Highest Fashion

I happen to really like this dress. And, no, it's not just because I made it. :) The color, the fit, the softness of modal fabric make it a pleasure to wear. Mmm.

See, I am dsicovering that fashion is so much more than what we're lead to believe! A particular trend is often determined for us by someone who doesn't know the deep things that make you, you! Then the trends are handed down through a series of marketing efforts that are aimed at making a business profitable, not about making you look your best. So we're told that something is High Fashion, and that we should like it. But what, then? How will we feel in it, and how will it make any difference in our lives?

So if being fashionable isn't about being up on the trends, what is it? Oh, so many brilliant things! The sweet thing is that you get to explore and determine it for yourself. Here are a couple of things to consider as you find your personal style:

1. Color: What colors are you naturally drawn to? If you've been so immersed in fashionability that you aren't sure, go back to what you liked when you were younger. Did you have favorite colors as a child? What colors make you feel lively, peaceful, excited? What colors bring out your natural hair and eye color?

2. Texture: Go for natural fabrics. Blends that include polyester and other synthetics lack the softness and hypoallergenic nature of modal, pure cotton, silk, wool, cashmere, leather, etc. Naturals can be a bit more pricey, but that's what sales and consignment shops are for. :) Seriously, though, looking nice should never come at the price of comfort and health.

Also consider how you want to feel in your clothes. I personally love soft, inviting textures. In the winter, I like a lined coat and could never do leather. Some people, on the other hand, appreciate the heaviness and warmth of a nice suede or leather coat. Determine what you enjoy.

3. Garment Construction and Shape: Based on your body shape, find what shapes look good on you. And remember, a piece doesn't have to be body-hugging to be figure flattering. A well-constructed piece that suits you will be able to effortlessly bring out your best. For instance, I like wide leg jeans. I have shapely hips and proportionately long legs, so they work for me. They fit well in the hips, which establishes shape, while the length of my legs makes the width flowy and fun rather than overbearing. For shorter legs, I would recommend a straighter leg so your lovely limbs don't get bogged down by too much fabric.

4. Personality: Let your clothes reflect your personality! Do you think in a linear way, enjoy caring for vulnerable people and animals, or like speaking encouragement to others? Your clothes can reflect it in the colors and shapes you pick! For example, as a dancer, I believe there is a glory that moves (figuratively and literally) through my life. It's no wonder I'm drawn to clothes that flow and fabrics that are not encumbered or restricting! My friends who are logistics minded tend to like clothes with more linear shapes, like Polo shirts or nautical stripes. Still other friends who notice the beauty in nature tend to like earth tones and garments whose texture resembles natural phenomena.

The highest of high fashion is the aesthetic that reflects you. I hope you enjoyed this little guide! Exploring is an ongoing process, so be blessed in your style-searching! <3

Simplici-Tea

Tea has so many benefits. If you don't like it, I understand. BUT, I encourage you to try a new way of drinking it that will likely be more palatable.

Much of the available tea out there is dried and peppered with preservatives. Much of the time, the drying process is what draws out the caffeine. While energy is a good thing, there are more gentle, long lasting ways of pepping up your body than this caffeinated shock-therapy.

It's called fresh leaf tea! Ohmygoshsogoooood. Mmm. It goes to show that the complicated ways of doing things aren't always the most beneficial. God handed us the goods, and we just get to boil them? SO easy.

Here are a couple I like, and the reasons I like them.

1. Mint: This one tops my list. Unlike its dried and slightly bitter counterpart, fresh peppermint leaf tea has a slightly sweet flavor naturally. I usually add honey, but you really don't need to. It's as simple as getting some mint leaves (easy to grow in a small kitchen garden or to buy at the average grocer), throwing them in a pot, and boiling them until the water turns a pretty green. My grandmother used to do this when I was growing up, and it was delicious. Not only good to the taste, mint tea will knock out menstrual cramps like nobody's business! It is also a great cure for gastrointestinal issues and inflammation.

For a wintry treat, melt 1/4 Lindt 70% Cacao chocolate bar into 1 1/2 cups milk. Add 2 peppermint leaves, and simmer. Add a bit of raw sugar to taste. Natural, delicious mint hot chocolate!

2. Ginger:

I grew up despising ginger. In large quantities, it has the kind of flavor that slaps you in the face. I did not appreciate being slapped by a root, so I wrote it off.

I am, however, returning. Ginger actually makes a nice tea! Add only a few peeled slices to your boiling saucepan to keep the taste at bay. Or if you like it, add as much as you wish. It plays nicely with others, so you can also include a cinnamon stick with some lemon, orange, or peach nectar.

Ginger is excellent for inflamed joints, bloating, nausea, menstrual cramps, or even the common cold.

So there you have it! As it gets chilly, enjoy these simple teas that give powerful results.

Ten Things Not to Buy in Grocery Stores

Now before I continue, I don't want you to be alarmed by what I am writing so that you proceed out of fear. My purpose in publishing this blog is to inform you so that you can simply make more informed choices.

Over the years I have become aware, as I am sure you also have, that labels don't always tell the truth. The good news is that there are a few pretty common items you can make for yourself at home! One good rule to go by is this: If it tastes strange and defies logic (e.g. if that canned tomato doesn't totally taste like tomato, or if that purportedly fresh fruit juice sits on an unrefrigerated shelf yet doesn't spoil), don't bother. Here are a few such things:

1.   Butter Substitutes: Fun doesn't kill people; manufactured food kills people. :) Seriously, don’t use butter (or any fat) substitutes, because your body is not created to process it. Butter is fine as long as you don't use consume too much.

2.   Yogurt with Fruit on the Bottom:  I always thought I was doing my body good by eating this stuff. Then I read the label and realized I may as well be eating yogurt with fruit snacks in it! The fruit is so processed that it takes away much of the nutritional value. Instead, buy organic whole milk yogurt (lowfat yogurt is also processed) and put your own fresh fruit in it. It tastes a million times better, and it is better for your body!

3.   Canned Whipped Cream: Not only does it cost more, but it’s also filled with unnatural stuff. It’s easier to buy a carton of whipping cream (make sure the only ingredient is cream) and whip it with a hand mixer. You can add some cane sugar if you want (although fresh cream with fruit is delicious without any additives), and there you have it!

4.   Salad Dressing: Commercial dressing has preservatives and additives. Finding a simple recipe to make your own is easy, too! Or experiment with adding some red pepper flakes, herbs, or balsamic vinegar to olive oil for a good dressing. For a simpler flavor boost, add just a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice to your salad along with some freshly grated parmesan.

5.   Salsa: Again, preservatives. Vegetables are not supposed to be able to sit on a shelf for long periods of time without spoiling. To make your own fresh salsa, do this. Dice a few good tomatoes, onions, a jalapeno, and fresh cilantro. Mince some fresh garlic, and pour about 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice into the mix. Add about a capful of white vinegar per 2 cups salsa. Put the mixture in the fridge to get delicious, and you have something good!

6.   Jelly, jam, or preserves: Commercial preserves have unnatural sweeteners and preservatives. To make your own, try this. Put some finely chopped fruit (best ones are blueberries, blackberries, apricots, peaches, and pineapples) in a small saucepan with a little water and about 1 cup raw sugar. Boil until it carmelizes. 

7.   Sweetened Hot Chocolate Mix: Chocolate can actually be fairly good for you, but not with all the additives. You can get a similar effect by melting dark chocolate (or using unsweetened cocoa powder) in a saucepan with some milk. You can add a bit of cane sugar for taste. Another sweetening option is to puree the heated milk and cocoa with a very ripe banana. Just be sure to drink it immediately before the banana has time to settle and become thick. SO GOOD!

8.   Canned Produce (Including Beans): The processing of canned produce takes away some of the nutrients. Even if they add the vitamins and minerals back to it, it’s still not in its original configuration, which is best for your body. Buy fresh or frozen produce always. If you’re concerned about spoilage of fresh items, you can always cook excess and freeze it.
9. Orange Juice: Almost every "fresh squeezed" orange juice brand out there (Tropicana, Simply Orange, etc.) uses what they call "flavor packs" for their juices. It's basically a packet of preserved orange by-products (debatably derived from oranges, but not proven to be), shelved for up to a year. When it comes time to make the juice, the flavor packs are added to a concoction and sold as juice. Granted, Natalie's Orchid Island is all natural. But if you have time, make your own. It tastes better and is better for you. 
10. Shelved Juices: Apple juice, grape juice, etc. that you find in the non-refrigerated section of the grocery store is packed with preservatives and chemicals that shouldn't be in juice. Buy only refrigerated juices, or get a juicer and make your own. Even simpler, put your blender to work and make smoothies! One of my favorites is what I like to call Sunrise. About 1 cup orange juice, 1/2 cup frozen peach slices, 1/2 cup frozen pineapples (cheap at Trader Joes :) ), 1 banana, and 2 tablespoons whole milk yogurt. 

I hope you enjoyed this!

Little White Dress

Isn't a nice white dress luxurious? In all its pure, beautiful glory, it's a sweet treat that looks good on everyone. It's the hue upon which all skin tones and hair colors seem to find their happy place.

I was getting ready for a friend's event the other night, and I didn't particularly want to wear a black dress. They have been touted as so simple and versatile, but wearing a lot of black can be kind of morbid, in my opinion. I want to be lively! Then I remembered the white dress I'd bought for my 10 year high school reunion!

Here are a few reasons I like white dresses:

1. It gives a soft look. Not soft like baby's sleepwear soft, but soft like I'm-Powerful-And-Don't-Have-to-Prove-It soft.

2. No matter what the style of white dress, even if it's a little funky and fun, it has a peaceful undercurrent. Stepping out of my apartment in something like that brings a peaceful energy into the atmosphere. I feel like a white dress clad peace-ninja.

3. They are easy and fun to accessorize. With what else can you wear a pair of floral or printed shoes? When your actual outfit is the neutral, your accessories can have some fun. It's like the singer letting the back up singers be the divas for the night!

So even though white is hard to keep clean, it's worth it. Black gets dirty as well, it just hides it better. At least white is honest :) Enjoy!

Cold Food, Warm Heart

If you are like me, you do not like to cook when it is hot. Even with the AC, our kitchen is on the side of the apartment that gets the most sun during the early evenings, so warm days make for Stacey Salad Evenings :)

In the last few weeks of summer, we can make the most of it. Here are a couple of cold dishes I enjoy on warm days:

1. Pepperoni Salad

Into a serving-sized bowl of lettuce, chop 1/2 a Haas avocado, 1/2 a plum tomato, and 3 large slices of uncured Pepperoni (Boar's Head sells a good one). Crumble some goat cheese on top, or if you prefer, some chopped squares of smoked Gouda. This salad is good without dressing, but if you like dressing, try this. Put about 2 tsps of olive oil into a measuring cup, and sprinkle some dried rosemary into it. Mix it with a spoon, and pour of over your salad. Serve the salad with a hearty wheat or rye roll. Mmm!

2. Mozzarella Sandwich

On wheat, oat or rye bread (grain whatever grain you fancy), spread some pesto onto each slice. Then slice some fresh mozzarella (Trader Joe's calls their mozzarella balls, "Chubs." It is worth buying merely so you can say you have a cheese chub. Hehe.). Place mozzarella slices onto bread, and slice some fresh tomato on top. Close your sandwich, and there you have it! Eat with some fruit and root veggie chips (Terra makes a yummy root chip blend). If it's a weekend and you have blender access, this meal would be delicious with a homemade smoothie (blend 1 cup of your favorite frozen fruit, 1/3 cup yogurt, 1 cup orange juice, and a banana to texturize).

3. Leftover Chicken Tacos

I have found that a well-marinated chicken makes for some pretty good cold-chicken. If you want to break the habit of only eating hot chicken, try to go cold turkey. :) Anyway. I like to take the chicken out and let it get to room temperature so it's not rigid. Then, put it in some wheat tortillas and accessorize with salsa, guacamole, black beans, shredded cheddar and sour cream! If you are a vegetarian, substitute a nice vegetable mix (or do rice and beans, or corn and black beans) for the chicken. Enjoy!

A Versatile One Liner

A simple piece doesn't have to be boring. A great, functional wardrobe is made up of simple pieces appropriated stylishly. Here, I use a simple blue modal tank top by Lily Inc. (available next Spring!) to make up some lightweight summer looks. The tank is simple enough to sleep in, but elegant enough for the office. And, it's as soft as a bunny :)

Casual

Sporty and casual can still mean cute and sophisticated! I've paired the tank with my favorite pair of jeans, some Sketchers, a casual belt, and a pretty scarf to keep my hair off my neck. This is great for running errands during muggy summer months. The accessories are still complimentary to the piece, but they're worn in a way that doesn't add extra layers. Note that the belt is lightweight and worn at the hip. I find that belts worn at the waist trap body heat and make for sweaty summer days.

Evening

A solid bright color is great with a subdued print, be it black and white or grey/tan/navy and white. For shoes, no need to match. Play with color and go with what you like! Here, I have paired this outfit with a dark orange pair of pumps, pulling the orange into the outfit through my orange and blue beaded necklace. Both are a nice way to dress up an otherwise plain tank, and the colorful tank is a nice way to dress up a summery evening outfit! This is a fun look for dinner with friends or an evening of enjoying your city!

Work

It's Take Your Tank Top to Work Day! Some people aren't comfy with wearing knit pieces to the office for their casual look, and understandably so. But consider this modal top, because it has a silkier luster than a typical cotton shirt. It's also easy to wash, so you don't have to sweat in your silk shirts if your commute to work is a hot one (e.g. taking public transit). You can also pair it with some pretty jewelry like the necklace I've used here. This will highlight the color and dress up the whole outfit.

I hope you enjoyed this! You can do so much with a simple piece, so try to re-imagine your wardrobe for extra mileage!

Photo credits in order of appearance:
1. Belt by Dustees, Scarf by Tie Rack, Shoes by Sketchers
2. Skirt by Express, Shoes by Naturalizer, Necklace by H & M.
3. Blazer by H & M, Pants by Express, Shoes by Bandolino, Necklace by J. Crew.

Sophisticat-Nap

I'm a big fan of loungewear. Lately I have been thinking about PJs and all the cute, soft things I bought that I hardly ever wear. I ask myself, "Why not?" The answer is usually that I am so tired in the evening that I just sleep in whatever. But I've made a commitment to stop that.

As ladies, we are so elegant and worth so much dignity. And it's not just true when someone is watching! You get to be elegant ALL the time. So why not dress things up when you're at home watching TV, cleaning the house, hanging out with the family, or just having some you-time? With delicious fabrics like modal, silk, and cotton gauze, comfy doesn't have to mean thread-bare, either!

Here are a few beautiful pieces from Anthropologie I found that are worthy of the sophisticated class-act that you are:

I like this nightie with its colorful, lacy simplicity. Skirts and dresses are so easy to sleep in, and they keep you cool in a toasty apt/house during the summer. This one is so elegant and feminine, but I appreciate that it doesn't reduce the feminine form to a porn instrument, as many nighties do. Here's to loveliness :)

Really liking these pants! I love the detailing that makes them not-just-a-pair-of-sweats. Super-soft coziness, yet worthy of your regal elegance. :)

These PJs are so fun! Colorful and energetic, but still cool and comfortable for a warm evening. Classy chillin'.

So if you rarely treat yourself at the end of the day, find some classy pajamas you like and give them a go. Rest easy!

Food, Craving, and That Time of Month

So if you are like me (I am assuming you are female), you crave certain foods during PMS. And they are not necessarily bad things. How can chocolate be bad? But of course, it seems a bit cruel that your body wants something that isn't really good for it. Many women crave sweets, food high in fat, etc. You want to be good to your body and try to combat said cravings with an apple or a salad. But we all know that a piece of produce is no sane substitute for a brownie. To add insult to injury, bingeing on these kinds of junky foods during this time will only leave your body more vulnerable to cramps, fatigue, and moodiness that comes from hormonal imbalance. So what do you do?

Well, you start from the beginning and remember who you are, and by Whom you were created. See, when God made you with all your cravings and so on, He made just the right things to satiate you completely. In His way of satiating, He didn't leave anything out. He didn't give you desires whose fulfillment would hurt you. "But how can that be?" you say. "I mean, I am pretty certain it is cake that  I want." Kinda. Your body craves what it does because you have a need. You crave sweets because your body needs energy, not because it needs sweets. There's real sugar that was made for our bodies (sugars from fruits and veggies), and there's fake sugar that we've manufactured and packed with chemicals that will not be processed correctly by our bodies. So if you give your body real foods, you will actually be satisfied. Your body will have the energy to counteract PMS fatigue, the magnesium from chocolate that will balance your hormones, and all sorts of perks. And you'll find that your other symptoms like cramps, headaches, etc. will eventually go away!

So here are some fun ideas I have gathered just from my own experience. Every woman's body is different, so you can take whatever applies to you, or tweak whatever you like. But hopefully something here will help you!

Chocolate Cravings:

If you want chocolate but not a ton of sugar and fat (which milk chocolate has), make some banana hot chocolate! Take one very ripe banana and put it in the blender. Set aside. In a small saucepan, put enough milk for 1 cup of hot chocolate along with half of a dark chocolate bar* (use 70% cacao or higher). Heat the chocolate and milk until the chocolate melts. Then add the whole thing to the blender and blend until smooth. It is DELICIOUS! The banana serves as a natural sweetener, so you won't need to add sugar.

*a good substitute for the chocolate bar is plain cocoa without any additives or sugars.

Cake/Sweets Cravings:

Banana bread! Find any good banana bread recipe online, and let a nice homemade quickbread (if you don't like banana bread, try blueberry bread instead) satisfy your carb longing. Just make sure to use wheat or spelt flour and raw sugar even if the recipe doesn't call for it. And if you want, you can even put some dark chocolate chips in it. To make it really body-friendly, add some magnesium by eating it with natural peanut butter. SO good :)

Oatmeal cookies! This is a fun recipe that includes pineapples and coconut. I use fresh pineapple that I put in the blender or food processor. And again, just don't use any refined ingredients (I substitute raw sugar for white sugar).  

http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=1997248

Ice Cream Cravings:

Yogurt smoothies are delicious, and they make a nice base if you wanna put them in popsicle molds and freeze them. Simple ingredients like frozen fruit, some not-from-concentrate juice without added sugar, and regular whole milk yogurt make a nice treat that, in my opinion, tastes better than ice cream. Fruit that work the best for a smooth and ice-creamy texture are bananas, mangoes, peaches, pears, and strawberries with avocado (sounds weird, but it is incredibly creamy and tastes amazing). Coconut milk and soy milk make good dairy substitutes.Experiment with what you enjoy, though.

Another fun thing I like to do is chill some whipping cream and whip it until it gets thick. Then I add some pureed frozen fruit. Sure, it's still high in fat, but it's real fat that your body knows how to digest. It also only has natural sugars. And since it isn't fake, you'll be satisfied without having to binge on it.

--Pictured: Fresh, sliced peaches in fresh whipped cream with added cocoa (unsweetened) and raw sugar.

Burger and French Fry Cravings:

Your body needs iron, but a burger with commercial fries and cheese with additives will leave you sensitive to PMS symptoms. Try this instead: get some ground turkey and season it with chopped onions, salt, pepper, and crushed fresh garlic. Form it into a patty and put it on the grill or in the oven. Once cooked, put it on a whole wheat burger bun with tomato, lettuce, and either cheddar or Swiss (not American cheese, as it has lots of unnatural additives). Add some organic ketchup and mustard if you want. As a side, make some sweet potato fries! Here's  a good recipe.

Pizza Craving:

I love pizza. You can make your own pizza with a nice wheat crust, fresh mozzarella, and fresh veggies. You can even put some uncured pepperoni, bacon, or ham if you want. Another delicious option, especially when craving pepperoni, is a salad! Believe it or not, I think you'll like this. Fill a bowl with bite-sized pieces of washed purple-leaf romaine. Add goat cheese, chopped tomato, chopped avocado, and chopped pieces of uncured natural pepperoni. MMM! Eat with a toasted wheat or rye roll or some good wheat crackers.

Pareo Changes Things

Several years ago, I bought this beautiful pareo in South Africa, but I haven't done much with it. I usually just tie it around my waist as a beach cover up, but I knew there had to be more possibilities :) It's been so hot lately, and being one who doesn't like to sweat (unless I am dancing), I thought to appropriate it better since it's so nice and breezy.

Indeed, I now have myself a new dress! Here it is above, modeled by the lovely DeeDee the Dress Form.

To accomplish this, wrap the pareo around yourself (under your arms, not over the shoulders) from behind. Take the top edges of the fabric and wrap them around your neck as you would a halter. Tie the remaining fabric behind your neck, knotting it securely (don't skip this step, seriously!). To further secure the pareo, pin it at the front where cloth overlaps before going behind your neck. Place the safety pin so that the pin sits inside the dress and doesn't show. Or if you like, use a pretty brooch and pin it on the outside.

I like to wrap the whole thing with a belt, but this all depends on your style and body shape. I am pretty curvy, so the dress bunches in the middle. But if it hangs on you in a flattering manner, you probably don't need a belt.

At last, accessorize with a fun bag. Only, put it on your shoulder and not your neck. Sorry, Deeds doesn't have arms, so I had to improvise. :)