“Oh my gosh! I have absolutely nothing to wear!” I shouted as I tore through my closet full of tight t-shirts and jeans that I would need chicken wire and a miracle to get into.
My husband stood at a distance, in shock and monitoring his responses. I was sifting through piles of pastels and off-season slacks to find anything that I could wear to an upcoming writer’s conference.
After nearly 15 years of marriage, and four children, I can safely say that my “muffin top” had subsequently turned into a pound cake. Nothing I owned looked flattering and I was in a panic to find a suitable set of outfits.
I finally gave up and traipsed down to a local department store. I bought a new purse, a few new (upsized) jeans, and a blouse or two. I felt a little more prepared, but I truly felt like there was no possible way to feel good about what I was wearing.
Upon arrival at my conference, I noticed that one of my sweet children had made a pen mark on my brand-new Vera Wang crossbody bag. As soon as I spotted it, a woman named Shari saw me struggling to rub out the spot. “I can fix that.” She said with a smile. She sprayed some hairspray on it and it came right out.
That is how I met the fabulously stylish Shari Brandael.
Shari Braendel is president of Fashion Meets Faith, the author of “Help Me, Jesus! I Have Nothing to Wear” (Zondervan), and the creative mind behind Style Tips with Shari, a popular YouTube series on fashion. As president of FMF, Shari has helped thousands of women reveal who they are in Christ and shine outwardly with confidence through her conferences, online instructional videos, podcasts, consultant training, and more.
As a Christian speaker, she has presented over 500 events in 18 states, including Hearts at Home, She Laughs, and She Speaks. She has shared the stage with Nicole C. Mullin, Lysa TerKeurst, and Karen Kingsbury. She has appeared on Focus on the Family, The Total Christian Television Network (TCT), K-Love, Crown Financial Network, Moody Global Ministries, and more.
After Shari had spent some time with me, I learned that I had been wearing all of the wrong clothes. I did not know how to dress for my body shape, I had no idea which colors I should be wearing, and I struggled with accessories and makeup. Plus, as a military spouse, I also needed advice on how to shop on a budget!
It’s been nearly two years since Shari swooped in and sprayed my new purse spotless, and I have been so blessed with her friendship (so has my wardrobe). I have discovered that I am a “b” body type- gaining weight in my midriff, that I should be wearing deep colors (no more pastels for me), and how to shop for quality over quantity.
I recently sat down with Shari for an interview, in hopes that she could encourage you too.
Q. How did you even get started as a fashion consultant?
Shari: A little while ago, I found my second-grade school picture. I was the only little girl with a purse that perfectly matched my dress. Style is in my blood. A few years later, I found myself having a hard time fitting in. I was much taller than other girls. The were all so delicate and petite. I wanted to feel good and be fashionable as well, but I struggled. Years later, I got my degree in Fashion Merchandising and began working in retail. Before I knew it, I had been promoted as a buyer in the cosmetic department. Finally, I opened an image consulting firm in Miami, FL dressing women in executive positions. This is when I was able to come up with a proprietary system on how to dress women for their body shape, coloring, and frame size.
Q. Tell me a little bit about your book.
Shari: Several years later, after doing image consulting, I became a speaker and teacher for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I began to use my gifts inside the local church, helping women to discover their confidence and develop their self-assurance. Confidence is the goal. I wanted to teach women how to dress for the body they actually have, not necessarily the ones featured on magazine covers or social media. As a result, I wrote the first full color style guide- “Help Me, Jesus. I Have Nothing to Wear.” (link)
Q: Would you be willing to share some tips on shopping on a budget?
Shari: Yes! The first tip is to accept your body, your age, and to dress your body in style. Stop buying things that will fit the body on the magazine cover or the internet square.
Secondly, build a capsule wardrobe. My wardrobe fits on 27 hangers! I actually created a course in 2016 and it has become the best-selling course on building a capsule wardrobe called “27 Hangers.” By buying fewer, but quality, pieces you can down size your closet clutter and stick with pieces that are fun and fashionable.
Lastly, your purse should always match your hair color. That way, you have one “go to” bag and can save money by only needing one.
Shari Braendel is a delight and has such a passion for serving those who sacrifice. With her son serving on active duty in the Army, Shari loves being a military mom and want to use her gifts to help military spouses everywhere. If you visit her website at www.fashionmeetsfaith.com, you can take a free color analysis test to find out what colors look best on you and receive 7 free virtual download color swatches. In addition, she is offering her “27 Hangers” course with a $10 discount. Simply enter the code Military and receive the course for only $17- with LIFETIME access!
Megan Brown is a seasoned military spouse and military missionary. She is the Military Liaison for the Speak Up Conference Global Missions Military Scholarship and the 2019-Armed Forces Insurance Robins AFB Military Spouse of the Year. She is passionate about military mission work, teaching and preaching about Jesus in and out of the local church. She lives in middle Georgia with her husband, Keith, and their energetic kiddos. She is a Bible teacher, speaker, and freelance writer. To learn more or connect with Megan, visit www.meganbbrown.com.