8 November Fashion Essentials

It's time for some new clothes! Grab your favorite stylish piece from this list and stay cozy as fall and winter come into full swing.

Get the Look: Taylor Swift Goes Nautical

Summer Shoes Under $50

Found: A Handmade High-Waisted Skirt

I just had to show off this beautiful skirt that my friend Rebecca made. It’s light blue, high-waisted (which is so “in” right now and timelessly chic), and long enough to pass the modesty check without being so long you don’t know what to do with it. Rebecca is this really artsy, sweet, hilarious girl who is an inspiration junkie just like me (yay!).
Here comes the best part…it’s only $15!! I know, right? Only $15 for a handmade awesomely cute skirt. You should definetly head over to Rebecca’s etsy shop to snatch it up before someone else does!
(If you do buy it, send me a photo of you wearing it to girlsforgodblog@yahoo.com . You could be feautured on the blog for your excellent taste! *wink*)

Dear Melissa: (Modest) Little Black Dress

Q: “I’m going on a cruise to sunny Florida. There’s a dining room on the ship that’s very formal. Where can I find some modest, stylish black dresses, and the shoes and accessories to go with them?” – Maggie

A: Thanks for asking, Maggie! The little black dress should be a staple in every girl’s wardrobe, but it can be very hard to find one that is both modest and fashionable and one that reflects your personal style. It took a lot of research, but it is possible to find beautiful dresses that don't show too much skin.

It’s a basic rule of real-world fashion that your clothing should have balance, and this applies to black dresses as well. This means if the dress is a little short and sleeveless, you can balance it with a high neckline. Pair this with a fitted waist and you have a classic, timeless look that’s been mastered by fashion icons for decades.

I searched all over Forever 21 but could not find a modest (and non-cheapy) black dress to save my life, so I turned to Modcloth. I found slightly better luck here although they are pretty pricy compared to F21. (The dresses featured in this post are from here.)

As for accessories, pearls look amazing with formal wear. Faux pearls will work just as well as real ones. When it comes to shoes, it’s all up to you. If you’re not into sky-high strappy heels, try something with a sleek low heel. If you can’t see yourself wearing something like that, a nice pair of flats will work just fine.

When it comes to makeup and hair, do something chic and beautiful that you wouldn’t normally do. You can try curling your hair and then sweeping it into a pretty up-do or just let it hang loose and shiny down your back. Be sure to wear mascara so your face isn’t overpowered by the black dress.

You can also check out this older post on little black dresses here.

Taylor Swift's Dresses

Two posts in one day...WOW! I know that some of you had asked about Taylor Swift dresses. I was excited about working on this topic but the information I was able to find was outdated, from 2009. Taylor did design a chic line of L.E.I dresses exclusively for Walmart, saying she wanted dresses that she would wear at prices every girl could afford. Sadly, you cannot purchase these at the moment. However, you may be able to find some online deals or do some bargain shopping for Taylor's sundresses.

Build Your Own Swimsuit from $10

Looking for a new swimsuit? I'm always on the lookout for new modest swimwear, so I was really pumped when I saw that Newport News had a "build your own bikini from $10". Of course, I'm no fan of bikinis, but I decided to take a look since it was such a great deal.
You choose your top -- bikini, tankini, halter, or strapless. Then you choose a bottom - bikini, skirt, or shorts. Lastly, you choose a pattern and view your look on a model.
While there were tankinis, some of them were low cut, but none were explicitly immodest because Newport News makes clothing for real women (and most real women don't want everything on display). Most of the tops don't completely cover your hips, either.
So, stop by the Newport News Swimwear Department and tell me what you think. I'd love to hear your opinions.

Swimdresses

Different people have different modesty standards, just like different people have different bodies. If you're plus sized, self concious, or simply want a more modest alternative to other swimwear (including those I've featured), here is about as far as you can go modestly without sacrificing style in the process.

Comfortable, breezy, and slimming, this swimwear from BecomingSwimdress.com will keep you covered and confident at the pool. They come in several styles and look attractive in both the front and back. Say goodbye to baggy modest swimwear that looks more like ugly clothes and say hello to these pretty water dresses!
While I prefer my tankinis, if your modesty standards are higher for yourself, then you should definetly check these out.

Cute Stuff I Found Today...

Saturday mornings are my days to sleep in, sip a Coke, reread Twilight, work on my blogs, and shop online. OK, so maybe it's more like window shopping. I don't usually buy things online (I like to try on clothes in a store to make sure they look good on me; this and the fact that I'm too cheap to pay for shipping.) However, I do look for tons of inspiration online. Yes, I am an inspiration-holic, if those even exist.

Today I (literally) stumbled upon an amazing teal dress for Modcloth.com . The cut and length are just right, it's modest, comfortable, and it's a great color. It looks best on average-sized and petite girls since it gives you some girly figure even if you don't have one. The belt, Missselfridge.com, comes separately. The barettes, Franceluxe.com, are cheap and cute, the lipgloss (Ulta.com) is a pretty pink, and green eyeshadow (Urbandecay.com) is the most flattering shade of eye makeup.

Hot Summer Swimwear that Covers You

I must confess -- I am in love...with a modest clothing company! Can you believe it? I mean, I'm not a prude or a member of the modesty police, so this was a big surprise for me at least. Diviine Modestee effortlessly combines style and modesty in a way that most modest clothing companies do not. I'm in love with their swimwear collection, Divinita Sole, and I think you will be, too. So here it is -- this summer's hottest (and modest) swimwear from Diviine Modestee.

PERKS:

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  DM's tankinis cover you -- minimal or no clevage.
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  These swimsuits are gorgeous -- way cuter than any you can find in department stores.
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  They come in fun colors, styles, and prints.
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  You can mix and match!
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  They tell you what pieces will work for your body and which won't.

Design your perfect swimsuit.

Learn what styles suit your body shape.

Pretty Top for Petite Bodies Under $10

I found this chic top at Forever 21 for only $9.50! The ruffled collar, as well as the draw-in under the bust, give beautiful shape to petite bodies. Curvy girls, however, might look a little too voluminous in this.

Nancy Rue's Guide to Fashion on a Budget

Nancy Rue has published many books for tween girls on beauty, style, faith, and growing up, as well as both The Lily Series and The Sophie Series. We’re going to be soaking in a lot of her favorite beauty and fashion tips, but right now let’s focus on getting great fashions for a great price.

BEAUTY ON A BUDGET

“To really save money, watch for sales. Many stores have sales right after Christmas and right before school starts. Some stores have promotions, like a reward for bringing in a good report card or a coupon in the newspaper or mail. Remember that just because it’s on sale doesn’t mean you’ll save money; be sure you’re actually going to wear it.”

QUALITY NOT QUANTITY
“Remember that it’s better to have a few perfect-for-you, good quality pieces of clothing than a whole closet full of stuff that really isn’t your best look. Don’t forget that you can create different outfits with fun accessories. And besides, what rule says you have to wear something different every single day? If it’s great on you this Tuesday, it will still look fabulous next Tuesday!”

DON'T RELY TOO MUCH ON YOUR PARENTS
“Know how much money there is to spend and don’t try to persuade your folks to go outside their budget. You can pretty much tell what he finances are at your house, so why try to wheedle an expensive pair of jeans out of your mom when you know things are tight? If this is hard for you, try earning some money o buy a few things yourself. When you have to fork over your own cash for that new have-to-have-it, you might find out you really don’t have to have it after all.”

MIX & MATCH
“Look for things that will go with what you already have. You might want new colors too, but be sure to choose things that will mix and match.”

High Fashion Brights Under $100

Bright colors from high fashion retailers for effortless everyday fashion that passes the GFG modesty check.

Long Yellow Cardigan - Free People, $98

Monrow Zip-Up Purple Hoodie - Ron Herman, $74.20

Check Placket Polo - Burberry, $95

Sapphire draped T-shirt - Bluefly, $52.99

Silk Modal gray and purple tee - Splendid, $63

Soft Drape Top - The Limited, $4.19

X-mas Gift: NYX Luscious Lip Palette

Scarves from JC Penny

Scarves aren't just for keeping you warm anymore. A matching scarf can make an outfit unique, while a standout scarf can give the element of surpise...and high fashion.

This pink scarf is used to bring bold flavor to this girly peasant top. This top sits off the shoulders, so a scarf is great if you don't feel comfortable exposing your shoulders or bra straps.

Most people don't wear scarves often because they don't think they can pull the look off -- but they can! Since most people don't wear them, scarves are a fresh treat to see when they are worn correctly. Remember that just throwing a scarf on an outfit will NOT make it gorgeous; don't just wear a scarf to say you can pull it off if it doesn't look good with that outfit. Accessories cannot make a bad outfit stylish.

This post is to serve as inspiration for your own wardrobe. Get the above scarves at JC Penny.

Nancy Rue's Fashion Secret

"When you shop, buy clothes that fit you. You should never look like you've been stuffed into your outfit, no matter what the current style is. Be sure you can move around freely. Forget that your best friend wears 2 sizes smaller than you do. She's her size, you are yours. This is a free and exciting time in your life, so be comfy enough to have a blast!" - Nancy Rue

Nancy Rue is the author of a bazillion books including Beauty Lab, The It's My Life Book, The Beauty Book, The Body Book, and the FaithGirlz series The Lily Series and The Sophie Series. Her books are for young girls who seek their true, beautiful identity in Christ. Pick some up at Mardels or another Christian bookstore.

Review: Target's Choxie Chocolate

Who doesn't love chocolate? Especially when it's wrapped in ultra-fab packages. Target's CHOXIE chocolate is advertised as "unique" and having "something for everyone", from "rich and creamy to peanut buttery". But is it too good to be true?
In May 2007, Consumer Report's testers sampled chocolates from three of Choxie's collections. "Each collection was different," they said. "It was very waxy. It was OK, but not stellar."

The Voice of Mom added about Choxie Flakey Truffles, "Smooth and creamy, these truffles have a delicate and soft chocolate taste, without being too sweet," but noted that they were too soft and melted instantly in your hands.

Taquitos reviewed that the inside chocolate wasn't as pretty as the box, but "the chocolate was soft and quite delicious."

The Girl Tastes fell in love with Choxie's many coffee-flavored chocolates but said non-coffee flavors were bland.

I recieved some Choxie truffles after performing in Pride & Prejudice and thought they were delicious. Rich, creamy, with a light flaky outside.

There are mixed reviews -- from bland to delicious -- so it's your call. Go to Target and try some Choxie for yourself!

p.s: they make pretty party favors and tag-alongs to gift cards for your friend's birthday...(and your mom will probably want some, too!)

Pantene's Hints for Healthy Hair

A Pantene beauty expert is here to tell us all about taking care of your hair – styling, fav products, and help with some common hair horrors, including: Why does my hair turn green in the pool? What can I do if my hair tangles easily? What if my hair is static? and more!

What if my hair tangles easily? "Try using a shampoo and conditioner with a higher level of conditioning than what you’re currently using, or a specialty treatment for additional conditioning. If your hair length is past the shoulders, be sure to use more conditioner on the ends."
Should I leave conditioner in my hair for extra softness? "Only products that specifically say ‘leave-in’ should not be rinsed from your hair. Rule of thumb? If in doubt – wash it out!"
What if I want a curly, smooth, or volumized style? "The key is to shampoo AND condition."
My hair is static! Help! "Get conditioner! Our hair is robbed of moisture every day by things such as weather and the way we style it."
I have blonde hair – and it turns GREEN in the pool! "If your hair is already green from spending time in the pool, use one tablespoon of baking soda with your ordinary shampoo or Pantene Ice Shine shampoo to get rid of the chemicals that turn your hair green. Then, to prevent color change in the future, use your conditioner or Pantene Ice Shine conditioner after swimming to keep your color true."
Any tips on styling? "To pick the best hairstyling tools, you have to know how they work. Wet stylers are for styling wet hair. They include mousses, gels, and serums. Dry stylers, or finishers, are used to fix, hold, and create the final style. These include hairsprays, texturizers (waxes, pomades), and serums."

Covergirl Chats on Putting Your Best Face Forward

Who doesn’t love an expert opinion? Beauty experts, makeup consultants, and dermatologists (skin doctors) have a lot to say about beauty! Here is some of their best advice, plus products they suggest. More is to come from beauty experts from Covergirl, Olay, and Pantene.

"For the best coverage, relax your lips when applying lip liner. To apply gloss or lipstick, open slightly and say ‘Oh!’ so that you can reach the entire lip surface." Fav lipstick? "You can get sheer, shiny lip shades that are true to you with Covergirl TruShine Lipcolor." What about the eyes? "Let your lashes dry between coats [of mascara]. For extra thickness, close your eyes and dust lashes with loose face powder between applications." What do you suggest? "Covergirl Lash Blast Mascara. It gives you those big, bold, ‘look at me’ lashes giving you both volume and separation." And makeup? "When it comes to makeup, color is key. Warm or cool, learn what color family looks best on you. Always put your best face forward. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Drink eight glasses of water a day. Wear foundation with sunscreen." – Covergirl consultant