'Twas the Night Before Christmas

Dear Faith In Fashion readers,

I will be on vacation next week. Please check back 1/1/07 for new posts on the blog!

Merry Christmas! I wish you and your families health, happiness and prosperity. Celebrate Baby Jesus. Pray for peace.

Dena

Greetings!

Viva Vox Sacra!

Seattle-based Vox Sacra (Latin for "sacred voice") is positioned as the first luxury Christian brand. Shawn McNally, the founder and creative director, creates clothing that imbues messages of faith, love and grace through ancient images, calligraphy and intricate fabric appliques.

"My vision is that our products will open conversations between people of faith and people searching for hope and meaning in their life."

The Crown with Star luxury long sleeve scoop neck tee (left) normally retails for $95. Purchase the tee at 50% off only this week at Vox Sacra. Yes, it's expensive. Yet the fabric is amazing and buttery soft! I think this type of shirt looks best on a woman who has a vertical body type, long limbs and a lean torso. If you don't want a too-snug fit, go up one size. Special fabric requires special care. Dry clean or hand wash in luke warm water with Woolite. 7% of all Vox Sacra revenue is donated to the Rafiki Foundation.

"Whatever your perception of Christian clothing is, toss it out the window," says McNally, who is convinced that faith and a love of fashion are not mutually exclusive.

No cheesy Jesus t-shirts ! Do you like Christian symbology on your clothing? Leave a comment. I want to hear from you. Dena

Bling It On!

I love jewelry, especially earrings and rings! Nothing too precious. Jewelry allows me to express my personality, embrace a trend and funk up an outfit. My favorite jewelry websites are: fashion/Anne Maa Designs, Anthropologie, Banana Republic, Boucher, Feng Junk, Janna Conner, Kim Alessi, Kris Nations, Laila Rowe, Nordstrom, proper topper, Roberta Chiarella, Satya Jewelry, South Moon Under (right), Tiffini Dooris, Zoe Oliver and fine/Bijoux Jewels, Chic Sherlock, Fragments, Modern Adornment, Zoe Chicco. Make a bold, exquisite statement! Where do you get your jewelry fix? Post a comment. Or send me an email at faithinfashion@comcast.net. Thanks loyal readers! Dena

Shopportunistic!

I've just finished reading [How To Be a Retail Revolutionary] Shopportunity! by Kate Newlin. Top three ideas include:

1. Buy what you love.
2. Kick your addiction to price. Calculate value beyond price. Get out of the habit of buying mindlessly. Buy better, buy less.
3. Invest in relationships. Find a salesperson who "gets you" and stick with him/her.
   

If I buy (everything) that I love (#1), I'll violate #2. As far as idea #3, I think most sales today feel very transactional. Do you have a "relationship" with a top-notch salesperson? Not a personal shopper. I'd check this book out from the public library; however, I wouldn't buy it for myself (see idea #2). Blog over and out, Dena

3 Minute Retreat

Take a moment amidst the "busyness" of the Holiday season and center yourself with prayer.

Psalm 23 for Busy People
by Toki Miyashina (a Japanese woman)

The Lord is my pacesetter, I shall not rush.
He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals,
He provides me with images of stillness, which restore my serenity.
He leads me in ways of efficiency through calmness of mind,
And His guidance is peace.
Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day,
I will not fret, for His presence is here.
His timelessness, His all-importance will keep me in balance,
He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activitiy.
By anointing my mind with His oils of tranquility,
My cup of joyous energy overflows.
Surely harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruit of my hours,
For I shall walk in the place of my Lord, and dwell in His house forever.
Amen.

Have a blessed, grace-filled Christmas! Dena

Sizing Insanity!

"What size are you?" My answer is, "It depends ..." There is a lack of sizing standardization across designers/companies and even within a single size for a particular brand. Read Newsweek's Susanna Schrobsdorff article overviewing the fashion industry's challenges keeping up with changing demographics and body types. An excerpt follows:

Don't assume that the contemporary woman is wearing a bigger size than her grandmother might have. "According to standard size measurements, that average 155 pound woman should be wearing a size 16, but thanks to vanity-sizing, she's probably buying a size 10 or 12," says Jim Lovejoy, the industry director for the SizeUSA survey. "Most companies aren't using the standard ASTM [American Society for Testing and Materials] sizes any more. Sizes have been creeping up a half inch at a time so that women can fit into smaller sizes and feel good about it." Think of vanity-sizing as self-delusion on a mass scale.

Know your measurements. Get sales assistance (if possible). Try on a lot of clothes. Don't let the actual size bother you; go for FIT!!! Know which designer's sizing fits you best. Use a seamstress to make necessary alterations. When you find a pair of pants that fit perfectly, buy 2 pairs! Any strategies on dealing with size confusion? Do men have vanity-sizing? Weigh in.

Stay Warm!

Boldly modest sweater.

Leopard print cardigan, $278;
Pure Collection

100% cashmere, 100% purr-fect!