Underboob

Just a PSA for you ladies out there: when you raise your arms up, your bra cup should not hike up and show underboob. If that’s happening, you’re in the wrong bra size.

PeaceBang continues to despair about proper foundation garments among the clergy. She attended a fancy event some weeks ago where one of her colleagues was obviously braless, with results that were both sloppy, inappropriate and distracting.

If you must go braless for medical reasons, it is still possible to wear something that prevents all sorts of flopping around. Feminist commitments aside, no one’s dignity or freedom is served by anyone walking around looking like she has two muskrats fighting it out under her silk shirt.

For heaven’s sake.

Context Is A Consideration, Not a Justification

We all know that how we dress for ministry is partially determined by our context, but I do push back at that concept on occasion when I hear it being used to justify dressing way down. “My people wear hoodies and shorts to worship, so I wear jeans because I want them to feel like I’m not trying to be BETTER THAN THEM.”

Huh? Since when does showing respect for the leading of corporate worship signal arrogance or competitiveness? It’s your job to represent the highest ideals of your religious community, not to attire yourself like a social pal who’s heading to a night of beers and a movie. Wut the wut? Take repsonsibility for your role, people!

Anyway, sometimes I see a garment or accessory that gives me private giggles when I think of the looks on people’s faces if I wore it to church. I was looking at this bag, because I have a funny penchant for Western-style wear, kind of unusual for a New England girl. But I do. So here’s this bag. It’s cute. I’m not going to get it or anything but I like it:

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And then I saw this, and I bust out laughing:

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Good God, that’s about the wrongest accessory I can imagine for my ministerial context. Anyone’s, actually. Unless you’re like the NRA chaplain or something.

I Can’t Even With These Sunglasses On Guys

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There’s a nasty word I won’t say here that describes these sunglasses. Please just don’t wear them, guys. They’re so scaggy. There are SO many other nice styles of sunnies you can rock. Avoid the wrap-around and the mirrored glasses. Please. Don’t make me say that word.

Petite Little Accessories

I hate to tell you, girly girls, but little, pretty accessories are OUT. One of the easiest and least expensive ways to update your look is to get a few statement pieces and rock them. Find stylish types on Instagram and follow them for ideas. Get outside your comfort zone. Think less “I’m wearing this petite locket because it’s so dear to me” and more “I have an event today : how can I project that I am a person of NOW to a community that needs a powerful religious witness NOW for TODAY’s issues.”

Save the lovely little bracelets and invisible earrings for days at the office. For anything more public, you need something bolder. Start looking for ideas and trying new things. If you’re not on Instagram or Pinterest, please do join and open your visual world. For those of us who live in our heads and in the Spirit, this is an important way to balance the verbal, metaphysical and emotional realm with beauty, art and non-verbal communication.

These are my favorites right now. Click to enlarge. I totally magically erased my triple chin, too!
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#BaubleBar

Follow PeaceBang on Instagram and Pinterest!

Butterflies

Butterflies are a symbol of Resurrection and just right for Eastertide. One of the things I do when we do a child dedication is to walk the little one around the church to introduce them to the congregation after the ritual of blessing. So I knew people would be seeing a lot of the back of my head — not that they noticed with that adorable baby around!

This kind of thing can get really precious and twee on an old lady like me (or anyone, to be honest with you), so use your own judgment. I got these butterflies on Etsy. They’re made of paper and they’re just green – no glitter, no pinky rainbows. Just green. I love them. So call me twee! I’m twee!

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Now to the beach with the hound. I haven’t had a real day off in weeks so I’m stealing time where I can. And yes, I know I’m not setting a good example! Shush already!