My First Post!

 It's 2010 (for now). You're 16 years old and a high school sophomore. You get pretty good grades, maybe you're on the dance team, soccer team, whatever. You're involved. You get decent attention from the boys...you think it may be because of your fun-loving personality and cute smile, but in perhaps it's those shorts you've got on, you know, the very short pair.

ahhhh...but you were inspired by Ms. Cyrus here, who looks so spunky in her booty-shorts. And everyone loves her, so if she wears them, it's cute! Right?

Well, what does the Bible say about Miley's outfit? Isn't there some part of the Bible that talks about modest dress? Yeah, there is actually.

1 Timothy 2:9 - "And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes."

It's a slap in the face, I know. I'm definatly guilty of it, immodest dress. It's everywhere, magazines, TV, every other store in the mall, your best friend, EVERYWHERE! For the longest time I didn't even know what exactly modest dress was. Why would you want to dress modestly? What is modest dress? Where do you even buy modest clothing? Does modesty end at just your outward appearence? I'll answer all of these questions.

First, why would you even want to dress modestly?

Oho.

It's all about appearence these days. As a girl of faith (which I hope you are, and if you're not you should join us...unless you're male, then you should become a MAN of faith) you're representing yourself as a Christian (or whatever religion you are) to the world. I've been guilty of walking around school, where most kids knew I was Christian, yet I wore short shorts, plunging necklines, mini skirts, tight t-shirts, all that jazz. I chose to dress in what was socially acceptable instead of what God would approve of. What does it matter of the guys at school didn't think I was "hot" because I didn't flaunt my figure, they aren't that ones that are letting me into Heaven, are they? You have to realize that the one you really have to prove yourself to is Him. God. Would you sit next to God in the caf with a skirt on thats so short you can see your panties? I don't think so. I would strive to buy clothing that everyone was wearing. Where is the origionality in that? God made you an origional, why would you want to die a copy? Now I'm not saying you shouldn't wear clothes from trendy stores, I'm saying be wise about it. You're putting yourself on display everyday, what would you want people clicking through your Facebook pictures to think? "Oh she's so cute!" or "What a skank."

Hmmm.

What even is modest dress?

Thats a cute example. It's definatly cute, modern, and feminine. God wants us to look like girls, just a heads up! The fact that the girl is praying just kinda adds to it, don't you think? Haha. The skirt looks about knee-length and it looks like she's got a little tank under her cardagin. Cute. Thats one way to do it without looking 5. How about a different example?

This is a model from American Eagle, one of my personal favorite stores. Now, it's important right now that I let you know, there are different interpritations of what constitutes modesty and what doesn't. In this blog I am sharing MY personal oppinions. I am not saying I am right, or that my way is best, I am simply trying to share my idea of what God wants of us. Some people might argue that her clothes are too tight...they do look a tad small. But she's covered. She's representing a major label, a label that focuses selling to girls highschool age to college age. Personally, I think that a top is too low-cut if your bra is exposed when you bend over. Also, think about the season. I think shorts are AWESOME! I'm personally from Florida, so I definatly own a few pairs. But...I wouldn't wear very short ones to class. I'd wear them to the beach, to work out, or to hang around my house. Now, if you have a pair of shorts that are a decent length (I'd say around mid-thigh-ish) then just use your judgement. What's classy vs. whats trashy?

Oh Abercombie and Fitch! Here is one of their adds, which most likely at some point was displayed in the windows of their stores. As someone who used to work for Hollister for quite some time, I'm pretty familiar with the aims of this company (since Hollister is owned by them). Now, I'm not saying not to shop there at all...but you should really look at what they're telling you is beauty. I mean...personally, I think it's weird that a clothing store doesn't really put any clothes on their models. Also, they have a track record for making suggestive and degrading t-shirts.

This top was actually SOLD at Abercrombie and Fitch before the public drove them to take them off their shelves.  Hold on, it gets better.

I was actually working for Hollister when these jems cames out. Legal...ISH?? What on earth could that mean besides the obvious! I heart the woody? At the age-group these shirts are marketed to, I sure hope they don't even know what that shirt is suppose to mean. Nasty.

Here is one marketed to guys. Lovely.

So, whats modest?

Basically, respectiving yourself and your body. Your body is a gift from God that you have to treasure by taking care of it, and keeping it personal. It's perfectly okay to look cute and be into fashion, but make sure you are doing it for the right reasons. Not to bring attention to yourself from the opposite sex, but to boost your self-confidence, be a lady of class, and set an example as someone of faith. Share your body with your husband when you get married, and only then. The more you present your body through modesty the more it means when you finally do decide to get married and become intimate with your husband. If everyone has already seen your booty hanging out of a pair of cotton shorts with the word "Juicy" on the behind, I don't think the moment you share your body with your husband is going to be quite as impactful. Just sayin'.

Buying modest clothing! The answer is simple: modest clothing can be bought almost anywhere! Here is the catch: some things are immodest on their own. A tight tank top with a low cut is probably not going to do the trick. So. Pair it with a cute sweater, with another higher-cut tank under it. So you don't like sweaters? Try to layer over a flannel shirt.

She's showing a tad much chest, but this is the idea I'm trying to portray. You can buy a flannel almost everywhere (this one is from BillaBong). Just because you buy a tank from Hollister doesn't mean you can't combine it with other clothing that transforms it from racy to elegant. It's not hard. If you're going to show a bit of skin, try to compensate. For example, if you're going to wear shorts, wear a shirt with a high neckline, or maybe a button-down with the sleaves rolled up and a button or two undone to create a look that better suited for warmer weather, but at the same time refreshingly modest. Wearing a top thats on the more fitted side? Wear boyfriend-style jeans, or maybe a swooshy longer skirt! Pair short bottoms and a tight top doesn't portray a woman of much self respect.

Target is an amazing place to shop for clothes, since the age group they sell to covers a wide range of people. American Eagle Outfitters is a company that usually advertises their female models dressed modestly, with very natural looking makeup, so you know you can find pieces that work their, although they tend to lean on the more expensive side. Also, consignment stores are full of treasures just wanting to be found and added to your closet! You just have to look.

Does modesty end at just your outward appearence?

Definatly not! And you knew it.

Modesty is about the way you walk, talk, carry yourself, and the choices you make. Modest is hottest because no one wants to get to know someone that brags all the time. Which would impress you more: a guy who bragged all the time about how much of an amazing piano player he is....or a guy that you like hanging around with, who comes up to a display piano in the hotel your Homecoming dance was being held at, and begins playing Moonlight Sonata?

A modest girl has a mysterious air about her. Since she doesn't flaunt her talents and accomplishments, people are more interested to find out about her. In a society where Facebook makes it easy for anyone to know all about you, make the choice to refrain from telling your life story.

Modest is hottest ;)