Trending Tuesday: Crossbody Love

As the Christmas season quickly approaches, there is no doubt that we will be rushing around making last minute gift purchases. What better way to shop than with a crossbody! As you tote all your shopping bags around from store to store, the furthest thing from your mind should be where the most important bag is. Keep your cash and cards close with one of these stylish picks. Oh, and happy shopping! 1. Mossimo Supply Co, Black Mable Crossbody

2. Nicole by Nicole Miller Ava Crossbody

3. American Rag Mini Crossbody

4. Rachel Rachael Roy Small Crossbody

5. H&M Bag

6. AEO Pushlock Crossbody Bag 

Written by: Emily Meade Photo Collage by: Kayla Danielle

A Leading Lady

Meet Casey. She is an Inspirational Writer, Pinterest Addict, Runner, Coffee Drinker and Lover of All Things Africa (Especially her missionary boyfriend who is currently serving in Guinea!).

In a world where beauty is defined by sex, skin and short inseams, the idea of having higher standards for ourselves seems useless and becomes depressing. Blending in is much easier, right? When we blend in, we avoid questions, dirty looks and awkward moments. As a girl who has chosen standards over skin, I can promise you that IT IS WORTH IT!

Have you heard the term “A Leading Lady?” A Leading Lady is defined as the actress that plays the leading female role in a movie. Charles Dickens described one of his characters as a leading lady, giving her attributes of distinction such as elegance, grace, and beauty. If your life was a script, how would you want it to play out? Would you be the Leading Lady, standing out among her peers, exuberating style, grace and classiness? Or would you play a much smaller part, blending in the background, labeled as “the girl in the restaurant” or “dancer #5” when the credits rolled at the end?

The truth is our life is a script - one where we choose the lines that it holds. The reputation you set now as the Leading Lady in your story will follow you long down the road. Every choice you make, right down to the clothes you wear and the activities you participate in contribute to your lifelong script. What kind of standard will you set for yourself?

Let me encourage you with a few tips on being classy:

1) Your character is your greatest accessory. Integrity, confidence, honesty, and self-worth are the most beautiful jewels a lady can wear.

2) Let compassion be your cloak. There is nothing more attractive than a lady who is covered in love.

3) Those who stand out are the ones most remembered. Find your own style and express it boldly.

Now go write your script!

Xo,

Casey

Photo Credit: http://www.thewaywewerephotography.com/

MOTS: Russia Meets Rockford

Autumn to me is all about mixing, matching, and just having fun. I love throwing on a sweater over my favorite summer dress, putting on some warm leggings, and wearing my favorite boots. It makes me feel beautiful and comfortable at the same time.

Clothing makes a statement about who I am – about who I want to be. It is a way for me to show the rest of the world how I want to be perceived.

Dress the way you want to be addressed.

In Russia we have a saying “People greet you by your clothing.” That is so true; not just in my culture but in every place.

Have you ever gotten to a point where you wanted to do something, but you were too afraid? It’s the same thing with clothing. It can either be a hit or a miss, but you never know until you try.  So why not try?

When I first meet someone I already have an impression of who they are just by the way they are dressed. Clothing is more then just what I wear; it shows those around me how I view myself, who I believe I AM, and how much worth and value I believe I have. Whether we want to believe it or not, people are still going to make assumptions about who we portray ourselves to be through our clothing. I ask myself daily “Who do I represent through my outfit? What does it say about me, my values, and my standards?”

Sometimes I get lost in what fashion and beauty is. Clothing is something that should be enjoyed. It is meant to make me feel graceful and confident in my own skin. I realize that so many girls now a days forget how much their clothing represents their worth. So think about what you wear. From one girl to another, find the clothing that makes you feel vibrant, alive, and gives not only you but also everyone else a glimpse into your values and your standards.

Love ya,

Liza

Trending Tuesday: A Studded Obsession

While studs were once strictly reserved for the grunge or gothic look, they have now made their debute on the scene tailored for every style. From studded loafers for the prep to a studded shoulder bag for the fashionista, these shiny little details with a tough edge are suited for anyone looking to add a little bling to any look. Pair this amazing leather jacket with red jeans for a bold look or make a statement with these fabulous studded pumps with a LBD. Rule of thumb: stick to one studded piece per outfit. Otherwise, it's a little too much. Happy Studded Tuesday!

1. Topshop Studded Faux Leather Biker Jacket

2. ASOS Paris Studded Pointed High Heels

3. BKE Studded Gem Belt

4. Brandy Melville Stud Shoulder Bag

5. Forever 21 Studded Combat Boot

6. Steve Madden Studlyy

7. Deena & Ozzy Heavy Studded Backpack

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

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.