Today I have on another great dress for summer! I recently picked this up from Target (online) and I love it! It is a linen/cotton blend and fully lined! I paired it with a very light weight cardigan and silver sandals (you could also sub in heels or cute flats if your place of business frowns upon sandals).

Outfit Details:
Dress – Target
Cardigan – Old Navy
Shoes – Shoe Carnival
Brooch – Gifted
Clutch – DSW

Last week I mentioned on MoMoMod’s Facebook page that I was contacted by a company asking me to stop using the words “Sunday Best” because they have trademarked the terms “Sunday’s Best”. The email further stated that customers searching for the company’s golf apparel might get confused by my blog posts.

When I first I got the email I was in my classroom (busy with teacher things) and I made the mistake of sending an abrupt email stating that that I didn’t use the words Sunday’s Best; my blog post titles are Sunday Best. The reply to my email was that it didn’t matter; the company just had a similar incident with Nike and they found out that they can basically rule the world when it comes to the age old term Sunday Best. After I got home and realized that my first email was a little short (i.e. rude) I replied with a nicer email stating that I would seek a new title for my blog posts. I definitely didn’t want to appear rude/mean/so not nice.

My internet search revealed that I am most likely okay to title by blog posts “Sunday Best”; I am not using the term Sunday Best to sell golf clothing, nor do I reference golf attire in my blog posts. However, since the company has trademarked the term for “Fashion information; Fashion trend consulting for the fashion industry; Providing fashion information; Providing information about fashion“, and that’s kind of the purpose behind MoMoMod, I decided to play it safe and update my Sunday blog titles.

So, I turned to FB and asked readers to help me find a new name for my blog posts. Honestly? I wish I could ignore the whole thing; when you search Sunday Best BET’s Gospel Singing Competition is listed in the results. If you search “Sunday’s Best” women’s golf attire is nowhere to be found (you have to literally type Sunday’s Best golf for the website to appear!). Now that I think about it I just increased the chances of my blog appearing in Google results by mentioning the sport and words simultaneously. OOPS. At any rate I didn’t/don’t want to be hit with cease and desist letters–or a lawsuit! Here are a few of the comments left on MoMoMod’s Facebook status:

Christa: Maybe, “Sunday Best, suck it, it’s a fee country, golf is lame”? Heh, heh?? “7th day Attire” “Seventh’s Finest” “Pretty Sunday Attire” good luck, I hope it goes away soon.

Sarah: I’m sorry, but I don’t think you should change the title. It’s kind of ridiculous of them to ask you to. Can’t think of a better title than the one you already use.

Jenna: Sunday Best, because Sunday is the Lord’s day, not golf’s day!

Kelly: How about Sunday’s Worship Wear?

Krista: Sundae Best ha

So, dear readers, my Sunday Best blog posts shall now be entitled: Sunday Morning Best. Yahoo. Applause. Are you excited? HA!

Saturday was spent with my friends Natalie and Mieshia. We went to a plant sale to purchase succulents for my wedding and after the plant sale we went to a few thrift stores and we snagged some major deals. I’ve been cautious about my spending (hello, wedding); plus, I’m preparing to move and I am getting ready to CONDENSE my closet in a major way.

We went to a stinky thrift store called RAD and we all laughed about how our significant others would probably have fire exploding from their ears if we had dragged them into the store with us. Natalie is due to have a baby girl in May and she scored some really cute baby clothes for under $3! I found the dress I was wearing for $1.33! I tossed it into the washing machine Saturday evening and let it hang dry overnight. It was clean and dry by Sunday morning.

After RAD we went to Salvation Army and they were have a 50% off sale on all women’s clothing. I initially passed up the shoes I’m wearing in these photos; Mieshia didn’t know I had passed them up and she brought them to me while I was paying for a cardigan that I stole from her. Mieshia convinced me to get the shoes; I paid $3 for them. I found the belt last month while thrifting with another friend (hi, Yvette!).

The dress is VERY much see through, but I wore a stretchy skirt and camisole underneath it

$1.33+$3+$3=$7.33. YAHOO!

Mieshia found several dresses at Sally’s Army that are undoubtedly vintage. Some vintage dresses can be very difficult to pull off, but Mieshia has eclectic style and I know she’ll own these dresses like nobody’s business! Her grand total? $11.

Some have questioned how to wear dresses like these and I can only provide you with information about how I would wear them. Since prints can be overbearing, I like to break up prints with belts and cardigans. I wouldn’t wear the polka dot dress in the spring/summer. I would wear it with a blazer like the dress I wore here in the fall or winter months. Dress number three can be worn in the spring or summer if you wear short sleeves; since I don’t wear short sleeves I’d wear a long cream colored cable knit sweater and tall riding boots.

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Don’t forget to…

1. Read Tiffany’s responses to a ton of Mother’s Day questions I asked her.
2. Read Misha’s responses to the same Mother’s Day questions!
3. Check out Stefanie’s Summer Braid hair tutorial.
4. Read my blog post about accepting admonishment. 
5. Like and share the MoMoMod FB page! We’re almost to 1,000 likes! Giveaways shall be announced once we reach the big 1 zero zero zero!

As a child I didn’t picture myself as a mother, but rather as a lawyer because lawyers made a lot of money and were happy, right? Well, in college while interning at a prominent law office in D.C. I realized it was not for me! The October after that internship God saved me and my views on MANY THINGS started to shift. I began to value the spiritual blessings over worldly success—which is good, right? But as a new Christian who was “on fire for the Lord” I secretly judged the mothers of the church who did not attend every service, missed prayer retreats, and didn’t participate in the ministry. Didn’t they love God? Did they even have a “sacrificial prayer life?” It wasn’t before long I was knocked off my high horse! I humbly learned that mothers are involved in full time ministry, 24/7! I’ve learned that every prayer is sacrificial and that the Lord even answers the prayers whispered while washing the dishes and wiping snotty noses. I have come to realize that a mother who is yielded to God should be held in high regard after all “he that is greatest among you shall be your servant” (Matthew 23:11).

2. When did you have your first child and how did you prepare for your firstborn’s arrival?

Physical preparation- My son Caleb was born June 2008 (11 days before our one year wedding anniversary!). When talking about childbirth I had a very spiritual/ anointed woman of God tell me “ Jesus gave the doctors the wisdom to create epidurals…don’t try to be super woman, take the drugs!” This comment and others like it made very interested in the idea of natural birth vs. medicated birth. I did a LOT of research and familiarized myself with pain management techniques, took classes, and used this site A LOT. I studied the biblical principles related to childbirth and watched the documentary, “The Business of Being Born.” I also created a birth plan and organized my “birth team” which included my husband and good friend LaSandra. You can read more about Caleb’s birth story here on her blog.

Spiritual Preparation- I prayed a lot. I prayed for myself and had others pray for me. I had to conquer fear of the unknown “Would I be a good mother?” “Would I survive the pain of child birth?” etc. I gathered scriptures that encouraged me and listened to music/ sermons that were edifying.

Financial Preparation- My husband and I agreed that I would be a full time homemaker after the birth of our first child. So, we lived below our means in a studio apartment, pushed to pay off our debts (including credit cards and wedding expenses), and built our savings using my income as a teacher and used his income for our living expenses. We also saved aggressively to buy a safe car for precious cargo and cheerfully gave to the church and those in need. So, when our son arrived we were ready to live on one income.

3. Looking back: what mistakes did you make and how did you change them?

I ate out way too much during my first pregnancy, and didn’t make the healthiest choices, but I did better the second time around. I would have definitely used a midwife rather than a doctor for the birth of my son. With my daughter I had a midwife and found midwives to be more patient and compassionate—two things you definitely need during childbirth! Looking back, I could have prepared my mind for the transition from working mother to homemaker more. I should have done more praying and reading about life after the birth…but isn’t that what we tend to do? We focus on the event rather than the life that follows (ie. weddings vs. marriages). I have since come to terms with the transition but it was on the job training!

4. How is your child’s lifestyle and childhood different than your childhood? How are they the same?

My children’s lifestyle and childhood are MUCH different from my own, thank the Lord! They have two married loving parents who serve Jesus. So, they do not experience a lot of the drama I did growing up. They are able to be kids, and are not exposed to some of the harsh realities of this world before their time.

5. Think about your own mother (or someone that served as your mother). How are you different from your mom? How are you the same?

God has blessed me with many women who have served as mentors in my life, my grandmother being the most prominent. She is one of the most giving people I know. She loves sending greetings cards to everyone for all sorts of occasions “Congrats on your new job, sorry you lost your pet, etc.” She has taught me to remember people, especially those who may otherwise be forgotten. Along with her card giving she is always on time! She knows exactly when to mail a card to be sure it arrives ON your birthday. She has always told me to be early and never make anyone wait for me when they pick me up. Unfortunately, I do not have her knack for timeliness…and it drives her crazy!

6. What is one tip your mother gave you and you use? 

My mother-in-law often tells me “you can’t give what you don’t have.” This is her way of telling me to make sure I am taking care of myself. It’s a gentle reminder that neglecting to care for myself spiritually, physically, and mentally to serve those around me, actually hinders my service rather than benefit it.

7.How do you plan to teach your son to treat a lady? How do you plan to teach your daughter to act like a lady?

My son is learning how he should treat a lady by watching how his dad treats me…and he treats me pretty well! He witnesses his dad love me as Christ loves the church and gave himself for it (Ephesians 5:25). As he grows we will encourage him just as Paul encouraged Timothy to treat “elder women as mothers, the younger as sisters, in all purity and to honor the widows” (Timothy 5:2-3). My daughter is learning what it means to be a lady from my example—I think is important to exemplify beauty, femininity, and meekness for my daughter, in a world that tries to blur gender lines and encourage women to be boisterous and seductive.

8.It’s been said that once children enter your home time for yourself is not a priority. How do you make time for yourself? What are some of your favorite hobbies?

I believe that the Lord is a proponent of self care “ love they neighbor as thyself” echoes my mother-in-laws advice that I “can’t give what I don’t have.” So, taking time for myself and my interests helps me give more lovingly and freely to my family and those around me, but it’s a constant balancing act, and I sometimes drop the ball. Unfortunately I am not a good planner/ time manager, but with the Lord’s help I’m working on it. I believe there is enough time in the day to cultivate my relationship with the Lord, my husband, and my children while also maintaining my household and pursue my interests. I believe the key to this is balance (there’s that word again!). Currently, I am staying up way too late blogging and crafting. I love all things creative, from sewing to reusing coffee bottles!

9. Describe one easy meal you’ve made that your family enjoys.

Homemade pizza…every Friday! I make pizza from scratch every Friday and my family loves it. It’s simple and economical. I follow a foolproof crust recipe my friend gave me and add toppings (which are usually leftover) veggies, tofu, etc. It’s always a big hit. I also double the recipe so there’s enough for Saturday!

10. Describe your perfect family outing. What tips can you give families about planning budget friendly family day activities?

Pack your own lunch and snacks and avoid the gift shops! Take advantage of free days/ passes to parks and zoos—we’re able to get these from the public library. Get creative with family vacations. We have planned our family vacations around my husband’s travel schedule at work. We have been able to go to Disney World (twice) and Atlanta for a fraction of the cost. He has to go to meetings for part of the time but it’s worth it.

11. Let’s discuss your “mom-style”. Do you put a lot of thought into what you wear? Do you care more about how your husband and children are dressed? If you have tips for moms in regards to clothing…do tell!

Since the birth of my children I have had to reinvent my style. If you think stylish + modest clothes are hard to come by, you’ve never tried to buy modest + stylish maternity or nursing accessible clothes! After the birth of my children, even after losing baby weight, the shape and firmness in certain areas was drastically different so I have had to wear more structured pieces. I usually managed to look nice on Sundays for church, but my main issue is during the week. I have to force myself to get dressed, do my hair, and wear shoes when most of my time is spent at home! When I was a teacher I would often wear heels especially when I taught middle school because my students were taller than me. So, with my new occupation I am working on finding modest, stylish, and comfortable clothes. Currently, I wear a lot of straight skirts, flats, flowy tops and cardigans/ blazers. I also try to accessorize with fun scarves and (age appropriate) headbands. Also, in an attempt to keep my style I have invested in nice diaper bags. Some of my favorite brands include Kate Spade and Petunia Pickle Bottom (and I never pay full price!). Next on my list is a Mia Bossi diaper bag.

12. Name one or two Bible scriptures that have helped you during times of distress.

Isaiah 28:23-29 talks about the wisdom of the farmer. He knows when to plow and when to plant. He knows the best spot for each crop. Then verse 26 says God instructs him and teaches him! The passage concludes with “The Lord of Heaven’s armies is a wonderful teacher, he gives the farmer great wisdom” (Isaiah 28:29 NLT). This passages always gives me hope when I’m not sure which way to go next as a wife and mother. The Lord helps the farmer in his occupation and gives him great wisdom in things that seem natural. When I come to a point in this walk when I don’t know how to do something I remind myself that the Lord is a wonderful teacher!

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I never spent a lot of time thinking about what kind of mother I wanted to be. I didn’t ever really feel maternal. Life was very tumultuous for me and a lot of times I just couldn’t wait to turn 18. But, my mom was the best mom she could be. I remember loving how she took the time to make things for us; she was always creating. She did flannel boards with Bible stories, silly puppets, costumes, clothing, she wrote a lot, she would read to us, and she always made sure we went places with the youth even when money was tight. She was a very good mom. Looking back at my childhood, I swore that there were certain ways I would never be as a parent. I don’t feel comfortable sharing them, but let’s say that you can either look at your surroundings and be sucked in (because that’s all you ever knew) or you can look at your surroundings and make.a.choice!

I had my baby boy, Cy, when I was 26. I was NOT ready. Yes, I knew I was pregnant and that I had to be a mom, but I didn’t become his mom, or connect with that fact until years later. It was really, really hard for me. I loved my baby boy, but I didn’t see myself as a mom, therefore my mom skills were lacking. My love was not lacking–just my skills.

I wasn’t patient enough. I’m still not as patient as I want to be and I wish that I was. If I were to answer this question in earnest, we could be here a long time. Let’s just say that I started holding myself accountable for my actions. After making a parenting boo-boo, or even DURING my misstep, I would talk to myself and try to redirect my emotions and turn the situation into a positive. It didn’t always work, but when it did, I felt a million times better about myself for having controlled my *reaction*. I have written extensively on my blog about the way my husband and I choose to raise our children; it’s such a learning process. Goodness!

My children are growing up in a home where the mama and papa love each other deeply (very different from my childhood). My husband and I see life quite the same, we approach it differently, but our views complement each other. Our relationship is VERY symbiotic. David is very mathematical, detailed and can be a little more hard-nosed than I. I am very much into literature, I procrastinate (thus making me a little more like a chicken-with-my-head-cut-off-esque) and, at times, I can be more lenient.

I strive to be the super crafty mom, just like my mom was for me. I don’t always nail it, but I do a lot to make it happen. And just like my mama raised me, we have books, books, and books everywhere!

5. What is one tip your mother gave you and you use?

My mom has always encouraged me to raise my children with a love for God and the things of God…and boy do I ever try.

6. How do you plan to teach your son to treat a lady? How do you plan to teach your daughter to act like a lady?

Oh lordy! I really don’t have a plan of attack on this one. I can tell you that we work with our son about loving. May sound odd, but we really really emphasize loving his mama and his nana (his little sister). If we can show him how to love it will translate over into how he treats other women. Gratitude, kindness, care–these are all traits we try to nurture in him and it’s working. He’s not perfect, but he’s slowly growing into a respectful little man.

And as far as Roma goes, she is in ballet. HAH. That will teach her good posture and how to cross her legs at the ankles! No, but seriously…God is going to have to give me wisdom, because I haven’t a clue.

7. It’s been said that once children enter your home time for yourself is not a priority. How do you make time for yourself? What are some of your favorite hobbies?

Oh, gosh! What a struggle. I can honestly say that I was SO stressed out that I didn’t know how to find time for myself. And when I did find time, I couldn’t stop thinking about my babies. So, it wasn’t time at all. Ugh! Most recently, I found the rhythm of our home and ever since then, it’s been easier for me to *take time out* and not feel extremely stressed or guilty and race to end my girls’ night out date to get back. Now, I have it down to a science. Mondays and Wednesdays are the days that I get out and go to the gym. I start cooking dinner (yes, dinner) at 2:30pm, it’s done by 4pm, my son comes home, I feed him and Roma a snack and then shoot off to the gym. My husband picks the children up after work, roughly an hour after my arrival, and they leave for the house and have dinner. I return around 8pm. Those are my two days of me time Happily spent sweating and grunting like a fat turkey on a treadmill.
If I had more time, I would write books, take a cooking class to help my meager skills, take language courses in French, Spanish, (more Russian!!), and Italian. And I would start my photography business up again…

9. Describe one easy meal you’ve made that your family enjoys. You can post a link to a blog post if you have one.

Oh! We LOVE eating and I love cooking. Goodness!
Pizza: We eat this EVERY Friday! My kids always look forward to pizza Fridays
Mexican Skillet:
Noodle Bake:
Honey Grilled Pork Chops

Those are just a few.

10. Describe your perfect family outing. What tips can you give families about planning budget friendly family day activities?

The perfect family outing?? It would be in D.C running through all the museums or in NYC playing in fountain in Washington Square park (which we’ve done both). Those are a bit hectic, but our family loves doing things like that. however, if you were to ask my son he would immediately say, “let’s go on an uhventure!” My sweet boy. We love packing picnics and throwing a blanket out on the the front yard. We stuff backpacks full of useless toys and walk down the street in search of something great. Sometimes, we pile the kids in the bike carriage and D will pedal along side me while I run. When the occasion arises we go to the beach because my kids were born half fish. I promise! That’s what we love to do.

11. Let’s discuss your “mom-style”. Do you put a lot of thought into what you wear? Do you care more about how your husband and children are dressed? If you have tips for moms in regards to clothing…do tell!
Ahh, clothing. Growing up, I didn’t really know how to dress, I just copied other people. Most, if not all, of the time I was SO uncomfortable. Ugh. My trip to Europe really started the ball rolling between me and clothing and there was a definite change. Now, I care a lot about how I dress. I don’t like looking frumpy (but I’m not into looking perfect either). I was raised to make sure I was presenting myself well. Now, I’m careful to make sure my hair is done and I’m dressed for the day when my husband comes home. Looking nice for him AND me makes me feel better.
Tips for clothing? Don’t buy it until it screams your name as you walk by. A lot of times, I will grab an item and walk around with it in my cart as I shop. Eight times out of ten it finds its way back to the shelf and I save myself the $20 and just make do with what is in my closet. But, then again, if you were to hold me down for the truth…I would have to say that I love shopping online, I still let things sit my in *cart* but online shopping is so much more to my liking.

12. Name one or two Bible scriptures that have helped you during times of distress.

To be honest, I don’t have any specific verses that have helped me. I tried to think of something, but the truth is, I have WHOLE BOOKS. I just fall short in so many little ways that God has really just used his word to hold me up and guide me. The tears I’ve cried. Proverbs, James…two of my favorite…Ecclesiastes.

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Items needed: Volumizing hairspray (I use TRESemme’), bobby pins, and a rubber band.

Step 1: Spray all of your hair with a light hairspray to create volume.

Step 2: Take two sections from the center of your hair, and loosely braid them.

Step 3: Take the front section of your hair, twist it back, and pin.

Step 4: Take your remaining hair and create another loose braid, and secure.

Done! This doesn’t have to be neat or perfect, it is just a fun, yet simple way to keep your hair back.

I don’t wear braids very often, but I loved this!

Hope you enjoyed! Happy Friday!

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I pulled the elastic slightly as I sewed the pleats in front, but stopped stretching when I reached the back of my skirt. The accordion pleats resulted in a smooth and bulk free front (near my stomach) which is exactly what I wanted!

BUT the back of the skirt became more gathered than I intended. It would have been nice to continue the accordion pleats all the way around the skirt, but that would have caused the waist to be way too big…and a modest skirt around the ankles is not a modest skirt..

Next time I’ll adjust the length of my elastic and width of my waistband so I can continue the pleats around the entire skirt.

Until then, I’ll just enjoy my new handmade skirt with a half accordion pleated waistband!

Check out my other crafty pursuits on my blog meek+chic as well as my ramblings on Twitter

I can remember it clearly. I was 15. I had saved some money and had purchased a skirt that I thought was fabulous. My mother wasn’t with me when I bought it. All I can remember is that it came right to the knee and it was my first knee length skirt, only it came slightly above my knee. If my memory serves me correctly I attended some sort of function/fellowship at my church and I somehow made it out of the house without my mom or dad looking at my clothes.

I got to church and I immediately felt self conscious. I tried to pull the skirt down. I tried to sag it. I tried to cross my legs. I tried to hide my knees with my purse. I tried a Bible. I tried sitting hunched forward. Nothing worked!

After altar call an older lady in the church came up to me and said, “Chandra, I love you. So, I want to let you know something. Get rid of that skirt. It was very obvious that you were uncomfortable. Whatever your personal convictions are you need to follow them.”

I felt a wave of embarrassment wash over me as I muttered a muffled, “Thank you” and gave the caring sister a strange side hug (I was still trying to sag that lame skirt). After she left I wasn’t sure what to do with the comment. Should I ignore it? After all, she was older! What did she know about nice clothing?! Should I follow through with the teachings of my parents and honor my elders?

After I got home I continued to think about the situation all weekend. I finally opened my Bible and found this scripture Titus 2:3-5: 3The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

So. She did have a right, and a biblical duty, to teach me some thangs about myself. It was at that moment that I realized that I could not be offended. I went to my room, got the skirt, put it in a bag, and then donated it to Goodwill.

Over the years I’ve learned that I can’t wear what everyone else wears. I cannot go where everyone else goes. In my personal life altars and landmarks have been raised in my life due to personal prayer and convictions about many things. In my teens I wondered why some (church) girls got away with baring their flesh for all to see. It’s clear today that those girls really didn’t get away with anything because their nonchalant-I’m-going-to-do-what-I-want attitude has clearly taken them down some not-so-nice roads.

I was compelled to bring up my thoughts on the subject after hearing some young girls complain about being told how to dress and how some argue that God loves everyone for who they are (no matter what they wear). This is true. I also believe that He loves us enough to place individuals in our lives that can lovingly show us the right way to live.

I was fortunate to be approached by someone with a kind spirit. I know that there are many girls/ladies that feel as though they are being targeted by others telling them how to dress. To the ladies that feel compelled to deliver words of advice I encourage you to pray first and make sure your words are not demeaning and combative. The Bible encourages you to teach young ladies, but the same Bible also stresses to do things decently and in order. You can tell before talking to someone whether or not they will be receptive to your words.

I firmly believe that women need to encourage and uplift one another.  Respect is a two way street: older ladies should respect younger ladies and vice versa.

What are some things you’ve had to learn from your elders over the years?

Wearing: Vintage skirt seen here and Zara colorblock sandals $50 purchase here (I also have them in black and orange).

However, one aspect of beauty that seems to slip by is strength.  Physical, mental, AND spiritual (to be fair).
It is beautiful to be strong.  Strong in who you are and strong in your body.  It translates into inner fortitude if you strengthen your outer self.  I am an avid runner.  I do not run as much as I’d like, but I run a lot.

Me, looking a little rough after a run

I started running, hardcore, 2 years ago, and the way I view myself has slowly changed along with the contours of my body.  Now, not everyone has the same schedule as I, the motivation, or even the desire I have to commit myself to living a healthy, well-rounded lifestyle.  It’s a personal decision I’ve made and I love how it makes me feel.

There really isn’t a lot of emphasis on keeping the body healthy, in the world of Christianity, it’s sort of downplayed and jokes are made about those who do decide to keep in shape.

Case in point:

“For bodily exercise profits little: but godliness is profitable to all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8

Now, we all know it’s not discouraging physical exercise, it’s merely saying, if that’s ALL you’re going to do…you’re going nowhere, bub.  And I agree!  Don’t just focus on the outward, the inward is MUCH more important, but sometimes (and I might be stepping on toes here, but this is simply how I was raised) the outward is indicative of what’s inside.  It all boils down to my favorite, favorite word: balance.

There also isn’t much encouragement for people to educate themselves, either.  Unfortunately, in this world, to have any merit, a diploma hanging on your wall makes your words golden (at times).  People listen if they see you have the creds.  Truth.
Strength.

What I'm currently reading, for the second time...

If you take the time to educate, you can influence.  This is yet another subject I’m so very passionate about.  Education and knowledge.  It’s important!

Strength.  It’s the new beautiful.

There is a new campaign by Saucony and their catch phrase is: Find your strong.
That really struck home with me on all fronts.  Where is my strong in my walk with God, where is my strong in who I am, where is my strong in my commitment to live a healthy lifestyle?  I’ve found my strong and I’m making it stronger.  It isn’t pretty during the process, but progress is messy, anyhow.

“Strong is what you have left when you’ve used up all your weak”

Me after a run

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I had a reader request that I search the internet for longer skirts and I found several long skirts that are basic enough to be worn in a variety of different ways.

Remember:

• Always take your measurements and compare your measurements to the measurements shown for the item you want to buy. Many independent online merchants offer slim fitting clothing. There’s nothing worse (okay, I’m exaggerating) than purchasing a product, waiting anxiously for it to arrive, only to have it show up and…NOT…FIT. How long do you want your skirts and dresses? Measure yourself properly and keep those measurements handy.
• Scope out independent merchants’ Facebook and Twitter pages. Stores like Apostolic Clothing continuously post one day and weekend sales on their available products. I have a special email designated for online newsletters for various online retailers. I hate to have my personal inbox cluttered, but I do enjoy special coupon codes and free shipping.
• Read reviews.
• Don’t assume that you know what material the item of clothing is made of. Don’t go by pictures–READ THE DESCRIPTION. See below.

Know Your Fabrics

• Cotton–it’s versatile, comes in many forms, and it’s very comfortable. Reasons why you should wear cotton clothing.
• Polyester–it’s man made, it blends well with other fabrics, and it is generally too hot to wear in the summer.
• Acrylic–like polyester, acrylic is synthetic. Acrylic is used in knits and is a good wool substitute. Read more from WiseGeek.
• Lycra spandex–it’s synthetic and STRETCHY! If you see an item of clothing with a small percentage of Lycra spandex, then you know you’ve got an item with a little stretch to it. Read more about Lycra.
• Rayon–Rayon has a reputation of being known as a “cheap” fabric because it is often used in making garments that do not hold up well against wear and tear.

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Jade Mackenzie Modest Apparel

Style J

1. Long Layered Denim Skirt $55 2. Long Layered Gauze Skirt $2 3.Basic Maxi Skirt many colors $20 4.Long Denim Flare Skirt $55  5. Long Chiffon Skirt $29 6. Black Ruffle Skirt $38

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I like simple jersey/knit tank dresses in the summer. I have 6 of them now in all different colors and patterns and I am hoping to pick up some more this summer. They are easy to wear with a summer weight cardigan or even layer over a t-shirt or those half tees that Stefanie reviewed.

Here, I am wearing a tank dress that I picked up from Kohl’s a few years ago; my cardigan is very lightweight and comes from Target. Target usually has a lot of great summer weight cardigans to choose from in all different colors. I know that I wore a variation of this outfit last year on vacation in Tennessee. It was HOT! I stayed comfortable in this all day.

Another trick I use in the summer is that I wear bicycle shorts under my skirts and dresses. Especially if I am going to be outside a lot. (It helps with the friction) If you have a darker color dress this usually negates the need for a slip under your dress. Especially if you use the bike/exercise shorts that are more silky or Lycra like. I have cotton ones and am actually on the hunt for some silkier ones, because sometimes, the slip layer is just a little too much in the hot summer sun!