Living an elegant, simple life = vanity?

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Fashion is just a form of self-expression like dance or music. The reason it sometimes might be negative is if it is used to diminish a person’s humanity, like if a kid feels they have to have a certain brand or style in order to have value in the eyes of others.
 
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You’re single and young. You have the freedom to live life as you choose and within your budget. Sounds good to me. And the idea of a “simple, elegant lifestyle” sounds lovely to me! I think of people like First Lady Jackie Kennedy or actress Grace Kelly.

What I would worry about is obsessive-compulsive tendencies. You alone know whether this is a potential problem for you.

I exhibit some tendency towards obsessive-compulsive behavior, especially at work. i have to have my workbench and equipment (I work in a microbiology lab) arranged in a certain way, and I adhere to a certain workflow that no one else in the department uses–and I am finished a few hours before everyone else finishes, so what I’m doing works well for me.

However, if any little thing disrupts my routine, I am totally discombobulated and stressed and it takes me forever to finish the work! Not a good thing.

Just a caution, and it probably isn’t even an issue for you. But if it is, stay on top of it and don’t let it steal your joy in your chosen lifestyle.

Have you ever considered doing a blog or a podcast on “simple elegant living” for Christian women? I would really love to read that, especially if it includes inexpensive tips for creating a simple yet elegant lifestyle. I imagine things like always having a vase with a single rose on the table, or using a fountain pen instead of a BIC (my husband started using a fountain pen a few years ago). Please think about it!
 
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You are right - that sort of old school elegance is something that definitely inspires me!
I don’t think I have any obsessive-compulsive tendencies (unless you call worrying about what you’re gonna wear the next day OCD), but can see how that can quickly develop into something like that.

I’ve dabbled in blogging and whatnot in the past, but have not focused much on this idea - it’s a good one that I will keep in my back pocket 🙂 Thanks!
 
Thank you, everyone for your kind and thoughtful insight. I think it does come down to how you approach this topic - whether you’re doing it for selfish reasons or purely for looks - and if not, then it is probably good and wholesome to live a fulfilling life in the best way we see fit.

I was listening to Catholic radio this morning and they were saying how the world is so busy with things, that people are having a hard time finding time and energy to be giving to God amidst their daily lives. I think living “elegantly” will, in a way, help that…with things like less screen time and more time in contemplation/prayer as well. Just living that wholesome life, focusing on the goods of this world (in moderation), and not focusing on the things that distract us from the simple beauty of life each day 🙂
 
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