TOP BUTTONS IN SWEDEN

We would like to introduce you to a young woman who will be a regular contributor with Top Buttons.  She is already a fashion blogger with a beautiful spirit and a huge personality!  We look forward to working with her and learning all about what fashion and modesty look like in Scandinavia! Hey,

My name is Sandra. Born and raised in Finland having a Nigerian background now living in Sweden, I would describe myself as a globe trotter with an interest in cultures; very shortly- a free soul. Currently I’m studying Fashion Management at the Swedish School of Textiles in the South of Sweden. It was my great passion for fashion and appreciation towards aesthetics that brought me from a busy city life to a small yet warm-spirited town that I now live in.

Clothing is a very essential part of every day. It’s an outlet for expressing my mood and state of mind. Living pretty much my whole life in the cold Nordic region, where the temperature drops well below zero degrees with just a few hours of daylight during winter, it’s very easy to blend into the depressing darkness. Knowing me, I love to incorporate color into what I wear.

Perhaps my African background also plays to influence this aspect of my style. In doing this, I realize how it brightens my mood as well as other people around. I’ve had people walk up to me and remark about the radiance of joy in the colors I wear. It becomes evident that things like these that seem so little at first can greatly impact the people around us even though we don’t always realize it ourselves. This is something to bear in mind when making everyday fashion choices.

I personally believe that we should all be aware of what we want to communicate to others about ourselves and especially our state of mind and heart with how modestly we dress. This being said, I challenge you to think about what you communicate through your personal style of dressing.

Xoxo Sandra 

Finally it is truly a pleasure for me to be a part of  Top Buttons.  As a contributing team member I hope to both inspire and be inspired by the different styles and thoughts published within this platform. I can’t wait to share some exciting upcoming events from European fashion this spring.  It will be fun!

CONSIGNMENT INSPIRATION

 

These days people pay BIG money to buy "VINTAGE" looking items in retail shops.  The items may look the part, but they haven't earned the title!  We do know for some, shopping consignment  is completely out of the box.  Looking at this rack full of older fabrics and used items may not seem appealing, but we encourage you to give it a try.  If not for any other reason but to save you cash!

  Taking a consignment item and making it look up to date is possible with the right accessories. 

So...If you are in need of a couple of accessories to accompany your Consignment Dress, here are some similar items to the ones worn on Miss Aarika above.

Camel WedgesI Pave Gold Ball Tassle Necklace 

Photo Credit:  Joanna LeMasters and Taylor Flumerfelt

RACHEL'S FULL MAKEOVER,

Rachel is an aspiring nurse from St. Johnsbury, Vermont. Her average look can be summed up in two words: comfy, casual. However, with Rachel pursuing her nursing degree, she is wanting to update her look to a more professional one.

Before the makeover I sat down with Rachel to hear her fashion likes and dislikes, in order to create a look that would fit her unique style and personality. Rachel expressed having a difficult time finding modest apparel, that fit her figure well. Her solution was purchasing sizes that were too big. With this in mind, Rachel and I visited a couple different stores in pursuit of a brand that would work well with her specific body type. In her case it was Old Navy.

For Rachel’s outfit, I chose a collared shirt and blazer combination. I paired it with a dark wash jean, which is an excellent way to keep the outfit business casual without looking too stuffy.

For the hair, we chose a style that would be well suited for her “on the go” lifestyle. This simple bob can be styled with minimal product, tools, and time.

For the make-up, I kept it simple and natural. Rachel could easily pull this look off in just a few minutes. The foundation is light-weight, and looks great paired with a cream blush. For the eyes, I used a palette of greys and taupe. For the lips I chose a wine color, which keeps her look up to date and on trend.

A statement necklace adds personality to the look; bracelets and a jeweled toned ring compliment it well. This look highlights Rachel’s amazing figure without compromising her value for modesty. You do not have to drown in oversized clothing to be modest. Finding the right line of clothing, that works with your body type is key.

Rachel looks ah-mazing in her new modest, professional look. With a newly trained eye in choosing professional pieces that work well with her lifestyle, personality, and body-type, she is ready to confidently enter into the next season of her life.

Shirt: Old Navy, $29.94,  Jeans: Old Navy, $29.50,  

Necklace: Old Navy, $12.00, Rings: Old Navy, $8.00, Bracelets: Old Navy, $8.00 (Jewelry can NOT be purchased ONLINE at this time.)

Foundation: SKINN plasma foundation, $64.50,  Powder: Estee Lauder, Lucidity, $29.00,   Blush: Eve Pearl, Eyeshadow: The Estee Lauder Shadows that were used are discontinued. A palette similar is the Film Noir from Estee Lauder, $48.00,  Eyeliner: Urban Decay, 24-7 Glide On Pencil, $19.00,  Lips: SKINN, $54.98  Mascara: Eco Bella, Flower Color Natural Mascara in black, $17.95, 

Photography: Reagan Miura

Article by: Rebekah Miura

Haircut by: Erin Herren at John Josephson’s Salon

VINTAGE COUNTRY CHARM

Jumper Dresses are typically meant to be worn over a blouse. Even though the jumper dress isn't always available in the trendy shops, we feel this style could be worn by most body types year round! This Vintage Country Charm look is pulled off nicely with the plaid + consignment horse buckle belt.

Why not throw in some animal print? These Women's Mossimo® Vianca Tuxedo Flats work quite nicely with this outfit.

The Jumper Dress isn't easy to find. But our online search did yield some results! Etsy and Polyvore are great resources to find some of the more difficult items.

Click here to purchase this jumper dress for $30

Click here to buy this Bow-Accent Jumper Dress for $31.50

Stylist: Dana Roquemore

Photo Credit: Joanna LeMasters and Taylor Flumerfelt

AN OZ COLOR

If you haven't already heard...Pantone LLC, an X-Rite company and the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, announced PANTONE® 17-5641 Emerald, as the Color of the Year for 2013. This color reminds us of The Land of Oz!  Green, Green, Green has been steadily rising for a while now, especially in the fashion industry. With an appropriateness for every occasion, emerald has an elegance which makes it irresistible for women’s formal and everyday attire. 

If you are loving this color, you should definitely get at least one Emerald item for your 2013 wardrobe.  We found some options in this color for you to consider!

Old Navy has a classy Young Women's Crepe Tie-Belt Shift Dress   (as of today) in all sizes on sale for $14.99. Urban Outfitters currently has these awesome green Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High-Top Sneakers  for $45. This Vintage 70s Suede Green Cape from Other Peoples Property would be a quality item worth saving up for!  The length of the Green Double Layer Tube Skirt from Top Shop is perrrfectt for winter + it could be worn with a tank in the summer with a purchase price of $40.

If you purchase any of the items we share on our blog, we'd love to hear about it.  Maybe even see a picture?!  You could share them with us directly on our Facebook page or on Instagram with a @topbuttons tag in the comment under the image.  Thanks for stopping by!

Photo Credit:  Kayla Anderson

RINGING WITH STYLE

SPREAD THE WORD AND GET THIS MUSTACHE PHONE CASE... Accessorizing your phone case is super popular right now.  Some people may not want to fool with the switch, sticking to their protective Otter Box.  But many are changing them out DAILY!  We admit this is a fun way to show off PERSONALITY + COORDINATE with your Outfit Of The Day.

We are giving away NOT 1... BUT 2 of our FAVORITE iPhone case with this GIVEAWAY.  So actually we will select 1 winner from Instagram and 1 winner from the entries below and on Facebook.  This really fun MUSTACHE iPhone case fits the 4 and 4s.

DETAILS ON HOW TO WIN:

* Enter through the form below

OR

* (MOBILE FRIENDLY)Enter by going directly to our Facebook Page , Giveaway Tab, which has the same form as the one below

AND/ OR

* Find this image on our INSTAGRAM and follow the instructions below the image a Rafflecopter giveaway

WE

Kenady is our Modesty On The Streets (MOTS) Rep of Lakeland, FL.  Here she is seen wearing clothing from Other People’s Property.  Exact items she is wearing can be purchased from their online consignment shop. To piece together a similar outfit, search the racks of your local consignment shop!

Similar lace up booties can be purchased for $25 here.

Finding this length in a skirt is no easy task when shopping in most retail stores and the button down shirt has unique detail that is more typical with a vintage style.  If you aren't up for the challenge of consignment shopping and OPP has sold this item already, We have found an online site that carries a top like this one.

Side Note:  At Top Buttons, we love many styles from Urban Outfitters, H&M, Top Shop, etc…., BUT not all items sold in these stores could be considered modest.  In our opinion, see-through tops should always have a thin camisole underneath to keep undergarments unseen.  Wearing the fun new styles, and keeping it classy takes extra effort.  We believe it’s worth it and absolutely REASONABLE.

Stylist: Dana Roquemore

Photo Credit:  Joanna LeMasters and Taylor Flumerfelt

TRENDS FOR CHEAP

This month we will be featuring fashion posts that are vintage, eclectic, and CHEAP.  To accomplish this look all you will need are a pair of colored jeans, a men’s style blazer, and some riding boots.  It may seem out of the box, but this would look great on most body types.

We would like to say a special thank you to Dana Roquemore. She offered her services to us for this month’s fashion posts, styling our girls in clothing from her own clothing swap shop, Other People’s Property. She does consignment in a way that would make any piece look interesting and desirable, and yet these pieces are affordable for everyone! You can purchase the items featured in this post from her Other People’s Property online etsy shop. Or you can find pieces similar on your own consignment shop adventure!

Resist the urge to buy a “boyfriend blazer” from a department store. Most consignment shops are full of men’s blazers in all sizes that you can buy for super cheap. The shirt under this blazer is a sleeveless style that is tied at the bottom. New clothing styles in shops like Urban Outfitters show vintage looking tops like this for $30 and higher and are often see through! We recommend looking for this style top at consignments.

Tip: If you choose to tie the shirt at your waist and/or wear a see through vintage fabric, we recommend keeping your belly button and bra covered by wearing a light weight undershirt. SAME LOOK. NO SKIN. Reasonable. ☺

Tip:  Skinny jeans and tall riding boots make this outfit work.  Don’t feel confined to wearing tops and jackets that are tailored.  A large men’s style jacket can actually help you feel more comfortable in a pair of snug jeans.  Also, skinnies can often be “painted on” if you buy a size too small.  While skinny jeans are meant to be more fitted than other styles, they should not RESTRICT MOVEMENT.  Buying for your body type is a whole other subject.

Now her clothing is all from consignment, but her accessories are not!  We definitely need to offer alternatives to these accessories which can be pricey!

In place of the exceptional Tory Burch Riding Boot, we have found another super cute riding boot for $48 for you to consider.  We also found a "dupe" Michael Kors tortoise shell watch from Target for $14.99 which is similar watch to Michael Kors in the image above for a less expensive price.

Photo Credit:  Joanna LeMasters and Taylor Flumerfelt

Color Blocking

One of our favorite trends of 2012 that will carry into the next is color blocking. For those of you who don't know, it is wearing two complimentary colors to create a bold look. Here, Emily has paired a green sweater with blue skinnies to achieve color blocking. Because it involves two prominent colors, make sure you have fun with accessories. Add a pattern, sparkle or textured piece, like Emily's pearl collared shirt, to offset the brightness of the outfit.

Photo Credit:  Beth Carter Photography

Christmas Wishes and a Pretty Party

Our goal of providing a more modest option for fashion trends seems insignificant as we reflect on the devastation that many are dealing with now as the year comes to an end. The ugly truth is that we can patch up, cover up, and pretty up our face and our culture with programs and good deeds, yet not get to the root of the problem...(I'm not denying the VERY significant value of such.) But what we truly need is a love that is strong enough to work from the inside out. At Top Buttons we believe that the hope and restoration found in Christ Jesus is the only power strong enough to overcome the heartache of this world. We must help, love, show kindness, and serve each other as much as we are able to. For this shows the love of God to people in direct tangible ways. But we are not and never will be the Savior. There is only One that came to "seek and save," and only One with the power to do just that. (Luke 19:10). If we could save ourselves, God wouldn't have sent His son to this earth to die in our place for the redemption of mankind. This Christmas season, we are thankful that we don't have to earn our salvation, it's a free gift.  If accepted, it is more than life changing. We can all attest to that.

With that being said, we have much to be grateful for.  The past two months have been a whirlwind as we have worked to create content that is note worthy, Christ honoring, and helpful for young women. We just had to get together one more time before the girls left to spend the holidays with their families in their homelands. Here are some pictures from our TB team holiday soiree that we would like to share with you. This Christmas season, be inspired to dress with dignity and respect as you enjoy the company of family and friends.

We'd love to welcome a new photographer onto the team! She is a budding teen with a passion for snapping photos and it has been a pleasure working with Elizabeth .

Board Member, Katie Deloach (Middle), hosted our Christmas Party.  We appreciate her hospitality!

We will be on a blogging break for a week.  Next year you will see more Modest Solutions posts, Video Tutorials, and also some NEW ELEMENTS to the Blog that will be revealed in January!

Merry Christmas from the Top Buttons team.  May your holidays be filled with love and peace no matter what you face this holiday season.

Photos by: Elizabeth Garrard

'Tis the Season to Sparkle

Dress | Tights | Booties | Necklace | Earrings | Ring

There are so many bright lights twinkling in lieu of the holiday season. Who said party attire for this time of year can't sparkle just as brightly? This red shirtdress is perfect for any holiday occasion. It can be worn dressed up with some statement jewelry, or dressed down will a pair of tall boots and infinity scarf. Worn here, we pieced it with simple, sheer tights and black wedge booties. Whatever you wear to a seasonal get together, don't be shy to add some luminous jewelry to your outfit.

Photos By: Beth Carter

A Ciaté Giveaway

Every girl loves beauty products; especially free ones! That's why we are pleased to announce our very first giveaway is a Ciaté Velvet Manicure Set! If you aren't familiar with Ciaté products, you should be. They are known for nail polishes with textured finishes and dynamic colors. A $20 value, this set includes a 0.45 oz Paint Pot Nail Polish, Crushed Velvet Powder, Little Black Brush and a Clear plastic tray. We're excited to hear from you and see who wins!

There are a few ways to enter. If you choose to enter through posting on the blog, be sure to comment directly on the blog post at the bottom of this page. For extra entries, tweet each day about the contest and where you plan on wearing the nail polish.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Boyish Charm

Sweater (similar) I Shirt I Jeans I Shoes I Bag I Earrings I Watch & Bracelets: Alex and Ani I Spikes

Boyfriend jeans are the perfect way to achieve a playful menswear look. While you can go for a complete menswear outfit with a blazer and loafers, adding girly pieces offsets the masculinity and creates a charming pairing. Even though this cool combination consists of a button down shirt, the overlay of a sequined sweater top gives it the perfect balance of both styles. An over-sized watch completes the look.

Tips on how you can achieve a look that is stolen from the boys:

- Mix girly pieces (sequins, colorful tops, feminine shoes) with one or two boyish ones (boyfriend jeans, oversized watch, button down shirt).

- If you pick a masculine top, choose a feminine bottom. And vice versa.

- Even the slightest details like a simple oxford shoe can imitate menswear.

- If you choose boyfriend jeans that are slouchy, offset them with a structured top.

Photos By: Beth Carter

A Timely Statement Piece

This week we are featuring pocket watches from the Etsy shop, Ingredients for Lovely. Accessorizing with long necklaces is trendy, and with these long chains you can look cute and tell time. What we love about this shop is there are so many different kinds of watches and almost all of them are under $20. Wear one of these timely pieces with a looser blouse or dress to add a touch of charm.

Photos by: Kayla Danielle

Buttons & Brushes for Samii

 

Meet Samii, a 14 year old Gilmore Girls fan from Kansas City, Mo. She is down to earth, adorable, and wise beyond her years. When I asked her to share her thoughts on modesty she spoke with grace and clarity saying, “Modesty reflects your character.” Samii spoke to me about how your inner beauty is just as important as your outer beauty. She believes that you need to spend time and invest in both. Samii also said that your clothing reflects who you are on the inside. “If you are dressing inappropriately it doesn’t give the right message of who you really are.” Well said, Samii.

Before the makeover, I spent some time with Samii to hear her thoughts on fashion. I wanted to work with her in creating a look from her own wardrobe that would reflect her unique personal style. When chatting with Samii, she shared that some of her style icons were Jennifer Anniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Julia Roberts. She appreciated their simple, yet stylish look. In spending time with Samii it was clear that she loves the natural, classic look. So when going through Samii's closet for her makeover, I pulled a nice structured jacket and paired it with a classic striped top, skinny jeans, and baby doll flats. I accessorized the look with a patterned scarf, some small gold earrings in the shape of a flower, and of course an arm party! I wanted to stay true to Samii's foundation of simple style, but also incorporate some fun accessories to add a youthful touch.

For her make up, I kept it natural. I used neutral brown tones on her eyes and soft pinky browns for her lip and cheek color. Samii has naturally beautiful skin so I applied a thin coat of foundation and set it with a sheer powder. I also used bronzer to define her cheekbones, and add a little warmth.

Also used:  Maybelline “Define A Lash,” Very Black

For her hair, I did loose curls. I wanted to bring a little sophistication to her look, but at the same time keep it fun and playful.

Samii looks beautiful in her new classic chic look!

Photos and story by: Rebekah Miura

Trail Blazer

 

                                                         Blazer I Blouse I Jeans I Flats I Sunglasses I Purse I Earrings 

Wearing a blazer over any top can easily dress it up; especially a blouse. Worn with dark skinnies, it can achieve a sharp and collected look. A colorful shoe, characterized by small details add a playful touch without stepping away from sophistication.

Photos By: Beth Carter Photography

WRAP IT UP for < $25!

Gift giving marks the Christmas holiday. Buying presents for family and friends can quickly add up and get quite expensive. Here are some fashionable finds that are all under $25 that are sure to bring a smile to any recipient!  

1. Sparkle and Shine Bobbi Set

2. iPhone Case

3. Carole Spike Bracelet

4. Xhilaration Pajama Set

5. H&M Cap

6. Dangling Faux Gem Earrings

7. Cashmere Blend Gloves

8. Bow Trouser Sock

Two Fashionable Friends

Meet Katie and Amelia. Two long-time friends who are very different but share a passion for fashion. One loves dresses and the other loves accessories. Upon meeting Katie and Amelia, I quickly sensed the two were an inseparable pair. Every time I see them, they both are dressed to impress with every detail carefully chosen to create a girly look. Their personalities are different but there is no denying they both have a strong desire to serve the Lord.

Emily: What’s your everyday look? Katie: Since it’s during the school year, I have to wear a uniform everyday of the week. I usually grab a cardigan of my choice and wear my regular accessories, my Michael Kors watch and pearl earrings.

Emily: You love dresses! Tell us about your obsession. Katie: I think I love dresses so much because they are fun and girlie. Half of my closet is dresses! I just love them, especially paired with a great pair of shoes and the right necklace!

Emily: Who has been the most influential person in your life? Katie: I would say my mom. I know it may be cliché to say but she really has! She has taught me the importance of family and walking with Christ. She has always displayed what a Godly wife and mother should be. I hope that one day I can be half of the woman that she is!

Emily: What’s the greatest pressure you may feel from your peers? Katie: I have been blessed to go to a school where I don’t feel peer pressure from my friends to drink or anything like that. We all share similar beliefs and values which is the biggest of blessings. Not to say that I won’t feel pressure in the future but I have amazing friends who love the Lord.

Emily: What is your view of modesty? Katie: I would say my view of modesty is obviously to dress modest but it is more than how you dress. The verse Romans 14:13 talks about how we are not to put any stumbling blocks or obstacles in our brother’s way. By dressing immodestly, I am potentially causing my brother in Christ to sin. I have personally chosen a standard of modesty because I want a boy to respect me, and see me for me and not my body. Purity is a lifestyle; how you act, dress and present yourself. And that is the higher standard I hold myself to!

-----

Emily: Being taller, what challenges do you face when shopping for clothes? Amelia: I am 5'9"! I think what I struggle with most is finding shorts, skirts, jeans and dresses that are actually long enough! I generally will do my best to get a bigger size in some items just to get a little more length. I like to wear tights with dresses, roll up my jeans and find shorts that are appropriate yet fashionable.

Emily: You have five brothers! How has that influenced the way you dress? Amelia: Well, my brothers have definitely shaped my modest views because I will put on an outfit, be ready to walk out the door and if my shorts or dress are questionable, I know I will get a comment from one of them. My friends and I ask them all the time if we look okay and get a boy's opinion. When I was younger I didn't like being the only girl because they never wanted to play barbies, or dress up, but as I'm older I enjoy it more. Its kind of fun being the "princess" of the family.

Emily: Tell us a little bit about your friendship with Katie! Amelia: Katie and I actually became friends in 4th grade when our best friend Ashley moved away. Katie and I became really good friends after that. We really related to each other and got along really well. We could always tell each other anything. And I found that we enjoyed similar things, including fashion. I'm so thankful I have her as a friend that encourages me, and has always been there for me. I'm excited that we get to be a part of Top Buttons together.

Emily: What is a personal goal that you have set for yourself? Amelia: I run cross country and I absolutely love it. I ran a half marathon last year and one of my next goals is to run another in February. I also set a high goal of doing my best in my school work.

Interview by: Emily Meade Photos by: Aimee Reed

Which Bootie Would You Wear?

Not only are boots the highlight of the fall and winter months, but booties can be worn to give a little lift on a dreary day. They can be worn with either a great pair of skinny jeans or a cute dress and tights. Here are a few of our favorites. Which do you like the best? Hailey Jeans Co Lace-up Wedge Bootie, Zippered Booties, Material Girl Rachel Shooties, Arizona Abbey Flat Ankle Boot, Qupid Suede Lace-up Bootie

Beat The Rush: Black Friday Deals

My Black Friday planning began this morning at 6:30 am when the ads arrived on my Aunt's doorstep! We quickly scanned the ads for things that we had in mind for gifts for family and friends, and then of course planned our map and spreadsheet for where and when we would arrive at each location.  

The most important part about Black Friday shopping is making a plan. When making my plan, I like to look at the ads with low prices on items that I have kept myself from buying during the year, and things I might wear for the winter season. This year, I will share with you my favorite picks for makeup, clothing, and shoes that you can find at low-budget prices!

Xhilaration Juniors Sequin Fleece Top-Assorted Colors- Featured Above: "Rust" $10.00 (Find at Target: Opens at 9pm on 11/22)

Decree Radiant Metallic Skinny Jeans- Featured Above "Mint" $15.00 (Find at JCPenny: Opens at 6am 11/23)

SO Tall Boots Juniors- Featured Above in Brown $19.99 (Find at KOHLS- Opens at Midnight on 11/23)

bareMinerals Glow Getters Radiant Trio & Dazzling Eye Trio $10.00 each (Find at ULTA Beauty- Opens at Midnight on 11/23)

These are just a few of the items that I will be purchasing tonight/tomorrow! If you would like to be a Black Friday Fashionista but don't want to wake up early, I will link some of my favorite websites and ads below for easy online Black Friday Shopping!

Old Navy Use Coupon Code TURKEYDAY for online check out.

Forever21 

Gap

J.Crew 

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Black Friday!