~ There Is No Spoon ~

BOOM! THE MATRIX what a way to start this week’s blog huh? This was exactly my intention, why? Because it contributed to the path of Neo finding himself, the moral, not to limit yourself to a box, as En Vogue once said “Free Your Mind And The Rest Will Follow” << once the mind is free, you as an individual begin to access your limitless CREATIVITY! Within the word Creativity you get the word (CREATE). I know you’re probably asking why do I always give the definitions of words in every blog? Well it’s to make sure as my beautiful readers, that you understand, see and are able to relate to the words being expressed. A word can never really become engrained in your psyche, if the life of the word cannot be understood. COMPRENDO MI AMIGO’S, BUENO! Let’s clear this word>>

(CREATE): Verb 1. To cause to come into being, as something unique that would not naturally evolve or that is not made by ordinary processes. 2. To evolve from one’s own thought or imagination, as a work of art or an invention.

CREATIVITY: Noun 1. The state or quality of being creative 2. The ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships, or the like, and to create new meaningful ideas, forms, methods, interpretations, etc.; originality, progressiveness, or imagination;

WHICH DEFINITION DEFINES YOU? :D

~ QUANTUM LEAP ~

(ATTENTION CLASS!) Teacher screams from the front of the room, white chalk in hand, we’re going to take a little time travel history lesson, papers at the ready! >>>>>> Modesty is usually associated with religious backgrounds i.e. Islam, Christianity, Judaism etc. and along with this stereotype comes the robotic thought of ugly dark clothing, loose and unflattering. This doesn’t just include the religious world oh no no, throughout the world from as far back as Egyptian times every individual had a sense of style with a modest flair attached to it, because in some aspect they understood and knew who they were as separate entities. However with every roll over in the generation system the moral code regardless of religious background or lack thereof,  had and has dwindled down to the point where NOTHING IS LEFT TO THE IMAGINATION! (SWEET DAFFODILES IN MAY LOL!) The question is asked how do we fix it? I can honestly say with every generation of Christian and Muslim Women (mainly), each group has exceeded to change history. Outdoing their former counterparts every year, Month, Week, Day, Hour, Minute and Second!  Don’t believe me aye! Well let’s have a LO-OK!

~ Christianity ~

The Bible expresses {King James Version}

1 Timothy 2:9-10

“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness & sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls or costly arrays; but {which becometh women professing godliness} with good works”

Proverbs 31:

“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil”...

Throughout the bible’s stories and those re-made for T.V. many a prophets wives covered themselves with modest garments, head covered, loose fitting garments etc. but it was never very attractive (yes I see you having flashbacks! Lol) Most of the time such a religion was forced on us by our parents, forever dragging one to church and encouraging one to keep such women in mind as role models and examples, but when it came to marrying the style to the now NEW MILLENIUM, one was like ERRRR NAHHHHH MATE! Throughout time I can honestly say I have seen three stages to the RE-INVENTION OF C.M (Christian. Modesty) Past.Present.Future …..You need visuals right…ok I got you!

PAST/TRADITIONAL CHRISTIAN

PRESENT CHRISTIAN

FUTURE CHRISTIAN

The visuals are pretty self-explanatory right, with the exception of the Present (Short skirts, too tight dresses, and Vatican Raising Hell, believe me people it’s real I read the article via NEWSER link >> http://www.newser.com/story/96732/vatican-raises-hell-over-short-skirts.html ,) anyhu the POSITIVE about this, is that we have a FUTURE to look forward to in these growing women, who are not afraid to push the boundaries on their faith and loving it so much that they have made a name for themselves, let alone re-vamping the expressive art of Modest Christianity. They are definitely one to watch along with Victoria Beckham herself, who always looks Elegant and Classy. My main star in the middle goes by Folake Huntoon, a Nigerian native but grew up in FABULOUS New York City, she has been working in the fashion business for 14 years and has a popular fashion blog @ www.stylepantry.com as well as her Instagram page @STYLEPANTRY I urge you all to follow her and get inspired!. The second starlight goes by NASHAMBER and she is a beautiful sister striving to inspire the world one modest step at a time. The London beauty lives her faith through and through and aim’s to help others whenever in need, she can be found on Instagram @SETAPARTSTYLE. 

~ Islam ~

The Quran expresses

Surah 24 Verse 31

“And say to the believing women that they lower their gaze and restrain their sexual passions and do not display their adornment except what appears thereof. And let them wear their head coverings over their bosoms…”

Now Islam has always had the MAJOR STEREOTYPE, however it is simply a religion of peace, regardless of what has been portrayed, I simply ask that you look at your Muslim friends if you have any lol and judge them by their character, their nature. If we all want universal peace we have to start somewhere right? sooo why not start with your neighbour! {ANYHU ENOUGH POLITICS} The women of Islam have always been looked at as docile, mute, no voice, no rights, terrible clothing and so on and so forth. HOWEVER one would be surprised to know that, just like time changes, the perspective that Prophet Muhammad started with (Peace Be upon Him) this too has been changed by culture and miss-interpretation. I hear you say what do I mean? And what does this have to do with fashion?? WELL I’M GETTING THERE, GIMMIE A MINUTE SHEESH :D as Mother Tynetta once expressed in an interview done by Susan Barber and Carol Hiltner titled “The Wombman & The 28 Day Cycle” they, the two female journalists’ and Mother herself explain...



Islam and the Divine Feminine? “ When we first approached doing this article, that phrase seemed to us an oxymoron a contradiction in terms. If there was any group in the world that ritually dishonored the feminine principle, we believed, it was the followers of Muhammed. We were shocked to find how totally false was this belief. In fact, as we have learned, despite the historical degradation of its original intent, the sacred core of Islam is female, not male. Islamic women first wore veils and black robes of concealment for protection from foreign soldiers. Muslim women were enshrouded not because they were despised, but because they were so precious so deeply treasured. Today, the sacred shrines of Mecca also are veiled and shrouded in black.

Though the culture in which he was born was exclusively patriarchal, Muhammed elevated women to positions of importance, and sought to enshrine the Divine Feminine at the heart of the religious practice he taught. When asked what human being he honored above all others, the Prophet replied: "My wife." We learned all this and more from Mother Tynnetta Muhammad as she is affectionately called by the devotees of the Nation of Islam. She is the widow of Elijah Muhammad, the Nation of Islam's founder. We wanted to talk with Mother Tynnetta because of the incredible power she projects. How, we wondered, had she come to have such an aura of radiance from within a religious culture that persecutes and disempowers women? We were surprised and totally enchanted with her answers.”

Mother Tynnetta: “It's true. If you look at the society around Muhammed, you will find that males and females would sit with him in public. Women even joined in the battles that were fought. Women were educated and taught to recite with the men the verses of the Qur'an. In that time, there were no restrictions like those you see today…

… Egypt is the key. In 975 CE, the Fatamid Dynasty was established in Cairo, and Al-Azhar University, the oldest university in the world, was founded there at the same time. That university was the last citadel to honor the nobility of women. There, women helped develop the courses of study they still have to this day, mathematics, music, all the subjects we would consider today to be part of a good curriculum.”

The rest of the article can be found via this link! http://www.melanin6.com/13th-tribe.htm

Knowing this little bit of history, how does this tie into fashion? SIMPLE, we have all become accustomed to the traditional garments of the Muslim Women with the full covering also known as the ABAYA, however throughout time, JUST LIKE CHRISTIAN WOMEN, every new generation has sought out to re-define the image of beauty with creating new designs and styles for the traditional woman old and present. Just like their ancestors of years back being at the forefront of Islam their style is their way of saying I LOVE WHO I AM, Islam is BEAUTIFUL! The transition itself is a beauty to behold. CUE THE VISUALS

TRADITIONAL MUSLIMAH

PRESENT MUSLIMAH

FUTURE MUSLIMAH

~ 2000 + ~

PHEW! Now that we’re back in present time class, I hope you learnt a little something in our history lesson. Nevertheless it is not about religion per say, this blog is aimed at all my beauties around the world, being modest is a way of life, from the way you speak, carry yourself, your character, your essence and so much more. Yes we’ve seen scripture quotes but for all of my readers who don’t have a religious preference, generate inspiration by what YOU SEE, HEAR, FEEL, TOUCH and SMELL. All of this encompasses the 360 degrees of Femininity and Masculinity, then again don’t take my word for it here are a few famous peeps who feel the same way I feel about that beautiful M word.


“ I think they all went too far. Their jeans got too low, their tops got too see through. Personally, I think that sexy is keeping yourself mysterious. I’m really an old-fashioned girl, and I think I’m totally sexy” ~ Stevie Nicks


“She guarded herself like a secret” ~ Jodie Lyn Anderson


“Classy is when a Woman has everything to flaunt, but chooses not to show it” ~ Hugo Chavez


“Seek RESPECT not ATTENTION, it lasts longer” ~ Author Unknown


“Immodesty catches the EYE, modesty catches the HEART” ~ Author Unknown

In closing my dears, the words that I share wouldn’t be anything of substance, if I did not live such a life. With that said below is a simple shirt I bought from one of my favourite online stores, and jazzed it up with my own flare. Details of everything I’m wearing will be below!

· Black Pashmina ~ EBay


· Black Shirt ~ New Look (Now the shirt itself is two sizes bigger than my original size, this is due to the material being chiffon. Chiffon is very clinging and because the material does not stretch if you buy your size it would usually come up looking "small". This doesn't mean in ANYWAY you're getting fat, lol it's about understanding material, so I got two sizes bigger than me for this shirt so it could hang looser. (All of these handy tricks I have learnt from working in Retail for 5 years and Life experiences ;D) I SHOULD ALSO STATE IF YOU KNOW YOUR BODY (BODY SIMPLICITY) THEN THIS WILL ALSO DETERMINE IF YOU NEED TO GO A SIZE UP OR GET YOUR USUAL SIZE WHEN IT COMES TO MATERIALS LIKE CHIFFON OR SIMILAR <3


· Black Undertop ~ Primark (Undertops are always handy and cheap, especially if you are wearing tops that are see through, it gives you that extra foundation. I myself usually get the basic colours and then branch out to others. In terms of quantity I get 2 of every colour.) 

· Trousers/Pants ~ EBay


· Boots ~ Primark


· Assortment of Jewellery ~ Primark/Peacocks

The close ups are so you can see the detail of the jewellery, and how the simplicity of a shirt or anything for that matter, can be changed by a GREAT NECKLACE AND PAIR OF EARRINGS

In my upcoming blogs I will deal with more creativity in Fashion, how this inspires me to create the ensembles that I do, which in turn I hope inspires you, and picking one of my followers to dress, showing all how the art of simple things can go on to create a MASTERPIECE. In the end I leave you with this...

“An Artist is an explorer; he should begin by seeking himself, seeing himself act. Then, not restraining itself. And above all, not being easily satisfied” ~ Henri Matisse


Until next time my lovelies

Fashion.Silhouette.