Dressing Femininely & Living Slow with Little Ones

Wearing Dresses, Slow Living, Being a Helpmeet, and Staying Creative While Raising Children-- I am SO excited for you to get to know my friend Margo. She has inspired me greatly in learning to embrace my femininity and feminine living. She shares on why she changed her wardrobe to wearing dresses, how she makes her own dresses and her favorite dress pattern for you sewers out there. Margo then shares how she has kept her creative spirit while raising 3 children 5 and under and how she gets them involved in her home projects. I am always so inspired every time I get to spend time with Margo and I hope that you leave today's video excited about building your home! (Proverbs 14:1)
You can keep up with Margo and her family's adventures on her instagram page: / margobymanna
Resources:
Hinterland Dress Pattern: sewliberated.com/products/hin...
Books Margo Recommends:
Christian Modesty and the Public Undressing of America by Jeff Pollard
Home-making by J.R. Miller
Beautiful Girlhood by Mabel Hale
Sign up for thrift books account- this is my link will give you a free book when you spend $30: www.thriftbooks.com/share/?co...
Affiliate Links, companies I love and feel they are values aligned with. Thank you in advance if you decided to use!
Pact (where I buy all our organic undergarments): blue.mbsy.co/DvSQB
Our affiliate link for Azure Standard: we love supporting Azure, we started buying in bulk from them in 2020. They are a Christian family owned and operated business, that values health and stewarding Gods creation.
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[@samiyaferguson9177]

Skirts and dresses are a GAME CHANGER. The way I dress uplifts my families' entier mood, most likely because it uplifts my own ❤ it also gives me privacy and protection when out and about, the details and shape of my body is my and my husband's business❤

[@homewithkelli]

Yes, I agree!!

[@MomCN]

I love wearing dresses! Here’s a tip! Old Navy carries a lot of beautiful conservative dresses! I got their credit card and use it to buy gas and groceries. Then I earn points to spend on dresses at Old Navy! My dresses are always FREE! 😉 (Last month I had enough points to get 5 beautiful dresses and only paid $0.97 for all 5 😀) Thank you for the Godly content on your channel. 💕✝️🙏🏻

[@homewithkelli]

Thank you for sharing this tip!

[@lynneford1023]

Very very cool

[@maureenpaulette2051]

I always tried to explain to working women of my baby boomer generation how much more freedom you have as a homemaker. I too sew, knit, spin, weave, make baskets and many other things. My husband was/is so supportive of my journey as I was/am of his. Good work girls! You make me happy watching you! You are sending out such a good message!

[@sofiabravo1994]

I still feel pretty feminine in jeans or dress. I think it’s how you put clothes together when you put more thought and time on an outfit along with make up and hair the more feminine and pretty one looks. I can throw on a dress and look frumpy if I don’t put effort and look super sweet in jeans and look better because I took my time with hair makeup and accessories oh and a frilly ot colorful blouse!

[@rchhtt5210]

I am not religious but I have pretty much transitioned into wearing only skirts and dresses. I have a super minimal wardrobe and plan to sew a bunch of dresses this year. I love knitting garments as well. I have had someone come up to me and ask if I was religious and why I dressed so modestly and femininely. They were very kind and said how I presented myself was very nice to see and it lifted the mood of everyone around. I just love wearing modest feminine clothes, It makes me feel so good.

[@andreacannon1263]

Modesty is so needed now, keep being yourself ! Happy sewing 😉

[@pattyhansen7563]

I DO totally shovel manure in a dress 🤣& it usually is not intentional. I head out to check eggs & the next thing I know...checking on the pigs, & boom, shoveling manure. ha ha. I have ALWAYS been creative, even with small kids underfoot (mine & others). I never let that hinder me. AND a lot of 'hobbies' or creative ventures have their 'seasons'. For instance, I spin, knit, quilt, etc...I do NOT do those things during the summer months. At that point I am gardening, reading, canning, raising livestock, which I am not doing during the winter. People who stop making time for hobbies, just because children are involved, become very boring, bored, & miserable people. I hate hearing the excuse that a woman doesn't have 'time for' xyz. You MAKE the time - you train your kids to have their own personal endeavors that take up THEIR time (play, hobbies, reading, etc...) which leaves you free to do yours even for 15 minutes a day. Don't get your hopes up too much on them wanting to start an etsy business with you, Margo LOL....kids have a mind of their own. My older daughter got her first sewing machine at 9 (but had been using mine mostly independently since 6). She can totally outsew me, any day of the week. But she would not be caught dead sewing the things i make. I sew things like kitchen towels, rag quilts, washable sanitary napkins, etc.... SHE is making designer bags, alterations on clothing & vintage clothes from the 1800s LOL. So even tho we both 'sew' we don't😂 But we do sew together at the same time - she says it comforts her lol. The other daughter? She is in a world of her own...we don't exactly know what it is that she is doing most of the time. But some very cool artwork comes out of that bedroom. They do both say that my craftiness & my permission for them to use whatever materials are in the house is a huge inspiration. I never told them they could not have a piece of fabric or hot glue. Both could hot glue their butts off by 7!

[@sarahmorton1699]

I loved this conversation, thank you ladies :) I wear dresses on my homestead, milking goats, homeschooling and gardening. I wear overalls with a cute floral blouse when it's storming out or when I am mucking out the duck waters. Dresses to me bring beauty, grace and joy to my life. I do struggle against covetousness regarding dresses and need to check myself on what sort of attention I am trying to receive from my wardrobe. Even a modest dress can be flowy and more "sensual" on me than dressing in pants or overalls. Again, loved this talk and you guys are both so sweet.

[@madeleinehayes2833]

In my humble opinion, flowy doesn't make something immodest. You can still be beautiful and modest. In fact modesty is beautiful. Of course it totally depends on how it makes you feel... since Christian modesty is all about our heart. Bur flowy can be good and practical depending on the season

[@ChristinaMiick-wf6hn]

It's so good to hear ladies use the words lavish life when talking about living our God given role as women at home. I feel that way too! It's so true, the next generation are looking to us, what a blessing to shape their view of being a woman, simply by living our values. Ps: I've been saving fabric from clothing, and margins dress gives me a wonderful pattern idea! Thank you! You two brightened my day!

[@ChristinaMiick-wf6hn]

Margo. I'm sorry, spell checker...

[@MrsSpurgeon222]

I'm so excited to watch this! I feel so called to pray for you Kelli 🙏🏻 ✨️ I pray the Good Lord blesses your family in all the ways He sees fit 💕😊

[@homewithkelli]

Thank you so much, that is so thoughtful of you❤️

[@Dranma51]

I’m a 72-year old woman and I’m a plus size. I get so frustrated trying to find clothes to fit! I’ve been thinking of transitioning into more skirts and dresses. Thank you for the tips!

[@pamelachappell1089]

I was always more athletic as a young girl, as well. I struggle with wearing dresses. I also was taught that you only wear your 'good' clothes when you go out. :) I still struggle with doing housework or yard work in a dress. I definitely do feel more ladylike in a dress. I appreciate all that you two shared and pray God's blessings over you and your families.

[@cherylpresleigh6403]

What a lovely conversation. The only social media I use is YT. My approach to using it is I only watch channels that I learn something from or am encouraged, motivated and inspired by. Even though I’m a Grammy, I feel inspired by watching your channel Kelli. Thank you for remaining faithful to the Lords call on your life. 🤗🩷

[@franciebrionesgallegos4784]

I'm 20 years old and started to wear long skirts and dresses since I saw one of your videos last year!! It has become a me thing 🤭 I don't always wear them, but I try to as often as I can becasue it gives me extra comfort and femininity 💗

[@moriahhobbs2259]

You’ve gained a subscriber! So good to see like minded women my age going against the Grain of todays society and not being of the world!

[@BoundaryRoad]

A great chat with a like-minded friend, Kelli. I really enjoyed listening to the thoughts being shared. I do a lot of renovation work on our house and have found breaking up my day into 'clean' and 'dirty' tasks helps with clothing choices. I try to get my dirty DIY work done in the morning. Then, bathe before lunch and wear nicer clothing for the remainder of the day.

[@homewithkelli]

Claire, thank you so much, that is such a helpful tip!!

[@Homebyminna]

Thank you so much for this video, I feel exactly like this! That if I switch to only wearing dresses, I would feel like im trying to be somebody i’m not! Feeling so inspired to just do it now. So Thank you so much!

[@been3388]

I loved reading Beautiful Girlhood. I can't wait to share it with my daughters.

[@DeepeningPrayer]

When I was a wee lassie (child of the 60's / 70's here!), girls were not allowed to wear pants to school (yes, I went to public school!) We couldn't wear pants to school until I was 12 / 7th grade. I thought my Dad would flip when they changed the rules!

[@orthodoxandwildflowers5404]

You guys are truly a breath of fresh air! I am so thankful I stumbled on this video of like minded ladies! God bless you and your families

[@homewithkelli]

Thank you so much!

[@sarahthatcher123]

So nice to finally meet Margo. Her dress is stunning! So is yours. Thank you for this video. 😊

[@teliciouz]

Just something to think about… you can take the most masculine woman and put her in a dress and she’ll still look masculine, and you can take the most feminine woman and put her in a suit and tie and even slap a beard on her and men will still know which one is the more feminine one. Femininity just exudes from some females no matter what they’re wearing because it’s a mindset, that carries into their movement that flows into their actions, their speech, the way they treat others, the way they treat themselves. You can play dress up all you like but a true feminine woman will beat you any day unless you can start exuding the same mindset.

[@amyfromflorida4518]

I have always worn a lot of dresses, not exclusively, but a lot. I usually wore them because it was a simple “outfit” choice. Just a dress and shoes. I always looked dressed up and I didn’t have to stress so much. today I’d most likely be labeled ADHD I have two looks, cute dresses out in the world- black t shirts and jeans working at home 😂 my uniforms. Dresses are great, feminine, and simple.

[@Abigaillavelle]

I loved this conversation! So refreshing!

[@amandastiles5322]

Thank you for sharing the patterns you used and that inspired you. As well as, encouragement to make your own dresses.

[@beulahvanrooyen4219]

Absolutely loved this video.

[@emilydawson2667]

I really enjoyed this!!! So encouraging, keep similar content coming!

[@glendabyford8074]

You are also teaching the next generation. I made most of our clothes. As mg children grew they were able to start helping making clothes and other items...

[@vintagebeliever5023]

Great chat! I have been wearing my skirts for years. Love dressing feminine. 😊 Thank you!

[@ShellyJohnson-xs1mf]

Loved this! Thank you ladies for sharing ❤

[@exploringgodscreation-]

I really enjoyed this video. Margo seems so sweet, what a blessing to have a friendship! I've been trying to wear dresses and skirts more, my dad said I'm his Amish daughter, lol. He meant it with love 😉 My little boys notice when I'm wearing a dress, especially my three year old. He gets excited and thinks it's pretty 🥰

[@homewithkelli]

I am just so amazed at what little ones notice! Thanks so much for sharing your testimony with this!

[@DorisAnn77]

Love this Video! God Bless You Both! ❤

[@homewithkelli]

I'm so glad, thank you!!

[@ljk1234]

🎉 So sweet to see the two of you vibing! I found your channel and your channel with Scott about 2 months ago and the Holy Spirit has used it to change my life -- refreshed my marriage, reminded me of the desires of my heart to be a Godly Homemaker and Helper. ❤❤❤ Thank you for being you!

[@homewithkelli]

Thanks so much for the encouragement- it's a blessing to hear!

[@brittly2292]

I'm reading through Beautiful Girlhood with my 11 year old and we have been loving it! It is soo counter cultural and that's why I like it so much. It's been so good for me as well and my 5 year old even sits in for a chapter here and there. I feel like it's a must read. Thank you for sharing this conversation!

[@catherinenunan3584]

Wearing a dress (skirt) is an honour and a privilege. I had never seen it like that although I do wear skirts exclusively and have even whilst exercising and moving house/dirty work for about 10 years now. Wife and Grandma and my family all appreciate and know that this is how I present myself. It matters to them, to me and to people I meet in public. Thank you for another beautiful aspect of the femininity of dresses/skirts.

[@courtneyrodulfo7761]

Absolutely loved this, so encouraging and gentle and wise :)

[@oldsoulhomestead89]

I love skirts and dresses but some things I do make a dress impractical and sometimes dangerous…we have horses and I sometimes operate a tractor or skid steer. For that type of farm work I wear jeans. Can’t have a skirt getting caught in equipment or bundling round my legs and making me fall over around large animals. But as much as possible I like to wear them and my husband loves it when I wear them. I hated dresses as a child and teenager because I did not like the unwanted attention and inability to run and play freely without being chastised about accidentally flashing my undies when playing (as a child).

[@LisaVanGemert]

This was a delight. Thank you!

[@randalynshaw7262]

Your dress come out so beautiful!

[@debralebarron7816]

I love wearing dresses too,

[@beverlymitchell1892]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video! Thank you so much Kelli and Margo!

[@homewithkelli]

Thank you Beverly! I hope you're doing well!

[@jtobi01]

Thriftbooks was already dangerous for me. And then I learned that they had an app 😂 Game. Over. My poor husband. Books EVERYWHERE! Great video, love the topic! I love and relate to all of your videos, Kelli. Love the community I feel here.

[@lindaleclair8938]

Enjoyed listening to your friend Margo!

[@homewithkelli]

I'm so glad!!

[@beulahvanrooyen4219]

Thanks, Kelli

[@julieadams2455]

Inspiring thank you !

[@glennarichards2933]

Delightful ladies❤

[@charlotte5317]

Really enjoyed this video ! Gave me a lot to think about trying to be more feminine . Could almost have a Part 2 ! Thanks for sharing.

[@homewithkelli]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@nicolehowell6221]

Did she happen to use a pattern for the dress she is wearing? Its absolutely beautiful!!

[@Allahaziah1]

Can we get a MARGOOOO!? (Sorry if I spelled your name wrong). ❤ yes finally! 👏 !!

[@hestiaharbington]

Holarius❤ 😂so cute!

[@afishcalledamy]

I would love to wear dresses more but I’m put off because chub-rub is real! Do you all wear little shorts too? It’s the idea of doing that, that I don’t like because I don’t really want all those layers.

[@tereseday4060]

Curling your hair goes great with dresses. Feminine!

[@lynneford1023]

So funny one of the ads in this video is called "Unisex Ultra Sweatpants"😂😂😂

[@christink.5264]

Did you use a pattern for the wrap dress you had on Margo? I would love to sew it too.

[@TracieSmithpomeranian]

Over ten years ago, I stopped wearing skirts and dresses. I also stopped carrying a purse. I spent eleven years raising my daughter on my own. I had to be both dad and mom. The side of me that liked wearing skirts and dresses got suppressed. Now that she is 21, I can go back to being that woman who liked wearing skirts and dresses.

[@KellyS_77]

I’m a big fan of a dressy backpack style purse. So much nicer on your shoulders than a normal one-shoulder purse.

[@amandastiles5322]

It is written... Dueteronomy 22: 5 ""The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God." Isaiah 47: 1-4 "Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, sit on the ground: there is no throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called tender and delicate. Take the millstones, and grind meal: uncover thy locks, make bare the leg, uncover the thigh, pass over the rivers. Thy nakedness shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet thee as a man."

[@saramoulson7808]

This really inspires me to make some dresses!! Thanks you two! 😊 Can you please share the name of the first book you mentioned?

[@homewithkelli]

Yay! And was it this one: Christian Modesty and the Public Undressing of America by Jeff Pollard

[@saramoulson7808]

@@homewithkelli actually, no. But I'd like to read that one too! It was the homemaking one that your friend mentioned.

[@homewithkelli]

Here's the Books Margo Recommends: Christian Modesty and the Public Undressing of America by Jeff Pollard Home-making by J.R. Miller Beautiful Girlhood by Mabel Hale

[@saramoulson7808]

@homewithkelli thanks so much, Kelli 💕

[@ginaszwedko4119]

Curious how you were dresses in the winter? I live in the northeast and it can be very cold. What are your thoughts

[@homewithkelli]

Oh I wish we had touched on this because Margo is the one who really introduced me to layering in the winter! I struggle with this as well, I think it will just take time for me to invest in high quality natural fibers (nice quality non itching wool leggings) that I can layer in the winter that still look feminine.

[@ginaszwedko4119]

@@homewithkelli thank you! I appreciate what you are both practicing as women ! Embracing the beauty of women and the beautiful roles we play in our marriages . The importance of honoring our husbands and the devotion to our children. I’m a bit older than you both but I was brought up with what’s considered old fashioned values ( which I cherish) and have been happily married for 36 yrs.

[@niemanns]

I live in MN and wear dresses/skirts exclusively. Knee high socks, under fleecy leggings, under a skirt. Warmer than pants, for sure. When we go hiking in the winter I occasionally wear snow pants.

[@beulahvanrooyen4219]

I cant find Margo's Instagram handle. Please help.

[@homewithkelli]

Yes, it's @margobymanna

[@maloryvictoria9561]

I love the encouragement “I have to create something thats longer lasting than a clean kitchen floor.” 🎨🪡🖼️

[@homewithkelli]

I agree, that stood out to me from the whole video! Such a good perspective!

[@EmJang7]

I'm a plus size mom and can't find any flattering dresses. Anyone have a recommended? Basically I look pregnant in all my dresses. Which is fine but I already have 5 kids so people continuing to think I'm expecting is a bit too much.

[@lisawood2548]

Same!

[@mountaingirl8124]

I am as well and found that maxi skirts with a nice blouse work well too. I have a cute denim skirt I wear a lot with some tummy control. If I wear a dress, I just own it and enjoy wearing it. 🥰

[@mountaingirl8124]

P.s. I also cut out white flour and sugar and was able to loose 25 lbs. I went from an XL to a L. I feel better in dresses now. Not “as pregnant”. ☺️ Dr. Josh Axe and Dr. Berg on You Tube helped me understand long term weight loss and nutrition too.

[@pattyhansen7563]

I more often go for skirt & shirt combo. I only have 2 kids & am not really overweight, but after 2 c sections that mid section ain't ever looking the same again😆 When you go from 135lbs to 220 in 9 short months, there is alot that never looks the same. Oh well. I find higher waisted stuff is what really gives me problems with a pregnant look, so i look for something (skirt) that sits just on the waist or below a tad.

[@HaleighNicks]

I'll buy my more expensive dresses from places like Slaydon & Rose & Jessa Kae. Sometimes they have clearance sales. I bought a dress from Jessa Kae back in 2017 and wear it at least once a week and it still looks brand new. But I only wash and hang dry all my dresses & skirts. But I find a lot of cheap stuff on Facebook market place, and modest clothing groups on FB, or Mercari, and Thrift stores. I have 5 kids pregnant with my 6th currently, and I like to go more for A line type dresses. I'm 5'6, I'm naturally have a bigger chested when not pregnant I weigh around 135 -140 while pregnant I usually get up to 170 - 175.

[@kaylajames3098]

I need a biblical high-value makeover. I don’t know how to start.

[@homewithkelli]

Hi Kayla! I think a good foundational place to start is with food. Making sure you are eating foods that are nourishing and heathy. And then adding daily movement into your life.

[@samiyaferguson9177]

Also if you are interested in selling your dress patterns i would love to buy them ❤

[@homewithkelli]

That's a great idea, I'll let Margo know!

[@kaylashryock2743]

does anyone else worry they might make other women feel bad when dressing more feminine and pretty? My husband likes dresses too at home i don’t have any problem wearing them.

[@brendalee1093]

@Margo may I ask what is your instagram name? And Facebook? I’ll love to follow both of you! Enjoying this vid so much! I love to wear dresses and I’m like both of you, played sports when I was young and still do in my early 60’s and I felt weird wearing dresses but on Sundays I normally do and on workshops, etc.! I love the feel of a dress & so comfy!

[@homewithkelli]

Hi Brenda, yes her instagram is @margobymanna

[@brendalee1093]

@@homewithkelli Thank you so much!