Modest Swim Suits Part 1~ Renee Arnold

Bathing suit shopping is a rite of passage every teenage girl must endure before she can enjoy the summer at the pool, beach and water parks.

Swimsuit shopping can be stressful enough without having to keep modesty and purity in mind but thankfully many stores feature fuller coverage suits that can be bought a very reasonable price.

First, I looked at Kohl's because they are very well known for their swim separates which feature a large variety of tankini tops and boy shorts. I found two that really stood out because they featured adorable prints. Both of these suits are separates which means the tops and bottoms can be bought without each other. The pieces vary in price from $28-$36 but if you've ever shopped at Kohl's you know that you rarely end up paying the advertised price for anything so you might be able to snag them for prices within the $16-$20 range.

Next, I know from my own past experience that most Christian summer camps require a modest one piece suit so I wanted to include a couple of those. I shopped around at Macy's to get a feel for the kind of suits they sold there and I was very pleased with their selection, although their suits were more expensive. One piece suits at Macy's were in a sold price range of about $170  (which is a little too pricey for my liking) and $50 (a little more reasonable.) The high waisted one pictured is $50 and the black floral suit is $98.

I know that it can be difficult finding a trendy suit that covers cleavage, midsection and leg but I hope this article helped you in your search for a modest swimsuit this summer!

Have a blessed and safe summer,

Renee

Common Modesty Problems~ Renne Arnold

Every Christian girl concerned with keeping her wardrobe pure knows that even in the midst of winter, there are immodest clothes lining the store shelves. Just because an item of clothing isn't modest right off the rack doesn't mean you have to pass it up. Here are some great tips that can help you turn a revealing article of clothing into your favorite modesty staple.

 

First, jeans with rips and holes above the thigh are pretty low on the modesty list but that doesn't mean you have to shun all ripped jeans. If you really want a pair of these casual, trendy jeans, buy them a size bigger then usual and wear leggings under them to coordinate with your outfit. This adds a pop of color and covers up your skin.

 

Next, what do you do when your brand new shirt you just bought at the mall is a little too low but you really don't want to wear a bulky cami underneath? My answer, as strange as it may sound is sports bra's. Sports bra's are generally higher cut and if you find the right kind, they don't look like bra's. You can wear these under a low shirt and get rid of all the bulk of a cami.

 

Last of all, what about shirts that are too tight and outline your whole figure? Sometimes you can stretch out the shirt before you dry it without ruining it but other times you just need to improvise. Wear the shirt under a jacket or cardigan and only wear it alone around the house. This allows you to maintain modesty and still wear all your favorite shirts.

 

I hope this has given you some creative new idea's on how to keep you wardrobe in check in the midst of the snow!

 

Did you know that Renee dances and sings to the radio when she's home alone?!

Jeans! By Erin from Mod Style Lounge

Ok girls, It's jeans season again and I am so excited! If you're shopping for some new denim, I've found some tips to help you find the style that fits you best.

Find jeans that flatter your figure!

• Pear Figure: Girls with a pear shape have curvier hips with a small waist and narrower shoulders. If you have a pear shaped figure, boot cut and straight legged jeans are best. Straighter or moderate flare cuts will balance out your lower half.

• Apple Figure: Apple figures have a larger top half which usually means a larger bust, broader shoulders, and a less defined waist. If this is you, try wide legged and also straight or boot cut jeans. To avoid making your legs and hips look smaller, go for a lighter wash.

• Boyish/Ruler Figure: Boyish figured girls have a straight figure with very little curves. These girls can wear a straight leg and can also pull off skinny or tapered jeans. Any fading on the thighs will give the illusion of curves.

Other figure flattering tips:

• If you want to make you legs and thighs look thinner, always go for a darker wash and avoid fading on the thighs.

• Larger pockets, especially if they get smaller at the bottom, will make your bottom look smaller.

• If you are trying to minimize your backside, stay away from crazy "bedazzled" pockets.

• Boyfriend jeans are a new trend that look good on almost every figure!

•  

Wear your Jeans Modestly:Even though most jeans don't show an inch of skin, some can still be immodest. Wearing jeans that hug your every curve can be just as tempting to a guy as a plunging neckline. So be careful when you're purchasing jeans by making sure they're not too tight on your rear or your hips. Your brothers in Christ will appreciate it! :)

Best Stores for Jeans?I am still unsure on this. I buy my jeans from a different store almost every time! When jean shopping it's smart to buy inexpensive jeans, or jeans on sale, but don't sacrifice quality. Some ideas for places to start would be American Eagle, Aeropostale, and Old Navy. There are so many places to check out, just find one that works for you. If you discover a pair of jeans you love, you might want to get another pair in a different color or cut because the perfect jeans can be hard to come by.

Do you girls have a favorite jean style, brand, or store? Let me know. This girl needs some suggestions! :)


This post was originally posted on Mod Style Lounge. Re-posted with permission.

5 Fashion Do Not's~ Haylie Gregory

Almost every girl wants to know what is fashionable and in style. If you are reading this, you are probably one of them or you can simply be curious. What is ‘in’ and what is ‘out’ changes all the time, but there are 5 things that will NEVER be in style.

~Your Bra Straps: You may think that it’s a trend, but honey, it is SO tacky. Don’t ever go there. Bras are not to be seen so why go showing them?

~ Your TaTa’s: This should be a no-brainer. Keep the ladies hidden. This is a private part and private means ‘not to be seen by anyone but you’. Tell your tata’s ta ta and invest in some undershirts.

~ Your Hiney: I know it’s hard to find jeans that don’t ride down when you squat or bend over, but there are ways to cover it. You can wear a longer shirt that covers the often revealed area or invest in a belt. Now you have no excuses so no more hiney!

~Your Tummy: Ask yourself this, would you go to church wearing a shirt that revealed your tummy? Need I say more?

~ Your Underwear: This kind of goes hand in hand with covering your hiney. Make sure that you are not flashing your underwear at anyone. Also, if you can see the outline of your underwear or especially the color of your underwear, DO NOT go out of your house, better yet, don’t even walk around your house like that! If you can see the outline of your underwear your pants might be too tight or your underwear might be too big and are bunching up. If you see the color, wear a white or flesh-colored pair. Remember, they are called UNDERwear for a reason.

We dress modestly for a few reasons…

1)      To respect the temple that God gave us

2)      To help our brother in Christ not sin

3)      To show others that there is more to you than your body

If you remember these 5 Do Not’s, or what I like to call them ‘Don’t Your Ever or I’ll Find You’s, you will be off to an amazing start at being fashionable and modest!

Did you know that Haylie's two favorite flowers are lilies and daisies?!

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!

Winter Fashions~ A Clothing Article by Renee Arnold

Winter fashion is in full swing! Wondering what is in this season?  Tall boots, chunky sweaters, ripped jeans and asymmetrical tops are! You can pull off all of these trends in a modest and downright stylish way!

  From Uggs, or knock-offs if that's your thing, to ankle boots. From tall boots with big heels to short boots with itty-bitty heels, they're all in this season! Your fuzzy, suede boot can work with almost any style. It looks great with jeans for a cute, wintry look or even with sweats for a layed back, casual look. Boots with heels look great with dresses or over skinny jeans for a more dressed up outfit. If you're shorter, boots with some type of heel can give you a little boost and make any school outfit! 

For us girls who love modesty, seeing the turtleneck come back into style is very pleasing. Sweaters are perfect for chilly days! You can match it with a scarf or necklace to add a little touch of you to it, and they can go with almost anything. Turtlenecks can be so versatile,  as you can pair them with jeans or a pencil skirt.

Ripped jeans are everywhere! As long as they're not crazy and show too much skin through the rips, they're so cute. You can find them almost anywhere in all different washes and styles. They can be matched with your casual boots, if you are being more laid back, or can be matched with a heeled boot, if your are going for the more dressed-up look. Check to see if your school has a policy about your jeans before you wear them to school because some schools have rules about them. This can also help you decide how many pairs you want to have. 

Asymmetrical tops are so cute; they come in all different shapes and styles. Some are one shoulder, some have a wrapped or draped look and others flow out at the bottom and create a triangle-like shape. Be sure to make the right, modest choice when buying asymmetrical shirts. Most of them are one shoulder, so if you buy one, make sure it can be made modest. These tops can be either casual or dressy, depending on what style you get.

Winter weather fashion is very cute and it's somewhat easier to find modest pieces. I hope you have fun winter- weather shopping!

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!