I am not Mormon, however I have family members who are so I understand how the religion has modernized. I mention this because I have encountered many people, out of state, who have no knowledge of how the modern-day Mormon church functions. Seriously, these people still think that there are main-stream Mormons in Utah with multiple wives in prairie clothes.
I'm not joking people. It is sad.
But if they took a moment to see how the women of Utah dress today , they would note that modest clothing doesn't necessarily mean prairie clothes, turtle necks, floor length skirts. etc. They would see nothing but fabulous! Infact, They would see so much fabulous, that perhaps it would change their views.
Across the board, (moms at the grocery stores, the ladies selling real estate, the girls at college, etc.) Utah women seem to find a way to look great without showing it all!
Typical Gear:
Hair: Carefully colored and meticulously styled (not a strand out of place). Not Prom hair, usually the latest styles appropriate to age. There is no occasion small enough to do-up the full hair style.
Apparel:
- Shirts: Feminine. Layered and long. Form fitting but not tight. Emulates latest styles without showing gratuitous skin.
- Jeans: Designer or decorated. The jeans are amazing. The alterations/tailoring industry must boom here because it seems like every woman's jeans fit just right
-Skirts: just above or below the knee. A-line, pencil, or flare. Utah women know how to make a modest skirt look really nice
- Cardigan/cover up: Utah Women usually wear some sort of embellished cardigan or cover up. This piece is not for warming up, but to accentuate the outfit. These also to cover up really cute tank tops or shirts that may seem immodest.
Jewelry: Utah Women are masters at accessorizing. They love jewelry, but do not over do it.
Shoes: Tall knee high boots, flats, sandals, heels.
Accessories: Again, Utah Women are masters at accessorizing. The creative use of scarves and hats etc, is amazing.
Misc: I think the most unique thing about Utah women is that they take very good care of themselves. Because they are healthy and feel good, they exude looking good. Clothes are just a decoration when you are beaming with positivity and good feeling!
I highly recommend looking at some of the links. You will see what I am talking about. You don't need to let it all hang out to look sexy. Take it from the Mormon girls, "Modest is Hottest!"
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Epiphany_Moment
My A-ha Moment:
My epiphany happened at the baggage claim area. Busy was I, amidst the masses of people, when suddenly the sea of Capri's and pastel polo shirts parted and a tall, proud African American lady glided through the rosy cheeks of St. Louis. No music was playing, but if there was, it would be something along the lines of "Mustang Sally" by Mack Rice. This lady had style, soul, and rhythm, and her clothes exuded it. She did not look like the rest of the folks at the baggage claim, that's for sure. I quickly did a visual inventory of her clothes so I could copy it and look hot for my husband later that week (after I'd gone shopping, of course).
What She Wore:
Hair: Big hot-iron curls
Jewelry: A lot of gold, but not too much. She had gold earrings, necklace, rings and bracelets. But what struck me was the clunky gold anklet above her metallic high heeled sandals. My first question was, "who wears anklets anymore?" and second, "where can I get one?"
Apparel: She too was wearing Capri's, but hers were black and billowy. She had an eclectic print tank on with a short sleeve blazer.
Shoes: As mentioned above, her shoes were tall, shiny and brilliantly framed her pedicure.
So-there-I-was, feeling:
Drab: Because I was sporting the California casual; jeans, a cute T-shirt, sandals, natural sun-kissed hair, and light make up to punch up my face.
Mean: Because I just finished ripping the St. Louis ladies to shreds.
Defeated: Because this African American lady put me to shame, after I'd been so judgmental!
Conclusion:
I concluded that the Status Quo was adorable. The St. Louis ladies, did a nice job of looking cute and presentable. But the Lone-tiger, as she was nicknamed, her style was amazing and definitely a style to borrow from.
After this experience, I've pondered ways to highlight and document everyday, non-celebrity, fashion wonders. I think this blog is a perfect venue. Digging into different subcultures for that perfect accessory, seems like a favor to not only myself, but all the girls out there!
My epiphany happened at the baggage claim area. Busy was I, amidst the masses of people, when suddenly the sea of Capri's and pastel polo shirts parted and a tall, proud African American lady glided through the rosy cheeks of St. Louis. No music was playing, but if there was, it would be something along the lines of "Mustang Sally" by Mack Rice. This lady had style, soul, and rhythm, and her clothes exuded it. She did not look like the rest of the folks at the baggage claim, that's for sure. I quickly did a visual inventory of her clothes so I could copy it and look hot for my husband later that week (after I'd gone shopping, of course).
What She Wore:
Hair: Big hot-iron curls
Jewelry: A lot of gold, but not too much. She had gold earrings, necklace, rings and bracelets. But what struck me was the clunky gold anklet above her metallic high heeled sandals. My first question was, "who wears anklets anymore?" and second, "where can I get one?"
Apparel: She too was wearing Capri's, but hers were black and billowy. She had an eclectic print tank on with a short sleeve blazer.
Shoes: As mentioned above, her shoes were tall, shiny and brilliantly framed her pedicure.
So-there-I-was, feeling:
Drab: Because I was sporting the California casual; jeans, a cute T-shirt, sandals, natural sun-kissed hair, and light make up to punch up my face.
Mean: Because I just finished ripping the St. Louis ladies to shreds.
Defeated: Because this African American lady put me to shame, after I'd been so judgmental!
Conclusion:
I concluded that the Status Quo was adorable. The St. Louis ladies, did a nice job of looking cute and presentable. But the Lone-tiger, as she was nicknamed, her style was amazing and definitely a style to borrow from.
After this experience, I've pondered ways to highlight and document everyday, non-celebrity, fashion wonders. I think this blog is a perfect venue. Digging into different subcultures for that perfect accessory, seems like a favor to not only myself, but all the girls out there!
Epiphany_Observations
My A-ha Observation:
Summer, 2009. So-there-I-was, on board a coach flight from Seattle Washington to St. Louis Missouri. My "California smugginess" crept in as I scrutinized the other passengers. I chuckled at the doe-eyed ladies with their spikey Kate Gossilin hair-dos, as they patiently sat in their seats planning their 4th of July BBQ's!
My Conclusion:
No matter the age, shape or size, these ladies seemed to have a uniform.
Uniform of a Typical Middle Class St. Louis Woman:
Hair: Typically highlighted with blonde streaks. If the "do" was not the "Kate Gosslin", then it was typically flat ironed with a sassy flip
Apparrel: Khaki, Army Green, Jean capris with a ribbon belt and a ladies fitted polo or pastel tank top.
Jewelry: These ladies did a great job accessorizing. Nicely matched and not overdone.
Shoes: Something similar to Tori Burch flats, cute sandals, or Keds.
Over all: St. Louis ladies appear well groomed, and what I would describe as "cookie cutter with sprinkles!"
To be continued.
Summer, 2009. So-there-I-was, on board a coach flight from Seattle Washington to St. Louis Missouri. My "California smugginess" crept in as I scrutinized the other passengers. I chuckled at the doe-eyed ladies with their spikey Kate Gossilin hair-dos, as they patiently sat in their seats planning their 4th of July BBQ's!
My Conclusion:
No matter the age, shape or size, these ladies seemed to have a uniform.
Uniform of a Typical Middle Class St. Louis Woman:
Hair: Typically highlighted with blonde streaks. If the "do" was not the "Kate Gosslin", then it was typically flat ironed with a sassy flip
Apparrel: Khaki, Army Green, Jean capris with a ribbon belt and a ladies fitted polo or pastel tank top.
Jewelry: These ladies did a great job accessorizing. Nicely matched and not overdone.
Shoes: Something similar to Tori Burch flats, cute sandals, or Keds.
Over all: St. Louis ladies appear well groomed, and what I would describe as "cookie cutter with sprinkles!"
To be continued.
Disclaimer
I am no Tyra Banks or Heidi Klum. I certainly don't exude fashion savvy 24/7. My days of wearing super cute platform sandals are over. However, I do have eyes, what I consider to be good taste, and an incredible appreciation for cool new things.
I make reference to my California "aloofness, smugginess, etc", often because I realize how goofy it is. Californians, in my opinion, think they are so connected, but in reality they are out of touch! I think it is important to point this out because it is not my intention to down anyone, but rather to highlight uniqueness! I came up with the idea to showcase "sub-culture" fashion about a year ago after a particular enlightening experience.
To be continued.
I make reference to my California "aloofness, smugginess, etc", often because I realize how goofy it is. Californians, in my opinion, think they are so connected, but in reality they are out of touch! I think it is important to point this out because it is not my intention to down anyone, but rather to highlight uniqueness! I came up with the idea to showcase "sub-culture" fashion about a year ago after a particular enlightening experience.
To be continued.
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