The title of this post was inspired by a memory from a lady in a church. She used to advocate that all women keep their linens ultra white and super clean.
One day, a couple of fellas joined me to tease her about her advice. We felt that it was a little one sided that she was advising the women and leaving the men out. Our premise was that men should be held accountable for doing their laundry and keeping their clothing clean as well.
Needless to say, few men agreed with us and were favoring the advice given to women.
Her position was simple. Your table cloth has to be clean, because it your house. Your undies have to be just as clean, because you might be “discovered” if you ever had a medical emergency.
For the record… in a medical emergency, you’re not worried about how clean any of your linen is. You just want help. Period.
After we teased her a little, she got back at us with this piece of advice. If men did their jobs as they should have been all along, women would not be stressed about dirty linens, because we would jump in and wash them to alleviate the workload. But, since men are “incapable” of being so helpful, she leans more on the women who will heed her advice.
she had far more colorful words than this paraphrased paragraph
Linen Gallery
When this friend of a friend showed up, the discussion took an abrupt change. The super crisp clean bright white dress made heads turn.
Everyone instantly understood the lessons this older lady was trying to bring across. When a person carries themselves with pride and looks after themselves, it makes a statement.
Looking good is not the end goal. It’s a signal that you care enough about yourself to present yourself well. If you’ve got the bandwidth to address your appearance, you’ve got a handle on life that others don’t have.
Not everyone is able to work their circumstance to look mega impressive. Yet, there are those who do have the time but for whatever reason… decide not to look their best.
This older woman explained that looking one’s best does not have to be torturous, expensive, or painful.
Too many women will outspend themselves and be extremely uncomfortable for the wrong reasons. Like… chasing a man.
Find what you can afford that is well designed that you can cherish and keep a long time. The classics. The statement pieces. The investment pieces. Then, take great care of them.
You can look like a million dollars without spending more than a few dollars. A smart wise queen of a woman will appear to be top fashion without breaking her resources.
We can’t judge anyone. Some people can only afford a $30 dress. Others can afford a $3,000 dress. What people will remember more than anything else is how you carried yourself.
In closing, strong women, powerful women, women of class uplift one another. They carry themselves with grace. They share and elevate one another.
The Photo Session
After the lovely set of conversations, we broke out into our respective social activities. I took out my camera and asked the lady for some photos.
I only was able to secure permission to share her outfit without sharing her identity on the blog I was contributing to… at the time.
Had I had this blog up, I could have asked permission to show her full photos. Ah well. Live and learn.
The pitch was to capture her heels. However, the elegance of her ensemble needed it’s own set of attention.
The contrast was set against a construction site. The juxtaposition brought out the power of the outfit.
The sun was bright and a little after high noon. This made taking quality photos difficult. Harsh light rarely gives great results.
Fortunately, playing with a little shade and poses allowed me to get a few of the details of the dress.
The outfit was cut perfectly. Whoever tailored her dress knew what they were doing.
The shoot was plenty of fun. Good laughs. We promised to do another shoot together in the future, however, our schedules never quite matched up. We’ve politely said hello whenever she was in town, but the camera was not with me at those times.
If we get the chance to meet and do a shoot again, you’ll know all about it. Until then, be sure to keep your linen gallery looking fabulous at all times.
p.s. next post will be the photos… tomorrow
All other posts regarding this photo session will be posted below:
Poetry of Linen - Three short poems shared on IG are now safely home on the blog. Inspired by a woman who isn't afraid to shine brightly in her outfit.
Linen Gallery - The story behind the photos... the shoot... the inspiration... lessons learned.... a lady is not defined by her dress... the dress only sharpens the image she projects.
Gallery of Linen - The photo gallery that inspired a few posts. Beauty has it's own strength. Even if beauty does not define strength. But helps clarify it.
Heeling Graces 