I think black really neutralizes the summery color, although I am tempted to try animal print. I came across this blog that showcases how to wear mint jeans:
Showing posts with label modest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label modest. Show all posts
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Minty Fresh
I had been wanting mint pants all summer, but all the styles I liked were way out of my budget. Finally, Old Navy came out with a pair at the beginning of fall (I don't know what they were thinking) but I absolutely LOVE THEM! So now I have to dress them up to make them fall-ish.
I think black really neutralizes the summery color, although I am tempted to try animal print. I came across this blog that showcases how to wear mint jeans:
I think black really neutralizes the summery color, although I am tempted to try animal print. I came across this blog that showcases how to wear mint jeans:
Friday, September 28, 2012
The Emmy's 2012 Fashion
Here are my favorite looks from the Emmy's:
Julia Louis-Dreyfus In Vera Wang.
Jane Levy in Pamella Roland
Nicole Kidman in Antonio Berardi
Sarah Hyland in Marchesa
Kerry Washington in Vivenne Westwood
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Fall Colors
I actually wore this outfit to my cousin's wedding this summer, but the colors are perfect for fall! I usually take any opportunity to dress formally that I can, and weddings are a perfect opportunity, but I was dying to wear this outfit. The top is knit and the skirt a casual soft fabric, so to glam it up I paired it with my pearl necklace and bracelet and wore the highest heels I own.
In an ideal world, I would have worn darker colored shoes, preferably a green but I think a brown would have been fine too.
Top: Thrifted, Jewelry Set: gift, Skirt: Forever 21, Shoes: Mod Cloth
Monday, September 24, 2012
A Floral Fall
As fall is upon us, I am bringing out the heavier layers and darker colors. However, I won't go to all black/brown just yet!
Top: Rainbow, Necklace: Wet Seal, Bracelet: Francesca's, Pants: Simply Vera, Wedges: DSW
I am all about the peplum! It is very flattering on any figure type, as it gives you a waistline while hiding the hips/love handles. Plus who doesn't love a little extra "flare" in her step?
I decided to pair gold jewelry with this outfit to give it a little softer, fancier look, whereas "tying-in" the black would have given it a harsher, more edgy look.
What is your favorite current fall trend?
Sunday, September 23, 2012
New Page!
Hey all!
I just added a new page titled "Resources." It is mostly filled with links to my favorite modest shops, but also a couple other items as well, such as really great magazines. I will try and add more as I come across them. There are definitely more modest websites out there, but I feel these sites most closely line up with the vision of "Chased Clothing": being modest but also fashionable and current.
Take this dress from Allure Bridal for example, could this dress be any more perfect?!
I just added a new page titled "Resources." It is mostly filled with links to my favorite modest shops, but also a couple other items as well, such as really great magazines. I will try and add more as I come across them. There are definitely more modest websites out there, but I feel these sites most closely line up with the vision of "Chased Clothing": being modest but also fashionable and current.
Take this dress from Allure Bridal for example, could this dress be any more perfect?!
What are your favorite modest site(s)?
A Chill in the Air
With 35 degree weather, fall is officially upon us, and I have broken out the maxi skirt.
Man, put some stunna shades on me and a whole new sassy Catherine comes out! I love love love maxi dresses/skirts for several reasons.
1. Very feminine.
2. So comfy.
3. You can wear leggings underneath when it gets cold and no one even knows.
4. Don't have to shave.
This summer I found that I really like pairing mint/teal with an orangey/peach. However, my tip when pairing such colors that might seem like they don't go together well, is to "tie-in the colors together." This is a perfect job for jewelry and/or shoes. For example, the bracelet I am wearing, although you can't tell from the picture, has both the coral color and the teal color in the bracelet. Hence the tying-in. Other options for this outfit would have been a teal necklace or headband, or coral shoes (although, I think that would be a little too much).
What are your favorite fall fashion tips to stay warm?
Shades: Old Navy, Top: shop in Cali, Skirt: Old Navy, Bracelet: thrifted
Man, put some stunna shades on me and a whole new sassy Catherine comes out! I love love love maxi dresses/skirts for several reasons.
1. Very feminine.
2. So comfy.
3. You can wear leggings underneath when it gets cold and no one even knows.
4. Don't have to shave.
This summer I found that I really like pairing mint/teal with an orangey/peach. However, my tip when pairing such colors that might seem like they don't go together well, is to "tie-in the colors together." This is a perfect job for jewelry and/or shoes. For example, the bracelet I am wearing, although you can't tell from the picture, has both the coral color and the teal color in the bracelet. Hence the tying-in. Other options for this outfit would have been a teal necklace or headband, or coral shoes (although, I think that would be a little too much).
What are your favorite fall fashion tips to stay warm?
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Bragging Rights
I am involved in a program on campus called "Catholic Studies Leadership Interns." This past weekend we had our beginning of the year retreat. In this program we are called "Young colleagues and professionals" and are expected to dress and act accordingly. Here is what I put together:
During this retreat we discussed the basics of what it means to be a Christian leader. As the Lord usually does, He spoke through our main speaker, Fr. Keating, on a topic I have really been struggling with lately: the gifts and skills we have been given. To be a leader is to lead through the skills and gifts you have.
Before this school year, I thought using the gifts and skills you have was automatically bragging. I took on the mindset that using something I have been given that not everyone has would be like shoving it in their face that I have this and they don't. I would never want to make anyone feel bad about that, but perhaps more importantly on my mind was that I didn't want people to judge me for thinking I was "all that" with these skills.
However, my amazing friends, along with the talk I heard this weekend, have really opened my mind to the reality and purpose of gifts and skills. Let's face it, we all have been given different gifts, skills, desires and traits. Some have a knack for musical instruments, some have a mind for mathematics, some really understand and appreciate science, others are very loyal and hard-working in less desirable fields, and still others are great companions to those in need. Whatever we have been given, it is our duty to use and express these gifts for others. We are not meant to keep them to ourselves or use them to promote self, as they will be corrupt, die and only produce pride in us. Rather, the purpose of gifts is to share them with others, especially with those who have not been gifted in this particular way. Further, to envy other's gifts is to miss the point of them. The gifts are not for ourself, but rather to share with others. Therefore, if another person has been given a unique quality, you should rejoice that the Lord has bestowed them with you because you can benefit from it!
One can truly add a lot to her community and society when she recognizes the skills she has, in addition to those she desires using (ex. You may have a mind for math but think it is ridiculously boring,) but especially recognizing, honoring and giving thanks to the Giver.
A great way to discover what you are good at is by trying new things, being open to suggestions and paying attention to compliments people give, or the tasks people regularly ask of you. Further, you will be doing a great service if you point out the gifts you see others possess.
If you are careful to share your gifts with others, not keeping them to yourself, recognizing where they come from, and do so with humility and not in self promotion, you are doing it right.
What gifts have you been given, and in what ways are you sharing them?
Top: Gordman's, Necklace: Target, Skirt: Forever 21
During this retreat we discussed the basics of what it means to be a Christian leader. As the Lord usually does, He spoke through our main speaker, Fr. Keating, on a topic I have really been struggling with lately: the gifts and skills we have been given. To be a leader is to lead through the skills and gifts you have.
Before this school year, I thought using the gifts and skills you have was automatically bragging. I took on the mindset that using something I have been given that not everyone has would be like shoving it in their face that I have this and they don't. I would never want to make anyone feel bad about that, but perhaps more importantly on my mind was that I didn't want people to judge me for thinking I was "all that" with these skills.
However, my amazing friends, along with the talk I heard this weekend, have really opened my mind to the reality and purpose of gifts and skills. Let's face it, we all have been given different gifts, skills, desires and traits. Some have a knack for musical instruments, some have a mind for mathematics, some really understand and appreciate science, others are very loyal and hard-working in less desirable fields, and still others are great companions to those in need. Whatever we have been given, it is our duty to use and express these gifts for others. We are not meant to keep them to ourselves or use them to promote self, as they will be corrupt, die and only produce pride in us. Rather, the purpose of gifts is to share them with others, especially with those who have not been gifted in this particular way. Further, to envy other's gifts is to miss the point of them. The gifts are not for ourself, but rather to share with others. Therefore, if another person has been given a unique quality, you should rejoice that the Lord has bestowed them with you because you can benefit from it!
One can truly add a lot to her community and society when she recognizes the skills she has, in addition to those she desires using (ex. You may have a mind for math but think it is ridiculously boring,) but especially recognizing, honoring and giving thanks to the Giver.
A great way to discover what you are good at is by trying new things, being open to suggestions and paying attention to compliments people give, or the tasks people regularly ask of you. Further, you will be doing a great service if you point out the gifts you see others possess.
If you are careful to share your gifts with others, not keeping them to yourself, recognizing where they come from, and do so with humility and not in self promotion, you are doing it right.
What gifts have you been given, and in what ways are you sharing them?
Monday, September 17, 2012
Gossip and the First Day of School
This is very belated, however a couple of weeks ago I had my sixteenth first day of school.
I was going through old notebooks and found this little number I wrote on "Gossiping vs. Venting." I wrote it last spring but it is still very relevent. I hope this helps you when you are conversing and catching up with friends you haven't seen all summer!
I am really good at gossiping. I have been doing it all my life. I thought it was a way to connect to people with whom I had nothing else in common. "We both don't like this person, let's bond over it!" Super messed up. I even noticed this is what a family member and I would do everytime we got together. And then I noticed that gossip was always on my list I bring into the confessional. I even thought for a while "This is just a part of me. The priest is just going to have to get used to hearing this and put me on the 'gossip-repeat-offender list.'"
I determined I needed to eliminate this habit for two reasons:
1. This is not good for my soul because I get in the habit of unjustly judging others and viewing them as less than myself.
2. This only destroys relationships, no matter how much I think I am bonding with the other person I am gossiping with. If they are willing to gossip with you, they will gossip about you.
However with that being said, I do believe a person should vent. It is very good and natural to be able to release anger, frustration, fear, questions, etc. Being able to confide in a friend or seek advice is a gift. But there are real differences between venting and gossiping.
In venting, a person gives the objective* facts of what happens. This is difficult because if you need to vent, your emotions are already high. However, try your best to stay objective. Refrain from including negative adjectives--especially about another person. Venting becomes gossipping when you put down or defame another person.
For example, Venting: I did not study well enough, therefore I did very poorly on my test today.
Gossiping: I did very poorly on my test today. My teacher is a jerk and is out to get me.
Venting: Veronica didn't say hi to me today and it made me feel unimportant.
Gossiping: Veronica purposely ignored me today. She always does stuff like this, it's probably because she thinks she is better than everyone.
When you bring in the subjective and put down another person, you are unjustly coloring a picture to your listener. Here is a list of things you can ask yourself if you would like to keep gossiping off your "confession list."
1. Would I want the subject of this conversation to know I am talking about them in this manner?
2. Am I betraying someone's trust by sharing this?
3. What is my intention is sharing this?
Is it to seek advice on how to handle the situation?
Do I want to be justified in my feelings?
Do I have nothing better to talk about and think this is a way to relate to another?
Women by nature are relational beings. In general, we talk A LOT. It is how we best communicate and bond. This is a beautiful gift and one that should be used but also guarded to make sure we are always helping build others up, not tear them down.
Earrings: Old Navy, Top: Old Navy, Shorts: Old Navy, Wedges: DSW
Can you guess my favorite store?
I was going through old notebooks and found this little number I wrote on "Gossiping vs. Venting." I wrote it last spring but it is still very relevent. I hope this helps you when you are conversing and catching up with friends you haven't seen all summer!
I am really good at gossiping. I have been doing it all my life. I thought it was a way to connect to people with whom I had nothing else in common. "We both don't like this person, let's bond over it!" Super messed up. I even noticed this is what a family member and I would do everytime we got together. And then I noticed that gossip was always on my list I bring into the confessional. I even thought for a while "This is just a part of me. The priest is just going to have to get used to hearing this and put me on the 'gossip-repeat-offender list.'"
I determined I needed to eliminate this habit for two reasons:
1. This is not good for my soul because I get in the habit of unjustly judging others and viewing them as less than myself.
2. This only destroys relationships, no matter how much I think I am bonding with the other person I am gossiping with. If they are willing to gossip with you, they will gossip about you.
However with that being said, I do believe a person should vent. It is very good and natural to be able to release anger, frustration, fear, questions, etc. Being able to confide in a friend or seek advice is a gift. But there are real differences between venting and gossiping.
In venting, a person gives the objective* facts of what happens. This is difficult because if you need to vent, your emotions are already high. However, try your best to stay objective. Refrain from including negative adjectives--especially about another person. Venting becomes gossipping when you put down or defame another person.
For example, Venting: I did not study well enough, therefore I did very poorly on my test today.
Gossiping: I did very poorly on my test today. My teacher is a jerk and is out to get me.
Venting: Veronica didn't say hi to me today and it made me feel unimportant.
Gossiping: Veronica purposely ignored me today. She always does stuff like this, it's probably because she thinks she is better than everyone.
When you bring in the subjective and put down another person, you are unjustly coloring a picture to your listener. Here is a list of things you can ask yourself if you would like to keep gossiping off your "confession list."
1. Would I want the subject of this conversation to know I am talking about them in this manner?
2. Am I betraying someone's trust by sharing this?
3. What is my intention is sharing this?
Is it to seek advice on how to handle the situation?
Do I want to be justified in my feelings?
Do I have nothing better to talk about and think this is a way to relate to another?
Women by nature are relational beings. In general, we talk A LOT. It is how we best communicate and bond. This is a beautiful gift and one that should be used but also guarded to make sure we are always helping build others up, not tear them down.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Neon and Standards
In sunny St. Paul today it got up to 92 degrees, and tomorrow is supposed to be even hotter. Thanks August...
tank: h&m, necklace: thrifted, shorts: j. crew, flats: j. crew
It is amazing how the word "modesty" can have so many diverse meanings to so many people, loaded with passion and emotion, anger, disgust, solace and joy. It is also amazing how time, age, experiences and acquaintances can drastically change one's view and definition of a word. I am one such person who has had a change of heart so to speak.
I was the stereotypical high schooler who thought she knew EVERYTHING. "Man, God has just gifted me with the special knowledge and wisdom to know exactly what modesty means, and anyone who really cares about modesty and their faith will have the exact same way of practicing this 'virtue'." WOW, how naive and ignorant can a person be?!
I just watched the movie "There Be Dragons" which is about St. Josemaria Escriva and the persecution of the Church in Spain. There was a line he said that really spoke to me. Josemaria's brother was asking how a true Catholic would proceed in the persecution of the Church, would he fight back or be a martyr? Josemaria responded that God has given each man reason, intellect and freedom to be able to make moral decisions based on his knowledge, and that he will be responsible for those decisions. How beautiful! There is no cookie cutter way for a woman to live out and practice modesty. She can practice her reason and free will to live out her modesty in the best and most true way she can.
So how do I practice modesty? It will undoubtedly vary from other women, but I have a couple rules I usually like to follow.
1. No butts, guts or coconuts. 'Nuf said.
2. I like to wear straps that are at least 1-inch wide, that way all undergarments are concealed and I know my top or dress will not fall down.
3. If a shirt is so tight that one can see the contours of my not-so-flat abs, no thanks.
4. I don't wear knit pants/shorts/leggings/skirts/spandex. Too clingy.
5. I have found that I like shorts that have a 7in. inseam. They are just most comfortable for me. However, I do own a couple 5in. inseam shorts, they just ride up a little when I sit down.
6. It's hard to have a rule about skirts/dress lengths because lots of things need to be factored in: the flare of the skirt, the fabric of the skirt, if leggings/tights are being worn underneath, and what shoes are being warn. A sure test, however, is if my skirt is shorter than the biking shorts I wear underneath it, it's got to go.
These many factors are going to vary greatly between women because of cultural standards, the way you were raised, personal comfortability, your height (or lack thereof), etc.
Perhaps most important of all, though, is the way a woman carries herself- in speech, conduct, and thought. While the body must not be neglected, neither can the soul.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
A Sunday in Summer
Happy Sunday!
I actually wore this outfit this past Easter, but it also works well for any Sunday in summer!
I actually wore this outfit this past Easter, but it also works well for any Sunday in summer!
top: rainbow, belt: kohls, ring: new york and company, skirt: j.crew, flats: kohls
I don't have much to commentate on for this outfit, I feel as though it pretty much speaks for itself! As you will soon find out, I am a very "matchy-matchy" kind of girl. I like everything from head to toe to coordinate.
It all started back in 2nd grade at my first basketball game. I wore a goldenrod bandana to match my men's extra-large jersey. All throughout my tom-boy years and countless sports teams, my accessories (sweat bands, knee high socks, sliding pants, and even knee pads) coordinated seamlessly. The rest is history.
P.S. A pet peeve of mine is when people say "conversate." For example, my girl Beyonce even has a line in a song "...let's get to conversatin'..." But is commentate a word? If there definitely are "commentators", then they must be "commentating" which must mean to "commentate"... right?
Friday, August 24, 2012
State Fair
Today I am heading to the Minnesota State Fair. My favorite thing to do is post up at the milk booth with a cone of Sweet Martha's cookies! This is what I'll be wearing...
shirt: gap pure, necklace and bracelet: gifts, shorts: thrifted, tennies: target
1. Neon and brights are definitely in this season (although I do realize summer is quickly coming to a close). I like to add complimentary colors to an outfit with accessories. Adds a little extra flavor and interest.
2. I am really a fan of the recent "tucking in" trend. I defintely used to make fun of my dad for tucking his t-shirts into his athletic shorts, but it really is a quick way to class up an otherwise casual outfit.
3. I think everyone should have a pair of cute casual tennies. They make all the difference on outings where you want to rock the sporty look and/or you will be doing a lot of walking. I got this keds-inspired pair at Target for $9 and I wear them all the time. I also got a pair of Coach sneakers for Christmas that are great for fall and winter, and I have always wanted a pair of boat shoes. Whatever your price range or style, I recommend you add this staple to your closet :)
4. This summer my go-to store has been Gap. At the beginning of the summer, I went in there and picked out a bunch of things and the cashier asked me if I wanted to open a credit card with them--I could save 30% on all that I had gotten! She totally got me-but it really has paid off. I have already earned $50 in rewards that I can use at Gap, Old Navy and even Gap Outlet! And of course I make sure to pay off my entire balance at the end of the month.
MODEST TIP: Forgive me if you already knew this one, but I just had the revelation: If a top is just a little too low cut, but it would be too hot, too inconvenient, or not cute to wear a bulky cami underneath, wear a longer, chunky necklace- no one will even notice!
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Red, White and Blue
My first outfit post! PLEASE excuse the amateur photos, my best friend Chelsea tried her best, but what can ya do with a camera phone...
I love the current "sailor trend!"
1. I think everyone should own a red costume jewelry necklace. I wear it all the time with so many different outfits! Red is so universal, you are sure to get a lot of use out of it.
2. Stripes are pretty classic, they are always in style, depending on the color and width of course.
3. I love me some white pants! Just be careful when (ahem) and where you wear them.
4. Wedges--this is definitely one current trend I was not on board with at first, but after seeing so many cute styles, I hopped on the bandwagon. If you can find a comfortable, neutral colored pair, I think it is worth the investment!
MODEST TIP: Wearing crew neck t-shirts, even when fitted, is certainly modest, but it can get a little...what's the word...boring, frumpy, 8-year-oldish. It really helps if the fitted tee has a bit of a scoop/v-neck or some embellishment around the neckline!
I love the current "sailor trend!"
necklace: thrifted, t-shirt: h&m, pants: old navy, wedges: dsw
1. I think everyone should own a red costume jewelry necklace. I wear it all the time with so many different outfits! Red is so universal, you are sure to get a lot of use out of it.
2. Stripes are pretty classic, they are always in style, depending on the color and width of course.
3. I love me some white pants! Just be careful when (ahem) and where you wear them.
4. Wedges--this is definitely one current trend I was not on board with at first, but after seeing so many cute styles, I hopped on the bandwagon. If you can find a comfortable, neutral colored pair, I think it is worth the investment!
MODEST TIP: Wearing crew neck t-shirts, even when fitted, is certainly modest, but it can get a little...what's the word...boring, frumpy, 8-year-oldish. It really helps if the fitted tee has a bit of a scoop/v-neck or some embellishment around the neckline!
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