Mirror, You Don't Define Me!

What is the first thought that comes to mind when you look into a mirror?

Is it: "Wow! I am so beautiful! The world just can't handle how pretty I am! Look at me....I'm perfect!"

Ok, I am guessing that the majority of us don't think that way. (If you do, you've got some serious vanity issues to work on!) If you are anything like me, you don't always like what you see in your reflection. Maybe you think your nose is too big, your hair is too curly, or you have too many pimples. And let's not even talk about some of the things that cross our minds looking into a full-length mirror!
We have given in to believing that in order to be beautiful and accepted, we have to live up to the unreasonable standards that our culture has set. Our hair has to be a certain way, our skin needs to be perfect, and we are only beautiful if we have the figure of every fake celebrity and model on magazines and TV screens. This is a hard issue for me, and I'm sure for most of you too. We live in a world where image is everything, and it is easy for us as young women to lose confidence in the way that God has made us.

So how should we respond when our reflection doesn't please us? Where can we find the affirmation that we truly are beautiful? We know what the answer is...Our Heavenly Father! God will never judge you by the clothes that you wear, or the hairstyle that you have. His definition of beauty doesn't change with time like the world's does. Do you want to know His definition of beauty? It's YOU! The creator of the universe thinks you are drop dead gorgeous! And how could he not? He created you in His own image!

One of my favorite verses is Psalms 45:11- "The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord." How amazing is that? God is enthralled by our beauty! It becomes so easy to forget though when we are having a bad hair day, when we don't like the size on the tag of our jeans, or when our biggest crush doesn't seem to be "enthralled" by our beauty!

When you're having a day like that, when you feel ugly or begin to criticize your body, talk to God! Tell Him what you are feeling. Ask Him to make you feel like the masterpiece He created you to be, because you know He doesn't make mistakes! Another good step is to memorize verses like Psalms 45:11 and say them to yourself when you're struggling with seeing yourself as God sees you. A few other good verses are:

1 Peter 3:3-4 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.

Psalm 139:14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

1 Samuel 16:7b For God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

Still having issues with your reflection? Here's something that works for me, and you may have heard of the idea before. One day, looking into the mirror, I decided that I was done with seeing myself through the eyes of the world. I took out an expo marker and covered my mirrors with bible verses and phrases from songs that would remind me that I was wonderfully made. A phrase that still gives me freedom every time I look at it is from "Mirror" by Barlow Girl.

"Mirror, you DON'T define me!"

How to Wear Tank Tops Modestly!

I don't know about you, but it's super hot right now where I live! Actually, I think it's really hot all over the country! When the temperatures shoot up, it's very tempting to compromise modesty standards. I used to just stay away from tank tops completely because I didn't think it was worth it to try and find some that weren't too tight, too loose, too low, too short, etc. Well here are some tips on how you can stay cool while wearing tank tops but also not exposing too much skin or looking skimpy!


Don't show the Straps!
Now only are showing bra straps a stumbling block to our Christian brothers, but they just look tacky! I know it can be tempting to say "Come on! It's just a strap!" but hiding bra straps may be easier than you think and definitely is the right thing to do (Christian guys really appreciate it!)
Strapless bras are a great option because it solves the problem, no straps! If those work for you, go for it! But for me strapless bras just don't work. They're uncomfortable and keep sliding off (lol). So, racer back bras! (Bras that have crisscross straps like an "X" in the back). They make some bras that convert from regular to racer back so those are a great option.


Layers!
Layering can be great with tank tops! You can still wear that cute floral one even though the neckline is a bit to low because you can wear the solid white one underneath with the higher neckline! Just not too many layers (two thin ones is the max for me), the point is to stay cool!


Where do I Find these High-Necked Tank Tops?!
I get frustrated when people say "Oh just wear layers so your necklines are high enough!" but them I'm thinking "Ok well where do I find tank tops that come high enough!?!" Haha.
Old Navy in the girls section is has some great tank tops that come high enough (about two fingers below my collar bone.) I usually wear one of those and then another one over that because the girls ones are too short. I'm about a size medium in the ladies section and a girls XL tank top still fits me. But they're starting to get too small haha.
Another great place? The guys department! You can buy a package of 3 guys tank tops for about $10 at Walmart. They're high-necked, and long enough to tuck into your shorts. Then you can wear your favorite stylish one over it!
Aeropostale sometimes has some high-necked spaghetti strap shirts that you can wear under a tank top.



Here are my guidelines for modestly when it comes to tanks:
-No cleavage (4 fingers below my collar bone is the lowest I'll go.)
-No stomach when I raise my arms.
-Make sure the tank isn't too loose, you don't want to see anything in the arm holes! (Or just wear a tight fitting one underneath.)
-Not too form fitting.
-No bra straps.
-No spaghetti straps (they just look skimpy!)

With these tips, you can wear tank tops modestly! Searched and searched for a modest tank but can't find one? It's ok! Don't waste your time. Just wear a loose fitting, comfy t-shirt and you'll stay cool and look beautiful!

Enjoy your summer!!:)

~Grace<3

Meet Erin!

Please welcome Erin to the Mod Style Lounge staff! She will be taking over for Rachel. She is a beautiful 15-year-old with a huge passion for modesty and realizes that beauty really does come from within.

We asked her a few questions:

What are your views on modesty?

I believe that as women, modesty is something we should strive for every day- Modesty here not only referring to our clothing and outward appearance, but also to our mindset, learning to develop pure thoughts and motives. I feel, and am strongly convicted, that how we present ourselves should never cause a brother in Christ to stumble. This is why I make sure what I wear covers me up (and then some!), and leaves a good amount of mystery to my body. I think as Christian girls we should find balance in our dress. We can find ways to dress modestly while still being trendy and expressing our own sense of style.

What are your views on beauty?

We are all fearfully and wonderfully made, and I think it is important for girls to come to a point where they feel beautiful as daughters of Christ. When we learn to accept ourselves and find our value in the Lord, we will realize that the world’s definition of ‘beautiful’ is unrealistic and superficial. Again, there is a balance here. There is nothing wrong with fixing ourselves up and wanting to look good, but outward beauty shouldn’t be something we become overly concerned or obsessed over.  We should focus on developing our inner beauty and growing in our walk with God. The Bible sums it up when it says that beauty shouldn’t come from outward adornments…but from our inner self. (1 Peter 3: 3-4)

What are your views on femininity?

I believe that as young ladies, we should embrace our roles and characteristics as women. God created men and women differently, and we should accept that while remembering that no trait or responsibility is more or less important. In the way we present ourselves I think we should maintain a sense of femininity and dignity. This doesn’t mean that we can’t dress casually and wear sporty clothes, but we should keep a ‘lady-like’ manner in the way we act and dress.


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Learn more about her by clicking on her name on the nav bar under the header!

Shoe Shopping!

What girl doesn't love shoes?! Shoes are amazing! They come in so many different styles, colors, heel sizes and, the best part is, you are always the same size!


Payless, to me, is one of the best places to go for shoes! They have super cute shoes and super low prices! Payless is just... super! Check out why...




A girl can never go wrong with a pair of classic, black slingbacks! These slingbacks have a 4 inch heel and a satin knot! These slingbacks also come in a champagne color. They are available to you for the low price of $27.99! Click here to get a better look!


I absolutely LOVE this type of shoe! It's like a grown-up flip flop! (Yes, I'm weird I know) brown goes with everything and the beading adds to the look! These shoes cost $16.99 and are worth every penny! Click here to check it out!


My mom and I went "Ooo! Look!" when we saw these shoes! And for only $12.99, my mom went "hmm.." that can only mean one thing.. we're going to Payless! Color, 4 inch heel, cork, and they also come in black, white and denim! How can you pass these babies up?! Click here so you can go "Ooo!" too!


Pink is not just for little girls, Ladies! Have a special event to go to this summer? Why not play up your outfit with these beauts! These heels are a fashion statement in itself! 4 inch satin heel, ruffled and pink! For only $26.99, you can be pretty in pink too! Click here and buy!


What girl has never wanted to be a ballerina at one point in her life? These ballerina flats come in black, tan and berry. They are 'berry' cute! For $22.99, you can be berry cute too! Click here to find out how!


How can you go wrong with these!? Blue is a must! Especially in July! These gladiator shoes also come in white, but who would want white after seeing these?! For $26.99, buy yourself some blue suede shoes! Click here to check them out!

Happy Shoe Shopping!

Haylie Jo

Au Revoir, Tout le Monde!

Hello all,

It's been nice writing for the Mod Style Lounge, but due to life's circumstances, I'm unable to continue.  After some family issues and very busy times for me, I realized (with a slap in the head from God) that it was time for me to reestablish my priorities...and that includes dropping some things from my activity list. 

It's been a joy to work with such wonderful people such as the MSL staff and to write for such wonderful readers such as yourselves.  I will remain an avid reader as I move off into the other things that God has in store.

Love you all,

Rachel