What I Wear-Sugarlipsapparel.com

 

   

Sugar Lips (an online women's clothing store) graciously sent me this lovely polka dot dress! I couldn't resist adding the pearl necklace, bracelet and earrings-polka dots scream 1940's style, as do pearls! Overall I'm loving this dress! Super light fabric-nice for these hot Summer days we've been having! The tie in front adds a bit of elegance to a simple design. The company was pleasant to deal with and very patient! I was also impressed with how fast they shipped it-she told me it was on it's way on the 25 (Wed.) and I received it yesterday (Mon.)!

There are a few downsides to the dress-one being a pro AND a con. The dresses cut is a bit too high on the sides (for me personally) but it also makes it super cute-so I'm not sure if that's a pro or a con! The elastic waist hits me a bit too high and makes it appear tight-which is why I added the belt (it helps pull the waist line down and keep it from being too tight). But overall, the pros far out weigh the cons.

Sugar Lips has some other lovely items on their site-most of which could easily be made modest by adding tank top or leggings (depending). I took the liberty of adding pictures of a couple of my personal favorites on their site:

Twist and Tie Hem Dress

Boho Illusion Dress 

And lots more lovely items I won't bore you with (If you're interested-head over to their site: Sugar Lips Apparel 

On a side note, I have no explanation as to why I have a hat on in some photos and not the others.... 

QUESTION: How would you style this dress?
Photo Credits: Patience A.

Interview With Olivia Of "Fresh Modesty"

I've asked the lovely Olivia of Fresh Modesty, to do an interview with us! I rarely do interviews unless a Blogger really catches my eye-like Olivia! Her style is timeless, modest and just plain cute! She's a Christian, modest fashionista with a real talent for sewing (which I envy so much!). I hope after reading the interview, you'll hop over to Olivia's blog and check it out!

 

Natasha:Thanks for doing this interview with my readers and I! First off, introduce yourself to my readers and tell us a little about yourself!

Olivia: Hey y'all! I'm 19, oldest of 6, short, picky, blonde, and a northern transplant to the south trying to embrace country life after growing up in the suburbs. :) I was homeschooled and am now a stay at home daughter who enjoys sewing, blogging, and writing instructional eBooks in my "spare" time. :)

 

Natasha:How did you first get interested in modest fashion?

Olivia: You know, I'm not totally sure. I come from a creative family, and was taught to approach challenges as opportunities to have fun, so when I realized the importance of modest dressing, it immediately became modest and stylish dressing for me. :) I think also just around age 12/13 I grew up and started caring about my appearance.

 

Natasha:What/who inspired you to start fashion blogging?

Olivia: I was a member of the Sense and Sensibility sewing forum about 7 years ago, where we did "Week In Feminine Dress" where we would post our outfits and encourage each other in finding cute and modest outfits. It was always a lot of fun and I realized how many girls and women were discouraged about the way they dress. I also came across AmandaBeth Online and saw a great example of an oldest daughter using her talents to encourage others on the internet. So, I figured, "Why not?". :) I started my blog Fresh Modesty to dispel the myth that modest=frumpy. :D

 

Natasha:Any advice to my readers about dressing modestly AND fashionably?

Olivia: Simple layers! Layering is the easiest and most obvious way to turn fashionable- yet maybe not modest- clothes into something you can wear. It's important to not layer too much though and end up looking like your closet threw up on you that morning. :P I honestly don't follow trends too much since my budget doesn't allow for "here this season, gone next season" clothes. :P

 

Natasha:If your parents taught you about modesty, did you ever rebel?

Olivia: Of course! I remember crying every Sunday because my parents wished me to wear a skirt and I wanted to wear my favorite hole-y jeans. :P Once I was old enough to understand the reasons behind being modest, I've tried to take their advice as a good thing instead of feeling restricted. :)

 

Natasha:Where's your favorite place to shop for clothes?

Olivia: Thrift stores!  And Target. And Walmart. And Sears. And Kohl's. Yeah, pretty much anywhere with good sales. :)

 

Natasha:How long have you been a Christian for?

Olivia: I've grown up in a Christian home and "prayed the prayer" when I was 4, but it hasn't been until my teen years that I've really realized my need of a Savior.

 

Natasha:What are some websites you visit frequently?

Olivia: Yours! ;) And Bramblewood fashion. And Fashionable Inspirations. And Pinterest. :D I really have cut back my blog-reading time lately, so I'm pretty out of the loop as far as internet things go. :P

 

Natasha:Where do you look for fashion inspiration?

Olivia: Well, the blogs I just mentioned, Pinterest, and catalogs I get in the mail. :) Honestly though, my biggest inspiration comes from my friends. I'm so fortunate to have beautiful friends who desire to dress modestly and are some pretty naturally stylish people. :)

 

Natasha:What's your favorite form of exercise?

Olivia: Cleaning the house! :D It gets your heart rate up, gets you running, sometimes sweating, and you get something accomplished! I also do push ups and random "targeting" exercises I find online.

 

Natasha:Favorite natural beauty treatment?

Olivia: Sunshine! Nothing like good ol' vitamin D to give you energy and some color! People often say to avoid it, but if you're eating healthy and staying hydrated, the sun is awesome for you!
Organic coconut oil is my go-to moisturizer and it works like a dream.

 

 

Natasha:How do you keep cool during the Summer-clothing wise?

Olivia: I try to get some pieces that don't *have* to be layered. Or, if a shirt just needs a little something near the neckline, I'll just add a piece of fabric or a half-tank so I'm not wearing another full layer. Also, shorter skirts are divine for letting you breathe. :)
I also like to change multiple times a day so I don't just keep building up heat and grime and sweat until I'm a wreck. I'll take a minute after lunch to wash my face and arms, take a big drink of water, and maybe nap. :)

 

Natasha:If you could tell every girl on the planet one thing, what would it be?

Olivia: Clothes, jewels, boys, friends, stuff, beauty, or popular blogs will *never* make you complete. Only a surrendered relationship with Jesus Christ will bring you the happiness you long for. :)

 

Natasha:Anything else you'd like to add?

Olivia: Thanks so much for interviewing me, girl! I hope I've given a little bit of encouragement and I'd love to have your readers stop by my blog sometime!

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Stop by Olivia's blog: www.freshmodesty.blogspot.com 

                     

What I Wear-Vintage Pastel Dress

 I'm Wearing: Dress-Maurices, White Halftee C/O Halftee

My sister Patience (the lovely photographer) and I were able to take some more photos today! I wasn't entirely sure if I should or not, but I took photos by....an out house. Yes we have an out house on our property...no we don't use it. Yes we have indoor plumbing. Honestly, I couldn't resist the rustic wood backdrop-so, sorry if it's a disturbing background; it called out to my artistic nature. 

My hamstrings/back of my knee are killing me! Our neighbor gave us an Insanity workout-38 minutes total. I made it 20 minutes before I could no longer bear it-pure torture! I'm not in super good shape, but I can push myself...this one...not so much! I suppose I shouldn't complain about self inflicted muscle pain...but I will anyway! : ) I'm hoping to do a post soon on exercise and share some before and after photos with all of you!

Any plans for tomorrow? I plan on eating homemade pizza, drinking pop, watching a movie and probably painting my nails. I know, such a party animal! But really, that's my idea of a fun Friday night! I could eat pizza all day-love it!  

True Hero-Colorado Shooting Praise Report!

My last post failed to mention the most glorious Hero of all-Jesus Christ. I read an AMAZING story this morning about my Hero's loving care and provision-you MUST read this story! God is so amazing!

What I Wear-Floral Skirt And CO Shooting

I'm Weaing:  {Lace shirt-Debs}{Pink Shirt-Thrifted}{Skirt-Thrifted}

It's all over the news and I'm pretty sure everyone's heard about it-the Colorado shooting. Perhaps I'm the only one who feels this way, but it doesn't seem quite real to me. I have a hard time when I read the headlines on AOL front page-it's just a title to me. I didn't know anyone involved in the shooting, thus selfishly, I didn't really feel anything when I read that 12 people died. Until this morning when I read about a guy named Alex who was killed in the Colorado shooting. He died protecting his girlfriend. I didn't know him, but he became real to me through the post I read. He was a real person, with real family and lived and breathed, just like me. I don't know why this event had to happen, what I do know is that it's a good reminder to me that life is short, and can be taken away in an instant. That's why it's so important to know where you're going when you die, you never know when it might happen. To always remember to tell the people in your lives that you love them (verbally and through actions). Please know that I'm praying for all the families involved in the shooting, my sincerest condolences to anyone who lost family/friend/sister/brother/mother/father in the shooting. Thank you to the true heroes like Alex-the world needs more of you. 

What I Wear-White And Photography

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I was reading a blog the other day and came across a post she'd done on taking photos. I got to looking at her photos and tried to figure out why I liked them so much! So I called my photographer (little sister Patience) over and asked her to look at the photos. In the past I'd tried very hard to take good photos, but recently I settled for just getting dressed and running into the yard to take photos. So instead, I waited until we got back from town (when we had time to take photos) and we just spent a few extra minutes taking the photos. I think they came out better this time. 

I'm wearing a casual white shirt and blue jeans-nothing special but it's still cute. I do have to say in all honesty that I didn't wear the head scarf all day, I put it on for the photos (to add some color!). The head scarf wasn't realistic for what I was doing today. 

Which background/photo is your favorite? Are these better, or am I just mental? 

What I Wear-Sunday Stripes

I'm Wearing: {White Jacket-Vanity $9}{Striped Shirt-Thrifted $3.99}{Skirt-Thrifted $3.99} 

Today I'm actually wearing a decent outfit! I've been convicted (yet again) about dressing nicely. I forget how much it affects the way other people see you. You can whine and complain and say it isn't so, but it's true. What's one of the first things you notice about someone? Clothes! Whether because they're dressed nicely, or not so nicely. I'm not saying you should dress in formal attire all the time! But taking a couple extra minutes to get dressed can make all the difference. Your outfit can say things like: I respect myself, I respect other people and etc. It's also a representation of Christians, good or bad! I'm sure some of you are wondering why I'm saying this when it appears I have "greasy hair" (also an important thing to take care of!) Rest easy, it's clean-but wet! I never dry my hair-just throw it up in a towel and let it dry as much as possible and the rest, the air does. It helps keep my hair healthier and I actually like wet hair in the Summer, keeps me cool! Unfortunately I don't usually have time to let my hair dry (especially on Sundays!) to take pictures-thus you're subjected to wet, seemingly stringy hair. Oh well! 

Question: What's one thing you do to make an outfit nicer, that extra touch? 

What I Wear-Modesty And Men Are Monsters

 I haven't written specifically about modesty in a very long time! Yes, this is a modesty blog. Honestly, I haven't had anything new to say on the subject-until today! 

A big part of why I think it's so important to dress modestly has to do with guys. I know a lot of women use the argument "Men aren't monsters! I can dress the way I want, it's up to them to control their thoughts!" or the opposite argument: "Men are monsters! I have to dress in a paper bag so they don't have lustful thoughts." I've got news for you: I don't believe either is the correct response!

"Men ARE Monsters!"

I'll first address the fact that men aren't  monsters! They think, act and do differently than women-they were created that way. But men are also more visual than women, which creates a problem. But it's more of a challenge than a problem! 

I absolutely believe that guys have a responsibility to God-and themselves-to control their thoughts and eyes. I also believe we girls can help with this! I know it's not always fun to put back that super cute (but immodest) shirt. But the way I think of it is this: guys are constantly bombarded by suggestive clothing, barely   there clothing and huge ads in mall windows. Wouldn't it be nice if they had just a few girls they could be around without having to look away? Girls they could respect for their minds, instead of their bodies? 

Can they look past someone's exterior, talk to a girl who isn't dressed modestly? Yes. But obviously it makes it harder for them to have pure thoughts-why put them through that? 

On the opposite side, you also don't have to dress in a paper bag! That's crazy and ridiculous. You can only dress so modestly-honestly there are guys who will still have "issues" with your paper bag. It's just the way things are-though I wish it wasn't. 

I believe it shows great respect for men when we try to help them-by dressing modestly. Life is hard enough as it is, make it easier on them! I read a neat story in a book (I believe it was Girl Talk With God)

The girl was in a worship service and was praising and worshiping God-even raised her hands. Her shirt rode up, causing problems for the guy behind her. She felt like God wanted her to sit down, she did. At first she was mad, "why God? I was worshiping You and praising You! I felt so close to You!" God responded: "Because (_____) was praying you'd sit down-you were being a distraction to him."

It was just a fictional story, but it made total sense to me! Ultimately our clothing choices can separate someone from God! I know that sounds a bit extreme-unfortunately that's what it comes down to. Your choice in clothing could affect a guys life very deeply.   

                     

My main points are; dress modestly-relying on God to convict and guide your choices [paper bags are not an option ; ) ]. 

Men aren't monsters-they can control their thoughts and actions.

We can't dress anyway we want, simply because men can control themselves. 

We're showing the men in your lives so much respect when we dress modestly. 

 Hopefully I said everything clearly! I'd love to hear your thoughts on this subject-leave a comment! It's fine if you don't agree with me, I'd still like to hear from you-just keep it civil. ; ) 

What I Wear-New Thrifted Goodies!

 I'm wearing: LOL Vintage Shirt-Thrifed, L.E.I White Shorts-Thrifted, Old Navy Flip Flops.

 I've been tossing around the idea of sharing some natural beauty tips with all of you. After I received positive  feedback, I'm finally doing it! Number one on my list-egg yolk face mask! I've been using it for about a week or two now-and It's finally clearing up the side of my face! I got my forehead to clear up awhile ago-but haven't been able to get the rest of my acne to clear up. But I did a bit of research and found out egg yolks are really good for clearing up acne! So I've been using it, and it works well!

Egg Yolk Face Mask Instructions:
Break egg and separate egg yolk from white-put the egg yolk into medium sized bowl and "whisk" with spoon. apply to face with finger tips-massaging in. Let sit on face for 20-25 minutes. Voila' beautiful skin! This can be done daily, but I usually do it every other day, to every three-four days. (depends)
The egg yolk balances out your skin and leaves it soft, moisturized and healthy!

So while my skin isn't perfect and it's not completely clear (yet) this is something that's working for me. I have some other things I want to share, but I'll save that till next time. I also just found out today that using the egg WHITES helps dry out the oil on your skin and cause the pimples to heal faster!
THIS WEBSITE has some neat stuff I'll have to try!

I'd also love to know if there is a natural beauty treatment you've heard about that you'd like me to try! (within reason of course, I'm not going put acid or anything like that on my face! *GRIN*)

BEFORE (above) March 2011

AFTER (above)

What's your favorite natural beauty treatment (doesn't have to be for acne!)?

Photo Credits:Patience A