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Embracing Beauty
Are you lost when it comes to rocking your personal style? Did motherhood completely derail your passion for fashion? Is lack of time, money, or a consistent waistline keeping you from looking your best?
Trina Holden knows how that feels. After 3 kids in 5 years, and the challenges that brings to the budget and the body, beauty in the form of personal style had completely fallen by the wayside. Until the day she decided that she didn’t want to live without this source of joy and fulfillment any longer, and began to rethink her approach to style, and relearn how to dress her body well.
Trina Holden knows how that feels. After 3 kids in 5 years, and the challenges that brings to the budget and the body, beauty in the form of personal style had completely fallen by the wayside. Until the day she decided that she didn’t want to live without this source of joy and fulfillment any longer, and began to rethink her approach to style, and relearn how to dress her body well.
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First published March 27, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 14, 2014
I admit when I first saw this book I thought "This is not a book for me." It was only after reading Crystal Paine's review (she said it was one of her top 10 reads of 2013) that I started to read it. And I am so thankful I did. This book was life changing for me.
I can count on one hand the number of times I have ever felt beautiful in my life. I never felt that I was dressed right, or had the right hair, or my body was either too gangly or (after pregnancy) too fat and bumpy. I dressed frumpily because I wanted to hide how horrible I looked.
This book helped me to realize that all that God has created (including me) is good, and the way He made my body to grow and nourish my children is ALSO GOOD. It allowed me the freedom to find my style and dress with style!
I have been applying the principles as I read them (sorry, tunics, no matter how greatly the hide bumps, are not my style) and am happy to say that today I am wearing an outfit similar to one I pinned on Pinterest (while finding my style) and I feel beautiful!!! :D
If you have ever struggled with how you look, never feeling like you were born with the "looking good" gene, and dress frumpy because you don't like the way you look - this book will encourage you.
I can count on one hand the number of times I have ever felt beautiful in my life. I never felt that I was dressed right, or had the right hair, or my body was either too gangly or (after pregnancy) too fat and bumpy. I dressed frumpily because I wanted to hide how horrible I looked.
This book helped me to realize that all that God has created (including me) is good, and the way He made my body to grow and nourish my children is ALSO GOOD. It allowed me the freedom to find my style and dress with style!
I have been applying the principles as I read them (sorry, tunics, no matter how greatly the hide bumps, are not my style) and am happy to say that today I am wearing an outfit similar to one I pinned on Pinterest (while finding my style) and I feel beautiful!!! :D
If you have ever struggled with how you look, never feeling like you were born with the "looking good" gene, and dress frumpy because you don't like the way you look - this book will encourage you.
November 24, 2014
Pleasantly surprised
I was nervous going into this book -fashion books can be so persnickety. I was pleasantly surprised at what I read, however, as the focus is truly on finding the best way to worship God through what you wear. Huh? Trina (successfully) makes the argument that God is a God of beauty and whenever we admire beauty or do a beautification act, it can be an act of worship. Including what we wear.
On thing I appreciate about this book is that she doesn't tell you what is modest, what to or not-to wear. She puts forth suggestions, tips, but definitely makes it known that modesty is more than the clothes you wear, but the heart behind what you wear. It's very tastefully handled.
For me, the book was not eye-opening. While I have made purely utilitarian purchases because I *just needed something now* I have been trying for several years to make sure my wardrobe isn't just a covering, but something I love. That I feel good in.
I already know the answers to many of the questions Trina puts forth in her book. But I'm not at the end of my journey yet, and it was nice to have the ideas I've been working toward reinforced and spur me to consider making other changes sooner than later.There are many actually practical tips and suggestions in the book, and while I do differ in opinion with her a few times, I found myself agreeing with her far more often than disagreeing.
All in all, I believe this is a wonderful book that will help women embrace the beauty God gave them in a timely, budget friendly manner, all while saving time getting dressed and ready each day. That's something to get excited about.
I was nervous going into this book -fashion books can be so persnickety. I was pleasantly surprised at what I read, however, as the focus is truly on finding the best way to worship God through what you wear. Huh? Trina (successfully) makes the argument that God is a God of beauty and whenever we admire beauty or do a beautification act, it can be an act of worship. Including what we wear.
On thing I appreciate about this book is that she doesn't tell you what is modest, what to or not-to wear. She puts forth suggestions, tips, but definitely makes it known that modesty is more than the clothes you wear, but the heart behind what you wear. It's very tastefully handled.
For me, the book was not eye-opening. While I have made purely utilitarian purchases because I *just needed something now* I have been trying for several years to make sure my wardrobe isn't just a covering, but something I love. That I feel good in.
I already know the answers to many of the questions Trina puts forth in her book. But I'm not at the end of my journey yet, and it was nice to have the ideas I've been working toward reinforced and spur me to consider making other changes sooner than later.There are many actually practical tips and suggestions in the book, and while I do differ in opinion with her a few times, I found myself agreeing with her far more often than disagreeing.
All in all, I believe this is a wonderful book that will help women embrace the beauty God gave them in a timely, budget friendly manner, all while saving time getting dressed and ready each day. That's something to get excited about.
February 24, 2014
Good: Overall, I thought that it was a pretty good book though it is written in an informal style (its clear its from a blogger-type and not a professional, well published author). But that aside the information she provides about embracing beauty, being well dressed and at the same time modest, and all the while being a reflection of who we are as a woman in Christ. She manages all these topics and fairly well, in my opinion.
Other: The only part of the book that I really struggled with was a section she devoted to creating your own sense of style. The author's point of view was to not get locked in to the rules the "fashion world" has created for us based on colors we should wear based on our given appearance, such as skin tone/color, hair color etc. While this is true, you should feel free to wear any color lets say that you like, this doesn't provide much guidance for someone who is grappling with creating a new wardrobe. Saying that anything and everything is fair game... well, it doesn't help much.
If you are looking for a book on wardrobe building (although its a little more urban, like for big city dwellers) look through Jessica Quirk's What I Wore. I'm sure there are plenty of other good wardrobe building books out there, but Quirk's is the only other one I've seen so far that breaks it down, by season, like a recipe book for your closet.
Other: The only part of the book that I really struggled with was a section she devoted to creating your own sense of style. The author's point of view was to not get locked in to the rules the "fashion world" has created for us based on colors we should wear based on our given appearance, such as skin tone/color, hair color etc. While this is true, you should feel free to wear any color lets say that you like, this doesn't provide much guidance for someone who is grappling with creating a new wardrobe. Saying that anything and everything is fair game... well, it doesn't help much.
If you are looking for a book on wardrobe building (although its a little more urban, like for big city dwellers) look through Jessica Quirk's What I Wore. I'm sure there are plenty of other good wardrobe building books out there, but Quirk's is the only other one I've seen so far that breaks it down, by season, like a recipe book for your closet.
December 21, 2014
The author does a nice job of describing what happened in her life which co-opted her ability to develop the tips she is giving us now. Now, most of the book is directed towards women who have children, are going to have children, and how to dress so that each person's style comes out, regardless of what stage you are in. Even if you don't have children, and shouldn't be having children (like minors), it's a good book to help find personal style, color, and the basics (while keeping the things she likes in the back of your mind for later).
I liked that she started off talking about God and how He enjoys beauty, as well as what that means for us women. She covers things like women's worth, modesty, and thrift store shopping (with lots of tips for that last one). The book has suggestions for accessories, including hair, makeup, and jewelry.
She has some Action Steps at the end of a number of chapters, ranging from going through one's closet to looking on (and using) Pinterest boards to find ideas for other style or color choices.
I liked that she started off talking about God and how He enjoys beauty, as well as what that means for us women. She covers things like women's worth, modesty, and thrift store shopping (with lots of tips for that last one). The book has suggestions for accessories, including hair, makeup, and jewelry.
She has some Action Steps at the end of a number of chapters, ranging from going through one's closet to looking on (and using) Pinterest boards to find ideas for other style or color choices.
August 22, 2014
Embracing Beauty does more than just provide fashion and accessory tips that fit every body and budget. Trina Holden ignites a passion for becoming ambassadors of beauty in every area of our hearts and lives.
This book is not just about what’s in our closet, but about how we view our clothes and our bodies. Trina’s words help us moms to see ourselves as God sees us: beautiful creations made in His image. And that’s a beauty worth embracing!
This book is not just about what’s in our closet, but about how we view our clothes and our bodies. Trina’s words help us moms to see ourselves as God sees us: beautiful creations made in His image. And that’s a beauty worth embracing!
April 27, 2014
I enjoyed this fresh take on beauty from a different perspective and the idea of honoring God through reasonable and practical fashion. Some portions of the book did not apply to me because the chapters focused on pregnancy, lactation, and clothing children. However there were several worthwhile parts for women of any age who may struggle with how her faith intersects her sense of style and fashion.
May 25, 2015
I was pleasantly surprised with the size of Embracing Beauty. It’s not a skimpy 40-50 page ebook. This is a 127-page actual book, packed with practical suggestions! You really get your money’s worth, because you can apply everything you learn in an easy and simple way.
Read the entire review here: http://wordswithbooks.com/2013/04/04/...
Read the entire review here: http://wordswithbooks.com/2013/04/04/...
May 12, 2013
The only part of this book that was really beneficial to me was the part about finding your personal neutrals. I enjoyed the Biblical references as well. However, contrary to the author's opinion, long tunics and jeggings are not universally flattering.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews