As many of you know, I think fashion is fun. And yes, I am well-aware that my love of fashion is probably somewhat vain. If you don't like the topic, then come back tomorrow. I have fun, non-fashion posts planned for Thursday and Friday!
Recently, more folks that I know from my "pastor life" have become blog readers. "That's great" you might be thinking. And yes, it is great! But also, I am suddenly feeling especially self-conscious about my weekly commentary on clothes and shoes. Tonight I was thinking, "Well, I could just give up on the 'Diaries of a Pastoral Fashionista' column." I was thinking about how I should be more serious; maybe I should always be writing deep, meaningful thoughts on faith.
But then I remembered one of my most sincere goals of 2011 - become a fully integrated, well-rounded person! And then I thought, "Emily, the whole idea was to BLEND the worlds together; you are a pastor and a normal human...it's okay to be both!" And then, I told myself, "Work it, girl! Be real!"
So here's the deal: Once (or sometimes twice) a week I'm still going to embrace my vanity. But really, it isn't even about being vain. The fashion posts are supposed to be fun. It's supposed to make you think to yourself, "How about that? The shirt I put on in the morning can be an expression of my personality." Or, "I should just wear those heels today. I'm going for it!"
As I have shared before, sometimes I really do NOT feel comfortable in my own skin. I wish I were prettier, or had a better complexion, or had happy, non-diseased blood. We all have insecurities now and then. Sometimes we wish our insides or our outsides were different. For the last few years, this blog has been my little space to start getting comfortable (and maybe even happy) with who I am, and maybe - just maybe - to help others do the same.
Whoa, that was a long introduction to a fashion post. I hope you are not asleep.
The bottom line: Hello church friends and Stewartville friends! Welcome to the blog. Yes, this is me. Pastor Emily. But around here, you can just call me Em. Or Ameila. Or Goofball. It's really better you find out now, I'm a silly gal. I love God. I love peace. I love people. And also, I love earrings and handbags. And I really, really, really, really love to laugh. If you want to regularly read the blog, please do! But if not, that's okay, too. I created this space to be real. So that's what I'll keep doing. And I certainly invite you to stick around for the ride.
Folks not at all connected to ministry/church/faith world: Please stick around! I vow to not ALWAYS be blabbering about pastor-life, okay?
And now, to the tips for this week (this week, they are lady tips; sorry fellas)
#1 - I L.O.V.E. vintage purses. I highly recommend downsizing your purse now and then. Garage sales, vintage shops, and Goodwill-style stores are filled with handbag/brief case treasures. Or, perhaps you can search in the basement or attic of a loved one!
#2 - My best tip to add instant class to your outfit = add pearls! Truly. So classy.
Earrings or necklaces or bracelets - and the pearls can TOTALLY be fake. No need to invest in the real deal unless you really want to. Also, I especially love large pearl earrings. They make ears look tiny! Try it and let me know what you think.
Oh, Pastor Emily - never change your blog! I love that is a mix of FUN and more serious topics. I think it's absolutely perfect just the way it is! It's you! :)
ReplyDeleteEmily, your hair looks beautiful in the big photo! I am so jealous of your lovely long locks! :) Plus, the pearls idea is so true!
ReplyDeleteThat purse is killer.
ReplyDeleteAnd you make people smile.
Enough said.
Ladies....thanks for your comments! Much love to you all. And I LOVE LOVE LOVE that you take time to comment; it always assures me that I'm not talking to myself. lol. THANK YOU!
ReplyDeleteFrom one fashion-loving, shoe-obsessing, handbag-hoarding, Christ-serving pastor to another....YOU GO GIRL. We need more of 'us' in this world of ministry! We need to show people that human beings who are pastors (especially females) can embrace their own 'self' and still be servants of Christ! We need to show people that just because we are pastors doesn't mean we are frumpy and boring! Keep it up, girl!
ReplyDeleteThe world needs to know that pastors are not cyborgs who only spend time theologically contemplating their navels. You are a witness to the joy of a life of faith...keep it up!
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to decide which purse to bring to the assembly tomorrow...
Julia and Pete - Thanks fellow pastors. :) I truly appreciate the encouragement. Pastors are humans - not cyborgs. Pete, I will look forward to seeing which purse you bring!
ReplyDeleteEm.....i love your blog just as it is. Blood and god and belts and ALL!
ReplyDeleteHeart you!
Becca
Thank you, beautiful Becca.
ReplyDelete