Strategy Shopping with a Kansas City Girl

My name is Rebekah Miura and I live in Kansas City, Mo. Fashion here can be summed up in one word: eclectic! Kansas City is truly a melting pot of cultures and it is clearly seen through its fashion. From the hipster urban district of Westport to the posh Burberry streets of the Country Club Plaza, there is a definite distinction in trend from town to town. If you are like me, and love to incorporate different styles into your wardrobe, then you would love Kansas City!

As a make-up artist/stylist I have a passion for beauty and fashion, but for me they are just an accessory. It is the heart that makes someone truly beautiful. Here in Kansas City, I am apart of a Christian community that celebrates fashion, inner beauty, and modesty. For me, modesty is an issue of the heart. I believe that what you wear is an extension of who you are. So when I am putting on an outfit I always ask myself “Does this line up with who I am and what I represent?”  This has helped me during some very indecisive dressing room situations, where I have been on the fence about whether to purchase an item. For instance, I recently tried on a little black dress that I looked fabulous in, but the longer I studied it, I noticed it was a little lower cut than I would have liked. It was not “super” low cut but I still had a heart check about it. Not to mention it was an amazing deal which made the decision even harder! But because I have a value system set in place for situations like these, I took a step back and asked myself, “Does this outfit line up with my personal values, and what I want to portray to others about who I am?…” It didn’t, so back on the rack it went. Decision made!

This simple strategy has helped me on so many occasions!  Finding modest apparel can be difficult at times because I am a little on the curvy side! When I go shopping, often times I have to try on several outfits to find something that fits right. It can be all the more frustrating at times when I go shopping with a friend who has a linear figure (less curvy), and a fun top looks totally modest on her and totally un-modest on me. I have learned in the process what styles look best on me. Not all the trends work for me and that’s ok, because the ones that do look good knock it out of the park! It is all about learning your body and showcasing it in the right way.

Developing your style takes time. See it as a journey of self- discovery and expression. Celebrate the things that make you unique. Just be you, because you are beautiful.

Happy clothes hunting!

Rebekah

Find Rebekah's adorable blazer for $28 at Forever 21 or click here

Your Bra Strap is not an Accessory

Showing of bra straps has become a reoccurring trend in Hollywood and on young women everywhere. You can now even buy bedazzled straps to match your outfits to show off. While we applaud efforts for creativity, we believe there are better ways to display your unique style. Bra straps are simply not an accessory! They draw attention to unwanted areas in ways that may not be modest. Revealing your bra straps may cause others to wonder what’s going on under your clothing. Rather than accessorizing with bra straps why not show off that cute necklace or bracelet you just love and keep the undergarments under your clothes. Strapless bras are always a solution for avoiding bra straps all together. But if strapless bra’s are out of the question for you, here are a few other options you might like to try.

Bra Clips are perfect for racer-back style tops and dresses. You can convert a normal bra by placing the straps in the clips and adjusting them at the appropriate length to conceal the straps.

The Nu bra is useful for dress that may have tricky necklines or backs. You apply the bra where you would normally place your bra and you are free from worrying about pesky bra straps or revealing anything that shouldn’t be seen.

Fashion tape is great for holding bra straps in tact so they don’t slip out from under your clothing and show. Just simply stick the fashion tape onto the bra strap and apply to your skin.

Written by: Aarika Phillips Photo by: Kayla Anderson

A Swim Team Captain with Comfortable Style

Meet Delaney. A sweet and outgoing 16-year-old girl who has a passion for making short films and standing up for what she believes in.  Between takes for our "about us" video, I found a quiet corner away from the set to get to know Delaney. As I asked questions for this interview, I found that she is down-to-earth with a lovely sense of humor, and just the right amount of confidence. There is no doubt that this young lady has great things in store for her future.

Emily: How would you describe your personal style? Delaney: I would describe my style as cute, fresh and comfortable.

Emily: What are some of your favorite stores to shop at? Delaney: Charlotte Russe and Loft are two of my favorite stores to shop at. I think they fit my style the best. When I'm looking for something with a touch of lace or a bit dressier, Charlotte Russe is a great store to go to. They always have fashionable items that are also affordable. The clothes at Loft are classy and can be worn at any age, if styled correctly. As far as accessories go, Versona is my go-to place.

Emily: Since you love makeup so much, tell us more about your makeup style. Delaney: I really like earthy tones. I think makeup should emphasize and enhance natural beauty. It not only welcomes compliments but it allows me to express myself and feel confident.

Emily: What is the first thing you pick out when planning an outfit? Delaney: When I go to my closet, I pick out my shoes first. It goes back to wanting to be comfortable. If I want to wear heels, I'll choose my outfit around those. Same with boots, sandals or moccasins. So, instead of dressing head to toe, I do the opposite.

Emily: What do you like to do in your free time? Delaney: I am captain for my school's competitive swim team. And I am also on my school's tennis team. I love being involved in both. Aside from sports and school, I don't have much time for anything else!

Emily: Who has been the most inspirational person in your life? Delaney: Most definitely my 95-year-old grandpa. He's incredible and has such an inspiring story.

Emily: What is one family tradition that you enjoy the most? Delaney: I have two! Before my grandma passed away, we would bake bread from scratch. It is still a tradition that my family and I have continued to do. And I know it sounds silly, but my other one is getting crazy Christmas socks every year. There are so many memories attached to them. I can tell you when and where my aunt gave them to me.

Emily: Do you have any ideas of what you would like to do in your future? Delaney: I would like to go to college and graduate school. I really don't know what major yet, but exploring what the film industry has to offer is an option.

Emily: Where is your favorite place you've traveled to? Delaney: Definitely Italy! The fashion, food and culture is incredible.

Emily: What is your biggest challenge when it comes to dressing modestly? Delaney: Living in Florida, accommodating to the heat in modest clothes is definitely a challenge. Especially when it comes to shorts. From the selection at stores geared towards my age, its hard to find ones that are long enough. It is difficult to find shorts that serve their purpose without exposing too much.

Emily: Are you intimidated by what your peers might say about your view of modesty? Delaney: I think that there will always be an intimidation factor for me. I'm just as insecure as any other 16-year-old girl, but I think the difference is that I stand strong for my cause. It's worth the risk and that is what being a role model and leader is all about. Not everyone is going to like what you're doing. Someone, somewhere will always be critical but it will be your own job to continue to support what you strive to accomplish.

Emily: Why is modesty important to you? Delaney: Modesty is important to me because I would rather have someone want to talk to me because of my personality and heart rather than attracting attention only because of what I am wearing! Also, setting a positive example, especially in our current society, is equally important. So many young girls already have the wrong idea about how to dress and why modesty is important. I think that when you allow people to fall in love with your inner beauty, your outer beauty simply becomes the icing on the cake!

Beauty Wednesday: A Simple But Glowing Look

Without letting makeup define us, one thing we should remember as young women is that it doesn't take a smattering of makeup to accentuate our features. By applying just enough makeup to highlight beautiful brow lines, cheek bones, eye shapes and lips, we can capture both a polished and natural look in our daily makeup routines. I used Emily, our Top Buttons fashion editor, in order to illustrate a classic every day look that anyone can have using the products they own at home. All of the products used in this video were products that Emily already owned.

These products include

1. Liquid Foundation: Chanel Ultra-light Skin: Beige.

This foundation makes for a clean palette and it can be used in order to cover up blemishes, discoloration and refine the look of skin.

2. Powder foundation: Jane Iredale: Light Beige

Powder foundation is brushed lightly over liquid foundation to reduce oiliness in skin and prevent smearing.

3. Blush: Benefit Bella Bamba

Blush can double as both a contour and an additional tone/hue for lighter skin tones. This blush can liven up your appearance as well as add some  shimmer to your overall look.

Make sure to evenly dust the apples of your cheeks while pulling the color out, at a slight angle, toward your hair line.

4. Eye shadow: Sephora Eye Palette: Burnished Cocoa

These neutral, shimmer tones are warming for any eye color. They add subtle contouring effects while also opening up your eyes.

First brush lighter tones over the lid of the eye, then fill the crease of the eye with darker tones of the same color family.

5. Eyeliner: Sephora Liner Electro: Electro Choc

Eye liner, especially soft pencil liners, really accentuate the size and angle of the eye. By subtly lining above the lash line you can define and compliment any eye with any color.

6. Mascara: Maybelline: New York The Falsies Volume Express

Mascara can always add natural looking length to your lashes if you know how to use it. Instead of lathering your lashes with product, gently pull the mascara brush through the lashes just enough to fan out the length of the lashes.

7. Lipstick: Victoria Secret Perfect Lipstick: Wish

Lipstick will always add a dash of color and maybe even a little spice to your life. Thankfully, lipstick is pretty straight forward and easy to apply. As long as you fit the lipstick stick to the curves and angles of your lips you will be ready to rock either a bold or subtle look, depending on your preference of color.

Trending Tuesday: Falling for Burgundy

The color burgundy has donned models and mannequins from the runway to the nearest department stores this season. This warm hue will sure carry from the autumn to winter months ahead so stock up on a few stylish essentials. Here are some trending items that incorporate this beloved color into your wardrobe, whether you want a small accent or a bold statement piece. 1. Modcloth Wine Dining Jacket. Paired with a black riding boot, this structured jacket is the perfect way to look stylish on a cool Autumn day. The small details like the gold zipper and leather patches integrate current trends that make this jacket undeniably fashionable.

2. Covergirl LipPerfection in Euphoria. Just as the weather begins to have a slight chill in the air, the makeup tends to crave the cooler tones as well. Burgundy and plum lipsticks are the go-to item for the season. Create a polished pout with this affordable drugstore buy from Covergirl.

3. Forever 21 Buckled Floppy Hat. The summer months can no longer claim popularity for the floppy hat. With a touch of suede or wool, this new take on the floppy hat is an easy way to block the UV rays that can still cause harm during the fall.

4. Mini M.A.C. Rebecca Minkoff bags are all the rage and for the fall collection, she chose this burgundy tone for the famous Mini M.A.C. Just enough room for your phone, lipgloss and card case, the Mini M.A.C. is the perfect sized cross body for a fall day at the orchard or corn maze.

5. H&M Top. What makes this H&M top so great is that it is not only affordable but it can either be dressed up or dressed down. Paired with a dark pair of skinny jeans or a high waisted skirt and tights, this is a comfortable tee that will make either look fabulously stylish.

6. Steve Madden 'Chaufer' Flat. Loafers are one of the biggest trending items this fall. Traditionally worn with structured items, this piece is now permitted to have a little fun. It can be worn with denim or a flouncy dress.

7. Kool Connections Rhinestone Cluster Studs. Who doesn't love a good dose of sparkle? Worn with any burgundy item, these studs compliment the hue and offer a girly touch.

A Shopping Spree with Purpose

A Note from our Give Back Director, Anastasia I have always wanted to be a part of something great! Something bigger than myself, and I must say that Top Buttons is one such opportunity. Where else can I have the chance help a deserving teen purchase trendy and modest clothes that reflect her style?

We partnered with Girls Night Out (GNO), a girls outreach under the Lakeland Dream Center. Tiffany, a great friend of mine started GNO as a volunteer of the Lakeland Dream Center several years ago with the goal of giving teen girls a healthy place to be after school hours. Tiffany brought the nominated teen whose name was Shon. It was fun hanging out with Shon and Tiffany during the very first Top Buttons shopping spree with modesty in mind. Our experience was spent in Marshall's, running through the aisles and throwing tons and tons of clothes into the shopping carts! When the cart was full of clothes, we moved the party to the dressing rooms. That was the real test. We all know that some clothes look differently on the hanger than they do when you actually try them on. Honestly, even a seemingly longer dress on a hanger may turn into a micro mini once you try it on. While in the dressing room, we talked with Shon about dressing for her body type, found clothes that reflected her favorite trends, tried on shoes, listened to her share about her current life situation, and we shared with her the vision of Top Buttons.

After two hours within the store we checked out and then had a short photo shoot downtown! Shon put on her favorite outfit and posed for the camera. What a great way to end a perfectly amazing time with new friends! I mean seriously, what girl doesn’t love a shopping spree?

All of the funds for the modesty shopping sprees are donated funds raised through our non-profit organization under our More Modesty On The Streets (MOTS) Campaign. If you are interested in donating funds to provide underprivileged teens with more modest clothing options, please contact me at anastasia@topbuttons.org.

Meet Our Lakeland TB Representative

 Lakeland: A Homeschooled Dancer with a True to Self Style

[bra_dropcaps style='dropcap1']I[/bra_dropcaps] am a dancer and have been homeschooled while living in the Lakeland area my whole life. Sometimes I hear that being homeschooled means you have no social skills or just don’t connect with your peers.  I couldn’t disagree more!  I love meeting new people and being a part of teams that are into the arts, dance, fashion, and yet still I have the freedom of getting my school work done as I want to.

I’m really looking forward to being more involved in Top Buttons through their  Modesty On The Streets (MOTS) Campaign because it is difficult to find fashion tips without all the other stuff attached to it.  I mean, I’m not interested in learning about celebrity  break ups while looking at fashion magazines, I want to see different ways to coordinate the clothes in my closet and recommendations on where to find things.

[bra_blockquote align='']I have seen some really fashionable and modest styles online, but most of these outfits would make me pass out if I wore them in this Florida weather! [/bra_blockquote]

With that being said, I have found that my greatest challenge with dressing modestly has to do with the Florida weather.  Due to the heat and the country influence, here you will find cowboy boots and miniskirts are quite common year round.  I like the cowboy boots, but I’m not into miniskirts. I personally am a variety kind of girl. I love comfy Levis with a baggy sweater, or on some days, maybe a fancy print with some heels.  Accessories are the key for me to change it up and make old things feel new.  From a young age I set out to create true-to self, unique styles. One of my favorite things about fall is the layered look.  The whole idea of wearing shorts with vintage leggings and boots, I find stylish. And I have experimented with this look myself.

After a much anticipated trip to New York City, I became inspired not only to experiment with my own outer style, but to consider my inner style as well.  Modesty is the goal. Modesty helps me keep a clean reputation and shows respect for myself and others. It also attracts others who share this same value. Keeping it modest can be extra fun because in our current culture you will actually get to stand out (in a good way of course). Many times kids get locked into the peer pressure of their Middle Schools or High Schools, settling for becoming a copy rather than an original.  Many fear that being who they are will lead to isolation.  Although seeking acceptance is a natural desire, if you can learn to expand your vision, the options for your look and life will be limitless.

— Kenady

Promoting Fashion With Extra Fabric

Because Modesty is not just for winter time, church, and tradition... An idea exists among girlfriends that dressing modestly is “boring” or that it forces you to have to deny your identity.  At Top Buttons we believe a young woman can express a  personal unique style in a way that doesn't have to compromise values or deny personality.  The balance of expressing your style and setting boundaries is possible when you have the right resources to help you do so and the passion to make the extra effort.

We should keep in mind the TV shows we watch, music we listen to, celebrities we look to as role models, and fashion magazines we place in front of our eyes influence our concept of what is “normal” and acceptable.  We are reaching a point where the limitations on "acceptable" behavior are being challenged, and in many cases completely removed.  More specifically we see the boundaries being pushed shamelessly in the everyday clothing styles that stack shelves in our favorite shops.

This whole modesty project came out of a desire to simply encourage a more modest take on current fashion trends.  Researching the presence of modest fashion blogs, we found that there are actually some phenomenal blogs on modesty.  Many of which could be inspirational to teens, but few that specifically focus on teens with their styles and content.

So we are determined to fill this need and provide you with a modest fashion resource put together mostly by young ladies your own age.   We will work to filter out the unnecessary sexual material that is commonly connected with fashion magazines and showcase a Top Buttons version of current fashion trends.  But yet our content will include much of the fun ideas that other magazines hold.

On the website we will have posts that include:

• Current fashion trends with a more modest take.  We call this “Fashion with Extra Fabric.”
• Video tutorials on beauty and fashion
• Modesty Solutions
• Updates on our local Shopping Sprees for underprivileged teens
• Modesty on the Streets (MOTS) representatives sharing their perspective on fashion and modesty from their city or country

While we could criticize some of the popular young celebrities with their immodest styles and glamorized scandalous behavior, instead through Top Buttons, we would like to connect you with some incredible young women who have a different take on life and fashion.

Over the next few weeks you will get a glimpse into the lives of our team members.  Our team is made up of young women who are magazine interns, video editors, journalism majors, fashion bloggers, inspirational writers, etc…  Additionally, we are working with teens who will research, model, and be a part of our Modesty on the Streets (MOTS) Campaign.  We have been meeting and working on the content of the blog extensively for the past 2 months.  We aren’t looking to define modesty through establishing a rule.  We know there are so many factors which influence one’s definition of modesty, from one’s cultural background, to religious preferences and upbringing. We hope to start a conversation of what a more modest take on fashion could look like.

We know that our character is not defined by our outward appearance, but it does create a perception.  How we look does send a message.   Asking ourselves if the outfits we wear send a message which reflects the truth about who we really are, should be a daily practice.  We hope to encourage all young women to place a higher value on inner qualities than on outward appearance.  We look forward to connecting with you through Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Youtube, and our blog posts.  Talk to us!  We want to hear your ideas and see your modest outfits!  Join this “collective voice” ...a movement for modesty. Check out our Give Back and Get Involved pages to see how you too can be a part of the Top Buttons team!

You are not alone.  Together, we'll keep it classy!

Sarah and the Top Buttons Team

Photo Credit:  Beth Carter Photography