Spring???

When you live in Colorado, spring consists of glorious summer days... followed by blizzards. 

It's finally starting to feel like spring around here!

Fall Vibes

I "modeled" this outfit a while back, but forgot to post it. Here ya go!

Prom 2k17

 Prom was so much fun! Hope to go as a senior next year!

The Name Game

"...a thought occurred to me and I am wondering what you might think of it.  Within the past few months, I've decided on boycotting some brands - particularly Abercrombie, Hollister, and American Eagle - because they use a lot of worldliness and sexual appeal in their marketing, trying to advertise the "free young person" living for the moment and having ungodly, often sinful fun. Have you ever given any thought as to the marketing methods of clothing retailers and how that affects whether you give them business?"

This comment was made on a a popular modest fashionista's blog and inspired me enough to write "The Name Game."

So the question is, can we support popular brands in good conscience? 

Should Christians walk around with these names scribbled all over themselves for the world to see? 

A little backstory. As a tween, I wanted an Aerpostale t-shirt so badly, but my mom refused to let me buy one. I would longingly look at all the Aero logos splattered across my peers' tees and hoodies. My attention was caught by every scrap of Aero I spotted in the racks at thrift shops. I argued, "It's just a logo, and Aeropostale's not that bad of a company. The shirts are so cute! May I get one? Pleeeeeassse?!" Mom stood her ground with a firm, "NO." 

My mom didn't want logos all over me. She wanted me to learn not to give into peer pressure from an early age. I'm grateful for Mom's wisdom in my early clothing choices to this day. 

I don't want an Aero t-shirt anymore. I would rather not advertise any brand across my bust, no matter how high-end or cheaply made, thank-you-very-much! They should be paying ME to be a living billboard! 

Moving on to the main point. 
Why should we not wear trendy brand logos, or support them altogether?

1. Lack of Decent Coverage

Hipster companies generally produce clothes that are tight as a coat of paint or show a lot of skin. Or both. Brands have been bashed for designing t-shirts with sexually suggestive slogans and patterns purposefully placed in conspicuous areas. Parents protest against over-sexualized clothes for young children, although I can't help thinking they dislike viewing their teens in trash either. Advertisements often cross into soft porn or downright nudity. Which takes us to...

2. Messages Advertising Sends

Abercrombie & Fitch advertisements are renowned for raciness. American Eagle has been sued several times by A&F for copying ads. A&F ads = American Eagle ads. Hmm...

Others use commercials centered on parties and camp-outs with people hanging all over each other while consuming alcohol. I don't know about you, but a bunch of youth camping out together with beer sounds like a recipe for sin to me. 

Yet this is the message hipster brands are conveying. Each whispers, "Want the cool, easygoing appearance of one who knows how to party and get the boy (or girl)? Wear our clothing! Support our name!" Talk about "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life."
(1 John 2:16)

Wearing a brand is not only claiming a certain lifestyle, but maintaining a certain status: 
I can be fun and popular. (look at me!)
I can get the boy/girl. (want me!)
I can do what I WANT!  (ME!!!)
Or I could if I wasn't a Christian, so I'll just wear the brands! :D

3. Controversy

Apparel companies are usually controversial because of their ads. Some stores will only hire people if they meet the media's standard of beauty. Clothing lines like to push lifestyles that have spiritualism and self-worship/creation behind them, such as Bohemian, Punk, Goth, etc. 

Side note: Athletic wear companies- such as Nike, Adidas, and Skechers- have been scrutinized for beyond-mini tennis dresses, a gay Instagram pic, and commercials that undermine parents' authority, respectively. Sadly, athletic-wear is the hardest to wear without logos. ("Just DON'T do it!" Or try not to.) 

There are many others surrounded by controversy and pumping out skimpy garments: Victoria's Secret (subgroup- Pink), Areopostale, H&M, A&F (subgroup- Hollister), Urban Outfitters (subgroup- Free People), Forever 21, Rue 21, Anthropologie, Calvin Klein... the list goes on and on.

Allow me to clarify one major point. I realize all these brands create some cute, classy, and completely decent clothing (Victoria's Secret may be an exception). The purpose of "The Name Game" is to explore the reasons we wear certain brands- especially logos- and ponder why we support them in the first place.

Interesting Fact: According to Wikipedia, Bob Jones University at one time wouldn't allow A&F and Hollister clothes to be "worn, carried, or displayed" on campus. When I clicked on the source, it took me to the BJU website, where the page "could not be found," meaning this rule is probably no longer in existence. Correct me in the comments if I'm wrong. 

The following article basically sums up why I would never wear a stitch of Fitch or Hollister. 

***********!!!WARNINGS ON ARTICLE!!!***********

The company head was gay, and the article says that he "came out" and lived with a partner.

There are many mentions, and several photos, of shirtless dudes. (comments aren't graphic)

There are very disturbing elements relating to sketchy clothes, ads/photos, race, body size, etc.
(Some are just the facts being presented; others are views and quotes from the company head)

Here's the dirt: Abercrombie & Fitch Article

If you read that link, 'nuff said. Outrageous and disgusting. 
Why do Christians wear these brands?!

I reject supporting this filth by refusing to wear their names on my body.
I rebel against the fashion industry cesspool.

Please reconsider the brands you wear.

People aren't dumb- they recognize logos.They know what they mean...

and so does God.

Now to end with a quote from the Michael Jeffries, revolutionizer/former head of A&F/Hollister: 

"Does it exclude people? Absolutely. We are the cool brand."

Let it exclude us then.

We do not care if perverted, racist, sexist, body-shaming, gay, narcissistic designers think we're not "cool enough."

We are not of this world.

First Day of Spring!

Channeling my inner gypsy!

Why I Started Dressed Anew

You already may be groaning inside. Another Christian modest fashion blog? Aren't there enough already?

I've browsed through many modesty blogs, and there are quite a few.

The problem is that... not all of them are really modest.

The issues start when short skirts, peek-a-boo holes and lace, leggings/yoga pants a.k.a. paint, swimwear, athletic wear, transparent skirts/tops, stripper heels, and other articles of clothing are deemed as okay.

This may be pure opinion, but other blogs are just... frumpy. They cover, but they're NOT cute. You may argue that the point is not prettiness, but I partly disagree.  Girls shouldn't want to dress nicely just for guys or even themselves, but because God created beauty. We should reflect that. There are different ways, ranging from girly to simplistic, and none that are feminine and modest are wrong. What is wrong is when you look like you're wearing disheveled or "easy" (tent-like, androgynous, dingy) clothes. 

I realize that I am NOT perfect. 
My wardrobe is NOT perfect. 
My motives for wearing certain clothes are NOT perfect.

I need to first and foremost examine my own heart. That doesn't mean Christians should wear whatever, but some clothing areas are a shady gray. There needs to be grace and love.

Still, other clothing choices are crystal clear. There is a balance. It's frustrating and hard sometimes, but that's life. God never claimed serving Him was easy.

You might be saying "What's the big deal? Let me throw on my simple denim skirts/jeans or comfy yoga pants and be happy." 

You see, it all depends on what you think the purpose of clothing is. 
See if you can relate to any of the comments below:

*Clothes are meant to only cover, so men's eyes are protected.
*Clothes are meant to hide your body entirely or conceal "flaws."
*Clothes are meant to enhance and make yourself more attractive.
*Clothes are meant to express yourself and help you gain confidence.

There are truths within these statements, but not whole truths.
None of them sum up the reason to dress modestly, and some can be dangerous mottos.

Dressing like a lady begins when you accept you're made in the image of God. You're not dressing to promote yourself as female, but God's decision to make you so.

Sadly, we must also look at cultural norms to ensure we present ourselves correctly. This isn't to be fashion forward; it's to proclaim truth in a fallen world and make sure we're sending the right message.

This blog will explore style through three lenses, the first being the most important.

Biblical Lens: Bible verses on clothing, the way a woman should dress, humility, etc.

Practical Lens: clothing for specific events, tips on what is more modest, surveys, etc.

Personal Lens: attitude check and thoughts on wearing certain clothes, Mama tips, etc.

I'd love to define modesty right here and now. The truth is... it's harder than you think.
PLEASE allow me grace as I explore the differences between our culture and the Bible's definitions of dress, while I create clothing ensembles along the way.

I will wear pants sometimes. I realize a lot of modesty blogs don't do this, but I will. All bottoms, whether pants or skirts, will be distinctly feminine and decent. Until I find a sound argument against jeans, I'm wearing them.

Next is an article based on Proverbs 31:22 by Ety W. that perfectly sums up what I'm trying to say. If you wish to read it fully, here it is: 
Proverbs 31 Woman Takes Care of Her Appearance 
Here's the part I really wanted to use:

"According to Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament,¹ the word lebush’ implies more than just articles of clothing.  It also assumes that clothing reveal something about the wearer: rank, status, or circumstance.  We all understand this intuitively. In spite of the fact that we are taught from an early age, “don’t judge a book by it’s cover,” we all know that our appearance does indeed make an impression on others.  In that sense, our appearance becomes a social tool.

We live in a day and age where casualness has gone to an extreme.  We are casual in our manners, in our attitudes, and in how we dress.  This is unfortunate considering the emphasis on “self esteem” which is being taught in our schools.  Our personal grooming habits and choice of clothing announce to others how we really esteem ourselves.  A slovenly or inappropriate appearance may demand to be accepted on the basis of “this is me, like it or lump it”, but it still leaves that person subject to a negative impression on others and the consequences which stem from it.

True self respect takes care of oneself and one’s appearance. It takes the time to be neat, clean, and appropriately dressed.  Why?  Because true self respect is not based on demanding acceptance from others, rather it is based on the knowledge that

….. I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  Psalm 139:14a

The truth of this verse should set us free from needing to prove ourselves to the world, and empower us to get on with more purposeful living.

As Christian women, we need to understand something else.  We need understand that we are representatives of Christ: to our families, our neighbors, our communities, and beyond.  Because of this we should not be dressing so as to call attention to ourselves and our bodies, but we should dress so as to glorify the one whom we represent.

The Proverbs 31 Woman was not haughty with her wealth, but generous.  She understood both her place as well as her responsibility to society. She took care with her appearance.  But the real impression she made was not one of stylish dress, rather, this is what is said about her

Strength and dignity are her clothing,
And she smiles at the future.  Prov.  31:25

¹Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, Laird, Archer, & Waltke, (Moody Press, Chicago, 1980) Vol I, p.469"

Bravo to that!
Sorry for the long post; I wanted to take my stand loud and clear!
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Enjoy Dressed Anew!

Via Baum