Charity Case: Skirting Around

"I'm not a risk taker. I don't do plunging necklines or really short skirts. I try to stay as classy as possible

and provide a little mystery." - Kristen Bell

Growing up in school, I was always asked, "Why do you always wear skirts?" and I would sheepishly say, "because" and quickly change the subject. I thought it would sound stupid if I said, "It's against my religion.". In Oklahoma EVERYBODY is religious, for the most part, so it would just bring up another question, followed with another question and I really didn't feel like getting into a religious debate over this issue at 10 years old. My dad gave me some very good advice when I was in school, as I mentioned how everybody asked why I always wore skirts and they made fun of me, especially when it was cold outside. They thought it was dumb that I wore a skirt, even though I had on tights and about 3 pairs of socks, in frigid 30 degree weather. The advice he gave me was this, "Charity, the next time someone asks you this, respond with, "Wouldn't it be really weird seeing all these boys walking around wearing skirts?". As I grew older, my dad gave me this great illustration. What signs represent the Women and Men's restroom? It's the universal symbol. It separates the women from
the men. Simple as that.

As I grew older, I could care less what others thought of how I dressed and why I only wore skirts. This could be because I was home schooled throughout high school, so my only "school" peers were my family. Ha! But as I started working a public job and going to college, when someone would ask, I would say, "I grew up only wearing skirts and it's just my preference.". I left it at that. I never went into a spill of the reasons behind it, unless someone was genuinely curious. When it comes to my religious beliefs, I've proceeded with caution. I strongly believe that your actions speak louder than your words and people will respect that. If the opportunity or door opens to discuss your faith and belief, anybody with common sense will sense that and all else will fall into place. I don't want others cramming their religious beliefs down my throat, and I would imagine they wouldn't want the same, either. I've learned that living in the melting pot of North America, everything goes. People ask because they're curious and even intrigued, not out of judgment. Trust me, me wearing a skirt all the time is extremely mundane and boring compared to everything else you see in San Francisco. Young girls (if you're reading this), a skirt stands out. It's classy, feminine and is a nice breath of fresh air for many, when they see you in a skirt. If girls can dye their hair every color under the sun and pierce every body part, I'm sure wearing a skirt all
the time isn't such an eyesore.

But what if you did say, "It's against my religion."? So what? The Muslims pray 5 times a day. The Jews don't eat certain types of food. Catholics walk around with ashes on their forehead, for an entire day, in reverence to "Ash Wednesday". Jehovah Witness don't believe in holidays. Monks take a vow of silence. Nuns take a vow of celibacy. Did you know that Senior Digambar Monks of Jainism, go naked? That'll make people be grateful to see you in a skirt all the time. Hundreds and thousands of other religions practice their beliefs with conviction. Wear it proud, ladies!

Let's Not Skirt Around the Issue

Times are very different than when I was in school. Skirts are all the rage. Hmph, funny. In fact, within the last two years, they've trended tremendously. As always wearing skirts, I welcome this with open arms, as I'm sure any other skirt wearing lady does. With the help of my best friend, I decided to celebrate this.

I'm a full time student, majoring in Journalism. In the meantime, I happen to have a little accessories business, which helps carry me through college, without starving. Ok, I might be a little dramatic, when I say that. I put two years of focus and dedication into this business, but life has a funny way of changing things and now, as I mentioned, it's a means to get me through college and a fabulous little hobby. Since going back to school (I've taken a couple years off), my friends and family have been extremely supportive and helpful. They have gone out of their way to help make my life a little easier, as I focus on my studies. Case in point: Deana (my best friend) happens to own a business So What Industries, which is tailor made men's business casual and dress shirts. She's absolutely amazing. Seriously. Last year, we partnered up and launched a men and boy's accessory collection with my little business, Dainty Button. This has been quite a hit, I might add. A couple weeks ago, I had this brainstorm after she had worn the most adorable maxi skirt and confessed to making it. What?!! Charity's little mind was going crazy with the possibilities. To sum this up, we put our heads together and have partnered together to design knit maxi skirts. This was perfect. It helped take the load off of me, while I finish school up this year, while meeting both of our needs. So, I design and she tailor makes them. Now before you think, "Oh, I can go buy that at Target.". Wrong. The difference is you're investing into two individuals, not a money hungry corporate business that hires little children to do their dirty work. Ok, I might be wrong about the little children part, but it drew a very nice picture, yeah? These are not some cute skirts we've found at wholesale and decided to resell them, nor are they cheaply made. You're helping a student get an education and a young woman make ends meet. And now that I've pitched this great sales pitch, let me continue with my point. The thing is, although skirts have trended, it's still difficult at times, to find really cute skirts that are just that perfect fit, while being super cute. I put these two into consideration, when I decided to do this little project and here's what Deana and I came up with. Please note, you can purchase these skirts at Dainty Button. Below, I've dissected each photo with what I've paired each skirt with. The explanation to this is following the photo gallery.

Tee: Target

Wrap: BCBG

Skirt: Dainty Button

Tights: Forever 21

Boots: Steve Madden (These boots, I wear with EVERYTHING! They're great!)

Tee: Target

Skirt: Dainty Button

Scarf: Old Navy

Tee: H & M

Sweater Wrap: Nordstrom Rack

Skirt: Dainty Button

Blouse: Forever 21

Skirt: Dainty Button

And here's my partner in crime, Miss Deana. We make a good team!

When I posted the pictures on Facebook, I was asked if the entire ensembles were for sale. No, folks. I'm not that good. I just like fashion. I'm asked often, about my wardrobe and how do I think of putting certain colors and styles together. To be honest, I just throw things together. If it looks good, great! I hate a matchy matchy look. While I don't like a matchy matchy look, I also don't like looking like a complete hot mess. It all depends on how you shop and put things together. For example, I love Forever 21. In fact, I could spend a fortune in that store. You would hardly ever guess looking at my wardrobe that the majority of the ensemble is from Forever 21. Here's what I look for when I shop:

1. A busy skirt? Look for something solid. Too many patterns can make you look like a clown. The same thing applies to a blouse.

2. Not matching is a GOOD thing. Matching is out. ALTHOUGH, you don't want to look like a crayon box. I try to keep to a color scheme. Example; earth tones, rich jewel tones offset with a little black, pastels with maybe a brown, grey and brown look good together, etc.

3. I try to mix my wardrobe up. A chameleon of sort. It keeps it interesting.

4. A fedora or hat of some sort needs to be in your wardrobe, somewhere.

5. Accessorize but don't look like a walking Claire's. Add a cute belt, scarf, etc.

Have you ever done a polyvore? You know those pictures you see in the fashion magazines that have different items pieced together, making one fabulous outfit? Ok, well there's a website for that. I created an account and started piecing. My username is CharityBrooke. It's so much fun! Here's a few things I put together, to give you an idea of what I might piece together.

Polyvore #1

This is more of a preppy look, but with these shoe options, the look can totally change.