Modesty Hacks: Tips for a dignified wardrobe without throwing anything away

Sooo modesty is the Christian/female topic that has gone through the wringer over and over and over! I get it! We live in a culture where sex sells and skin is in. No doubt! If you've ever tried to shop for summer clothing (or any clothing for that matter) with any sense of self respect, you know the struggle! The hems are high, the necklines are low, and fabric grows thinner and thinner with each passing year. Sometimes it feels like it would just be easier to give in, buy the questionable item, and get on with your life....but trust me, modesty is worth it...you're worth it. I could go into a whole sermon about how the male mind works...why showing skin is degrading to yourself, and so on, but that's for a later date. Today I want to share some painless tips that have helped me navigate through the modern clothing market while also holding to my values and staying in style!

First things first...You don't have to resort to denim skirts and turtle necks!!!

Get ready....I'm about to blow your mind!! You can keep your existing clothes!!! BUT....we are going to explore some new ways to rock them that don't sacrifice your dignity!

I thought it may be helpful to hear my personal modesty standards (just so you have some context for the following tips). SO HERE WE GO! Here are my rules for myself! <3

1) No cleavage (if you see shadows coming off of "the girls"...it's too low.)
2) The stomach stays covered
3) Straps or sleeves are a must, tube tops and strapless dresses/tops are a no-go
4) Cover the Buttttt (I try to keep my behind covered even when I'm wearing jeans)
5) Skirts above the knee are worn with something else...(Pants, leggings, opaque tights)
6) Swimsuits cover the stomach, and all the other goods as well, haha. Shorts or a skirt are a must.
7) Every outline of every part of your body shouldn't be displayed (no skin tight stuff!)
8) Booty shorts are never acceptable....like....no. In general I avoid showing too much thigh. :/ 
9) Leggings are NOT pants...ever.

Here are my practical tips to get ya started!

1) Camis and tanks for low cut shirts and crop tops! 

Low shirts, and even dresses, can be instantly made acceptable with a Cami! Also, if there's a super cute crop top in the store that you know you couldn't wear otherwise....you don't always have to pass it up!! Just throw a matching cami underneath and you got yourself some sweet layering action going on!!

2) Bodycon dresses, mini skirts, and short dresses are not lost causes!

Throw a pair of jeans on underneath, a cardigan over top and you got yourself an awesome tunic outfit! I buy mini-dresses all the time as shirts! As long as they aren't too tight, they actually can end up being more modest that regular shirts. Who would have thought!?

3) Leggings can be your best friend!

They are not pants people....so wearing them alone is not cool. BUT, cover from mid-thigh up and you're good to go! Big sweaters and dresses are super cute with leggings and boots....I'm obsessed.

4) Buy a size up!

Loose, flowy, and cozy are in! There is no harm done in going up a size or two! I sometimes go up three sizes even! It's modest, but I also just like the baggy look at times. Keep your pants fitted, and your top can be as loose as desired, while still keeping you looking thin! :)

5) Lower the heel height

Dresses appear much shorter with a higher heel....taking the platforms off can really lengthen a garment.

6) The internet is a wonderful resource

Swimsuit shopping is virtually impossible for young women with values...haha. I have found that the magical world wide web offers a wonderful wealth of modest swimsuit options that don't add 50 years to your appearance! I recently bought a swimsuit from Sammydress.com for $16! It had boy shorts, a skirt, an appropriate neckline and everything!! SCORE! Check them out! You have to dig a bit, but there are cute modest suits here and there!! :) Shipping takes years though...only downside haha!

http://www.sammydress.com/Wholesale-Swimwear-c-301.html

7) Maxiiiiis! 

Maxi skirts are adorable. period......especially with a longsleeve shirt and scarf...YESSS. So cute, and modest. <3

8) Hijabi fashionistas....get inspired by them!

I am a christian woman, but I follow many muslim fashion blogs... why? They know what's up fashion wise!!! The girls know how to rock modest fashion in super modern and creative ways!!! Don't believe me? Go to Pinterest and type in Hijabi fashion and get your creative juices flowing!

9) Scarves

Scarves can do a great deal of covering the chest area! plus they are cute and cozy!! <3

10) THRIFT THRIFT THRIFT!!

Goodwill and Salvation army will soon become your sanctuary for discovery! Vintage pieces and retro items make for great outfits! 

Modest online shopping options/links:

Shabby Apple

Jolly Chic

Modcloth

The Mint

Hopefully these tips can help you start seeing the pieces of clothing around you in a different way!! Everyone seems to think going modest means throwing out all the cute clothes you own and stocking up on old lady clothes.....it's far from it!!! You simply have to see your existing clothes in new ways. Gooood luck!!! <3

All photos are taken from Pinterest, I do not take credit.

Five Facebook Reminders

Over the years Facebook has blossomed into a powerful entity that contains the intimate details of millions of peoples lives! It is an AMAZING tool with infinite possibilities for business growth and personal connection! Now, I love Facebook as much as the next person...but there are definitely some things that we need to make ourselves aware of in order to keep our sanity! SO....without further ado, here are five reminders for FB users (and myself, because I am soo guilty of these sometimes). <3

1. You can't compare your B-roll to someone else's highlight reel

This quote has stuck with me, I absolutely love it!! Such a good reminder for life in general, but especially for social media these days!! Let's be honest, not many of us want to post about the pimple that sprouted last night...we want to put our best foot forward! Now, there's nothing wrong with this at all....but when we begin to measure our worth and validate ourselves by comparing our reality to everyone else's selective postings, that's when our perspectives become unhealthy and harmful. For example:

                             Fresh out of bed...            Anddd....one of my profile pics

2. Your profile is not a journal

So many people have an "I can post whatever I want because it's MY Facebook!" attitude. While this statement is true, you CAN post whatever you want...I mean, nobody is stopping you....we too often forget that Facebook is the platform from which many people judge our character (since I doubt we all see all our friends in person too often). Now I know what some will say, "Well! They don't know me!! I am who I am, if you don't like my Facebook then get off it!! I don't care what you think!".....while this, again, may be true....it is not a smart or mature stance to take. Employers look at your social media (FACT), so that colorful post from last year CAN come back to haunt you. If you want to swear like a sailor and post distasteful material, more power to you! BUT, be aware that your social media activity is relevant when it comes to how others view you and respect you. Whether you care or not is up to you!

3. "Likes" and comments don't give you value

We gotta post that pretty selfie that makes us look like a Tumblr Barbie because ohhhh boy!! LIKES!!! I love getting that little red bubble at the top of my FB....not gonna lie, but it is sooo easy to equate notifications with value. It sounds so silly, but we have all felt it to some extent at one point or another!! Am I right? ;) Well, from one human being to another...let me just tell you, your beauty and worth is not measured by clicks. Promise. <3

4. It's okay to keep things to yourself <3

Nowadays everything is everyone's business. A relationship is not official until it is "FB official"....WHAT? What have we done to our poor brains? If it isn't online in black letters atop a sea of comments, it must not be real. We have developed this need to validate our experiences by making them into a post. I'm guilty of this as well. Imagine doing something cool and NOT posting about it! Why do it, right? We may not even realize it, but too often....we think this way. Allow yourself to keep information private when desired, share special things with only a handful of loved ones, or wait a while before rushing to change your relationship status. Your friends don't HAVE to know....nor do they always care about your vacation pics, relationships, and adventures....I know, this is heavy stuff! Put down your phone and enjoy the world around you every now and then! :) Privacy is a gift.

5. Building an awesome online presence only takes you so far

The amount of friends you can muster up, and the number of likes and comments you can rake in DON'T help you....out there in the magical land of reality. Don't waste too much time building a rad social media you, and neglect the real you. Facebook doesn't matter in the scheme of life and purpose, friends. It's a wonderful tool and definitely can be used for great things......but the physical world is where your mind and efforts need to be anchored in. Nurture real friendships, talk using your vocal chords, make time to experience the presence of those you love. That's what matters, after all. <3