Modest Fashion

Cruise Giveaway from MikaRose

2010-03-16T10:06:00.000-07:00

By Jen

Our friends at MikaRose modest clothing just announced a fabulous cruise giveaway to celebrate their upcoming 5 year anniversary and Mother’s Day. “Being able to bring attention to and celebrate the wonderful things that mothers do is exactly what Mikarose is all about,” said Michaella Lawson, President of Mikarose Clothing Company. In order to say thank you to the many mothers that have made Mikarose a success, Mikarose is offering the "Marvelous Mother Giveaway".

You can nominate any mom to win a prize package which includes:

Two economy class, round-trip tickets to Tampa Florida from any major city in the
Continental United States.
A 5-night Western Caribbean cruise for two on Carnival Cruise Line.
Round-trip transportation from Tampa International airport to the Tampa Cruise Terminal.
A $100 dollar MikaRose Gift Certificate.
And more!

3 other finalists will also get a $100 MikaRose Gift Certificate (any mom will love this).

The sweepstakes runs from March 08, 2010 through April 12, 2010. Four finalists will be chosen and their stories will be posted online where everyone will have an opportunity to vote for the mother they feel deserves the giveaway out of the four finalists. The winner will be announced on May 3rd 2010.

You know your mom needs a cruise so nominate her at mikarose.com. (And hey- if you're a mom you'd better tell your hubby or someone to nominate YOU!)

Don't forget to check out the MikaRose dresses and apparel while you're at the site. Their classic, tailored modest dresses are priced as low as $36.99 and we're not even talking about their clearance prices (which are lower)! You'll get your money's worth because these dresses are the kind of wardrobe staples you'll wear for years to come. They're not so trendy to quickly go out of style. Just change your belt and accessories it will look like a different dress every time.

Take their "Eva" dress pictured here for instance. It's a classic LBD (little black dress) with side rouching. It doesn't come with a belt but in this picture the model is using a scarf as a belt which changes the whole look of the dress. This particular dress is not on sale but it's only $54.99 at full price.

Also they have the cutest modest dresses for little girls on clearance for only $10.99 - with Easter coming up I'll have to grab a few of those.

Affordabilty is important to the women at MikaRose. The company was started 5 years ago by a young LDS woman named Michaella Lawson. She had spent countless hours searching for classy and fashionable modest dresses without much luck... so she decided to end the search by launching her own line of modest dresses and apparel. Michaella was pregnant with her first child at the time, and since that time five years ago she has added a second little girl to the family.

Michaella's business has grown right along with her family. After just 5 years, MikaRose has expanded to include not only modest dresses but also modest skirts, tops and modest children’s clothes. They even have a new outlet store located at the Towne Centre Mall in Provo, UT! At the outlet store everything is under $50 and they also have vintage jewelry, unique belts and samples that Mika made but chose not to mass produce.

Mikarose is run by women, for women. They want to build a lifelong relationship with their customers by consistently understanding and exceeding our modest apparel needs. Go to www.mikarose.com to see their latest styles & shop online or see a list of retail store locations.

Tungsten CTR Rings?

2010-02-23T11:23:00.000-08:00

By Jen

So have you heard of rings made of tungsten? Tungsten wedding bands are a new trend because tungsten is so durable. They're known as "permanently polished" rings because tungsten rings will hold their shine (as well as shape) longer than any other ring on the market due to tungsten's extreme hardness- almost as hard as diamond.

Now they're making tungsten CTR rings- and I recently got one. (CTR stands for "Choose the Right" among Mormons.) The CTR logo is laser engraved right onto the ring. Now I already own a CTR ring made of sterling silver that I've had for many years, but it always looks tarnished and dingy (and I don't have the time to polish it) so I never wear it. The tungsten rings are much cheaper than gold and only cost slightly more than sterling silver.

When I received my tungsten CTR ring in the mail I was surprised how solid and heavy it was. It feels very smooth so it doesn't bother my finger. It's polished and shiny... and it's nice to know it will stay that way (considering my 14K Gold wedding ring is already scratched up and some of it's raised designs have worn off).

The CTR ring I got was from Tungsten CTR Rings where they have several ring styles to choose from. Every order gets free shipping, and if you order by March 7th 2010 they're offering $5.00 off your order- just use the coupon code "jenmagazine".

New Collection from JustLongShirts

2010-01-04T14:28:00.000-08:00

By Jen

JustLongShirts.com has created a fusion between modesty and contemporary design! I noticed they launched a new collection including this cute Metallic Sweater (black with silver/gold) and Knot Front Jersey (available in turquoise & red).

Whether you are LDS, Christian, Muslim or Jewish, you'll find truly distinctive and well cut longer-length modest shirts with style and flare at JustLongShirts. Their shirts fall by the knee and when worn, create the look of a longer, slimmer figure. They are crafted to compliment any body type, whether petite or plus size. Because modern women are on-the-go, JustLongShirts products are assembled with quality fabrics that are comfortable, easy to care for, and will last.

At JustLongShirts, they design longer-length modest dress shirts, casual blouses, tunics, long sleeve t-shirts and even athletic wear. Visit JustLongShirts.com to see more of their new collection! And visit them online at their facebook page to see what others are saying about them!

Keeping Tabs on Tabeez Modest Apparel

2009-08-19T10:19:00.000-07:00

By Jen

Tabeez is a modesty-focused clothing company with boutiques in New Jersey and New York, and last year they launched an online store. Since then, their online offerings have grown to include a huge selection of modest clothing (tops, skirts, dresses, suits and outerwear) and extras like accessories, shoes, skincare and makeup. It looks like they have many exclusive styles as well as designer pieces from Jones New York, BCBG Max Azria, Essentials by A.B.S. and more. They do stock plus sizes, which is a concern for many women looking for modest clothes.

Right now they have 70% off all summer items and shoes. I found several things under $10 in their clearance section. They also have free shipping on all orders of $99 dollars and up.

We were able to get you an exclusive coupon: 15% off when you enter promo code "JenMag" at Tabeez.com (good 'til Sept. 30th 2009)!

Tabeez has a Facebook fan page and you can follow them on twitter- @tabeez.

Handmade Modest Swimwear Boutique

2009-05-01T12:49:00.000-07:00

By Jen

A friend in my neighborhood makes really cute modest swimsuits - her company is Black & White Apparel (they have color collections too). They specialize in modest pin-up girl swimwear for teen girls and women. Their fun, retro-inspired designs will make you want to buy more than one! The swimsuits can be customized for any size (even maternity), and the wide selection of tops and bottoms can be mixed and matched for a personalized look. For a handmade designer modest swimsuit visit BlackAndWhiteApparel.etsy.com.

Clothes Shopping Tips for the Recession

2009-04-29T15:26:00.000-07:00

By Kiera Clark

Is the state of the economy cramping your style? If so then check out these recession-busting clothes shopping tips!

I am the ultimate bargain shopper when it comes to clothes. Half the fun for me is finding an amazing steal. Some people spend away their money so quickly on a few clothing pieces. This article will hopefully give advice on stretching the buck to accommodate a whole wardrobe. The key is knowing when the best times to go hunting for a bargain are.

Watch for end of season sales. End of season sales can give you amazing deals. The only drawback is they might not fit the coming season's weather. If this occurs all you have to do is incorporate the item into your wardrobe. For example: end of winter you will find lots of long sleeves for dirt cheap. Well Spring is the next season not summer, which means more rain and the occasional freak snowstorm. Also in the evening it will be nice to have some long sleeve shirts or sweaters to throw over a T-shirt. Just be intuitive while you're shopping the racks and think creatively. This will ensure a money-saving and more unique wardrobe.

Take advantage of the bad economy. Due to our shrinking economy many stores are offering great promotions and huge sales, in order to make ends meet. Though the economy going down is definitely a drawback, the sales can be used to the advantage of shoppers. Check out your local malls and see what kind of deals are being offered. You might be able to snag some "just in" clothing items for the price of last season's!

Shop with a thrifty eye. Be on the lookout for a great sale and check out the markdowns. The first thing I do when I enter a clothing store is peruse the clearance racks. I almost always can find something I like (or even love) for great prices. Don't just buy the item because it is on sale, but make sure you will wear it first. You won't be saving money in the long run if you're buying a clothing item that you will only wear once. Be smart and don't go over your budget.

Overall you don't have to spend a fortune to dress stylishly. Check online and in ads for coupons to save even more. Remember you don't always need the "it" brand. You can usually get almost the same item for half the money from other, less common retailers. If you follow these steps you will be shocked to see how much money you end up saving.

Good luck and happy hunting!

Kiera Clark lives in Alaska. She enjoys playing soccer, skiing, and spending time with family and friends.

Modest Petite Fashion Guide - Spring/Summer 2009

2009-04-20T15:35:00.000-07:00

By Traci Wennerholm

Here's how Petites can wear what's hot off the runway this Spring and Summer.

Finding modest spring and summer fashions can be difficult. Finding modest petite fashions during the spring and summer can be even harder. Many retailers have opted to stop carrying petite lines, or only carry petite lines for order over the internet. This season carries some of the hottest blends of bold black and whites, metallics, and deep sea colors filled with beautiful aqua and turquoise hues. And as you've pored over fashion magazines, perhaps you've grown a little frustrated thinking some of these fashions are cute, but couldn't be worn on you.

Not true!

This guide will go over some of the spring and summer trends, teach you how to incorporate them into your look, and show you where to go to find them.

Black and White
Black and white came back again this year. So keep that cute black and white shirt you bought last summer and use it again this year. However, while florals took over the runway last year, most of the black and white styles seen this year were patterns, and black and white bold combinations. But if you bought floral last year, keep it around. It will still work and will look great another year. On your petite frame, you'll need to consider your shape when picking the perfect black and white color combination:

If you consider yourself a rectangular shape, create the illusion of a smaller waistline by wearing a black belt. Or choose an outfit with a black band that fits just below your bust line.
If you consider yourself more triangular (smaller on top with wider hips and thighs) wear a black skirt, pants, or bottom with a white shirt or blouse. This will slim down your bottom half and draw more attention to your top half.
If you consider yourself top heavy with smaller hips and thighs, consider going with the opposite. You will want a black shirt or black and white combination shirt with white pants. This will even out your body proportion and give you the appearance of a more even shape.

Neutral Tones
Another combination you'll be seeing a lot of this spring and summer are neutral tones. While some cringe, others cheer the arrival of neutral toned clothing themes. Cream and sand colors are especially popular. If you are petite, wearing these colors can sometimes present a bit of a challenge. If you choose to wear these colors, follow the same dressing guidelines that you would for the black and white combinations. Wear cream colored pants and a darker brown top, or vice versa. Or wear a light or white blouse with dark brown trouser or linen pants.

Beach Inspired Colors
Another popular look on the runway was the arrival of beach inspired colors. Turquoise, aqua, and marine hued tones were seen everywhere. Most of these hues were seen on chiffon or jersey fabrics and inspired flowing looks. If you're petite, oftentimes wearing a flowing chiffon dress probably isn't the most flattering. Instead, dress it up and give definition to your shorter frame by adding a belt over the dress or tunic style shirt.

Yellows and Metallics
Yellows and metallics are also coming back for a second year. While fun, elegant, and flirty colors, those who are petite can easily over do these trends. When wearing yellow, shy away from wearing a lot of yellow. A yellow bathing suit, shirt, or skirt may be too much. Instead, stick with a yellow pair of shoes, a handbag, or a bracelet. A small amount of yellow will draw attention away from your smaller frame.

Metallics should also be worn much in the same way as yellows. Metallics can look overwhelming on a petite frame. So it's also suggested that petite frames stick to shoes or a handbag when wearing this style. Golds and silver metallics tend to be the most popular metallics to wear, but different metallic hues are popping up.

Now that you've learned how to wear the runway looks on your smaller frame, where can you go to buy these looks? And most especially, where can you go to buy these looks in petite sizes?

Kohl's
One place to look is Kohl's. They offer a large selection of petite styles. They now offer the Vera Wang Petite collection. Her style adds a romantic charm to many of today's popular looks and is also affordable and stylish. Check out the stylish black pleated top by Apt. 9 for petites. This flowing pleated top is only $17, and looks great when paired with white pants, a skirt, or sand colored khaki pants.

ModBe
If you're shopping for a bathing suit, look at places like ModBe. They offer great online bathing suit shopping guides as well as suggestions for what suits will fit your shape and size best. The '09 swim guide will be out shortly, but if you're heading out for spring break and are starting to look for a suit make sure you take along these handy tips from ModBe designers. Consider v-neck tops, hip length tops, above the knee hemlines, halter swim tops, and brief cut bottoms. Finding a suit with fabric that is cinched together in the middle is also flattering on a petite top. It gives your top side a fuller look and draws attention away from your bottom area. One look that was popular with many petites last year was the Gold Halter. It mixed contrasting light and dark neutral colors in a flattering petite fit.

JC Penney
If you want a good selection of tops, pants, and dresses consider JC Penney. JC Penney has revamped their styles to include a lot of looks that appeal to the tastes of younger generations. Consider the black and khaki dress with cute tie for spring. It easily slims the waistline and draws attention away from wider hips and thighs while incorporating the modern style and look of black and white contrasting color combinations.

If you are petite I hope this guide helped you to find modest, fashionable clothing that fits your smaller frame.

Time to Clean Out Your Closet?

2009-04-20T15:18:00.001-07:00

By Sarah Rance
Is your wardrobe stuffed with items you never wear? Well it’s that time of year to clean out your closet!

First things first. Get two bags:

one for toss
the other for consignment or donation

Shoes
I love shoes. I have over thirty pairs. But some times it’s good to let go of the shoes you know you won’t wear.

Have a cute pair of shoes but they are just too small and you never had the strength to toss them? It’s time to cut the umbilical cord. Toss or donate.
Your awesome pair of Nike tennis shoes but the sole is falling apart. Toss.
A pair of flip-flops but one of their straps is broken. It’s time to toss those.
Any shoes you KNOW you’d never wear but just never took the time to get rid of them or felt bad for throwing them away. Toss or donate (I’m giving you permission).

Tops
Possessing a lot of tops isn’t a bad thing. But let’s say you don’t wear half of them. How much space are you using with those unnoticed items? Also, you could donate them to people who actually WOULD wear them or take them to a consignment store and earn credits or even money.

Cute, comfortable, and all the rest but there’s a stain. Unless you can cover it up in a non-awkward way, toss it.
You LOVE this shirt but it’s too short. Sometimes you can layer those shirts, but other times, it looks like you’re trying to hold onto a childhood shirt and it can look awkward. Toss or donate.
Have had the shirt for years but never have worn it and it just sits unnoticed in your closet. Toss or donate.
Everything is fine except the armpit-mark. You don’t want to walk around knowing that you can’t lift up your arms because you have a noticeable and embarrassing stain under your arm. You’ll feel uncomfortable and stiff. It’s time to toss that shirt.
The shirt is too small and you tell yourself you’ll lose weight THEN you can wear it. You should probably let it go. It isn’t worth having. Toss or donate.
Long sleeved but doesn’t reach all the way to your wrist. You can roll them up to make the quartered sleeved shirt. Otherwise toss or donate. Same goes for jackets and sweaters and pullovers.
If the shirt has a un-repairable rip, button missing and you don’t have the extra, or it's just old and out of style. Toss or donate.
When shirts have rips near the bust it looks awkward. Those just toss!

Bottoms
Jeans are probably the hardest clothing to shop for. Different sizes vary in a large mass. 7’s feel like 5’s where 9’s feel like 11’s. A good way to find jeans is to first figure out your size comparing to that certain store. Personally, I shop at Target for jeans because I KNOW my size there. But if I go to Wal-Mart, for an example, I might be a completely different size according to their products. Find your size according to the store.

If you can’t pull the jeans above your thighs, that’s the sign they are too small. Or if they’re skin tight and hard to move around in and aren’t comfortable. Toss or donate.
Ripped where skin shouldn’t be exposed. TOSS!
Just the cutest pants in the world. But they stop at your ankles. Either you can roll them up or trim into Capri’s, or make into Bermudas. But otherwise toss or donate. (Please don’t wear high waters!)
Short shorts? Toss or donate.
The skirt is just too short. Or the skirt is supposed to be long but stops at your ankles. (Again, don’t keep things that may look like you’re still holding onto your childhood clothes.) Toss or donate.
Never wear the skirt? Toss or donate.
Have a “busy” skirt and never can find anything to go along with it? Toss or donate (don’t let those items crowd your space).
If the skirt is tight around the hips and when you bend over you expose too much skin, those you don’t want. Toss or donate.

Dresses
Usually girls like to keep dresses from the past and such, which isn’t a bad thing. But sometimes those things just need to be let go of. Maybe some other girl can enjoy a new dress that you grew out of. Who knows.

Too short? Toss or donate.
If you have a hard time putting it on because it’s so tight, that’s a good sign of "good riddance". Toss or donate.
Zipper broke? Button missing? Ripped? Unless they can be repaired, time to say bye-bye. Toss or donate.

Feminine Articles
What I hate the most about digging through my drawer to find a pair of socks is all the stuff I CAN find. I have found some things that I never knew I had and things I can’t believe I still had! Time to clean out the ol’ sock drawer.

Holes in the sock? Simply toss.
Missing the other pair of sock. Toss (don’t donate just a sock).
Never wear the pair of socks? Toss or donate.
An out-grown bra you’ve forgotten about. Toss or donate. (I’d suggest to just toss.)
Holes in your underwear? Eww. Time to get rid of those and get new ones!
Then whatever else you can find and KNOW you’d never use, toss or donate.

Soon, you’ll be looking at a closet with lots of extra room. Also you can find items you DO need. Remember, don’t hold onto things with a tight grip but with an open palm. Don’t be afraid to let go. You never know who will enjoy your donated items.

I give all my old clothes to younger girls in my church and find pleasure looking at them in MY clothes! It’s such an awesome feeling to know those girls found pleasure in what I found pleasure in. It gives my heart a warm feeling.

Sarah Rance has lived most of her life in a rainy town in Washington. She enjoys outdoor activities, traveling, and loves Cuties and strawberries. Sarah has a big family and loves spending time with them. She is also in the process of writing a movie and hoping to get it filmed in the summer.

Individuality is "In" this Spring

2009-04-20T15:12:00.000-07:00

By Sheralyn Pratt
If you’re poking around for the latest trends, you’ll discover something quite unusual.

Right now most of the “in” looks were created not by designers, but by people just wearing what feels right to them. And the current media fashion darling who graces the Spring 2009 Spring fashion issue of Vogue would be none other than our First Lady, Michelle Obama.

So in addition to individuality, modesty is in because Michelle Obama likes to dress modestly.

Following her cue, I will bet that fashion magazines will shoot for classy and elegant this year. Knee-length skirts, floor-length formals and narrow-heeled shoes will be all the rage.

Why? Because that’s what Michelle Obama feels comfortable in and, like Jackie Kennedy before her, she makes her style look good enough to shape the fashion industry as a whole.

But unless you’re a woman in your 40’s, you don’t want to copy the First Lady’s style outright. Michelle Obama is her own individual, and so should you be!

A quick look around shows cases of individual style triumphing everywhere. Whitney Port wore her own crocheted flower head wrap on the reality TV show “The City” and suddenly everyone’s jumping on the bandwagon, including the cast of Gossip Girl. Suddenly it’s cool to crochet!

Beyonce’s titanium robot glove is probably not going to catch on any time soon, but it is still her concept and design, and I can promise she doesn’t care whether you like it or not.

As much as the experts and magazines want you to defer your fashion choices to them, this year is the year to dig deep down within yourself and find the look that fits you so well that others walking by will want to copy it.

There are a few ground rules, however:
Frumpy, grunge and ill-fitting are definitely not in. As a rule those things are never in and make even billionaires look like they’re homeless, but this next year, with the First Lady as our spring mentor, what you can look forward to being in is:

Modesty— no plunging necklines or hiked up skirts
Strength— Spring Vogue cover shows a fully-covered Michelle, baring only her solid deltoids
Tailored— complimenting fabrics of varying textures

Accenting Michelle Obama’s classy, third-wave feminist fashion canvas is the national recession we find ourselves in. This means happy colors are in. Blacks, browns and muted hues are not the way to go. People are looking for sunshine and happy news, so happy colors are going to be the rage. (Look at Glamour Magazine's Top 10 Best Dresses at the 2009 Golden Globes. Happy colors, all! And notice the lengths of the dresses.)

Also, the economy means that homemade/recycled looks are going to have new charm—like Whitney Port’s crocheted head wrap.

Modest, happy and handmade are in! So consult your inner fashion diva, because this is the season for you to start a trend!

Sheralyn is an author who lives in Park City, Utah where she freelance writes between writing novels. She is currently working on her 5th novel.

Review: CAMI Swimwear

2009-02-23T20:46:00.000-08:00

By Jennifer Loch

I just got a new swimsuit from CAMI Swimwear and was excited when I opened the box and saw it- the colors were vibrant and the style was even cuter than it looked on the website. The suit fits great- very flattering to my post-baby body! (I had my 2nd baby in Nov. of '08.) I got the "Cali" print (not shown here) in the Draw String style women's swimsuit, with turquoise bottoms.

CAMI Swimwear (CAMI stands for Cute and Modest Ideas) started selling 2-piece modest swimsuits in junior's sizes a few years ago and have since expanded to offer swimwear in women's and children's sizes too. Recently they also added some skirts and dresses to their line which can be seen at www.camiswimwear.com.

All CAMI swim tops are cut long so you can enjoy water activities without having to worry about staying covered. They offer three swimsuit top styles: v-neck, high neck and racing-back tank. The bottoms come in a regular cut or boy cut. Since it's fun to mix and match (and necessary for a good fit) tops and bottoms are ordered separately according to body measurement, style and print.

You don't want to be wearing the same swimsuit as another girl, right? Well at CAMI they only order enough fabric to make 10 to 40 suits out of one print so their selection is always changing. They love to provide cute, comfortable, modest clothes at competitive prices.

**Just in time for swimsuit season, everything's 20% off in March and April '09 at CamiSwimwear.com!

Style Profile: Carrie Sims

2009-02-11T13:31:00.000-08:00

By Lisa Byrd Thomas

Gray Vest and woven belt from BP at Nordstrom. White tee from Down East Outfitters. White & Gray striped pants from Old Navy. White pointed-toe flats by Nine West.

Carrie Sims is a Southern girl who brings to fashion what her current home, Memphis, brings to music…diversity. This freelance hairstylist, wife, and mother of two explains, “My style is like my life. It’s a lot of different things, but it’s all me. I like to think that I am able to take the best parts from all that fashion has to offer whether it be earthy or chic, soulful or playful, trendy or classic.”

Purple swing top and gold necklace from Forever21. Skinny jeans from BP at Nordstrom. Athena Alexander wedge sandals from Nordstom. Brown tee by Shade. Diesel cuff bracelet purchased at Down East Outfitters.

Carrie’s individual style is just that: individual. She is not afraid to experiment and let her personality show in the clothes she wears. “I wear what I like for no other reason than I just like it. I love the confidence I feel when I’m rocking a look that I really love.”

Black & White striped cropped sweater from Forever21. Printed Tee from TJ Maxx. Gap jeans. Wedge shoes from Forever Young Shoes.

And what is Carrie’s advice to anyone who loves an outfit, but feels like they can’t pull it off? With encouragement she exclaims, ”You get that outfit and you rock it!”

Pink dress from Charlotte Russe. White tee by Shade. Brown cropped cardigan sweater from Old Navy. Leopard flats are HotKiss from Famous Footwear.

Photography by Lisa Thomas

Why Modesty? Ask A Guy!

2009-02-10T22:30:00.000-08:00

This is an awesome Catholic guy named Jason Evert talking about why modesty is important from a guy's point of view. Very insightful. Check out his other videos too-- this guy rocks! -Jen

Of course it's fun! It's a girl thing.

2009-02-03T11:03:00.000-08:00

By Megan Walter
Okay-so we dress modest. We look for affordable prices. If you're anything like me, you can't find affordable, pretty, and modest clothes!

Here are a few things I've learned over the years:

Look for sales! At malls, Burlington, Marshalls (my particular fav), and anywhere else there might be something with long sleeves and long skirts.
Thrift shops! I've found a few nice things myself. And they are so cheap!
Online! There are two online shops that have a few cute tops and bottoms: dELiA*s, and Alloy. Check back often, and wait for sales. I love the t-shirts they have!
Make your own! Ok, so that doesn't sound very exciting, but, hey! It can be fun if you want! I mean, you can make it any size, any color, and with the help of a sewing machine, it's a snap. And that doesn't rule out knitting, crochet, etc. (I made my own poncho once!)

Where there's a will, there's possibility. If you're anything like I was, you probably get embarrassed about dressing modestly from time to time. Here's a little something for you: There was this teenage girl that was going to the grocery store. She was wearing a long black and white polka-dot skirt that touched her toes and a simple red turtleneck. At the checkout counter, some lady wouldn't stop staring at her. Just as she was leaving, the lady said “Hey wait! I wanted to tell you how pretty you're dressed! My daughter absolutely refuses to wear anything other then jeans, mini skirts and tube tops. I just wanted to tell you that you must be a wonderful person. Keep it up. And you're so pretty, by the way!” (True story.) She thought that the girl was a beautiful person because of the way she dressed! Now, isn't wearing modest clothes worth it? And looking for affordable prices too?

Megan Walter is a teenager in Virginia. Homeschooled, she enjoys writing, reading and havin' lots of fun.

Style Profile: Aurora Florence

2008-09-01T13:40:00.000-07:00

It's time for another Style Profile, where we feature someone who stands out with unique modest style-- wearing outfits from their own closet! This is Aurora Florence from Loomis, California. She loves thrift stores and says that almost all her clothes are secondhand store discoveries.

A little about Aurora: A student at BYU, Aurora is majoring in music, theater, and dance. She was homeschooled her whole life and has a cat named Steve. She loves Shakespeare, and her favorite movie is The Last Unicorn. Aurora enjoys going backpacking and to culture festivals, and dancing in the rain.

Photography, hair and makeup by Lyn Shelley (LynShelley.com).

High Fashion for the Conservative's Closet

2008-07-07T11:44:00.000-07:00

By Jennifer Loch

If you appreciate the beauty in modesty, and prefer to wear long skirts and conservative tops, TAQWA IMAN offers you a complete shopping experience. From skirts to accessories to shoes, they sell many of the items you need to put together a modest *chic* outfit. Every item is priced to be able to fit within anyone's budget because they believe in modest clothes and modest prices. The skirt pictured here is only $37.99, the shoes are $27.49 (their most expensive pair), and the bracelets are only $6.99. Even a 100% silk skirt is under $50.00!

A Long Skirt in the Summer?
I have two skirts from Taqwa Iman and they are loose-fitting and comfortable. Most people assume it would be too hot to wear a long skirt in the summer. I always thought that was the case, BUT-- I've recently become convinced that a long loose skirt is the coolest thing you can wear in the hot summertime! Unlike shorts which trap heat around your legs and body, a skirt allows the air to circulate and lets your legs breathe. It provides shade to your legs (and a modest, feminine profile) while at the same time, you feel as if your legs are naked! If you wear your shorts down to the knee for modesty like I do, you'll probably find that a long skirt made of a lightweight material like cotton feels more comfortable on a hot summer day. The denim skirt I got from Taqwa Iman is casual enough to wear throughout the week, not just on Sunday.

Taqwa Iman pieces were made to be versatile. The skirts and tunics can be dressed up to wear to work or dressed down for the weekend. The tops and tunics were made to be basic so you can wear them with many different bottoms and create your own personal style. Wear your top with a denim skirt one day and a pair of wide leg trousers the next. You can also change things up with different jewelry. During difficult economic times this can really help you save money. Taqwa Iman has long skirts with really fun colorful prints and interesting designs. Summer is all about color, so they have tops in brilliant colors such as yellow and turquoise, and skirts in beautiful colored prints.

-- TAQWA IMAN is currently offering $5.00 for shipping anywhere in the US
and $10.00 shipping to anywhere in the world!
-- All of their skirts are on SALE.
-- All of their tunics are on SALE-- only $25.00 each!

Just visit ==> TaqwaIman.com

July 4th Fashion

2008-06-17T12:51:00.000-07:00

It's hot, and you want to have fun in the sun while staying modest!

I thought it would be fun to do an Independence Day themed fashion shoot, because although our readers don't all live in the USA, most do. I think it's good to have patriotism for the country that you call home. Here in the US, it has become somewhat unpopular to be patriotic. It seems more popular to be jaded and critical about the government. And while I don't agree with everything that goes on in government, I still think my country is a great place to live. There are reasons why so many people each year want to leave their home countries and move to the US. We can all do our part to make our country what we want it to be, so I want to remind everyone to vote and make your voice heard whenever you get the chance! -Jen

Shirt, Daytrip: Buckle.com. Tank Undershirt, gapbody.com. Shorts, Billy Blues: Nordstrom. Shoes, BC Footwear: endless.com.

Shirt, Vintage. Skirt, Christa Taylor.

Shirt, Daytrip: Buckle.com. Dress, BB Dakota: Karmaloop.com. Shoes, BP: Nordstrom.

Shirt by O’Neill, Macy’s. Vest (worn backwards) and Shorts, Hot Kiss: Buckle.com.

Shirt by Belle Du Jour, and Jacket by Fire Los Angeles, Macy’s. Shorts, Vanilla Star Jeans. Leggings, Foot Traffic. Shoes, Vintage Gucci. Sunglasses, Diesel. Necklaces, Party Supply Store.

Skirting the Issue

2008-06-09T08:18:00.000-07:00

Long skirts can be hard to find even in the cold months, but trying to find them in the summer is almost impossible. If you like to wear long skirts, we found a place with lots of them, and a few knee-length skirts too. This company caters to Jewish modesty standards, and the clothes are shipped directly from Israel, only taking a week for shipping. www.ClothesAndStuff.com

The prices are reasonable, ranging from $15 to $50. The skirts shown here are $20 for the first black and white patterned skirt, $35 for the jean skirt, and $50 for the formal ball skirt with sparkles.

Clothes and Stuff is offering this coupon to Jen Magazine readers: 10% off any order of $20 or more when you enter the coupon code "jen magazine"! www.ClothesAndStuff.com

Modest International Style

2008-05-29T16:41:00.000-07:00

We found a unique company that focuses on modest clothing where East meets West. They sell imports as well as local designer jewelry & clothing. At Global Trendzz they have apparel, belts, purses, jewelry and embroidered bags. They plan to soon add skirts, footwear, knitwear, a personal care line and more-- they just launched a month or two ago.

Sandra, who started Global Trendzz, has a pretty impressive history. She has been in the fashion industry for over 10 years. She has worked for companies including Gap, Inc. which owns Banana Republic, Gap and Old Navy, where she was on the product integrity team for all three brands at their corporate headquarters in San Francisco. All of her work in the fashion industry has allowed her to travel to over 30 countries, which sparked her interest in international fashion. She says "I wanted to start a fashion company of my own which included imports and my own fashion line. In particular I wanted to design clothing that would be modest, comfortable and stylish."

For Jen Magazine readers who want a little international flair in their modest wardrobe, Global Trendzz is offering 20% off your total purchase! Use the promotional code JEN001.

Global Trendzz is just getting started bringing the best of fashion from near and far to customer doorsteps. Visit them at http://www.globaltrendzz.com.

See the clothes on models and get a better idea of how they fit & wear by watching this behind-the-scenes photo shoot video:

The Cold Shoulder: To See or Not to See?

2008-05-06T08:42:00.000-07:00

By Jennifer Loch
Latter-Day Saints believe in covering the shoulders for modesty, and I recently received this email from an LDS teen:

"Ok, so i still have a hard time staying modest. Especially when summer is around. I went shopping yesterday and i found it so hard to stay away from racerback styled tank tops. I don't understand why its such a big deal, i could see spaghetti straps but racerbacks? Its not like guys get attracted to our shoulders like more feminine parts of a womens body right? I just don't understand, i've fallen in to the habit of just slipping on a tank top everyday for school, putting on a sweatshirt for seminary and taking it back off the moment i get back in the highschool building. Even my mother has started noticing. Please help me understand why tank tops are so bad?"

I felt the same way when I was a teen. I wore tank tops, and I didn't understand why I wasn't supposed to wear them. It's not that wearing a tank top is so bad; there are worse things you could be wearing, or doing for that matter. Tank tops are comfortable and I loved wearing them. But I also felt guilty that I wasn't following the rules of my religion and it crept into my mind that I could break other rules as well, so it lead to other things.

I've heard that you should think of it like a test; it's a part of the religion that you believe in, so you believe that God is asking you to do it. He's asking you to do something that you might not understand, but if you obey him you are proving your obedience to him, and he will bless you for it.

If you're looking to date a good LDS guy who goes on a mission and lives the gospel, he will be looking for the same in you. If a guy like that sees that you aren't following the rules, he might think that you don't live the gospel in other ways and you aren't the kind of girl for him.

Shoulders may not be as sexy as cleavage, but men do find them attractive. It's not something they think about, it's more subconscious. Now that I'm married and wear garments, my husband has said on several occasions when I wasn't dressed or was wearing a swimsuit "Oh, your shoulders! I never get to see them when you're dressed. I never thought about shoulders being sexy but now I see why garments cover your shoulders and back because they're really sexy."

And if you think about it, most outfits that are supposed to look sexy show your back and/or shoulders. Just think about what the female celebrities wear on the red carpet. It's almost always something that shows the shoulders or back. When I wore tank tops, I always thought I looked better in them than in tops that covered my shoulders. "I have nice shoulders," I thought. But it actually goes back to the fact that subconsciously we think of showing shoulders as more attractive, sexy or glamorous, and that's why I thought I looked better in tank tops.

When I got married at 20, it was frustrating because I didn't have much I could wear with garments. I wished I had prepared earlier by wearing the kinds of clothes I could wear with garments. I had to change my habits, get rid of some clothes, and start layering.

Sometimes I miss the cool comfort of a tank top, which makes me wish I hadn't been spoiled by wearing them in the first place. But I still buy and wear tank tops; I just use them as layering pieces now. So you can still get use out of your tank tops while covering your shoulders. Just wear them over or under something that covers the shoulders instead of wearing them alone. Wearing a little shrug over a tank top can be a good place to start.

Hope this helps! -Jen

Busy Body: Feminine Prints & Vintage Aprons

2008-05-01T15:02:00.000-07:00

Undershirt and Blouse, Buckle.com. Farmer's Market Skirt, DownEast Basics. Shoes, CharlotteRusse.com. Vintage apron, eBay.

Shirt, Earrings and Shoes, Buckle.com. Skirt, Kohl's. Vintage apron, eBay.

Confetti Dress, DownEast Basics. Sheer Blouse (worn over dress) and Earrings, Buckle.com. Vintage apron, eBay.

Plaid Blazer and Shorts, Kohl's. Blue Floral Top, Buckle.com. Tiny Hearts Tights, JoyOfSocks.com. Shoes, model's own.

Dress, Dillard's. Green Slip, Vintage Hem. Shoes, CharlotteRusse.com. Vintage apron, eBay. Scarf (in hair) Gap.com.

About the model: Nicole Booth is 18 and lives in Kaysville Utah. We asked her to tell us a little about herself. She said "I only model modest clothing... I think it sends a great message out to girls that you can feel beautiful and feminine without showing skin! I think being modest is beautiful and it shows that you have respect for your body and those around you. It's nice to be able to step away from the worldly image of women, and be different & classy. I really love photography, reading, and spending time with my family :) they are the best. My Friday nights consist of renting a movie and eating very unhealthy food :)"

Hair by Matthew Landis. Model: Nicole Booth. Fashion styling: Jennifer Loch.

Eliza: A Magazine with High Standards

2008-03-31T08:23:00.000-07:00

By Jennifer Loch
There's a newcomer to the modest fashion world: a modest/conservative quarterly fashion magazine called Eliza launched in June of '07. In their own words, "Eliza Magazine is created for women who want to be stylish, sexy, and engaged in the world while retaining high standards in dress, entertainment, and lifestyle. Eliza strives to bring you the best of fashion without any of the trash."

I talked to the founder/editor-in-chief Summer Bellessa (pictured below) to ask her some questions:

*Jen*: What lead you to start this magazine?
Summer: The idea came to me when chatting with a diverse group of women about what we thought was missing in magazines. Some of us brought up positive role models, art and fashion without nudity, modest fashions that were stylish, beautiful images comparative to Vogue but with practicality of Lucky, practical smart articles without pretention or sex advice. That got my thinking, if we are all wanting a magazine like this and we are all so different there must be a market for it. My knowledge of fashion, the various connections I had with talented people and my naivetés led me to jump right in.

*Jen*: How did you let people know about your magazine when you first launched/how did you get your first subscribers?
Summer: Our first subscribers came from word of mouth. We put our website up and sent out an email to all our friends and had a great reaction. Then Newsweek mentioned us, Good Morning America featured us, and Fox interviewed me on air live! Subscriptions started pouring in.

*Jen*: Who is your target audience?
Summer: Our readers are mainly women from 17 to 34.

*Jen*: What rules do you stick to when it comes to the clothing you will show in Eliza Magazine?
Summer: We try to bring back the Audrey Hepburn look to fashion. The classic cuts and lady-like attitude. We show styles that will work from all different "modest" point of view.

*Jen*: Where do you get the clothing that is used in fashion editorials?
Summer: Our fabulous stylists grab cute looks from our advertisers (Layers, Funky Frum, Vintage Hem, Sexy Modest, etc) and then select pieces from Los Angeles designers that fit with our vision. They, together with the art director and photographer, put together fabulous fashion stories.

*Jen*: What sections do you have in each issue?
Summer: In every issue we have : History Repeats Itself (Grace Kelly to Katherine Hepburn, what they brought to fashion and how to get their look, accompanied by the beautiful illustrations by Julia Kay), Fashion 101 (an informative article such as celebrity lines or the history of Chanel), Something old, Somthing new (entertainment classics worth revisiting, and fresh new movies, books and music to get into), We've Got Issues, Least you should Own, Least you should Know, Fashion Eye (review of a line and a celebrity style watch), Guys Guide (something guys want us to know), just to name a few. Our magazine was over 100 pages last issue.

*Jen*: How many people does it take to put together the average issue of Eliza?
Summer: From planning to distribution it takes on average 100 people!

*Jen*: What has been your best success so far?
Summer: It seems like success in the magazine industry is gradual, our latest was probably getting a big order from Barnes & Noble.

*Jen*: Do you foresee moving to monthly issues in the future?
Summer: I like the amount of work that goes into quarterly and I like the idea of each season with a new theme, it takes a little from the "buy buy buy" mentality in a lot of magazines. But I will never say never.

*Jen*: Has it been more or less work than you anticipated?
Summer: More, more, more. This was a project that I thought I would be able to do on the side, but it has taken over my life. Owning a magazine was never something I thought I would do, but I love it. It is so fun and rewarding. Having 20 years in the fashion industry between modeling and my fashion line has given me knowledge and experience that compliments being editor-in-chief of a magazine.

You can learn more and subscribe to Eliza at ElizaMagazine.com.

Style Profile: Jennifer Loch

2008-02-06T10:21:00.000-08:00

Here at *Jen* we'll be doing style profiles on different people, showing fashion from their own closets along with a short interview. We decided to start with an obvious choice-- Jennifer Loch, the founder of *Jen* Magazine.

Jennifer says "What I like changes from year-to-year of course as styles change, but I'm kind of an eccentric person, and my style has always been on the eccentric side as well. I get bored easily so I buy clothes that are fun for me to wear."

B&W Blouse by Mixit, JCPenny. Pants by Tripp NYC and Striped Shirt by NYC Boutique, Karmaloop.com. Bag and Hat by Tokidoki. Shoes by Royal Elastics.

"A hands-free purse is a must for me, and for the last couple of years I've used a small backpack-style purse. My current purse is this utility belt from Tokidoki for LeSportsac (above). It actually fits everything I need, and keeps me from carrying unnecessary stuff."

Tunic by Volcom, Pacsun. Leggings by Xhilaration, Target. Boots by Sugar, Endless.com. Red Paris Trench Coat Christa-Taylor.com. Zebra Vest (vintage) by iGirl.

"I like to buy clothes I can mix & match so I can create many outfits and I always look different. Lately I've been buying a lot of b&w and gray to mix with bold colors. I chose these outfits from those purchases, so the outfits are all interchangeable.

I shop from many of the modest clothing companies. They are great resources! I add other clothes and accessories to make it my style."

Striped Cap Sleeve Undershirt, Shade Clothing. T-Shirt by Paul Frank, and Arm Warmers by Burton, Karmaloop.com. Jeans by Obey, Urban Outfitters. Vest by Coffeeshop, Buckle. Socks, Journeys. Wildlife Preserve Shoes by BC, Shoes.com.

"I've always liked 'cute' Asian fashion. I'm 1/4 Japanese so it must be the Japanese in me. I love these bunny shoes (above)! They have a small wedge heel and can be worn anywhere. Besides being cute they're so comfy you think you're wearing actual bunny slippers."

Tokyo Tea Dress, Shabby Apple. Pants by Tripp NYC, and Necklace by NYC Boutique, Karmaloop.com. Hat and Scarf, Christa-Taylor.com. Stunner Ballet Flats by Keds, Endless.com. Coat by Sashimi, Nordstrom.

"Even though I really love fashion, when I'm at home I often wear my 'grubby' clothes. Those are the clothes that used to be my 'nice' clothes but are now worn out and old. Since I have a 1-year-old son, my clothes always get hit by food, drool, dirt, boogers and occasionally throw-up. I don't want my 'nice' clothes to get worn out from too many washings. When I go out I wear my nice clothes-- and they still look new because I spared them from the kiddo."

Vintage Turtleneck DownEast Basics. Short-Sleeve Hooded Top, Necklace and Earrings, Buckle. Skirt (vintage) by Wanted. Wait for No One Shoes in Silver by Seychelles, Zappos.com. Red tights, Foot Traffic. Flower Pin, Gap.

"I just turned 27, and most LDS women my age dress more conservatively, but fashion is a part of my personality that won't go away. I started *Jen* Magazine because I wanted a fashion magazine that featured styles I could actually wear."

Photography, hair and makeup by Lyn Shelley www.lynshelley.com.

Sub-Lime (Modest) Swimsuits

2008-02-06T00:16:00.000-08:00

Newsflash: Warm Weather is Around the Corner (Finally).
Get an eyeful of Lime with modest tankinis from Lime Ricki! Fun patterns and prints come together to create these unique swimsuits. Add a swim skirt to the mix for cute coverage. Broke? Looking for a deal? There are several on sale as well-- as low as $36.00 for a whole swimsuit. Just go to LimeRicki.com to see for yourself.

No, Really – It’s a Good Thing!

2007-12-21T11:53:00.000-08:00

By Rebecca Reichl
Sometimes modesty is just frustrating. Do you ever feel like you’re just never going to be able to get it right? Do you ever wish that you could just not have to struggle with it? Do you ever think, “You know, it would really be nice if for once I could just go to the store and buy an outfit like a normal person?”

Me too. For me, modesty is one of those practical virtues that is so pretty in the ideal. If, lying in bed at night, I were to do word associations for “modesty,” the list would be so inspiring. Femininity. Godliness. Grace. Beauty. Elegance. Confidence. Chastity. The list goes on. In my head, modesty is a sign of maturity, a sign of a girl who cares for others, a sign of self-respect and self-worth. In my head, modesty is an ideal, an admirable achievement of a lovely woman.

And then . . . I go shopping. Then, I have to get dressed for school. Then, I have to go to a wedding. Then, I get frustrated.

Modesty isn’t easy. And, while it doesn’t have to be drudgery, sometimes it seems like life would just be a whole lot easier if I could just erase my beliefs and start over again.

It’s at this point in my moment of self-pity that I need to slow down and take a minute to remember why modesty matters in the first place.

There’s a reason that I associate all those wonderful words with modesty - it’s because they’re all true! The girl who is modest is beautiful. She is elegant, confident, feminine. She respects herself, and she respects those around her.

The heart of the question is - who am I doing this for? It’s not for your parents, or for your church. Ultimately, it’s not even for the guys around us. Dressing modestly is our chance to let purity shine through. It’s our chance to be confident in our femininity, without degrading ourselves into an object. It’s an opportunity to display maturity and to uplift those around us by showing the loveliness of a tasteful woman.

The next time you’re getting dressed or going shopping and start getting frustrated, give yourself a little pep talk. Look your mirror in the eye and tell that disgruntled girl staring back at you that modesty is beautiful. Modesty is feminine. And so are you.

Fashion Review: Molly's Clothing

2007-11-23T01:02:00.000-08:00

By Jennifer Loch
Molly's Clothing recently launched a bunch of brand new clothing styles along with a new website, so I decided to do a review of their clothes. I got an Empire Dress, a Lace Capsleeve and a "Mini Molly" shirt from them. The clothes came rolled up in tissue paper and tied with a ribbon - cute. What I instantly noticed was that the fabric was much different than I had expected. I had read on their site that the tees were made from a "90% Nylon and 10% Spandex blend" but that didn't really mean anything to me. So I would describe it as being like swimsuit fabric, only not as tight-fitting. I like this fabric because it feels cool and silky and stays dry. I'm a sweat-er, so I like that it stays cool and dry. Also the fabric allows for really vibrant colors that you can't get with cotton (at least not after washing it). For instance, the red is a bright fire engine red that you don't often see.

I put on the capsleeve first and there were a few things I really loved about it -- first, the sleeves were very comfortable! I don't know if it's just me, but some of the capsleeve shirts out there really bother my armpits. They often feel uncomfortable and tight, so these comfortable sleeve openings were the first thing I noticed. The other thing I really loved was the length; long enough to cover but not too long! I've had some capsleeve shirts that were so long they went down to the middle of my thigh. I don't need that much length -- it just bunches up! As I wore this capsleeve the fabric was cool and comfortable as I mentioned, so I think these are going to be essential for the hot summer months if not year-round.

The dress was cute and comfy, made out of this same material. I wore it to church and all day after church as I cooked, played Mommy to my 1 1/2 yr. old, etc. The length was good (just past the knee) and not too short when I sat or bent down. It was nice not to have to worry about the length of my dress. I thought it would be a great maternity dress too, since it has an empire (under the bust) waistline and the rest of the dress is more loose-fitting. Also of course, it's nice and stretchy.

Last, I tried on the "Mini Molly". I'm a big fan of this one! It's a capsleeve tee that is cut off under the bust. These are made to be worn under a spaghetti-strap dress or a tank top. They give you the sleeves and chest-coverage you want without adding extra bulk and bunching that you don't need. I appreciate the fact that the hem under the bust on these shirts is elasticized to make sure it doesn't ride up. You can also wear one of these over a tank top or dress like a shrug. Wearing it on top gives you that cropped look. Alternatively, Molly's sells these with long sleeves, and they have a Mini Cami just for chest coverage. Another similar item they sell is the "Mini Midriff". It adds length at the bottom of your shirt without the bulk of wearing another shirt!

I've only talked about a few things but Molly's has many different styles of dresses, skirts, shirts -- even capris and accessories. See their new website and clothing line at PutSomethingOn.com and take advantage of their free shipping. Use the promotion code JENONLINE08 to get 15% off of any regular priced item until 12/31/08.