Modestly Yours

Tznius-ista

On Sunday, May 30th, Natasha Budovitch (Lead Graphic Designer of Suzy Shier) and her team of clothing designers, hair and makeup stylists, as well as photographers and managers put together the second annual Tznius-ista Fashion Show in Toronto.  (The word "tznius" means modest in the Hebrew language).  In front of a women-only audience, a group of about 15 models strutted their stuff down the runway, modeling the latest and hottest, yet completely modest clothing designed by various well-known fashion designers.  While the girls were getting fitted (by the designers themselves) prior to the show, there were times when the designers couldn't quite understand why one girls' collar bone couldn't be showing, or why another girls' skirt couldn't be hiked up just a little more.  However, Natasha was determined to put on a show that would cater to the needs of an ever-growing market for fashionable, yet modest clothing.  

It was truly a beautiful event.  For many of the models, it was literally the first time in their lives that they had put on skirts that went below the knee and shirts that had longer sleeves and higher necklines.  Even the designers themselves walked away with a greater appreciation for dressing modestly.  After having an extensive conversation with a particular designer about modesty, she mentioned how she was now considering designing an entirely new line of modest clothing for young women.  The entire event was such an incredible opportunity, not only for the models and designers, but for everyone involved--as we were all able to celebrate and feel proud that that there are modest clothes available for women who want them.

Take a look at some of the photos!  If you like any of the outfits, let me know and I can direct you to the Tznius-ista homepage where you can check out the designer information and additional photos!  












 
 

PJ Daze

I almost never watch any T.V, but with 15 minutes left on the elliptical timer at the gym and a dead iPod, I needed something to keep me going!  The Oprah show was the only show that seemed worthwhile watching and the first half was actually quite enjoyable.  She was interviewing this man named Nate who had spent some time with Richard Branson on his boat.  But after just a short commercial break, we were introduced to another man who walked out on stage in nothing but his bathrobe as he explained that Nate's pants had ripped that morning and he had nothing else to wear. Huh? He generously took off his own pants and offered them to Nate, only to realize that he was now short of a pair of pants.  What does a guy do when he's short of a pair of pants?  Throw on a pair of pajamas!  

Okay, I understand how this was meant to be something cute and funny to laugh at, but I think that's the exact problem that I have with it--something that is meant to only be worn to sleep is now being televised live for the entire world to view.  Our society has severely blurred the lines between the private and public aspects of our lives.  I remember in elementary school Pajama Day was the best day of the year--I could feel like I was going to bed all day!  But now that I'm older, I wonder: Shouldn't our bedtime practices be kept inside the bedroom?  Why does the entire world need to know and see EVERYTHING that goes on in all aspects of our lives?  

Is there no longer a value in maintaining a level of privacy in parts of our lives that in my opinion should be kept private?

What do you think about "Pajama Days" in schools?  Innocent fun, or feeding a much larger problem?