How to Stretch Your Dollar (Clothes Shopping)~ Madline Hunt

If your like me you probably have a limited clothing budget for new fall/winter clothing. Plus you might not need as much since you may have stopped growing. How can you stretch the dollars to get an updated look for not a lot of money?

 

Here are some money saving tips:

*Make sure you really love it before you buy it!

 

*Always try everything on and make sure you can think of at least 3 other items that you already own that would go well with it.

 

*Keep really trendy purchases to a minimum and if you decide you do want that leopard print cardigan make sure you don't spend a lot on it.

 

*Ask yourself questions. Do I really need another navy blue cardigan or can I make do with two pairs of jeans instead of three?

 

*Don't limit yourself to just stores at your local mall- they can be expensive!

 

*Try thrifting! I have found so many cute and modest things at thrift stores for way cheep then buying them new. Throw them in the wash and they are as good as new :D {Make sure you check for stains or holes before you buy}

 

*Make sure it fits with your modesty standards

 

*Don't buy it if it does not work with your body type.

You can look cute and fabulous without spending tons of money! Have a little shop your closet session where you try on all your fall/winter clothes and try out new outfit combos. There might be some you have never thought of before and that can give your wardrobe a boost!

Just The Way You Are~ Madline Hunt

"I'm not as beautiful as She is, She always has the perfect outfits and super cute hair and make-up. Plus all the cute guys want her to be their girl. Why don't any of them think I'm attractive? I always feel cute until I see what she is wearing. I wish I could afford to shop at ______. Every one thinks she is gorgeous and she always has a crowd of people girls and guys around her. Why don't I?" This is a sample scenario of a train of thought. As we go down, our attitude, self worth and joy plummets. But does what the guys and the girls around you think of your outfit, make-up and hair really matter?

Do you seek the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit or of perfect make-up?

Does the time you spend "perfecting" your hair and face exceed the time you spend with the Lord allowing Him to mold you into what He is calling you to be?

Do you choose your outfit based on what the guys your attracted to will like {read immodest} or based on the principles of feminine modesty the Lord has laid on your heart through the reading of His word.

Think about these questions. Do you need to redefine how you spend you time in the morning? Is the way you look more important then your heart toward God? What do you need to do differently to place God First? Maybe that means getting up a half and hour earlier or giving up make-up for a month.

But I spend time with the Lord and I just don't feel beautiful? Let God define you not your mirror or the cute guy next door or the most popular girl at school. You are beautiful just the way you are. It does not matter what anyone thinks except for Christ!

Psalm 45:11 ~ "The King is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your Lord."

Did you know that Madeline has curly blonde hair?

Photogragh property of "Lilies Among Thorns Magazine". Photograph taken by Tara Willinger.

Down East Basics~ Store Review by Madeline Hunt

I love Down East Basics! They are a modest clothing company- that is super cute! I wish I could buy up the whole store. Feminine styles and unexpected touches of extra beauty make every item unique. Think Anthropoligie yet way cheaper! This outfit is perfect for going out for dinner, going to church or even hanging with your friends!

I love this shirt. It's green color blends perfectly with that of the skirt. The flower detailing on the side adds an extra touch without overpowering the skirt. A basic v-neck is a great addition to your closet! You will probably need to wear a tank top with this top to keep it modest and cute! You can pick it up for $24.99.

 

Okay, I'm a skirt girl! You will probably find me in a skirt most of the time in the summer! I love this one though- it's a print that's not so crazy, but perfect for the girl who wants to look feminine and beautiful! I wish I could talk myself into buying, but my budget does not allow it. So you buy it and wear it and I will be satisfied that someone got to wear the cute skirt. Okay? This pretty addition to your closet will cost you $32.99

A flat sandal is a must for the girl who wants to be comfortable yet cute. I love the little details on this pair. The style will most likely be in next year to and $16.99 is a great price for shoes! Since Down East Basics does not carry shoes, I found this pair from Payless Shoe Source.

I would add some pretty dangle earrings and a simple necklace to balance out the outfit. Or if you don't have your ears pierced you could wear a cute flower headband!

Please don't use this post or my words to justify wearing something that goes against your modesty standards or the ones your parents have set in place! The clothes from Down East Basics may or may not be modest on you depending on your body type.

Did you know that Madeline has a Nikon D3100 DSLR Camera? Did you know that Haylie is very jealous of that?!

Bad Hair Day?~ Madeline Hunt

All of us sometimes have what we affectionately call "Bad Hair Days" and "Good Hair Days". We all have times when we love our hair and when we wish that we could just be bald because our hair is so annoying!

Let me tell you: There is No such thing as a Bad Hair Day!!!

The gift that God blessed our head with (Our Hair) is beautiful. Weather those curls turn into a mountain of frizz or your straight locks look like limp strings.

Now I know your saying "Madeline, are you kidding??" Nope. I have wrestled with this a lot obsessing over my hair. But there is hope even if you don't think I'm right. :D

Here are some easy ways to hide those so called "bad" hair days:

Wear a cute hat: (If your school has rules about hat wearing be sure to follow them)

There are a wide variety of cute hats that won't break the bank at stores like Target, Claire's, Walmart, etc. A hat can also jazz up and otherwise boring outfit! If you think Hats don't work for your head think again. There are styles that work for any face shape and personal sense of style.

Put it up in a messy bun.

No one will ever know that your hair and you are not on the best of terms! This hair style will work for hair that is shoulder length or below and remember: It is supposed to look messy! That is  what adds the flair!

Wear it down with a smile

I know what your thinking- but embrace the hair that God gave you I have gotten lots of compliments on my hair when I though it looked horrible! Never underestimate the power of a smile! Remember what the little orphan Annie said " Your never fully dressed without a Smile"

Add a cute outfit

"Bad" hair can look cuter with the right outfit!

Try Braids

One on the side, One down the back, One on each side. French, fishtail, regular. Loose, or Tight. The possibilities are endless!

How do you cover up a "bad" hair day?

Did you know that Madeline LOVES skirts?!

How to be a True Beauty~ Inner Beauty Article by Madeline Hunt

"You don't need a temporary man-made beauty, cause you got the real thing. THE REAL THING!"

One of my really good friends posted this on my facebook page recently and it got me thinking. Why is everyone myself included so obsessed with being beautiful on the outside and forgetting what is so important the inner beauty of your heart. But I realised it it true! I don't need the latest fashions or tons of make-up. He is what makes me beautiful!

Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— ⁴but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. ⁵For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves 1 Peter 3-5a

I don't think this verse is condemning braiding your hair or wearing cute clothes, but emphasizing what really matters- the inner beauty in your heart. But your heart can't be "beautiful" if you are harboring bitterness, unforgiveness, shame, guilt, secret sin or many other things. You have to forgive others and confess your iniquity's to the Lord, you may also need to confess to other people you have hurt or sinned against. I know how hard that is!! But it is SO worth it to get it out into the open! Several months ago I was burdened by feelings of guilt and tinges of regret. I wasn't free even though I had already confessed my sin to God. Then one of my close friends encouraged me to tell my parents.

 At first when I read her email I thought to myself "There is absolutely NO WAY I am ever telling them, what I did wasn't even bad in the world's eyes, why should they even know?!?" But I kept thinking about over and over for about 2 or 3 weeks and then I came to the conclusion that I had to tell them otherwise I was never going to be free from my past. It was so hard for me to humble myself and tell them, I wrote them a letter. I was so freed after that! My heart had room to be adorned by Christ with His beauty. I want to encourage you all. Let him make you beautiful! I know you may have scars but the scars are a reminder that He has set you free to live and love him with wild abandon. You are beautiful in his sight! Our true beauty is Christ living in us. Our hearts were ugly and dirty before he took them and molded them and exchanged the stone for flesh. It does not matter what color your eyes are. How much you weigh or if your clothes are stylish or not. He wants your heart! He will make you truly Beautiful!

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Ecclesiastes 3:11a

Photograph Property of 'Lilies Among Thorns Magazine' taken by Alyssa Dannettel

Old Navy~ A Store Review by Madeline Hunt

Old Navy is a fun store that has mostly modest clothing- no store is completely modest and things look different on individual people so make sure that you follow your modesty standards when shopping at any store.

 

This adorable light blue boat neck is modest and classy. The wide angle of the neckline is so cute and the three quarter length sleeves are fabulous - they balance the top perfectly. The best part is you can get it in like 15 colors the prices range from $15 and down. This color is $3.97- What a steel!

 

These jeans are so cute. I love the sparkly embellishment on the pockets. The color is very versatile and classic, with slight fading these jeans are perfect! They are not a super low rise either! They are only $24.97! When do you find cute jeans this cheep?

 

I love these earrings, if I was not currently broke I would buy them in a heartbeat! I love the shape and texture! They are the perfect addition to this outfit. You can grab them for $8.50

 

The print of this cute scarf dresses up this other wise simple outfit. The color is great! It would also be a versatile piece that would go great with allot of other tops. What a cute scarf for only $12.50

 

These light blue sneakers are so cute and they go great with the top! A perfect way to look cute and still be comfortable. You can get comfort and cuteness for only $16.97. For a cute pair of sneakers what a great deal!!
 

Total: $66.91

 

Cute modest outfit for just over 65 bucks!

Please don't use my words to convince your self to dress immodestly- these clothes may or may not be modest on you.

Valetine's Day Outfit Ideas~ By Madeline Hunt

Because Valentines Day is quickly approaching, some of you are probably contemplating what to wear.  Using nine pieces, I have created three outfits. One for if you are going on a date, one for hanging out with friends, and one for embracing the joy of being single!

 

 

 

 

Top row L to R. Embellished cardigan- Old Navy $29.50, Soft Drape T- American Eagle $19.50, Grey hoodie- Kohl's $12.99

Middle Row L to R Denim Pencil Skirt- Old Navy $29.50, Artist Jeans- American Eagle $39.50, Yoga pants- Aerie $29.50

Bottom Row L to R Romantic Lace Cami- Aerie $19.50, Fashion drop earrings- Old Navy $8.50, Febee bow flat- Payless $22.99

 

Outfit #1-"I'm going on a date"

For this outfit I chose the cream embellished cardi, denim pencil skirt, lace cami, circle earrings, and the brown flats. For a date on valentines day- I think dressing up is fun and especially if you are going to a nicer restaurant a must. This outfit totals at $109.99, but if you used some of your own pieces then it could cost allot less.For example subbing in a red or pink cami that you already own would be super cute! The point of this is to give you an idea of what to wear, not force you to spend tons of money! If you live in a cold weather state I would also suggest wearing brown tights.

 

Outfit # 2- "I'm hanging with my girls"

I think this outfit is cute and chic featuring the jeans, drape T, flats and silvery earrings. Even when you are hanging with your gal pals its still fun to dress a little nicer then normal. This outfit costs $90.49 but you could totally use a pair of jeans you already have. by the way I love the Artist jeans from AE they are so comfy!! Accessorizing is important when you wear a basic tee and jeans so make sure you pair this with a cute necklace and earrings or a cute scarf!

 

Outfit # 3 "I'm so happy I'm single right now so tonight is going to be a night of chocolate and Pride and Prejudice" 

 

Hoodie,check. Drape T,check. Yoga pants,check. Cute socks,sort of check.  This is night night to be comfy and be happy that you don't need a guy to fill you up. You probably noticed I didn't put a pair of socks in that first picture- well I looked but I couldn't find any cute ones online- Try Delia's in store they have tons of fun patterns! Total outfit cost comes to ..... $ 61.99. Again this is just an idea so your yoga pants are just fine. :) Have fun watching movies eating chocolate and reading the greatest love story ever written- God's word!

 

Have a very happy Valentine's Day!

Please remember that not all clothes are modest on everyone, please don't use my words as justification to go against your modesty standards!

Pursuing a Modest Wardrobe~ A Beauty Article by Madeline Hunt

 

 

This culture has most people thinking “I need this or that to be ‘in style.’ ” Because we live in a culture of immodesty it is very easy to fall into habits of dressing immodestly, being flirtatious, and trying to catch guy's eyes. But we don’t need to dress immodesty to be stylish. There are many items that are modest or with layering can be modest. Cute modest clothes are out there you may just have to spend more time looking and possibly more money. If you want to be modest, cute and economical I suggest checking out consignment stores or thrift stores.

 

Shopping can be a challenge even at consignment/thrift stores, when trying on an article of clothing ask yourself these questions:

• Would I want Jesus or my future husband seeing me wearing this?
• Will I be self-conscious or constantly worrying that I am showing too much?
• Will it draw attention to my face, not my body?
• Is it comfortable and suitable for the activity/event I’ll wear it for? 
• Would my parents approve of it?

For the clothes you already own, I suggest that you regularly do a Modesty Check. Do this with a like minded friend or family member. Try on your clothes and have your friend or family member give you their honest opinion.  Is the item modest? Put it back in your closet.  Is the item so-so?  Put in a to-be-decided pile.  Is the item immodest in any way?  Give it away, or sell it to a consignment store.  (Any money you earn could be used to buy modest clothes)  Go through the “to-be-decided” pile with your Dad or brother. Don’t justify keeping clothes if your friend or family member says it’s immodest.
Every time you put a shirt back on the shelf at a store or give away a less-than-modest item, you are showing love to your brothers-in-Christ.

Please don’t think that I am not tempted to dress immodestly–I am!  (and sometimes I give in) “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23

But we are also given a way to say “no” to any temptation including immodesty. 1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man and God is faithful he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear but when you are tempted he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”

Let me encourage you to pursue a modest, feminine, and fashionable wardrobe!

Does Beauty Consume You?~ An Inner Beauty Article by Madeline Hunt

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30

 

 

If beauty is fleeting why do we as girls care so much about it and place out hopes on it? Because the culture has taught us that being beautiful is the most important thing a woman should seek after. It seems as if there is always the new "fix you face" or "Look 20 years younger" wonder drugs. Are you letting your longing for being beautiful consume you?

 

If your not quite sure ask yourself these questions...

*How long do I take to get ready compared to the time I spend with the Lord?

*Are the worlds fashions more important to me then dressing modestly?

*Do I spend hours pouring over fashion magazines and websites?

* What is more important to me, Serving others or making sure I look fabulous before I even think about leaving the house?

*Is the attention of others people, especially guys more  important to me then dressing for the glory of the Lord?

*Am I wearing make-up to cover my imperfections or to totally change my look to what I see as the "Perfect Girl"?

 

Remember that God can do anything and He can make Beauty from ashes. He can change the way you look at beauty. What does God really call beautiful? Humility, Love, Joy, Patience, Self-control and many other things, just look in His word.

 

 

Tips for being beautiful in God's Eye's

*Spend time with Him every day in Bible reading, Prayer, and memorization.

*Don't worry about the way you appear in other peoples eye's

*Pray for a Heart that is beautiful to God

*Look for ways to worship the Lord Unashamed!

*Try to find ways to bless your family, friends, and even strangers.

*Remember you chief aim in life To Glorify God and Enjoy Him Forever!

 

 

So how can you over come your imperfections both inside and outside? Seek to Glorify God in Everything, Worship Him unashamed and disregard the opinions of man when it comes to beauty and seek what the King sees as Beautiful!

 

Delia~ A Store Review by Madeline Hunt

Delias is a fabulously amazing store!! Most of their clothes are really cute and totally wearable! I went a tiny bit over 100 dollars for this outfit, but if you already have some of the basics, it will cost you much less!

This jumper/dress is SO cute! My sister just bought it the other day and it looks even better in person then online! I chose to put a black long sleeved tee under it for this outfit but if you’re bold you could wear with a bright red or other brightly colored shirt and it would look just as fabulous! It’s totally worth the price of $39.50

  This basic black tee is great! The scoop neckline isn’t too low, but if it goes a little low than expected, we advise you to wear an undershirt with it. This tee would be a great investment if you don’t have a basic black tee. The price is amazing to at only $19.50

 

 Leggings with this dress is a must if you don’t want to freeze in cold weather also this dress is a few inches above the knee, but my sister got a size up so it would be longer but she wears leggings anyway! These great basic leggings are available for $16.50

 

These boots are so fabulous! I love everything about them, from the heel to the cute bow! This makes me want to run to Payless Shoe Source right now and buy them! Boots really are important to wear with this out. Fit flats don’t really cut it, especially if you’re trying to stay warm! You can find them at Payless Shoe Source for the price of $39.99

The final outfit price: $115.49

Please remember don’t use my words as an excuse to dress immodesty. Clothes can be modest or immodest based on a person’s body type.

Should I But It? Is It Worth It?~ Beauty Items Review by Madeline Hunt and Renee Arnold

We are always seeing commercials talking about how they have the latest and greatest things in fashion, but are they really worth your time and money? Madeline, Renee and Haylie have tag teamed to help you girls find out! They reviewed some of the items you see in those same commercials! So read this article before deciding whether or not to add that item to your list.

 Lash Stiletto Mascara by Maybelline claims to make your lashes 70% longer verses no mascara at all. I found that, while that claim was a little far fetched, this mascara did make my lashes about 50% longer which is pretty long. This mascara was great and I would highly recommend it to any girl who wants longer lashes.   ~Renee

The Exact Eyelights Collection from CoverGirl is supposed to make your eyes brighter. I have hazel eyes, so I bought the collection specifically for hazel eyes. I used the eye shadow, eye liner and mascara and fell in love! The products made my eyes pop and I like the variety of colors that I felt looked really pretty and appropriate for everyday wear. I think that the Exact Eyelights products are the best and I highly encourage you to look into them.  ~ Renee

Aussie Catch The Wave Mousse plus Leave-In Conditioner

This mousse is amazing! It gives my wavy/curly hair more defined curls/waves. This mousse has a lighter control for a very touchable style! My hair is never crunchy! I had one of my straight haired friends try it and she liked the increased volume it gave her hair. The smell is fabulous too! 

Tip: If you need a little most hold try misting your style with spray gel. That’s what I do because I want more curls than waves, but when I want it to be wavy I skip the spray gel and it gives my hair a more relaxed beachy wave.

 I would recommend this mousse to any girl with curly, wavy or straight hair!~ Madeline

Jergen's Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer is a wonderful gift for those who want to keep that sunkissed look all year round. All you have to do is apply this moistuizer like any other moisturizer you use and voila! Of course, you also need to treat this like a self tanning lotion because it is. You will want to wash your hands after you apply it and wait a few minutes for the moisturizer to dry. You see some great results after just 3 days! I highly recommend it! ~ Haylie



Conair Infiniti Multi Function Styling Iron was hot red last holiday season. It was on the top of my Christmas list. I was really wanting those gorgeous curls! Come to find out, the curls on the commercials come MUCH easier for girls with shorter hair. I had very long hair at the time. My mom, on the other hand, had short hair and used it every day. I used it everyday too, but I used it to straigthen my hair, not curl it. I cut my hair later and got to use it, but it grew out and I was back to straigthening.

 I really do like this iron, but I suggest you buy it if you have shorter hair. It works wonders on the short hair! For you Rapunzul girls, I suggest sticking with the sponge curlers or curling iron unless you have a lot of time and patience. ~ Haylie

New Hair for a New (Looking) You!~ A Beauty Article by Madeline Hunt

Changing your hair routine is not hard but can take a little extra work. A new hairstyle can brighten any outfit, while having the same one everyday is boring.  Taking good care of your hair is a must since healthy hair is the foundation for every hairstyle.

 Unless you have really oily hair, don’t wash your hair every day. If you are a curly girly like me my stylist recommends washing only once to twice a week. For you curly girls who are thinking Yuck! My hair would be so gross if I only washed it once or twice a week. Believe me I was skeptical at first but my hair looks a lot better, and I still shower and rinse my hair everyday so my products to get washed out on a daily basis.

  

There are many simple hairstyles you can try to change up your look. Here are some ideas you could try.

Braids

• Try a mini braid starting at your part. ( French looks best but normal braid work as well)
• Try a French braid in the back or one on the side. If you don’t know how to French braid, look up videos on you tube on how to french braid. 
• Loose low pigtail braids are really cute and simple.

 This picture is an example of a type of french braid you can do. This one is a long, loose french braid.

Ponytails

• Curly ponys are super cute! If you don’t have naturally curly hair, curl your hair after you put it up
• Try a half up pony. This style looks good with all hair types, though it is easier to do with straight hair

.

Buns

• A loose messy bun on the middle of the back of your head is so cute and perfect for when you’re having a not so good hair day. If you can’t get it to stay with just bobby pins try putting it up when your hair is slightly damp.
• A polished low side bun is a great style for going out.

Tips and Tricks

• Try headbands, bows and clips to add extra flair to your style.
• Just before you get out of the shower rinse your hair with cold water- this makes it shiny.
• Use serum to smooth frizz and create a polished look. (This can be purchased at your local drugstore)
• Don’t straighten, curl, or blow-dry your hair every day if you can help it.
• Have fun creating a fabulously, fun new look!

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In The Dressing Room~ A Clothing Article by Madeline Hunt

When you’re in the dressing room at your favorite store, sometimes it can be hard to decide weather or not you should buy the item. Checking it for modesty is a must, but can be hard to do if you’re a little fuzzy on the item and you really like it. Here are some tests to help determine if an article of clothing is modest and a good addition to your closet.

            Tops

• Raise your hands above your head. Is your stomach showing?
• Bend over while looking in the mirror. Is and cleavage visible?
• Are the straps thick enough so that your bra won’t show?
• Is it to tight?
• Look from all angles. Does the outline of my bra show?

Remember that if you buy a shorter or lower cut shirt you need to commit in the dressing room to always wear a tank top with it. If you can’t promise yourself that, don’t buy it!

            Pants

• How fitted are they? Can you grab some of the fabric? If not they are to tight.
• Turn around. Can you see the outline of your underwear?
• Bend over. Does your underwear show?

You don’t want to wear jean so tight that they look like denim colored skin, so always try them on before you buy them.

Skirts

• What length are you allowed to wear? I suggest no shorter than where the tips of your finger tips reach when you hang your hands by your side. Longer is better!
• Bend over. How far up does the skirt come up in the back?
• Twirl around. Do your upper thighs show?

Do not be conformed any longer to the patterns of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2a

Don’t worry about what other people think about your clothes, God says we are not to be like this world. Set your own trends and have fun! Try a crazy pattern or a bold color, as long as it’s modest and your parents approve go for it! I wear maxi skirts (floor length) all the time because I love them but I also love knee length skirts. The point is that you are glorifying God with your body and not copying the world. It’s not wrong to love dressing stylishly but don’t let your love of style consume you!

      Please remember clothing can be modest or immodest on different people. Be careful and don’t use what I’m saying as an excuse to wear clothing that your parents don’t want you to, they are your authority not me.

       Happy shopping!

Note from Haylie:  Everybody has different taste in clothing. My clothing is either short skirts (no more than 2 inches above knee) or long skirts. There is no middle. With my pants, they are either finger length shorts (mid thigh) or jeans (which tend to go under the heel of my foot). Everybody has different taste and style. Sometimes you come across things that you really like, but you can't wear because it looks immodest on you. An example of this is me and my mom. My mom can wear tank tops and look modest. I cannot because I have a very large bust. My mom doesn't. So we, as Christian teen girls thriving to be lilies among thorns, need to make a commitment to dress modestly, even if it means giving up things we'd love to wear.

I have a challenge for you ladies. I want you to write this on a piece of paper, date it, and sign your name under it.

I (insert name) promise to be a young women of modesty. I promise to dress modestly, to not purchase items that would affect my modesty, and to stand out as a lily among the thorns. I promise to be an example to the younger lilies watching me and show them that modesty doesn't mean you have to wear a potato sack. I will show them that modesty is beautiful. 

If you made this promise, please email us here. We'd like to celebrate your commitment with you!

Maurices~ A Store Review by Madeline Hunt

Maurice's is an affordable, trendy, cute, fabulous store! They offer a wide variety of clothing, which is cute and AFFORDABLE!!! I love how they have jeans that don’t look like they are painted on you can they don’t have many immodest shirts. I found this adorable outfit all for only $106 dollars for a pair of jeans, a shirt, a cardigan, a necklace and earring set and a pair of cute flats.

I love these dark wash boot cut jeans. The fading is perfect, the pocket detailing is darling. The best part is they only cost $29.00!!!!

I went with basic black for this top because it paired nicely with the gray cardigan and is essential for every girl’s closet. I like that this top is fitted and has a pretty modest neckline though it may depend on the person wearing it. This top is steel you can grab it for only $16.00

This cozy gray cardigan doesn’t only work with jeans and a shirt but would look awesome layered over a girly dress or with a skirt. The gray complements the black in the shirt but doesn’t overpower it. You can pick it up for $34.00 it’s the most expensive piece in this outfit but is totally worth the money!

These sweet black flats with darling feminine bows will become one of your go to pairs of shoes. The inside lining is an adorable paisley print, while the outside is made of suede. Perfect price for the perfect shoes is $22.00

This sweet Necklace and earring set is like the cherry on top that ties this whole outfit together. The flower pendant brings summer right into fall. You will reach for this necklace again and again, its works so well to dress up a plain tee. You can snap this set up for $14.00 dollars.

Are You Clothed?~ Inner Beauty Revelation Column by Madeline Hunt

Rather clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus. Romans 13:14
Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12
All of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another.1Peter 5:5b
She is clothed with strength and dignity. Proverbs 31:25a

Although you may take great care to dress modestly or femininely, how much time do you spend clothing your heart? Throughout the Bible, God makes it clear that He is more concerned with our heart than our outward appearance. If you devote yourself to adorning your heart carefully, your inner beauty will shine through. I challenge you to record the amount of time you spend getting dressed, showering, and getting ready; include any “touch-up” during the day. Compare that with the time you spend adorning your heart each morning. The character traits in the verses above will bless you and others, but first you must be willing to devote the time that it will take.

Picture yourself shopping for an outfit for a special occasion. You will make sure everything coordinates and looks lovely. You may even buy new jewelry to complement the outfit. On the day of the event, you will make sure the clothes are clean before putting them on, and you will be careful to keep them clean all day.

Do you go through the same process with your heart? The spiritual clothing of your heart is so much more important than the physical clothing of your body. It is hard to focus on the appearance of our hearts instead of our physical appearance. But it will be so worth it! Your relationship with God and others will improve, you will be a light to others, and you inner beauty will be evident to everyone, and your life will be a testimony! Are you willing to devote what it takes? I challenge you to choose one of these “spiritual articles of clothing” to pray for whenever you are tempted to worry about the way you look.