My Camisole Crush

Well, now that we have our skirts and dresses taken care of what are we going to do about those beautiful blouses of ours that are just a smidge too low-cut? (I think I've made it clear that I'm not eager to part with them -- wink, wink.) Why a camisole! Of course! That's a brilliant idea!

As I'm sure you know though, not all camisoles are created equal. I have struggled with camisoles that ride up, slip down or look lumpy under my shirts. Talk about aggravating! I have a couple that are comfortable enough but they are not especially pretty and I do so love pretty things.

If you promise not to think less of me, I'll let you in on a shameful little secret.

I occasionally get crushes on inanimate objects. It's just terrible! And right now I have a full-blown Camisole Crush. I am absolutely dotty over Kate's Camisoles. Aren't they just lovely? I adore the lace accents at the bottom and/or top, and the material they are made out of is divine. Kate hand selects the fabric used for each and every camisole. A touch of spandex promises comfort and ensures that they won't interfere with the cut of your blouse. They are even appropriate for the first stages of pregnancy which I always greatly appreciate given the large amount of time I spend gestating.

The other thing that I value about this company is that it was born out of a commitment to modesty. I don't necessarily object to buying articles of clothing that just happen to be modest but are made by designers that couldn't care less about the issue. Having said that, I am always delighted, and especially eager to support, companies that set out to help their fellow women who are struggling in this day and age to remain modest and chaste.

Thank you, Kate! I could just kiss you!

A Tale of Marital Discord

I still have some pretty adorable vintage dresses from my pre-conversion/pre-modesty days. Dresses that were the fruit of hours of back breaking labor spent digging through racks upon racks of clothes at my favorite thrift and consignment stores. I assure you, these are no ordinary dresses, girls! These dresses have a story! They have a rich and colorful past! And despite not having worn them for years I just can't bear to part with them. You understand, don't you?

Mr. Beguiles doesn't.

It pains me to tell you that this is a source of friction between us. What is it with him and his decluttering? How dare he ask me to exercise detachment from material things? What good could possibly come of that? Here, listen to a snippet of conversation between my irrational husband and I. I just know you will see things my way.

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Mr. Beguiles: Betty, can I throw away these huge (his word, not mine) plastic bins filled with old clothes already? We could really use the space in the garage.

Betty: Throw them away? Why on earth would you suggest such a thing? Are you trying to hurt me? I'm planning on wearing those!

Mr. Beguiles: It's been almost ten years since you've opened these!

Betty: That's a lie! I was rummaging through them just last week!

Mr. Beguiles: Did you find anything you needed?

Betty: Yes!

Mr. Beguiles: What?

Betty: Everything in there!

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And so it goes. The good news is that there is relief in sight. A return to marital harmony will soon be our because I have just discovered something fantastic, something that will allow me to bring my treasured dresses back into rotation! (I know you're reading this, baby, and I know you're happy for me!) What is this miracle item I speak of? Well, I'll tell you! It comes care of Jennifer Jensen Young of Vintage Hem. Jennifer had the brilliant idea of creating slips with ruffled hems in a variety of styles to extend and enhance skirts and dresses that show a little too much leg. I love it! Not only are these slips practical, they're absolutely darling! And the prices aren't half bad either. I thank you, Vintage Hem. Mr. Beguiles does, too. I just know it.

(Head on over to Works For Me Wednesday at Rocks In My Dryer to find a treasure trove of helpful advice! Thank you for being such a lovely hostess, Shannon!)

Quick Tips Tuesday

Long before I created Betty Beguiles, I discovered Annie's wonderful blog, Running with Perseverance. She has the sweetest family and you won't believe how cute her little girls are! I loved her question...

The other night I watched Gentlemen Prefer Blondes with Marilyn Monroe and while I found the whole thing to be shockingly scandalous, especially for 1953, I was struck by how curvy and NORMAL these women looked in the movie! When her friend busted out in her show costume in the ending court scene, I looked at her and thought, HEY that looks like MY body! The only difference was that they all seemed to have little tiny waists! Do you know how they did that?! Do you know if there is a modern alternative that works with current fashions? I love having curves, but I would love to have a waist...haha

Annie, you're a girl after my own heart. Aren't those girls and their teeny tiny waists adorable? And yes! I can think of four options off the top of my head. I'll cover them in order of most effective to least:

Corsets ~ What do you know but the corset lives on! I'm not sure you would want to wear one everyday but for special occasions I highly recommend them. I think they are not only figure-enhancing but also fun. There are underbust corsets and overbust corsets. I happen to find overbust corsets more agreeable but that will depend on your personal preference and shape. You can visit any department store to try a few on and determine which style best suits you but I wouldn't recommend buying a corset from any old lingerie store. They are more for aesthetics (if you know what I mean) and less for actual waist whittling. Believe it or not, there are quite a few places online where you can buy corsets but a word of caution - several of these businesses embrace and encourage various questionable practices. I don't know about you but I'm not comfortable giving them my business.

Yosa is one corset designer that I've heard good things about. From what I understand, she makes custom corsets based on your measurements which is the way to go if you can afford it and are up for a slightly longer turn around time. Her gowns are gorgeous as well! You really should go admire them.

Corsets Diva is another boutique I've stumbled upon from time to time but I don't know much about them. I've never heard anything negative but as I don't have any first, or even second or third, hand experience I'm wary about recommending them. If anyone has shopped there, I'd love to hear about your experience.

Girdles ~ Girdlesare a great way to encourage an hourglass shape. I have to say, these look pretty comfortable...for a girdle, that is. (I do wish they had a more appealing name though, don't you?) While girdles are much kinder on your pocketbook, they will not have as stunning of an effect on your waist as a corset. Of course, you could probably wear one more regularly than you'd want to wear a corset, so that's a plus. Girdles come in a variety of control levels so some of the stronger ones might have quite an effect on your silhouette.

Waist Cinchers ~ Waist Cinchersare another good option. I think the waist cincher and girdle tie for second place in terms of shaping ability depending on the brand you buy and the control level you select. Oh, and if you're really serious, you can wear them together!

Body Shapers ~ And the least effective but most comfortable option would be body shapers. Spanx is my body shaper of choice. Oh, how I love them. Alas, they will probably help flatten your tummy more than they will cinch it so they might not be quite what you're looking for, Annie.

There you have it. More than you ever wanted to know about whittling your waist! I think having a waist like Marilyn Monroe and friends is a laudable goal! Thanks for the question! I had a ball answering it!

Layers Upon Layers of Fetching Frocks

May I just tell you how much I adore discovering new designers that have classy, vintage-inspired clothes? I don't how I've gone this long without hearing about Layers Clothing but it's a crying shame, girls. It really is. I don't even want to think about all the cute clothing from seasons past that I may have missed. I think I'll just pretend that they are a brand spankin' new company. Yes, indeed. I'm absolutely certain that must be the case.

I wouldn't dare suggest that any of you are as terrible about procrastinating as I am, but if buying a Christmas frock somehow slipped your mind just this once (or if you're simply in the mood to buy a dreamy new dress) go take a look-see. I'd love to hear what you think! (And be sure to pay attention to the names they've chosen for their pieces. They are designers after my own heart!)

*7 Quick Takes*

1. Wow. I haven’t posted anything in a week! It was unplanned, this Internet fast, but just what I needed. Sometimes it’s good to step away from the computer for a spell, don‘t you think? I've spent the last week prepping for Thanksgiving, celebrating Thanksgiving, prepping for Advent, celebrating Advent and joyfully anticipating Christmas! I adore this time of the year.

2. “Dream Job” outcome is still unknown. Prayers continue to be very much appreciated. LOVE these opportunities to trust in God and to embrace His will. I’ll just keep telling myself that until it sinks in.

3. I successfully cooked my first turkey! I didn't even set anything on fire in the process! Of course, Mr. Beguiles got sick immediately afterwards but I feel certain that it had absolutely nothing to do with my cooking. Nope. Not a thing.

4. This has been on my mind all week. Beautiful!

5. I have been attempting to potty train my two year old daughter for two days. I have had no success. And when I say no success I mean no success whatsoever. None. My five year old son, on the other hand, can get her to do anything, including using the potty. This may be the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. My five year old son is going to potty train my baby girl for me! Am I dreaming?

6. My dear friends are about to foster-adopt twins! I've been whistling a happy tune all day. Can you imagine a sweeter Christmas gift? They will be the best parents.

7. Tomorrow is Christmas card picture taking day. Pray. Pray without ceasing.


Stroll on over to Conversion Diary to check out more of these fun Quick Takes entries. Thank you, Jen! You’re the hostess with the mostest!