12.29.2014

Think On These Things

I don't know about you, but 2014 FLEW by! I can't believe Luke is already 6 months old! Time flies when you're having fun! 2014 was an amazing year for me! In May, we moved to Florida to work in my home church, we had Luke in June, and in December we celebrated 4 years of marriage! Such a year of great blessings! I pray you all had a great 2014 and wishing you the BEST new year ever!

Modern Modesty has BIG plans for the year 2015. My friend and I are in the process of starting our very own modest & modern clothing line. Please keep us in your prayers as this is a HUGE step of faith! We are trying to find a manufacturer at the moment and working on lots of skirt designs!

As I reflect over last year, I can't help but remember all the GOOD that happened, sure there was some bad times, but the Bible says in Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

The secret to having a GREAT year, is when you get to the end of it...Only think about all the GOOD that happened! :) Why think of the bad, it's not going to make you a happy person?! Be satisfied with what God has given you, be content with the spouse you have been blessed with, and be thankful for your beautiful children! (if you have them)

For Christmas, I got my husband this frame from Hobby Lobby that is a dry-erase board, and I have been writing on it every morning a reason why I love him. I think it would be a great gift for all wives to get their husbands! Not only do they LOVE hearing why we love them, but it's probably more beneficial for us to actually think of REAL reasons we love them every day.

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I am SO thankful that 2014 brought me this little ham! He is such a joy to our lives!

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Now onto the outfits! I will admit I wasn't real creative this week, since I'm on vacation, I'm not really trying that hard to come up with new outfits, but I'll share anyways!

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Skirt: Kosher Casual || Top: TJMaxx || Scarf: eBay

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Skirt: JCPenney || Top: TJMaxx || Necklace: Charlotte Russe

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Skirt: Bealls || Top: Old Navy || Necklace: Maurices

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Skirt: Downeast Basics || Blazer: Thrifted || Shoes: Nine West
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12.21.2014

My Journey to Modesty

Disclaimer: This post isn't bashing people who have chosen to dress differently than I do, I'm just sharing my journey to modesty. I truly believe modesty starts in the heart. Every one has different opinions on this subject, but since someone asked me, I'm sharing my personal journey. :)

I received an e-mail this week that I thought was very thought-provoking. I have been thinking about an answer for a couple of days and decided to answer it publicly. So, anyone that was wondering the same question can have the answer as well! :)

Here's the email:

Dear Lauren,

Just wanted to say what an encouragement your blog has been to me! I stumbled across it on Pinterest while looking for some new outfit ideas ( I feel like I’m in a perpetual “jean skirt rut”). Your blog is the only one that I follow that I ever take the time to read, and I always am encouraged by your modest style. :)

I think it is great that you are a first generation Christian and have standards; I am only a second generation Christian and so was raised wearing skirts and dresses. I have been thinking and would like to ask you, what drives you to be modest? Rarely does a newly Christian woman decide to submit herself in the way she dresses, I find that most skirt-wearing (for lack of a better term) Christians have been raised that way. Being that way myself, sometimes its difficult to stay focused on the real goal, and I find that it is hard to know where I draw the line. I am 23, been married for 2.5 years, and have two daughters, ages almost 18 months and 2 months. :) I want to be an example to the girls in my church of a happily modest (not frumpy) woman, but I really feel that I need to develop my own standards and know why I am doing what I am doing in order to present a real example of someone who is dressing for Christ because she wants to. I'd appreciate any insight you may have.


I thought the question what drives you to be modest was such a great question. I would love to give you a real, from the heart answer to this question.

Many of you have read my testimony on my post that tells why I wear skirts. That post was written for the people who didn't understand why I wore skirts and were truly curious to why I wore them.

But, I feel like this question deserves a different post, because this is coming from a lady who already said she wears skirts, but wants to know what drives me and what keeps me focused to stay modest in this very immodest world.


So to my fellow skirt-wearers (and sweet lady who e-mailed me this question),

I have noticed MOST ladies who only wear skirts were raised with that standard and either just kept it to "fit in" with the Christian crowd, or they truly made a decision to continue wearing skirts when they became an adult. As many of you know, and the e-mail above stated, I did NOT grow up only wearing skirts. I actually grew up the complete opposite. I wore skin-tight pants, super short shorts, mini-skirts, showed my mid-driff, etc. When I was 15, I made a decision to stop dressing immodestly. I found the only thing I could wear that covered my body modestly, yet was still trendy was skirts and dresses. There are a couple of reasons I chose and still choose to only wear skirts/dresses:

1. I believe showing my thighs is nakedness. I heard someone teach on modesty and they used a verse in Exodus (28:42), "And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach:" So, from that verse, I personally think showing your thighs would be showing your nakedness. Common sense also tells us our private parts and chest would be considered nakedness as well. So, from those two definitions of nakedness, I chose to cover from my chest to my knees. I believe that's where the knee length standard came from.

2. I believe skirts & dresses are the most feminine clothing option. When you go to the bathroom, what is the picture they use for ladies?

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The world-wide picture for the woman's restroom is a lady in a dress. Getting to dress up in a dress or skirt is something we should love to do! It was created for ladies ONLY! I believe we have such a problem with homosexuality in the world, because children are confused with their identity. Ladies are ladies, men are men. Femininity is a dying trait, and that makes me sad! There is nothing more beautiful than a lady who is confident in who God made her and she embraces her femininity.

3. I haven't found any pants that are both modest & in style. The jeans that are in style right now are tight. I think all jeans that are considered "cute" are very fitted and cup your backside, which goes back to the above standard, they are not modest. I just don't think they are the best option for modesty or femininity. :)

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People always want to say, well there ARE pants that are modest...but then I ask, are they in style though or are they feminine? Why be out of style and modest, when you can be in style and modest! :)

4. I believe it sets me apart. I don't know about you, but when I see a lady wearing a skirt, I think, I wonder where she goes to church. Now, obviously not every one who wears a skirt, is a Christian, but why not wear something that is associated with being a Christian. I want people to know I'm a Christian before I even open my mouth! I have had so many elderly people thank me for being modest. We are a "... a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;" (1 Peter 2:9)


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Now, on the flip side there are many people who grew up only wearing skirts and when they got out from under the "rules" they went to the tightest pants they could find. My husband and I were talking about why ladies do this. (I have to ask him, because I honestly don't understand why people choose the world over God. I left the world to go to God...and he grew up in the ministry with VERY strict rules, so he understands them better.) He says he thinks they want to wear pants because they just want to fit in. Because people that grow up in the ministry are sheltered from all the "normal" things.

If ladies are choosing their dress standards to "fit in" with the world...that's not a very good reason to do something! It's also "normal" to the world to sleep around, drink, smoke, do drugs, etc. We as Christians are supposed to be different. The Bible says "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate..." (2 Corinthians 6:17a) If we acted, dressed, and talked just like the world, why would the unsaved want to be Christians?

Remember to keep the main thing the main thing! Our ultimate goal on Earth is to win the lost! Christianity is not just a big list of don't do this, don't do that, it's also a big list of DOs! (The Bible) I have a HUGE burden for the next generation. Many of the kids I teach are NOT choosing to live for God, and I pray that we as ladies can be a great example of a Christian lady to them!

I hope that answered your question! :)

Now here's some of my outfits from this past week! :)

A Graphic Sweater Makes Everything better

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Sweater: JCPenney || Skirt: Old Navy || Chambray: Marshalls || Shoes: Payless

Lot's of Layering Love

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Shirt: TJmaxx || Gingham Shirt: Bass || Skirt: Ann Taylor || Necklace: Rue 21

Stripes & Leopard

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Skirt: Ann Taylor || Shirt: TJMaxx || Scarf: Charlotte Russe || Boots: Shoe Carnival

Designer Inspired

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Vest: Carsons || Shirt: TJMaxx || Skirt: Kosher Casual

Cobalt & Fuchsia

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Shirt: Ann Taylor || Cardigan: TJMaxx || Skirt: JCrew || Necklace: Charlotte Russe

Have a Merry Christmas!! God Bless

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12.18.2014

The Perfect Jean Skirt

Ok ladies, I've found it. I've found the PERFECT, knee-length jean skirt! Ever since I've had my baby, I've been looking for a dark denim skirt that fits well and is long enough! I was SOOOOO happy when I tried on this Kosher Casual denim pencil skirt! It is PERFECT!

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One of the many things I love about it is the adjustable waistband! My backside is a little bigger than my waist, so I needed a large to fit my hips and backside modestly, so if you're shaped like me you can easily tighten the waist with the adjustable band inside! :)

One of the hardest things about finding a perfect jean skirt is the length. They are either too long and frumpy, or too short and tight! This one is seriously the perfect happy medium. I love the stretchy denim too, so comfortable! :)

We have denim day every Monday at school, so I have a feeling you will be seeing this every Monday ;)

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Skirt: Kosher Casual (here)
Cardigan: Target
Flats: Payless
Necklace: Charlotte Russe

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If you are looking for a perfect length jean skirt that covers your knees when sitting, this is the one! This is WORTH the money, it is a staple piece!! Kosher Casual is having a raffle right now for a $50 gift certificate for Kosher Casual! That would cover a skirt or two! If you want to enter the raffle, go here.

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12.15.2014

For All My College Girls...

This post is for all my college girls (or their Mommas!)

Getting textbooks for college is the worst.. seriously! You spend sooo much money on books and guess what? You don't even really use them for class. Then when you try to get rid of them, you can barely give them away! Well here's a solution...

Why not rent them!?
Campus Book Rentals offers great deals on books you can rent!! (Even Bible College books, I found a lot of the ones I had to use at HAC!)

There's so many cool things about it:
-save 40-90% off of bookstore prices
-free shipping both ways
-can highlight in the textbooks
-flexible renting periods
-donate to Operation Smile with each textbook rented. How awesome is it that by saving money you're also helping others!?

Campus Book Rentals also has an awesome new program going on! it's called RentBack, it's a new initiative that allows students to rent the textbooks they own - to other students... which is awesome because it makes them 2-4x more money compared to what they'd make through buyback options! (selling their books back at the end of the semester) Isn't that awesome?!


It's soo hassle free, easy, and is also for a wonderful cause! Why wouldn't you!?

Be sure to check out the full details here!!


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12.14.2014

Kindness is Always Fashionable

Hello ♥ I am SOOOOO ready for Christmas break (I'm sure all the other teachers out there can testify on that one!) I have been NON-stop busy for a month, I just can't wait to stay in my jammies a couple of days during our Christmas break! Just this week alone, I had to make 4 math final exams, go Christmas shopping, two Christmas parties to attend, one birthday party to go to, and we sang a special this morning in church. I had to do all of that AND look semi-decent enough to take pictures every day for the blog and take care of my 6-month old...so in a nutshell, I'm on the border on having a nervous breakdown..(just kidding, but I really am looking forward to this break!)

Throughout all of this craziness of being a wife, new mother, full-time high school teacher, Sunday school teacher, and blogger I've come to realize I can NOT accomplish everything I need to accomplish in the flesh. If I don't ask the Holy Spirit to help me get through the day, I can become very cranky and overwhelmed. When we as ladies get stressed out we usually lose our "kindness" trait rather quickly. I ran across this quote the other day, and I loved it!

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Kindness is always fashionable. I love this because it's so true! Fur vests, blanket scarfs, and graphic tees are trendy and they will fade out. But, kindness will never "go out of style." Let us, as Christian ladies always strive to be kind to one another. "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." It's so easy to get stressed out around the holidays with all the busyness of life, but let's try to remember to always be kind. :)

We had another great week of #modmoddecemberstyle! Here's my looks from this past week.

Day 8: Gingerbread Neutrals

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Skirt: thrifted || Cardigan: Sierra Brooke || Boots: Shoe Carnival || Necklace: Rue 21

Day 9: Merry Mixing Patterns

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Skirt: JCPenney || Shirt: TJMaxx || Scarf: Charlotte Russe

Day 10: These Boots are Made for Walking

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Skirt: Ann Taylor || Shirt: Marshalls || Cardigan: JCPenney || Boots: Shoe Carnival

Day 11: Tights and Everything Nice

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Skirt: Thrifted || Shirt: TJmaxx || Cardigan: Nordstrom Rack || Tights: Target

Day 12: I Love My Blanket Scarf

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Scarf: eBay || Shirt: Target || Skirt: Thrifted || Shoes: Payless

Day 12: Winterized Maxi

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Maxi: JCPenney || Shirt: TJMaxx || Handbag: TJMaxx || Scarf: Charlotte Russe || Cardigan: Ross

And Today's outfit was Day 13: Red & Silver

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My little man was my accessory today. I love my little family! :)

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Have a great week! Remember be kind to everyone, because everyone is carrying a heavy burden.

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12.07.2014

Stretching Your Closet

This was the first week of our #modmoddecemberstyle challenge! (You can see it on my instagram: @lauren_modernmodesty) I love style prompts because they help me stretch my closet. If I didn't have style prompts to help me, I would just wait until the morning of and end up picking out a repeat outfit. But, with the style prompts, it forces me to plan and be creative with my outfits! I am so used to doing style challenges, that I don't think I could even get dressed without them anymore! :)

Here's my week of outfits!

Day 1: Feeling "Vest-ive" // I had this vest in a space bag in a closet. I totally forgot I even had it! I thought it was an "outdated" vest, but I made it look more modern by pairing it with a gingham shirt and riding boots!

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Vest: Carsons
Shirt: GH Bass & Co.
Skirt: Target
Boots: Shoe Carnival
Necklace: Maurices

Day 2: Crazy for Spots // If you follow my blog, you know I am obsessed with leopard! Almost everyday I have a piece on that's leopard print. But, I went a little wild with this outfit and paired a graphic tee and my leopard skirt!

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Cardigan: JCP
Skirt: JCP
Shirt: Old Navy
Booties; Nine West

Day 3: Maroon & Mustard // This is my favorite skirt of all time! It is so versatile, but I have never paired it with mustard! I love this combo, will have to try it again!

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Skirt: VanHeusen
Shirt: TJMaxx
Cardigan: Goodwill
Shoes: Payless
Necklace: Charlotte Russe

Day 4: Deck Your Neck // I found this necklace for $5 from Charlotte Russe! I paired it with my cobalt skirt and black & white peplum!

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Skirt: JCrew
Shirt: TJMaxx
Necklace: Charlotte Russe

Day 5: Gingham Style // Yes, I did wear this shirt and cardigan twice in one week. :) Hey, I told you I stretch my wardrobe! I don't repeat outfits, but I do repeat pieces often!!

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Skirt: Ann Taylor
Shirt: GH Bass & Co.
Cardigan: Goodwill
Boots: Shoe Carnival
Necklace: Maurices

I skipped day 6 (I have to have a PJ day at least once a week!)

Day 7: White as Snow // I wore this today to church. This skirt is way too big on me, but you can't tell with a long chambray over it...but don't come pull on it, it will hit the floor! ;)

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Skirt: Cato
Shirt: Marshalls
Cardigan: Nordstrom Rack
Necklace: Forever 21
Booties: Nine West

We got our Christmas pictures back this week, thought I would share some with you!

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God Bless ♥

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11.30.2014

Black Friday Finds

Hello!! I'm back from a week of much needed rest and relaxation. We flew to Chicago for the week to spend Thanksgiving with my in laws. It was so nice to see all of our family and friends! Luke had fun on his first flight, but didn't like the snow too much! (He takes after his mother) God was good to us and gave us a great vacation without any major events! We have SO much to be thankful for this year. We are so thankful for our handsome, little baby boy. He is so much fun! We love you, Luke!

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While I was in Northwest Indiana, I had a little Modern Modesty Meet-up so I could meet some of the ladies who I have known for a couple of years only through the internet! It was so nice to meet them face to face!

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Modern Modesty has grown more than I have ever imagined and I love being able to minister to thousands of Christian ladies every week. I felt like this graphic shirt fit this "ModMod" Meet-up perfectly. I am definitely living my dream!

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My sister in law and I went Black Friday shopping Thursday night, and to our surprise it was totally dead! Barely anyone was out! It was so weird! I got some cognac riding boots from Shoe Carnival for $19.98, some pants for Luke for $6, and I got the oh-so famous leopard cardigan from Target for $13! Since it was 70 degrees here in Florida today, I couldn't wear my boots, but I wore my new cardi! :)

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Cardigan: Target
Skirt: VanHuesen Outlet
Shoes: Goodwill
Necklace: Charlotte Russe

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What good deals did you get on Black Friday? Comment and share them :) God Bless ♥

I am having a closet sale! Check it out on Instagram: @modernmodestyclosetsale
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