Darlings, PeaceBang seems poised to have fifteen minutes of fame. Or maybe just fifteen seconds. Whatever the case, she is tentatively excited by the fact that an esteemed journalist from the Boston Globe has interviewed her and is planning to do a story on her Glamorous Life of Blogging. Which, as you know, IS deeply glamorous. As subsequent photos will undoubtedly show, PeaceBang blogs in a tiara and a bugle-beaded gown and always has at least a dozen yellow roses on her Chippendale desk as she composes these posts — all memorable, all profound.
THAT said, the Globe reporter would very much like to speak with some of you about WHY in the name of God you read this blog, and whether or not it has HELPED you in your quest for a lovelier, more polished public image, and whatever else you would care to tell him, for instance, how you plan to invite PeaceBang to your waterfront summer home because you adore her that much.
If you’d be so inclined to participate in the story, please indicate your willingness in the comments section, and I will forward your e-mail address to the appropriate place.
Ta-ta, dears. PeaceBang is rather a nervous wreck about all of this, but she is willing to be brave for The Cause.*
*The de-frumpification of the American clergy.
You’ve done great service to those of us who feel that living in California does not make Birkenstocks and thick tights appropriate formal attire. Have that writer from the Globe call me here on the West Coast and I’ll tell him tales of how my life has changed — among other things, my 6’1″ self is now tottering about the town in 2# heels because I finally gave in to wearing beautiful shoes over tending the tender egos of shorter colleagues. I am dressing better, feeling better about spending the money to look good, and talking more often with my colleagues about matters of style and service thanks to the inspiration of this blog. My e-mail is molly@cephasconsulting.com, and I am known on this board as Bay Bridge Episcopal.
another west coaster here. I’m in if it would be helpful.
(rev.brownell@gmail.com)
THIS is great news!
of course, PB, *anything* for you!
(well, almost anything)
a fellow Boston-area-er, I am
spiralwomyn13@yahoo.com and more than willing to sing your praises in multi-media style.
🙂
I’d be glad to wax on about how you are helping those of us in that big expanse of farmland between the coasts 😉
I just bought a lovely black suit and pumps that I will reserve exclusively for liturgical use, thanks to you!
sign me up, too! I’ve reduced my usage of theme socks to only once a week now. julie@philandjulie.com
If they choose to stray off-topic and want to hear from non-clergy devotees, you know where to find me.
Can’t wait to read the article. You must be thrilled!
Ah, another New Englander, though from that “other” Ivy. I am not as glamorous as I would like, but I have passed your blog on to many clerically inclined Elis with great delight. I still wear tights (sorry), but moisturize like there’s no tomorrow, and have retired all my not quite fitting clothes. I’m a partial success story.
susan.olson@yale.edu
I’m a person seeking a position in the baptist faith. Not many women role models around in my area. How am I supposed to know what to wear? We didn’t have a fashion show in my women in ministry class in divinity school.
I would gladly talk to the reporter. amyalin at gmail dot com
I would be happy to say something inappropriate to the press.
Looking for geographic diversity? Midwestern Lutheran who read every new post on your site, but rarely comments. Happy to answer questions: pinkshoes76@hotmail.com
Dearest PeaceBang,
I’m the NJ cleric who wore Pink Flamingo flip flops and a Boston RedSox cap and shirt to the hotel bar for a late night dinner during General Convention in Columbus OH during June of 2006.
You wrote a litany for me. Remember?
I am happy to talk about how your fashion sense was my salvation, and other things that might interest the secular press about women clerics (Will they ever get beyond how we dress differently from the boyz? Duh!)
(Writes she who is typing this while wearing her ankle-length black skirt trimmed with a modicum of black fringe, ankle-high Dansko boots that are eggplant with a zipper and two snaps on the side, to match her eggplant sweater, and her multicolored Guatemalan scarf, all appropriate accented with plain silver jewelry.)
Momma, are you proud of my progress?
Darling, you’re doing a great service to clergy and non-clergy alike. Even for the non-clergy, dressing myself in that middle ground between frump and hoochie mama is always a challenge. Feel free to forward my email to your reporter friend if he’s looking for the non-clergy POV. Ta! dstram@verizon.net
I must remain pseudonymous here and in the Globe, but you know who I am so let me know whether there is anything I can do.
Note: Seen at the annual assembly of the Episcopal Urban Caucus yesterday in Raleigh, NC: the two best-dressed women bishops (but Elizabeth, you are right, why are we so preoccuppied with the women? I point out these two women purely in the context of PeaceBang’s forum — they also happen to be wonderful *as bishops* but we’re about fashion here — so here goes): 1) The ever fabulous Barbara Harris (first woman bishop in the Anglican Communion, ordained bishop in Boston, 1989), who just reminded me that she was about to turn 77. We should all look so good. Oh those suits!! Coco Chanel would be proud. The fabulously fitted jackets, the simple line in the skirts, the colors that make the wearer look gorgeous, the slender simple lines married to a rich selection of colors, the perfect choices for African American beauty. All looking good with the clerical collar, which doesn’t overwhelm. Endless applause to Bishop Barbara. 2) Nedi Rivera (our first Latina woman bishop, residing in the Pacific Northwest), who already impressed me in the San Francisco Bay Area for her total lack of frump when she was a priest — nail polish, great short haircut, bright sweaters over the clerical shirt. She’s still doing it with the bishop’s collar. Bright, sometimes even whimsical patterns and colors over the clericals –and including textured fabrics (*texture* is a great thing to play with, by the way, over clericals), nice makeup, short easy-care but clearly careful haircut, manicured nails (red! but she wasn’t leading worship, just hanging out), and she looks healthy and in good shape at a radiant age 60, and the bright smile, compassion, and energy add to the beauty. Many, many cheers to Bishop Nedi.
And seen in Chapel Hill, NC* the same day, not on a clergywoman, but I just have to report it: a fabulous fuchsia cloche, perfect for a cold winter day, with a neutral-colored coat and a scarf of a brightness somewhere between the two. Lovely brief encounter between Katharine Jefferts Schori, the Presiding Bishop, who was in town for the two occasions, and of course wearing her fuchsia bishop’s shirt, and this lay woman in her adorable fuchsia cloche. Yes, they commented on the meeting of the fuchsias. My lips are sealed beyond that. There’s enough fluff and nonsense written about the PB and I don’t wish to add to it, she has enough problems to deal with these days.
* At the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the first Eucharist celebrated by Pauli Murray, the first African American Episcopal priest, also a distinguished lawyer, poet, and writer, who advocated for both racial and gender justice.
Reporting in from the Southland,
Caroline
Pennsylvania Lutheran, daily reader – I’ve just purchased my very first “funeral suit,” so I can wear the collar and look pulled together at a moments notice. (Clean Lines, traditional cut, little grey pinstripes)
I appreciate your watchfulness and wariness of frump, as a 24 year old seminary student who is NOT ready for jumpers and orthopedic shoes. eboyer@ltsg.edu if you want to pass it along.
You are all so entirely lovely, you make my heart sing.
Elizabeth, my beautiful friend, you win PeaceBang’s Most Improved Award! I am really, quite seriously thrilled to hear about your emerging Super Star and to think that I played a part in your transformation.
Michael Paulson of the Globe would love to talk to you. Can you write to me at peacebang-at-msn.com and let us know how we can get in touch?
Thanks so much to you all. Kiss of Peace! *smooch*
Elizabeth, the Dansko boots sound fab!
Congrats. (And I’m a fan of your blog.)
By the way, Elizabeth’s conversion experience began here:
http://beautytipsforministers.blogspot.com/2006/06/what-to-wear-for-crisis.html
Here’s a REAL beauty tip: Dansko boots on sale at http://www.danskooutlet.com
http://www.danskooutlet.com/Dansko-Outlet/Womens/Footwear/Boots/Style/Rayne/Eggplant/detail.aspx?3005400200
The Rayne boot is availble in eggplant suede in sizes 37, 38, 39 and 40 and in black leater in 40, 41 and 42. $85.
Beauty for your feet, proper alignment for you back, comfort for your body, all at reduced price.
You are most entirely welcome.
PB, darling, Michael, the reporter from the Globe has contacted me. His people are going to call my people. We’ll talk. I’ll say wonderful things about you.
No charge. No really. You have been my fashion salvation. I could never repay you. I am forever a deeply grateful debtor.
So you have been talking about this for months now, when is it going to happen?
Elizabeth, thank you! I had actually just gone snooping around the web and found the nice eggplant boots just around the time you posted the info. Now I have to count up my pennies. LOVE the color. And you are the perfect person to be interviewed for this, because you will be eloquent on the subject of women in ministry as well as on the subject of clothes.
Keep us posted, y’all.
Air kisses from the chilly Southland, where we are moisturizing like good little girls and boys.
I’m in sister. Tell the sweet reporter to contact this southern belle. I’ll do some serious testifyin’.
smooches,
Janet