Children Are Not Chattel

There are lots of words being thrown about about women, the election, stupid politicians, and the presumption that all women are pro-choice.  We can agree on many things.  One is that from time-to-time politicians will say stupid things.  Whether it's declaring we have 57 states, almost anything a couple of vice presidents have said, or certain candidates in Missouri.  

I am a pro-life woman.  It's not because I'm over 50.  I was pro-life in high school. I remember having a huge argument with my then boyfriend over the issue.  There was one sure way of not getting pregnant and that was my course of action (non-action?).  He couldn't get that I saw conception as the creation of life.  

I believe that every life have value and is deserving of human dignity.  Children are not chattel to be disposed of at will.  Children are not chattel to be gotten rid of because they are an inconvenience.  

I cannot support candidates that are willing to commit gendercide.  The allowing of abortion ONLY because the child is a girl.  How is this pro-woman?  This is one of the worst examples of a war on women.

Illinois state Senator Obama three times opposed a state bill to provide legal protection for babies who are born alive during abortions.  It is not enough to take the life of a child in the womb.  It is permissible to kill a child outside the womb.  

I can hear some now, "But what about rape and incest?"  First, let's be honest.  If we're talking incest we are talking about rape.  How did that become the catch phrase?  In what other area do we demand that a child be put to death for the crime of the father?  I know many families and organizations that would gladly help support the woman during pregnancy; this includes housing, medical, counseling, and the adopt the child if she decides she is not ready to be a mother.  How often is that option even discussed?  

Recently someone screamed at me, "What about the children already in poverty?"  That's why pro-life organizations around the country collect infant supplies and help support young mothers.  Feminists for Life is a wonderful organization that works to support women who have made the tough decision to raise their children.  Then there are the food banks, social service programs, etc., that are run by churches to offer assistance.  My church has a job club to help people improve their skills to find a job or get a better job to support their families.  

"What about the death penalty?"  Sorry, I'm womb-to-tomb pro-life. I don't support the death penalty.  I do want to ask when we began equating an unborn child with a convicted felon.  

I could discuss the racist funds that support Planned Parenthood, the eugenics philosophy of Margaret Sanger, or the selfish idea that children are disposable if they are inconvenient.  I'm choosing not to do that.  Let me just close with the basic idea:

Children are not chattel and are deserving of basic human dignity.  

The Unmitigated TRUTH: The American Divorce Agreement

The Unmitigated TRUTH: The American Divorce Agreement: By George: As you know by now, from time to time I will reprint something that I receive via email if I believe my readers will enjoy. Th...

Returning To Duty

It's been two years since I posted my last blog comment. Current political events and the constant drumbeat against women who don't fit a certain "style" has prompted my return. I'll post in the coming days my ramblings about "fairness," stinginess of heart (Biden's 1.4% donation rate for last year), the "Buffet Rule," and the latest handbag I cannot live without.

I hope you will join me. I welcome your opinion as long as it's stated respectfully do the same. Remember, no name calling, unless you're telling me I look fabulous.

Pushing the Envelope Around The World

I recently returned from a trip to Israel and Jordan. Of course I noticed clothing. I realized that no matter where you are young women who are expected to dress to a specific code will push the envelope.

Here in the US we have many women who follow a dress code. In some areas of country you can almost pick out specific denominations (yes, I know some would object to that term) based on their "uniform." The ankle length denim skirt, three-quarter sleeve, and long hair will shout out their church affiliation. I found one church's "don't" list:

• no jewelry
• no nail polish
• no cutting hair
• no piercings (ears too)
• no tattoos
• no beards on guys
• no shorts on guys
• no pants on girls
• no short sleeves on girls
• no short skirts

Yet, teenagers will find a way to rebel. There are the denim skirts slit up to above the knee, fishnet stockings, and boots. One young woman wore her hair long, but teased up to a height where I feared it would be caught in ceiling fans.

Young Christian women are not alone in being within the letter of the law, but not the spirit. In Jordan I saw Islamic teens wearing the hijab, a long sleeved top, but jeans so tight I worried for the circulation in their legs.

In Tiberius, Israel, the Orthodox Jewish teens also liked to skirt (insert eye roll here) tzniut (modesty). While they wore sleeves which reached the wrists and long skirts, the t-shirts were very form fitting.

So, while parents wail and gnash their teeth over the Abercrombie & Fitch ads teens all over are finding ways to buck the rules intended to encourage modesty. Why? Because that's what teens do. They are simply being teens, finding their own identity by pushing against adult expectations.

Parents, take a deep breath and relax. Remember to pick your battles wisely. When my youngest son decided that he only wore black I didn't fight it. I simply said, 'No skulls.' I gave him room to be himself. I do have to admit the bunny skulls on his girlfriend's hoodie are very cute.

Manish Arora At Paris Fashion Week

When the catwalk features black, grey, and more black when color stomps the runway I take notice. In Paris earlier this month there was the rainbow presented by Manish Arora.

I was amazed at the beautiful colors that made my think "Tiffany Windows!" Every single look sparkled, shined, or featured beautiful stained glass looks. The models wore futuristic wigs in neon colors and some carried motorcycle helmets that matched their clothing.

In an AP interview Arora commented, "We took familiar codes of the Art Deco period and, in a word, messed them up. We pushed everything so far into the future that it's hardly recognizable." The Delhi, India, based designer explained that he was partly inspired by stills from Fritz Lang's Metropolis (one of the great silent films).

You can view the Paris runway show here:

Wearing The Military Look

Been there done that. When you reach a certain age you see trends coming in and out of style. In the case of the Military Look I've literally been there and done that. Having served in the Army for 6 years donning fatigues and camo doesn't have quite the same attraction that it does for others.

I remember when in the 80s fatigue pants were all the rage. I wore a pair of my old pants, with holes in the pockets and no longer acceptable for work. I was out and about one weekend when a man in his early 30s approached me. He chastised me for taking something he wore to defend the US and trivializing it. I calmly pulled my Army ID from my pocket. He apologized and we laughed over the incident.

So....if you decide to wear camouflage or other aspects of the Military Look make sure you do it respectfully. A way to embrace this look is to think more marching band than battle uniform. Beyonce in this Balmain jacket is the perfect balance. The style is more Crimean War than Operation Enduring Freedom.

Looking For Clothing & Jewelry Designers

Are you a designer? I'm looking for conservative clothing and jewelry designers to feature for upcoming articles. Are you a jewelry designer who has created a tea bag pin? Are you a clothing designer who has clothed politicians or their families? Think Star Spangled Ice Cream for fashion.

Send a .jpg an background details about yourself and I will contact you for more information: fasnionistapolitica @ gmail.com.

Budget Beauty Products

In these days of budget concerns many fashion fanatics are having to tighten their Zac Posen belts. There are essentials that we shouldn't live without. A good moisturizer is one. Make-up and skin care products need to be replenished. Here are some of my favorites products available at my local drugstore or online.

1. I love Fiberwig mascara. At $24 it's a purchase I have to think twice about. Now there is L'Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes. The price of $9 makes it my new favorite mascara. If you are unfamiliar with tubing mascaras the idea is simple. Your lashes are coated in a flexible polymer that stays and stays. I have the bad habit of rubbing my eyes during the day. I used to end up with raccoon eyes. Not now. This mascara is also really, truly waterproof. I can watch a marathon of Lassie and The Waltons without a smudge. It cleans off easily with regular facial cleanser.
2. Go pro on EBay. Not as a seller but as a wise shopper. When replenishing my daytime moisturizer or facial cleanser I put in the names of my favorites and add the word "pro" or "professional." This gives me salon size products. I pay the same for a 6 ounce size tube of moisturizer as I would for the 3 ounce size in a store. Only buy products that are brand new.
3. I'm often frustrated with foundations that seem to look great in the store, but when I wear them in the real world they look fake. I have been a fan of Almay Smart Shade foundation for a while now. It is my wear-to-work foundation. You choose from one of three shades, light, light/medium, or medium. It comes out of the tube white and transforms into the shade you need for your skin. I can use the same shade in the middle of summer as I do in the dead of winter. This foundation is a sheer coverage. It's very natural looking. Smart Shade has a SPF 15 included. There is a new Smart Shade Anti-Aging that I haven't tried yet with a SPF of 20.
4. If you have heart palpitations over the cost of eye cream don't worry, there are more affordable choices. When I travel my eyes will become puffy. I discovered Biore Enliven Cooling Eye Gel and it's now my travel buddy. It has a blend of golden root, yeast, and sugar beet extracts which de-puff my eyes. Enliven Cooling Eye Gel also has cucumber extract which is soothing. At a reasonable $10 you can keep one in your suitcase and one in your bathroom.

How To Help Haiti

Many want to assist the people of Haiti but are wary. Often when disasters happen scammers come out to take advantage of your good will. Good giving also means giving to organizations where the majority of money goes to those in need. I'm wary of "misuse of funds, cronyism, excessive expense accounts, secret consulting contracts." I do recommend one specific charity.

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is an exceptional organization. After the US Military CRS has one of the most effective disaster response programs in the world. The average percentage spent by charities on admin and overhead is 12.4% according to MinistryWatch. The admin and overhead percentage of CRS is 2.3%. CRS seeks to help people in the developing world break the cycle of poverty through community based programs with the local population as the central participant. This ensures that projects are sustainable through local resources and community.

Hounds Tooth Fashion

Having a graduate degree from the University of Alabama means that when I see a houndstooth pattern I think of the 'Bama football team (2010 National Champions!). It's not that I'm a big football fan. I can count on two fingers the number of football games I've seen from start to finish, but the houndstooth pattern was the signature of Coach Bear Bryant's hat. So, I often disregard coats and scarves featuring this classic pattern.

Then suddenly I began seeing houndstooth all over the place in the fashion world. This checked pattern has notched corners that suggests a dog's tooth. It is traditionally black and white. The French call it pied de pole (chicken's foot).

On the runway designers such as Alexander McQueen and Michael Kors featured houndstooth patterns. Some designers have moved away from the traditional black and white giving us red and black or blue and black patterns. Like stripes or animal print a little can go a long way. Accessories allow you to incorporate this fashion statement without investing in a dress or blouse that you may find too much. This Keffiyah (Head Scarf) is an exotic way to wear this pattern. Go for Michael Kors' houndstooth gloves for a visual punch.

French Nautical Stripes -- How To Wear Them

Horizontal striped tops are everywhere. They have been featured in Marie Claire magazine, the Air France in flight magazine, and on many runways. I sat in church this evening and saw at least five young women wearing blue and white stripes. They varied in style, width of the stripe, and cut of the top. Each person added her own identity even while they embarrassed this trend. The most impressive was the woman who wore a horizontal striped tank top under a thin, chartreuse colored wrap. The color reminded me of Absinthe and nights in French port. Très chic!

Many of us are hesitant about wearing horizontal stripes. When I shop in the big girl sections of stores I question why so many designers think I want horizontal stripes around my tummy and hips. No, I don't think so. If you have large chest horizontal stripes can create a unique psychedelic effect.

Here are some tips for captaining this look:

1. Keep it simple. Pair your striped top with simple pants or skirt. Don't be tempted to slip into sailor pants. Navy or black is the best choice to keep your look for being over done.


2. Go wide or skinny. This is the amazing thing about this type of top. A pair of simple (see above) wide leg jeans or skinny jeans balances the look.


3. Play with the stripes that work best on you. The stripes can vary from narrow to wide. You may love the wide stripes, but look better in the narrow stripes. If you are still unsure of wearing too many stripes just go for stripes on the sleeves.


4. Layer the look. Wear a striped tank under a solid color cardigan. You can also wear the tank under a blazer.

I found a great striped cardigan from C.J. Banks. The stop part has strips while the bottom is solid blue. This moves the eye up from the hips and tummy area. It's marvelous for those of us who are looking for a way to wear this look.

Killing The Love Of Reading

As I mentioned in a previous post I despise censorship. I have spoken against restricting free speech for years. The hard censorship of White House staff attempting to marginalize a news network or the soft censorship of librarians and teachers who don't order books that they find personally objectionable, regardless of the merit of the work.

Often this soft censorship masquerades as academic rigor. In the name of wanting to challenge students schools and school systems will remove books or restrict books that they deem not worthy of students. Yet, often teachers and administrators kill the love of reading. I speak to adults each day that tell me how a teacher made them hate reading. How does this happen?

One way is this insistence that students read "the classics." Donald R. Gallo addresses this issue in his article How Classics Create An Aliterate Society. He relates the trouble he had struggling with the assigned readings that were alleged to be good for him. "Why was I supposed to care about a Puritan woman who got pregnant from having sex with a minister?....One of my former college students defined a classic this way: a classic is a book that 'requires a teacher figure out a glimmer of what it says.'" Is that what we want? Students who need to rely on a teacher to engage with literature?

Gallo isn't alone. Kelly Gallagher documents how teachers are murdering the love of reading in Readicide: How Schools Are Killing Reading and What You Can Do About It. Read-i-cide n: The systematic killing of the love of reading, often exacerbated by the inane, mind-numbing practices found in schools.

Before you despair, there are teachers that are trying to actively engage their students in books that present important concepts and will capture their interest. The problem is that parents and administrators often prevent these teachers from reaching this goal. They will challenge the books teachers select. This has recently happened in Montgomery County, Kentucky. The Lexington-Herald Reader reports:

In the Montgomery County school system some contemporary, young-adult novels have been used in conjunction with classical works like The Canterbury Tales and Beowulf in some sophomore and senior accelerated English classes. Some parents don't like it. The school superintendent has had the books removed from the classroom, although they are available in the library.

Let me reiterate a point made in the article. The YA books are being taught in conjunction with the classics. Some parents are shocked at the language and situations in the YA books. These parents obviously haven't read either The Canterbury Tales or Beowulf or only read enough to pass their own class assignments. These classics are full of sex and violence. One blogger commented that students shouldn't be exposed to such topics as rape. Well, that definitely leaves out The Canterbury Tales. The YA books in question went before a review committee that recommended the books remain as part of the class readings. Superintendent Freeman removed them anyway.

Some have argued that the Lexile level isn't high enough for these YA books to be included in a college prepatory class. Lexile levels are not the holy grail of reading. The daunting classic Crime and Punishment has a Lexile level of 850. One of the removed books, Chris Crutcher's Deadline, has a Lexile level of 880. Hmmmm, that argument doesn't seem to have merit.

What about literary themes? In Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson students read about personal identity, suicide, overcoming social adversity, and conquering obstacles through perseverance. It's not just a feel good read. Anderson's character Tyler Miller faces the not just choices about becoming a better person, but what he has to leave behind to become that person. Tyler is on a quest that teens can relate to personally and relate to other literature.

The question is ultimately, 'Why were these books removed from the classroom?' When students are lucky enough to have a teacher that is intelligent enough to connect contemporary YA literature with classics society wins. Dr. Freeman, please return the books.

Handmade Gifts

The holidays are quickly approaching. If you are looking or Christmas or Hanukkah gift that is unique visit one of my favorite sites for handmade gifts--Things Theological. The Calico Critters pins make great gifts for tween girls or adults who like fun fashion.

The Remembrance Ribbons are the best deal in town. A custom made gift for $3, including shipping! When I've needed something custom made for a friend with breast cancer I spoke with the artist, Jane Davis, and she worked with me to create something unique. Her St. Agatha icon was perfect. My son loved his Hercules icon that he received a few years ago.

I cannot recommend her highly enough.

Real Friends Tame The Animals

Real friends don't let you go out in head to toe animal print. This can be hard with the Safari look showing up on multiple runways. Animal prints were especially seen at the 2010 collections of Tory Burch, Valentino, and Chloé. How do you balance this fashion statement with real life and without looking like a joke?

Take a good friend shopping with you. The friend that will stop you from buying the cheetah print leggings. The friend that will whisper in your ear, "Less is more." Because with animal print it's about using bits and pieces as highlights. Add a pair of BCBG MAXAZRIA Stella flats to your outfit for a step into the wild side. You won't have to worry about becoming a trophy on the fashion wall of shame. One of my favorite items is a leopard print cardigan. I keep my tank and slacks in the same color palette so that print adds pop without making my patrons' eyes bug out.

Try a pair of earrings, a bracelet, or a scarf. With handbags you may want to think about a band of print rather than an all over design. Snake skin texture is marvelous. It can be done in fun colors. The Helena de Natalio Snake-Print Clutch adds exotic excitement to any outfit.

Animal prints can be our fashion friends if we play nice, don't over do it, and have a trusted friend that will pull us back from the shiny, sparkly, python dress.

ChicBuds For Audiophiles

I love to listen to audio books. Fortunately my library has a subscription to to NetLibrary that allows me to feed my habit for free. I download audiobooks to my IPod and listen to them everywhere. I listen to John Sandford while cooking dinner. I listen to Undead and Unwed while doing laundry. I listen to a Goldy Bear Culinary Mystery while at work. I listen to....well, you get the point.

The biggest problem that I had while wearing my ear buds was the cord getting caught in drawers or on door knobs. Then I discovered Chicbuds (Watermelon on White seen here). The retractable cords shorten so the cord doesn't get caught and pull out of my IPod. I have problems with other ear buds popping out of my ears, but these stay because they are designed for the smaller ears of women. They aren't merely functional, but also attractive. ChicBuds are detailed with Swarovski Crystals. You aren't just sporting ear buds, but "ear candie."

They are popular with ladies of all ages. My son gave a pair of ChicBuds to a friend as a high school graduation present. She loved them. It wasn't just a polite, "Oh, thank-you." I ran into her at the store where she was sporting her ChicBuds. If you have a niece or daughter that is dying to get her ears pierced, but isn't allowed to take that step this is good option. She can add style and color to ears while having ear buds that are with adjustable cords.

Chic Scarves For Fall And Winter

If you want to add a splash of instant style to any outfit wrap a stylish scarf around your neck! My preference is for silk scarves with bright colors and bold patterns. Silk doesn't have the bulk of wool and don't look out of place indoors. They can also be worn with jeans and a long sleeve t-shirt or a classic black dress.

I have a huge collection of scarves that I've purchase around the world. My favorite source for silk scarves is SERRV International. SERRV is dedicated to eradicating poverty by providing opportunity and support to artisans around the world. One of my favorites is the Sukhi Scarf with its Bangla-inspired design. The bold colors add a punch of color. If you like the neon trend but aren't comfortable wearing large amounts of hot color this scarf is just right.

Marilyn Monroe Sighted In Milan

This fall Marilyn Monroe was sighted on the runways of Milan. Monroes face was imprinted on t-shirts and paired with skinny black pants. It was part of the Seduzioni Diamonds line by actress/designer Valeria Marini. Her Spring/Summer 2010 fashion collection, presented in Milan, September 23, 2009.

This was not the first time during the year that Marilyn appeared on the runway. In March her images were the center of the Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter collection. A few of the dresses have been seen on the red carpet. A few dresses featured Monroe's face on both the bodice and skirt. It's a lot of look for most people to pull off. The Dolce & Gabbana collection also has a Marilyn t-shirt.

This is not Marilyn Monroe's first appearance in Milan. Her image was part of Dolce & Gabbana's Spring/Summer 2007 collection. In 2006 in Los Angeles Valeria Marini featured a white "Marilyn Monroe" gown in silk satin. While it didn't feature images of Monroe you could easily see Monroe in the dress.

While Marilyn Monroe left this world over 40 years ago she still reigns as the icon of glamour and sex appeal. While you may not opt to have Marilyn on your clothes, let her inspire you to take full advantage of your spotlight moments.

I'd Like To Buy The World A Bra

Well, perhaps not the world, but a few million women. I wrote about the politics of bras in an earlier post. This post is a shallower reflection.

Where I work I deal with the public every day. I often wonder why so many women bother to wear a bra at all. They do nothing that a bra is supposed to do. That's not surprising. It is speculated by the lingerie industry that 70-85% of women wear the wrong size bra. Why would women over look this major foundational garment? Women spend hundreds of dollars on a handbag every season, but won't bother to buy a good bra.

Many get hung up on sizing. Women are in denial about their cup size. Women would rather think of themselves as a B or C rather than admit that they are an A or a D. Even though they have gained weight, lost weight, or had children, changing the size of the band is an emotional event. The question to ask yourself is, "Is the number more important than looking good?"

Women need to be sized and buy new bras every year. You don't have to buy a $200 La Perla bra. The best bra for you may be inexpensive. To find the best bra you need to try on different styles and brands.

I had given up on wearing underwire bras because they were so uncomfortable. I hate having the wires poke into my armpits. After I saw myself on TV for the first of my monthly PR appearances I decided that I had to find a better bra. I searched and searched. I bought a few bras that felt okay in the store, but were horrible after an hour. On a trip to to New York I went to the Town Shop for a fitting. Amazingly I knew what size I should be wearing. The trick was finding the proper bra for my shape. I explained my problem to the fitter. Within 2 minutes she had brought me an underwire bra that was comfortable and pretty. Within 10 minutes I walked out with two bras that were just right.

I began searching on my own and found that for work I really like the Bali Concealers Underwire Bra. It is comfortable and supportive.

Once you find the right bra you will start noticing the problems around you. You'll want to be a good friend and take all the women in your life for a bra fitting.

Gucci's New Perfume Ad

Most perfume ads are irritating. With the plethora of celebrity frangrances we are bombarded with images of Brittany, Jay-Z, Gwen, and others living a fabulous lifestyle. Even the late Luciano Pavarotti had Pavarotti Donna and fragrances for men. This leaves those of us looking for our own frangrance statement on the wrong side of the velvet rope.

I was struck by the beauty of the new Gucci commercial for its frangrance Flora. It is beautiful. Tha commercial captures the rapturous feel of being in a field of flowers, breathing in the scent until you become one with the flowers. Chris Cunningham has created not just a commercial, but a work of art.

Fashion Fascination - Giambattista Valli

Every now and then I find something that makes me wish I were 5'8" and skinny. I am in love with Valli's wrap shoulder jersey dress, hemmed with a peacock feather design. The Greek goddess look is given a modern makeover with this plum jersey dress. It doesn't look like a costume left over from Clash of the Titans. I know that I would feel like Hera, queen of the Gods in this dress.

Get a better view of the dress at LuisaViaRoma.