Time for a Change

Well I thought I wanted my blonde hair back so bad when I had Luke, but now that I've had it for 2 months, I really wasn't feeling it. I went to a new girl, and she cut my hair good, but she had trouble getting it to lift to the right color blonde. So she had to re-do it twice in one week, because it had a nasty brassy tone. With it being fall I decided to change my hair to a nice dark, chocolate auburn. I did keep a little golden highlights around my face, so I don't look so pale. It was very expensive, but you get what you pay for. If you want a bargain hair cut and color, it usually won't be the best looking hair cut/color you've ever had. A couple of my friends recommended a new salon and I'm definitely sold on them! They are professionals and have a passion for what they do! I love how my stylist knew exactly what was on trend for hair on the spot. That shows me that he is always learning and I can trust him to tell me what's "in." I was happy that he told me bobs are timeless! :) I guess I will keep my bob a for a little longer!
Just a tip on looking first class...If you're hair isn't up to date, (aka you're stuck in the 80s-90s) no matter how many cute clothes you put on, you will still look "out of style." Your hair shouldn't be the same style it was 20 years ago! :) Change up your cut and color for a new, fresh look! You have no idea how much your confidence will be boosted when you have a nice, modern hair cut! Think of the ladies who get make-overs on What Not to Wear, and how much better they look after they get their new haircuts! It's definitely a must to looking first class!

Today was "No fault in cobalt" for my dear friend Melissa's #stellarseptemberstyle challenge. So I busted out the cobalt skirt and a black and white blazer!


Blazer: Thrifted
Cami: Forever 21
Skirt: Target
Heels: Marshalls
Necklace: Rue 21

Here's some outfits I wore this week! :)

Cardigan: Thrifted
Chambray: Marshalls
Skirt: Old Navy
Shoes: Payless
Necklace: Forever 21

Cardigan: JCPenney
Shirt: Marshalls
Skirt: Thrifted
Necklace: Rue 21
Shoes: Payless
Belt: Wet Seal
Stay tuned for Wednesday's Fall Color Combo Series post with Michelle! :)

Fall Color Combo Series Week 3

I'm so excited for today's guest post! Melissa is one of my closest friends and she helps me SO much on Modern Modesty. (the Facebook group) I love EVERY outfit she posts and she is a true frugal fashionista! You have to follow her on instagram @melbella14, you will be so inspired by her many outfits she comes up with!
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Hey ladies! I'm so honored and excited that Lauren asked me to do a guest feature on her blog today! Lauren has helped my personal style tremendously throughout the past year and half, so I am truly humbled at this opportunity!

Lauren asked me to do a few outfits using my favorite Fall Combos. After some research on this fall's trends, I decided to style my favorite 9 trends and combine them into 4 outfits. I chose my 4 favorite colors off the "Pantone 2014" color trends and went with Mint, Mustard, Cobalt, Maroon, and Radiant Orchid. (I'm such a fan of bold colors if you hadn't yet noticed hehe!) Then, I chose my top two favorite prints this season going with Boho and leopard! Another trend that I adore for fall is leather! Lastly, one trend that really spoke to me was tones of grays, silver, and silver metallics.

For my first outfit I went dressy-casual combining radiant orchid with Boho print and silver accessories.

Details:Black suede buckle boots (Carnival), black patterned tights (Kohls), gray denim skirt (Catos), radiant orchid tank (Forever 21), boho kimono (Burlington), necklace (Target), bracelets (Kohls), earrings. (JCPenny)

My second outfit is dressy and I combined maroon, leather, and some stripes (of course!)

Details:
Black booties (Payless), leather pleated skirt (kohls), maroon lace top (Charlotte Russe), striped blazer (second hand from @alongthelinesofcloset Instagram account), gold tassel necklace (rue21), chain bracelet (forever21), earrings (forever21).

My third look is dressy-casual and I combined leopard and cobalt (one of my fav combos ever!)

Details:
Cobalt maxi skirt (jcpenny), striped tank (Walmart), leopard scarf (Walmart), black cardigan (kohls), boho earrings (jcpenny), gold cuff bracelet (Charlotte Russe).

My last look is probably my fav just because I got to wear my "mint tulle tutu" hehe! I went for a more dressy look combing mustard and mint. This color combo is a recent discovery for me; however, I cannot believe it took me this long to combine the two!

Details:
Brown Oxford heels (Payless), brown patterned tights (JCPenny), mint tulle skirt (from @stylethislife Instagram account), cream top (papaya {Store in California}), mustard cardigan (forever21), mint necklace (Charlotte Russe), mint stud earrings (forever21), crystal dot JCrew inspired bracelet (eBay).

Hope these looks help inspire you ladies to try some new trends and combinations this fall! A few extra tips I'd like to leave you all are.....

1. Mix and match the life out of your existing wardrobe to create "new" outfits. I try to never repeat the exact same outfit. It's all about taking pieces you love, and pairing them with other pieces for the first time. Even just swapping out different accessories can make all the difference! Every outfit featured today was comprised mostly of pieces I've owned for years!

2. You CAN look stylish on a budget! Being a stay at home wife who is married to a Youth Pastor (a very handsome one too!) with a second job of his own, money is sometimes tight so shopping doesn't take first priority. I give a few violin lessons on the side and take $5 of what I earn every week and put that into my "shopping fund." I usually shop at the mall or online every six or so weeks, and I have $30 to spend accumulated from my fund. I try to find all of my purchases on sale or clearance that way I can get more for my money! I make sure what I purchase is already on my "wish list" that way I don't make any spontaneous buys (which I'm often tempted by hehe!) If I don't see anything I like, I just wait because that just means I'll have {more} to spend next time! This system works great for me, because being the shopaholic I am, I can still get my "fix", but not feel guilty about breaking the bank or putting financial strain on my hard working hubby! Win-win!

3. To the best of your ability, Dress your best everyday! (This is where I want to share a little bit of my heart.) Dress for those around you. Dress for you. Most importantly, dress for {The Lord} because he deserves our BEST! The Proverbs 31 woman wore beautiful garments, and our bodies are the temple of God, so they deserve to be adorned in nothing but the finest! Now, I'm not saying this means we should all wear designer clothes and dress like we're in our Sunday best everyday- because that's just highly unpractical and every once in while we just NEED a relaxed day to chill in our pjs! Who's with me? Hehe! What I'm saying is, that if Kate Middleton dresses her best when she's out and about, how much {more} should we be dressed as daughters of the King when we're out and about! I have had so many opportunities to talk to perfect strangers in public and on social media about why I dress so "fancy" and "modest". I LOVE answering these people by saying I dress like this all the time and wear skirts all the time because it's a personal commitment to my Savior Jesus Christ! It gives me such joy to know that I can bring honor and attention to HIM by what people see on my outside, and it gives me the perfect opportunity to share my faith with them as well! So, I encourage every one of you ladies that is reading this to realize the importance of what you wear can be a strong testimony to others- so why not do your best to look the part! (And even stay at home moms can dress their best in a cute jean skirt and tee shirt. Looking "cute" does NOT mean looking "fancy!" Thank goodness! Dress your best according to the setting and situation)....Now, I know we all have different wardrobes. Some ladies have bigger closets and "nicer" clothes than other ladies, but ultimately, all that doesn't matter. God is not impressed by our "perfect pattern mixing" or "flashy statement necklaces," He is pleased when we have our heart in tuned with Him, and seek to bring honor and glory to Him through our lives!!!....Remember, "Modesty starts in the heart!" (And Don't dismay if you don't have all the trendy clothes out there, just do the best with what you have! It still makes all the difference!)

Thank you for taking the time to view this post. I hope it is of some inspiration and encouragement! thanks again to the wonderful and beautiful Lauren for letting me take up a part of her blog. Have a blessed day lovely ladies!!!

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See how amazing she is??!! I told you!! Stay tuned for next week!! :) Also, I am including my instagram Fall Challenge if you wanted to participate beginning on October 1!

Sizes, Shmizes

One thing I've learned over my many years of buying clothes is that sizes mean nothing! A lot of ladies are stuck on a "certain" size they think they wear...when in reality your closet can have 4-5 different sizes in it and they can all fit you fine! Being 3 months postpartum, my closet has skirts from size 8 all the way to 16. And yes, I can fit into one of each of those different size skirts! As you will see pictured below, I am wearing a size 10 in one picture, and the next picture I'm wearing a size 16 skirt. The funny part is they are the same brand and they are taken 4 days apart! I've lost 8 lbs. (PTL!) over the past 4 weeks and I am able to start fitting into some of my pre-pregnancy skirts! (FINALLY!) I am finding out that no matter if I weigh the same I did before, everything is going to fit different after having a baby. Skirts are super easy to be flexible in sizing with. They just sit lower on your hips if it's bigger or higher up if they are a smaller size. My secret to finding super cheap skirts is to be very open-minded with sizes, if I hold it up and it looks like it will fit, I will try it on!

I was so excited to be able to squeeze back into this size 10 again! Although it's definitely not a perfect fit, it works for now!

Cardigan: JCPenney
Skirt: JCPenney
Necklace: Forever 21
Shoes: Bealls

This hot pink skirt I found on the clearance rack at JCPenney for $4.99, but it was a size 16! I knew it would be big, but I figured I would try it on to see if it's doable. So I tried it on and it was big in the hips/rear..but I thought for $4.99, I can wash and dry it a couple of times and see if it shrinks! (It did and I am SO happy I bought it, because it fits fine!) P.S. I like my pencil skirts bigger, because I like them to fall lower on my hips and they are usually longer too!

Cardigan: Nordstrom Rack
Top: Ann Taylor Outlet
Skirt: JCPenney
Flats: Payless
Necklace: Forever 21

So, the moral of the story is, don't get stuck on a certain size, try it on!

Fall Color Combo Series Week 2

Here is the second post of the Fall Color Combo series! I am so glad Elizabeth agreed to do a guest post for me! We are both teachers, and have very similar styles! I love EVERYTHING she wears, and she is also as beautiful inside as she is on the outside! Elizabeth's etsy shop is amazing as well! Check out her beautiful creations! You can also follow her on instagram @ejancy
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Fall is quickly approaching, and with it, some of my favorite things. The sound of leaves crunching underfoot, crisp autumn weather, pumpkin spice everything, and of course fall fashion. This is definitely my favorite time of year to dress for. Just think about it, we now get to dust off our favorite boots, pull our chunky sweaters out of storage, and enjoy pairing new outfits from some of our old favorites (as well as shop for a few new classic pieces to add to our wardrobes). I wanted to share a few of my favorite color combinations, as well as give a few pointers about layering your fall looks.

My first outfit is extremely simple and classic. I paired a neutral sweater with my burgundy pencil skirt, mary jane oxford heels, a leopard scarf, and a cognac colored leather purse. A burgundy skirt and a cognac bag are such versatile items, sure to be used many times from September through November. This bag is from Cato, but is almost an exact duplicate for my black Michael Kors, at just a fraction of the price.



My scarf is my layered item, and completes the outfit. It is very important to make sure your scarves are long enough. Often infinity scarves are shorter, and add too much bulk to the upper chest area. I cheated a bit with mine, and tied two corners together to make a faux infinity. I simply tucked the ends and the knot under, and it ended up being the perfect length and fullness.


This next outfit was slightly outside of my comfort zone, but the more I looked at it, the more I loved it. I paired a twirly pleated chiffon skirt with my JCrew scottie sweater and a red plaid shirt. The outfit was completed with an interesting pop, striped and glittery shoes that I painted myself. I could easily change the whole "flair" of the outfit with a more conservative black or red shoe. However, I was trying to think outside of the box.



My layered item in this outfit is of course my sweater and plaid shirt. I love how preppy plaid is under a sweater, and that it brings an interesting pop of color, texture and pattern. I'll let you in on a little trick I learned: I wear a tank top between the plaid shirt and sweater, to make the lines of the sweater smoother. That way the buttons aren't as obvious under the sweater, and it lies better. Don't be afraid to experiment with this look. Pinterest has many outfit ideas along these lines.

My final outfit is a casual look, demonstrating how to make a statement with fall accessories. I paired a simple black and white checked button down shirt with a denim skirt and boots, and added my new red plaid blanket scarf and flowered head warmer.

Blanket scarves are a huge trend right now, and as a bonus are extremely warm. I am still experimenting with how to wear them, but opted for a simple look so you could see the rest of my outfit. I love how the pattern in the scarf "pops" against the plaid.


Although we should be thankful year round, Fall seems to be the time of year that we focus the most on it. We all have so much to be thankful for, and I am especially thankful for you dear ladies and your stand for the Lord in your desire to dress modestly. Never before have I met such a large group of ladies with such sweet and encouraging dispositions, fashion sense, and love for the Lord. I truly cherish all of the friendships I have made, and look forward to many more.
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Weren't her outfits to die for!!??! Now you know why I asked her to do another guest post for me! She is such a fashionista! Stay tuned for next week, when Melissa shares her fall favorites!

The Compliment Challenge

I have been thinking about this blog post for a couple of weeks. It actually came to mind when I was at church a couple of Sundays ago. I always try to compliment every person I come in to contact with. I noticed the people always smile when I compliment them! As Christian ladies we ought to try to make everyone that we come in contact feel better about themselves! Find something nice to say! It's not that hard!!! Tell someone you like their dress, their shoes, that their hair looks good, that they look like they've lost weight, or that their special in church was great. The Bible says, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." Ephesians 4:29

Seriously, how great does it feel when someone notices your outfit you spent hours picking out?! If you see something nice, say something nice!


The reason most ladies don't compliment other ladies is because they are secretly jealous or insecure. I promise you, you will feel better about yourself if you try to make others feel good about themselves. Yes, it takes a little humility. Especially, when it's a beautiful skinny, tall, lady that ALWAYS dresses nice. You think to yourself, "She doesn't need compliments, look at her, she knows she's pretty." FALSE. Every lady needs to hear they look nice, and you never know if someone is having a bad day, so try to make each and every person you come in contact with, smile!

I want to challenge every lady that reads this post to try to compliment each and every person that passes your way. Even strangers! You never know, you might be able to win them to the Lord or invite them to church, since you started your conversation out with a compliment. Now don't say the same thing to everyone to the extent people think you're being fake. Sincerely try to find something kind to say to every one individually. Let's go make someone's day by telling them how beautiful they look! :)
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
Proverbs 31:16
This Sunday was a "AHHHH I have nothing to wear Sunday..." So I played it safe with a classic black and white dress!

Dress: Maurices
Wedges: Bealls
Cardigan: Nordstrom Rack


And of course a good-bye picture of me and my little guy! Don't forget to stop by Wednesday for the Fall Color Combo Series Week 2!

Fall Color Combo Series: Navy & Mustard

Ok, so I asked my friends and fellow Modern Modesty admins (from my Facebook group) to do another 6 week color combo series with me, but this time for fall! I know a lot of you enjoyed the Spring color series, and asked if we would do a fall one, so here it is! I'm kicking off the series with my favorite fall color, mustard! My favorite color to pair with mustard is navy! I know I may be the only person that loves navy this much...but it is seriously my favorite color in my wardrobe! I have TONS of navy and it's so easy to remix with other colors!

I took all of these pictures at the same time...let me just say my husband can handle one or two pictures, but with 3 outfit changes, he wasn't very happy...haha
So for all my outfits I used my new navy skirt I bought from JCPenney last weekend. I am SO happy to have a new navy skirt, I can wear SO many more outfits now that I have one again!


This was a pretty simple, classic outfit. I try to stay pretty classic at school during the week.

Shirt: JCPenney
Skirt: JCPenney
Cardigan: TJMaxx
Flats: Payless
Necklace: Forever 21

Today's challenge from Melissa's #stellarsemptemberstyle was to mix mustard & mint. This was a first for me! I played it safe and just paired my navy & mustard with a mint necklace.

Skirt: JCPenney
Shirt: TJMaxx
Cardigan: Thrifted
Necklace: Gifted
Flats: Payless

It's definitely still 90 degrees here in Florida, but just giving some inspiration for my ladies in the North that can start wearing scarves in the summer!

Stay tuned for next week's post for the second week of the fall color combo series!

Mint Galore

I had such a great week! So, of course that called for a shopping trip to celebrate! I FINALLY found a new navy skirt! My whole wardrobe literally revolved around my navy skirt, and it doesn't fit yet, so I felt so limited in what I could wear..but now that I have a navy skirt again, look out for some new combos! :) I will be doing a post later this week on all my new creations with my navy skirt, so stay tuned! Anyways, I wanted to share an e-mail I got last night thanking me for my blog. I was so touched and wanted to share with you why I love blogging!
Dear Lauren,
First off I want to thank you personally for your blog. You truly are an inspiration. I too am a Pastor's wife and I am still in my twenties with a one year old boy. This summer while taking our youth group to camp in Georgia, one of the Pastor's wives did a devotional on dress. I have always wore skirts to church and occasional to work. I am a first grade teacher in a public school system, so skirts are not something you see everyday. However while at camp God started to convict my heart about being an example for him. I work with a girl who doesn't believe in God. You cannot to talk to her about it because she gets very defensive. He spoke to me about being a witness to her through my dress and being different from the world. Not only to be an example to her but also to my youth girls. Which when my husband took the youth pastors position at our new church in December the girls were not wearing skirts to youth but now just by being that example they are. To make a long story short, when I got home from camp I stated searching on Pinterest modern modest clothing. I got really upset when finding clothes for camp, that I had to buy them at a store that my grandmother shopped at. I thought to myself I can look pretty and still be modest. By searching I came across your blog. You have inspired me to dress more modern but still modest. You have given me ideas that I can use in my own wardrobe. I don't consider myself to be a style guru but at the same time I don't won't to dress like my grand mother. I like to dress up and feel pretty. Thank you for listening to God and doing your blog. This truly is your mission field, and I appreciate you. Thank you for inspiring me to dress more modest and to be an example. That truly is my desire, to be a witness and example to others. My life verse is "And of some have compassion, making a difference:" ‭Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭22‬ KJV) that is my desire to live my life for The Lord and make a difference.

God bless,
Christie

Wasn't that an awesome testimony and super encouraging!?! Love it!
Now onto my outfits...I found this adorable Chevron dress, that is the perfect length at Ross yesterday for only $14.99! I was super excited! :) Here is how I styled it:


Dress: Ross
Necklace: Forever 21
Heels: Marshalls

I have never put purple & mint together, but on Saturday when I was getting ready, this outfit kind of just happened, and I loved it! :) My darling child broke this necklace I was wearing...I never even got to wear it out of my house. Guess that's what happens when you buy Wal-Mart statement necklaces! ;) I'm going to try to hot glue it back on though!

Top: TJMaxx
Cami: Forever 21
Skirt: Thrifted
Flats: Ann Taylor
Necklace: Wal-Mart

Annnnnnd last but not least, my little ham :) Have a great week!