Embracing Beauty {an interview with Trina Holden}
Yesterday, I shared with you a bit about my struggles with body image and style as well as a glimpse into how Trina Holden’s new book Embracing Beauty has helped and become an excellent recourse. Today I bring Trina herself to you in the form of an interview. I think you’ll enjoy her candid spirit and informative answers.
1. Can you tell us a little bit of your style journey, and what inspired this project?
I struggled with defining my style and feeling confident with what I wore though my entire teens and twenties. I thought that style was something you were born with–that in the area of fashion there were the ‘haves’ and the have-nots’–and I was in the latter category. It was only in the past several years, with the input and inspiration of several ‘normal’ woman (read: not fashionistas) who had found joy and victory in this area that I believed I could actually attain personal style. I started to study what I loved, take note of what worked for me, and eventually I began to find real satisfaction in the area of style. Then–amazingly!–people started coming to me for fashion advice! I realized I had a lot to share from my journey, so I wrote a book for other gals who may need a little help along the way.
2. While writing your book you did a word study on “beauty” and “adorn” in the Bible, can you tell us a little bit about what you found?
This was my favorite part of writing the book: that moment when I realized that the Bible had more to say about clothing than just a list of ‘thou shalt nots’. First, I saw that God seems to love pretty things even more than I do–in fact, my desire to find, create, and surround myself with beauty is part of His image He planted in me. This helped me move beyond ‘permission’ to dabble in pretty things, to a ‘commission’ to be an ambassador of beauty to those around me, giving the world a glimpse of this aspect of my Father’s character.
I also saw how many times God used clothing–often white robes–to show the world who He had redeemed. I’ve come to believe that our adornment can be yet another way to express the joy of salvation to those around us. I can do this by not listening to the world’s definition of beauty and instead confidently embracing my unique design with clothes that I love and that love my figure.
3. In your book you suggest a tunic style blouse to help with the fluctuating weight of pregnancy. Since the last thing someone with infertility wants to wear is anything that could possibly make them look pregnant (since they are probably dealing with bloating and weight gain centered on the waist), do you have any other suggestions for an easy go-to style?
I have several suggestions!
First, start with a good foundation {garment}. I’m serious! A bra that comfortably lifts and supports you can make a world of difference in your confidence and in the appearance of any outfit you put on. Make sure you’re wearing the right size! (There are lots of tips on the book for measuring yourself properly!)
The next step is to use those beauties to distract from whatever you’ve got going on in the middle. I believe there is a tunic style which can flatter you through the changes your figure may experience when undergoing fertility treatments–the key to the right tunic is the location of the gathers or fullness. Any gathers, details, or tailoring below the breasts (think baby-doll style tunics) will look suspicious. But fullness above the breast highlights the curves you love, while flowing straight down to cover the curves you don’t. Check out these tops that will love quite a few pounds of weight fluctuation without making an announcement…
I also recommend choosing dark shades over light, and embracing long lines wherever you can. See these two styles of cardigans? The ones with long lines will be more flattering than something that stops at or above your waist.
I love the lacy vests and light-weight sweaters with long, drippy front edges, as well as maxi skirts, long necklaces, and long scarves. All these long lines send the message to the brain ‘Long! Straight! Skinny!” and help you ignore extra curves. I use some long accessory or layer in almost every outfit I create.
4. You’ve done a lot of study in nutrition and health, do you have any tips for those of us who are struggling with the common fatigue that accompanies infertility struggles?
- Please give yourself permission to rest as often as you need to! Cultivate a solid night’s sleep by taking cleansing baths before bed (Epsom salts and baking soda in nice, hot water), learn to let go of anxieties, and do whatever you have to do to make your bedroom dark and conducive to sleep. (I have towels hung in front of my bedroom windows while I wait for curtains to fit in the budget!)
- Make sure you’re digesting and thus benefiting from the food you’re eating–take a good digestive enzyme right before each meal, and try adding some fermented foods and condiments to your menu.
- Avoid things like caffeine and sugar which stimulate and drain your adrenal glands, adding to your fatigue.
— just a little note from me: Trina’s cookbook, Real {fast} Food, is an excellent source of healthy recipes and easy how-to’s in the kitchen. If you don’t have a copy, definitely check it out by clicking here!—
5. Your book is full of practical (and frugal) tips from choosing a color scheme to conquering the thrift store. Care to leave us with a little taste of the information your book offers?
There are chapters that discuss–
- seeing our beauty from God’s perspective
- keeping the pursuit of external beauty in balance
- how to balance textures and contrast to bring pizazz to your outfits
- personalizing your look with accessories
- and make-up routines for busy days
Also, almost every chapter is linked to a Pinterest board to continue the inspiration, and I even made several videos to illustrate my favorite scarf ties and some quick hair styles. I include lots of quotes and stories from other women on the journey to embracing beauty, and? I’m told the book is quite hilarious in spots. 😉
Thanks, Trina!
Embracing Beauty is available in PDF version (readable on any computer), Kindle, Nook, and in Paperback.
p.s. I loved all the feedback on my “feminine farmer” outfit from yesterday’s post. 🙂 I thought I’d share another typical farming outfit. This is what I usually grab when my husband invites me on a spur-of-the-moment date. This is the perfect outfit because if we happen to stop to check the hay fields, my feet are covered, but the pretty skirt still makes me feel like I could dance.
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Fun interview and I love your farm girl style! =) How do you create your style collages?
polyvore.com 🙂
These style collages of yours just make me want to meet you in person all the more! Thanks for the lovely ‘chat’ and for hosting me in your lovely space!
Your Farmer’s Wife outfits are tops, Natasha! Please keep sharing. Trina’s book sounds wonderful.
Aren’t they a blast? It makes me smile every time I look at them because… well, they’re actually what I wear, not just something I threw together online! 🙂
Natasha, I think your “Farmer’s Wife” look is absolutely adorable. :] Can’t wait to see more!
Thanks, Erin! It has been a blast realizing that I really do have my own personal “style”.
Oh yay! What a sweet team up! These have been an ADOREABLE couple of posts!
Aw, thanks Jessiqua. They’ve been fun to write and put together. 🙂