It's Lent! What's a girl to wear?

It's Lent!  It's Great!  It's Great Lent!  

 Great Lent began two days ago for us Eastern Orthodox folks, starting with the Forgiveness Vespers service.  Most of my readers perr-ROB-bably know what I'm talking about.  Basically, we have the blessed opportunity to ask EVERYONE in our parish for forgiveness, face-to-face, with sincere embracing.  Many bow towards one another, some even make a full prostration, all the way to the ground.  Either way, there's a bit more cardio activity involved in this beautiful service.

    I know that worrying about outward appearances is fairly contrary to the purpose of Great Lent.  But you know me; I love to sew, and I love the analyze pragmatic fashion. I admit, I can get a little panicky getting dressed Sunday morning.  I mean, I try to make an effort, and that's a bit of a stretch for me!  Lenten services are even trickier. Coming up with outfits that meet the below criteria is more difficult than one might think!

X.K.'s Personal Criteria for a Lenten (or most any church-related) outfit:

#1-- Naturally, has to be church appropriate

#2-- It has to be breast-feeding friendly

#3-- No elastic waist skirts-- otherwise I'm just one whiny, grabby toddler away fom being de-skirted!  Don't ask me how I know this. 

#4-- No low cut or gaping necklines. They just don't mix when there are lots of      forward-leaning movements (prostrations, bows) involved.  Since I haven't worn a turtleneck since the 8th grade, and I don't look good in high necklines, I ideally like to have an ever-so-gentle, modest amount of neck exposure.   

#5-- Vainly, it has to cover my midsection completely without being too    tight/unflattering. I've got a pudgy, postpartum tummy that must remain unseen, and I don't want my lower back/ spare tire exposed if I have to lean over.

#6-- Can't be too short. Mind you, I don't wear mini skirts. But I do have a few skirts/

dresses that hit just below the knee. But guess what? After making 2 nice shirt-dresses that actually FIT me during this weird “excess baby weight” stage, Job pointed out that when I lean over, they rise up a little too much in the back. I don't know how much, I just know that when my husband actually has an opinion on something fashion-related, I'd best LISTEN!

#7-- Can't get overheated in it. Layers are nice for this... but a streamlined, no fuss outfit is even nicer.

#8-- Sensible, nice and comfortable shoes

#9-- Can't look like a complete slob. Only because I'm 30 now, with 4 kids, and I have to sort of start making an effort at some point, right? I'm not a 115 pound college student anymore, and I can't get away with rolling out of bed and putting on the first skirt I see over my jeans. At least, not around here :D hehehe.

This image represents what I wore last Sunday for Forgiveness Vespers. Surprisingly, it actually worked out quite nicely!

A. No-brand, navy blue knit sweater-ish top. Recently thrifted at Value Village. Nice, oversized but feminine fit. Surprisingly, it was quite breathable and I didn't get overheated in it. Obviously, not a wool blend.

B. Self-sewn skirt (Simplicity 2257). It's made of a normal quilt-weight cotton. But it has a thick, stable waistband that hits at the natural waist and actually offers some nice tummy control. I definitely need a couple more of these in my wardrobe!

C. Headscarf. Amazingly, my kids don't yank on it. Amazingly, I've grown really used to it. It also scares off the zombies. So for now, it stays!

D. Insert adorable but loud child from Diagram 1 here.  Feeling daring?  Add a second, third and/or fourth! 

I forgot to add shoes.  Sorry I'm not good at drawing shoes, let alone on Paint.  I've had these Naot mule sandals for looong time now.  I even bought them second-hand, and they're still going strong!  Yay Ebay 2005! 

So there it is.  My full-functional, not-too-sloppy, kid-proof, embarrassment proof outfit.  I may not strut around like some Versace diva... but that doesn't mean I'm not incredibly vain.  

I hope you have a VERY blessed Lent!  I look forward to attending as many services as I can, reading Everyday Saints and hopefully tending more to my inner state than my external one.  

Kali Sarikosti!!  Good 40 days to you!