I know I haven’t updated in a while… and I am finished with the Mean Girl series.
Dressing Femininely and Cheaply-
And Still Look Great!
Lately I have forsook wearing jeans to my youth group meetings on Wednesday evenings. It may not be for good- but I definitely feel less casual and more worshipful when I do! When I was at the Bright Lights leader’s conference, I wore a skirt all week and began to love it! As my time there in Iowa went on, I began to think about worship and felt several new convictions for just about everything involved with it. I knew I should start being an example by dressing up a little more on Wednesday nights. If you should wear your best clothes at Sunday services when you meet for worship, why not make Wednesday meetings the same? At first, I thought every one would think I was weird. But then I thought “Hey, it doesn’t matter what these other people think!” Then another thought crossed my mind- we sometimes play very rousing, fast paced games. Sometimes these games involve running, kicking, and jumping. Games young ladies in skirts couldn’t play! Then the thought that followed- “Well if I can’t play it in a skirt- then I probably shouldn’t play it at youth group- I will just sit it out.”
At church, Quest (co-op classes I take outside of the home with other homeschooling kids) and at dance, and among my friends; I am known for having a nice style and wardrobe. It surprises people all the time to find out that only about 15-20% of my clothes are bought new- the rest are bought through consignment, Salvation Army, Goodwill, Value World, and garage sales. I know of a few girls who complain about the high cost of clothing, then proceed to tell of how much everything was on their last shopping spree. Recently, a girl excitedly told us she found a great deal on jeans- they were only $23! Considering the fact that was a deal, it is possible that this girl has slowly built up a wardrobe that has the value of $1000 or more! It is possible to wear nice clothes that are ‘name brand,’ look updated, and fit well for just a few dollars.
You do not have to spend huge amounts of money to find the best look. Faithful searching – not too much more than it takes to cruise the mall- can have you a new outfit or two in no time. If you do go to the mall- leave your money at home or stick to a strict budget.
Things to buy used- shirts, skirts (The Salvation Army is usually amazing for skirts!) jeans, shorts, and tanks.
Things to buy new- headwear, scarves, underthings, and socks.
Being frugal, thrifty and determined to look for what you want will help greatly. If you have you have a digital camera, and need a shirt or skirt to match another article of clothing, take a picture of it and keep your camera in your purse when you go shopping. This has worked for me very well! Be sure to take a close up of the color(s) in the article of clothing; then a whole picture so you know the pattern.
One last word about purchasing clothes- if you are in doubt about something- don’t buy it.
Makeup is good-
IN MODERATION!
I enjoy wearing makeup. but I do not wear it everyday. When I go in public, don’t have to wear it unless I feel like it. I wear light, soft colors, and wear a bit of mascara and lip gloss. That’s it- no eyeliner, foundation, or blush. Eyeliner makes the eyes look dark and Gothic; foundation and blush make teens look like airbrushed models. I know of one girl who wears foundation, and she looks polished- maybe too polished. It just doesn’t look natural. In the world of make-up, less is more. One girl I know has this problem of putting too much on- she pencils in her eyebrows, wears bright red lipstick, wears a very thick line of eyeliner, blue eyeshadow, applies many coats of black-black mascara, and bright red rouge. To top it off, she has literally orange hair and has a flamboyant wardrobe of multi-colored pieces. Some people talk often about her, and they all agree it is just too much!
Remember to apply less- it will count for more! Makeup is to enhance what you have, not cover up or create something new!
A Word on Shoes and Swimwear
Shoes can be immodest if they are too gaudy (super high heels or lots of patterns and attachments). Short skirts paired with high heels makes the wearer look very immodest, not at all Christian, and like she is trying too hard to look good. Flats are good for just about everything, except skinny jeans. Skinny jeans and flats give the appearance of a rocker, and the wearer is made to look a lot shorter, and thus wider.
Swimwear is hard to look cute and modest in! Bikinis and one pieces are both very revealing, so I buy a two piece- they come with a modest tank and a mid hip length skirt with shorts underneath. They cover up a lot that a one piece doesn’t. If these two-pieces just do not work for your body type- try Swim Modest- their website is swimmodest.com
I hope this was an encouragement to you, and hopefully you have learned something new and will apply it to your life.