Mormon Life - Vogue & Virtue tag

{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} Vogue & Virtue: Knee-length Shorts

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 01:11:00 -0600

by Ashley Evanson
source: MormonLife.com

Spring weather is just around the corner (unless you live in Utah where it’s still snowing…why?!), and it’s almost time to pull out your shorts. Knee-length shorts, that is. After scouring the stores, here is a great collection of shorts that range from affordable to splurge.

Photo from Banana Republic.
Bermuda Shorts $41.99

Photo from Gap.
Cuffed Shorts $39.95

Photo from Target.
Chambray Bermuda Shorts $19.99

Photo from Target.
Bermuda Shorts $19.99

Photo from Macy’s.
Tommy Hilfiger Bermuda Shorts $49.50

Photo from Old Navy.
Cuffed Cargo Bermudas $26.50

Photo from Nordstrom.
J Brand ‘Houlihan’ Cargo Shorts $198 (Splurge!)

Photo from Forever 21.
Denim Bermuda Cutoffs $19.80

Photo from Anthropologie.
Kicking Around Bermudas $68

Photo from Anthropologie.
Ringer Bermudas $88

Photo from Walmart.
Cargo Bermuda Shorts $12

Where do you buy knee-length shorts?

--
Ashley Evanson is the Online Editor at LDS Living. She is a self-proclaimed foodie and loves looking at design blogs, wishing she could be as hip as the people she reads about. Her favorite color is light tan.

{Lifestyle} Vogue & Virtue: Spring Beauty Trends

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:02:00 -0600

by Jamie Lawson
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Last week I discussed some of the top spring fashion trends (click here to read), but stylish clothes will only take you so far if your hair and makeup are stuck in a time warp. Here are some of the season's hottest beauty trends to help you update your look.

Hair Trend #1: Fringe Bangs

Thick, eyelash-skimming bangs are probably this season's number one hair trend. Flattering for a variety of facial shapes, fringe bangs draw attention to the eyes and help frame the face. Note: Do not curl them under very much or you'll end up with the poofy bangs that were so popular back in the 1980s--definitely not modern.

Photo from Vogue

Hair Trend #2: Loose Waves

Volume is back this season in the form of loose, carefree waves. To achieve this look, spray 1-inch sections of hair with styling spray and wrap them around a large barrel curling iron (do not use the clamp). Leave ends loose to avoid a crimp mark. Separate curls with your fingers for an effortless look. Finish with a flexible hold hairspray that allows your hair to move.

Photo from Marie Claire

Hair Trend #3: Low Knotted Bun

In addition to sleek ponytails, low knotted buns were a familiar site on the fashion runways. It's another great way to pull hair back when the weather turns warm.

Photo from Marie Claire

Makeup Trend #1: The Natural Look

I know from personal experience how much effort can be required to sport "the natural look," but here are a few suggestions. First, stick to eyeshadows in shades of brown or gray. Second, lose the black eyeliner (yes, I know this may be painful for many women). Instead, try applying extra mascara at the base of the lashes. Third, go for barely-there shades of blush and lipstick.

Photo from becomegorgeous.com

Makeup Trend #2: Juicy Lips

Think fruity shades like watermelon or strawberry, and be sure to choose a lip product with a little shine.

Photo from Elle

Makeup Trend #3: Coral Lips

I personally don't think I could rock this look, but I know there are those of you who can. If you are a free-spirited woman with a more daring side, I say give it a try--it can give lips a dramatic pop of color, especially when the rest of your makeup is more subdued.

Photo from lapetitefashionista.blogspot.com

Nail Color Trend #1: Metallic Gray

Black nail polish has been all the rage over the last couple of years--a trend I have never been able to embrace. However, I'm starting to warm up to the idea of this color. Look for nail polish colors like "gunmetal" or "black pearl." Keep in mind that metallic gray is darker than silver, but silver and gold metallics are also popular nail colors this season.

Photo from refinery29.com

Nail Color Trend #2: Nudes

To pull off the nude nail look, choose a shade that is either a couple shades lighter or darker than your skin tone. Or, if you choose a polish similar to the color of your skin, make sure it has a glossy finish so you don't look like you have "mannequin hands."

Photo from shefinds.com

With something as simple as choosing a new shade of lipstick, you can celebrate the season by freshening up your appearance. So go ahead--step outside your comfort zone and have some fun. Happy spring!

---

Jamie Lawson is managing editor of LDS Living magazine. She loves traveling internationally, meeting fascinating people, and listening to 80s music. She enjoys tasting new foods but does not like to cook. She has two adorable boys who help her stay up to date on the latest technology, fashion trends, and catch phrases.

{Lifestyle} Vogue & Virtue: Spring Fashion Trends

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0600

by Jamie Lawson
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Spring is a time of renewal—and if you’re like me, your wardrobe could use a little renewal of its own right about now. Here’s a look at some of the season’s hottest fashion trends, and some strategies for updating your look without breaking the bank. Fashion Trend #1: Orange

Orange is the must-wear color this season. If you only buy one article of clothing, make sure it is a fruity shade of orange, tangerine, peach, or canteloupe. Something as simple as an orange t-shirt, like this one from tillys.com, can make you look fresh and modern. Try wearing it with white pants and any teal accessories you have in your closet that were all the rage last season. (Luckily, teal and orange make a fantastic combination!)

If you don’t want to wear orange, add some pop to your outfit with an orange accessory like a scarf, belt, or purse, like this one from Macy’s.

Fashion Trend #2: Lace

Okay, I realize this particular trend can be more difficult for the LDS woman who is trying to stay modern while staying modest. (The department stores are filled with stretch-lace tops and short, lace-trimmed skirts.) However, there are still ways to tastefully incorporate some frill, like this lace maxi skirt from Boston Proper.

And sometimes less is more. Try wearing a lace-trimmed top, like this one from Express. A little lace detail is all you need to add some feminine flair.

Never underestimate the power of shoes! Lace pumps, like these from endless.com, are incredibly popular this season, and they’re a great way to add an unexpected twist to your existing wardrobe.

Fashion Trend #3: Mixed Prints

For a particularly playful look, mix stripes and florals, polka dots and houndstooth—the sky’s the limit! Just be sure to stick to the same color family to avoid looking like you got dressed in the dark. This trend may not be for the faint of heart, but it’s a whimsical way to show some personality.

Design by Prada. Photo from becomegorgeous.com.
Fashion Trend #4: Chunky Bangles

I love this trend because it is a very inexpensive way to update any outfit. The right piece of jewelry can make all the difference, and this chunky bangle bracelet from amazon.com is only $9.99! Don't be afraid to wear more than one—stacking two or three coordinating bangles together makes this look especially fun.
Spring Fashion Trend #5: Head-to-Toe White

The key to pulling off this look is to keep lines crisp and clean—no frills, and no accessories required. Keep shoes simple so they don't detract from the outfit.

Design by Chloe. Photo from Vogue.

Or wear varying shades of white together for a simple, elegant look.

Design by Calvin Klein. Photo from Vogue.

There you have it—five fresh fashion trends to celebrate the season. Stay tuned for spring hair and makeup trends, coming next week.

---

Jamie Lawson is managing editor of LDS Living magazine. She loves traveling internationally, meeting fascinating people, and listening to 80s music. She enjoys tasting new foods but does not like to cook. She has two adorable boys who help her stay up to date on the latest technology, fashion trends, and catch phrases.

{Lifestyle} Vogue & Virtue: Modest Prom Dresses

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 02:12:00 -0700

by Ashley Evanson
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Search no more for the perfect prom dress! Finding a modest prom dress can be so discouraging (I speak from experience). Either you get lucky and find a dress that is already modest, or you're even luckier and your mom is an incredible seamstress who can alter any dress to make it work.

But not everyone has the privilege of having a seamstress mom. So to make life a little easier, here are just a few dresses I've found that don't need any alterations.

On a side note: Cocktail dresses are HUGE this season. And as a bonus, they're less expensive!

Photo from Beautifully Modest.

Photo from Beautifully Modest.

Photo from Beautifully Modest.

Photo from Beautifully Modest.

Photo from Shabby Apple.

Photo from A Dressy Occasion.

Photo from A Dressy Occasion.

Photo from Jen Clothing.

Photo from Jen Clothing.

Photo from Jen Clothing.

Photo from Latter-day Bride.

Photo from Kathleen's Bridal and Formal.

Photo from Kathleen's Bridal and Formal.

Where do you buy prom dresses? Leave a comment below.

Ashley Evanson is the Online Editor at LDS Living. She is a self-proclaimed foodie and loves looking at design blogs, wishing she could be as hip as the people she reads about. Her favorite color is light tan.

{Lifestyle} Vogue & Virtue: Pregnancy Style

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 00:07:00 -0700

by Kate Ensign-Lewis
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Have you ever felt dowdy and uncomfortable while pregnant? Join the club—then learn some strategies for getting around it. I couldn’t be more thrilled to be expecting my first child. But call me crazy if I don't think "discomforts of pregnancy" needs to include feeling ugly.

I’ve been struggling to feel stylish—particularly when coming into the office. I rotate between a few different pairs of pants, a few different tops (several of which are the same shirt, just in different colors), and I’ve completely written off high heels and skirts (since one requires my newly biggened self to balance precariously on thin sticks—already a problem when I’m not 20 pounds heavier—and the other is impossible to find in a below-knee version).

What’s a modern pregnant woman to do?

I recently started scouring for solutions. Here are a few things (not an exhaustive list) I’ve found that actually work—everything except the coat I have already tried. (I’ve always been a Gap girl, so please excuse that more clothes come from there.) Also, a note to the novice: always read the reviews; they’ll tell you if the size is true or if an article doesn’t work for later in pregnancy.

Here we go:

A full-length coat:

Photo from A Pea in the Pod

Loose-fitting cardigans, like the following:

Photo from Old Navy.

Photo from Gap.

Photo from A Pea in the Pod.

Good undershirts and t-shirts:

Photo from Gap.

This tank top is long and is perfect for going under sweaters or low-cut tops--ruching on the side gives your belly nice breathing room.

Photo from Target.
This long-sleeved ruched top from Target also looks great.

Good work pants:

Photo from Gap.

Photo from Gap.
(corduroy, but still useful for work—buy these one size bigger)

For church:

Photo from Forever 21.
Long dresses from places like Forever 21 work great (just buy a little larger than usual). I pair these with nice flats--not combat boots.

Dress up long dresses with a cardigan and jewelry:

Photo from Gap.

Basics that are always nice:

Photo from Gap.
Belly tops (luckily cuter than what my mom had to wear, and in-style for non-pregnant people, too). This is my absolute favorite top.

Great jeans:

Photo from Gap.
Demi panel (Great for early- to mid-pregnancy; not as good for later pregnancy, unless you like baby to send lots of kicks your way)

Photo from Gap.
Full panel (panel not tight enough for early pregnancy—better when there’s a belly to cling to)

Flats:

Photo from Amazon.com.
(these Fossil flats come in so many pretty colors—favorites: teal and mustard)

A recent find of mine is Isabella Oliver Maternity. The site has more expensive maternity clothes, but they also tend to be nicer (and less boxy) than the typical maternity fare.

What are the best solutions you've found, and where can we find them?

Kate Ensign-Lewis is the Associate Editor at LDS Living. She loves cooking in her tiny kitchen, eating great new foods with her husband, and finding good entertainment and art. She likes (virgin) pina coladas, but does not like getting caught in the rain.

New LDS Living Blog!

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 13:07:00 -0700

by LDS Living staff
source: MormonLife.com

LDS Living's newest adventure in the online world is--drumroll, please--a blog! Finally, we know.

Check out our lastest blog entries here (under the "Only Online" tab) to read what LDS Living's staff thinks about the lastest and greatest, for yummy recipes, and any other shenanigans we can think of.

What's up next: Editor-in-Chief Dena Kennedy's killer chocolate cake recipe!