And don’t get me wrong, I love leggings!!! Early in our quarantine world, I wrote about a corona-induced fashion blog where I declared leggings and tennis shoes were the must-haves of the season. This times screams COMFORT clothes! Little or no makeup and leisure outfits rule our day and I’m not asking you to change that–yet. I get it! I know we still have at least two more weeks of sheltering at home.  But, since some of us are going into our fifth week, aren’t you just a teeny-tiny bit ready for some real clothes?? 

I will say it again, I’m a comfort-all-the-way person, without a doubt, but I’m almost over it. My leggings are beginning to feel like those maternity shirts we used to wear over and over again! Remember how excited you were to wear a maternity shirt, only to absolutely hate it by the time you delivered. I don’t think young moms go through that today as there are so many cute maternity items available, but in the 1970’s, it wasn’t so cute. By delivering date, I was ready to burn my maternity shirts, only to discover I still needed them for at least six weeks after to hide the post-baby bump. Can I get an amen!!!??

In an effort to think about fun spring fashions, I began to see a sweet little company pop up on my Instagram, so I finally looked it up. The company is called Francis+Benedict and its mission is to empower and equip seamstresses in Togo, which is in West Africa. 

Even though I don’t do it very often anymore, I love to sew! And, I love mission work. I haven’t been to Togo, but have been to Uganda and Kenya, so I have a heart for the African culture. When I read that this company puts women to work doing something they already know how to do, sewing, it was a win-win for me. Plus, look how cute this skirt is. I love the print and, here’s the kicker, it has pockets!! Another win-win. On top of that, I love the length. They come in all lengths, but for me, at this age now, this tea length really works. 

The website is fun to look through as it shows lots of looks, with different ideas for tops. Here’s the link:   https://francisandbenedict.com/collections/all-skirts.   They come in all sizes. I wear a size 4 and ordered the small. It’s a little large in the waist, but I would rather it be a little large than too little. Since I sew I can take it up a tiny bit. Even if I don’t, it’s fine. I can tuck a shirt into it. Also, it came in very quickly. I think three days. If we had actually gone to church for Easter, it would have been perfect.

While you’re at home dreaming about wearing real clothes, check out this company that gives back to a community in Africa. Here’s another cool fact about the company. Francis and Benedict Avoyl are the names of the two people on the ground in Togo who work with the women seamstresses, hence the name of the brand. 

I love companies that give back. It’s funny how that is so popular today and sometimes I wonder why we didn’t do this when I was younger. Then, I remember all the inventions that facilitate this like the internet and a greater awareness and a more prosperous society. 

I’m so thankful that my grandchildren get to know more about the world than I did. I love taking them on mission trips and expanding their worlds. If you get a chance to that with yours, you won’t regret it. Of course, for now, we’re all grounded, but one day, we’ll be back at it. 

Well, that’s it for today. I hope you get a chance to look at this little company. I’m very impressed. And can’t wait wear my new skirt. There’s hope, y’all!!