It’s time to introduce you guys to another of my friends. This is Richaél (Rickie), author of the blog Shoebox Intrigues. When I first met her I remember thinking she must have an endless supply of pretty dresses. Turns out that she has made this year the “Year of the Dresses,” meaning that she will only wear dresses and skirts to social events and outings. It was part of a journey of learning to love her femininity and embrace being treated like a woman.
I admit I also had a difficult time with this as well, not allowing men to treat me as a lady merely because I mistrusted their intentions (assuming they either 1)thought I was weak or 2)had ulterior motives). But as Rickie and I discovered on our separate journeys, it’s always better to give people the benefit of the doubt! I think we should encourage these little acts of chivalry, so that more men would show us the respect of acting like gentlemen.
Anyway, I asked Rickie to share a bit about her personal style:
My style is in large part influenced by the 1940’s & 1950’s. Not in an obvious way of era inspired pieces, but the overall feminine silhouette that is always portrayed in the style of that time. In order to achieve this silhouette, I think you have to pay attention to the ‘big picture’ of the soft and subtle curves of the female form and not have one attribute taking all the attention. This translates to not have my bust, legs, backside or mid-section being the focal point of, well, me. I make sure this doesn’t happen by not showing the skin or having my clothes hugging me too tightly in those areas. (I like pieces with structure- a defined waistline, darting, and proper proportions.)
There is strength, dignity, and power in being a woman.
I love being a woman, and the obvious aspect of being a woman is the body. There is strength, dignity, and power in being a woman and it’s natural for me to desire to uphold those great things about my womanhood by dressing in a way that shows my God given beauty in its entirety. I don’t want to be seen as the summation of my body parts- that destroys the ‘big picture’ of WHO I AM not only on a physical level but also as a woman, as a person.
This dress is from Burlington Coat Factory! Can you believe it? She’s the one who suggested I go there to find pretty dresses. I haven’t had such good luck yet, but I’d love to find one like this.