A Sense Of Whimsy, And Funking It Up

Juliana, a lovely gnostic, wrote all about this blog (and me) here:

http://charisophia.blogspot.com/

First of all, I misread the name of her blog and initially thought it was "charisphobia," which I thought was FANTASTIC. I thought, Hey, how many of us are terrified of the gifts of the Spirit? That's so genius!

But it's not charisphobia, but charisophia, which is an entirely different thing, and lovely in it's own way. But I'm definitely using "charisphobia" as a sermon title or something.

That said, I think it's hilarious that Juliana thinks I should be a gnostic -- whose job prospects are probably even slimmer than trying to make a living in the Unitarian Universalist religious leadership -- and whose movement is possibly even nuttier and more impossible to get a grip on than my own crazy, nutty movement.

And I think it's sweet that she thinks I'm trying too hard and trying to convert the unconvertible.

I told you, I'm a soldier in the Army of the Lord! I will not tire! No trying is too hard for PeaceBang! She is the ultimate Stage Mother of all clergypersons and wants all her babies to be STARS! Do you hear me? STARS!

However, Juliana seems to think that I am seriously recommending that my darling readers go out and buy suits and stick a silk flower and triple strand of pearls on them by way of accessorizing. That's frightening, because I probably did say that, and I probably forgot to say at the same time that we should only use such classic accessories if they come with a bit of funk -- or if we're accessorizing an outfit that has a bit of funk and flair, and pairing it all with fabulous, slightly whimsical shoes (like something decidedly vintage looking with an ankle strap or a stacked heel and a peep toe).

What I mean by "funk" and "flair" is rather hard to describe, but an absolutely essential aspect of developing your own personal look. In most cases -- unless you're a veritable fashion genius who can blaze your own trails -- having flair requires keeping an eye on fashion trends. For example, if you're going to wear a Victorian lace blouse and a classic blazer, pair it with a pair of dark denim jeans and cowboy boots. If you're going to wear a silk flower, make sure it's big and colorful and that you're not sticking it on a dowdy, boxy suit that makes you look like a big, walking square of fabric. Put it on a cropped jacket and pair it with a slim-cut skirt (tulip or trumpet shaped) with great pumps.

Don't fret, pigeons. I know this is too much detail for those of you who are taking the first or even second baby steps toward an updated look, but for those of you who generally understand the importance of cut, line and proportion, and who are more into fashion than the average minister, you're right there with me.

Meanwhile, trust me when I tell you that changing your accessories to reflect current fashions is one of the least expensive and risky ways to look current and with it. If the rest of your wardrobe fits impeccably and is fairly classic, you can add a wide belt, lots of beads, and a pair of wedge heels this season and get a lot of flair for your buck.