Hubba-Hubba: A Modesty Story

Is anyone tired of hearing about modesty? No? OK then!

I have a short story to share for this installment of Modesty Monday. It's a true story, but the names have been changed to protect the innocent :)

"Sarah!" my friend Michelle exclaimed. "I am so excited to show you what I found on clearance at Target today! I got a ton of cute dresses that are all super modest!" Alright, I thought to myself, let's take a look here. Michelle held up the first dress. "That's really cute!" I said. "I know," Michelle began. "Here's the thing, I have so much to learn. I think my mom kind of gave up on me years ago, because she never really told me what it meant to dress modestly. I've had it wrong all this time. For example, I tried on a lot of dresses today. There were a few that I really, really liked. But when I came out of the dressing room, my boyfriend Mark was like 'hubba hubba' then he was like, 'you shouldn't wear that.' And it totally hit me for the first time; I shouldn't be wearing things that make him say 'hubba hubba!' "That's right" I laughed. "The only time you should be wearing something that makes a man say 'hubba hubba' is when he is your husband and you are alone together!"


Everything else you ever wanted to read on the topic of modesty: I <3 Modesty

Is it Monday Again?!

Mondays this Summer, we're sharing tips and tricks of the trade to keep you dressing modestly while staying trendy and cute!
Start here: Jeggings are Pants (and other Common Misconceptions)
Or here: Modesty Archives

Modesty Monday is Here Again...

Happy Modesty Monday! Here I am again, reminding everyone to give some thought to what they are wearing! I warned you all I'd be back to talk about this every single Monday this Summer, right? Well, here's my tip for the day:

Pull your shirt up. I know it totally depends on how you are built. I just so happen to be small in the shoulder area but bigger every where else.... I like to buy larger shirts so they don't cling to stuff in unflattering ways (yes, love handles), but when I buy things bigger, they always end up hanging too low up top or looking too baggy.



Can I remind you all out there in blog land, that clothes off the rack were never meant to fit every body type! No need to get down on yourself, there is a reason you may have a difficult time finding things that flatter or fit right. Clothes produced for the mass retail store are just that, mass produced to fit the "standard" human. Whatever "standard" human may be. Celebrities and people with money have personal stylists and tailors that design clothes specifically for their bodies, and alter things to fit them perfectly and in the most flattering way. If you can learn just a few simple sewing techniques (like, hemming up a pant leg, adding stitches here and there), you too can have custom fit clothing! When in doubt, I buy the larger size dress or bathing suit that I know is going to cover everything I want covered, then I alter it to fit.

It's pretty much standard protocol for me to take my straps up. I usually do so in the non-professional, fastest possible way. Quick and easy! I do a little number like this:

Turn garment inside out and determine how much you want to take up
Sew a seam straight across the strap

This is what it will look like. The access material will be on the inside.
If the fabric is too bulky, I will trim this off or sew it flat against the back of the shirt.

Bonus: This is a dress my husband picked up for me at a thrift store! Score!
But the straps are too long and the neck is too low.

I took the seam out that was holding the straps in place,
then took them up and sewed them back in place.

I also made a nifty little panel that I sewed in place right here!

Oh, what's that? You love talking about modest? Just can't get enough? Well, check out our other posts on the topic of modesty, right here: I <3 Modesty 

Happy [Modesty] Monday

We're passing on tips and tricks, every Monday (all Summer long) that focus on the issue of modesty. I have 2 things to pass on to you today.

The first, is a really good article by Randy Alcorn. Read it!

Why Doesn't the Church Address Modesty?

The second, is that I found the greatest thing at Kohls this past week! I went with a 30% off coupon in hand, and found these super, super wonderful tanks/dresses which basically work really well for layering over leggings like an extra long tank top. You can't wear them alone, unless you're super skinny. Don't go away thinking I am endorsing this to be worn as an actual dress! What they are really great for, I am finding, is that really cute shirt that is just too short to wear with leggings. These tank dresses give coverage on top, while providing just a little more length on the bottom to cover things nicely. I got a size M which is pretty skin tight, but I'm not planing on wearing it without something over top, so it's just the right fit.

Derek Heart Tank Dress

(Olivia also got a new dress at Kohls for 4.99 that she wanted to model for the camera)

That's it for this addition of Modesty Mondays! Until next week,
~Sarah

P.S.
Jeggings are Pants and Other Common Misconceptions

How to Easily Modify a Swimsuit

Swimsuit shopping is right up there with going to the dentist. Unfortunately, when you want to find a modest swimsuit, I have not been able to find a deal. I love deals so it pains me to pay $70 plus dollars for a swimsuit. Especially one I am going to wear in a lake! On a recent trip to Goodwill, also known as GW Fashions, I had an idea. I saw two matching tops new from Target. I bought one Medium top, and one Large top to convert to a cover-up skirt. I will keep the medium top as-is and wear it as the actual top. I spent $2.99 per top, so a total investment of $6 bucks.  I already had the brown swimsuit bottoms. In actuality the patterns match on the top and the bottom, but I twisted it so the difference between the top and the bottom could be easily seen. Here's the tutorial.

Step One

Cut the top off the LARGE SWIMSUIT TOP. I cut as close to the edge as possible

 to give myself the most material. 

Step Two

Serge around the edge to finish it and give me a starting place. 

*Make sure you practice on fabric you aren't using 

before you use your serger.

Step Three

Try it on to determine the length you want. 

Mark it with pins placed horizontally.

This is me trying on the swimsuit for the first time.
You can see the top and bottom are both made out of swimsuit TOPS.
Notice the brown straps hanging from my waist.
I am trying it on here to see how long I will want the bottom piece to hang.

Step Four

Pin the back with the amount of fabric you need to 

cover the elastic of your choice.  I prefer to use an inch.

Step Five

 Pin all the way around the top. Try it on again to make adjustments.  

 My swimsuit style was gathered in the front, so instead of fighting it, 

 I went with it.  I folded the edge down as shown giving it an extra

 detail in the front.

Sewing Tips:

When sewing on swimsuit material, it's best to use a Ball Point needle. 

If you have a teflon, smooth glide foot, this is the time to use it.

That foot helps the material go through with less resistance.

Step Six

Sew one side of the elastic into the side seam from the inside.

Step Seven

Try the skirt on again to see how much elastic you need across

the back only. The front will not have elastic. Then pin it.

 Step Eight

Pull the elastic to the right length.

Sew the elastic to the fabric on the outside of the skirt.

Trim the excess elastic.

Step Nine

Sew across the top front.

Step Ten (Optional depending on your design)

 Sew across the bottom front.

 Step Eleven

On the top back, prepare to sew the casing for the elastic.

Turn the edge under. Pin. Sew on the right side feeling for 

the edge as you sew. Sew halfway, then with your needle still in,

pull the fabric to the side you have already sewn. Finish sewing the 

elastic casing with the ease of sewing on flat fabric. 

Step Twelve

Evenly distribute the fabric in the back to both sides. 

Sew straight through the fabric and the elastic.

This will keep your elastic from turning while you

are wearing your suit.

Whala!!! You are done!! ~Julia

Introducing: Modesty Mondays

Mondays this Summer, we will be sharing tips and tricks of the trade to keep you dressing modestly while staying trendy and cute!


Start here: Jeggings are Pants (and other Common Misconceptions)

Jeggings Are Pants (and Other Common Misconceptions)

Women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control -1Tim 2:9

This is a post that has been on my mind for a while, but I have dreaded writing. Does anyone really want to read another post about modesty?

There are so many people and institutions out there that have sought to make this a black and white issue. Christian universities and private schools have tried for years to come up with a set of guidelines and rules for their students to follow in regards to dress code and modesty. While it is noble for an institution to try instilling a sense of modesty and train students to dress for success, they inevitably find themselves adjusting this list of rules on a yearly basis as they attempt to learn what works and what does not. This is a controversial topic, with a lot of gray areas and varying opinions on how to define it. It's a daily argument between parents and teens, and wherever the line is drawn, there will always be someone to push it.

So why am I writing this? 

Frankly, I am just plain fed up with Christian girls pushing the line!

Please remember: Jeggings and leggings are basically just tights.

Cover stuff up! Wear a long shirt to cover your butt. 

Rules without reason can quickly sound legalistic. How can I convey my heart on this matter without coming across too authoritative? God's Word is the ultimate authority, and there is a lot of direction in there for finding a balance between Christian liberties (freedom) and love for brothers and sisters in Christ that may take offence with certain things we do. Do you have a loving and humble heart that is sensitive to the weaknesses of others? Or is your motivation to do what you want, because it is your right and you find nothing wrong with it? Are you angered at the thought of someone telling you what to do, or are you willing to lay aside your right to something (even if it is perfectly acceptable) because you know it will promote peace and unity?

“Everything is permissible”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others. 
-1 Cor. 10:23-24

Leggings are not pants! Wear a long, tunic style

shirt that covers everything! 

Are we trying so hard to look like the world, that we have failed to set ourselves apart? It is evident from scripture, that God wants us to strive for a life of purity. As Christians, we're called to be in the world but not of it, set apart, different. We're far from perfect, but we should seek to give God our best in all we do. What it comes down to is, we are not our own. Our bodies are dwelling places for the Holy Spirit, we were bought at a price, do we dress in such a way that reflects this? Are we setting a good example and representing Christ well? Are we sincerely in love with Christ and grateful for what He has done for us, so much that it is an honor rather than a burden to follow Him in every area of life?

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. -1 Cor. 10:19-20

Too low

Girls, are we conscious and considerate of how we dress and how it can make life incredibly difficult for our brothers in Christ to keep their thoughts pure? Well, see the paragraph above, if you don't care about others and think guys should be totally on their own with this one. No, you are not ultimately responsible for his actions, but you can show love by looking out for him and proactively guarding his heart through what you choose to wear. You just might be showing a huge consideration to his wife or girlfriend as well!

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. -Philippians 2:3-4

Girls, we really have NO IDEA what it's like to be a guy. Getting married opened my eyes to a lot of things and has given me a lot of insight into the mind of my husband, but I will never know the feeling of being so visually driven. Girls are easily caught up in emotional fantasies and are attracted to guys who appeal to us on a mental and emotional level (even us girls that aren't all that emotional). The way men are wired is not bad, just different from us! We need to be consciously aware of this on a daily basis.

When it comes to modesty, where do you see yourself on this scale?:

Cute, but this would be a nightmare to me because I'd 

constantly be pulling and tugging at it all day! 

Too wide on the top and low/loose fitting. May remedy this 

with a cami underneath or double sided sticky tape. 

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God — even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. - 1 Cor. 10:31-33

An important point to note, is that modesty is very subjective. There are a lot of factors that go into determining what is considered modest. A huge role in this is culture. In some countries and religions, it is greatly offensive for a women to even show her ankles. Many conservative Christian organizations today, still believe women should only wear long dresses and skirts. At some point, we have to step back and determine what biblical modesty looks like. I love C. J. Mahaney's take on biblical modesty in his book: Worldliness: Resisting the Seduction of a Fallen World Mahaney reflects on 1Tim. 2:9 which begins by addressing the men of the early church and then the women. Mahaney writes that Paul,

"...is concerned because some of them are imitating the dress and adornment of the ladies of the Roman court and the prostitutes. Those women were known for their expensive clothes and jewelry and elaborate hairstyles; they dressed, not only to attract attention, but to seduce as well. When the women of the church arrived dressed like this, it’s no surprise that they distracted others from worshiping God. What’s more, through their ostentatious dress they associated themselves with the wealthy (thus separating themselves from the poor) and the ungodly (thus distancing themselves from their fellow church members). Their dress was distracting, and maybe even divisive.
That’s why Paul urges them to dress in “respectable apparel” and “not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire.” He wants the Savior, not seductive style, to be the focus of the church gathering—and indeed, the focus of all of life. So the real issue wasn’t actually braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly attire. The issue was—and is—clothing that associates with worldly and not godly values: clothes that say “look at me” and “I’m with the world.” Let me be clear: Paul is not categorically prohibiting a woman from enhancing her appearance—on Sunday or any day of the week. In fact, you’ll find other places in Scripture where godly women wore fine clothing and jewelry."

Continue reading from Mahaney's chapter on modesty here: The Appearance of the Modest Woman

On the opposite end of the spectrum are Christians that feel it is sexually oppressive to impose the idea of modesty on women. Yes, I believe an over-emphases on the wrong things and a wrong motivation can be oppressive. However, I'm not talking here about a denial of all things feminine, beautiful (sexy even), a call to cover yourself from head to toe at all times, or to carry the sole responsibility of a man's purity based on how you are dressed. I'm not saying to turn the switch off and shove all feelings of sexuality so far down that you a hard time turning it back on at the appropriate time. On the contrary, I love fashion! Just as I love beauty and creativity in many areas of life, I love buying clothes, changing my hair style, painting my nails, accessorizing and looking good.

What it comes down to is a place in the heart that desires moderation. What Paul was addressing in the early church was the issue of women dressing to draw attention to themselves rather than to God. They were using over the top adornments, accessories and daring outfits that were a distraction to everyone around them because they were conducive to the way flamboyant Roman citizens and prostitutes dressed. Even secular TV stars and self proclaimed fashion police will tell you there are some outfits that are just over-the-top or totally inappropriate for certain events. If we've learned anything from What NOT to Wear, it's how tacky an ill fitting or tight pair of pants can look and how out of place a plunging neckline would be at a funeral. Use discretion!

1920's beach scene: "modesty police" measured to make

sure a bathing suits were no more than 6" above the knee 

I read an article recently that spoke out against the burdensome demands of modesty in the Christian church, based on the argument that it can be oppressive to a women's sexuality. My thoughts on this argument, are that this may have been the case 100's of years ago, but definitely not in America today. Women in America were oppressed at one point, some may argue still today in certain areas and churches. However, not anywhere near what they were before the original women's rights movement took place, or the burning of bras in the 60's and the marketing of women's sexuality that has taken place through Madonna, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga. No one can argue with the fact that we live in an age where modesty is not the norm. The minimal amount of clothing that is required to reach social acceptability has shrunk to surprising lows. This cultural standard has seeped into the church and affected godly people. I'm talking to a very small crowd out there that actually has a problem dressing too modestly and is at risk of feeling sexually oppressed.

I in no way want to claim a position of final authority on the definition of modesty. I don't claim to make the rules (in fact, there are no actual "rules"), but I will share some tips. In an attempt to help my sisters out, here is my take on modesty and a summary of the kinds of things I try to take into consideration every single time I pick out an outfit:

Too short
Too low

• Bend forward and stand up straight: Does it show cleavage in front or too much booty in back? Are my underwear visible? = A YES to any of these means an instant NO GO for me. Add a higher necked tank top to cover cleavage, layer a cardigan that goes down past your butt to cover underwear lines or wear a longer shirt/tank underneath. If a skirt is too short, wear leggings underneath. Use a slip if the skirt is too see-through. 
• Bend from side to side: Does it too easily move around and expose skin? If so, wear a longer tank top underneath. 
• Sit in front of a mirror to check the length on a skirt. How much do I see? Remember to always sit in a "ladylike" manner when wearing skirts of any length (no crossing legs, only ankles). Again, wear leggings under a skirt that seems a little short, or just don't wear it. 
• How short is too short? I generally want my shorts to come below my fingertips, skirts and dresses to fall no shorter than mid thigh - longer for church or when I am going to be standing in front of people/elevated above anyone or moving around a lot. 
• If I were standing up on a stage or stairs and someone was lower than me, how much would be visible? If someone was looking down at me from a higher point, how much could they see? 
• Is my bra or bra strap visible? If so, secure with pins, wear a tank top, etc. 
• How tight is too tight for my particular body type?: My weight has fluctuated a lot of the years. Curvy girls, I hear ya. The magazines say flaunt your stuff, be proud of your curves! Hey, I'm all for confidence in who you are, and loving the body God has given you, but there is no excuse for showing off an enormous amount of cleavage or wearing pants that look like they've been spray painted onto your body. 
• What area is this shirt or pants attracting attention to? Is it way too bootylishous or boobalishous? When in doubt, add a layer that covers things a little more.

Way too low

• I'm a huge fan of being comfortable and safe. If I put something on that I know I will constantly be tugging at, pulling down, pulling up, buttoning up, pulling together, sucking in... I'll usually just opt not to wear it. 
• When in doubt, wear a long tank top or a higher necked cami underneath, pin things in place, ad some stitches or layer a flowy cardigan over a tight shirt. 
• Bathing Suits: I only wear one pieces, tankinies or swim dresses (more so because I am self conscious of my thighs!) that cover my whole mid section. My biggest hang-up is the coverage on top. Yes, it is a pain finding a modest baiting suit! Check out Lands End for some good options. Use a cute cover-up when not in the water for extra confidence. 
• Strapless tops, spaghetti straps and halters. Yes, I do own these and I know where it is appropriate to wear them. Let me tell you, it's usually not at church or the work place. For everyday activities, it comes down to the fit, look, style and coverage of each of these. Some strapless tops are super trashy looking, while others do a good really job of covering things and hanging loose. I use discretion!

A very common style for a prom dress these days.

Really?!? Mom and Dad, really?? 

Ask a friend! Let your husband or friends know it is ok to be honest with you. No one wants to be in that position, and very rarely will someone have the nerve to address you to your face when you're pushing the line. Your husband may not have even looked at you before heading out the door, and he may be afraid for his life to speak up even if he did notice something! Self image is such a sensitive thing, and your friends just want to build you up, so they may need a little prodding to give you the cold hard truth. 

Now, where do you think the attention 

is being drawn to with shorts like these? 

Parents, when did you just give up? As a youth leader, and the wife of a youth pastor, I have a lot of contact with teens and a lot of interaction with parents. Many times my husband and I have looked at each other and asked, what were her parents thinking letting her out of the house like that?! We can only do so much, the majority of it comes down to where you draw the line as a parent.

A young contestant on 

the show Toddlers & Tiaras 

Start young: Pace yourself, don't let your daughter dress like a teenager when she is 10, or she will be pushing the line even further when she is 16. This may entail saying no, for now, when your 6 year old asks to wear high heeled shoes. There is no rule saying high heals on a 6 year old are un-biblical or that God would not be pleased, in fact they are probably pretty cute! But I can say, with full confidence, what pleases God is a heart that seeks to parent using wisdom and discernment. Wisdom helps discern the amount of interest your daughter may be taking in physical appearance vs. how much time you have invesd in her inner beauty. Girls are feeling the pressure to act and look a certain way at a younger and younger age (remember the controversial push-up bathing suit abercrombie was marketing to 12 year olds?). 10 year olds are now considered "tweens" because that's about the age they start feeling pressure to dress exactly like their teenage role model. Sadly, their role models include older sisters that dress provocatively, and a hand full of Disney stars that have traded their squeaky clean image for the bad-girl persona. 

If you have teenagers: stay strong and hold your ground. Protect your daughters innocence - because it's worth it. But don't just lay down a bunch of rules, explain WHY this is such an important issue. Dads, don't be afraid to talk candidly about what you know of the male population. Go beyond the "I'm a guy and I know how guys think" or "guys only have one thing on their minds." We live in such a sex-saturated society, your teenage daughter is not going to be as taken aback by what you have to say, as you may think. Share your heart with her and make sure she knows you love her.

Miley and her 9 year old sister 

Many girls just really need to make sense of it all 
because bottom line, we don't get it.

My Current BIGGEST OFFENDERS: 

Pushing the line. I might wear

this at home, but never in public!

As soon as you start moving

or bending in this shirt, it is

going to show serious cleavage.

• Leggings and Jeggings Leggings ARE NOT PANTS! They are basically a step up from tights. Yes, the degree of thickness does correlate with the length of shirt you can get away with, but in general, you should NEVER wear a shirt shorter than what covers your entire bottom and lady parts. Most of the time, I shoot for mid thigh when wearing a nice thick legging. Around the house, I may get away with a t-shirt that hits just bellow my butt line, but rarely is there reason to do this in public. PLEASE NOTE: I am only 5' 2" sorry to say, taller ladies cannot get away with the shorter shirt thing. Jeggings are a small step up from leggings in thickness, so for me, the rules still apply! There is also something to be said about your environment. Wearing jeggings with a shorter shirt to the grocery store is one thing, but church or the office would be really out of place.
• Cleavage It bothers me so, so much when Christian girls sport cleavage on a regular basis. Can I be honest with you? I don't care if you're a 34A or a 38FF, if your shirt is low enough to see any amount of a crease, it is too low. I've been there. At my heaviest weight, there were days a regular t-shirt that came up to my neck would have still shown a healthy dose of cleavage. I am acknowledging that the bigger you are, the harder you must try and the more creative you must be. But really girls, the biggest problem I see is that you're just not even trying. Yes, life happens, clothing shifts, wardrobes malfunction. But, if you put a shirt on and can already foresee a lot of tugging and "pulling up" going on during the day, just don't do it! Or, use double sided tape, pins, etc. to secure things in place. 

Yes, you have to be extra creative at times, when striving to dress modestly. Most of the time, you wont be able to just take a cute outfit off the rack and wear it as-is. I alter a lot of my clothing, by doing a simple stitch job in the shoulders to pull the neckline a little higher. You may have to layer a lot of outfits with tank tops, cardigans or shrugs. You will probably have to say no to a lot of things that could be really cute. In general, the companies and designers that are creating clothing for the masses are not concerned with modesty. You have to be on the defence. But, it is possible to dress attractively in trendy clothes from popular stores, by being a little creative in how you wear things!

Lord, give me the wisdom and discernment necessary to make choices that will honor You! ~Sarah

P.S. Some Tools of the Trade:

Linked up here:

Trendy To Do's (for Spring!)

Hey, I may be a  

Stay-at-Home, Pastor's Wife,  

Homeschooling, Mom of 3 

but that doesn't mean I can't keep up with the latest trends, right?? 

I have always imagined there is a fashion scale, between things that are way too trendy for the average human to pull off and the things that have long overstayed their welcome on the clothing racks of every small town store. I imagine the scale looks something like this:
 

*Most Trendy*  

1. Trend-Setting Style - So trendy it's not even trendy yet

   2. Up-To-Date Trendy - Still slightly edgy because most people have not caught on yet

      3. Mainstream Trendy - It's Cool, everybody's wearing it

          4. Too Trendy - It's Not Really Cool Anymore because EVERYONE is wearing it 

             5. OK, This Style Just Needs to Go Away Already

               *Least Trendy* 

I like to believe on a normal, everyday basis, I fall somewhere in between the "up-to-date trendy" and "mainstream trendy" category. I'd like to say I pull off slightly trendy, without weirding people out by trying too hard and coming off too over-the-top for normal life (hey, I'm a mom after all). I've never really been a trend setter, and I'd like to think of myself as "edgy" but I think my sister literally laughed in my face one day when I used that term to describe myself. With that said, I'd like to share the Spring trends I am most excited about and how they translate into everyday life for the normal, average human being.

1. Color, Color, Color

 Bold colors, color blocking, colored skinnies, neon, love it!

Even if you went out and only bought one pair of skinnies in a particular color - even if that color is white because everything else is just a little too crazy for you - you'll be all set! Everyone is catching onto this trend by now so you can pretty much find them anywhere (Kohls, Target, Express, H&M, Gap,etc). I was a little scared of this when I first saw them because I wondered how the bright colors would flatter my figure. For that reason, I will probably always stay away from light, bright colors like yellow and white and opt for the darker pink/red or purple/blue. Incorporating something bright or neon into your wardrobe is so fun!

    

2. Quirky Prints and 90's Style
Birds, large floral, cats, stars, really? This trend is, well, quirky. I have to say though, that I actually bought a fun apple print dress on    the clearance rack a few weeks ago before knowing this was a big trend in the making. So, boy do I feel cutting edge! Oh, and do you remember when your parents were freaking out because the 70's styles were coming back, and everyone was rushing to the thrift stores to buy stuff up? Then, it happened with 80's trends. Now, the 90's are back in full swing. I have to admit, I had a slight melt down last year when I noticed the exact dress at H&M that I had owned as a child. I now know how my parents must have felt. But, what are ya going to do? Don't fight it - go for it! I've already been hitting up Valueworld in search of 90's dresses for this Summer, before everyone catches on and buys them out. For those of you that never get rid of anything, you may be in luck - because you still have your clothes from the 90's hanging in your closet!

3. Mint Green

I've seen this popping up everywhere, and something tells me it's going to be one of those colors that instantly updates any outfit.

 
Nothing New 
(But Sorry) I Still Love: 

1. Chevron/Zig Zag Prints

This style is moving further and further towards the mainstream trendy, and I'm hoping it's not going to become too overdone for a while because I still love it!

 

2. Birds and Owls

I am still a sucker for anything with birds and owls on it, even though they have become more and more overdone. They have, sadly, lost their edge. The big question now is, what's the next edgy animal going to be??

3. Leggings

I will cry the day leggings become so overdone and out of style I can no longer wear them. They got me through my last 2 pregnancies and now, I just love the comfort. I feel they hold everything together in just the right spots. Here's the thing, ladies please, think of leggings as just a step up from tights. The thicker the legging material (heavy cotton, jeggings) the shorter the shirt you can get away with wearing over them. But as a general rule, shirts should be "tunic" length, at least to mid thigh but never below the knee. Leggings are also handy for layering under dresses that may be too short to wear otherwise.

 

4. Flats

I am so out of practice wearing heals since flats first became popular. I love them and am excited for all the new colorful ones out this spring!

 5. Belts

Skinny and Wide -  a belt around the outside of a cardigan can really make a fun update to your look or ad definition to the waist.

6. Headbands and Hair Wraps

Cute for dressing up a casual Summer style or simple pony tail. I like wearing them pulled down slightly over the forehead. Check out my friend Joanna's super cute selection of hair wraps on her Etsy page: Etsy Shop: Sparrows and Poppies My friend Rachel has a really nice selection of jeweled hair bands to add a little sparkle to your look. Find them here: Lilla Rose 

I do love fashion, but I'm also a huge fan of modesty. I get so agitated by other sisters in Christ that don't seem to be fans at all. I realize it is somewhat of a gray area for many people, and it is hard to draw a line without sounding legalistic, but please sisters, at least try! Not only do you risk sending the wrong message by what you wear, looking tacky, trashy or unprofessional, but if you really cared about your brothers in Christ and guarding their purity, you'd think twice about what you wear. I realize that different body types and trouble spots can present various challenges, and we all have had our own "wardrobe malfunctions" at times. But, let's put out a little more effort, shall we? Before leaving the house, or buying an outfit: bend over (does it expose anything on top or from behind?), bend from side to side (does it too easily move around and expose other things?) if you were standing up on a stage or stairs and someone was lower than you, how much would be visible? The same goes for if someone was looking down at you from a higher point. How tight is too tight? What area is that shirt or pants attracting attention to? Just think about it. I'm also a huge fan of being comfortable and safe. If I put something on that I know I will constantly be tugging at, pulling down, pulling up, buttoning up, pulling together, sucking in... I'll usually just opt not to wear it. When in doubt, wear a long tank top or a higher necked cami underneath, pin things in place, ad some stitches or layer a flowy cardigan over a tight shirt. You in no way need to sacrifice style by dressing modestly!