Quaker Simplicity and Vogue Magazine: My Journey

."How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity?"

- Proverbs 1:22

"Luxury is necessity where necessity ends."
- Coco Chanel

Can This be Quaker Simplicity in 2014?

-OR-

This?

     There are many answers to what is Quaker Testimony of Simplicity. I'm focusing on my journey to simplicity through the impact of fashion. Vogue is a great starting point and gives my trek a visual aid.

     My life was energized through the perspectives of fashion and partying. Quite a few of you remember these years from say 17 'til your first pregnancy and think back fondly (if you can recall). There is a routine to my life and no need for discerning if each purchase is rightly ordered. There MUST be a plethora of clothes for each club date (at least two per week), hangin' with friends, cocktail parties, work and the gots to have it moments. A six-figure salary between me and my wife continuously oiled our regular life of clothes, accessories, and make-up for me; whilst computers, rare books and an art collection for her. A $5000 Chanel bag - kaching. Wendy Stevens nickel plated bag and earrings a mere $650. All wives must have a two carat diamond engagement ring. You get the picture.

Blew My Mind

     Entering my mid-twenties my aesthetic steadily changed and Vogue started a more refined look with it's 1988 November issue. Anna Wintour truly has divine incite into my soul. This is my 23-year-old George Fox, Quaker moment. Here is a $10,000 Christian Lacroix top with a pair of $25 jeans.

     Wow, $25 jeans look great. Maybe other "regular" clothes can emit the same fierceness? The top is blitzgrieged with way too many jewels. I love it but I didn't require it in my closet.

     Oodles of money is not a requirement for attaining clothing glory. Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom's and designer boutiques were slowly replaced with Express and Ann Taylor. I started discerning between wanting and needing.

     I still was a practicing Catholic (some of the Bishops probably think this Lacroix is an ancient vestment) and generously gave to many charities. But you see Catholicism is based on communion with the Eucharist, which is the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. There is a two-fold aspect of sacrament and Sacrifice of Mass. Here, Jesus Christ is truly present in the bread and wine. Through this "outside" powerful prayer, I partook in the mysteries of the Holy Trinity.

     My Spirit began a leisurely journey that guided me toward the appreciation of simplicity within my environment. I had way too much, but I did zilch about implementing this outlook. And then I became a convinced Quaker and commenced redefining simplicity and Simplicity.

     I was in my late 30's with a pre-school daughter and my party life had ended voluntarily. What physical energy I had, I put into having a good time. Anyway, having a kid accelerated my embracing of simplicity. The Quaker simplicity testimony, found in Philadelphia Yearly Meeting's Faith & Practice,emphasizes using your possessions as God's gifts entrusted to you and sharing with others. I felt this belief to be a bunch of hooey because why share a $5000 bag and its MY responsibility to care for (at this time my fortune had poofed away and I'll talk about it in a later blog).

YSL Simplicity

     Catholicism is praying to the Triumvirate (Father, Son & Holy Spirit) and Quakerism is prayer within yourself. George Fox, the founder of Quakerism, said to" travel the world speaking to that of God in everyone." I'm praying in silence feeling the Holy Spirit, sometimes I read the Bible and other times I enjoy seeing fellow Quakers in worship and more energy fills me. Its an energy that flutters my heart, empties my mind of the mundane and creates the importance of the Light of God within my self.

     Gradually, I learned that self and others trumped my greed for material comfort. I remember my first Quaker wedding a co-worker invited me to. Mortal petrification because I was not dressed properly, had no gift, and knew that one extra mouth would throw off the seating arrangement and catered meal. Carolyn insisted there is no problem as she shoved a bag of homemade food into the back seat. We get out and Carolyn is carrying the bag of food into the Meeting house. I knew the wedding was small but where were the caterers? Other people arrived and they too had food. Its a potluck; instead of getting $25,000 in dept, members brought food to celebrate. How cozy and Simplistic and I didn't feel out of place.

     I'm thriving inwardly touching God within myself and others. My energetic involvement with purchasing anything I gots to have vaporized into a discerning calmness. I also found a Simplicity of thought that creates greater clarity in my ideas.

I continue fishing through my Vogue mag monthly for fashion and beauty trends. Clinique makeup is switched to Covergirl's Queen Latifah Collection, and found in drug stores. And before purchasing I studied Covergirl's social responsibility quotient (see http://www.greenbiz.com/blog/2010/09/27/behind-procter-gambles-sustainability-vision). I opened a new energy source beating in me and I now see in others.

I can't believe I'm saying this but here it goes: "Less is more."

Top Ten Ways to Become a Vogue-ing Simplistic Quaker

10. Buy from Co-ops in Africa, Asia & S. America - Be your own Frida Kahlo

9.Rework those scarves - Don't be afraid to wear an assortment

8. Buy Fairtrade makeup, clothing, accessories & food

7. Repaint one room whatever color you fancy - my daughter did this and I didn't have to move

6. Volunteering your time is an energy booster

5. Buy a $600 Coach purse for $30 at a thrift store - owner didn't know the value

I know, where's my integrity

4. Get a free makeover at one of the beauty counters in the luxury department store - go to a drugstore

and beauty plagiarize

3. Do NOT get free perfume samples because many are allergic

2. Buy only at vegan shops

1. Only Purchase During the Yearly 75% Off Sale at Nordstrom.

Next Blog on Quaker Peace