The Skinny On Skinnies

Hey girls! Guess what season it is?! Jeans season! I live for the fall and winter wardrobe. There's nothing like a pair of comfy, flattering jeans that you can wear with anything. Jean trends are always changing but one trend that has remained for quite some time now is the skinny jean! Slim around the thights and calves, tight on the ankles, they usually come in several denim washes as well as every bright color you can think of. Every store sells them, and almost every girl owns a pair or two!

As Christian girls, we want to stay up with fashion and look attractive, but I also think it's important that we look at style from a perspective of modesty. I want to make it clear that this is not a hate post about skinny jeans! I'm not bashing the style or people that wear them in any way, just want to help you wear them modestly and make wise decisions when you're shopping. :)

What do guys think?

Do you ever wonder what guys think of your clothes? It's easy to think that they don't care. What fashion sense do guys have? Ok they might have absolutely none, but we'd be surprised how much they actually notice. Guys are visually oriented and the clothing we wear can cause their minds to wander too far if we're not careful.
I recently found a survey online that asked young men their opinions about how modest certain women's clothing styles were. The survey was meant to be a wake up call to young women, and it really is. It is run by the Christian website and movement, the Rebelution. They asked teens and men whether they agreed or disagreed with certain statements. For example, in response to the statement, "Miniskirts are immodest," 94% of guys agreed or strongly agreed, and many men submit further statements to clarify. The survey is quite an eye opener. I encourage you to check it out, but in the meantime I'm going to use some of the results.

In response to:

"Jeans are immodest"
78% disagreed. I guess we can breath a sigh of relief, although I'm not sure how to
please the remaining 22% :P One young man replied saying,

"No- it's the characteristics of the individual pair of jeans (if they're "so tight you have to squeeze yourself into them", or so distressed that they barely cover you anyway) that determines their modesty."

"Skin-tight jeans are a stumbling block"

76% agreed with this statement. Jeans that leave nothing to the imagination are hard for boys not to notice...and hard for them to get out of their minds. Some mystery is definitely a good thing. Guys had a lot to say about this:

"This is to much of an invite to study your curves. Sisters, leave these jeans at the store."

"Obviously, guys are visually-oriented. And girls' legs move a lot. Yeah."

"Pants that follow a girl's curves are modest as long as they aren't skin-tight."

60% of guys agreed, another 20% weren't quite sure. Modest jeans don't have to be wide legged parachute pants! A good pair of jeans will flatter your figure, but not give everything away. One guy said this:

"Emphasis on the "as long as they aren't skin-tight." Girl's legs are supposed to be more beautiful than, say, guys' legs. God made them that way. It's only immodest when a girl tries to emphasize her legs too much."

Obviously, our jeans can become an issue to the guys around us. How do we keep this from happening? Shop wisely, dress purely.

Dressing Room Tests

You've found a pair of jeans, wonder if they're modest? Ask yourself these questions.

• Are you squeezing into them? Can you button them? Are you loosing circulation to your legs??? These seem like funny questions, but don't forget to make sure the jeans fit. Make sure they're not too tight or warping around the crotch, thighs, and bottom area. If they don't fit, there's no shame! Just try a different size or style. Buying a size up can be a major help when shopping for skinny jeans anyway. If the number on the tag bothers you, cut it out!
• Do they have any mystery to them? We heard what the guys had to say. Tight jeans can easily become stumbling blocks. You probably don't want to give away your every curve anyway, so make sure there's a little room in your pants. If your legs look spray painted blue with pockets slapped on the back, they're too tight!
• Are they flattering? I would encourage you to be aware of jean cuts that flatter your personal figure. I wrote an article about this last fall, different body shapes look better with different styles. Skinny jeans may be popular, but they aren't the most flattering on every figure. If you don't feel that skinnies flatter your figure, you might try a straight jean (I personally love them).

Before you buy that pair of jeans, just make sure that they pass your modesty standards; They should enhance your figure without giving every inch of it away.

Dressing Purely

I love these Jeans haha!

Modesty is widely determined by your actions and motives, as well as the clothes you wear. Why do you want to wear that pair of jeans? Is it because you think they look nice, or is it so you can get the guy you like to notice your body? Whether we admit to thinking those kind of things, it happens. Just make sure you're keeping your motives and body pure when choosing what you're going to wear. Just a few dressing tips when it comes to skinny jeans?

• Don't dry them. I guess this doesn't have to do with dressing, but if you're worried your jeans will shrink, just hang them to dry and then iron them before you wear them. It helps a lot!
• Pair them wisely. One of the reasons guys in the survey said they thought overly skinny jeans were immodest is because they're usually paired with tight tops. If your jeans are already a little form fitting try wearing a looser shirt or blouse so that your entire figure isn't revealed.
• If they're too tight, cover the butt! I don't mean to be crude here, but if the jeans are too tight on your bottom it's a good idea to wear a long shirt or tunic over them. This makes for a cute style anyway! Stick a thin belt around the waist and you're cute and covered :)

I hope this post helps! Skinny jeans can be super cute, just keep modesty in mind! One statement in the modesty survey that almost every guy agreed with was:

Despite rampant immodesty all around us,

Girls who choose to dress modestly do make a difference.

Shorts!!!

Hey girls! Temps are rising and so are hem lines! Shorts season for modest girls can be scary, but it doesn't have to be. We have some options, believe it or not, to show some leg without compromising our standards of modesty and causing our brothers in Christ to stumble. You ready? Here we go...

 There are so many kinds of shorts- for example: Denim, canvas, plaid, shortie, cuffed, and cut-offs! I'll be simple and break them into three categories: Midi, Bermuda, and athletic shorts. 

• Midi. Mid length shorts are my favorite! In my opinion, very short shorts are not modest. Not to mention they aren't always the most flattering and can make you feel very self conscious! Shorts that are mid thigh length can be a great middle ground between bootie shorts :P and longer Bermuda styles. It might be challenging to find a lot of this style, but if you look hard enough you can find some really cute pairs. With these suggestions, please keep in mind that girls have different standards of modesty. On my body (pretty short legs!) I believe that most midi shorts are modest, but please, never compromise you or your parents' standards! With that said...

I haven't tried this pair on but they look pretty cute. Old Navy has a good selection of modest shorts on their website.

These are from Target and come in a variety of colors.

Tiny white shorts with a cute belt are always in. This style is a little more modest.

• Bermuda! Long shorts that are in style are an amazing thing! Bermuda shorts are usually around knee length, some are a couple inches shorter and a some little longer. Bermudas can be denim, khaki, or a variety of materials. Plaid bermuda shorts are very common too.

Love these shorts from American Eagle. AE has a few great styles of longer shorts.

These khakis are from Old Navy.

These cute cargo-looking shorts are also from Old Navy

• Athletic. Athletic shorts have many uses- Sports, exercise, or just a casual look on a hot summer day. Every girl needs at least a couple pairs of mesh or running shorts in her closet. Even athletic shorts can be immodest though. When picking out sporty britches make sure that they are long enough, and that they don't expose your underwear when you're sitting or exercising.

Who says basketball shorts can't be feminine? I love this Nike pair from Finish Line.

Found these awesome Nike's in several colors at The Academy.

MC Sports carries these Under Armour shorts. They don't look too short, but you would have to try them on to be sure.

I hope this gives you some ideas if you're looking for new shorts! It might be a difficult task, but it is possible to find modest shorts. Hang in there! <3 Erin

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

It's Getting Warmer, Girls!

Hello everyone!  Spring is officially here (yes, I realize it's been here for a while, but where I live, it's been pretty cold still) and with spring comes warmer temperatures.  I've already pulled out my shorts once and my capris a couple of times; I'm already addicted to flip-flops again!

If you're anything like me, you've put off buying shorts and whatnot for two reasons: 1) It still hasn't been quite warm enough for you to pull them out yet; 2) You hate shopping for shorts because you can't find modest ones, or; 3) You haven't shaved for months and are still too lazy to do so. ;) 

I have to say, Old Navy is definitely one of my favourite stores recently for clothes and flipflops! They seem to have a lot of modest choices in a variety of colours and styles for a decent price. 

I love these.  On me, they go down to about two inches above my knee and have an eight inch inseam. 

They're comfortable, flattering, and modest.

These may or may not be appropriate for you depending on your modesty standards and your body type. Let it be said that I never encourage you to buy something that you believe isn't modest. Also, just because I think that this may be appropriate and modest on some people, doesn't mean it may be on you.  I have a pair of these and they go down to about mid thigh on me.  They're extremely comfortable and are great for those warmer spring days and summer ones. :)

If you're more of a skirt person, this one's for you.  I don't know the length and I don't have any of these, so I can't help you out there.  However, on everyone I've seen wearing them, they hit the knee or go past it, and they're super cute!  They come in a variety of colours and styles.  So pick the one that best fits you and enjoy. :)

Last but certainly not least, FLIP FLOPS!!!  Pretty self-explainatory.  Hehe, pick up a few pairs--they're on sale now.

Enjoy spring and the warmer weather,

rachel

All photos and products are from http://www.oldnavy.com/

Interview with the Ladies from Modest is Hottest Blog

This past month I was privileged with the opportunity to interview two wonderful, Christian girls who you may know as Sal and Me. They are ‘two best friends who live 2,000 miles apart’ who write a modesty blog known as “Modest is Hottest”. They have happily agreed to do an interview with us and I am honored to share their wonderful story and testimony with you lovely ladies! Let us begin!

1) What does modesty mean to you?
~ Me “To me, modesty means dressing and acting in a way that deserves respect. When you do that, people respect you for who you are. When you dress inappropriately people don’t respect you because the way you dress shows that you’re not looking for respect.”
~ Sal “Modesty means not only covering your body appropriately, but also your attitude. There are girls who dress modestly, yet do not have an attitude and heart that is sending the same message. This contradicts your way of dressing. Modesty does not mean wearing long skirts and loose, home sewn shirts. You can have fun when you dress modestly, and people will notice that you are dressing nicely and yet you don't show skin! Some girls think it is impossible. It is a challenge. I love to make an immodest item of clothing modest, but let me warn you, it's not possible with everything!”

2) What do you think the secret to modesty is?
~Me “Living it! Don’t just say you want to dress modestly. Live it with all your heart and make it one of your biggest goals in life. Picture yourself as an example to others and dress how you want your little sister or daughter to see you. Don’t judge others just because they dress outside your opinion of where the line should be drawn. If you do that, people won’t respect your opinions.”
~Sal “Your attitude. Your heart. If you dress modestly because you know that its right but you don't really want to, people can see that and you can too. You can slip into a way of dressing that is not flaunting skin, but still immodest because of an attitude like that. Wanting to dress modestly is a key to success. Making it an everyday thing is a key to success also. Something that I like to think about is that I am a princess. I need to dress in a way that shows that. I am not flaunting skin to attract a guy. I am waiting because my Father, the King, has a prince for me. I dress modestly knowing that when I do, I am helping a guy save his eyes and mind for his princess someday.”

3) What are some verses that you have discovered that help you with your modesty? How have they helped you?
~Me Psalm 139:13-16 “For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are they works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.” (KJV) This verse really helps when you need to know that someone cares. God loves us so very much that He planned it all way ahead of time. You are no mistake. He already has my days planned out ahead of time and I am of worth to Him. I don’t need to dress to get attention because I don’t need it. I already know He loves me. I already know that someone cares.”
~Sal “Matthew 6:30, Psalm 45:13, Proverbs 31, Jeremiah 1:4-10 Psalm 45:13 “The king’s daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold.” (KJV) I need to trust God to bring me the clothes that I need and desire, and when I do, He does. (Matthew 6:30) I am a princess and I need to dress and act like one. (Psalm 45:13)I need to be the woman God created me to be. (Proverbs 31- I (Haylie) highly suggest you read this chapter.) I need to show the world that there are youth who choose their way of dressing with wisdom, because many people out there think we are all thinking about drugs, money, guys, etc. We need to show them we are more than what they think. We are more than just youth. (Jeremiah 1:4-10)”

4) What is your definition of fashion?
~Me “Fashion isn’t about what all the celebrities are wearing even though that’s how people distort it. Fashion is about what YOU think totally rocks!”
~Sal “Fashion? What's that? Seriously, I don't care what is in style. If something is in style and I wear it, it's because I really like it. If I buy something that is “in" it is because I have liked it and it was never available but now that it's “in" it is available to me. I don't keep up on the latest trends. I think a lot of them are ridiculous. I have my own style, and there is no way I am going to dress like everyone else just because that's how everyone else is dressing. For me, fashion is not at all on my mind. I just don't think about it.”

5) What encouraged you to write this blog?
~Me “...I went through a long period during the ages 10 and 11 where I was a total tomboy who wouldn’t wear anything pink LOL! It was then that I realized how distorted everything was! I was hit by the shock of people dressing to get attention and I just wanted my voice heard among all the confusion. Sal is a perfect example to me of someone who lets her voice be heard. After I started the blog, I asked [Sal] to join forces with me... It has proved to be a total success and something very influential to my life in the past few years.”

6) How did you girls become friends?
~Me “Our families have both known each other since before we were born. We spent our first several years of life seeing each other on a regular basis. Our parents were traveling together a lot in ministry when we were toddlers.”
~Sal “We have known each other our whole lives. Literally. Me's family and my family knew each other before we were in the picture.”

7) Are you girls really best friends 2,000 miles apart?
~Me “Oh yeah! We both have been best friends ever since we were tiny little girls! Just because we live so far apart doesn’t mean we can’t be best friends. No matter how far apart we are, we will always be close. Sal and I are so much alike, yet so different. Our friendship is very special to both of us and means more to me than just about anything.”

8) What made you girls 2,000 miles apart?
~Sal “Once upon a time, which we can barely remember now because it was so long ago, we lived next to each other. Off and on through the years since then, we have lived in the same state, though still hundreds of miles apart, and not for very long. It's hard to arrange sleepovers at these kinds of distances. LOL!”

9) What is your favorite thing about fashion?
~Me “My favorite thing about fashion is that I can make it mean anything I want to me. Whatever I like is in style to me! I don’t have to follow anyone’s rules because I’m the boss of what I like!”
~Sal “My favorite thing about fashion is that I don't have to follow it. I don't need to memorize its do’s and dont’s, other than don't pair gold with silver or black with brown. (Some people can actually pull them off; just usually one of those people isn't me). I make up my own rules about what I am going to wear. I do love how, because of fashion, new things come onto store shelves and I get to have a variety of things in my wardrobe. I also love how, because of fashion, people get rid of clothes that are like new because they aren't "in" anymore and then I get to discover them!”

10) What are your favorite stores to shop in and why?
~Me “I like ‘Wal-Mart’ because you can get really low clearance prices on super cute stuff. I like ‘Claire’s’ because they have so many cute accessories, and ‘Deb’s’ because they have awesome stuff for low prices. ‘Maurice’s’ is great because they have cute jeans/shorts, and I like Ross because of their prices…the list goes on forever!”
~Sal “I like ‘Wal-Mart’ because of the low prices. I like ‘Christopher and Banks’ because of their skirts. ‘Kohl’s’ is great because of their shoes and great sales. Thrift Stores are fun because of the great, almost new, and sometimes new clothes to be found there for low prices. I also like any store that sells fabric so that I can make some of my own clothes!”

11) If you could tell girls ONE thing, what would it be?
~Me “I want everyone to realize they’re beautiful. I want people to know that they’re of worth. Don’t spend all your time worrying about what people think of you or wondering if anyone cares. Accept yourself for who you are and know that God does care and he loves you. He made you beautiful.”
~Sal “Girls, you are so beautiful, and you don't even know it. Stop looking at the mirror. Look to Jesus because He is the very reflection of His Father, and do you know how beautiful He is? He wants His beauty to reflect off of your face so others can see it. Don't try to flaunt skin to get a guy. God's got one for you and all you have to do is wait, pray, and trust God. Don't let peer pressure get you down, do what you know is right. Love God with your whole heart, soul, mind, and body.”

Haylie's Dressing Room Tips

Please welcome new MSL staff writer, Haylie! (To learn more about her, go to the "About The Staff" page, and scroll to the bottom.)

Haylie is a 15-year-old from Florida whose perfect day is hanging out at the beach with her family and friends, reading a book in the front porch swing with a cup of coffee and watching the moon sparkle on the lake. She plans to one day be an author of teen Christian fiction/devos and a teen girl mentor.


Hiya Chickadees!! Ever wondered how to make sure your clothes are modest? Here are some “dressing room tips” to make sure your clothes are modest before leaving the house – or before you even buy them!!

SHIRTS

I want you to raise your arms over your head. Is your stomach showing?

Bend down and touch your toes (If you can! LOL I can’t). Is you lower back showing? Can someone see down your shirt?

Squat down on the floor. Does your back show?

Secret Weapon #1: Tank Tops!!! Long tank tops, lace tank tops, high tank tops! ALL TANK TOPS!! Get lots of them in every color!! Let's bring layering back in!! It used to be SUPER popular, what ever happened to that??

You can buy long ribbed tank tops for the lower back showing problems at Aeropostale for $5. Super cute colors and are way long enough!!

You can buy soft, lace undershirts at JCPenny for $13. That may seem a little pricey, but it is worth it!! Think about it: one white one can modify several things!! Like I said, it's way worth it!!
You can buy ribbed tank tops that come up high (If lace isn't your thing) at Target during the spring and summer for about $10!! It’s worth it!!

Now, some of you maybe thinking that this is not cute at all... well it is!! I do it all the time!! It adds a bit more color to your outfit!! Plus, we could even make it popular again!! You seen the people in Hollywood wear shorts, Converse and colorful tube socks?? That was mine!! I swear it was!! I did it before they did!! By a few months too!! Copy cats! LOL =]

Layering shirts is cute, colorful, fun and MODEST!! Isn’t that what we are going for? LOL

Now take your fingers and pinch the part of your shirt that is in your cleavage line. Is there material loose, or can you hardly grab any?? If you can't grab that part of your shirt then it is too tight. Now let go of the shirt. Does it spring back quickly?? If so, it's too tight.

Other ways of seeing if your shirt is to tight is by asking your dad and/or brother. They will tell you the truth about your clothing. If they don't, tell them why you're asking and see if they open up then. That’s what I have to do! LOL

So, if your shirt is too tight, I suggest you get a bigger size. If you hate the size tag then just cut it off!! LOL! I did that with one shirt because I hated how big I had to get it (I'm sort of small but I have a big chest… sad)

PANTS

When you put them on are they tight around the thighs? Walk around and stretch them out some. If they are still tight after 15 minutes of walking around, you need new ones.

When you bend over does your back and/or hiney show? Then you need a long tank top or undershirt to wear with it, or get higher rise jeans.

When you’re in the store and you're trying jeans on, make sure that you test them in the dressing room. If they gather, or bunch up, in the back under your hiney, then you need a bigger size. Pants are to fit, but not look like they are painted on you! LOL

If you can't walk in your pants or sit down comfortably then you need a bigger size. Now, I know some of y'all are obsessed with the number on your jeans, but hey, if you don't like the number then cut out the tag. You'll forget soon enough! I had one pair of jeans that I LOVED, but they wear too tight, so instead of the size 4 I usually wore, I had to get a size 9. Yeah, the pants hugged my hiney to much. So, I got home and cut the tag.

Your pants should fit you nicely. They shouldn't be baggy or anything, but they shouldn't be tight. Here’s what I do to make sure they fit. In the dressing room (Yes I actually do this) I will squat on the floor, put my leg up as high as I can and if I can move and not show anyone my hiney (Though I usually have a tank top with me so... LOL), then I know they are good pants! And yes, sometimes when I lift my leg up I hit the wall and my friends laugh! LOL I don't mind! Y'all don't have to be THAT extreme, but I like to have fun with modesty!!

=]

ENJOY AND COMMENT!!!

♥Haylie
1 Corinthians 12:23

Modesty Survey

Recently while reading the book "Do Hard Things" by Alex and Brett Harris, I learned that they have a modesty survey on their website, TheRebelution.com. I checked it out and found it very helpful! Questions I've always wanted to ask were answered... like what guys think of tankinis or high heels or even lip gloss.

Read it and tell me what you think: www.therebelution.com/modestysurvey/browse

Did it surprise you the way guys felt about modesty?

Does this give you a new perspective on dressing modestly?

Did you find the survey helpful?

Interview!

Hey, Ladies! We’re over on Shannon Primicerio’s blog today! She is the author of The Divine Dance, and the Being A Girl series, among many more.

Before you head over there, check out what she says about modesty in her book, The Divine Dance:

“With questions like “How much cleavage is too much?” and rulers that measure to make sure that shorts and skirts just barley make the grade for school dress codes, Christian girls are selling themselves short and are buying into the trends of this world. We toss purity out the window on return for popularity. Many times, we get up on the stage and take off the righteous garments Christ has clothed us in and we are left standing naked before an audience that doesn’t really care. I think we are so willing to be immodest in our outfits because we have forgotten who we are. We are daughters of the Most High God; we are princesses from the line of the King of Kings. Princesses do not dress like women off the street who are selling the bodies. As a daughter of the King, you are expected to dress and act like a princess at all times, not just Sunday mornings when you find yourself within the palace walls.”

And one last thing from Shannon before you go…

“The biggest problem with Christians and clothing is that our thinking is off. We forget that our clothing defines the way others see us. We forget that we are dancing not for the applause of men, but for God’s applause. We forget that the point of our lives is to lead others to Him, and if they do not see an outward difference in our lifestyles, they will never see the inward difference in our hearts. Sometimes the message of Christ’s death on the cross is lost because we have adorned ourselves in so much glitter that people cannot see Jesus.”
“So next time you find yourself flipping through the racks of your favorite store, remember fashion isn’t a crime – but bad fashion is. Invest as much time into putting on the fruits of the Spirit as you do putting on your clothes and your makeup.”

Okay, now go! :)