Thursday, January 15, 2009

You Don't Have to be Frumpy to be Modest!

I love me some Sarah Mae. Her blog, Like a Warm Cup of Coffee is always challenging me in one way or another. Sarah's not afraid to put it out there, that's for sure. She is firm on her convictions and knows why she believes what she believes. I love it. I'm always in her cheering section, knowing I would never be brave enough to tackle the issues she's tackled over the past year, even though I completely agree with her. I'm a chicken like that.

However, this week she has brought up the issue of modesty. Working with women on a regular basis as a small group leader as well as the alto section leader of our Worship Team, I've had to deal with modesty issues quite a bit. Sarah has done a whole series about modesty, and has done it with excellence. She has not been judgemental, and has geared the whole series to Christian women. I have agreed wholeheartedly with every word she has said. We have a thing for the ladies in the Worship Team called "The Modesty Macarena" - cheesy, I know, but it gets the point across:

  1. Cleavage - make a fist, pinky side down, and put your thumb just under the little dip in your collarbone. If your shirt is lower than your pinky, it's too low cut. I love tanks, because you can get them super cheap and have one to put under every low cut shirt you have!

  2. Tight shirts - if you can't easily grab some material on the side of your shirt, it's too clingy or tight.

  3. Showing some skin - if you can't raise your hands a little without showing your belly, your shirt is too short. Again, the tank is an outfit-saver here. Tuck it in, and you're good to go!


  4. Tight jeans - same thing as the shirts, if you can't grab at least some material on the side of your thighs, your jeans/pants are too tight.

  5. Above the knee - if your skirt comes above the knee when you sit down, it's too short.

These are our rules for singing on Sunday morning on stage, but they are good rules to follow every day. I won't go into the why's here because Sarah has clearly and Biblically explained why in her modesty posts. Please go check them out.

Now, onto the fun stuff! She challenged us to show everyone that You Don't Have to Be Frumpy to Be Modest! Meaning, she wants us to post a picture of our modest, cute outfits. I knew exactly which one I would post. Even though when I saw the pictures I almost decided not to post them (I have major body issues!) but my Sound Man told me he would if I didn't. So, here's my YDHTBFTBM outfit: It looks so much cuter in real life. Boot Cut jeans from Avenue (and yes, they are lower rise, but not TOO low!), Sweater/shirt from Kohl's, and the black version of the shoes. Oh, I do love those shoes. But I digress. I love this outfit because it is modest but too cute. I love the jeans, I love the sweater vest/shirt, I love it all. Plus, I don't have to worry about making sure I'm covered up enough. The first time I wore the shirt, I got so many compliments and people asked me if I had lost weight. It immediately became my favorite thing in my closet. I wonder if people will start to notice if I wear it every week?

Now, head on over to Sarah Mae's to check out the other ladies who are modestly stylish!

25 comments:

Sarah Mae said...

That is a SLAMMIN' outfit!!! I love it!

I just know I'm going to struggle with coveting during this fashion show!

Shilo said...

You look great! Blessings to you as you seek to honor Him!
Shilo

Reborn said...

That's terrific! I love that you're rocking the skinny belt! I'm all about accessories... although the pics I posted don't reflect that! I'm glad to meet your blog, it seems we have a lot in common!

Look forward to reading your bloggy. :)

Kat said...

My frien', my frien'. I love, or lurve, as you'd say, your duds. I immediately thought it made you look like you'd lost weight when I saw the picture. Then, I knew I was right, because I read it in your post that others said it too. I must ask, who is your fashion coordinator? I remember you saying BL (initials, didn't want to put her name in the blog?) helped you with your Reach Out Concert duds...I'm all over that outfit, too. I've been thinking, as I've been listening to my new beloved CD, that maybe she needs to take ME shopping. I try to have a sense of fashion...but I think I fall flat A LOT. Anywho, you look beeeeeeeeeeeeeootiful.

Kimba said...

That's adorable! And you know that I love those shoes! ;-)

Can't wait to see you and Kat!

Kimba

Heather said...

That is a great outfit! I have wondered how a belted shirt would look on me (I have a very similar body shape to you), but I haven't been brave enough to try it. You have good guidelines for your worship team.

Anonymous said...

That's a great outfit- LOVE those jeans!

Kristen, pajama mama said...

i've been looking for a skinny black belt just like that one-it's perfect-really makes the outfit!
-kristen

Jen - Balancing Beauty and Bedlam said...

Adorable..yep, love the belt!

Anonymous said...

You are sooooo fine! I am sooooo glad you are my wife!!!!

MamaHen Em said...

LOVE the entire look - and you look lovely in it!

Darlene said...

Great outfit! So modest yet so FASHIONABLE!!!

Shilo said...

You are right! The jacket was from Kohls...just bought it the other day! Over half off so now is the time! :)

HSingMama said...

Oh funny...i just posted about reading Sarah Mae's post. :o) However I don't have any pictures of me to post.

love your outfit!

Anonymous said...

That outfit is super cute! I bet if I were brave enough to wear heels again, my pants wouldn't drag on the ground so much. Ha ha. Ever since I got pregnant with number 1, (7 years ago) I stopped wearing heels. I clicked the close up of your shoes and they are so rockin'! Seriously, they are fabulous!
Thank you for sharing and you totally look great!

Anonymous said...

That purple looks great on you! Fun outfit :)

Shelley

Anonymous said...

This outfit is great on you! The belt is the perfect adddition. This is a great modest but curve-appealing look!

Anonymous said...

Look at you go... all cute and stuff~ I know just the song you are talking about. We use to sing it in church.

Unknown said...

I love your outfit! You are giving me some good fashion ideas, in fact.

Rebecca Harber said...

That is a very cute outfit. I'm lovin' the belt and the shoes. You need to come and help me learn to dress fashionably, I've got the modesty down though. Thanks for your sweet comment on my blog.

A happy heart at home said...

Nice outfit!

~Susan

Building Dave said...

You look incredible!!!

"Intentionally Katie" said...

You look HOT girlfriend! What a great outfit. I can't imagine it looking "better in person." :)

Carri said...

I absolutely love your modest outfit it is awesome. I am inspired and must find an outfit just like it. I love the skinny belt with it. I unsually go for the thicker belts but the skinny belt is an awesome accessory.

Screaming Meme said...

Hot Mama! I love it! You look great! :) I am on my way over to meet your friend...:) I also wanted to personally invite you to a blog I started called Project: {Create A Home}....I started it to bring creative and inspiring women together to help each other reach for our dreams and learn to be the best women we can be....in 2009! I hope to see you there...if you want to contribute as a writer...Let me know! :) And I still have Screaming Meme...It is going to be a DIY 2009 year over there! Meme