True Beauty

Healthy and Skinny are two very different things.

It’s okay to be over 90lbs and its okay to not have a thigh gap (can anyone really explain the whole ‘thigh gap’ thing to me, please? I don’t see any reason for it at all. The only way I have seen it achievable is through a lot of people who have lost more weight than they should to achieve it.) it’s okay to weigh 20 more pounds than your best friend. As long as you are healthy its okay. I promise you. Compared to a lot of my friends I’m rather big…. but thats only because they are a lot shorter or smaller than I am.

I have many friend who’s healthy weight might be 100lbs where mine is more than that.

There is a big difference between healthy and skinny this picture is a very good example.

(My apologies on the scantily dressed women…but this proves a point)

You can see the difference between both women. (Even the campaign names and company’s prove the point with almost no explanation needed)

Most of the time to achieve skinny people have to go through insane diets that are in no way healthy for ones body.

Don’t get me wrong. I am not saying diets are bad but to an extent they can be.

 

I think the main reason anorexia or eating disorders is a big thing is because people are constantly being told things like “I’m not good enough”, “You aren’t beautiful if you are over 100lbs” and the list goes on.

 

A main factor creating these body image issues for people is the media. Magazines and videos especially. The media gives us these false images of flawless, skinny, acne free people when in truth by telling us we can look like someone on the cover of a magazine…well its a lie. WHen you see that model on a Billboard sign or magazine cover or even in a picture or music video it is edited.

 

The media is telling us that to be perfect we need to look like the girls on covers of magazines..but in truth they are lying to us because we can never achieve that. This video I’ve embedded below just shows the process behind things before the public sees it

 

 

Now you are probably wondering where exactly I’m headed with this post so here is where I dig into my point here.

I think the main issue is so many people (mostly the media) telling girls they aren’t perfect. We’re haunted by magazines, books, pictures on the internet and more and see that flawlessness as what true beauty is.

I know a girl who wishes her teeth were perfect and straight and doesn’t like that she is a bigger bodied girl. I know another girl who hates her smile and laugh. Another girl I know hates the acne on her face and another hates the way her hair frizzes….The list goes on and on but today I’m going to tell you and those girls something special.

 

I’m going to tell you a secret.

 

The most important beauty secret of all. 

I’m going to tell you what true beauty is. Are you ready for this?

 

Are you truly ready? This is the truth my friends and I hope you believe it…Here it goes.

The secret is one word. One simple three letter word and that word is:

You.

You embody true beauty. You ARE true beauty.

Beauty isn’t defined by what you wear, how much you weigh, how frizzy your hair is or how curvy you are. (and the list goes on)

Real beauty is being confident in your own skin and not letting anyone else tell you you aren’t worth anything or that you aren’t beautiful.

True beauty is within us all. Just think about this.

You were created by God who made you exactly he way you are and everything in his creation is beautifully and wonderfully made.

1 Peter 3:3-4

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.

 

 

Greetings and Classy Outfit

Hello Everyone!

My name is Adriana and I am so excited to be joining the team here on a Pinch of Classy.

So I have a fun little Outfit Of The Day post for y’all (I think Leah is calling it a ‘Classy Garb’ post) but first I wanna take a little bit of your time to introduce myself a little. (My bio would be pages long if I tried to fit it all on that thing :P)

My bio is kinda more the bare bones about me but I’m gonna throw in a couple more fun details. I am the oldest of 8 kids and I’m overly obsessed with the color orange and the use of smiley emoji's whenever I can. I am known to be quite the girly girl. (Though I have my moments where I’m not.) and I love to dress up in my most classy outfits whenever I get the chance.

I love to be an encouragement to people and help them as much as I can. I am also a Junior Youth Leader at my Youth Group (meaning I help plan the outreach events to bring the youth of the community to our church) and I plan to attend Briercrest College for Youth Ministries.

So there you have it! A bit more about me (besides what's on my bio :P) and now it’s time to get serious and get right into this post! Yay :)

 

For Sundays I love to dress up. On Sundays is usually when I will wear a skirt or dress.

Yeah so my sister jumped in the one picture :P

 So this outfit is probably my favorite outfit of all time. It is an outfit I can also wear year round and one of my few outfits that looks great with my awesome 5 inch heels.

Since I don't have much money to spend on clothes you can probably count that it was cheap. Proof that modest clothing can be purchased at very cheap prices. (Except for the jacket. That was more on the expensive end but it is my moms that I 'borrow'...almost every day.)

I also like to do a little bit of makeup for thing like church or events that require me to dress up. For my makeup I just use Mascara and my all time favorite tinted mint lip gloss. Throw in the super easy hairstyle known as a bun it looks super cute!

So here is a quick recap as to what pieces make up my outfit (and where I purchased them)

 The jacket was purchased from a store called 'Ricki's'

The dress was purchased from Walmart

The leggings were purchased at Value Village. (Not sure they have that in the states but its a second hand store :P)

The shoes were purchased along with the necklace at Ardene

The mascara brand is L'Oreal (Miss Manga I believe it is called) and the lip gloss I found at Bath and Bodyworks

So, yeah. That's my outfit :) Hope you liked it!

Look forward to posting in the future,

 

Bohemian Lace {classygarb}

 

Hey ladies! How is your Sunday faring? I thought I'd share my church outfit today - trying to get some more outfit posts up since I haven't really posted many of those this year and, well, APOC is supposed to be a fashion blog. With actual outfit posts. Haha.

 

 

So, I saw this quote on Pinterest which I really loved.

 

"Always be kinder than you feel."

 

Last week after church, my parents informed me that I didn't smile very much during the time I was playing piano in the service. They said I looked like I didn't want to be there.

Yes, it hurt to hear that, because during that time I was playing I wasn't thinking that at all. I was just focusing on the music; and sometimes I tend to look somber when I'm playing my instruments, if I don't watch.

 

Nonetheless, when I saw that quote, it made me think about the act of smiling. My argument has always been, "well, if I put on a big cheesy grin while I'm playing it'll look super fake!"

 

Well, maybe yes and maybe no. It's only going to feel that way if you decide so. Ever since then, I've been making an effort to smile whenever I can. Smiles are wonderful things, people! And they're free gifts you can give to any human being on the planet that you choose.

 

Act the way you want to feel, and soon how you feel will follow suite.

 

 

"Be cheerful: it's contagious!"

 

 

// what i wore //

 

Lace tunic: Charlotte Russe

Skinny jeans: Sears or Belk, I can't remember

Ankle boots: American Eagle

Earrings: Charlotte Russe

Belt: (came with a shirt from Sears or Belk...)

 

 

Pearls, Denim & Floral Leggings {classygarb + review}

"Well blow me away, is this an actual outfit post on APOC? *insert gasp*"

 Yes, I'm fully aware of the fact I haven't done any classygarb posts for quite a while now. *sigh* To be honest, half the time when I put together an outfit I like I'm just not in the mood to want to take any pictures. I know, I know, I'm a despicable human being.

Hopefully you can forgive me?

I hope so, because I have some cool stuff to show you ladies today.

I have the pleasure of getting to introduce to y'all two awesome businesses - ShinyGirlDesigns and Apostolic Clothing! One's a high-quality hand crafted jewelry shop, and the other is a modest, feminine clothing line! Both are reputable businesses with a lot to offer. And both sent me cool items to review!

 

 

From Apostolic Clothing, a-line knee-length denim skirt.

 
 

And from ShinyGirlDesigns, a lovely lavender pearl infinity wrap necklace.
 

 

 

So this is my first attempt at incorporating leggings into an outfit modestly. I've actually never even owned any until just a week ago when I bought three pairs from Forever 21. I had this thought that floral leggings would look really fun and quirky with a mid-length skirt, especially if the skirt were denim. I mean it's like combining two things that don't really match but....they kinda do?? I mean, maybe I just have a weird sense of style, but I feel like they match.

 

As to shoes, I would've worn my grey bohemian moccasins but it's not really the season for wintry boots yet. And then I saw my handy-dandy cowboy boots - voila!

 

So I feel like this outfit is a mish-mash of sorts, but I have to say I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out. It's like a quasi-western, quasi-boho, almost-a-teensy-bit-of-formal-trying-to-sneak-in collage.

 

It's colorful. And it feels very me.

 

Ugh, blurry photos ftw. This is what happens when you try to get pictures in FL humidity.

 

 

I really like this skirt. It's a fantastic length, and the A-line design provides a lot of freedom movement-wise. I don't know about y'all, but trying to find a decent skirt that isn't wayyyy too short is always a struggle for me. Especially since I'm tall. What might fit a friend who's average height comes up being disastrously short on me. So, when I find a skirt that actually fits me right it's almost euphoric. *cue happy dance*

 

I also really like the stitching. It's got a little pizazz. And yes, the pockets are actually functional.
The denim material is well-constructed and sturdy.

My only complaint? The waist is too big on me. Blame it on my figure, maybe. But it fits everywhere except my waist. I'd prefer for it to sit on my natural waist, but it ends up resting on my hips and even there it's a bit loose. I wouldn't want to size down, though, because then it might not fit anywhere but the waist.

Belts to the rescue!

 

 I have no idea what kind of pose this was supposed to be. Or what was up with the facial expression. Haha I'm such a model.....notttttt.

 Oh, hi there!

"I've got enough caffeine in me to last for years! Whoooo!"

 

As to the necklace, it's quite charming. A simplistic, yet very elegant design. Then again, pearls are always classy. Or, so they say down in the South, anyways.

 

Nah, it's not just a southern thing. Pearls are timeless class. 

 

 

This is a piece of minimalistic grace. It's light and dainty, so you almost forget you're wearing it.

Mysti, one of the creators and artisans of ShinyGirlDesigns, actually took the time to handwrite an informative note about the design aspects of this necklace, also including background information on the business which she and her mother run together. (How neat is that, a mother/daughter jewelry business?)

 

A quote from Mysti's letter: "Finally, the technical aspects of this piece. The pearls are dyed, freshwater pearls. The chain and wire are both sterling silver. And of course, the piece is handmade."

 

I think it's a lovely piece. Professional-level quality, feminine and classic.

 

 

Top: Coldwater Creek
Belt: hand-me-down
Skirt: Apostolic Clothing (find it here)
Leggings: Forever 21
Necklace: ShinyGirlDesigns (find it here)

////

What do you think of this look? Is this leggings/cowboy boots/skirt combination a yay or nay?

Note: I was provided these items from Apostolic Clothing and ShinyGirlDesigns in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed remain mine and mine alone.

Being Single in A Not So Single Time {guest post}

 

Today, it seems like everyone has a boyfriend. (Or girlfriend if you are a guy) so you can imagine some of the strange, and sometimes funny, thing people say when you tell them you are single. Okay, well usually that’s not what get’s priceless reactions from people its usually what I say afterwards. I simply will tell people (if the topic comes up about dating or boyfriends as such) that I have chosen not to date. Usually that always leads to the question of ‘Why?’ and usually when I politely answer everyone seems to start a debate even though that was never my intention or people jump in to defend themselves. ( I am not saying dating is a bad thing it’s just a decision I have made)

I have chosen not to date at all. One day when the time comes and ‘Mister Right’ comes my way then yes, maybe I will start dating but at the moment I really don’t know where this path will lead since it is all new to me.

I will admit that being single, in a not so single time, is really, really hard and sometimes even confusing or frustrating. Especially when you are an older teen who is on the verge of adulthood. For me, most of the time I see my friends going into relationships with people or dating/courting someone and sometimes I kind of wish that maybe I did date or I just wish that ‘Mr. Right’ would hurry up and get here. (That might sound funny how I worded it but it’s true.)

In this day and age almost anyone you meet (Well teenagers or young adults anyways) is either in a dating relationship or has been at some point in their life. So, you can imagine how hard and sometimes stressful it can be to go through life being single and sometimes just feeling alone.  I’m sure some of you can relate or have felt this at some point.

A couple friends and I always joke around too on how much we despise ‘Valentine’s Day’ (We don’t actually) and how we want to make a special annual event for singles but even though we joke around about these things and being single sometimes my friends and I (and I’m sure some of you as well) really do feel alone simply because most people around you have been in or are in a relationship.

Now, I’m really hoping this isn’t coming across as complaining. (Because that is not what I am trying to do at all.) Sometimes all it takes is just a simple reminder as to why you made the decision not to date and just talking to God. Tell him your struggles or worries because he always listens.

This summer was especially hard for me and I was worrying about what would happen and when I would meet 'Mr. Right'. I know it sounds silly, but really, I was. I was also a little bummed and started asking myself why I couldn't date someone and all these questions that made me kind of want to change my mind about dating. It was during my camping trip with my uncle and aunty this summer that I was reminded of a book I packed to read during the summer. (I brought about 20 books) I hurried into the trailer and dug through my box of books and pulled out 'I Kissed Dating Goodbye' by Joshua Harris. When I packed my books I didn't really know why I was bringing it but it seemed to serve its purpose. :)

For the next couple days I carried around that book wherever I went and sat on the beach for hours on end while I read.

 

The author went through every topic in the dating world and spoke honestly about it.

Most importantly her turned to the bible, giving examples of what God says in the bible for each chapter topic. I cannot think of one chapter in the book where the author didn’t use a verse from the bible. Everything he said was backed up with a bible verse.

One thing that jumped out at me in the book was where the author spoke of singleness and the reason behind it (according to the Bible).

This was a great thing for me because, like I said before, its hard sometimes.

Sometimes I wish I had a boyfriend like everyone else or that a boy would tell me he liked me! Today it is especially hard because so many people are in relationships. (Especially a lot of my friends)

The author of the book mentioned how our years being single (As in being a young adult or teenager) are short and should be spent growing closer to God and digging deeper into his word.

I now realize how important this stage of my life is!

I’m now seeing the importance of being single now. Sometimes it just takes something like this to open your eyes.

I want to leave you today, with this.

You need to focus on God. That’s what's important…and then, when God knows you are ready 'Mr. Right' will come along. Just trust God and his timing and spend your time of singleness wisely growing closer to God. God knows what he is doing. He is writing your love story and it will be beautiful.

 

God bless,

(Visit Adriana at her blog Adriana Gabrielle Writes)

Monday Scripture Encouragement

Hi ladies! Life has been crazy lately! I started college, and that has eaten up a ton of my time, but I want to keep posting here, so we're going to have some Monday scripture encouragement today, which is perfect because it is the start of a new month! September! It's also Labor Day, so I hope you guys are enjoying a no-school day, or just a day that you get to spend with family. I also want to let you guys know that I am reading a book that a friend highly recommended--And the Bride Wore White. So far it is really good, and I may do a review when I finish it. Anywho, here is the scripture encouragement for today!

I encourage you to read the entire chapter of Ephesians 4. While going through some stuff, this chapter was in my scheduled reading, and it really spoke to me and applied to my situation. It's such an important thing that we need to remember. But I'm just going to share a couple scriptures from this chapter.

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry and sin not" let not the sun go down upon your wrath: ~ Ephesians 4:26

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. ~ Ephesians 4:32

 There are so many great scriptures in this chapter encouraging believers in their relationships with others, and urging them not to grieve the holy Spirit of God. And... well there's a lot here. You should read it. Please do.