2015 Holiday Gift Guide

Keeping in mind that the Christmas season is all about giving and receiving, we've put together a 2015 Holiday Gift Guide that features a variety of items all priced at $25 and under. Not only are they affordable, but these items are essential to every woman's life. An added bonus, is that each of these items is small enough to fit into a stocking too!

So whether you're looking for ideas of what to put on your own wishlist or you're on the hunt for the perfect present for a friend or family member, you can't go wrong with these suggestions.

---

I mean, who doesn't love a good mug?! Nowadays there are so many to choose from. Some feature inspirational quotes, while others are printed with cute graphics. Some are made for hot drinks on-the-go, while others are made to be sipped from home. With a little perusing, you'll be sure to find one that perfectly fits your personality.

We found these three: Francesca's | Starbucks | Target

---

A journal for the journey. Everyone is on a journey in life, and us women usually like to document it! From diary entries to letters to notes and more, journals are so handy -- so why not make it cute?

Barnes & Noble has the absolute best selection of journals around, including this set of Vintage Blossom ones.

Urban Outfitters has a selection of stationary as well, and this Feather Notebook is a favorite!

---

The best thing about candles is that it's like the gift that keeps on giving! Seriously, it can change the mood and atmosphere of a whole room, over and over and over again ... until it burns out, of course.

What you may not know is that the Dollar Tree sells Skittle-scented candles (best idea ever). If you thought you loved eating Skittles, wait 'til their scent fills the room. (We are not responsible if this gift makes you hungry though!)

On the other hand, Bath & Body Works is the go-to for all things scent-related. From body wash, to lotion, to candles, they have it all -- both in quantity AND quality. The Vanilla Bean Noel candle is timeless. While it is fitting for the holidays, it is one of those scents that never gets old.

---

Lotion -- it's a triple threat that helps you smell good, look good, and feel good. It helps alleviate dry, rough, and itchy skin, so say goodbye to those days and hello to an array of scented lotions.

As mentioned before, Bath & Body Works is the ideal place to shop for scents, and this Warm Vanilla Sugar gift set includes lotion, body wash, and hand sanitizer for a great value.

Ulta, on the other hand, is the prime place for all cosmetic-related shopping. Their OPI Body Lotion set comes with 6 different scents. This set will accommodate anyone, whether they just want to switch scents daily, or try a bunch out until they find the one they love best.

---

The secret to buying wallets: purchase a wallet that's cheap enough, so that once you've bought it you'll still have money left over to keep in it. That's why we searched for two versatile and affordable wallet options from Charming Charlie & Forever 21. These wallets are available in neutral colors, so that they can match with any purse.

---

Big necklaces and graphic-faced watches are so in this year. Why spend loads of money on ever-changing accessory trends?

Wal-Mart can help you make a statement with a necklace like this bold Pearl Cluster one.  They have a great selection of statement necklaces ranging from $5-$15. You'll be sure to find an accessory as unique as you or a friend.

Charlotte Russe and Rue 21 both have an assortment of watches, each one featuring a different face. This Flower Garden watch is just $7! By searching "watch" in their search-bar, you'll find a large variety ranging from quotes, to patterns, to pictures and more!

---

After reading our Holiday Gift Guide, we hope you've been inspired for both wish-list making and gift-giving!

Our Top 3 Fall Wardrobe Essentials

Pumpkin patches, apple cider, light jackets and plaid shirts. Yes, that's right! Fall is well on it's way and we are excited to bring you this year's trends all season long. For those of you who want to prep your closet for fall, but aren't exactly sure where to start – look no further! We are here to help by bringing you our top 3 essentials. Start building your autumn wardrobe today! 1. The Long Sweater This trend is one of our favorites. Comfortable and classy - this cardigan is sure to keep you warm all season. You can find a similar style here at The Limited.

2. The Perfect Pair of Skinny Jeans A well-fir of skinny jeans are a year round staple. Experiment with different brands and find your favorite fit. Right now, we are in love with the high-waisted skinny jeans from Guess,  The Loft, J.Crew, and Banana Republic!

3.  The Neutral Bootie This is the ultimate accessory for every autumn outfit. Dress these booties up or down - either way, your sure to amp up your look with this stylish essential. Choose from a large selection at SoleSociety or DSW!

So there you have it, three fall wardrobe essentials to kick off the season! The thing we love best about each of these pieces is their versatility! Mix and match them with different looks to create your own style. Fall will be here before you know it, and when it arrives you will be ready.

Written by: Anastasia Jones Photos via: Pinterest

5 Shopping Tips To Save You Money

Shopping and saving money are both things that we enjoy doing. Preferably at the same time! Whether you're shopping in-store or online, there are ample opportunities to both save money and buy the things you want. 1. Clearance Events / Major Holidays - A few times a year stores have major clearance events and blow-out sales. Often times, these sales can take place on or around major holidays. Keep an eye out for super low deals, and be sure to snag them as soon as they are available.

2. Cash Back Rewards - Some stores have cash back rewards programs. Once a customer purchases a certain amount of items, the store will give a percentage or dollar amount off of their next purchase. For example, when you reach 2,000 points using your Ann Taylor card, you are given a $20 off rewards card to use on any purchase at Ann Taylor, Loft, or either of their factory outlets. The $20 reward is able to be used on any purchase within the allotted period, and can be combined with any other coupons or sales. Ann Taylor also offers customers the chance to earn double points during certain events throughout the year. It's fantastic!

3. Coupon Apps - Apps like RetailMeNot, Spendless and Shopkick are just a few coupon apps that are amazing for saving time and money. Don't check-out at the register until you have searched for coupons using one of these apps, you never know what deals they will find for you.

4. New Subscriber Deals - We are constantly discovering new online boutiques, and almost all of them offer money-saving coupons when you subscribe to their website. So make sure to always check and see what the perks are for joining a store's mailing list. A 10-20% off coupon may be sent to your inbox just for signing up.

5. Check Tag & Receipt - Always check the price tag and compare it to the receipt. This may sound like a no-brainer, but in the long run this tip may save you hundreds of dollars. Retail is always subject to human error, and a shirt that was tagged at $10, could end up costing you the original value simply because it was not logged into the computer system properly. Now, why should you have to pay for that error? The answer is - you shouldn't.

We hope these tips come in handy when making future purchases. Whether you're in the market for new clothing, textbooks or electronics, keep these money-saving tips in mind and keep more money in your pocket!

Written by: Anastasia Jones 

Image: Pinterest

5 Tips For Achieving Your Best Internship Look

Congratulations! You knocked your interview out of the park, and have officially landed the internship of your dreams! Your first day begins next week, and you have absolutely no idea what to wear. You have a few classic pieces that are appropriate for the office, but the majority of your closet consists of faded skinny jeans and other items you wore throughout college. Don't fret, we are here to help!

Achieving your best internship look shouldn't be stressful, it should be fun! It's your opportunity to bring your own sense of style to the workplace. To start, follow these 5 tips:

1. Begin with the basics. It is all about versatility. Blazers, dress pants, and a tote bag are all great places to start.

2. Pay attention to clothing quality. There is nothing worse than a poorly timed wardrobe malfunction in the office.

3. Layer, layer, layer. Offices are notorious for dramatic fluctuations in temperature. Having layers can create a more comfortable working environment for you throughout the day.

4. Add your own personal flair to each outfit. Add a statement necklace, or a chunky bracelet to amp up your look.

5. Determine the appropriate attire for the industry you are in. An internship at the White House and an internship at the local newspaper may call for two different wardrobes.

Now you look great and you feel great! You're ready to take on your first day at the office. Remember, you didn't get the job because of the clothes that you wear. You got the job because you are brilliant, hard-working, ambitious and kind. Those traits, coupled with a stellar wardrobe, are sure to bring you success wherever you go!

Written by: Anastasia Jones

Photos via Pinterest

An Easy Summer Look

Loose fitting, free flowing clothing has become a popular style these days. This trend is flattering on most body shapes and provides maximum comfort. For today's article, Destiny models this ever so popular loose fitting, flowy look! We have broken down her outfit piece by piece and found some similar items for you to purchase!

---

[ T O P ]

The length of her basic white tank is ideal because it falls just past her waist-line. Draped over her tank is a floral kimono featuring a lace hem. The light-weight layering is perfect for those breezy summer days because it lets air travel through the material.

| White Tank: Cotton On - $15 |

| Kimono: H&M - $20 |

---

[ B O T T O M S ]

Destiny's skinny jeans are cuffed at the ankles (cuffs are a trendy way to hide the fact that you can't find the perfect-length pants), and feature rips along the pant legs for a distressed look.

The Forever 21 model's pant length fit her perfectly in these similar jeans, so  wearing them with and without cuffs looks good. When shopping, finding the right pant length is all about availability and preference!

| Ripped Jeans: Forever 21 - $25 |

---

[ S H O E S ]

Tan strappy shoes with a cork wedge are a closet-staple! Summer shoes like Destiny's are so versatile that they can be paired with anything! Although she wears it with jeans and a cute top, you could also wear them with a cute romper or summer dress. These Charlotte Russe wedges are similar in style and color palette, but rather than cork wedges, there's a braided hemp.

| Wedges: Charlotte Russe - $35.99 |

---

[ A C C E S S O R I E S ]

Destiny's bronze owl pendant necklace is the kind of accessory that matches any outfit with a neutral color palette. We were able to find the SAME necklace that Destiny wears, and luckily for you, this necklace is so popular that we've seen it in other stores such as Etsy, Amazon, and even Wal-Mart!

| Necklace: Claires - $12.50 |

---

  

If this article has inspired your summer wardrobe, send us a pic or use the hashtag #TopButtons on social media.

Celebrity Hair Inspiration for Spring 2015

Spring is in full swing and summer is just around the corner. We are turning to celebrities for the scoop on this season's hottest hair trends with an emphasis on styles that are fun, care-free and easy to manage. Last summer, we highlighted the long bob, and are happy to report that it's still trending this season. Celebrities like Lauren Conrad, Lucy Hale and Emma Roberts are all successfully rocking this look. We especially love how they tuck one side behind the ear, which adds a little edge and  shows off their statement earrings.

Taylor Swift was recently spotted at the iHeartRadio Music Awards with a change to her long bob: thick, choppy bangs with lots of volume. Her awards for the night included Artist of the Year and Song of the Year with "Shake it Off" among others. Taylor's music and looks are adored by fans and this night was proof that she still has it.

We haven't forgotten about the long-haired beauties! For long hair, it's all about long layers and subtle ombre (aka, 'sombre'), illustrated perfectly by Minka Kelly (above). 'Sombre' is taking the trendy ombre hair color and making it more subtle and blended by adding layers to frame the face and brightening the ends with a natural color.

Kenza Zouiten is a great example of how long layers combined with subtle ombre can create a care-free, beautiful style for long hair. Bangs blow-dried away from the face matched with a deep side part can help achieve this look.

To get another great look inspired by Taylor Swift, check out our tips here.

---

Written by: Katy Abramowich

Black Friday 2014

Black Friday is THE one day a year that all shoppers look forward to. To assure that you don't miss out on any sales or deals, we've searched the internet high and low to make 2014 the BEST Black Friday experience.

---

Websites:

1. BlackFriday.com This website makes shopping easy with an app that is available on both iPhones and Androids. Some of its features include: a Wishlist on the Go, the ability to Find the Best Deals, and the selection of Your Favorite Stores ... ALL at your fingertips.
2.  bfads.net This website provides a list of ads from local stores such as Amazon, Best-Buy, Khol's, Sears, Target, and more. It even provides up-to-date information on what times stores will be opening and closing on Black Friday.
3. RetailMeNot.com: This is an excellent website and app to have handy when looking for deals all year-round. It serves as an added bonus during Black Friday! It's constantly being updated with a forum of new deals and promo codes.

---

Phone Apps:

1. Black Friday Slickdeals: Some of the best features of this app include the ability to set up alerts when a desired deal goes live, the advantage of chatting with other deal-hunters for advice and insider-tips, and special access to Black Friday information.
2. Shop Savvy: This app allows you to SCAN the barcode of an item in store so that you can compare it to prices at other stores in real time! Most results will even include reviews on the item too!
3. Your Favorite Store: Chances are that YOUR FAVORITE STORE has an app specifically designed just for your shopping pleasure! Go to the app store and search your store of choice. Why not get your deal and coupon information straight from the source?

---

Deals:

1. Forever 21 is having a Thanksgiving One-Day Sale, with 40% off hundreds of styles! By visiting the link, they'll show you a countdown til the sale goes live. Chances are, they'll have a Black Friday day sale too!
2. Express is one of those stores you admire from afar but typically only shop at when they have a good sale. Black Friday is the prime time to score at Express. Make sure to stay up-to-date with their website and social media posts to see what sales are in store.
3. Asos is providing an early sale for up to 70% off, but they are also going all out for Black Friday AND Cyber Monday. We recommend signing up, so that you can be the FIRST TO KNOW about all their exclusive offers.
4. Target is the perfect place to shop because you can literally make all your Christmas purchases at one store. They have such a wide variety of items ranging from electronics, to grocery, to home decor, to fashion and more! Check out their Black Friday catalog online.

---

We hope these Black Friday apps, websites, and deals make your 2014 Black Friday shopping experience more efficient and enjoyable. Make sure to leave a comment and let us know some of your favorite places to shop for Black Friday, and maybe even share your shopping tips too!

May the Black Friday sales be ever in your favor!

Celebrity Street Style: Plaid

Plaid is a perfect fall trend, not only is it cute and comfortable to wear but it is also a timeless and versatile fashion choice. You can pair a plaid top with skinny jeans, shorts, or even a skirt. You can also find plaid in just about every type of clothing, whether it is jackets, skirts, pants, or shoes. There are so many ways to style it, which makes it a great item to have in your closet! It is also a popular trend among many celebrities and they wear it in all different ways. Take a look at how these celebrities chose to style their plaid.

Kate Bosworth's look is a bit grunge with an open button-down layered over a long sleeve shirt with leather boots.

(Photo provided by Elle)

Jessica Alba paired her plaid button-down with a leather jacket, beanie, and cute leopard flats.

(Photo provided by Glo Fashion Magazine)

Cameron Diaz dressed her look up by adding a tailored blazer over her plaid top.

(Photo provided by Glo Fashion Magazine)

Try out the trend and let us know your favorite way to wear it!

*Featured image of Reese Witherspoon provided by E! Entertainment

Styling Teens from Afar

Hello Top Buttons family! I am so excited to be here today! My name is Ahndea May, I am a daughter of the King, raising 5 little ones with my high school sweetheart and best friend Nate in Atlanta, GA. I love when God  brings opportunities for me to align myself with mission and purpose. A way to give back and help others. I first met Sarah Powers, founder of Top Buttons, in Rockford, IL.  She is energetic, connective, and man does she light up a room with her smile! We have stayed in touch over the years and followed each other through social media. I love the heart behind Top Buttons online magazine: "express more, reveal less," a modest twist on fashion and much more.

As a stylist, my heart is to help tell a story, your story through wardrobe, fashion and creative elements. Style is simply the outward way to express your inner self.  When I was young, I remember laying out my clothes the night before and being so excited to show off my new United Colors of Benetton outfit.  My clothes and appearance became what I focused on until God really got a hold of my heart and helped the searching for others approval fade. I then knew who I was in Christ and my appearance became a reflection of me not an image of me.  Now my business is to help educate, inspire and curate style through many different avenues.

I am thrilled to be a style contributor for Top Buttons Magazine as well as a sponsor for the upcoming Wardrobe Makeover Event this September. Here is what Sarah had to say about this fantastic initiative.

“At Top Buttons, we recognize many young women who might want to dress in more proper fitting attire often don’t have the money to go out and buy clothes as needed. Through our “Fall Wardrobe Makeover Event for Teenage Girls in Need” we are working to offer these young ladies with styling tips from our Top Buttons personal stylists and provide them with gently used clothing to replace or enhance their current wardrobe” — Sarah Powers. Founder & Director

My role is to help curate style boards, catering to many different vibes from street style to Boheme. This will help the Top Buttons hands-on stylists utilize the donations in the most effective way.  We want each girl to feel like they are receiving a custom experience.  We want them feel special, and also walk away with some quick tips, clothes and a full heart.

Want to know to get involved? Top Buttons is currently taking donations

Another way to partner with us is to PURCHASE a Top Buttons t-shirt.  One for you and one for a teen girl nominated for the makeover experience. We are pre -selling these t-shirts starting now so grab 2 for $30 and help support us as we open up new possibilities for these young girls.

Here is one way to style your new Top Buttons tee!

Click HERE to Purchase your Top Buttons T-Shirt!  We'd love to see what you pair it with.  After you get your tee, be sure to Tag Us…. @topbuttons and use the hashtag #mytopbuttonstee

Piperlime Unveils New Site

Have you heard the news? Piperlime just got a makeover! As if this fashion forward site wasn’t already tempting enough, it has upped the ante by allowing us to shop the social media feeds from some of our favorite fashion influencers. Shopping has never been easier! Piperlime has kicked off its website relaunch with 25 days of curated fashion and style tips from trendsetters such as Poppy Delevingne, Olivia Palermo, and Julia Engel from Gal Meets Glam. It has also been announced that Piperlime will be launching its own line this September. The collection will consist of 68 pieces priced from $34-$170. This leopard jacket worn by Supermodel Chrissy Teigen retails for $159 and is part of the Piperlime Collection.

Have YOU seen Piperlime's new look? What are YOUR thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.

Happy Styling,

Rebekah

(image:  Courtesy Photo}

Why You Shouldn't Define Your Style!

In the quest for finding your personal style have you ever felt pressure to fit into a “style box?” Do you like wearing bohemian clothing one day and the next an edgy outfit? We want you to know that it is perfectly ok to take fashion and make it your own.  In the next few weeks we are starting a new series called “Un-Style Me” which will give you tips and tricks to feeling comfortable embracing your unique look!  Modesty isn't about shopping at Ann Taylor and Gap.  You can express yourself in your own unique style without compromise!  Let's go on this journey together and explore all the different ways we can put an outfit together.  Click on the video below to hear more from our own Super Self-Confident, "Out of the box," Top Buttons contributor, Amanda Smith- on what to expect from this Un-Style Me series.  Click here to learn more about this fun fashionista.  

http://youtu.be/7Qi4BJUrvF0

The Young Women's Conference You Must Attend For 2015

On April 10-12, The Church of Rockford First hosted an event called Original Women's Conference where nearly 2,000 ladies were in attendance. This three day span of time was jam-packed with several sessions centered around God's Ever & Always kind of love.

Enjoy this brief recap video as seen on the Original Conference website.

[video type="vimeo" clip_id="91792486" width="634" height="480" byline="false" title="false" portrait="true" autoplay="false" loop="false"]

[divider_line]

Top Buttons had the honor of bringing a fun and dynamic team of ladies to this conference.

After a long morning of travels on Thursday April 10th, our TB team went straight to the conference site at Rockford First to set up our promotional booth.

We not only offered information about our organization, but we also sold hand-crafted button earrings and consignment clothing. All proceeds went straight to the Top Buttons' fund.

Our booth was conveniently located right next to the Teen Room so tons of young ladies were constantly stopping by our table. In addition, we neighbored another amazing organization called Sak Saum. They sell a variety of hand crafted accessories in efforts to raise money to fight against human trafficking. "Sak Saum exists to set captives free through rescue, restoration, rehabilitation and transformation," says their website.

Night one's sessions kicked off the conference with inspiring every lady to make a "In It For Good" commitment to Christ. Just as lover's forever latch locks onto Lover's Lock Bridge in Paris, each lady was provided with a lock and key to initial and forever lock upon fences labeled In It For Good.

[divider_line]

Day two held just as many adventures as day one. We came across so many stylish ladies, we just had to document their outfits. Here's just a few:

Sarah (pictured top right) was visiting Rockford on a pastor's wives retreat when she came across this red Jones New York maxi dress. She shared with us that she wasn't purchasing anything new for a whole year, so it was to her luck that our items were all consignment. Scared that the red dress might clash with her hair, she tried it on anyways and came out glowing with excitement. It was made for her!

When night two finally came, our Top Buttons team had the opportunity to speak about fashion and modesty at the scheduled After Party in the Teen Room. Each team member passed out book marks with pictures and information on where to purchase key items in their outfit.

[divider_line]

We loved connecting with so many new friends over common interests like our love of God and fashion. Amanda (pictured below in the hat) recently started her own consignment shop called Worth Royalty where her goal is to provide an affordable and appropriate shopping option that shows young women that they are worth royalty.

[divider_line]

Day three included life-changing sessions; last-minute sales; and lots of coffee, good-byes, and travel.

Our very own Molly Dodd and Alexis Gauthier got to meet and hand deliver custom button earrings to one of the guest speakers named Charlotte Gambill.

[divider_line]

For outfit details on what our Top Buttons' team wore to the After Party, here's the scoop:

[divider_line]

Taylor Murray fashioned what she likes to call a "Tomboy-meets-Feminine" look! Growing up, Taylor always leaned toward her tomboy tendencies, however, as she's matured, she's learned to incorporate her unique flair and sophistication to create a wardrobe similar to this outfit.

To purchase key items from Taylor's look:

Blazer | Boyfriend Jeans | Silver Necklace | Tortoise Watch

[divider_line]

Betsie Amendola keeps it simple by representing her every-day "Tribal Print-Chic" look. On a typical day, you can find Betsie wearing neutral colors paired with over-sized sweaters to stay versatile and comfortable. Betsie loves shopping at Ross because it offers a more affordable selection of trendy name-brand clothes.

To purchase key items from Betsie's look:

Aztec Cardigan | Riding Pants | Bangles | Wedges

[divider_line]

Alexis Gauthier's style changes almost as swiftly as her moods. To let you all in on a secret, for this "Classic Black & White" look, Alexis actually purchased all her items at thrift stores! Her black jumpsuit was 50% off at Salvation Army, which tallied up to about $3. While on Spring Break, a white blazer made it to the top of Alexis' Spring Must Have list, so she quickly grabbed this one off the Goodwill racks for just $6. Thrifting may take a little extra time, but with the added effort you can get current trends (as linked below) for just a fraction of the cost.

To purchase key items for Alexis' look:

White Blazer | Black Jumpsuit

There you have it! Three completely different styled looks from the hearts of the Top Buttons team to yours!

[divider_line]

All in all, attending the Original Women's Conference in Rockford, IL was a magical experience. From the performances, to the decor, to the sermons and worship, every detail was intentionally taken care of. Our Top Buttons team had such a blast attending the sessions, representing at our booth, and even speaking to the ladies in the Teen Room at their Friday night After Party.

We had a blast, left feeling empowered, and want to encourage all of you to be at the Original Women's Conference in 2015!

Super Top Buttons Fans show us Their Favorite Spring Looks

Recently TopButtons had the opportunity to do a photo shoot with two of our biggest supporters: Abby and Makailey. These lovely high school students remind us why we do what we do and they are living examples of what it means to reveal less and express more.

Enjoy some of our favorite shots accompanied by some details of their trendy outfits.

[divider_line]

Meet Abby! Her bright colors and cute pose represent her fun personality! Abby's ombre dress blends from pink to orange, which is perfect for Spring. She purchased her dress at Target.

Abby chose to accessorize her outfit with layered necklaces and a cute bow ring, but this dress can be paired with all kinds of jewelry to express one's unique style.

Abby's metallic sandals are from TJMaxx, which is a great store because it offers high quality name-brand clothing at a fraction of the price!

Abby's Favorite Bible Verse: I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. [Psalm 116:1-2]

Photo credit: Betsie Amendola

[divider_line]

Meet Makailey! She chose to create a color contrast with a sea-green blouse from Bealls and a pink bauble necklace that she scored at Goodwill.

Makailey's white pants are perfect for Florida's warm weather. She was able to get these at Old Navy, which provides several affordable options.

Makailey's Favorite Bible Verse: By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life. [Psalm 42:8]

[divider_line]

Not only do Abby and Makailey have a good sense of style, but they also have good hearts. Because they have such a unique and dynamic friendship with each other, they're able to remind each other of their value in Christ.

Photo Credit: Brittany Biddinger

Another Glimpse into the One and Only Christian Fashion Week

If you were in awe of our first glimpse of Christian Fashion Week, you'll definitely love these looks as well. Pay attention to any common themes throughout each line, because they're just a glimpse into what this Spring season has to offer. [divider_line]

Designer Mikra uses fashion as a ministry tool. As pictured, her line is full of vibrant hues of blue and orange. We think these are great looks for Spring because the colors are so rich and the floral embellishments are just as in tune with the season.

[divider_line]

The designer --  Dali Hernandez of House of Dali -- loves to put God first and fashion next. The first look is a perfect piece to have in your wardrobe because every lady needs a little black dress. Dali loves to play around with colors and textures, as seen in her blue maxi dress and bright pink tutu. While we don't think all of these outfits are practical for a day out and about, we do appreciate their playful nature.

[divider_line]

"Elegant" was the first word that came to mind when we spotted this line by Jessica Rios from All Brides 2 Be. It was so hard to select our favorite four looks because each gown was equally beautiful in its own way. Designer Rios is so gifted in her eye for creating cuts that are flattering to all body types and figures. We love the fabrics she used as she incorporated chiffon, silk, tulle and more. In need of a dress for prom, graduation, or even a wedding? They have it all!

Our Top Buttons favorite definitely has to be the fourth gown pictured. This wedding dress is so intricately detailed with its beading and coordinating veil.

[divider_line]

In an conversation after the show, we learned that designer Angel Myers is a school teacher by day and designer by night. We admire her hard work ethic, because as you can see her designs are flawless. Myers' collection is fun, colorful, and really appealing to the eye. Her designs include a lot of options for plus-size models, which is a quality hard to find in the fashion industry.

We appreciate the bright watercolor canvas of the first look. The A-line mold of the dress compliments any body type. Dress number two features cape-like patterned sleeves that are a bit unconventional, yet it somehow works against the sea-green maxi dress. Outfit number three had us all reminiscing back to the days when the Cheetah Girls was a thing. We love the one-shoulder look which was leveled out by a high-low quality on the opposite side. The leather leggings made it all complete. Finally, dress four speaks for itself with its simple shape.

[divider_line]

If you haven't noticed a common trend between all of these fashion lines yet, look again. Each one features BRIGHT COLORS, which are super popular in the Spring. One thing that makes this designer -- Elaine by EJ -- stand out from the rest, is her high-waisted pants and skirts. The way EJ designs these outfits is so cutting edge and slimming. Also, check out how simple and sleek this line is with its clever color-blocking. Expect to see a lot more of these trends on the clothing racks this Spring!

[divider_line]

Elegantees is a line that is so much more behind what meets the eye. They have a beautiful back story. Many of the women who sew these clothes have been rescued victims of sex-trafficking. Who knew that you could look cute, express your personality, all while knowing that such purpose is stitched into the seams of each article of clothing!

Co-founder of Christian Fashion Week -- Mayra Gomez -- fashions outfit number two! She looks like an Egyptian goddess with her gold headband and gold trimming on her blouse. The cold-shoulder sleeves expose her arms, and her vibrant green skirt is cinched into one side.

Outfit three is just perfect with its red-on-red composition. The tulle tutu isn't just for the runway! We actually saw her wearing this look as an audience member on a different day!

[divider_line]

All in all, we were well pleased with the show from start to finish and we hope that our documentations of the runway made you feel like you were part of the process too!

A Glimpse into the One and Only Christian Fashion Week

We know what you're thinking. "Christian Fashion? What's that?" We asked ourselves the same thing, and the truth is, there's no such thing as Christian Fashion, but what does exist is fashion that is influenced by our Christian beliefs and fashion that reflects our morals. Christian Fashion Week provided a platform where designers and fashionistas alike could come together and celebrate their love for fashion while also staying true to those values.

If you're wondering why there was such a delay in our review: Good things come to those who wait, that's why this post is so fashionably late.

Enjoy!

[divider_line]

Designer Renee Scarborough's swimwear line was both modest and versatile! These are some of Top Button's favorite looks from her line, but they were all flawlessly made! During the show, the audience had the opportunity to interact with the models and designer to make sure the suits were just as practical to wear as they were stylish.

Scarborough has three main goals as she wants all of her designs to: Look Beautiful, Fit Perfectly, and Stand Out from the Status Quo.

[divider_line]

This designer -- Madame Weathersby -- had the whole audience in awe with her exquisite details and eye-catching accents. She incorporated lots of lace, sequins, feathers, and creative sleeves. Most of her designs are for more up-scale events, but are guaranteed to make a bold statement. Wear her line to accomplish a classy look. Need a dress for prom? Her line has lots to choose from!

[blockquote]My favorite dress of her line was the sequined gown! I almost didn't catch a picture of it because I was too in awe observing it with my bare eyes. - Alexis Gauthier[/blockquote]

[divider_line]

This line -- by Ronnisha Tolefree -- had a little bit of everything! From organized chaos to classy and collected, each look is so diverse in nature. The average person would have never thought to pair different polka-dot pieces together in one outfit, but Ronnisha accomplishes it so flawlessly and even adds an emerald pop of color.

The most unique outfit is the second. The designer layered a sweetheart neckline mixed fabric peplum top over a mid-sleeve polka dot top. This outfit catches people even more off guard with it's floral embellished pants.

The last two looks pictured are more normal. All in all, we are fans!

[divider_line]

Designer Sumita Bhojwani of KalaXpress loves fashion because it gives her a way to express personality, as her brand name suggests. Each of her looks are so rich in culture and color. As seen in these photos, she is skilled in embroidery, beading, and working with silky fabrics. The biggest inspiration behind this line was Indian tradition.

We love the lace dresses in hues of blue in the first three looks. Photo four shows off the vibrant harem pants that can be seen in variations through out other looks in the KalaXpress line. Wear any of these outfits to be bold.

FUN FACT: The word Kala means BEAUTIFUL in Hindi (a language spoken in India).

[divider_line]

This line was designed by Narrowgate -- a couple from the UK. They used a lot of plaids, ponchos, and tweeds. While this trend doesn't resonate with everyone, it does however provide warm and comfortable winter options. The pink tweed jacket in look 3 is a Top Button's favorite!

[divider_line]

We found this line to be the most casual and age-appropriate! The designer -- Medinah -- has also had experience designing for Gap! We loved the neutrals of this line. She paid close attention to detail with flattering cuts, touches of sparkle, and carefully layered looks. All of her designs are so complete and ready-to-wear! It brings a whole new meaning to the phrase dress for success.

[blockquote]Since 2004, I've designed for major retailers like Gap, JCP, Kellwood, Lucky Brands, and Sunrise Brands. - Medinah[/blockquote]

[divider_line]

The finally of the show was by 18 year old designer Julia Chew. She called her line Xaolin. Julia gets her design inspiration from nature and God's creation and creates masterpieces based off of that. It was such a great way to end the show! We love Julia's ambition and success at such a young age. Her talent really shines through.

Stay tuned for an exclusive follow-up that features detailed pictures of Julia Chew's line. (Coming soon on Top Buttons.)

[divider_line]

Comment below and let us know what your favorite designs are!

Trendy Tuesday: LOVING Love 21

Normally we use this post every week to talk about a trend or style coming up for spring and summer, but today we're going to talk about a line of clothing that is beautiful and affordable- Love 21. This line comes from Forever 21, and is formally called "Love 21 Contemporary" and on top of just being the contemporary line, it's also better understood by the fashionistas who love F21 as the slightly "bigger" line. By this we mean, Love 21 clothing is a half-size larger than the Forever 21 equivalent. But whilst perusing the website, the things we noticed were that Love 21 clothing is just a touch more modest. Of course, like it's parent line it sells crop tops and bodycon dresses, but other items that it sells - dresses, for example - are longer and looser fitting. So today we'd like to spotlight some adorable pieces you can find at Forever 21 - just look for the Love 21 label!

DROP-WAIST DRESSES

We're loving this upcoming spring/summer trend that is shying away from the form-fitting, uber short and constricting dresses of the past and looking forward to looser dresses that focus on the cool shape and style of the dress, and often the print and texture of the fabric, rather than focusing on showing off body parts!

This floral drop-waist dress is fun, chic, past fingertip length (yay!), and only $24.80

This lace drop-waist dress combines loads of spring and summer trends all in one dress! Chic black & white, lace (always in style), and an affordable price - $29.80

LONGER LENGTHS

Sick of mini-skirts? Unlike a lot of teen oriented retailers, the Love 21 line carries skirts that aren't super short - but also aren't maxis!

This cute knee-length skirt keeps it classy with a fun print, and is priced at just $24.80

This button-down skirt is perfect for spring and summer, but makes a great transition piece as well! $27.80

KOOL KIMONOS

Another trend we're loving at Love 21? Sheer, breathable kimonos. Throw one over just about any outfit and you've just added come culture, class, and comfort to your outfit.

This fun and easy kimono combines a few things we love - art deco style and chevron stripes. This beauty can be found for $39.80

This sheer kimono has a fun print - and we love the way it's paired with faux leather pants and a simple tee! $19.80

Loving these trends? Try some of these as well: Contrast-Collared Button Downs, Stark Black & White, Holographic Accessories, Bomber Jackets, Fun Sweatshirts, and Smile-Worthy Shoes

Little Black Dress

On a recent holiday in Hawaii I was invited to an event that would require dressy attire. I was excited at the invite, but hadn't  packed anything fancy. I had only a couple of days to find the right dress and accessories that would work. I didn't want to spend a ton of money on a new outfit, since I had plenty of dresses at home, so I hit up my favorite bargain store- Forever 21! I was in search for a simple black dress. Black is always chic, and can be easily dressed up or down. After passing over several racks, my heart leapt when I saw a basic black dress for only $12.80! The dress fit great, and would work for the event. It was also an item I could actually wear on the rest of my Hawaiian getaway. With the right accessories I dressed the ensemble up! 

Mixing high and low peices are key in making an outfit look expensive vs. cheap. I paired the bargain dress with a pair of earrings from Banana Republic, a gold and diamond bracelet from Macys, and some black patent leather Steve Madden shoes. A clutch always makes an outfit in my opinion. Since I didn't pack one on this trip, I improvised and used my Cynthia Rowley wallet! It's shape resembles a clutch so I am able to get a lot of use out of it.

The moral of the story is always be prepared! Pack a basic dress that can be dressed up or down on your trips. Accessories are key. Make sure you pack a versatile selection that will help make the most of your vacation attire.

Happy Styling!

Rebekah

Meet Macey and her Modern-Chic Apparel

Meet Macey and her Modern-Chic Apparel!She's currently in college pursuing a degree in Multi-Disciplinary Studies. Her charming personality is both fun-loving and personable. Macey currently  juggles several involvements between her college classes, maintaining friendships, and volunteering at church. She even serves as a Community Leader in her residence hall at college, meaning that her role is to help build community among her peers. What amazed the Top Buttons team is that she accomplishes all this and more with such poise and professionalism.

[divider_line]

For Macey's first outfit, she wore a plaid flannel top (purchased at Salvation Army for $3) and her favorite high-waisted black pants (purchased at Forever21 for $10).

What's so great about this look is that Macey pulls together staple items and makes them her own! She wears her clothes, and doesn't allow her clothes to wear her. It's amazing how much confidence can make a difference.

[divider_line]

Macey's second outfit provides a completely different look and feel, but incorporates a lot of the same articles of clothing.

This is a really admirable quality, because most girls deal with the illusion of thinking, "I have NOTHING to wear," in the midst of staring at a full closet. While most of us here at TopButtons can admit to having said that, we all know we were mostly being dramatic. Instead of resorting to that thought, challenge yourself to rework old pieces with new ones and pair a variety of tops and accessories with the same basic pants and shoes. Your closet will seem to grow without breaking the bank.

Let's see how Macey did it:

Macey wears a denim chambray that her sister gave her as a hand-me-down; a chunky gold necklace that she got from a closet exchange with a friend; and the same pants and shoes as her last outfit.

[blockquote]My favorite piece is the necklace. It dresses anything up. It was a tie between that and the shoes. They're just so comfy.[/blockquote]

Now that you've seen how Macey styled two outfits by incorporating a few of the same pieces, TopButtons encourages you to do the same with YOUR wardrobe and to let us know your results!

[divider_line]

On behalf of TopButtons, thanks for staying tuned with us on this three part article series with Tiffany, Maddy, and Macey!

Finding the Perfect Winter Jacket

After living in the Northeast for 1 month of winter, I had purchased 4 winter coats and 1 jacket. This jacket was another fashion accident. In New York City, fashion inspiration is all around you. One day I was walking my normal route to work and saw this really beautiful girl who looked like she was on her way to her job. I saw her wearing this jacket. I politely tapped her on the shoulder (she probably thought I was trying to steal her purse). I asked her where she got her gorgeous jacket, and she sweetly said, "BCBG." My heart sank. I thought, "There is no way I can afford that. I was hoping she was going to say H&M!"

As soon as I got to work that day, I got on my computer and started to Google key words that might produce that jacket. I also scoured the BCBG website. Nothing to be found. Bummer. BUT THEN...

I found it. Last season's merchandise on ebay. I have a love/hate relationship with ebay and it's sometimes a hit or miss. This was THE only one I could find that was an exact match. Here is a similar one if you just read this and your heart also sank.

A good coat/jacket is priceless. This one however came with a price that I had to quickly talk myself into. My review of this jacket is that it is extremely well made and comfortable, but only stands about 40 degree weather and wind. It is also an amazing rain coat.

Jacket- BCBGeneration | Cardigan- Target | Jeans- Paige | Earrings- House of Harlow 1960 | Boots- Cynthia Vincent

Trendy Tuesday: Contrast-Collar Button Downs

With winter heading out and spring beginning to blossom, it can be stressful to find pieces that transition well between seasons, are in style, and most importantly - are functional! Luckily, button-downs will always have your back. As we have all seen, button-downs come in all manner of cut, color, and style - and include a variety of embellishments and sleeve lengths - one trend we at Top Buttons are loving for spring: the contrast-collar button-down.

Like any other button-down, it can be dressed up or down - and don't shy away from statement necklaces or other impressive jewelry!

Dressy? Check. Silky? Check.  This gorgeous number can be found at ASOS, although at a steep $64 price

On a budget? We are too. This sweet color-blocked sleeveless top from Forever 21 won't break the bank at just under $20

Last tip for this trend? Buttoning it all the way to the top keeps the structure of the collar and shows off your stunning new trend (looks like Top Buttons is no joke!)

Have a lovely Trendy Tuesday!