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