if so – how?
I hope I have the right name, you know, the athletic looking ballet flat, with the strap, mine are in navy blue and black……
I really appreciate you taking the time to give your opinion!
Sincerely,
Becky
Is it true that the orthodox Christian canonical bible is inexact about which traits modestly worn garments must have? How can any Christian be absolutely sure that on his or her garments the hemlines, necklines, bustlines, et cetera are long or wide enough? Is it true that all women or some women must always wear head coverings in the presence of other people, have feminine hair styles, and/or keep lengthy the hair on their heads, as in the orthodox Christian canonical bible’s 1 Corinthians 11? How do Christians who do not believe that their god wants people to dress in clothes that unmistakably, modestly express their respective inborn genders–e.g. pants/shorts for males who were in last year’s North America or skirts/dresses for all females regardless of time, location, or culture–justify that conviction with the said bible? Is it a sin for a person to temporarily be undressed or wearing only immodest clothing while other people can see him or her, if the exhibiting and/or viewing is only for important health reasons, such as giving a consented bath to an immature or physically incapacitated person or being treated by a medical professional? Is it a sin to not adhere to the Old Testament laws that pertain to clothing, diet, or hygiene? Is it a sin to look at or imagine images of other people, of pieces of others’ bodies, or of fake representations of human body parts while one’s own standards of modesty of dress would dictate that any of the visible body parts would be considered visually off-limits for anyone besides the portrayed person’s own spouse, even if such an incident of visualization or viewing is not being intended to objectify anyone? How can Christians use the aforementioned bible to determine whether clothes they wear will be a “stumbling block” to other people? How, according to the previously mentioned bible, can one determine what kind of clothing or other physical adornment styles are too extravagant? Why is it important that modestly dressed people dress fashionably?
The Bible does not provide specific instructions, and thank God it doesn’t- otherwise we would use that as a gauge of our spirituality and turn it into some kind of legalistic religious practice.
I think the real question is: Why do wear clothes in the first place?
From a biblical perspective: God clothed us in the garden to cover our nakedness, our shame at realizing we weren’t the goddesses we thought we were. God covered Adam and Eve, showing they needed something other than their own skin. It was God’s way of admitting the guilt, and pointing to his ultimate covering of their Sin on that future day when he would COVER their sin through his atoning death.
John Piper writes: “Our clothes are a witness both to our past and present failure and to our future glory. They testify to the chasm between what we are and what we should be. And they testify to God’s merciful intention to bridge that chasm through Jesus Christ and his death for our sins.”
Our clothes are an outward expression of inward submission.
Once our hearts understand this, our wardrobes will follow.
The Scriptures don’t give us specific case by case modesty to do lists. They give us opportunities to examine our hearts and see why we wear what we’re wearing.
When is it too much? Paul gives us some helpful hints in 1 Tim 2:9
The church in Ephesus was having clothing issues, these women used their clothes to attract attention, it was excessive. While we could go on to a more indepth articulation of this subject, I think it comes down to three questions presented in this passage:
As Mary Kassian elucidates:
“She adorns herself with respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control.” The three guidelines are:
1. Is it becoming or unbecoming? (respectable)
2. Is it decent or indecent? (modest)
3. Is it moderate or excessive? (self-controlled)
In his letter to Timothy, Paul encouraged these primped women to evaluate their wardrobe in light of the overall purpose of clothing. He counseled them to dress in a way that was in keeping with their Christian character and to concentrate on what was most important…It’s a corrective to those who dress seductively like hookers,. But it’s also a corrective to those who think that “holy” means frumpy, ugly, unfeminine, and out of style…ultimately, does it exalt the gospel of Christ?”
Hey Christa,
So I’m having an inward battle…lol. I have fair skin that only tans if I burn first (and even then it’s not very dark) so I’m wondering, should I just be pale or buy a sunless tanner? I’ve come to the conclusion that getting a sunburn every few days to build a tan is probably not the smartest idea (haha) especially since I’m only seventeen and still have many more sunny years to go! I’m afraid a sunless tanner wouldn’t look natural on me and that I’ll blow a lot of money on it, but I really would like to have a little color!!! Also, do tanners flake off if you don’t keep applying regularly or do they just fade evenly??? As you can see, I don’t have much experience with these things and don’t have any friends who would know either! lol! I have read some product reviews and such but thought maybe you could give me your much appreciated opinion!!!
Thank you sooo much, Christa!!!
-Hannah-
Hi Hannah
Own your skin. Own the fact that you are the “fairest maiden of them all” and revel in your pearly whiteness! Look at Anne Hathaway, wouldn’t touch a day out in the sun for anything. She sports large hats, huge sunglasses and is her ivory skin is her trademark.
With that said, if you really would like some color- try a good sunless tanner in a gentle dose. Yes, they do build upon themselves, but will look orange if applied to regularly. Make sure you rub the product in well and very evenly. It will provide a natural glow without looking fake after 1-2 uses. I havn’t had any experience with product “pealing”.
What are your thoughts about messy buns? I’ve discovered a revived passion for them (it works especially great with my curly hair), but I’m wondering if they are making a come-back or if they have always been popular or if they are a just plain no-no.
Best wishes,
Jessica
I was wondering if you had any blogger buttons that can be used to link up to your website?
I am wondering the same thing!
Hey Christa! Just wanted to say I miss your posts, and that I hope everything is well with you. I’m sure you’re just enjoying the summer with your wonderful family:)
God bless!
I was blog browsing and noticed that not much of a shout out or mention was made of Arbonne products?! I love these products and I distribute them (Its the perfect business for a busy nursing student because the schedule works around my clinicals:-D). I was wondering if I sent you some samples if you would do a post mentioning the product?
I think they have some wonderful lines of skin care product and could do with an honorable mentions.
Happy Summer!!
I’m wondering where I can find great accessories for less. As I teenager, I’m always up for the cheaper route!
Forever 21 Accessories. Hands down the best goods for the best price.
A lot of the larger malls have a Forever21 Accessories exclusive shop.
Hi Christa,
I’m a single mother living in St. Louis, MO. I recently launched a web store (http//:exposedenvy.com), specializing in very elegant to very casual removable bra straps. Like others, I noticed bra straps popping up (and out) everywhere. Las fall the one shoulder and off the shoulder styles were very hot, this made me notice all the poor women pulling on their strapless bras in desperation for support! The answer is not a strapless bra, or to let your style go south by revealing bra straps, but to have gorgeous ones what make the outfit even better!
I would love for you to visit my site and let me know what you think! I would also greatly appreciate any advice and insight you would have in terms of how to market the site, this is all so new to me! Sometimes I ask myself,”what have I done!”
I really want to make this a success for myself and others. I am very involved in the community and look forward to giving back in so many ways, this business could be a great opportunity. Please also notice the charity page on my site!
Thank so much in advance for all your thoughts, it means so much to someone getting started in this business and figuring it all out!
Hey Christa, Ive already written you an email and then I saw this section so i’m just going to cute and copy it here:)lol. Sorry!!
Fwd:
Hello,
I’m not sure if you actually read/reply all your emails but i figured it was worth the try. I just want you to know you are such a blessing and truly an inspiration.
A friend of mine and I decided that we wanted to start a ministry especially for young women who want to leave the church and in conjunction with that we thought about beginning a clothing line that shows women that it is possible to be modest, Godly, and still trendy. I came across your website and my heart absolutely soared! I mean I just didn’t realize that there are others out there with the same passion.
We are obviously in the beginning stages and have no idea as to where to start or what to do (neither of us sew–and so reading your about me section made me giggle because that was one of my biggest fears). I truly feel like you are answer to a prayer and that God is trying to tell us not to live in fear and that it is completely possible.
Do you have any advice you can give?
May God continually Bless you in ALL you and your family do!
Ms. Lina Konadu
Hi Christa!
I am wondering if you could give some examples of long skirts in the workplace? I am a pants-wearer, but love long skirts. I have rarely saw them as apporpriate in a business setting. I am an Admin to the VP of a company and need to look professional while still being modest.
Thanks!!
Holly
Sure thing Holly- I’ll do a Q& A on it.
Dear Christa,
First off let me say that I love the work that you do. I love how you incorporate Christian femininity into your work and modesty. I have been a follower of your blog and website for a long time. Thank you for all you do to encourage other ladies to stay lady-like, dignified, and humble.
I am a fashionista you could say and I have to admit it- I love clothes. I love shopping at the malls…looking at fashion magazines, and promoting something that is close to my heart–how to stay modest without looking frumpy. As Christian I am really looking for ways to tie in my love for fashion with my love for Christ, is there a way? Or am I just kidding myself and falling in love with clothes and out with God? I know there has to be a balance somewhere… What are your suggestions for being a witness for Christ as a fashionista?
Also, I try and tell myself that clothing *is* important (ex. the marriage issue that you have brought up before, which I agree on) and that it is a way to say who you are. But is that really important? When it comes down to it, isn’t clothing just something we were to cover up the shame of that fateful day when the first human sinned? I am not challenging you, I am asking for your opinion and advise. Please help me to settle these questions that have been bothering me for quite some time now. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this.