Mormon Life - Fashion tag

{Lifestyle} Ultimate Guide: Modest Swimsuits 2012

Thu, 03 May 2012 00:05:00 -0600

by Kate Ensign-Lewis
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Swimsuit season: there's no need to dread it anymore because cute and modest swimsuits not only exist – they seem to be everywhere! Check out this season's offerings.

Only two years ago I felt stymied in my attempts to find a modest swimsuit for a family cruise – they all looked like they were meant for someone 40 years my senior or someone who really wanted to live in the 90s. I stumbled upon one of the few beautiful and modest pieces out there just in time.

But now, it seems fashionable, feminine suits are everywhere! Polka dots continue to be popular, but there are also a few cute plaids out there this year. I bet you'll find something you'll like here.

Note: One person's idea of "modest" might not exactly square with someone else's, but these are swimsuits I think might generally be considered modest.

Photo from Downeast Basics

Retro Revival Suit, $49.99

Photo from Old Navy

Women's Twist-Front Control Max Swimsuit, $44.94

Photo from Downeast Basics

Silver Screen Suit, $49.99

Photo from ModBe

Islander Top, $50

Photo from Walmart

Catalina Women's Retro Tank Swimsuit, $15

Photo from Lime Ricki

Floral Retro One Piece, $61.99

Photo from Gap

Bandeau one-piece, $59.95

Photo from Lime Ricki

Gingham Retro One Piece, $61.99

Photo from Old Navy

Women's Ruffle Tankini Top, $24.94 (bottoms $19.94)

Photo from Divinita Sole

Flower Ruched Tankini, $99

Photo from Divinita Sole

Square Halter, $99

Photo from Lime Ricki

Pink One-shoulder Tankini, $48.99

Photo from DownEast Basics

Malibu Swim Skirt, $26.99

{Lifestyle} Ultimate Guide: Knee-length Shorts

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:03:00 -0600

by Ashley Evanson
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: We've scoured the stores to find you this season's best knee-length shorts – just in time for that delicious spring weather.

Photo from DownEast Basics--Heart Throb Shorts $44.99

Photo from Old Navy--Distressed Denim Bermudas $24.94

Photo from Old Navy--Cuffed Denim Bermudas $24.94

Photo from Banana Republic—Cotton Sateen Bermuda $49.50

Photo from Banana Republic—Button-pocket Bermuda $49.50

Photo from Piperlime—Mystic Saturday Crop $78.00

Photo from Macy’s—Tummy Control Denim $23.99

Photo from Macy’s—Denim Straight Leg $64

Photo from KneeShorts—Ladies’ Cargo Shorts $19.99

Photo from J. Crew—Summerweight Chino Short $49.50

Photo from New York & Company--Denim Bermuda Skinny Short $39.95

Photo from New York & Company--Demin Skinny Gotham Wash $39.95

{Lifestyle} Vogue & Virtue: Modest Prom Dresses

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 00:05:00 -0600

by Ashley Evanson
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: It's that season again, when girls are on the hunt for the perfect prom dress. These are our picks for the most beautiful and modest options out there.

Photo from Twirl Prom.

Photo from A Dressy Occasion.

Photo from ModCloth.

Photo from Shabby Apple.

Photo from Twirl Prom.

Photo from Kelly Prom.

Photo from LatterDayBride.

Photo from Shabby Apple.

Photo from A Dressy Occasion.

Photo from ModCloth.

Photo from Beatifully Modest.

Photo from LatterDayBride.

{Lifestyle} Modest Fashion Roundup

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:48:00 -0700

by Ashley Evanson
source: MormonLife.com

I realize that modesty is interpreted slightly different for everyone. Some of these outfits might need an undershirt or slip extender, but in general, I found these ensembles to be both modest and fashionable. Here are a few of my favorite finds this week:

Photo from Shabby Apple

Photo from Clothed Much

Photo from Banana Republic

Photo from Meggie Lynne

Photo from Glam and Love

Photo from Jeana Sohn

Photo from Shabby Apple

Photo from ASOS

{Lifestyle} Modest Fashion Roundup

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:49:00 -0700

by Ashley Evanson
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: These ladies are doing a lovely job pulling off vogue and virtue. Check out these modest outfits for your own style inspiration.

LDS Living recently opened a Pinterest account (follow us here). One of our boards is called Vogue and Virtue, featuring modest fashion and style inspriration. Right now I'm loving pastels, lace, and stripes; here are a few of my favortie finds this week:

Photo from Bathwater

Photo from Lilly's Style

Photo from Sunday Crossbow

Photo from Ish & Chi

Photo from Fancy Treehouse

Photo from Thread Ethic

Photo from Atlantic - Pacific

Photo from Late Afternoon

Photo from Pretty stuff

Photo from Shopbop

Photo from Illuminated

{Lifestyle} Roundup: Best Baby Stuff

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:53:00 -0700

by Kate Ensign-Lewis
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: With the explosion of online shops for babies on Etsy and easy ways to see cool things on Pinterest, it seems there is better stuff than ever for the precious butterballs in our lives.

I could look at cute and useful baby things on Pinterest and Etsy all day. (And I've certainly spent more time than is good for me doing so. What laundry?!)

These are a few of my recent favorites:

Knitted Baby Shoes

(Photo by Crochet Dreamz)

Homemade Play Dough (for older babies)

(Photo by An Art Nest)

Valentine's Day Baby Onesie

(Photo by Square Paisley Design)

Linen Nursing Cover (for Mom)

(Photo by The Busl Barn)

I Am a Child of God Nursery Hanging

(Photo by Sugarfresh)

For a girl:

Pom Pom Beanie

(Photo by Chloe's Crochet Closet)

Personalized Applique Owl Onesie

(Photo by Anything Baby Boutique)

For a boy:

Valentine's Day Boys Grey and Red Tie Onesie

(Photo by Antsy Pants)

Crocheted Football Helmet

(Photo by Laura Betty)

(Note: This particular version would be heresy in my house; luckily she does a 49ers version, too, among others.)

Dinosaur T-shirt Monster Size

(Photo by TNTees)

{Lifestyle} Modest Fashion Blogs Roundup

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:18:00 -0700

by Ashley Evanson
source: MormonLife.com

I love fashion, but even more, I love modest fashion. But I need all the help I can get from Mormon fashion bloggers to pull this off. Some trends I'm loving right now are bright colored bottoms, mixed prints, and faux fur, and these ladies do a great job of making these trends appropriate and cute.
Here are my top 10 picks of the week.

Photo from Cotton and Curls.

Photo from Clothed Much.

Photo from Pretty Life Anonymous.

Photo from La Vie Petite.

Photo from Lazy Saturdays.

Photo from Life of a Passeri.

Photo from High Heels and Bubblegum.

Photo from Meet Virginia.

Photo from Amy Day to Day.

Photo from Cats and Cardigans.

BYU-Idaho to ban skinny jeans?

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 10:11:00 -0700

source: abcnews.com

Mormon Life says: Today, BYU-I released this statement: Wondering if skinny jeans are allowed on campus? They are. BYU-Idaho's longstanding dress & grooming standards promote principles of modesty and restrict formfitting clothing, but skinny jeans are not singled out or prohibited. In addition, the Testing Center issue reported in Scroll has been corrected and is no longer in force.

Some at Brigham Young University-Idaho, a Mormon school, say skinny jeans are too risqué for campus wear: students wearing the hip-hugging pants have recently been refused service at the school’s Test Center.

The department posted a sign that read “No Skinny Jeans,” and turned away several students who were wearing tight-fitting pants last week.

{Lifestyle} Fashion: Mainstream Modest

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:07:00 -0700

by SarahJo Ciotti
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Sometimes finding cute and modest outfits can be a pain, with modern trends increasingly involving more skin and less cloth. But with retro styles making a comeback, you can be a fashionista and maintain your modesty.

Popular fashion trends have increasingly included the baring of skin, creating added frustrations for fashion-minded women who try be modest in appearance. As if we don’t have enough frustrations in our lives? Not wanting to resort to Victorian-era dresses with impeccable detail, skirts hemlines that pass the shoes, high necklines, and sleeves to wrists (I get claustrophobic just thinking about all of it), many resort to time-consuming personal creations, or (don’t say it!) dowdy “mom wear” in order to avoid trendy mini-length sweater dresses, low necklines, or sleeveless blouses.

As in the flapper-girl days of the roaring 20s, today’s fashions also pose a challenge to stay current and attractively modest. Fashion is circulatory. Designers play with new combinations of color, silhouettes, and patterns to come up with something that is “new.” The 60s mod shift dress recalled the shapeless form of the androgynous flapper girl, including everything from dramatic eye makeup to headbands.

Perhaps due to current popular television shows, movies, and music that are inspired by or set during the 50s, 60s and 70s, designers Zac Posen, Michael Kors, and even the cutting-edge Prada have begun to create looks featuring high waistlines, A-lines, or pencil to-the-knee skirts, bringing the midi and maxi back into style. These classic looks flatter the shape when fitted well and worn appropriately.

Prada featuring a fit-n-flare 1950s-style midi dress.
Photo from style.com.

Midi length falls below the knee at the smallest part of the leg between knee and calf muscle, which elongates the upper legs and brings the attention to the narrow part of your lower leg, creating a tall, slim silhouette. Wearing a skirt that falls at your natural waistline creates a flattering shape and comes straight from classic movie sirens Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, and Sophia Loren.

Although this is technically a dress with a shirt over it, the silhouette's
break creates a high-waisted look that elongates the leg... though this
model doesn't really need it. Photo from freepeople.com.

The maxi length is, well, the maximum length before you begin to trip. This look was a great trend for summer 2011 channeling 70s breezy boheme, and, as always, with a structured blazer or chunky knit sweater, this trend gives you a much warmer option for winter months.

Photo from runwaydaily.com.

Emphasizing the woman’s shape and flattering in all the right places without being tight or revealing are just a few of the perks associated with this feminine trend. A departure from the style of recent years to those of latter years incorporated with more modern pieces can keep you modest and on point for the season’s trends. Dressing for what flatters your shape in styles that you can find in high-end stores or even D.I. will keep you fashionable, trendy, modest, and warm this winter!

Leggings, Modesty, and EFY

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:17:00 -0700

source: bycommonconsent.com

Mormon Life says: The blog mentions LDS Living's recent article on leggings--woo woo! To the left is the cover of the official an EFY souvenir book from 1991. It consists of the title, Feeling Great, Doing Right, Hanging Tough, in 80′s-tastic font design, and a photo of an exuberant young woman doing a sort of cheerleaderish jump for joy [1].

What I noticed immediately when I saw this image was the presence of leggings. It was remarkable to me because I have recently observed some controversy in the LDS community surrounding leggings and modesty.

Now, I have to assume that whatever makes the cover of an EFY book is pretty much the definition of acceptable modesty in the church at the time the book was made.

Modest fashion on the rise

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 10:06:00 -0700

source: sltrib.com

Mormon Life says: Modest fashion blogs, e-zines, and boutiques are becoming more popular.

When you meet modest-fashion maven Jen Loch, who has tens of thousands following her online magazine and store, you might expect another cute, wide-eyed Mormon blogger who has taken her faith, values, innocence and, of course, fashion sense onto the Internet.

Loch, a 30-year-old sometime model and online entrepreneur, fits most of that pattern — she’s got the eyes and fashion sense, for sure. But she came by her commitment to dressing modestly the hard way. And Loch, a lifelong Mormon who came to Utah via Nashville and Los Angeles, is disarming in admitting she’s a work in progress.

“I don’t consider myself the most modest person,” she says during a recent interview in a Provo café. Loch is wearing skinny jeans, for instance. Many readers of her magazine Jen or shoppers at JenClothing.com denounce skinny jeans as indecent attire.

I’m too sexy for my pew

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 09:39:00 -0700

source: mormonmommywars.com

Mormon Life says: Is there more criteria than modesty when dressing appropriately for church? I walked into choir practice last week dressed for church already. If you must know, I was wearing a grayish pencil skirt that had a ruffle along the edge, and a pink long sleeved shirt that had a similar ruffle/bow thingie near my shoulder. I was also wearing high-heeled black boots that came to my about my calf. No jewelry, because I’m kinda bad at that.

My friend looked at me and said, “You look too sexy for church.”

I blinked, trying to think of a quippy come-back. Nothing came to mind, so I just said, “I don’t know how to respond to that.”

NY Times: To be young, hip and Mormon

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:29:00 -0600

source: nytimes.com

Mormon Life says: On college campuses, city streets and countless style blogs, a young generation of Mormons has adopted a fashion-forward urban aesthetic.

With his manly stubble, flannel shirt and skinny black jeans, Brandon Flowers looks every bit the hipster front man for his rock band, the Killers.

With songs about drowning one’s sorrows in bourbon or exploring the seedy underbelly of his hometown, Las Vegas, Mr. Flowers has sold more than 15 million records worldwide. In the past, he has been candid about his drinking, smoking and taste for blackjack.

But in a gauzy four-minute video, an advertisement for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that was posted online earlier this month, the singer stares at the camera and says, “I’m a father, I’m a husband, and I’m a Mormon.”

{Lifestyle} Modest Fashion Blogs Roundup

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:04:00 -0600

by Ashley Evanson
source: MormonLife.com

I love fashion, but even more, I love MODEST fashion. But I need a little help from the Mormon fashion blogger world to pull this off.

Here are my top 10 picks of the week.

Photo from High Heels and Bubblegum.

Photo from Rue Cerisier.

Photo from The Lookbook.

Photo from The House of Shoes.

Photo from Yours, Mine, & Ours.

Photo from Memiors of a Little Thing Called Life.

Photo from Freckles in April.

Photo from Everyday Embellishments.

Photo from The Book of Love.

Photo from Pretty Life Anonymous.

Do you read or have a fashion blog? Leave a comment below.

—

Ashley Evanson is the online editor at LDS Living. She loves eating Costco hot dogs, Pinterest (addicted!), and watching America’s Funniest Home Videos.

{Lifestyle} Modest Fashion: Kate Middleton

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:04:00 -0600

by Kaela Worthen
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Kate Middleton is a breath of fresh air as a fashion icon. While she doesn't always adhere perfectly to LDS standards of modesty, I think she preserves the spirit of modesty in all she does.

I adore Kate Middleton. I think she’s poised and elegant and, well, regal. And, in a world where celebrities cavort more nude than not across the front covers of magazines, gossip sites, and the news, she’s a refreshing breath of air.

Because she’s modest.

It seems that many girls feel that modesty is synonymous with frumpy, boring, and unattractive; that guys will never pay attention to them if they don’t have enough skin showing; that all the best fashions include immodesty as a starting point.

This is not frumpy, boring, or unattractive.

(Photo from Daily Mail UK)

I think she’s gorgeous. While Kate Middleton may not adhere perfectly to LDS standards of modesty—sure, sometimes her dress is a little lower cut or her shirt is sleeveless—her clothes definitely preserve the spirit of modesty, as do her words and actions.

In short, as my mother put it, she dresses like a queen.

And her example isn’t one that only Latter-day Saint women need follow: even celebrities are realizing that the class act that is Kate Middleton is more attractive.

"Can I tell you how grateful I am to Kate Middleton?" actress Anne Hathaway said in an interview with USA TODAY. "Because she is such an advocate for dressing like a lady. I think for a few years that kind of slightly dirty look was adopted by Hollywood—you know, the stringy hair, homeless thing. And I really tried. . . . [But] it doesn't suit me, I don't suit it.”

"I'm just very grateful to Kate Middleton for making looking appropriate really fun again," Hathaway concluded. Even Sarah Jessica Parker—considered a style icon by many—has listed Kate Middleton as her own fashion inspiration.

President Uchtdorf, in his phenomenal talk "Your Happily Ever After" given during the April 2010 General Young Women’s conference, said this: “You are truly royal spirit daughters of Almighty God. You are princesses, destined to become queens.”

“‘Happily ever after’ is not something found only in fairy tales,” he explained at another point in his talk. “You can have it! It is available for you! But you must follow your Heavenly Father’s map.”

Ladies, we are all princesses, all regal, all daughters of God. Maybe, if we want to find our “happily ever after,” we should follow the example of a real-life princess, and start dressing modestly.

--
Kaela Worthen is the associate editor at LDS Living. A self-titled “ultimate grammar nerd,” she also battles serious addictions to news and food websites and a compulsion to dance to the radio while driving.

{Lifestyle} Modest Fashion Blogs Roundup

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 00:02:00 -0600

by Ashley Evanson
source: MormonLife.com

I love fashion, but even more, I love MODEST fashion. But I need a little help from the Mormon fashion blogger world to pull this off.

Here are my top 10 picks of the week.

Photo from I’m Clothed Much.

Photo from Kristine or Polly.

Photo from Thread Ethic.

Photo from Pretty Life Anonymous.

Photo from A Bit of Good Madness.

Photo Ask the Duplex.

Photo from Lazy Saturdays.

Photo from Writing Rainbows.

Photo from Wearing It on My Sleeves.

Photo from La Vie Petit.

Do you read or have a fashion blog? Leave a comment below.

Ashley Evanson is the online editor at LDS Living. She loves eating Costco hot dogs, Pinterest (addicted!), and watching America’s Funniest Home Videos.

{Lifestyle} Leggings: Modest or Not? + POLL

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:06:00 -0600

by Ashley Bardsley
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: I have frequently wondered about the fashion phenomenon of leggings. It seems they're here to stay, at least for a while. Are they tacky, or tasteful? (Don't forget to take our poll at the bottom!)

A year or so ago I was teaching a young women lesson about modesty. One of the Mia Maids asked if leggings were considered modest. This was only a tad awkward because there was a girl in the class wearing leggings under her miniskirt. I said something like, “When wondering if something is modest, ask yourself if you would feel comfortable if the prophet walked in the room.” I know, totally a mom answer.

The truth is, I had thought about her question quite a bit even before she brought it up. Now, with school starting and fall fashion nearly here, I want to pose the question:

Are leggings modest?

Here are my two cents. When I first saw someone wearing leggings, I laughed out loud as I had a flashback to the 80s. I remember seeing them advertised on a commercial and knowing they would be a fashion fail. Boy, was I wrong. Not only do we have leggings . . . we have jeggings.

For the few of you who don’t know what jeggings are, just picture leggings but they look like jeans—yes, gold thread, faux pockets, and all.

I have seen some leggings pulled off very tastefully. On the other hand, I have seen them pulled off, well, not so tastefully, to put it nicely. I feel very strongly that if you are going to wear leggings, you should wear something over them. They should not be used merely as pants. Those suckers are tight, and I don’t care what kind of shape you are in—they are too tight to wear in public without a layer of something over them.

I know what you are thinking: “But Ashley, they are SOOOOO comfortable!” Okay, I realize that. Yes, I own one pair of leggings. I wear them in the comforts of my own home and that is it. I really haven’t decided how I feel about them.

So, are leggings modest when you wear a shirt or dress that is a little too short with them? Are they modest when wearing a mini-skirt? I mean, if you weren’t wearing them you would be left with just a mini-skirt which isn’t modest . . . to me. What about jeggings, since that’s basically wearing leggings without anything else to help cover up? Like I said, you have to ask yourself if you would feel comfortable if the prophet walked in the room.

There you have it. Chime in if you have some awesome feedback, because I would love to hear it.

Ashley Bardsley is a contributing writer for LDS Living. The few things she enjoys more than traveling the world as an event coordinator include making and eating cupcakes, sleeping in and watching Saved by the Bell reruns with her husband.

{Lifestyle} Modest Fashion Blogs Roundup

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 00:05:00 -0600

by Ashley Evanson
source: MormonLife.com

I love fashion, but even more, I love MODEST fashion. But I need a little help from the Mormon fashion blogger world to pull this off.

Here are my top 10 picks of the week. (Looks like stripes are in!)

Photo from I’m Clothed Much.

Photo from Life of a Passeri.

Photo from Kristine or Polly.

Photo from Cats and Cardigans.

Photo from A Day In the Life Too.

Photo from C&C.

Photo from Ask the Duplex.

Photo from Nautical Stripes.

Photo from Yours, Mine & Ours.

Photo from La Vie Petit.

Do you read or have a fashion blog? Leave a comment below.

{Lifestyle} Modest Fashion Blogs Roundup

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 00:04:00 -0600

by Ashley Evanson
source: MormonLife.com

I love fashion, but even more, I love MODEST fashion. But I need a little help from the Mormon fashion blogger world to pull this off.

Here are my top 10 picks of the week.

Photo from La Vie Petite.

Photo from Nautical Stripes.

Photo from Thread Ethic.

Photo from Meet Virginia Design.

Photo from A Bit of Good Madness.

Photo from Fashionable Teacher.

Photo from Madison Avenue.

Photo from I Believe In Unicorns.

Photo from Rebecca with an R.

Photo from Yours, Mine & Ours.

Do you read or have a fashion blog? Leave a comment below.

Mormon Life - Fashion tag

{Lifestyle} Ultimate Guide: Modest Swimsuits 2012

{Lifestyle} Ultimate Guide: Knee-length Shorts

{Lifestyle} Vogue & Virtue: Modest Prom Dresses

{Lifestyle} Modest Fashion Roundup

{Lifestyle} Modest Fashion Roundup

{Lifestyle} Roundup: Best Baby Stuff

{Lifestyle} Modest Fashion Blogs Roundup

SPONSORED: Thrifty Seeker Web site offers deals on boutique gifts and more

BYU-Idaho to ban skinny jeans?

{Lifestyle} Fashion: Mainstream Modest

Leggings, Modesty, and EFY

Modest fashion on the rise

I’m too sexy for my pew

NY Times: To be young, hip and Mormon

{Lifestyle} Modest Fashion Blogs Roundup

{Lifestyle} Modest Fashion: Kate Middleton

{Lifestyle} Modest Fashion Blogs Roundup

{Lifestyle} Leggings: Modest or Not? + POLL

{Lifestyle} Modest Fashion Blogs Roundup

{Lifestyle} Modest Fashion Blogs Roundup