Book Review: Good Girls Don't Have to Dress Bad

I am not new to books that talk about style, fashion and makeup. In fact, I have been blessed (as gifts by very thoughtful people) with many excellent publications from InStyle, Lucky, Nina Garcia, Tim Gunn, Kate Spade, and Bobbi Brown.

However, there is something so fascinating about a book talking about the same things but from the perspective of our Creator -- the very One who fashioned each of us so that we may be the highest representation of what He sees as beautiful. Interesting isn't it?

More about that later. First and foremost, the book is loaded with practical advice for both the clueless and the fashion-savvy.

What does it cover? You will find a generous amount of information on the following:

• Figuring out your body type
• How the right hair color will bring out your best natural features
• How your clothes can go far with gorgeous accessories
• Investing in correct underwear
• Minimizing the pains of swimsuit shopping
• Basic makeup application
• Searching for that flattering pair of jeans (this one helped me a lot!)

Now the better stuff. Author Shari Braendel deals with deeper issues that women typically associate with beauty.

• Some of us believe that there is one body type that is considered more attractive than the others
• Some of us feel like they have to spend so much on clothing that we give up looking nice altogether
• Some of us associate modesty with boring and outdated
• Some of us have a hard time grasping the idea of being "fearfully and wonderfully made"
• Some of us just have no clue how deal with all this looking good stuff
• Some of us feel defeated as we compare ourselves to other women

Braendel made a very thoughtful attempt to clear these issues out before the practical lessons. It was not in-depth but it was a strong start.

I hope that it will encourage the book's female readers to dig deep into the Word in order to figure this part out. I feel that it is necessary to sort out the junk inside before doing work on the outside.

(Note: I highly recommend getting the Kindle version of this book. Great reference when you go out shopping!)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Zondervan as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."