Going through the temple soon!

audreyII · #1 (**permalink**) 07-25-2012, 10:23 AM

So, I am new to the site, but I thought this could be a good place to start. In about 2 months, I will be going through the temple for my first time to receive my endowments. I'm really excited (yay!), but I guess I'm pretty normal as I am a little anxious about it. Not scared....just anxious. I know it's the right thing to do, but it is the unknown....(I know, it's the story of most people. lol)

So ladies...I was just wondering if you have any tips for me, especially regarding purchasing garments for the first time. I have the blessing of being in the DC temple district, and the DC temple has as distribution center so I can buy everything there and "shop" after I'm done for my garments and try on different things.

Here's the thing...I don't have a lot of money. I'm a college student, and such resources are tight. It's a sacrifice I'm obviously willing to make, but I can't try everything, because I know you have to buy them in order to try them on. So...I guess my question is does anyone have any tips for trying to find the "best option" in as few tries as possible? Like how do I know what style of top will be best for me, fabric etc etc and are there any good "systematic" ways of "narrowing" options down? It's great that there are so many choices, but at the same time it's hard to know where to start, especially when you can't afford to try a lot of things at first. I anticipate having to wear styles I decide I "don't like" for a while, because at least it's something until I can buy more of what I do like (or keep trying things until I find something that works for me.) Perhaps I'm making this way too complicated...haha

I will say that I'm a "bigger" woman (but not "huge") but I'm definitely "bustier" and have curves. I'm of average height. I live in VA, so it does get rather hot and humid here in the summer, and a little bit "cold" in the winter. (I'm from the north so I have a different definition of "cold" here than most people) However I will be going through the end of September/beginning of October so the hot days should pretty much be over by then so I don't have to worry about that yet. I think I would prefer something that "feels like" my normal clothes, but having not tried them yet, I don't know for sure.

Any insights would be great. Thanks!

applepansy · #2 (**permalink**) 07-25-2012, 10:46 AM

The ladies at the distribution center will be very helpful with size and fabric for your area's climate. Then, buy one pair depending on the day you'll be attending the temple. It would be best if you could attend the temple on a day when the distribution center will be open the following day. After you've tried on the first pair and gotten a feel for fabric, then go and purchase a few or one more pair. I don't recommend buying a weeks worth yet until you find the fabric, style and size you're comfortable with (even for someone who can afford to do so, it would be a waste in my opinion). You can always wash one pair out and hang to dry for the next day while wearing the 2nd pair, until you figure out what works best for you.

My next suggestion is to ask endowed ladies of a similar body type as yours. Usually it helps to have a family member to ask but you didn't say if you have family who have been endowed.

I'm "bustier" so the chemise style doesn't work for me. It rides up under my bra. The style which makes room for my larger chest works best for me. Here in Utah we have really cold and really hot but little humidity so I'm not sure which fabrics will work best for you. I prefer Drisilk because it lets my clothing slide against it. I don't have to deal with things bunching up. My sister prefers the slippery fabrics on top and cotton on the bottom. Again, the ladies at the distribution center will be helpful.

Another resource for suggestions are the ladies in RS, the RS Pres or the Bishop's wife.

audreyII · #3 (**permalink**) 07-25-2012, 10:57 AM

Thanks! I guess some details that are more helpful is that I am actually the only member in my family, so I don't have any of them to ask. I'm in a singles ward, so most of the girls are not endowed yet, but I can definitely talk to my bishop's wife and the lady who is going to be my escort. I have a few friends that are endowed (most of my friends are younger than me and not endowed yet, as I am in my mid-20s and in college), but I'll talk to them, too.

Also being a student, my only chance to really go is on a Saturday, and the temple is almost 4 hours away. However, I am planning to go back not too long after I go the first time (within six weeks after at most) so I'll by then be able to have a better idea of all of the "issues" with what I have and maybe be able to go back and find solutions. (Sorry, I'm a very logical and methodical person, so everything is an "experiment" to me. haha) I know I can also go online and buy more before then if I immediately come home with a winner. Good thought to only buy a couple of pairs though.....I had in my head I needed to buy a week's worth up front, but you're right...that's not the case! haha

applepansy · #4 (**permalink**) 07-25-2012, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by audreyII

Thanks! I guess some details that are more helpful is that I am actually the only member in my family, so I don't have any of them to ask. I'm in a singles ward, so most of the girls are not endowed yet, but I can definitely talk to my bishop's wife and the lady who is going to be my escort. I have a few friends that are endowed (most of my friends are younger than me and not endowed yet, as I am in my mid-20s and in college), but I'll talk to them, too.

Also being a student, my only chance to really go is on a Saturday, and the temple is almost 4 hours away. However, I am planning to go back not too long after I go the first time (within six weeks after at most) so I'll by then be able to have a better idea of all of the "issues" with what I have and maybe be able to go back and find solutions. (Sorry, I'm a very logical and methodical person, so everything is an "experiment" to me. haha) I know I can also go online and buy more before then if I immediately come home with a winner. Good thought to only buy a couple of pairs though.....I had in my head I needed to buy a week's worth up front, but you're right...that's not the case! haha

Nothing to be sorry about.

Its good to be methodical and prepared.

I'm excited for you. I can feel the excitement in your words. Your escort or your Bishop's wife will be good people to ask.

At the distribution center they will have fabric swatches for you to handle and touch. The Sisters who have worked there awhile will be very helpful too.

I wish you all the best! This is an exciting time for you. Keep a journal of your thoughts and feelings. When you read it later you'll find places where you were guided by the Spirit without even realizing it.

beefche · #5 (**permalink**) 07-25-2012, 11:42 AM

Completely unrelated, but you wouldn't happen to choose your screen name after a man eating plant that sings, would you?

audreyII · #6 (**permalink**) 07-25-2012, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beefche

Completely unrelated, but you wouldn't happen to choose your screen name after a man eating plant that sings, would you?

Why yes, I did.

classylady · #7 (**permalink**) 07-27-2012, 01:28 AM

What others like may not be the fabric or style that you personally choose for yourself. I definitely would try different styles and fabrics. I personally like the Drisilque or Carinessa II fabrics the best. Many of my friends and family like the Mesh fabric. My skin is really sensitive, and the mesh seems to make me itch. I haven't worn the mesh in over 20 years, so it may not even be an issue with me anymore. The tops are either square or rounded. Some of my blouses work better with the square neck rather than the rounded.

skoshmom · #8 (**permalink**) 07-27-2012, 08:47 AM

Going through the temple the first time is the most amazing and sacred experience. The Washington DC temple is special to me because that is where I went for my endowments. My prayer for you is that as you go through the temple, you will feel the peace and love that is only experienced there and that you will receive the revelations for yourself that will guide you in your life.

The Garment of the Holy Priesthood is sacred and I feel so honored to wear it. As you keep in mind the sacred covenants you make, you will come to find the materials and styles that suit you best.

Peace and joy to you.

audreyII · #9 (**permalink**) 07-27-2012, 10:09 AM

[QUOTE Some of my blouses work better with the square neck rather than the rounded.[/QUOTE]

I'm thinking that it might be helpful to have both???? I know there shouldn't much of a difference in how much they cover, but maybe where??? I don't know. It's all part of the experience, right? A very sacred and wonderful experience, but there is a lot coming at one time.

audreyII · #10 (**permalink**) 07-27-2012, 10:10 AM

Okay, that "quoting" thing TOTALLY did not work the way I expected it to, but I think I still got the point across, even if it doesn't look pretty. haha