Clothed Much 2011 Survey

Another year down. Thank you to all those who have stuck with me since the beginning! You rock! And for those who have joined since then, you're okay too. ;) Last year around this time, I asked you guys to take a survey. (Here are the results from 2010.) If you have a few minutes, I would really appreciate if you could take another one for 2011 below. Thank you!!! And Happy New Year! Be safe!

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Hello Dotty

Necklace: via consignment store, $5
Shirt: thrifted, $1.50
Skirt: Forever 21, $6
Undershirt: c/o ModBod
Shoes: JCPenney, free

I thrifted this polka-dot shirt over Thanksgiving weekend. I've been looking out for one ever since I saw Diana wearing one from Modest Mob. It is sheer so I wore a black shirt from modbod underneath.

They sent me a couple items after I revealed my true colors about Utah undershirts. Oh, BOY, was I wrong about modbod... Their shirts are AMAZING. I owned a couple from DownEast Basics before and they pretty much pale in comparison to modbod's. They have the perfect amount of stretch, they're long, and they are thin enough to wear under your clothes comfortably. Be aware that these are supposed to be worn underneath your clothes so get your regular size if you want to wear it snug underneath or go a size up to wear as a regular top. So modbod please accept my virtual apology because your undershirts are BOMB. I'm never going back to DownEast undershirts!!!!

......and, yes, all the modest undershirts defenders can lay your wrath on me. But only if you're wearing modbod. I will accept none else.

P.S. Still on my all-black kick if you didn't notice.

P.P.S. Shame on you if you didn't.

P.P.P.S. Just kidding.

P.P.P.P.S. A little.

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Feeling Smirky

Necklace: via consignment store, $5

Sweater: Gap, $11

Shirt: JCPenney via yard sale, $1

Leggings: Target, $20

Shoes: Franco Sarto via Marshall's, $32

Bag: Michael Kors, gift

I loved wearing this. I've been on a black kick lately because it's easy and classic. Add some gold jewelry and red lips and you're good to go.

P.S. I snagged this black button-down at a church yard sale for $1. ONE DOLLAR. I can't stop wearing it. It's SO comf. And it's a JCPenney brand. Irony? Are you there?

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Loafing Around

Jacket: c/o Collection B

T-shirt: thrifted, $5

Jeans: Gap Outlet, $26

Flats: Target, $25

One of my birthday presents to myself was online shopping. BIG DEAL. But I hate online shopping for clothes. I am rather picky with fit so I always end up returning everything. NOT THESE BABIES (shoes). Loafers are hot this season and for $20 it can't get better than that! Unless Target had leopard print ones. ALREADY SOLD. Do you own any loafers? What do you think of this trend?

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Sneaker Outfits Inspiration

Gonna be walking a lot tomorrow (today) and needed some sneaker outfit inspiration. I also need sneakers.

UPDATE 9:53 PM PST:  I ended up wearing the outfit below after finding these images online. I also wore this jacket but didn't take a pic with it. I was pretty happy with how this turned out considering I hate athletic sneakers as regular attire. This may have changed my mind...but only if I can buy new kicks.

Hat: c/o SLiM Motif

Sweater: Target men's, $8

Shirt: Hane's men's, $9 for 8-pack

Jeans: J Brand, $158

Sneakers: Asics, $85 (similar)

Bag: Michael Kors, gift

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Stay Warm This Winter in Style! by Jackie

Hi, my name is Jackie Clark and I work with the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance. I'm not a fashion blogger by any means but fashion has been something of a passion. I've recently figured out that fashion doesn't mean buying something new. The best outfits are those pieces put together from a variety of styles from last season's boots to my vintage sweater and great grandmother's earrings. Fashion is whatever your style is and my style changes each and every day.

Being a modest dresser does not mean you have to forego upcoming winter fashions. In fact, it can actually be beneficial at this time of year. The upcoming styles for this winter fashion season are highly adaptable to a wide variety of modest preferences, no matter what your personal style tends.

Keeping Warm

Mid-length to knee-length coats in single and double-breasted styles are coming up as very fashionable for the winter. Many stylish coats can be worn as dresses, particularly when fitted or worn with a medium width belt. The current trend of wearing dresses with opaque tights fits splendidly with this, keeping your legs warm at the same time. If you aren't comfortable wearing tights while showing that much leg, consider wearing a pair of wide-leg trousers.

Indoor Fashion

Wide-leg trousers in subtle patterns such as small hounds tooth and heathering or small tone-on-tone prints promise to be a growing trend this winter. When you take off your coat, make sure that what you're wearing underneath is just as stylish as the toasty coat itself.

This past fall, peplum silhouettes were all the rage, and this is continuing into the winter. Whether you enjoy wearing dresses with a peplum cut or blouses over a simple bottom piece, there are some great ways to go with it.

Footwear

Shoes are tending toward vintage looks with a bit of a twist on the runways right now. The best vintage heels from the 60s, 70s, and 80s are being brought forward again - as well as heeled boots - but they have some sparkle on them this time. Everything from bold colors with a bit of sequin work, to sleek metallics, to black with shiny stars and sequins added in patterns are being seen. This time around, it seems that less is more - a few sequins in a floral design go a long way.

Winter Accessories

Winter is a wonderful time for accessorizing, since slightly bulkier clothing makes a great canvas for them. Instead of picking up that thick, heavy scarf, wrap three or four skinny scarves around your neck. Look for the same scarf in multiple designs and wear them together. You can wind them around in a bundle or braid them for a more unique look. If you enjoy wearing hats, this is the fashion season for you. The fuzzy, oversized hats that have been in style are going out and sleeker, more tailored hats are coming in. Fedoras with wide brims, from Indiana Jones style to widths that are downright floppy, are in style this winter.

There's nothing that says you can't be fashion forward while keeping your wardrobe as modest as you want it, as well. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't stay stylish!

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Celebrate the Red and Green in Style

Don't want to wear the obvious red and green this Christmas? Take Shannon's color tip and don teal with red instead. It says you like Christmas but only if it corresponds with your outfit. Isn't that what this holiday is all about? And presents? And returning presents to get better stuff?

Wear the complementary colors far away from each other if you are not used to wearing a lot of color. This way you can still add in other neutral colors to tone them down. Or just wear the whole rainbow.

P.S. Don't laugh. The pic on the left was one of my first outfit photos on ze blog! Oh, boy. Okay...now you can laugh.

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Last Minute Gift Guide: 10 Under $10

AKA what my cheapo family can get me this Christmas. Everything on this list is mandatory. Let's make it happen, Cap'n.

1. hair elastic that doubles as a cool bracelet, $4.99
2. orange lipstick, $8.99
3. cool mugs for sipping hot cocoa, $10
4. colored tights, $9.09
5. cozy wool socks, $8
6. nail polish, $2.80
7. dry shampoo, $5.99
8. smell good body washes, $7.99
9. POLAR BEAR slipper socks...POLAR BEAR!!!!, $9.99
10. cosmetic bag that could double as a clutch, $7.80

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Chop Chop

So earlier this week I mentioned on Twitter that I was cutting my hair off. And I had (have?) all the intention to.

I've been trying to grow my hair out with the least damage as possible so I haven't been blow-drying it or straightening it. That means a lot of natural hair going on. My natural hair is straight with weird waves from stupid cowlicks around my big face. It's sufficient but not pretty. That's why I've been waving/curling my hair a lot. I used all sorts of methods to get the wavy locks:  sock bun, twisted buns, two Sailor Moon buns, French braids... (Hehe, BUNS.) But they don't last and I have to do it all over again the next day. #lazy #canigetanamen

..which is why I decided to get a permanent wave yesterday. Aaaand it sucks. They messed up the hair on the top of my head. I guess it didn't hold properly during the perm so it's still straight while the hair underneath is wavy. I would take a picture but I'm not wearing a bra make-up. I'm going back on Friday to get some more waves on top. And then chop it all off. Not sure which style yet. Depends on which one my stylist won't shoot down. WAIT. It was all of 'em. ...I'm leaning more toward the ones on the left. But which one... I'll probably decide last minute and then change my mind a few times more.

P.S. Kari recently got the chop chop! So adorbs, right??

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Make A Holiday Flower Pin by Kristina

The holiday season calls for something a little fancy, a little extra...and flower pins are the perfect touch to any holiday ensemble. You can use lace, tulle or chiffon fabrics for flowers like this...anything that can have heat applied to it without burning. You simply want the edges to melt, not go up in flames. HA. The measurements can be as small or large in diameter as you want, but the for this tutorial, the measurements given will make a four inch flower. 

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Bumblebee Perhaps

Top:  thrifted, $1.50

Skirt:  modified, Forever 21, $7

Shoes:  Marshall's, Franco Sarto, $32 (similar)

Over the Thanksgiving holiday up in Sac-town, I was able to snag a few goodies for myself including this school bus polyster top and these wedge lace-up booties. More to come later! And don't worry... I ended up tucking the front of my shirt later in the day. I can't not tuck. I think that one time was a fluke. Are you a tucker? ..or a let-it-all-hang-out-er?

BTW these shoes are COMF...like forrealz. I wanted to get green ones from Old Navy but they are sold out. #whitegirlproblems #waitimnotwhite #thisisnttwitter #stopit #noyoustopit

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If they were good enough for Robin Hood and his Merry Men... by Erica

Hello, my name is Erica. I blog at North Meets South and I freakin' love tights. They are the bright, beautiful, silver lining on that dark, cold, hated cloud known as winter. Not only do they keep your legs warm, but also they can add a lot of pep to your outfits. Functional AND fashionable?!?! Can those contradictory ideals actually co-exist in a small piece of nylon? Why yes, my friends. They can, and they DO. Here are some of the ways I like to wear tights:

To spice up a colorless outfit.

When it's cold and rainy (or I woke up late), I have a tendency to reach for mostly black outfits. Colored tights are an easy way to make those bland outfits a tad bit interesting. Not too mention all the comments about your brightly-colored legs are fun.

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Hot Magnets for MEN Giveaway (CLOSED)

Don't know what to get your guy this holiday season? How about a set of cufflinks? Hot Magnets just launched a men's line of cufflinks. But they're no ordinary cufflinks. Since they're magnetic, they can be worn on any men's button-up shirt. No French shirt? No problemo. Simply put them over the buttons on the shirt sleeve, slip the inner magnet piece inside, and your man is instantly Mr. Monopoly. I mean, isn't that every woman's dream man?

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AKA Comfortable

Scarf: eBay, $7
Cardigan: Korean boutique, $13
Shirt: dress I cut into a shirt, Gap $8
Skirt: dress I made into a skirt, Forever 21, $5
Flats: JCPenney, free
Bag: garage sale, vintage Gucci, $3

This was one of those outfits that came to me naturally and then I remember why I have a fashion blog in the first place. 1) It's comfortable. 2) It's loose (AKA comfortable). 3) I didn't have to shave my legs (AKA comfortable). 4) Do I really need a fourth reason?

I'm not used to wearing my shirt out like that. I'm a chronic tuck-everything-in-er. But sometimes you need to let loose. And by sometimes I mean after a big sushi dinner. And cake. And hot chocolate. OH, YEAH.

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LBD with Colored Tights

I got a reader question about how to style this J.Crew LBD with colored tights for holiday parties. (Perfect timing with this week's RBM, eh?) I also have a hard time styling LBDs and usually keep dressorizing (= dress + accessorizing) pretty simple so I hope that is what you're looking for, Sara!

J.Crew, $188

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A little bit of 90s, a little bit of Fancy

Jacket: thrifted, American Eagle, $5
Necklace: JCPenney, free
T-shirt: Shade Clothing, free
Skirt: made from a thrifted IKEA curtain, $2
Bag: vintage, $15

This is what I wore on my birthday. That's right... I'm posting it a month later! What have I been wearing for the past month? Pajama jeans. Just kidding. I'm not that classy.

I tweeted to my fellow tweeters asking if I should go fancy or just blend in. So I tried both. As you can see, I'm about to go to a 90s theme cocktail party. And that is how you ruin your birthday outfit. (This looked a lot better without the 90s denim jacket. I think. Don't quote me on that..)

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Recognizing My Worth by Megan

Hello! If you don't remember me from my first post, my name is Megan and I blog over here. I'm so excited to be guest posting about my beliefs in being modest.

When I was in high school, dressing modestly was honestly not hard for me. I was confident in myself and knew who I was. I didn’t question the teachings from my parents and church leaders to stay modest and clean. In fact, I loved developing my own style and standing out of the crowd! I never even so much as felt tempted to wear a two-piece to the pool. It just wasn't for me and I knew it.

Jump ahead about four years and my feelings changed pretty dramatically. I started feeling obligation and frustration with finding modest clothes. I would see all these cute girls with short skirts and sleeveless dresses and feel incredibly frumpy. I felt like I just had layers and layers of bulky clothes keeping me back from being able to be one of the fashionable.

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The Nerd in Me by Melissa

So I have a pretty big, resounding, inner nerd. Between my love for The Big Bang Theory and the fact that I talk to my husband about teeth constantly (P.S. I am in dental school.), it comes out in waves sometimes when I have a day free of scrubs or professional wear. My inner nerd enjoys funky/funny fitted t-shirts. Does anyone else enjoy wearing story book characters on their t-shirts?

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LAST Rule Breaking Monday!

Hey guys, this will be the last Rule Breaking Monday. It's been real...like a year...but I think we need some time apart. So let's dress up our Little Black Dresses!! It's the perfect dress canvas for holiday parties galore these next few weeks. So link up below! And, please! No tears! Maybe one! Okay, five!

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Bright Pants Paired with Neutrals by Kristine

Necklace: c/o HollyDoll; Sweater: Last Chance; Belt: J.Crew Factory Store; 

Pants: Urban Outfitters; Shoes: c/o Blowfish

The trick to wearing bright pants is to pair it with neutral colors. I mean, it's totally fun to wear them with contrasting colors (or even go for the monochromatic look), but when you just want to run out the door and not spend 5 hours figuring out what colors look good together, neutrals are the way to go. I chose to wear a gray top and tied the outfit together by wearing black wedges with a black and white necklace. Easy breezy! 

Here are a few awesome bright-colored pants for you, and the best part is - they're all under $60! My pair can be found here.  Start getting colorful with your wardrobe, ladies!

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Becca's Blooms Giveaway (CLOSED)

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BYU-Idaho bans skinny jeans

I've worn skinny jeans many a time on Clothed Much.

According to The Student Review, an independent paper written by Brigham Young University students, BYU-Idaho's Testing Center recently put up a sign prohibiting anyone wearing skinny jeans to be admitted for both men and women. Advancement Vice President Henry J. Eyring was asked whether skinny jeans are in violation of the university’s honor code, which states that clothing should not be form-fitting. “It’s useful for us to realize that fashions will come and go,” Eyring answered. “There will always be some tempting new style.”

Gawker was able to get a statement from Eyring and his colleague Kevin Miyasaki. Miyasaki stated the following in an email correspondence with the author:

We have not identified "skinny jeans" as a specific violation of the dress and grooming standard. We are aware of the incident and the Student Honor Office is working with the Testing Center to address the issue.

The wording in the BYU-Idaho dress and grooming standard regarding formfitting clothing is as follows: 

"Clothing is inappropriate when it is sleeveless, strapless, backless, or revealing. It should not have slits above the knee or be formfitting." 

The foundation of this standard comes from "For the Strength of Youth" which states, "Immodest clothing includes short shorts and skirts, tight clothing, shirts that do not cover the stomach, and other revealing attire. Young women should wear clothing that covers the shoulder and avoid clothing that is low-cut in the front or the back or revealing in any other manner." 

The Testing Center has not made any new standard, nor has there been a ban of a particular piece of clothing. The effort of the Testing Center as well as with other employees and students is to encourage others in their commitment to comply with the Honor Code.

I had been a student at BYU-I for three years and had to follow a few of its stricter dress codes such as no flip flops, no overalls (psh, easy), no shorts, no leggings, and no holey jeans. It wasn't as bad as you'd think. I did break the holey jeans rule a few times but that's because I had come from working at American Eagle where they're all about holey jeans and that's all I had.


I've been thinking about this issue for a while now. Are skinny jeans immodest? I think it depends on who you ask, how tight they are, and how much of you we're seeing.

I personally like skinny jeans and don't see myself not wearing them anytime soon. I've seen plenty of Mormon girls who wear skinny jeans tastefully. I've also seen plenty of Mormon girls who wear them not so tastefully. That can also be said about a lot of other clothing items and fashion trends.

But doesn't this fall under the Mormon clothing standard of not wearing form-fitting clothing? There are many other clothing items that Mormon women wear that could fall under this category such as fitted tops, most flared jeans (the thigh and butt area), and a lot of dresses. This may be one of the cases where since everyone else is doing it, it must be okay. Also, personal definitions of form-fitting clothing can vary from person to person; similarly with modesty.


What do you think? Was the BYU-I Testing Center in the right for banning skinny jeans? Are skinny jeans immodest?


Side note:  I've also heard of rumors that BYU-I was trying to ban messenger bags on girls because it accentuated the woman's chest when worn across the body. Can anyone confirm/disclaim that?



UPDATE 9:44 AM PST:  BYU-I made the following announcement on their Facebook page:

Wondering if skinny jeans are allowed on campus? They are. BYU-Idaho's longstanding dress & grooming standards promote principles of modesty and restrict formfitting clothing, but skinny jeans are not singled out or prohibited. In addition, the Testing Center issue reported in Scroll has been corrected and is no longer in force.

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Fresh Color Combos by Shannon

Hey, it's Shannon back again to talk about color! It is all about color this winter. The best way to do it is with fresh new color combos. You might feel a little weird if you aren't used to it. Have complete confidence in what you're wearing and you will look great!

Cobalt Blue & Mustard

This has to be one of my favorites! This is a bright combo so you need to be ready to own the look. For this look, I found a thrifted blouse for $3. I dyed the skirt using a combo of yellow and tan RIT dye.

Teal & Red

This color combo will be a great way to put a twist on the same old red for the holidays. I tried this look with red shoes from Target and my teal clutch from ASOS. LOVE!

Orange & Purple

This is a beautiful color combo! Try the combo in a subtle way. I did it with a sweater, floral blouse, and an amber pendent.

Black & Blue

This combo is pure class. This color combo was all over the runway in Louis Vuitton's fall show. An easy way to put these colors together is through accessories. Try a blue clutch or necklace with your favorite LBD.

Orange & Green

This color combo is great for everyday. It's bright but not so bright you will be uncomfortable. Here is the combo with a silk blouse and GAP cardigan sweater.

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What the 'tude??

striped scarf (gift), Mink Pink blouse (c/o KODI Boutique), J Brand jeans ($158), Tsubo shoes (c/o Tsubo), vintage bag ($15)

You guys, I had to do florals and stripes again. The world is lucky I don't have striped pants. WAIT, I do!!!!!! Watch out, world!!!!!! Anyway, I don't have much to say about this outfit.. Didn't end up liking it either. I'll have to retry with my pajama pants withOUT any cuffing or rolling this time... Blah. Sorry for all the not-so-exciting outfit posts lately. To change the 'tude, what has been your favorite outfit lately? Leave a link! I'd love to see.

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Rule Breaking Monday!

To recap last week was knee-high socks and the week prior was shorts with boots. So go check them out to see the most liked outfits!!!

For this week it's snow boots time! If you need some inspiration, here are some J.Crew ideas on how to wear duck boots.

For next week I think it would be fun to do a Little Black Dress party. Melissa just recently wore one with a gray cardigan.

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Texture by Melissa

After that mess of style and color that was my last outfit post I had to class it up, so I eliminated color from my outfit palette (whimper). Honestly, that one is a hard one for me. I am not one to wear all black/gray. But, that did leave me with a chance to emphasize some fun textures in my closet!

Loved pairing this chunky textured sweater with a smooth satin ribbon (which I saved from a lovely wrapped wedding gift)!

I offset the soft, cotton, black dress with some patterned black tights and kept the black going in my t-strap wedges to show off the silver beads down my shoes. I even broke one of my own rules -- no tights with open toed shoes.

cardigan: Urban Outfitters (similiar here), dress: Topshop, tights: Gap (similar here), ribbon: Wrapping on gift, shoes: Nine West (gift)

Okay, so maybe black/grey scale isn't that boring. How do you texture?

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Essentials by Kari

I mentioned in my last post that I haven't done too much shopping here in NYC and I've only picked up a couple essential utilitarian things and I wanted to share those things with you.  I know there will be more, but these are two new items that I've never needed previously that have made me happy here.  Now, this is a fashion blog so just because these are more functional pieces doesn't mean that we have to lose the form, right? Right.

First up, a light-weight down jacket.  Ok, for those that live in cold places might be thinking, duh!!  But I've never had one before, even when I was going to school in Utah.  Everyone in NYC has these jackets and now I know why!  What I love about this jacket is how versatile it is.  It's super warm but not tight (like pea coats can be) so you can layer it up with more or less layers as needed and when it's time to de-layer, this coat is not bulky or heavy to carry around the city.  The jacket I got is from UNIQLO and it even came with a little bag that you can stuff the coat into when you need to stash it away.  I think I've probably stayed away from these types of jackets because you can quickly and easily look like the Michelin Man but this one has lines that are on a slight angle and the sections are smaller so it looks more streamlined and flattering.  I got mine in black because if I'm going to wear it all the time, it's gotta go with everything!

My second essential is a cute rain/snow boot.  Again, after living four years in Utah, I still could not figure out how to keep my feet dry and warm and still look cute so my toes were usually frozen on the walk to school.  But not with these babies from J.Crew.  These Sperry all weather boots are exactly what I was looking for.  They are rubber which is good for rain and snow; they also have shearling lining, which makes them super warm; the outsole has good traction, which will help me from slipping and sliding; AND, finally, I love the look of these boots.  I knew any boot I'd be wearing for the majority of the winter had to be cute or else I wouldn't wear them no matter the weather.

I'm still building my list of cold weather essentials and while both these items don't exactly come in at the lowest prices, I feel like if we're calling them essentials, its definitely worth investing in.  Do you have any favorite items that have been lifesavers in the face of crazy weather?  I would love to hear how you survive it.  This Cali girl is going to need all the help she can get!

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