Elegance - Part 3 - C's



Madame Genevieve Antoine Dariaux

In her book, Elegance, originally printed in 1964, Madame Dariaux had many brilliant gems of advice on topics covering every letter in the alphabet.  I have dared to discuss the subject of Elegance based on some of her topics.

Today, we will tackle some of the "C's" mentioned in her book as I use some of her quotes.

Chic

"It is a gift of the gods and has no relationship to beauty nor to wealth.  One baby in its crib may have chic, while another doesn't"

"The Kennedy family has chic; but the Truman family doesn't.   The late Princess Diana had chic, but Princess Margaret didn't."

So, what is Chic in 2013?

Chic.com reports that "First and foremost, although sparkle and shine is still a part of this year’s look, the masculine look is the dominant look." 

 

 Does this look suit you?

If not, then it could be that your body type is much softer and romantic, in which case, the masculine style will look terribly out of place on you, or you may need to add softer and more femine details.  You may find one of my earlier posts on

Body Personality

 to be of interest.

Colour

"It is very difficult to form an elegant and harmonious combination with three different colors, except when two of them are black and white."

So what are the most popular colors for Spring 2013?  The experts vary in their opinion, so it is probably safe to go with the colors that suit you best.  You again may want to refer to an earlier post I did on finding the best colors for you.

Colors 

Winter 

Summer 

Spring 

Autumn 

Comfort

"The idea of comfort has invaded every domain; it is one of the categorical imperatives of modern life.  If women continue to seek comfort above all twenty-four hours a day, twelve months a year, they may eventually find that they have allowed themselves to become slaves to the crepe-rubber sole, nylon from head to toe, pre-digested meals, organized travel, functional uniformity, and general stultification.  When comfort becomes an end in itself, it is the Public Enemy Number One of elegance."

GUILTY!

Am I the only one who can spend a cold winter day or even a cold spring-time day for that matter, in a comfy lounge outfit?
I would never leave the house in them, but ohhhh, they are so comfortable!

 Okay, let's just look at some comfortable, elegant clothes of which Madame Dariaux might approve.

Vera Wang Fashion Show Spring & Summer 2013

Pinterest via Elizabeth Day

Pinterest via Elizabeth Day

Pinterest via Elizabeth Day

Pinterest via Elizabeth Day

 I would love to be considered among Madame Genevieve Dariaux's elegant women, but I don't anticipate ever seeing my name on that list.
HOWEVER,
as a believer in Jesus Christ I have a much more important identity.  I am a child of the King and I can celebrate that truth whether I look chic, wearing the right colors, or dressed in elegant comfort.
What about you?  Do you have that assurance?

He is Risen!  He is Risen Indeed!

Easter Hodgepodge with Joyce

at

1. What are your plans for Easter? Are you cooking a big lunch or dinner? Dyeing eggs? Attending a sun rise service? Eating too much chocolate?

Easter will be quiet for us.  Hubby and I will go to church and Sunday School, then eat out somewhere.  We have no plans for the afternoon and evening at this time.  We just enjoy being together and look forward to seeing Daughter and family this next week.

2. What is something you feel too young to do?
Crochet.  Not gonna happen.

3. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud...it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs..."

Of the characteristics mentioned in the biblical definition of love which do you find most difficult to live out and why?
"Love is patient, love is kind."  Sometimes I get quite out of sorts with Hubby when he doesn't hear what I've said, then repeats exactly what I just said as if it never happened.  I think he may hear just enough for it to ring his consciousness and think it might be good to say.  I am constantly saying, "I just said that!" and might I mention, it is not always in the sweetest of tones.  I know, get over it and move on.  I'm working on it.

4. What's a springtime flower you associate with your childhood?
Purple Azaleas.  I grew up in south Louisiana and our house was surrounded with huge, over-grown azaleas.   I can remember seeing seas of color along the edge of the woods near our house.  Azalea is the flower of the South and especially Acadiana!

 

 5. Ever sung karaoke? If so, what's your go-to song? If not and you're given the opportunity, would you?
Never, and have no plans to.

6. What is something you keep in a basket?
I have a large basket in my bedroom which holds afghans and blankets not often used.  It has also become a catch-all for my gym bag.  It is just so convenient.

7. When was the last time you felt foolish?
Oh geez, I try to avoid that feeling at all costs.  Let's see.  I think it was the other night when again I snapped, "I JUST SAID THAT!"  I know, it was so unnecessary and I did feel foolish for again listening to that nasty little Libby on my shoulder.  Please Holy Spirit, help me be patient and kind.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

 Well, our little building project has been moved back a few days.  Our carpenter has a health issue that needs to be attended to so work will begin first thing Monday morning.  Hopefully, the weather will be better for working outside than it has been this week.  The cabinet and overhead book shelves were delivered on schedule though, so all we need now are the men with brawn and know-how.

 I think Hubby and I will go ahead and seal the concrete floor this week and of course I still have to pick out the granite for the counter top and back-splash.  But, plans are made to be changed, and that is fine.  We will just be that much more excited when it does all come together.

Come back on Friday and check out "Elegance - Part 3 - ?"

Miscellany Monday - Spring, Rugby, Easter

Spring!

Spring! How beautiful is the
Spring! How wonderful is the
Spring! How majestic is the
Spring! How fantastic is the
Spring! How tantalizing is the
Spring! How glorious is the
Spring! How melodious is the
Spring! How joyful is the
Spring! How breathtaking is the
Spring! How uplifting the
Spring! How happy is the
Spring! How magnificent is the
Spring! How colorful is the
Spring! How tasteful is the
Spring! How memorable was the
Spring! How flavorful is the
Spring! How aromic is the
Spring! How sweet is
Spring! How beautiful is the
Spring!

Alex Fischer

The only thing Mr. Fischer left out of his poem was,

"Spring! How much pollen there is in Spring!"

This is the table on my back porch Sunday afternoon.  It was at one time black, now covered in a powder of yellow pollen dust.

 BUT,

This will soon be an enclosed space and I will be able to enjoy the beautiful, fabulous, majestic spring from my new sunroom, pollen free.

The windows were delivered this past week, 

the built-in cabinet will come today, materials on Tuesday, and work will start on Wednesday.
  

This time next week, this space will look completely different.  I can't wait!  And, you are all invited to come enjoy my new enclosed space with me.

  Is it just me, or can you literally see the yellow haze in the air?

Rugby

Rugby is not a common sport in the south.  In fact, Hubby and I had never even seen a game until a couple years ago when Grandson Jackson started playing at Penn High School in Granger, IN.  Since that time, we have become huge fans.  Of course, Hubby understands the rules so much more than I do.  But, I do enjoy watching Jackson play through finger slits over my eyes.

Rugby is football without the pads and helmet.  The game has been called "Elegant Violence!"  And violent it is.  It is brutal!  These are just a couple pictures of Jackson that Son sent us last week.  Jackson is the big guy stiff arming his opponent.  He was quite proud of that move, by the way.

Jackson will be playing football in the fall for Western Michigan University, but I think he will miss the game of Rugby.  The determination and focus he shows here is what will also make him successful for the Broncos the next few years, regardless of the sport.

He is quite a massive monster as you can tell and looks like a man playing with children.  He is 6'4" and weighs 287 lbs. (this week).  In case you wondered, his grandparents are pretty proud of our Big Boy.  But, those same grandparents are extremely proud of all our special six (6) granddaughters as well.

Easter
This is Easter Week and we began with a wonderful Sunday School class and Worship service yesterday.  Our Sanctuary Choir sang the most beautiful and moving arrangement by Jay Rouse of
"Oh Sacred Head Now Wounded."

Below is a link to the same arrangement done by the New Presbyterian Church.
Click on the link below and as you listen, I trust you will find this music and text as stirring as I did.

Oh Sacred Head Now Wounded

My prayer is that "I will not outlive my love for Thee!"

Miscellany Monday

Elegance - Part 2 - Beauty

B - Beauty

Someone has said, "The word 'beauty' is the most overused, misunderstood, poorly defined word in the English language."

Is it true that "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder?"  OR, is it that the "Perception of beauty is in the eye of the beholder?"

For instance, different cultures throughout history have had their own perception of what was beautiful.

 








The Geisha with her bound feet

Neck Rings

 Lip Disks

 Face Paint

 Today, there are equally puzzling perceptions of beauty.

Excessively Thin 

 Piercings

Tattoos

So, how is our current perception of what is beautiful formed?  For the most part, Hollywood, the media, fashion designers, and style experts define beauty for us.  But is this enforced perception a true picture of true beauty?  It is believed by some that Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor were perhaps the most perfectly beautiful women in recent history.

 

If our current perception of beauty is being established by the celebrity world, then how in the world can we the ordinary, non-celebrity woman compete?  WE CAN'T!  This is why so many women have a negative opinion about themselves and feel they have to chase an illusion.  This is a false perception of beauty that doesn't even exist.

Beauty today, is portrayed as only for the young.  I for one, am using all the anti-aging products I can to smooth away the wrinkles. I carefully apply the latest products to create an even, toned complexion with just the right highlights and shadowing.  I'm doing all I can to defy my age.

But, as women, we must embrace the fact that true beauty does, and must transcend the decades as we age.  We are all familiar with truly beautiful women in every decade of life.  My mother for instance, never felt she was pretty and yet, she was truly one of the most beautiful people I have ever known and was her most beautiful at age 84.  She was an example of a true Godly woman.  She possessed charm, grace, elegance, compassion, humility, and a life of service, that made her truly God's Beautiful Lady.

So, how do we change the current perceptions, attitudes and behavior for our daughters and granddaughters?  We teach them that physical characteristics alone do not make a woman beautiful.

We have to re-define the perception of beauty and we do this by changing the role models from young Hollywood and fashion celebrities to women who are smart, vivacious, confident, and represent Godly virtues.  We distinguish and point out those women who are the reflection of the beauty of Christ.

We expose our daughters and granddaughters to women of all ages who have discernment, a generous spirit, a healthy dose of humor, and make the effort to cultivate other admirable qualities.

We teach them skills as appropriate regarding how to best enhance their God-given beauty regarding make-up and proper clothing for all situations.

We teach them that "Her beauty should not come from outward adornment, instead, it should be that of her inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."  1 Peter 3:2-5

The woman who possesses true beauty is confident because she is a Child of the King and her Father has called her by name.

Now, go out and be your beautiful self and have a great weekend.

I am linking up today with the following:

Imparting Grace

The Dedicated House

A Holy Experience

Common Ground

CiCi's Corner



Changes???

I am not crazy about changes!!!

 Are you??? 

 

I know change is hard. We all like things they way we are used to them.  I don't like for the local bulk store to offer a product that I happen to think I can't live without, then all of a sudden, it disappears to never return again.

Change!  Yuck!

 

In blogging land, nothing seems to stay the same either.  Changes are on the way, so I was advised to make some necessary changes before they are made for me.  Thankfully, these changes are really not so bad.
 

Bloggers thrive on the precious followers who make blogging so much fun.   I would like to encourage all of you who follow my blog through Google Reader (thank you) to choose one of these other methods to follow my blog before July 1, 2013.  And, if you haven't joined as a follower, I hope you will take the time to do so.

Please select one or more of the following:

You may follow me via email
(Just enter your email in the box on my sidebar... I promise... no spam.... just a new post once or twice a week. :)

or

You can follow me in Google+ (the gadget is on my sidebar)
( Google+ Followers)
or
You can  Follow My Blog with Bloglovin'(also in my sidebar)


I thank all you who have joined as a follower and/or signed to receive my blog by email.  You keep me blogging.

I also love to read your comments, so please continue to let me know what is meaningful to you.

Miscellany Monday - Dallas & Mary Kay

Monday at our house is pretty much synonymous with Carissa and Miscellany Monday.  It is always fun to join this group of lovely women who share their thoughts and lives with us.  Thank you Carissa for getting us together.

Miscellaneous Thoughts

This past weekend I went to Dallas, Texas for a Mary Kay Career Conference.  May I just say that Mary Kay women can be some of the loudest and most enthusiastic women I've ever been around?  I'm trying to decide if it is a natural trait that helps make them successful, or if it is the being together with other beautiful, successful women that brings it out, or if I'm just getting old and everything seems louder and more raucous these days.

Regardless, it was a great weekend of motivation, inspiration and education.

We stayed at the Omni Hotel in downtown Dallas which adjoins the Convention Center.  The location and accommodations could not have been better.  Our room was on the 19th floor and I just have to share with you the view of the city from that height.

View looking north at 6:00 P.M.

 View at 11:00 P.M.

 View at daybreak

The whole end wall of our room was glass which gave us an unlimited panoramic view of this huge Texas City.

Mary Kay
has just introduced some wonderful new products.  If you are interested, I would love for you to visit my website:
www.marykay.com/libbyday

Back Porch Update

We are making a wee bit of progress on our porch enclosure project.  Hubby took the mosquito curtain down this weekend, and power washed the walls and windows.  The cabinet maker has our plans and the windows should be in this week.  The painter is ready and waiting for the call that it is his turn.

So, stay tuned.

  

Don't forget to join me on Friday for "Elegance - Part 2 - Beauty!"

Have a great Monday, my friends and remember,

 

Elegance - Part 1 - Accessories

A couple years ago I read a book entitled Elegance by Kathleen Tessaro.  Interestingly, the author based her book on a book which was also entitled Elegance by Genevieve Antonine Dariaux published many years earlier.  Several of the headings that Ms. Tessaro used in her book came from the original.

"What is Elegance?  It is a sort of harmony that rather resembles beauty with the difference that the latter is more often a gift of nature and the former a result of art. If I may be permitted to use a high sounding word for such a minor art, I would say that to transform a plain woman into an elegant one is my mission in life."

Genevieve Antoine Dariaux

Let me say at this point, that I do not recommend you go out and buy this book by any means; however, if you were to only read the pages that contain the headings it might be worth while if not entertaining.  Otherwise, don't bother.

 I thought it would be fun to use these headings for topics and see how they relate to today's fashion.

A - Accessories
"You can always tell the character of a woman by the care and attention she lavishes upon the details of her dress...accessories are among the most important elements of an elegant appearance.  And here...quality is essential."
 Genevieve Antoine Dariaux

I have a feeling Ms. Dariaux would prefer that we all shop at stores like Cartier for that essential quality accessory; however, this may not be an option for you as it is not for me.  Are you ever in a quandary about what accessories to wear with a particular outfit? 

 

Thanks to Polyvore and Pinterest, we don't even have to think hard about how to put together an outfit with appropriate accessories.

Pinterest via Elizabeth Day

Pinterest via Elizabeth Day

 Elle.com also has a section where they put together the perfect outfit, accessories and all, for whatever job you might have.  For instance:

A Chef

The Lawyer

 A Therapist

The Financial Analysist

Charming Charlie has even gotten into the game by showing how you can change up the simple black dress with many different accessory choices.

Taking the effort to properly accessorize is "one of the keys, one of the Open Sesames that unlock the door to elegance."

 Genevieve Antoine Dariaux

One of the characters in Ms. Tessaro's book was the epitome of elegance and always wore the exact right accessories according to the author; however, she was the most unlovable person I can imagine ever encountering.  I'm sure you have met women like this yourself.  They are gorgeous and totally put together on the outside, but after being around them you realize they are only a pretty shell.

The Bible tells us that there are certain things we are to put on.  I call these my Christian Accessories.

Paul tells the Colossians to put on various virtues such as kindness, meekness and longsuffering. He tells them to forgive each other even if they are in the midst of a quarrel.(Colossians 3:12-13)

 So before you make sure you have all the right jewelry, shoes and purses to make a good impression, make sure you have put on the accessories (virtues) that truly "unlock the doors to elegance."

Smile, kindness, meekness, forgiving spirit, compassion