Sunday Mass Dress Code

Of course, Sunday mass. This is always an interior debate for me as there are so many fussy don'ts about it which honestly do not make any sense to me as God does not bother about our clothing but the state of our spirituality. I'm convinced condemnatory human beings created the church dress code because they couldn't muster the clothes of the millennium.


The ladies who serve in church always await my "grand entrance." They look, whisper, and observe which pew I choose to occupy. As it is, I had already and unfairly relegated the famille to the most inconspicious place: the rows of Monobloc chairs (movable generic chairs) at the rear most end of that small church; just to spare the hubby and son of those meaningful, judgmental stares.


Today however, the degree of scrutiny I received was borderline deal breaking. They visibly huddled, whispered, and lo and behold, there was a general announcement about improper church attire. I appeared to look unwavered but truthfully, I was feeling quite rebellious. I suddenly remembered how dejected I felt as a child when I was made to wear ultra-conservative, often ridiculous looking outfits most probably meant for young novitiates to a nunnery. I had no control then, I was young and literally wound around my Mom's puppet strings. The age of majority was not only a landmark for me, it brought welcome relief: I finally had control over what covered my body. (My Mom could not accept sleeveless tops until the year 2000, I think. Seriously.)


One's fashion choices are ultimately personal and are more relevantly, a form of self expression. One's image to the world doubtlessly explains the kind of person that one has chosen to become. It is, more than anything, a gut feel; and therefore should never be dictated upon by any other outside forces (except for Chanel, Givenchy, Valentino, Lagerfeld, Galliano, and other fashion greats, you know them all) but one's self.


If I were dressed like a porn star, I would probably not feel as indignant as I do now. The hubby's only request of me, fashion-wise, is that I do not wear anything too see-through or transparent that may reveal my undergarments. I totally agree with him. Oh, and he also does not like washed out fabrics; so anything looking tired or too old is out the door as well. Got that. Check. I have never erred on these strictures as I think they are acceptable to keep for any woman with any self respect.


This is what living in the Philippines is all about. Oh well. C'est la vie. But seriously. Mind your own business, church ladies. And on that note, please dress to please our Lord, not to make Him wonder if it's really 2009 or 1939?!


Anyway, it was very hot today. I shouldn't have worn black; but I woke up wanting to channel my inner Gossip Girl.

I have on a floral georgette silk dress by Kate Moss for Topshop (I don't care if they say that Kate Moss can't design to save her gorgeous ass. She has a strong point of view that exudes in her collaborative line for Topshop. Love her! BUT I've had to alter this dress like by a lot. It was made I think for a much taller girl so I had to have the ruffle placements altered plus the sleeves were hung too low so that was touched as well. But all in all, I'm quite pleased with it. No regrets even if I've had to go back to the seamstress three times in a row just to get it right.);

a tube top from MNG worn as my slip under the dress (The actual chemise that came with the dress fit me weirdly despite my having it altered to my frame as well. Oh, if only I had been taller!);

my frilly, satin headband from Peppermint (A proudly Philippine made clothing store for infants and toddlers. Yes, I enter all kinds of shops. I'm a very good consumer! The hubby says that I can singlehandedly keep the country's economy going. I hope that's a joke!);

mary jane flats from Topshop (I'm perpetually drawn to mary janes. They remind me of my fave shoes when I was 8 years old. My Mom did get me the occasional, spot on fashion pick of the moment, mind you. Not all her choices were a dud. It was just not cool anymore when I got to my teens.);

and my black alligator skin handbag from Ferragamo (A precious hand me down from my mother. I borrowed it once and she told me to keep it for my own. One of the happiest days of my life, I swear!).


Do tell me what you think? Am I giving any porn star a run for her money?!