Resort 2012 Collection

I must say, I'm quite impressed with the Spring/Summer 2012 collection. I don't usually gauge runway shows or desire to go to the incredibly hectic environment akin in New York or Milan during February, but for the upcoming collections from the helm of the fashion world, I was impressed. Because fashion is so fickle--here today, gone tomorrow, comes back in a little while, then leaves again, entering in a vicious yet repetitive cycle--I like to look at certain brands only once in a while so that I am aware of the newest fashion trends, then contemplate if it's worth mixing it in my closet (I'll give you a hint--I usually don't, but Fall 2010 was the best fashion season in my opinion). This time around, I just may consider buying a plane ticket to Paris sometime in April. Here are the ones that stood out to my amongst the rest:

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

CHANEL

MIU MIU

LOUIS VUITTON

People Pleasing in an Affliction

"You can't please everyone" is a popular and well-known maxim, yet people fail to realize that it is a biblical principle. Galatians 1:10 says this: For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. In the life of a Christian, you serve only to please God, not in the sense that you need to please Him so that you can go to Heaven. No, it's more that since you are in a relationship with God--He is our Heavenly Father--you desire to obey and please Him because you love Him. Akin with your relationship with your parents, do you obey your mother and/or father because you need to or feel that unless you acquiesce to their demand, you won't get what you want? Or because you love them and you show that you love them by obeying them with a glad and cheerful heart? It's likewise with God. Therein lies the question: of whom do you seek the approval--man or God? First, look at the first option. When it says to please man, the world, or anyone else other than God, it's not directly referring to a person; it's referring to ungodly mentality. If you are trying to please the world--again, a mentality of how ungodly people think, love, trust, etc.--then you are ultimately not serving God. How do I know this? Let's look at James 4:4, which says: You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. You must realize that this Scripture is not referring to friending non-Christian people or talking to people who don't necessarily share your faith. It has nothing to do with that; it has more to do with accepting what the world thinks is okay and is normal, even if the Word of God says it's wrong. If you deliberately choose to accept the normalcy of the world even if the Bible says it's not right, regardless of how many people choose to believe it is (Refer to Proverbs 14:12), you are fraternizing with the enemy and who is the enemy? Satan. And since you associate yourself with the evil one, you better keep in mind that he will do his best to mess you up since you've given him legal access. Also, a well known Scripture--yet tediously overlooked--2 Corinthians 6:14, which illuminates the often inevitable downfall of allowing yourself to align your mindset with the world around you: Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what do wickedness and righteousness have in common? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? You see, the problem with associating yourself with someone who does not only share your faith but also values and morals, is that because you spend much time with that person, their thinking often infiltrates you, leading you to think likewise. All that time, all that talking eventually leads you to think and agree with that person's mindset, even if that is biblically and morally incorrect. It often seems something as minuscule as lying. That person may tell you on several occasions that it's all right to lie as long as no one gets in trouble. You hear those words and filters in your mind until you eventually think that it's all right to lie, even if lying is a sin, regardless of the size. Or perhaps, it could be someone who doesn't believe that the Blood of Jesus purchased your healing. That person doesn't believe in that, expresses the incongruity of how Jesus came only for sin (and nothing else) and that we have to live and tolerate our sickness. You hear that so much, it enters your mind, and even if you don't realize it at once, you being to attest to that statement. But you don't say anything because you want to be friends with that person and even though you know in your spirit that it's wrong, you'd rather zip your lip than say anything because you fear that if you say something, that person won't be your friend...and you are frightened that might happen. Pleasing the world (thinking like them, acting like, talking like them) leads to disastrous results. You are more preoccupied with pleasing everyone around you than pleasing the One you serve...not to mention the One who paid the price for eternal paradise. Pleasing everyone except God has fatal consequences, one of which, as you have seen in James 4:4, that is you are enemy to God, then surely you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. You choose to go to Heaven but be cautious because friends have the ability to drag you to hell based on decisions that have a rippling effect. I must clarify that being friends with unsaved people is not sin; in fact, it's encouraged that you reach to them. It's a sin when you become like them. Jesus hung out with tax collectors and prostitutes but Jesus didn't come a tax collector or prostitute, nor did He think or behave like one. When you are trying to please people, what are you trying to gain? Are you trying to gain their acceptance? love? trust? confidence? or something else underlying that? With God, you don't have to try or gain something; He has already given it to you. Being so amicable with the world that you become like it separates you from God and just as sin is described as separation from God, you therefore don't go to Heaven; you go to another destination and at what cost? Is it worth pleasing man? Stuffing your pride, morals, values, and faith in a corner in order to be popular or have a large network of friends has its price. You are worshipping something other than God. I say people please is an affliction because it's not something you pass on; it's generated through an intricate series of choices that ultimately lead you to this location. Are you trying to please God or man? Are you so friendly with the world that when certain things that the Bible has said is wrong for all generations and for all time (even though the media attempts to portray that it's okay, that it's normal, and that it's not wrong) you agree with everyone else? What does evil and wickedness have in common with light and righteousness? Nothing, my friends, and that is why saturating yourself in the world's mentality darkens and dims your light and Christ is the light and if He's not shining brightly in you, what is?

Top 5: Dresses and Things

I apologize for not writing sooner and experiencing tardiness when posting, but alas, university documents and school assignments beckons. Anyhow, with the burgeoning warm weather I'm experiencing, dresses have presented itself in my attire. I've always fancied dresses; they are versatile--varying from formal to chillax to posh. 

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Selena Gomez's lavender dress is utterly divine. The cut, the colour, the length...be still my beating heart! With skin akin to her's (dark hair, brown eyes, olive complexion), this colour does wonders in addition to adding a dewy complexion. And completing her legs and arms.

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I've never been one to like abstract designs or funky details, but this Rebecca Taylor dress prompts me to change my view on that. The cut is modest, the length is complementary, and the colours is perfect for summer!

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Let me be clear on one thing: I am not a fan of Kim Kardashian; her dress, however, is a different story. The one-sholdered, belted dress is wonderful on her olive skin. It's the right length to set of the legs without looking skanky or scandily-clad. The dress is perfect.

4.

I am a huge fan of Camilla Belle's fashion style. It's simple, polished, and classy with a modern, funky edge. The dress is interesting and her shoes are amazing. This outfit would certainly turn heads!

5.

I like cut-outs; that could be the result that I can pull off cut-outs, but the simple design, the fresh cut-outs at the waist doesn't set the wrong tone for this Max Mara dress. The long-shouldered, bandeau neckline, knee-length dress is appropriate for a summery evening.

I just realized that 3 of theses dresses are white. Mhmm, perhaps it's time to find the perfect LWD.

Audrey

Audrey Hepburn was much more than just an actress; she was a fashion icon. Her style, still prevalent, epitomes style and class with simplicity. She, after Blair Waldorf, is to whom I look for fashion inspiration and like a new page in a book, I always find something different. I'm nothing if not a tad obsessed...

Summer Reads

I like to read a great deal. But I should elaborate that I absolutely cannot stand poorly written or jargon-directed dialogue; I like rich vocabulary, thick story lines that tantalizes the reader and lurches you in the story, and fluid transitions. If it's too choppy or too easy to read, then I get bored with it far too easily. I like to submerged in the plot, as if I am third party observing its events. With summertime around the corner and burgeoning warm weather, it's a pure pleasure to sit outside, languidly placed under a tree, and read. Perhaps it's reminiscent of past times, but it's relaxing to sit and grow anxious in whatever story you're in. In the summer, believe it or not, I tend to gravitate towards summery themes--girl goes somewhere for the summer, girl visits old summertime locale and falls in love with a local boy, etc. Here are some good reads for under the hot, scorching sun.

1. Along for the Ride

This book has everything a young girl dreams of having in a summer: a blossoming romance with a handsome local boy, friendship with the girls in a small, seashore town, as well as uncovering your own identity while enjoying the vista. If there is a definition of a summer novel, this is it. Readers will not be disappointed.

2. The Great Gatsby

Granted, it's not set in the summer, but it's the roaring '20s. As well a man courting a married woman because he realizes he is deeply and ardently in love with her. Need I say more?

3. The Last Song

Okay, I admit, the film adaptation did not do this book justice, putting aside any animosity I harbour towards Miley Cyrus and focusing on the fact that she did not express in the inner angst or turmoil that Ronnie has. Or the fact that the character was about as shallow and insipid as Cyrus herself. However, the plotline, including her love with Will as well as her deep love for her father, shine in this beacon of a novel. In true quintessential Nicholas Sparks premise, it will break your heart and make you want to fall in love. Also, the backdrop of a small seaside town in Georgia makes you want to find yourself a nice Southern boy.

4. Faithful

Set in the turn of the century, it's about a young girl who is forced to relocate halfway across the country due to low income in high society where she falls in love with a dashing boy in Montana. It's a young girl's journey to discover who she really is and who she wants to be. A beautiful story beautifully written.

5. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series

These four (soon to be five!!) books are an excellent summer read because not only does it take place during the summer, but the interlocking plotlines surrounding each girl--Lena, Tibby, Brigit, or Carmen--makes you feel as though you are experiencing it with them. It will make you laugh, cry, and love all over again.

6. The Summer trilogy (The Summer I Turned Pretty, It's not Summer without You, and We'll Always have Summer)

Jenny Han captures a story in her own way. Following the life of Isabel, "Belly" is in love with two boys: two brothers of the name Conrad and Jeremiah. Over the period of four years (and three summers at a summer resort), she must choose with whom she wants to be with: Conrad, the first love and only real love, or Jeremiah, her best friend and love (albeit differently than that of his brother). Such an addicting read because we all want to fall in love with two alarmingly handsome boys and have them pine for you...(or perhaps it's just me). It's all about the decision of the heart: will it be who you're comfortable with, been surrounded with your whole life, and mesh well together or will it be the one you love, even if everyone is saying you should be with the other brother? When you love someone, you can't erase it. And in this story, it's evident.

7. Pride & Prejudice (Insight Edition)

Everyone has a guilty pleasure; mine is Pride and Prejudice. In this edition, there are tidbits on the side, offering movie insight, definitions and descriptions of life in 19th century England. It brings life and energy to a literary classic. Plus, who doesn't love the subtly sexy and brooding Mr. Darcy?

Healed By the Blood

Sometimes, it's nice to be renewed with an old message but an everlasting truth: you are healed by the Blood of Jesus. Blessed with this message from Dr. Creflo Dollar, I hope you will too in addition to understanding exactly why and how we are healed by His Blood. 

In case you would like the link to the full video on his website, http://streaming.worldchangers.org.edgestreams.net/archives/daily/2011/May_11_healed_by_the_blood_300.wmv. Or, if you prefer to browse through many of his powerful teachings, here is the link: http://www.creflodollarministries.org/Broadcast/Broadcast.aspx.

Be blessed!

Music Playlist: Extreme Rock

Perhaps the one thing that truly astounds me in the sense that a) I had not seen that coming and b) why do you find it so surprising? is that one of my favourite genre of music is hard/hardcore/nu metal rock. The flummoxed and broken composures of people who inquired and I gave the reply to such a query surprises everyone I tell. Imagine, a girl obsessed with vintage clothing, decked in a classic black sheath, nude pumps, cat-eye liner, red nail polish, and pearls likes to listen to immensely hard rock music. Oddly, it contrasts my demure and polished style; but I really like to let my hair down and scream at the top of my lungs. Might I suggest a few bands?

1. RED

2. Thousand Foot Krutch

3. Skillet (the Comatose era...)

4. Pillar

5. Stryper

6. Disciple

7. Flyleaf

8. Fireflight

9. Decyfer Down

10. P.O.D.

11. August Burns Red

12. The Devil Wears Prada

13. Demon Hunter

14. Underoath

15. Narnia( yes, there is a band inspired by C. S. Lewis's literary masterpiece, hailing from Sweden)

Currently, I am submerged in RED's newest release, Until We Have Faces. The first track, Feed the Machine is, in one word, epic. It's an amazing song, with impressive rhythm, spectacular guitars, and screaming lyrics that makes me want to whip my hair back and forth! Enjoy.

Top 5: Dita Von Teese

I will avoid remarking about Dita's--ahem--"profession", simply because in this regard, it bears no significance. Her style, however, does. She epitomes the '40s pin-up style, coyly seducing her audience through her choice of wardrobe. On various occasions, she embodies a timeless era, as if she had just stepped out of a time machine, tantalizing viewers with her ensembles, which is precisely what fashion does...and she has done it remarkably.

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I don't have much to add except that she really knows her style and what works for her. I think it's admirable that she simply stays with what she knows works and has classified her style rather than wearing what's on trend. I wouldn't mind raiding her closet...