4 Reasons you should NOT be Modest

"Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world..." Romans 12:2

I don't know about ya'll, but that one verse has the ability to convict me almost any time I read it. I instantly ask myself, "How have I been conforming lately? Where are some areas I am lazily accepting the world's pattern instead of challenging myself to live against it?"

This world we live in as Christians has a way of subtly and outright influencing us. It's a tricky path to navigate because we are not swept up and away to heaven the second we meet Jesus; we are left here with a mission to "let our light shine" and "fish for men" and "make disciples of all nations."

What glorious callings! But how difficult to live out. Especially when we don't have role models living it out perfectly.

One area that I find it particularly hard to not "be conformed to the pattern of this world" is how we, as women, dress ourselves.
(Yep, that's right, I'm going to talk about modesty. Feel free to close this tab and move on to something else.)

I've been particularly discouraged this summer to see a lack of standards amongst Christian women in the way they dress. Before you call me a hypocrite, I'll admit right-out I know I haven't been perfect. This isn't a post about pointing fingers. Much of what I'm about to say is what I tell myself when I'm getting discouraged or I find myself lowering my own standards. These are constant reminders I have to give myself.

I've written before about one of the biggest reasons I choose modesty, but I want to dive a little deeper into it today.
One reason is because I read another article today about how modesty isn't the woman's job, it's the man's job. It was written by a father who is "no longer teaching [his] sons to look away," but to somehow look at scantily-dressed women and see the woman as a highly-valuable soul. He even went so far as to point out that men who averted their eyes were somehow doing something wrong.

I feel the need to respond and to explain both the reasons why I'm modest and the not-reasons that I'm modest.
Not only that, but I believe these are reasons that go beyond personal conviction and should be applicable to every Christian woman.

4 Reasons you should not be Modest

1. Do not be modest because you are ashamed of your body

When I tell people that I don't wear bikinis, they instantly respond with "But, why? You're beautiful!" They assume that I am somehow embarrassed about my appearance.

I know I am a beautiful woman. Yes, there are areas I would change, but overall I'm proud of my body and the way that I look! On top of that, my husband says he's proud of the way I look. If that doesn't give me double the reason to want to show it off, I don't know what does.
So shame is not a reason I am modest.

2. Do not be modest because it is your duty 

This one may seem strange... But another typical response I get to modesty is, "But it's the guy's job to guard his eyes/thoughts, so why make it your job?"

Easy. I'm not making it my job. Someone who is struggling with lust is going to struggle with lust whether I'm on the beach in my underwear or not.
But if I can be a safe place for a Christian man's eyes to land for two seconds, then, even though I'm not trying to get rid of the struggle, I may be making it a little easier on him.

3. Do not be modest because your body is an object

The author of this article accused modest women of treating their bodies as objects. I have also had people accuse me of agreeing with "rape culture," which, in a nutshell, claims that rapes wouldn't happen if women were more modest.

I know I am more than a body. And I know that my body is "fearfully and wonderfully made." But it is because I know that my body is more than an object that I work so hard to keep it sacred. (Peep the last point)

4. Do not be modest because you think "men can't help it."

I am not modest because I think men are animals, or carnal brutes that can't control themselves. I come from a family with 6 awesome brothers, a god-fearing father, and I am married to an amazing man. I know men of self-control and men who are daily walking as Christian men ought to walk.

But these men aren't perfect, and they need women who are going to stand alongside of them and support them, not just say, "Hey, I know this is hard, but try to focus on my face while I lay out and get a tan in whatever I want to wear."

6 Reasons you should be Modest

1. Modesty loves and serves the Christian men in your life

I am surrounded by Christian men; brothers in Christ. They are daily fighting the good fight and striving for purity. I want to do anything I can as a sister in Christ to encourage that fight for purity, not discourage it. 

Having so many biological brothers, it upsets me to no end when I see the Christian girls in their life that show off their beautiful bodies around them. It speaks so much disrespect to the purity they are trying so hard to attain.

Find one Christian young man who can look at you in the eyes and tell you that it is easy to walk in purity when there are half-naked women around every corner. 

Then ask them if modesty makes a difference in their lives.

Then make your decision.

Again, I can't emphasize this enough, it is not my job, but my honor to serve them in modesty.

2. Modesty requires humility

Ya'll know me; I love fashion. I love learning how to dress my body type and throw as many colors and patterns into one outfit as possible. 

But when I go out in whatever I want to wear because I want to wear it, it is so, so selfish. Ephesians 2:3 calls us to do "nothing out of selfish ambition," and goes on to encourage us to use Christ as an example!

If I am called to lay down my life to serve those around me, it should seem obvious that laying down my right to wear whatever I want when I want to wear it is far easier than shedding my lifeblood. 

Paul was willing to give up his right to eat meat!

1 Corinthians 8:12-13 says, 

"sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brothers stumble," (ESV, emphasis added).

I want to have this humility that is willing to lay down anything destructive in my life if it means I can love others better. Even if it's something like eating meat or wearing what I want.

3. Modesty doesn't hinder the Gospel

Again, in 1 Corinthians, Paul says

 "we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the Gospel of Christ," (9:12, ESV). 

I am called to "be not conformed to the pattern of this world" and let the light of Christ shine in my life. If I look like the world, what good does that do? I am making myself an obstacle in the way of the Gospel! 

How humiliating would it be to reach heaven, be in the presence of my King, and for Him to say, "Casey, you blended in"? 

I don't want to just make it to heaven, I want to be so different and full of light and so desperately in love with God and humanity that I am taking a crowd to heaven with me. Light doesn't make a difference when it shine into light, and light doesn't make a difference when it tries to blend into the darkness or not "make waves."

Light is bright and offensive and the complete opposite of the dark. 

Ladies, this means we need to look different. If we are blending in and looking like everyone else, we will not be living out the Gospel effectively. And this means we need to have this attitude that is willing to give up anything in order that the Gospel may flow effectively in and out of our lives.

4. Modesty serves my husband

One of the greatest gifts I can give to my husband is a 100% right to my body. Completely and entirely to no one else. This does not just mean sexually, but visually as well.

Even before I knew Jon or knew he would be my husband, I knew that one day I was going to be married to a man who was thankful that I saved myself for his eyes, and his eyes only.
And now that we are married, Jon has told me over and over that my modesty honors him and shows him respect.

My modesty tells to the world that my body is for one person to look at, admire, and enjoy.

5. Modesty serves men's wives and future wives

It's a shame that if Jon and I go to the beach, I won't invite some of my Christian women friends.

Why? Because I know that they won't be modest and respect my husband's eyes. 

But it is so refreshing to be around a group of women who are respecting me by respecting my husband.
My husband does not need them to be modest; he is a man of character who runs hard after purity whether they are modest or not. But it shows an above-and-beyond act of respect to me when they are standing beside me contending for my husband's purity.

In the same way, respect the single men's future wives. Be the kind of girl their future wives would be proud to have around them, supporting them as single men in their efforts to save their eyes for their future wife.
Ladies, let's be the women that these men's wives and future wives would be thankful for.

6. Modesty respects your body as a temple

This is the most important reason why I am modest.

My body is not my own.

When I became a Christian, my body became an instrument for God's purposes, a holy place of worship.

"Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?... For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple," (1 Corinthians 3:16, ESV). 

Why would God want His holy, pure, and unselfish Spirit to reside in a scantily-clad temple? One that is not even thinking of her Christian brothers (or their wives) when they get dressed in the morning? How does that bring Him glory? How does that make Him proud?

I want to be a glorious temple for His Spirit. I want Him to point at me and say, "Wow, she's representing me well."

At the end of the day, I can't make others holy. Being modest does mean the men around me don't fall into sin. But it honors God that His temple is holy and is encouraging holiness around her.

My last thoughts...

"Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness," Romans 6:13

I want nothing more than for my body to be an "instrument of righteousness," and I want to run far, far away from my body being an "instrument for unrighteousness."

I know I fail, and I get lazy about what I wear. And I am so thankful that I married someone who will remind me of how important it is to treat my body like a holy temple when I don't feel like wearing anything but leggings. But I am always going to be striving to make this temple one that is more holy, and one that is used as an instrument of righteousness and not unrighteousness.

Linking up with Pumps & Push Ups, Tucker Up, Jersey Girl Texan Heart, The Red Closet Diary, East Coast Nat, Doused in Pink, Mix Match Fashion, Happiness at Midlife, Momfessionals, Sept-Farm, Bright on a Budget, More Pieces of Me, Elegantly Fashionable, Pink Sole, Fizz & Frosting, Northwest Blonde, Still Being Molly, My Bows & Clothes, Garay Treasures, Why I Do DeClaire, Sandy a la Mode, Myriad Musings, Two Peas in a Blog, A Good Hue, The Pleated Poppy, Pumps & Pushups, 50 is not old, Tucker Up, Jersey Girl, Texan Heart, Cappuccino & Fashion, & The Closet by Christie

The Modest Budget: It's a Pretty RADSwim Sale

Hey ladies!

So today I have to share with ya'll this cute and modest RAD Swim bathing suit that is on sale!

(Do you get it now? "A pretty RAD Swim sale?;)

I'm not a big fan of bikinis (I'll tell you why on Wednesday!) so a suit that is modest without being drab is such a win for me.

RAD Swim is a new-er company, and their focus is on high-quality suits that are classy and modest. This suit was definitely a success in these two categories. It was super comfortable, and I didn't have to worry about it slipping or shifting into all the wrong places.

The back is my absolute FAVORITE part about this bathing suit... It's so different! Halters are typically my favorite strap style for bathing suits, but this one was unique, easy to adjust, and much less hazardous than a tie-yourself stringy strap!

I wore this to my parent's house over the holidays, and I can prove to you that it's perfect for a lot of things!

 Can't do THAT in a stringy two-piece!;)

This particular suit is on sale for $24, and a great investment. But they have a bunch of other cute suits, and there are rumors they're working on peplum tops! #muchloveforthepeplum

Here are a few more of my current faves:

 Ella (on sale for $24!!) // Breanne (new!!)

  Taylor (on sale!!) // Sydney in coral 

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Hope ya'll are having a fabulous week! The weekend is just around the corner!

What are some of ya'll's fave modest swimsuits? Tag me on Instagram at #TheModestBudget!

(This post was sponsored by RAD Swim with a discount on my purchase, but all opinions are 100% genuine) Linking up with Happiness at Midlife, Stylin' in St Louis, Penniless Socialite, Mix Match Fashion, Doused in Pink, East Coast Nat, The Red Closet Diary, Sept Farm, Claire Justine, Bright on a Budget, The Closet by Christie, Two Thirty Five Designs, Jolynne Shane, Adri Lately, Rachel the Hat, Posh Classy Mom, Birdie Shoots, Lizzie in Lace, More Pieces of Me, Still Being Molly, Elegantly Fashionable, Fizz & Frosting, Pink Sole, Northwest Blonde, My Bows & Clothes, Garay Treasures, Why I Do DeClaire, Sandy a la Mode, Myriad Musings, The Fashion Canvas, Two Peas in a Blog, The Pleated Poppy, Pumps & Push-Ups, 50 is not old, Tucker Up, & Jersey Girl Texan Heart

I'm Single... You're Not.

It feels like recently I have been surrounded by couples. Lots and lots of single people, but also lots and lots of couples. Inevitable on a college campus, but also inevitable at the mall, coffee shops, weddings and parking lots. 

Couples.

Everywhere. 

But I LOVE it. 

I’ve gotten a lot of sympathetic responses when I say I’m not in a relationship anymore. Yeah, let’s face it, it’s awkward when someone gets the response “we actually broke up a few months ago,” because they don’t know how to respond or what to say or where to look. And then they almost feel guilty for talking about their healthy relationship.

But honestly, I really love listening to these folks talk about how much they appreciate and look up to their “someone.” Not only is it adorable, but it’s really encouraging. 

The privilege of seeing other people have relationships that are healthy and fun and thriving is such an encouragement to me. Yes, I want that…eventually. But right now it’s really cool to just see that that exists. I’m rejoicing in the freedom of no romance in my life, but also rejoicing in the hope of it one day.

Someone asked me today why I’m content with being single. I thought about it for a sec, and I think I just love that I get to figure things out with the Lord on my own for a while. My struggles are my struggles instead of our struggles. My victories are my victories, my adventures are my adventures… and it’s fun being in this life and not having to worry about including someone in every decision, or letting them know what I’m thinking or how I’m feeling or how my day was. I get to process things on my own for a season (and goof off with girl friends all the time;) 

And even though I know one day I’m going to hand over the freedom of singleness with joy when the right relationship comes along, I also may not get married at all. If I do, I want to reach it knowing that I spent my single years well. That I hoped without wishing, waited without moping, and anticipated without desperately longing. I want to spend my time well, but I also want to spend my heart and my thoughts well. And if I don’t get married, there’s no point in wishing around for it anyway.

So, for all you couples that I run into every now and then, feel free to gush about your relationship and your struggles and your victories and how sweet he is and how you love her laugh and the plans ya’ll have together. Because while I enjoy my single lady status, I need to be reminded sometimes that relationships are good things, and gifts from the Lord, and something worth hoping for.

Why Modesty?

I get asked a lot why I wear skirts, which is sometimes followed by the question of what modesty is all about. While this is not about why I only wear skirts (a personal conviction, and something I may write about later), this is to answer the simply question of,

What's the point of dressing modestly?

There are a lot of answers to this question. A lot of it has to do with the protection of the men in our lives. But that can't be the only reason, can it? After all, I can't protect them from everything. I slip up; I make mistakes; I wear that shirt that's borderline too tight or too low because I think I look good in it. But the simplest answer I have found for myself, the simplest motivation I have for being modest is this:

I want to be a safe place.

We've all been in situations when we're with our brothers, guy friends, boyfriends, husbands, and we instantly feel uncomfortable for them when we walk past Victoria's Secret, or when that certain scene in that movie comes on. 
It's not a jealousy, or even a protective issue. I just cringe with an embarrassment for the whole female species. Because I know it's difficult for them. I know in those situations their brain is struggling against the opportunity to use the "hey, I'm a guy, I can't help it" excuse, or to be a nobler sort of man.

It's been my goal for the past couple of years to be a girl that men can be safe around. Whether it's my guy friends, my friends' significant others or the adult men in my life.

I do not want them to feel assaulted whenever they are around me. I want them to feel like they can be around me without keeping their guard super high. I want them to be talk to me without having to fight for eye contact because they're trying so hard not to look at my body. I want to be able to hang out with couples and the woman not feel like she needs to be jealous or protective over her boyfriend/husband's eyes or attention. I want to be a source of friendship and encouragement, being the smallest distraction that I could possibly be.

This causes me to ask myself some very hard questions sometimes. Especially when I'm with my guy friends or my brothers and I notice a shift in their behavior when a girl "dressed like that" walks past. And it just leads me to wonder: "do I cause that sort of defensive reaction to the guys in my life? do I make them feel uncomfortable?"

Two possible responses:

Gals, this is a weakness for men. And since we can't protect them completely, we have two responses: we, as women, can set out to assault this weakness, OR we can do what we can to be, as much as possible, a "safe place" for their minds and their eyes. Yeah, it's the less-fun road to take. It means making sacrifices with certain clothing items, and turning down the latest styles sometimes. 
But to put my vanity before the purity of the men in my life is an atrocity.

Let's challenge and encourage each other to becoming safer places for the men in our lives instead of being just another source of struggle.

You can read my next post, "4 Reasons you should NOT be modest," here.

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A Rant About My Frustrations and Your Beauty (Not Your Body): For Those With Insecurities

Nobody wants to talk about their insecurities. But that’s exactly what I’m going to do right now. Not because I need the attention. Because, honestly, who wants their insecurities pointed out on the internet? I’d rather ya’ll just forget I had imperfections at all (which, as I've talked about before, I'm still learning about). But I'm just gonna be straight-up for like, five minutes.

This comes from having a really bad day yesterday, and KNOWING that I’m not the only girl who has those days where she can’t think ANYTHING positive about herself.

Because that’s what happened. All day I was constantly assaulted by hateful thoughts toward myself. Every mirror screamed, “YOU’RE NOT GOOD ENOUGH, AND YOU WON’T BE. HAVE YOU SEEN YOURSELF? COME TAKE A LOOK. YOU’RE NOTHING SPECIAL. YOU’RE AWFUL.” I tried all day to block it out, but it ended with me in tears at 2 a.m., too depressed and discouraged to sleep, and I just let the accusations hit me while I sat there by myself. I hated myself, and I hated that I didn't have an answer for the hateful voices in my head.

There were people who were able to encourage me last night and throughout today, but it’s still something embarrassing that really isn’t fun to text or talk about. So I really didn’t dwell on it much, until I got home late tonight, and I randomly talked to Mama about it (which is something I should have done right away. Mama makes everything better. Even when you're almost 20 years old).

Like any good mother would be, she was instantly mortified that I could even consider the thought that I’m anything but beautiful, and promptly encouraged me in the contrasting notion. But she still listened to me explain why had reached that conclusion.

And, in talking with her, I came to another conclusion: 

I AM NOT MY APPEARANCE.

Let me explain: I am not simply created as something physical. I am not simply a body. I am a spirit, a soul, a personality, a laugh, a mind, a voice, a heart (all of which are of much greater value and beauty than any physical body could be).
If there were some odd way that you could take away my physical body without killing me, I would be no less me. Because my body is not my definition. It’s a part of me, but it’s not who I am. It is not my identity.

We discussed this a bit in my philosophy class, when the professor brought up Descartes defense of existence: “I think; therefore I am.” The ability to think, and to reason, was what Descartes used to draw the conclusion that he existed. Apart from his body and everything physical, he existed metaphysically.

The same goes here. My appearance is not "Casey Garland Heard." 
As "Casey Garland Heard," I am a lot of things besides my body. I am a singer; I am a writer; I am a thinker; I am a loud laugher; I am a leader. I imagine; I dream; I love; I speak; I feel. I have a personality, a specific tone to my voice, and intrinsic spiritual value that cannot be stripped from me, no matter how I look.

Psalm 139 talks about how we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” This passage is often given to girls who feel that they are nothing beautiful. However, I believe this goes beyond the physical. I am fearfully and wonderfully made physically, yes; but so is everything about me. There is no one like me; not only physically, but spiritually, mentally, emotionally, in every way. 

“You are the one who created my innermost parts; You knit me together in my mother’s womb,” (139:13). He didn’t just design me physically; He designed me entirely.

YOU are beautiful because YOU are beautiful. Your body is simply the package.

I'm still learning. And I'm not gonna give up on learning. Because I'm sick of hating myself.

"I’m sick of mirrors screaming hate
I’m sick of girls resigned to a fate
of those like our mothers
hunching our shoulders
Because we’ve had all we could take.

But I want the confidence to stand."1/21/14


Let's kick this thing called Insecurities. Let's have the bravery to look those ugly accusations in the face and say, "You don't know who I am. Because if you knew who I was, you wouldn't dare accuse the Daughter and carefully-designed Masterpiece of the King."

DEFINITION

You define yourself.
Which sounds really fruity and cliche. But you do.
You define yourself because you control what you allow to define you.

What do you let define you?
Your possessions?
Your education? the school you go to?
What your parents think?
What your boyfriend says?
The crowd's opinion?
What the billboards scream?
You have the ability to define yourself. So the question is,
will you allow yourself to be defined by what your Maker says?
or will you define yourself by what the creation says?

___________

Hope ya'll are gettin' in to the swing of this Christmas season in the most jolly of ways. I still can't believe it's so close… But I'm extremely thankful for the break on homework! 

What are ya'll doing this holiday season? What are some traditions?

Comment about them, or post them and let me know!:)

Love, Case

PHOTO CRED: ELIZABETH ROHR

Vision Renewed

This past week or two has been challenging. Amongst starting college, family vacation, and working out work schedules, I am going through a major process of figuring out who exactly I am.

Without getting into all that, I also reached a breaking point Monday morning when I realized I hated myself; specifically in my appearance. Hated. Here I am, ready to step into this new leg of my life as a college gal, and I feel completely awful. I didn't feel ready any more; I wasn't excited; I didn't feel appealing at all, or at any level.

My wonderful mother took that Monday morning to help me get rid of lots of clothes that were encouraging this mindset, but what was really discouraging was when we were checking out these fashion bloggers that we've seen before, which had in the past been a source of fun inspiration to the two of us.
However, a few minutes into it, I looked at Mama, in exasperated frustration, and said, "All these people are either stick-skinny or they're mothers!"

And then it hit me: This is why I started fashion blogging in the first place.
It was because I was tired of not having girls that I could look to who knew how to pull colorful, conservative outfits together, and wasn't someone who was super skinny (because I'm not). And I KNOW that there have to be some girls out there who are like me, who are craving for someone to encourage them in this pursuit of femininity, someone who knows how frustrating it is at times, and who can be there to say, "You're not the only one!"

That's why I fashion blog.
Not because I'm the bee's knees.
Not because I'm super put together.
But because I like my look - or at least, I'm starting to -
and I want to let you know that you have the freedom to like yours, too.
Even if it doesn't look like the pretty girls on the Kohl's advertisements, or doesn't fit in the "cool" H&M category.

I don't have a body type that fits the trends. And I'm learning to love that, and see it as an opportunity to explore greater creativity.

I haven't had a fashion post since June. (Wow, this summer's gone fast!) But I had lost my vision for what this kind of blogging means.
Just letting ya'll know; it's back again:)

P.S. Picture taken by Mama;)

Style{in} Skirts : Work-Out Edition

From (very limited) experience, I have found that working out is way more motivating when 1) you're in a good groove of doing it regularly, and/or 2) you feel like you look good. Walking with confidence is a key to success in almost every area of life. This confidence cannot come completely from appearance, but that is a part of it.

So when I got a Y membership, one of my first challenges was finding things to wear that were practical and modest. I also knew that going out in a old, baggy t-shirt and sweatpants multiple times a weak was not going to be appealing to me. If I was going to have a night out, I should at least look presentable.

So:

Shirt (a fave): TJMaxx (less than $10)
Skirt: Target (forever ago)
(Top) Pants: TJMaxx (less than $15)
(Bottom) Biker Shorts: WalMart
The skirt I got from Target a couple of years ago, and wore for soccer games. It was probably $15-20, but I've worn it an unbelievable amount of times. Things like this are easy to miss because typically you don't look for soccer clothes at Target. With these types of things, keep your eyes open, and be creative!

 Shirt: Old Navy (forever ago)
Skirt: Target (same as the gray one)
Pants: TJMaxx
Jacket: Patagonia (the only thing that wasn't cheap...but I totally puffy-heart it)

 Shirt: Had for forever
(Left) Skort: TJMaxx
(Right) Skirt: Thrifted

It's been fun to try different combinations of what I already have, along with treating myself to some actual work out gear (like the blue shirt, and the black pants). The biggest challenges are 1) lightweight skirts with enough mobility/flexibility, and 2) shirts that aren't too tight/revealing (but that's nothing new). Also, a gal's best friends (besides some awesome sports braziers) are biker shorts and capri leggings.

It's also a good thing to think ahead to what you are doing... like, when I'm going to yoga class, I should obviously wear something different that what I'd wear to cycling.

_____________

(p.s., in case you were wondering, no, I haven't had time to work out in CO... but I've missed it so much! This post was, indeed, a draft I wrote beforehand... is that cheating? Maybe, but it's pretty practical for this situation!)
(p.s.s., see how well my boot rack is working? yeah... not the cleanest my room has ever been... this is why I have only ever posted one "organization" post. haha!)

Style{in} Skirts: Thrice

This orange skirt was an impulse buy earlier this year, and has become one of my absolute favorites. I've liked taking up the challenge of finding new things to wear it. (You can wear so many different colors with a burnt orange!) Here are the latest results ;)

I've never liked sweaters much, because I feel frumpy wearing them in public. However, I puffy heart the color of this one, and it's super comfortable, so I've been trying to stretch myself.

When I do wear sweaters like this, I always wear a good shirt underneath anyways, just in case I end up feeling frumpy later, I can always take it off.

Also, introducing... my Eskimo Boots! They're another one of my favorite winter things.

Sweater: Bass

Grey shirt: Target

Skirt: Target

Boots: Christmas gift years ago

To emphasize the high-waisted-ness of the skirt, I wore a shorter, black, flowy shirt and a showier belt. Purple tights and my black pumps add some more color and a little bit of class ;)

(The last two pictures aren't the greatest of quality. Huddy and I were hustlin' to get some snapshots before the sun went down!)

Purple coat:

Shirt: Hand-me-down

Belt: thrifted

Skirt: Target

Tights: Target

Shoes: Target

I also wore it here with more layers, with a navy shirt, green vest, blue tights and green boots. And, of course, my bracelets ;)

Vest: Old Navy

Shirt: Gap?

Tights: Had them a while

Boots: thrifted

Also, I've begun to notice that practically everything I wear regularly is from Target or a thrift store. Perhaps I need some more variety? But then again, my lack of money may get in the way of that ;)

Have a terrific Tuesday, lovelies!

Casey

P.S. Linkin' up here!:)

Style{in} Skirts: Bare Trees, Bare Knees

Shirt: Mossimo (Target)

Shawl/Vest: Consignment 

Belt: Thrifted?

Skirt: Thrifted (pretty sure)

Boots: Thrifted

Necklace: Bass (on sale!)

(The one thing I would have done differently, would have been to wear a more fitted shirt underneath of the shawl. I had to keep pulling it down to prevent the awkward my-undershirt-is-bigger-than-the-shirt-I'm-wearing-over-it wrinkles and gathers.)

Hope ya'll's Wednesday was fantastic. My was wet. The rain came, and knocked even more beautiful leaves from their cherished perch to grace the grass outside my door. 

And my week has been full of miscommunications.

But miscommunications are okay when they bring about even greater communication. And an even better understanding of the other person. Perhaps an even greater admiration, or respect.

My days have also been filled with good books lately. I will probably be sharing about that... my antique book collection is growing, and I have discovered some beauties.

Until tomorrow; good-night, Lovelies.

Style{in} Skirts: And a Tribal Necklace.

Sorry if my recent posts have been less than thrilling ya'll. I've been terribly busy. And, on top of that, my outfits have mostly consisted of work-out clothes (due to my recent Y membership;) and put-on-something-socially-acceptable-and-run-out-the-door outfits... which makes for some highly unsatisfying "Style{in} Skirts" posts.

Today was a big day, though. I took the SAT's (Amy says it stands for the Super Awesome Test ;) It felt great to (FINALLY) be done with it. I'm glad I won't have to take it again.
(I'm also glad I do not go to Public School. I took it at the public school nearest me, and got nothing but cold, haughty stares for my smiles. It was a strange feeling..)

Also, tonight my siblings performed for a Christmas dance that they've been practicing for weeks. Storyland Christmas is put on by MasterWorks every year, and it's great. Josiah came with his siblings, too, which was an awesome surprise :)

I've spent a lot of time with Darby this week, which has been super. But it has also reminded me part of why I love this season so much. Hearing her exclaim, "Wow!" with large, exaggerated sighs every time we pass Christmas lights make me grin real big. She's so full of wonder.
I love it.

Blue Shirt: Bass; Brown Shirt: TJMaxx (CLEARANCE) Skirt: thrifted; Boots: thrifted.

Believe it or not, this outfit is a bit out of my comfort zone.
Why?
Because it only incorporates three colors.
Kid you not.

For most people, I guess this would make them more comfortable, knowing that they match so well. However, I feel far more comfortable in an outfit that uses loads of colors and it a bit more... random?
I think part of the reason my skin crawls at matching things so well is
1) fashion rules are silly. and they're, well... rules;
2) because I am intimidated by girls who are sooo put together. And I don't want to be intimidating;
3) because I think it's silly when girls plan their outfits days in advance. Yes, it is fun; and yes, I admit I've done it a few times. But there are so many other things that are far more important.

And I think my pride gets in the way of looking like someone who spends all her time picking out her clothes. Cuz I'm not. I pulled this all together in less than ten minutes this afternoon.

Actually, that's probably my biggest reason.

Anyways...

This necklace is one of my favorites. It came from Bethany's stash of bling from her great-grandmother's house. And besides that awesomeness, we both couldn't decide if it was cool or not. (We called it the Tribal Necklace.) So, we challenged me (actually, I just challenged myself... I think she knew I would wear it regardless) to rock it.

And I have. Several times.

Blam.

Well, I hope ya'll's weekend is off to a fabulous start. Wear tons of crazy colors, go way overboard with the caffeine, and alwaysalwaysALWAYS slurp your Jell-O.
It's late.
And I'm way tired.
Goodnight.
              Casey

Style{in} Skirts: Pink Legs

Something I really liked about wearing this was that I felt classy with the heels and the pencil skirt, but felt totally comfortable with the loose sweater and semi-fit shirt.

And, can I just say, that I feel super cool every time I wear hot pink tights? 

I have noticed, however, that wearing something so bright on my legs draws a lot of attention to them. So if you're planning on braving the "Avatar legs" look, just have that in mind and maybe opt out of the mini skirt ;)

Sweater: Consignment

T-shirt: Target

Corduroy skirt: Old Navy

Tights: Forever21 (I think)

Shoes: Thrifted

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Hope ya'll have had a great Tuesday!

          Love,

                    Casey

What is Beauty?

I was struck by a question Olivia at Fresh Modesty presented to her readers:

"What's your definition of beauty? Do you tend to think of it more as how practical something is, how  pleasing to the eye, how it "feels," or all of the above? Do we need a more rounded view where beauty is not just in the eye of the beholder?" (see post here)

I think Olivia was discussing a broader view of beauty, including the world, and all of creation. However, it brought me to think more seriously about a small something that has been playing with my brain lately, which includes our ideas of physical beauty as fallen humans. It has to do with a verse that I was shown in church:

"May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it." (Thessalonians 5:23-24)

I think our personal perspective on beauty has an impact. It's important. It shapes us; helps mold our worldview; has a say in our attitudes; questions our definition of truth. 

What is perfect? 

What is desirable? 

So stick with me on this... We are instructed in the Word to turn our thoughts, our eyes, our desires, our heart on/towards heaven, and heavenly things (Colossians 3:2; Matthew 6:20; Philippians 4:8). We are also instructed to be holy because our Father is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16; Ephesians 1:4). 

Maybe these  two concepts are related?

Perhaps when we focus on the beauty of His face, we become beautiful ourselves? even if it is merely the simple radiance  that comes from soaking up His presence and sitting at His feet?

We all know Proverbs 31:29: 

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised."

How counter-cultural is this concept? This is so difficult to wrap my head around. 

How can the physical aspect of beauty be so insignificant? Not only that, but this verse blatantly states:

"Don't trust charm. It's manipulative and sinful.

Don't chase physical beauty. You could never attain it, or hold onto it, long enough.

However, 

There is one quality that you can trust.

One characteristic that will stand the test of time and age.

The fear of the LORD."

The woman who knows her God and is sure of Him will be PEACE in times of strife or turmoil. She will be COMFORT in times of disappointment. She will be JOY in times of confusion. She will be HOPE in times of straight-up disaster. And she will be FAITH in the times of complete cloudiness.

This is value.

This is worth.

This is beauty. 

What does this have to do with the first verse? He sanctifies us. Our whole spirit, our whole soul, our whole bodies, to be made and kept blameless. And in that order.

He does that by putting us through various challenges and trials to refine us and mature us spiritually, then personally, then physically.

We cannot appear beautiful on the outside until we have been made beautiful in our spirits and beautiful in our souls. 

Not until every bit of doubt has been eradicated from our minds and we are sure of the God we serve; not until every bit of our heart is in submission to His will;  not until the greatest desires of our hearts have been laid at His feet in total surrender. 

I want to be that kind of beautiful. And all it takes is the willingness to be sanctified.

God, grant me the grace to be willing. 
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What's ya'll's take on beauty? Post about it; and let me know!;)