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How to Be God's Little Princess

Royal Tips for Manners, Etiquette, and True Beauty

Thomas Nelson

HOW TO DRESS LIKE A PRINCESS

A royal gown might be perfect for an elegant party, but it sure makes it difficult to skate. That's why, whenever possible, a princess considers where she's going and what she'll do before choosing her clothing, shoes, jewelry—even hairstyle. Then she makes sure everything is clean, fits, and is ready to go when she is.

The Lord makes me very happy. All that I am rejoices in my God. The Lord has covered me with clothes of salvation. He has covered me with a coat of goodness.... Isaiah 61:10

quiz

THE ROYAL WARDROBE

1. When a princess goes to a royal ball, she wears ...

a. Jeans and a T-shirt.
b. A school uniform.
c. A snorkel and fins.
d. A beautiful ball gown.

2. When a princess goes to a school pizza party, she wears ...

a. A beautiful ball gown.
b. Her robe and slippers.
c. A large dog wrapped around her head.
d. Jeans and a T-shirt.

3. When a princess goes to see a ballet on stage, she wears ...

a. A tutu.
b. A leotard and tights.
c. A bag of potato chips.
d. Her nicest dress.

4. When a princess goes to an outside pool party, she wears ...

a. A leotard and tights.
b. Boots, a heavy coat, and three hats.
c. A costume.
d. A swimsuit and cover-up.

Answers:

If your answer was always d, you're close to stepping out as a well-dressed princess! If you answered more a, b, or c—talk a little more to your royal advisors about dressing correctly for each occasion.

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WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?

She's not dressed correctly for the activity.

DRESSING WITH A PRINCESS'S FLAIR

Every spring and fall try on clothes, hats, shoes, boots—everything. It's fun to start with your own closet before going out to look for new clothes. Ask your royal advisors to help you decide what still fits. Give whatever doesn't work for you to someone who could really use it.

Mix and match

Take what fits and pair it with other pieces in your closet. Start with a shirt. What goes best with it? Pants, jeans, maybe a skirt? If the top has a heavy pattern, stick to a solid color on the bottom; if the top has a solid color, try a pattern on the bottom.

If you are the more daring type and wear more mixed patterns, make sure the colors complement each other and that the pattern is bold only in one of the pieces.

Do you like layers? Try a contrasting tank top for a burst of color under an otherwise plain top.

Think colors

While looking in a mirror, use one color at a time and place it near your face. Does your face sparkle with bright bold colors, or do you look best in softer shades? Be sure to wear the colors that look best on you closest to your face. Wear the other colors as accents.

Go one color

Choose a "monochromatic" theme—that means using the same or shades of the same color, such as a light beige top with khaki pants. Add earth-tone accessories, and you end up with a subtly sophisticated result.

Jewelry and hair accessories

Choose earrings (if you wear them), necklaces, or bracelets that will look good with your outfit. Remember, it's the details such as barrettes, hairbands, belts, leggings, and even shoelaces that can help bring the whole outfit together.

For example, a plaid hairband with a little hot pink and blue might tie together the hot pink in your top with your blue denim skirt. Or your earrings might be the same color as your shoes or belt. Throughout the outfit, find ways to use some of the same colors.

Purse, backpack, cinch sack

Purses are meant to be practical, but don't try to pack everything you own in one. Keep it simple as you find a bag that suits your style, colors, the season, and the occasion. For the royal ball, you'd take a small fancy purse; to school an everyday purse, bag, or backpack that suits your style; to a theme park or waterpark choose something that you won't lose on the roller coaster and allows your hands to be free, such as a cinch sack or even an outfit with pockets.

Boots, sandals, sneakers ...

And the list goes on. Footwear is where function meets fashion —but be careful: it's difficult to smile when your feet hurt! Try to keep the colors neutral or match them to your outfit, unless you just go for colorful shoes. And no matter what the season, keep your feet and shoes clean.

Being modest

You can dress in high fashion and still remain modest, if you follow some of the these royal tips:

• Wear leggings under skirts that run too short.

• Wear longer T-shirts or tanks with low-rise pants.

• Try skinny jeans from the boys' department that have a higher waist.

• Raise arms up high to test shirts for being too short.

• Check the cut of armholes and necklines so that bra straps don't show.

Step back

After you've put your outfit together, take a final look at the finished product. Then, standing in front of a mirror, close your eyes, count to ten, then open your eyes. Did anything pop out at you? Perhaps your shoes are too bright? If so, consider changing them. And be sure to ask your royal advisor's opinion too.

TIE-DYE

Ready to show your true colors? If you have dye and just a little daring, you can create your own kaleidoscope of color on shirts, hats, scarves, towels, and ... well, just about anything that starts off white. Ask your royal advisors for help. Then follow these steps to a fun and creative wardrobe.

Tie-Dye a spiral shirt

[check] What you'll need

[] white cotton T-shirts

[] soda ash

[] rubber bands

[] procion dye

[] rubber or plastic gloves

[] eye goggles

[] squirt bottles

[] a plastic container (tub)

1. Wash and dry your shirt.

2. Lay shirt flat. Pinch up fabric and swirl slightly. Tie rubber band around the base of the swirl. Repeat this pattern until you have as many bands as you want.

3. Dip entire shirt into soda ash solution. (Mix ½ cup of soda ash fixer for every gallon of water. Be sure to wear gloves and eye goggles for protection.)

4. Follow dye directions on label (usually around 1 tablespoon of dye for every 16 ounces of water). If you just want one color, dip entire shirt in a tub with the dye solution. If you'd like multiple colors, put each color of dye into its own squirt bottle and squirt each color wherever you want it on the shirt.

5. Let the dye soak in for several hours.

6. Finally, remove the bands and wash the shirt in hot water.

7. Congratulations! You've just created your first tiedye shirt. Now that you know the basics, you can experiment with design patterns, colors, and fabrics.

My royal notes:

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quiz

FLASHIN' FASHION

Are you Flashy and Fabulous? Pretty but Practical? Sharp but Safe? Take this quiz to find out your style today—of course, that could change tomorrow.

1. When you walk into a clothing store, you feel ...

a. Bored
b. Overwhelmed
c. Excited

2. Which of these colors grabs your attention the most?

a. Black
b. Pale Pink
c. Bright yellow

3. When you need an outfit, you ...

a. Buy the one the mannequin is wearing.
b. Ask Mom for help.
c. Put it together yourself.

4. When it comes to accessories, your motto is:

a. Why bother?
b. Less is more.
c. The more the merrier.

5. The kind of outfit you like should ...

a. Be suitable for your activity.
b. Help you blend in.
c. Stand out in the crowd.

If you answered mostly ...

a—you're Pretty but Practical. You may have a style, but fashion is definitely not your focus.

b—you're Sharp but Safe. You might not be setting any trends, but you're also not making any mistakes. You might feel unsure at first, but after some encouragement from your friends, you love sporting your style.

c—you're Flashy and Fabulous. Not everybody can wear that hat and those leggings and get away with it, but you can! The more unusual and outrageous the ensemble, the more it catches your eye. But you also know the limits.

FASHION FORWARD

Want something unique? Whether it's jewelry, something to wear, or a gift, show your own sense of style by designing your own creations.

[check] What you'll need

[] wire, thin

[] dental floss, string, or embroidery thread

[] glue

[] beads, or other items you can string

[] a tape measure

[] scissors

[] special items listed under each project

Optional: For added color use paints, glitter, rhinestones, ribbon, or small fun things you've found at garage sales and flea markets.

Bangle bracelets

Wrap the tape measure loosely around your wrist as many times as you'd like your bracelet to wrap. To the total, add 5 inches. That is the amount of wire you'll need for one bracelet. Loop and wrap one end of the wire around a bead to keep the beads from falling off. String the beads (or other items) leaving enough wire at the end to loop, weave back through the last beads, and wrap securely. Take one end and wrap it loosely around your wrist. The bracelet should be easy to slide on and off.

Paper beads

For these, you'll also need colorful magazines and toothpicks. Start by drawing long, thin triangles. Cut out the triangles. Starting with the widest end, wrap a triangle around a toothpick. Glue the tip. Once the glue has dried, carefully remove the toothpick. Repeat until you have all the beads that you need for your jewelry. To decorate beads, paint or add glitter. To make large beads, use a soda straw or a long, thin twig or stick. To make a necklace, thread the beads onto some dental floss and tie securely.

Book Bag charms

For this project you'll also need a key ring. Use dental floss or embroidery thread as string. Measure the string the length you want your charms to dangle from the key ring. Now add about 5 inches. String the beads (or other items) leaving enough length at the end to tie a knot large enough to hold the beads in place. Then tie the charm to the key ring. Repeat to make as many as you want to dangle from your book bag. Use this same technique to make charms for other items, such as your phone.

Community project

If you enjoy making jewelry, ask other princesses (even princes) in your church to help make jewelry as a fund-raising project.

BEACH BEAUTIES

Heaven and earth should praise him. The seas and everything in them should also. Psalm 69:34

Shell necklace

[check] What you'll need

[] shells

[] clear fingernail polish

[] colored fingernail polish

[] permanent markers

[] string

Optional: beads, glitter glue.

When you're at the beach, look for the ribbed bivalve shells that already have a hole drilled in the top (courtesy of another sea creature that drilled the hole to get to the clam ... but was too busy or too full to make a necklace); or buy them at a hobby or craft store. Wash the shells, then decorate them.

For example: You might paint one a solid color. After it dries, apply polka dots, stripes, a cross, a flower, or whatever design you like. Paint a layer of clear fingernail polish as a topcoat to protect the finish.

Cut necklace string long enough to fit around your head. Add about 5 inches. Holding both ends of string in one hand, force the center of string through the shell's hole and pull the loop out about an inch. Then thread the two ends through the loop and pull through to make a knot. Place around your neck and fit to the length you'd like. (Be sure you can put it on over your head.) Tie a knot.

Sand dollar delights

Instead of painting on paper, put your designs on beautiful sand dollars to use on purses or belts, wear as jewelry, decorate your room, or make a Christmas ornament. Be sure to sign your work! (I wonder if the famous painter Picasso began like this? Hmm.)

[check] What you'll need

[] sand dollars

[] acrylic paint

[] glitter glue

[] yarn or string

Paint a solid basecoat on each sand dollar. When dry, create a sunset or beach scene (or whatever you like) using acrylic paint. Top with clear acrylic paint or glitter glue for a shimmery effect. To use as a necklace or ornament, thread a hole with yarn or string. Remember to match the size of the sand dollar to how you will use it: larger for a wall hanging; smaller for a necklace.

THE RUNWAY FAVORITE

The fashion shows of Paris and New York are filled with the latest beautiful styles—and also some of the most outlandish designs ever created. For your runway show before the royal court, explore your own creativity as you design with beauty in mind—or go for the wildest and wackiest combinations you can conceive. Either way, you might be surprised at how great you look when you just have fun!

Backstage

1. Choose a small number of girl guests.

2. It's great if your guests all have dance leotards (and tights) to wear, but if not, swimsuits or other closefitting clothes will work too.

3. Ask each guest to bring some scarves, jewelry, shoes, purses, hats, sweaters, shirts.... (Your mothers, sisters, grandmothers, and aunts might have some things you could borrow or perhaps take a trip to the local thrift store.)

4. When each guest arrives take her picture with (or write down the items) she brought—so you'll be sure each item goes home with the right guest.

5. Sort everyone's items by type (jewelry with jewelry, scarves with scarves).

6. Divide into groups of two or more. One girl will be a designer, the other girl(s) will be the model. Then switch so the model is the designer, the designer is the model—until everyone has had a turn doing both parts.

7. If possible, have the models out of view so no one but the model's designer sees her outfit before the show. Then the designers join the audience.

The show

8. Set up an area as a runway. It can be elaborate. It can be simple. (Ask your royal advisors.)

9. Set up some chairs near the runway.

10. Once everyone is dressed and the designer(s) is seated in the audience, put on some music and start the show. Choose music suitable for a princess—so no elephants playing trombones!

11. Each model makes a grand entrance, pauses, then walks down the runway. As she walks the runway, her designer briefly describes the look.

12. Repeat until everyone has been both a model and a designer.

You'll want to serve food and drinks to your guests. Ask your royal advisors for ideas on when and what to serve.

HOW TO WEAR A TIARA (and other princess necessities)

Have you ever wondered why princesses wear tiaras (small half-crowns)? They are the international symbol of royalty! You can have fun making, trying on, and wearing different tiaras that show your special style. But God says the most beautiful crown can't be made with human hands. God alone can place a crown on our heads with His wisdom. Ask Him for wisdom in your prayers.

Believe in the value of wisdom, and it will make you great. Use it, and it will bring honor to you. Like flowers in your hair, it will beautify your life. Like a crown, it will make you look beautiful. Proverbs 4:8–9

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THE RIGHT TIARA FOR YOU

Tiaras come in many shapes, sizes, and styles. What's important is that the tiara frames your face. But because no one's face is absolutely round, oval, long, or full, you'll need to try on tiaras to see which style looks best on you.

Remember, if your hair is up, wear your tiara back from your face, set directly in front of or pushed into your hair; if your hair is down, wear your tiara closer to your face as you would a headband.

A princess sometimes uses clear thread to secure a tiara into place.

HAIR JEWELRY

Princesses wear many types of jewelry, so when a traditional tiara won't work, try one of these jeweled hair decorations.

Backpiece

Wear this when you want to kick it up a notch without overdoing the outfit. It fits like a barrette by pulling a portion of your hair to the back of your head or is tucked into a more formal French twist. Wear the casual ones almost anytime, but save the super-ornate ones for those special occasions.

Combs and hairpins

Combs and hairpins serve a similar function as a backpiece. Both can be used to pull the hair back and keep it in position. Again, save the fancier pieces for formal events.

Jewel-studded headbands

Great for casual events. A headband can be worn with jeans almost anywhere. This type of headband works well when long hair is worn down and on most short hair.

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Excerpted from How to Be God's Little Princess by Sheila Walsh, Jennifer Gerelds, Jill Dubin. Copyright © 2010 Sheila Walsh. Excerpted by permission of Thomas Nelson.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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