That I may tell of all thy wonderous works
Today is the last day to submit photos or recipes of things you’ve baked or cooked to us for use in our Gifted Girls article next month. You can send pictures to Info @ PierceMyHeart . com (remove spaces).
This is also the last day to enter to win our April Giveaway. The winner, who will be announced on April 30, will receive a new bathing suit!
If you have any questions, let us know, and we will respond to you as quickly as possible.
– Davonne Parks
This month’s giveaway, with a value of up to $75, and an additional special offer, are featured at the end of this article. Keep reading for details.
Yesterday we discussed the importance of modest swimwear, so today we’re going to get straight to the fun stuff––shopping!
We all know that bathing suit shopping can be stressful––it’s so difficult to find suits that are cute, modest, and affordable. Mall shopping can be discouraging, because those oh-so-cute bikinis are everywhere, tempting us to give into our fleshly desire to fit in, even when we want to do what’s right (Matthew 26:41). So, last year, I decided to avoid the mall completely and try my hand at online shopping! The task of finding a good web-store was very difficult, but I finally found a store and made my selection. The service and bathing suit were both so great that I want to share this store with you so you can possibly enjoy the experience too!
The chore
We all know how difficult it is to find a cute bathing suit that fits well and is affordable. Add modesty to the mix (which I hope we’ll all commit to do), and we’ve just given ourselves a seemingly impossible and very frustrating task! And who wants to order online, right? Buy a bathing suit you haven’t even tried on? Yeah, right! But that’s where, last summer, I proved myself wrong.
The store
Lime Ricki is full of cute, modest bathing suits at a reasonable price. They’re slightly pricier than the $20-per-piece bikinis I’ve seen in the mall, but I guess that’s because you’re paying for the extra fabric on them! The store was started when three sisters got together, frustrated about the lack of swimsuit choices available for themselves and their daughters, and decided to design their own suits. This year marks their third summer in business together, and this is one business that’s continually growing and improving. You can read more of their story on their About page.
Our experience
I liked what I saw online, but I had a few questions about their suits, so I decided to contact the owners, hoping they would help me. Unsure of who to call, I dialed all three listed phone numbers. I received the voice mail at each number, so I left messages. Two of the women called back within the hour, and the third called back that evening. They were all genuinely nice and very helpful. One girl spent almost thirty minutes talking to me, and she helped me to choose a fabric that would suit my age as well as my taste. I chose the Emily Halter Top with their Brown Cinch Skirt, and, as promised, it arrived within the week.
Lime Ricki claims their suits don’t need tugged or pulled on to stay in place, and I’ll admit it, I was skeptical. What bathing suit doesn’t need adjusted often? Apparently, the Lime Ricki suits––even with a three-year-old to chase and carry around, plus other swimming equipment to deal with, I rarely had to adjust my suit.
I like my suit so much that when my cousin Lisa (also the assistant editor) e-mailed me in despair over trying to choose a cute, modest bathing suit for herself, I e-mailed her back with a note that said, “Buy a Lime Ricki suit!” I sent her a link to my favorite suit, the Signature Tankini Top (which was out of stock when I’d ordered), and she hesitantly purchased that top with the brown bottoms without ever trying them on. About a week later, I received another e-mail from her, raving about her new suit! She loved the fact that she could go out and look stylish––and modest––without tugging on her swimwear every five minutes.
Your (possible) experience
Lime Ricki suits are made to last, so there’s no need to buy multiple suits for one summer. If you want more variety, you could purchase one bottom with two tops to save money. To save even more, shop their sale page, which offers pieces for as low as $12.50 each. Many of the suits on Lime Ricki recommend a bottom to go with them, and some of them tell which body type would be flattered in that suit, which is very helpful for online shopping!
Their size chart doesn’t measure by inches, but it is very true to size. I ordered the size the website recommended, and my suit fit me perfectly. The only exception is their brand-new, upscale Key Lime collection (I love the Lauren top with the blue bottom!), which runs a size small, so be sure to order one size larger than normal if you choose to purchase a Key Lime suit.
Be careful to avoid suits that accentuate the bust, and wear shorts or a skirt over regular bathing suit bottoms (which don’t cover more than underwear!) the entire time you’re not in the water.
Giveaway
Lime Ricki is giving away a bathing suit to one of our readers! The winner will be allowed to choose any one top and bottom (excluding the Key Lime collection) or a one-piece. To enter, leave a comment below by Tuesday, April 28, 2009, stating at least one topic you’d like to see covered in this magazine or you could simply let us know which suit is your favorite. You may enter to win the bathing suit for yourself, or to give away as a gift for someone else.
Comments are moderated, so they may take a day or so to appear. Make sure to include a valid e-mail address in your information (this will not appear in the post). The winner, who will be announced on April 30, will be e-mailed with simple instructions on how to claim her new bathing suit. The winner must contact us back within seven days of our initial contact, or the free bathing suit will go to someone else.
Special Offer
In addition to their giveaway, Lime Ricki has generously offered a special coupon code for Pierce My Heart readers! If you purchase an item from their web store by May 15, 2009, you will receive 10% off your total order just by using the coupon code HEART10 at the checkout.
We want to give a special thank you to the owners of Lime Ricki for their generosity! This summer, have a safe and modest swimming experience.
By Davonne Parks
Visit our Monthly Issues page to see all of our past themes, and visit our April 2009 page to read our entire current issue about caring for God’s creations.
This month’s giveaway, with a value of up to $75, and an additional special offer, will be featured in tomorrows article, so stay tuned!
Last month, we discussed the importance of modest clothing, no matter what the occasion. We’ve also previously discussed modest bathing suits and the topic of mixed swimming. If you haven’t read those articles yet, please take a look, then come back to read the rest of this article!
The definition
While many females try to rationalize why they think it’s okay to wear bikinis in the summer, it’s important to take a true look at what God thinks about the issue. 1 Timothy 2:9: “Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly…” That verse may not sound like much yet, but it’s more loaded than you probably realize. We’re just going to look at one word in that verse. Dictionary.com defines modest as “having or showing a moderate or humble estimate of one’s merits, importance, etc.; free from vanity, egotism, boastfulness, or great pretensions.”
Let’s take a closer look at that definition (click on the links to read the full definitions). As much as we may want to deny it, bikinis aren’t free from vanity, especially since most girls wear them to look good and show off their bodies, or to fit in. Wearing immodest clothing also demonstrates that we’ve chosen to not consider how much this makes guys struggle, which displays a bit of egotism. Wearing bikinis can be considered boastfulness, since we’re showing others that we are glorifying our own bodies by showing them off, and it is also pretentious, since we’re saying––either consciously or unconsciously––that we’re important enough that it doesn’t matter how our suit (or lack thereof) may make others feel.
If that’s not enough…
It would be completely inappropriate for a girl to walk around the mall wearing nothing but her underwear. She’d probably be escorted out by the mall police! Yet, that same girl could walk around outside, just a few miles away from the mall, wearing something that covers the same amount of skin that her underwear covers, and that’s socially acceptable because she’s at a swimming pool.
Think about this––if you were changing in your room and someone walked in on you while you were in your underwear, you’d probably be furious. But, that same person could see you at the pool wearing a suit that covers nothing more than the underwear you were seen in, and somehow that seems okay.
Socially, bikinis are acceptable, but spiritually, what’s the difference between strutting around in a bikini, and wearing underwear out in public? I’ve yet to find one!
If you’re struggling with the issue of wanting to wear a bikini (or any other immodest clothing) this summer, please pray about it and speak to a mature Christian woman who can guide you. You can be stylish while still looking like a Christian, and having someone to hold you accountable for your wardrobe may be just the nudge you need to dress in a way to glorify Christ (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Coming up
Later, we’re going to explore a great web-store that’s full of really cute and modest bathing suits! In the meantime, pray hard about your wardrobe, ask God to convict you of your sin, find a mentor if you need one, and begin thinking about the possibility of wearing a modest bathing suit this summer.
By Davonne Parks
Yesterday we talked about the importance of dressing modestly all the time, including formal occasions. Today we’re going to give a few shopping tips and offer suggestions about where to shop.
Shopping basics
Have a set budget in mind and stick to it. Maybe you found the perfect dress for your event – but it’s $300. Put it back! Look online to see if you can find a similar style (or even the same dress!) for a lower price. Look on eBay, do a google product search for the item number – do anything but plunk down $300 for a dress you’ll only wear once (1 Timothy 2:9). You can find a dress you love for a much, much lower price. Even if your parents are paying for your dress, respect their money and the fact that they work hard for it. Take the time to find a good deal on a dress you can feel good about purchasing.
Shop the clearance racks. Many brides are choosing the color of bridesmaids’ dresses and allowing the bridesmaids to choose their own flattering style. Take advantage of this! You may be able to score a great dress at a low price by looking through the clearance racks first.
Shop consignment stores. If your formal outfit is for anything other than a bridesmaid dress, you can shop second-hand shops to find a great deal on a dress that’s only been worn once or twice.
Be careful with the accessories. Whatever you save on the dress can easily be offset in the accessories. Use a little creativity. Shops that specialize in formal wear generally charge a lot of money for their shoes, jewelry, etc. Look at Payless or a department store clearance section. Better yet, swap with a friend, or purchase neutral shoes and jewelry that you will be able to wear for your next formal occasion.
Know the return policies. If you are unsure of a dress, don’t think that you can just return it if you change your mind. Many stores don’t allow returns on formal wear. The better option would be to ask an employee to hold an item for you, and come back after you’ve looked at your other options. Especially be aware of a return policy on online dresses. Generally, even if a company allows returns, you will still have to pay shipping to return the item, and that cost can add up.
Consider re-selling. Instead of letting your used dresses hang in a closet to never be worn again, think about selling them to a consignment store, or on ebay, to make some money back before the dresses go out of style. That money can be used to help cover the cost of a new dress, it can be placed in a college fund, or donated to a worthy cause.
Where to shop
David’s Bridal has a few modest formal wear choices. Again, once you’re in the store, make sure to check the clearance racks! I once scored a bridesmaid’s dress for $60, and the only alteration it needed was a little hemming (which a local seamstress did for a fraction of the David’s Bridal cost).
Beautifully Modest is full of great formal wear dresses! Modest By Design also has a great, modest selection, and they aren’t just limited to formal wear. Their selection includes several casual dresses, some of which are perfect for church, graduation, summer group dates, or attending weddings. Both of these stores are a little pricey, so keep that in mind, and check to see if there’s a store near you that may be running a sale.
You can also do a google search for modest formal dresses, search on ebay, or check your yellow pages for local formal wear consignment shops.
Remember
Above all, we should want to glorify God with our lives (1 Peter 4:16), and that includes what we wear. More than fitting in, more than wearing the style everyone else is wearing, and more than wanting to attract attention at the events we attend, we need to remember that we are Christians first. We can look pretty without compromising our values. Most importantly, we want people to remember us by our kind words and pure heart, not by what we wore to a formal occasion. This year, dress to impress – Christ that is!
By Davonne Parks
With warm weather approaching, many of us begin to think about formal wear. Whether we’re going to graduate, be a bridesmaid, or attend a formal event, we will probably want to purchase a new dress. Some of you may be planning on attending a school formal dance, but before you decide whether or not to do so, please read our article about dances.
Later we’ll talk about shopping basics, but today we’ll cover a few things about modesty (these also apply to normal clothes, not just formal wear).
God’s take on modesty
We are instructed in 1 Timothy 2:9 to dress modestly and discreetly. We’re told in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 that our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit, and that we are to glorify God with our bodies.
Exodus 20:14 and Matthew 5:27 tell us that committing adultery is a sin. Lust (an intense sexual desire toward someone we’re not married to) is also sinful. We know lust is a sin because we’re told in Matthew 5:28 that “everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Since adultery is a sin, and since, in God’s eyes, lust is equivalent to committing adultery, that means lust is also a sin.
I know that lust sounds like the guys’ problem, not ours, right? Well, 1 Corinthians 8 (especially verses 9 and 12) talks about how sinful it is to be a stumbling block to others. We’re told not to do anything that can cause someone else to sin. If wearing an immodest dress causes a guy to lust over us, then, yes, he is guilty of the sin of lust, but we’re also guilty of the sin of being a stumbling block. When we dress in enticing clothes, the lusting guys aren’t the only ones sinning. We’re also sinning by not dressing modestly (1 Timothy 2:9), and by being a stumbling block to the guys around us (1 Corinthians 8:9-12).
While it can be tempting to want to be the best (or least) dressed girl at an event in order to attract attention, it’s not worth it. Care enough about the souls of the guys there, and enough about your own soul, to find a dress that doesn’t tempt them to sin because of you. If you don’t care about their souls enough, pray for your own heart, and ask God to help you start to care. If you’ve sinned in this area in the past, make the decision to stop sinning, ask God for His forgiveness, and choose to begin wearing only modest clothes, including formal wear, from now on (1 John 1:9).
Now that your heart is (hopefully) open to modesty suggestions, read on!
Modesty basics
Avoid strapless. While a strapless dress might look pretty (although generally too revealing and suggestive) in the dressing room, spending hours at an event tugging on the neckline just isn’t attractive. Not tugging at the neckline could be worse though, which brings us to our next point.
Cleavage should never show. If the dress shows any cleavage whatsoever, even just when you bend down, find a different dress. Cleavage tempts guys to lust. There are thousands of great, stylish dresses that don’t show cleavage.
Skip dresses that accentuate the bust. Even if there’s no cleavage in sight, but the dress has beading, ribbon, or anything else that outlines the bust line, skip it, because that means your chest will be the first thing guys will notice, and not in a godly way.
Wear a bra. If the dress is too low, too strapless, too backless, or too anything else to wear a bra, then it’s too revealing. Period. Guys will definitely notice the lack of a bra, and this can be even more tempting than a little bit of cleavage showing.
Don’t wear a backless dress. Having a few criss-cross straps on the back of the dress doesn’t make it modest. The dress needs to have a real, solid back. This is a problem area for guys, too, especially if it’s the lower back, and we need to help them out!
Skin tight = too tight. While formal-wear dresses can fit in a flattering way, they should not look like they’ve been painted onto our skin. Find a dress that flows nicely away from the body once it reaches the hips to allow for more modesty and comfort.
To the knee is a must; below the knee is better. Short dresses are also tempting for guys, so the shortest part of the dress needs to be knee-length or longer. If you prefer a shorter formal-wear dress, opt for one that hits right below the knee so you’ll stay covered even if you’re moving around during your event (and especially if you’re a bridesmaid on some sort of platform).
If you know it’s immodest, don’t try it on. If you see a dress on the rack that’s just way too cute, but strapless, or backless, or low cut, or too short, or too something, put it back immediately. Don’t let yourself think about how great you’d look in it! If you try the dress on, you may be even more tempted to purchase it, so don’t allow yourself to do so. Put the dress back on the rack and move on to a more modest section.
Move around in the dressing room. Bend over in front of the mirror – if cleavage or underwear shows, try on a different dress. Twist your body, raise your arms––just move! If the dress doesn’t stay in place for the five minutes you have it on in the store, it’s not going to stay in place for the entire afternoon or evening you’re wearing it.
Coming up
Tomorrow we’ll discuss shopping basics, as well as include a few links to places that sell modest formal wear. For now, print this list of modesty basics, and share it with your mom (or whoever is going to take you dress shopping) so you can decide and agree upon modesty standards before hitting the stores.
By Davonne Parks
The random drawing winners of the True Love Waits jewelry are Andrea V. and Megan D. You should have an e-mail from Pierce My Heart in your inbox. If not, please contact us to claim your prize.
Thanks to everyone who participated in this contest by giving article topic suggestions – you are sure to see several of the topics covered throughout the upcoming months. We’d also like to thank C28 and Factory 79 for their generosity in offering these prizes.
If you didn’t win this month, please try again in March, because we have a special book giveaway coming up!
Congratulations, Andrea and Megan! We pray you’ll wear your jewelry well.
– Davonne Parks
This month’s giveaway, valued at $55, is featured at the end of this article. Keep reading for details.
Jewelry and accessories are fun, but there is some jewelry that can also make a statement about where we stand in our beliefs. Since true love waits for marriage, I think this month is an appropriate time to discuss displaying that desire with jewelry, as a visible reminder to ourselves, and to members of the opposite gender.
The True Love Waits Pledge
“Believing that true love waits, I make a commitment to God, myself, my family, my friends, my future mate, and my future children to a lifetime of purity including sexual abstinence from this day until the day I enter a biblical marriage relationship.” (Read more about the pledge at Lifeway.com.)
Please notice that the pledge says nothing of our past. If you’ve messed up before, you can choose to begin, right now, abstaining from sexual behavior until your wedding day. Mistakes of our past can leaves scars well into our future, but once we receive God’s gift, we have the privilege of starting with a clean slate in His eyes (Psalm 103:11-12).
Does the Jewelry Matter?
Our inward commitment is the most important, and no amount of jewelry can change our hearts, but if we are truly dedicated to saving ourselves for marriage, the jewelry can be a great visual reminder to ourselves, and to anyone who wants to date us.
Styles
The most common True Love Waits jewelry are rings, which come in a variety of styles.
While some purity jewelry at Factory 79 costs upward of $200, simple silver rings can be purchased for under $25. I personally love their Daisy ring and Floating Heart necklace.
If Factory 79 jewelry doesn’t suit your style, Bob Siemon Designs might be the store for you. They have a slightly edgier feel to their jewelry, including a TLW Guitar Pick Pendant. C28 also has a nice selection of purity jewelry. If you want even more options, you could do a Google or Amazon search for “True Love Waits Jewelry,” or visit your local Christian bookstore to see if they offer any TLW items.
Wear with Confidence
If you choose to purchase True Love Waits jewelry, wear it with confidence, knowing that you are confessing His name before man (Luke 12:8). If you choose to purchase a purity ring, wear it as a serious commitment and not just because it’s cool. This jewelry should really mean something and reflect a commitment that is in your heart. Feel good knowing that you are setting an example for your family members, your peers, and girls younger than you who want to someday emulate your attitude. Most importantly, feel good knowing that you’re giving yourself a constant visual reminder that true love really does wait.
Giveaway Details
For our second giveaway, C28 and Factory 79 are each giving one purity ring away to a reader! C28 is allowing a reader to choose any purity ring worth up to $25 and Factory 79 is giving away one Daisy Ring, valued at $29.95. To enter, leave a comment below by Wednesday, February 25, 2009, stating at least one thing you’d like to see in an upcoming Style Sense or Beauty Buzz article. You may enter to win a ring for yourself, or to give it away as a gift for someone else.
Comments are moderated so they may take a day or so to appear. Make sure to include a valid e-mail address in your information (this will not appear in the post). The two winners will be announced on Feb 28 and they will be e-mailed with simple instructions on how to claim their new ring. We also want to give a special thank you to C28 and Factory79 for their generosity!
Davonne Parks
Solomon 7:1 “How beautiful your sandaled feet, O prince’s daughter!”
Ah, just the sound of it makes me very happy. Shoes. At a time when many of us are thinking about our weight, and what fits, or doesn’t fit, it’s always nice to have the comfort of knowing that (usually) our shoes will fit us, whether we’re a size 6 or size 12. And so, since many of us may be working on a new weight goal, and we’ve possibly got some money from Christmas, let’s talk shoes. And what better footwear to center our attention on in mid-winter than boots?
One of the most important things to consider when buying a pair of boots is comfort. You can find the greatest pair of boots in the world but be miserable if they do not fit you well. While there are many styles from which to choose, and many styles may be popular, do not be persuaded to buy a pair, no matter how inexpensive, if they do not feel comfortable. Take your time walking around the store. Although some shoes, especially boots, may take some time to “wear in,” you should be able to tell the difference between the need to wear them in and the fact that they will never be comfortable.
As with all clothing and accessories, I do not recommend spending a lot on trendy pieces, which will quickly go out of style. (Although I did grow up in the 80s, and am appalled to see the styles coming back!) Spend your money on classic styles that will still be popular for years to come. If you want the trendy styles, try to find them on sale, or buy an off-brand with the same look. Spend your money on pieces that will not be outdated a year (or less) from now, and whose material will stand the test of time.
Now for the styles…
You can go with heels, or not. Typically, taller girls look better in flats than shorter girls. Wedge heels are very popular, and comfortable, if you would like a heel but don’t want to feel like you’re going to tip over. Boot heights range from ankle to knee. Ankle boots are great under jeans, when you want the boot look but not all the weight under your clothing. Knee-high boots look great when worn with a cute below-the-knee skirt or dress, and can also be great added warmth under jeans. Boot materials can be as classic as black leather or as trendy as fuzzy camel suede (which, I’ll admit, is a trend that has lasted several years so far).
Here are some popular styles, at a very popular price…
(Hover over the images for product descriptions)
A great pair of knee-high black boots, with stretch for thicker calves, that can be worn with practically anything.
Shorter black boots for less bulk, without compromising on style. These boots, which also come in brown, can also be worn with just about anything.
Great under jeans or cords, and are a fresh alternative to the Ugg.
Cute and trendy (but not too trendy) wedges. Great to wear over jeans or with a heavier skirt.
For you colder weather gals. Perfect for yoga pants or jeans.
For the more rainy winters––and through the spring.
Slouchy, yet sophisticated. Wear them with black dress pants, straight-leg jeans, or a knee-length skirt.
A great option for maximum style with minimum height. Again, perfect with jeans.
Equestrian-inspired style. Great under or over a pair of jeans for a casual, yet put-together look.
NOTE: The availability and prices of all footwear are current as of December 11, 2008. Prices may now be different (hopefully lower), and some items may no longer be available.
If you’re in the market to buy a pair of boots, there are few times better than mid-winter, when you can catch many post-Christmas sales. So gather up your (other) best friend, put on your shopping shoes, and run to the stores to find the most stylish friend a girl can get.
By Lisa Grimenstein
How to look pretty and fashionable when you’re a plus size
There is no rule that says you have to be thin to be pretty. I see so many beautiful girls who hide themselves under layer after layer of baggy clothing. You don’t have to be thin to wear makeup and you don’t have to be thin to be fashionable. Spend a little money to buy jeans that fit your figure and aren’t three sizes too big! God made you beautiful just the way you are. If you have low self-esteem, learn to be thankful for yourself! God made all of us different, and we can all learn how to embrace those differences. If you desire to be thin, keep in mind that thinness is relative. Even thin girls can find someone thinner to compare themselves with, but we can all love our bodies just the way God made them. Here are some tips on how to show the world that girls with curves are beautiful.
1. Never feel like you have to wear baggy clothes. Many girls wear clothes that are too big in order to hide the extra pounds. However, this also masks the curves you have and makes your body look bigger than it actually is. Don’t feel ashamed of your body! God made you beautiful, so embrace yourself by wearing pretty and modest outfits that fit properly!
2. Develop a style that is right for you. You don’t have to follow every trend, but wear what makes you feel comfortable and pretty. Don’t be afraid to wear a skirt or a dress. Look feminine and feel proud!
3. Black may be slimming but be careful of wearing it too often. Too much black can make you look like you’re trying to blend into the background or like you’re attending a funeral every day.
4. Never underestimate the value of accessories! An outfit doesn’t end with just the clothes! Jewelry and purses can make an outfit and make you feel better wearing it. Longer necklaces can be slimming because they lengthen you. Wear cute earrings to draw attention to your face.
5. Don’t ever let anyone make you feel bad about the way you look! If you want to lose weight then do it for the right reasons. If you have health problems or want to do it for yourself then go for it, but never try to lose weight to please someone else. God will always love you for you, no matter what size you are. First Samuel 16:7 “…God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
My Favorites
Listed below are some stores that sell really cute clothes in plus sizes! Hover over the images for descriptions, and click on the images to view the items in their web store. Keep in mind that although a few of these items are fairly costly, similar looks can often be found for much less by searching around online, or by visiting clearance racks towards the end of a season.
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Fashion Bug – My Personal Favorite. They have really cute clothes, and great sales!
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By Alicia Marie Sargent
Autumn is a beautiful time of year. The trees look amazing with all their shades of oranges, reds, and yellows, and the weather feels wonderful. There’s a refreshing crisp, clean feel in the air.
Many people celebrate Halloween during this time of year and attend Halloween parties, but the Bible is very much against any type of witchcraft, which Halloween is often associated with. Read our October Friends article for more facts about Halloween.
Instead of celebrating the witches, goblins, and gore, why not celebrate the autumn season with a fall costume party? Bob for apples, roast marshmallows and hot dogs over a fire (use hay bales instead of chairs for seating), make caramel corn, and have good, clean autumn fun.
In previous Style Sense articles, we’ve discussed the importance of modesty, and as Christians and soldiers for Christ, we are to set an example and be the shining light for the world (Matt. 5:14). Autumn, and costume parties, are supposed to be fun, so make sure your modest costume reflects that. Use your imagination and be creative. Encourage your friends to dress modestly too. A good way to do that is to pick a theme for your group, such as a fruit basket or pigs in a blanket. If you are hosting the party, you can make the entire night a specific theme, such as influential people in history, favorite Bible characters, favorite (clean) movie characters, favorite candy bars, or anything else clean and fun you can think of.
Cheap and Easy Individual Costumes
1950s Woman: Wear a tea length black dress with black pumps. Dress it up with pearl earrings, a necklace, and white elbow-length gloves. Use mega hold hairspray to style your hair into that classic 1950’s look. Add bright red lipstick and you’re ready to go!
Strawberry Shortcake: Wear blue pants and a blue skirt with a pink and white striped shirt. Borrow or 
buy a really big hat and tape cut-out strawberries onto it.
Princess: Wear an old formal or bridesmaid dress and heels and simply add a tiara.
Gymnast: Buy or borrow a leotard, throw gym pants over it, wear your hair pulled back into a scrunchie, and wear a medal around your neck.
Pippi Longstocking: Purchase a jumper from a thrift store, then hot glue square fabric remnants to the jumper. Put on a solid t-shirt under the jumper and wear mismatched knee socks. Shape a wire hanger to your head and braid your hair around it to make your braids stand out, then spray it orange with temporary spray die.
Ballerina: Wear a leotard with a knee-length tutu, ballerina slippers, and pink tights. Put glitter on your face and wear a tiara!
Bunch of Grapes: Wear black sweats as a base. Find a small remnant of green fabric and cut out leaves as you would with paper dolls. The leaves will come out in a long strand that will wrap around your neck. Then take a brown paper lunch bag and attach it to a party hat with staples. Twist the bag to make the stem. Use purple face paint to make your face a grape. Blow up about 20 purple balloons and attach them to the sweats with safety pins (through the lip of the balloon).
Raining Cats and Dogs: Sew stuffed dogs and cats onto an umbrella.
Black-Eyed Pea: Put black make-up around one or both eyes, and hot glue a letter “P” cut from felt to the front of your shirt.
Cowgirl: Put on jeans or a knee length denim skirt, boots, and a cowboy hat. Bonus if you use yarn and 
a marker to make a face on a paper bag and put the bag over the straw part of a broom for a horse.
Kindergarten girl: Wear jeans or capris with a pink shirt and pigtails. Put on a pink backpack or grab a pink lunch box and you’re ready to go!
Cheap and Easy Group Costumes:
The Seven Seas: Sew a length of sailing rope to the front of a blue shirt in the form of the letter C. Put on a sailors hat, and enlist six friends to do the same.
Pigs in a Blanket: Buy pig snouts from a costume store, and have everyone wrap themselves in a blanket.
Forest: Make costumes out of refrigerator boxes and washer boxes. Tall people can be different sized trees and shorter teens or younger siblings can be bushes. Paint the boxes to look like trees with holes cut out for the eyes. Supplies needed: cardboard boxes (trunk), paint (to paint the trunk and leaves), brown shirts, and crepe paper (leaves).
Have a happy autumn, and feel free to e-mail us with pictures of your costume!
By Alicia Sargent
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