Stephanie Nielson of the NieNie Dialogues is visiting Cardigan Empire to help us launch a new body image series. Beauty-full Tuesday features real women with real insecurities moving past them to beautiful.
Before my 2008 airplane accident, my heels were high and my belts were tight. Comfort folded to fashion.
I still love fashion, especially being feminine. Frills, slips, soft colors, and fabrics make me feel like a lady, which helps me to act like a lady. And I’ve come to realize that I can be beautiful again.
But post-crash I have to prioritize comfort. And my modesty is even more specialized. High collars, long sleeves and skirts paired with stockings. I have a lot of restrictions in selecting clothes that suit my new conditions. But you can still be darling, modest, and fashionable, even with issues.
Pretty isn’t in a dress, a lipstick, or a perfect body. Pretty radiates from a confident, feminine, comfortable soul. Dress your soul in these qualities first, and you will look beautiful no matter how simply you are dressed.
Feed me fashionably fresh
That is lovely.
oh that stephanie is so wise. i think i’m really going to love this series. we all have insecurities, don’t we?
Wow – that is beautiful in itself…Love how you put it!
Preach it sister!
And I hope you don’t mind my saying this, but the photo of you that accompanies this post is absolutely, stunningly gorgeous.
well said! I think stephanie has always been beautiful and still is, but now she has this extra inner radiance that is just stunning! I love both of you beautiful girls!
Love it
and a gorgeous gorgeous photo too
That was beautiful. You are beautiful, Nie. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Stephanie – I’ve been reading you for years – I think this is one of the best posts I’ve read, great words, wisdom to live by. Amen.
Beautiful, indeed 🙂
~ <3 ~ beautiful ~ <3 ~
Stephanie is amazing and such an inspiration! THANK YOU!
What wise words!! Thank Stephanie for your sweet example of true beauty!
blue is your color!! You look gorgeous in that photo Mrs. Nielson.
Stephanie is absolutely right, the most important thing to address first is your soul, in any circumstance. I think I need to readdress my lady-ness, yoga pants, jeans, and t-shirts just don’t cut it.
Nei…I don’t know you and you don’t know me but everyday I look to see what you say because it makes me happy. You make me happy. Thank you for being the you the Lord has planned for you to be. You are beautiful.
alice
Stephanie you radiate beauty in every single way possible!! You look stunning in that blue dress, you show what it means to have integrity and be your best self!!
I have been reading Stephanie for years as well and she is even more beautiful now because her spirit shines through in everything she does. I also agree, a gorgeous photo of NieNie – blue is your color!
soul beauty…absolutely!
I absolutely agree! Stephanie you are absolutely beautiful! Both outside and inside! I SO admire your courage and strength and understanding of life and love! Your style is brilliant! Keep on Keepin’ On! :0)
Stephanie is simply gorgeous. I just love this woman.
Stephanie,
A picture speaks a thousand words….and all one has to do is look at you to see what a beautiful person you are. You radiate beauty.
Sometimes I feel like we are the best of friends (although YOU don’t know ME)….but it looks like everyone feels that way. Ever ask yourself why? It’s because you’re a beautiful person.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
How do you see yourself, the inner and outer self.
Stephanie ROCKS, I wish I had an ounce of her strength
Beautifully stated….
Stephanie radiates true beauty.
I love her! She is so inspiring!
You are amazing and inspire me everyday. I love your blog and your wise and thoughtful post!
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I love the way you wrote this. My friend and I were at W.C. in the 2nd row in the middle. We enjoyed hearing you and your sisters speak.
You just glow, and are so pretty and sweet. Thanks for being an inspiration!
thanks again nie nie for your ever-inspiring advice and example.
LOVE THAT! Great reminder!
Absolutely perfect.
so inspiring!
I absolutely agree with Stephanie! She’s such an amazing person. She’s beautiful!
A few months ago I fell upon Stephanie’s blog.Something about her -her story-her simplicity -her realness inspired me to step out and persue a passion that I have for writing. A week later I started a blog and love expressing myself that way. Stephanie inspired me to be me. Thanks. Really thanks. http://WWW.istopped.blogspot.com
i too have been following Stephanie’s blog for a long time and I really feel that I know each one in her family. She is beautiful in spirit and looks and each day seems to brighten her life. I think she is an amazing lady!!!!
Sandra in Georgia
“…you can still be darling, modest, and fashionable, even with issues.” Oh, how I needed to read this today. I had a mastectomy last year and have many fashion limitations. Thanks for showing us how to stay strong.
Love you! You’re the best and so brave, such a great example to us all!
What an amazing series. Se could all benefit from the focus on dressing our souls rather than our bodies. Thanks Stephanie!
This is such great advice! I just went back to work after 2 years at home with my daughter, and I have to say, while I wish I wasn’t working and away from her, I’ve never looked better. Hopefully when I’m home again, I’ll hold onto dressing prettier. I feel prettier and happier when I look good!
I adore this post as I adore NieNie! Thank you for featuring her brave soul <3
~Andrea @ http://hecallsmewifey.blogspot.com/
this is beautiful! it couldn’t be said in a better way. i’m so glad i found your blog and this series. i am still working on this.