Books from across the religion spectrum offer readers a tailored look at how to find God’s presence in good-looking outfits, personal style, and the imperfect bodies we’re all given. From Jewish rabbi to conservative blogger to Catholic fashionista, women will find closets full of good advice on how live a life of faith and look and feel good at the same time.
It all begins with how a woman feels about her body, a topic addressed by blogger/podcaster Alyssa Bethke in Satisfied: Finding Hope, Joy, and Contentment Right Where You Are (Worthy Books, June). Bethke wants readers to embrace and cultivate beauty in their lives as well as recognize the distractions that keep them away from the life Jesus wants for every woman. A chapter on body image helps women keep clear on what God sees as important vs. what culture calls important. Worthy editor Jeana Ledbetter calls it an encouraging book that “asks each woman to celebrate and care for her body—to embrace its imperfections, scars, wrinkles and even stretch marks.”
Try on the books here to see which fits.
The House of Faith and Fashion: What My Wardrobe Taught Me About G-d
Tobi Rubinstein offers a collection of essays where she finds the presence of G-d (as observant Jews designate the almighty) in fashion, jewelry, beauty, creativity, and style. Rubinstein has had a long career in fashion, working with brands including Victoria’s Secret and Nicole Miller, and blends that world with her life as a rabbi and Jewish mother. (Citadelle Publishing, out now)
The Ultimate Book of Outfit Formulas: A Stylish Solution to What Should I Wear?
Alison Lumbatis' original blog, Get Your Pretty On, drew multitudes of readers. Now, she offers this book to answer myriad questions about what to wear and not wear, personal style, body type, and more. As the author says, “Your value and your worth have nothing to do with the tag in your clothes or a number on a scale.” She speaks of how God values every woman as she helps each one create her best appearance. (Harvest House, Sept.)
Worthy of Wearing
Nicole M. Caruso blends a Catholic worldview and advice on finding personal style, offering help to curate a wardrobe that reflects both style and self-worth. As Caruso, former beauty editor of Verily Magazine, says, “Worthy of Wearing is a mindset, a thought process that reminds us … that we are precious in God’s eyes and that we are worthy of wearing the things that make us feel beautiful.” (Sophia Institute Press, out now)
