As a Christian woman, do you find it difficult to find just the right clothes that flatter your coloring, your figure, your budget, and your modesty?  You are not alone!

I often feel like a "fashionista failure" when I go shopping.  I quickly become overwhelmed because I don't know what colors look best, what matches with what, where to find the best fitting jeans, ugh...the list goes on and on!

I was at a Hearts at Home conference as part of the staff in the fall of 2009, and I met the most wonderful woman, and she can solve ALL of our fashion problems!!  I would like for you to meet Proverbs 31 Speaker and Author Shari Braendel.
Shari is a regular contributor and speaker for Proverbs 31, along with being the fashion editor for Susie Magazine.  She has been involved in fashion from a young age, and can think of nothing better than teaching women of God how to be the best they can be!

I recently had the privilege of sitting down to dinner with Shari and picking her brain about everything fashion!  So let's jump in:

ME: What is the most common mistake women make in their wardrobe?
SHARI: We buy only because things are on sale, and too many women wear black that shouldn't!  They then end up with clothes that don't fit right and are the wrong color.  Black does not just make you look thinner, but it also makes you look OLDER!  It is too harsh for most complexions.  It saves you time and money when you know what colors look best on you.

ME:  You recommend dumping the "mom jeans"  Give us a definition.
SHARI:  Mom jeans are high waisted, pleated in the front, light blue and peg leg at the bottom. (says to me, "you don't have those on do you") {insert MY nervous laughter}
ME:  Thankfully I think my jeans are ok!

Shari has devoted a whole chapter in her book on how to buy the right kind of jeans at the right price and even gives you the brand names that look the best on your body type! AMAZING!

ME: For women who hate to shop, do you have any encouragement?
SHARI:  Yes, if you know your body type and your colors, shopping becomes much easier and you'll be happier with what you find.  When you know these things, you have a plan for shopping.  On my website, there is a tab called "Free Stuff" and you can download a stylesheet to help you.  You should never shop on impulse, but shop on purpose.  Keeping a list of essentials that you need so that when you are shopping, you know exactly what you are looking for and in what colors!

ME:  How do you teach women to be confident no matter what their body shape?
SHARI:  You must be ok with your body.  God did not make a mistake when he made your body.  He didn't make everyone the same.  We aren't all petites, or a natural redhead, or 5'7".  Understand that we are made in God's image, and unless we get that down deep within our heart, we won't be able to get it.  Women have so many issues with their outer appearances because of what people have said to them in the past.  We need to be careful how powerful our words are, especially in talking with our daughters!  I hope to inspire them to new levels of confidence based on what I can teach them about fashion.

Ladies, this book is absolutely fabulous!  Shari has covered every topic imaginable in this book in easy to understand language and great photos to help you.  Her chapter topics include:   determining your body type, finding your true colors, choosing accessories, the art of undergarments, swimwear, hair, makeup, jeans, a shopping guide, and helping your daughters dress as well!!  It is all in here!!




You will not be disappointed in this book, I can promise that!  Have you had enough?  I didn't think so!

We're continuing our discussion about fashion over at my blog, Heart and Soul Reflections, with more information about color analysis from Shari Braendel.


Then you can stop over at Gather Inspirit to get some handy tips on packing for a conference or weekend trip!

You can read more about Shari over at her website and she posts Mondays and Wednesdays on her personal blog.  Friends, she is as real as it gets.  You'll absolutely love her!

My great thanks to Shari Braendel for hanging out with me!  You, my dear, are a TRUE FASHIONISTA!!