BEING FASHION FORWARD WHILE REMAINING FAITH-FULL


By Monique Fowlkes


As Church of God in Christ delegates prepare for the 104th Holy Convocation, there will be many things to do ... make travel arrangements, book hotel rooms and reserve rental cars. Along with that preparation, there will be the selecting of the “perfect” garments for the numerous weeklong events. Women will don themselves in fabulous suits, dresses, shoes, jewelry and yes... hats!


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Which fashion trends can


be expected in St. Louis this year? Fall 2011 fashion trends are remi- niscent of the 1960’s mod style with long, sweeping maxi skirts and dresses, Peter Pan collars, pleated skirts and blouses made of soft fabrics, along with bold jewelry. There is a return of polka dots, stripes and hints of lace found on blouses, skirts and dresses. Fur coats, jackets, and vests will be seen, both real and faux.1


And of


course ladies, we cannot write about the latest trends in fashion without sharing what’s hot in hats! We will continue to see many fascinators in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors! Visit www.fascinatorsnyc. comfor a glimpse of the types being worn this fall. As for the most popular fall 2011 colors, visit www. pantone.com and click on Fall 2011 Fashion Color Report under the Features section to see the exciting colors we can expect to see. Ladies, as you make your


garment selections from the myriad of must-have outfits for the Holy Convocation, consider these


The Church of God in Christ Official Manual also admonishes women to refrain from wearing unnecessary, gaudy attire but rather dress in a way that reminds the world that as Christians, we are here to make a difference.


questions: Are you selecting the garment because it is considered “in” for the season, or because the garment is fabulous, appropriate for a Christian to wear and it is right for “you”? To be certain that a garment is right for you, you must first know the type of garment that works best for your specific body type.


Our bodies come in many


different shapes and sizes - from full and fabulous to svelte and sensational! We must learn to love


clothing styles that work best for your body type. It then links you to stores within your community to find clothing specific for your type. This is a must visit website! Once you have identified the style of clothing that works best for your body type, you should now ask, “Does this garment show that I represent Christ and is therefore appropriate for the COGIC Holy Convocation?” The Bible instructs women to be modest in dress. 1 Timothy 2:9-10 (NIV)


Fashion trend information found in Harper’s Bazaar Fall 2011 Fashion and Shopping Guide.


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Monique Fowlkes is a member of Prayer and Faith Temple COGIC (Philadelphia, PA) and the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Jurisdiction.


and embrace whatever body size and type we have been blessed with, knowing that God made us all. The female body comes in 8 different types (shapes): straight, spoon, pear, hourglass, top hour- glass, oval, diamond, and inverted triangle. Which type are you? Not sure? You can start by visiting www.shopyourshape.com. This website allows you to calculate your body type and explore the


states, “I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.” The Church of God in Christ Official Manual also admonishes women to refrain from wearing unnecessary, gaudy attire but rather dress in a way that reminds the world that as Christians, we are here to make a difference.


So, when selecting your garments, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and then listen for His prompting. When in tune with the Holy Spirit, He will let you know when an outfit is too revealing, too tight, too short, etc. Will you heed His prompting? If YES, then you are ready to don those oh-so-fabu- lous fashion forward outfits and hats for the 104th Holy Convocation!


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