Day 7: Things you want to say to someone who is no longer your friend.

I think part of the reason that I allowed our friendship to end as suddenly as it did was that I was so eager to shake off my old self that I pushed you away as well.  A piece of me was certain that you would only remind me of that dark place I had finally been able to overcome.  At the time, I wanted every part of my life to be brand new and unshadowed, but I handled this situation the wrong way and I'm sorry for that.

Sometimes I do wonder what life would be like if we were still good friends today, but what happened back then is already said and done, and I definitely think the Lord has worked for the good in both of our lives.  I'm not angry at you anymore, not at all, and I am pretty sure you aren't angry at me either.  We've exchanged some kind words since the friendship ended so many years ago and I'm glad time has helped to heal things between us. 

I will always care about you and think about you.  Thank you for the impact you made on my life.

Have you ever seen a cute and figure-flattering outfit on a mannequin and decided to buy it for yourself?

Recently, I read an article about how plus-sized mannequins at department stores are actually about a size six... and how normal-sized mannequins are so thin that they would be considered anorexic and unable to have children if they were alive.  While I cannot find the same article I first read, I merely Googled "too thin mannequins" and came up with several similar results. 

Mannequins are made to be unusually thin and "attractive" so that consumers will see them and think, "Oh, that's how I'll look if I wear these clothes."  In fact, some of the mannequins I've seen wear blouses with tags hanging out that have large sizes, but the blouse is tucked in or safety-pinned in the back until it's form-fitting and looks fantastic.  It's a deception.

Ali and I decided to visit a popular department store and take a look at the plus-sized mannequins to see if they were made to be skinnier than most plus-sized women or just the right size.  What we found is that the mannequins were thin and fit, but they were larger versions of the average-sized mannequins.  For example, while the average mannequin might be 4' tall, these plus-sized mannequins were over 5' tall.

I posed with one of the plus-sized mannequins.  Her jacket hides most of her waist, but as you can see from her legs, she really isn't that much wider than I am... and I don't wear plus-sized clothes.  However, the mannequin, even without a head, is taller than I am by a couple of inches.  I'm a little over 5'1. 

When Ali placed her leg next to the plus-sized mannequin, other than the fact that the mannequin's legs were insanely long, there wasn't much of a size difference between them... and Ali also does not wear plus-sized clothing.

We came across a mannequin that was wearing a size 16 blouse.  The mannequin looked rather thin to be wearing a size 16 and when we inspected her a little further, we discovered that the back of her blouse was discreetly safety-pinned so that the blouse was form-fitting on her slender frame.

These mannequins aren't plus-sized.  They're taller and thus slightly larger versions of average-sized mannequins.  How can they accurately model plus-sized clothing when they aren't plus-sized themselves?

The world constantly tells consumers what is beautiful and what isn't.  Even mannequins are made to be unnaturally skinny in order to look "more beautiful" than they would if they were proportioned normally.  To be honest, it makes me sad. 

I'll write more on this soon. 

Okay, girls.  This is for you.

Today I'd like to talk about dating in high school.  If you're in middle school, go ahead and add yourself into this conversation as well.

I'm JUST starting college, so I'm barely out of high school.  I remember like yesterday (because it basically was) how much pressure there is to have a boyfriend.  I remember my senior year, I mentioned to one of my friends that I'd never kissed a guy, and this friend literally said in a kind, but very patronizing way, "Awwwww, Emily.  That's so cute!  But... why?"  While I am so blessed that my closest friends also abstained from romantic relationships in grade school, I know what it's like to feel pressured to date.  I know that most people look at you like you're crazy when you say, "No, I'm not looking for a boyfriend.  I don't want a high school relationship."  I know because that's what happened to me.

And I know that it's more than just peer pressure.  Sure, it's not fun to be given strange looks and teased because of a choice, but we aren't finger puppets.  Our actions aren't controlled by our friends.  We're individuals.  We can make our own decisions. 

Having a boyfriend seems wonderful.  When you watch a movie like Twilight or Dear John, how can you not feel a little ache and wish that you had a beautiful relationship like that?  I think everyone wants someone who will hold them close and love them unconditionally.  When you doubt yourself and you doubt some of your friendships and you doubt your home life and you doubt everything around you, a steady relationship with someone who loves you with every piece of his heart sounds great.  I get that. 

Occasionally, a young girl writes me and tells me that she really, really, really wants to start dating in middle school or high school.  She just really, really, really wants to have a relationship with a guy who loves her.  These girls often struggle with whether or not they should give into their feelings and date someone.  When they come to me for advice, here is my typical answer:

WHY do you want a boyfriend at this point in your life?

You're obviously not ready to start looking for a spouse.  You can give me the expected argument: "I have a teacher/friend's mom/neighbor/uncle/grandparent who started dating someone in high school and they're happily married, so there."  I know, I know there are stories like that in real life.  But they aren't the norm.  In fact, they're very, very rare.  They're so rare that you can't use those instances as an excuse to start looking for a boyfriend at 15, 16, 17 years old.  In fact, I'm almost nineteen and I still struggle to imagine myself being married, even if I'm "legally" old enough.

That's the purpose of dating though, isn't it?  (If not, then shouldn't that be the purpose?)  It doesn't make sense to try to fall in love if you don't want to get married.  When you start a relationship with someone, you should be thinking: he might be the one.  In high school, it's not time to be thinking about marriage.  And if he's really the one, then why wouldn't he be willing to wait a few years for you both to grow and mature?

So if you aren't yet ready to start searching for a future husband, then why do you want a boyfriend right now?

The reason why I personally wanted to have a boyfriend while I was in high school was because I wanted someone who would love me for me.  If I got into an argument with a family member, if I had a bad day at school, if I was feeling worthless or ugly, I wanted someone who would compliment me and mean it, who would hold me close and whisper sweet nothings into my ear, who would write me songs, who would say "I love you" and mean every word.  I wanted a boyfriend so I would feel special and loved.

Is that much different from the reason why you want a boyfriend?  To feel good?

The problem about this is that when you're still in grade school, it's simply not time to awaken those romantic feelings.  You've probably heard the verse that every single Christian dating book tends to mention, Song of Solomon 2:7. 

"Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires."

That verse used to bug me so much when people used it to say: "See, this verse is proof that it's a sin to date in high school!" 

"Until it so desires?" I would think to myself.  "Are you kidding me?  How do you know it doesn't desire right now?  I feel like I'm ready to find love."  But let's be logical.  Yes, Mary fell in love as a young teen.  Juliet fell in love at thirteen.  But in this day and age, is it healthy to fall in love as a young teen?  Is it realistic that you'll stay together?  Is it good to fall in and out of love when you're not even old enough to drive a car?

When you're truly mature enough and ready to start looking for the guy that the Lord wants to put in your life, then perhaps it's time.  Then perhaps you can arouse or awaken love because it so desires.  But right now, what is the purpose?

Before, during, and even after a high school relationship, your thoughts and feelings will be consumed by a boy.  When you're crushing on him, you cannot help thinking about him all the time.  Believe me, I know.  Throughout the day and night, your mind wanders to him: what he's doing, who he's talking to, whether or not he's thinking about you too.  During the relationship, you'll constantly think about him and want to be near him.  After the relationship, your mind will still frequently wander to him.  You'll still want to know what he's doing, who he's with, whether or not he still thinks about you.  Your mind is going to be packed full of thoughts about this guy for a long time.

The teenage years are a time to grow closer to the Lord and develop a strong foundation in your relationship with Him.  Right now is when you need to start setting your standards and try to discover who God wants you to be.  When you're focused on a boyfriend, then it is so easy for your thoughts and your heart to become distracted from Him and instead set upon him.

Now I'm not going to go so far as to say that dating in high school is necessarily a sin, at least not in every case.  It's a tough decision that is ultimately up to you and your parents.  However, I do think that dating while in high school will most likely lead to distraction, heartbreak, and doubt in yourself, others, and even in God. 

Right now, while you're growing and transforming in your relationship with Christ, ask Him to become those feelings of fulfillment and adoration that a boyfriend would give you.  I know it isn't going to be the same, but it has the potential be even better. 

:)

I've worn a purity ring since I was fourteen years old.  My dad gave me my first purity ring as a birthday gift.  It was the typical silver band with the words "True Love Waits" etched across the front.  You can get it here.  I loved the ring.  I loved its message and simplicity.  I loved what it stood for in my life.  I loved how blunt its words were.  "True Love Waits."  Nobody would ever question what that ring meant to me.

I lost my ring last summer, much to my dismay.  My new ring is also silver, although this one displays a pearl right in the center.  You can find it here.  It isn't as obvious that it's a purity ring as my first one, but I love it just as much.  It almost looks like a wedding ring, but with a pearl instead of a diamond.

I wear a purity ring as a symbol that I choose to remain pure before marriage.  When I say pure, I mean that I won't have sex before marriage, of course, but I will also try to keep all of my thoughts and actions pure as well.  I choose to stay pure so I can honor the Lord, my future husband, and myself.  I don't want to give away something that was meant for one person.  Hebrews 13:4 says, "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure..."  I want to honor my marriage, even before I am married, as a gift to my husband. 

1 Corinthians 6:18-20 says, "Flee from sexual immorality.  All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.  Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?  You are not your own; you were bought at a price.  Therefore honor God with your bodies."

I never want to have to look my future husband in the eye and confess to him that I'm no longer pure.  I'm saving myself for him out of love, as a gift to my FH.  My first gift to him.

Without wearing a purity ring, I would still want and strive to be pure, but my purity ring is a tangible reminder of my choice.  I wear my purity ring on my left hand ring finger.  In a way, I see my purity ring as a pre-pre-wedding ring.  A wedding ring is a symbol of one's commitment to their spouse.  An engagement ring announces one's commitment to a soon-to-be spouse.  I wear my purity ring as a symbol of commitment to my FH.  It is a reminder to me that my FH is out there somewhere, hopefully waiting for me like I'm waiting for him.

Since I'm unmarried, I will still date, but while doing so, I will wear my purity ring as a reminder of the commitment I've made to God, to myself, and to my future husband.
 

Which of you guys watched the royal wedding?  I did, and I'm not ashamed to admit it.  I'm not usually interested in that sort of thing, but I absolutely love the idea that a prince has married a commoner.  I love that.  It sure seems like the perfect fairytale, even though I know it's going to be tough for the newlyweds to have to survive in the public eye.

I wasn't planning to watch the wedding live.  It was 5am my time, so I sure didn't want to pull an all nighter (or wake up super early) on a school day to watch a royal wedding.  I'm not that excited.  However, it worked out for me to watch the thing live, so I saw part of it. 

At 4:57 yesterday morning, I was jerked awake by the howling and shrieking of what seemed to be a huge pack of coyotes.  If you've heard coyotes howl before, you know how utterly disturbing it is... especially when there are a lot of them.  The high-pitched shrieks seemed to surround my entire bedroom.  Honestly, those coyotes scared the living daylights out of me.  I'm reading "The Priest's Graveyard" by Ted Dekker right now... and I do not need to hear creepy sounds in the night!  Not now!

Anyways, the coyotes woke me up and I knew I'd be wired for a while, so when I glanced at the clock and realized the royal wedding was about to begin, I figured I'd watch it until I fell back asleep.  So I flipped open my laptop and watched the first half the wedding. 

Later on Friday, Rebekah hosted an absolutely wonderful tea party in celebration of the royal wedding.  It was so cute.

We drank tea and ate scones, chocolate covered strawberries, and all sorts of wonderful snacks.  Rebekah and her mom did an amazing job decorating and making sure that the tea party was legit and absolutely lovely.  They even provided everyone with their own plate, teacup, and princess tiara.  So sweet.

My favorite food item of the tea party was the sugar cubes Rebekah's mom made.  They were shaped like roses.  See for yourself.  I loved them!  I honestly had no idea that sugar cubes could be transformed into something so delicate and pretty. 

Everybody who came to the tea party dressed in sun dresses and wore our tiaras.  We enjoyed practicing proper etiquette by sticking up our pinkies, talking in fake English accents, and crossing our ankles in a ladylike fashion.  Of course, we aren't all that "proper," so we had a few misshaps... like Rebekah accidentally knocking over my teacup with her elbow, for example.  But it was all silly and lighthearted.

After we ate our scones and finger sandwiches and drank our tea, we sat down together and watched the royal wedding.  I think we enjoyed the crazy hats most of all.  Kate's dress was beautiful.

Overall, we had a wonderful time.  In thirty or forty years, if I'm still around, I'll be able to look back and clearly remember the royal wedding, just like my mom remembers the wedding of Charles and Diana.  Watching a royal wedding may seem trivial, but I'll always remember this day and this celebration with a smile because of the fun my friends and I had together. 

We celebrated being girls.  We dressed up, ate wonderful food, and enjoyed each other's company.  I couldn't ask for a better time than that.

So yes, even Texan girls celebrate the royal wedding.

As far back as I can remember, my mom has always told me to be careful what I say or do because my little sister and her friends look up to me.  If I mess up, they might follow my example.  I used to think that was silly.  Why would she look up to me?  I'm her sister, for crying out loud.  The older I've gotten, the more I've heard the same thing from other people.  My daughter looks up to you.  Remember that you're a leader to younger girls.  I'll admit I used to think that was an excuse for adults to try to convince me (and other girls my age) to do the right thing.

As time has passed and especially over this last year or two, I've noticed that what adults have told me is true.  Younger girls do look up to me and my friends.  The more I think about it, the more I realize that's a big responsibility.

I've always been the oldest child in my family, so I think it's taken me longer than most to realize how much my little siblings do look up to me.  I've never had an older sibling I admired.  But over time, I've slowly begun to realize that my sister has looked up to me as a leader and a role model since she was a baby who would mimic my silly hand motions and short words.

A month or two ago, some of my close friends and I went to our church's youth group and spoke to the middle school girls about purity.  I was a little concerned that they wouldn't care what we were saying, that they would think it was silly that girls only five or six years older than them were coming to speak.  However, the moment we sat down in the chairs and began to talk, the girls watched us attentively.  They seemed to genuinely want to hear what we had to say.  Many had eager questions for us about our opinions on dating and premarital sex and teenage pregnancy. 

That night was a moment when I realized that younger girls do look up to me.  The way I live my life is being closely watched by the young girls around me.  My actions may even be repeated.

I don't know how old you are, but even if you're one of my youngest readers, there are girls younger than you who are watching the way you act and the things you say.  They look up to you and are watching to see how you decide to live your life.  Somewhere right now there is a little girl who wants to be just like you.

Process that for a moment.

There is a little girl somewhere who wants to be you.

This should drastically affect the way we treat the people around us.  How could I ever stand to snap at my mom over the phone when there are younger girls watching me and thinking to themselves, "She's really cool.  I want to be like her.  It must be okay to treat my mom like that."  How could I ever wear immodest and provocative clothes that I wouldn't feel comfortable seeing on my little sister?  How could I ever switch from boyfriend to boyfriend before the eyes of young girls who are watching to see how they're supposed to be in a few years?

We are their example.

Sometimes I hate considering myself to be any kind of role model because I make so many mistakes every single day.  I'll never be "good enough" to be a true role model for young girls.  Jesus Christ should be the One we strive to be like.  We should want to be like Him.  However, not all little girls understand that fact.  Instead, they look to older girls like you and me when they want to know how to act and who to be like. 

We'll always mess up.  We're sinful.  We're human.  The fact that little girls are looking to us to see how to act should inspire us to strive to be the best role models and leaders we can be.  Since we'll never be good enough role models on our own, let's strive to be like Jesus Christ.  What better way to encourage and lead little girls than by showing them Him through us?

This will be the last article full of tips of what to wear and bring to prom.  Today's tips will be what to keep in your purse when you go to prom.  For obvious reasons, you don't want to drag around a huge bag full of stuff, but you don't want to be desperately asking around for something you forgot and now need either.  I thought I'd advise you to bring a few necessary items in your clutch.

Cellphone
What if something happens while you're at prom and you need to head home early?  What if the dance lasts longer than expected and you need to call home to check in with your parents?  To stay safe, keep your charged phone with you in your purse.  I know that this is a cliche, but it truly is better to be safe than sorry.    

Bobby Pins
You may have a hair problem.  In fact, you probably will.  Chances are, you'll have to step outside in the wind, be stuck in a stuffy room for a few hours, and be moving around and dancing.  Even if you're wearing curls without any bobby pins, bring a few just in case.  You may have to tuck away a few flattening curls.  If you're wearing an elaborate updo or braid, this should be a no-brainer.  Bring plenty of bobby pins. 

Lipstick/Lip Gloss
You'll probably eat while at prom.  You will need to refresh your lipstick or gloss while you're there at some point, no matter what you're doing.  Lipstick isn't that big, so it should be easy to stick inside your clutch.  You will use it.

Any ID
Are you at least sixteen?  Bring your driver's license.  Otherwise, bring a student ID.  Just in case you get pulled over or the school won't allow you in with identification of some sort... or (and I know I'm sounding awful right now) if something happens and you get separated from your friends, you'll have a way to be identified.

Cash
Bring twenty bucks.  It may come in handy at some point.

Eyeshadow or Mascara or Blush
This is optional, but if you are worried about your makeup fading, you may want to stick a little something in your purse to help you out later on.

Feminine Products
I won't go into detail here.  Just... what if?

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Did I leave anything out?

I got these pictures here and here.

Here is an outfit that you can wear to nicer occasions, such as church or a nice dinner. 


Sweater-
I like this sweater.  It's loose enough to be modest, but it will also be warm during the early spring months.  I like how the wrists of the sleeves and the hem are tighter, adding some figure to the sweater.  This is from Old Navy for a slightly pricey $26.50.  The sweater will most likely be on sale at the store.  You can get it here. 



Cami-
The sweater comes down a little low, so you should stick a cami underneath.  It might be difficult to match the pink of the skirt, so a simple white cami will work.  This one also comes from Old Navy.  It's only $8.  Find it here.



Skirt-
I like this old fashioned skirt from Old Navy.  It's a little pricey at $29.50, but it will probably be on sale in the actual store.  You can find it here.  I love the flowery design.  If the skirt reaches more than an inch above the knee, I'd advise you to wear a pair of gray leggings.

 

Leggings-
Leggings are optional, depending on the length of your skirt.  These gray leggings can be found at Charlotte Russe for only $5.  You could also get a shorter length, which would work better in spring.  A longer length like this will help you not freeze to death when you walk outside in mid-January.  You can see them here.



Shoes-
For shoes, I'd go with something simple in a plain color like black or gray.  Try these ballet flats from Old Navy.  They come in several different colors.  They're $19.50, but you could probably get them on sale at the store.  Check'em out here.



Jewelry-
A pretty necklace will work well with this outfit.  I like the look of this sparkly necklace from Charlotte Russe.  It's $10.50.  Check it out here.
 


Overall-
This outfit, if you purchase everything listed above, costs nearly $100, but if you mix and match with tank tops, shoes, leggings, and jewelry of your own, you could easily bring this outfit down to $50 by purchasing only the sweater and the skirt.  It's all up to you.  I love the look of the outfit.  The skirt holds a touch of spring, which I'm greatly looking forward to, but you can keep a wintery touch with the sweater and the leggings.

What do you think?
 
 

This month, I'll be starting a series where once a week, I'll show you a cute, modest outfit that is fairly inexpensive.  I'll be providing prices, stores where the outfit is available, and photos of each item.  I won't usually be including jeans in the mix because you probably already have a pair of jeans, and to be honest, I believe in splurging on a good pair of jeans.  However, I might include a cute skirt now and then.

Today's outfit is a cute but casual look.


Jacket/Shirt-
This cute sweater from Aeropostale.  It's $15.  You can find it here.  I like the colors of this sweater.  I also love the wide collar that folds out.  The sleeves are three quarter length, which will be nice when spring begins to roll around because the sweater will be warm, but the shorter sleeves will help you not burn up on a warm day. 



Undershirt-
Under the sweater, you'll need to wear a shirt of some sort.  It can be something as light as this cami, also from Aeropostale.  You can buy camis two for $15 or one for $17.50.  Check it out here.  The Aero cami will come in the same red as the sweater, but you can also get colors like pink, charcoal, white, or beige that will also go with the colorful stripes.



Shoes-
You can add a cute pair of flats to the mix.  Try a pair of flats, perhaps a cute red pair like these.  You can get them from Payless for only $15.  I like the little bow on top.  A lot of shoes will work for this diverse outfit, so try a pair you already have at home.



Jewelry-
What you use for jewelry will depend on your own creativity, but here are a few ideas.  I would wear either a small necklace or a few bracelets with this outfit, but not necessarily both.  A watch would work with a necklace or if you wear bracelets on your other arm. 

I'd suggest a short necklace with a small charm, like this one from Charlotte Russe.  It's only $6.50.  I love the way the charm is shaped like a bow.  It's absolutely adorable.  You can find it here.

Here are some small bangle bracelets that will be visible since the sweater has three quarter length sleeves.  You can find the bracelets at Charlotte Russe for an easy $4.  I love the different textures on the bracelets.  Check'em out here.


Overall-
This outfit costs a little over $50 when you include the jewelry. 

If you don't take off the sweater, you'll be modest and cute.  The outfit is perfect for spring and will go great with a comfortable pair of jeans.    

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What do you think about this new topic? 
Did you like the outfit?
 

I personally love trench coats.  I think they're figure flattering, modest, feminine, and cute.  They make me think of detectives... and I love old detective novels.  Another great thing about trench coats is the fact that they cover up.  They don't dip down low, so you're able to look stylish and modest at the same time.  I'll go ahead and discuss the different kinds of trench coats in style this year.

Pea Coats
These are still popular, although not quite as much of the rage as they were last year.  They're generally made from a thicker, warmer material than a trench coat.  You should wear your pea coats fairly short, no longer than mid-thigh.  The colors that I've seen around the most are: black, white, teals, and deep purples.  I've seen some prints as well.  Big buttons are also in, part of a military jacket theme that's been circulating recently.  You can purchase the cute purple pea coat to your left at JC Penney for $69.99.

Long Trench Coats
These can reach from your knees to your calves.  However long they are, they should have a cinch belt to tie around your waist and big buttons.  You should preferably choose a coat with a big, flipped collar.  Colors can range from beiges and grays to blacks and charcoals to brighter colors, such as reds, greens, and blues.  Be careful: if you're short like me, a long trench coat can dwarf you even further.  Check out this cute trench coat from Old Navy.  It's only $49.99. 

Short Trench Coats
I've seen these coats as shirts before, which I like, because they aren't too short.  They can also be used as jackets.  They should reach anywhere from mid-thigh to your hip.  Colors like red, purple, and blue are stylish when it comes to shorter trench coats.  These should also have big buttons, a turned out collar, and a cinched waist.  Fabrics like satin and velvet are accepted with this trend.  I wore a short trench coat for part of my spirit week costume this year.  Check out this cute trench coat for $79.99.

Do you like trench coats?  Where did you buy yours?
 

A poem I originally wrote for my friend Ali... but also for every girl out there who is looking for a guy who is willing to save himself for his future wife.  I hope you like it too.

Day 12: A song that you want played at your wedding

This is a difficult one for me, because I don't like to think that far ahead.  I honestly have never stopped to think of any songs I would like played at my wedding until this specific moment.  And now that I think about it, I can't think of any.

A song I think is romantic and pretty, even though I don't listen to much country music, is One Boy, One Girl by Collin Raye.  I think it's cute.  I love it.  I would most likely want that song to be played at my wedding.  Click here to see a cheesy nineties music video of the song.  I'll post the lyrics below.  Cry your heart out. :)



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Now tell me that isn't adorable!

Prices and Origins:
Shirt: Old Navy, $19.50
Cami: Aeropostale, $8.75
Pants: Charlotte Russe.  I couldn't find them online, but I purchased them out of the store for an easy $30.
Shoes: Rocket Dogs, Journeys, $35
Necklace: My necklace is a one of a kind piece made out of paper that I purchased while in Kenya, Africa.  You can buy a similar Kenyan necklace here for $15.


Total Modest Outfit Cost (not including shoes): $73.25
Total Modest Outfit Cost (including shoes): $108.25

I love the color of my blouse, which is the main reason why I bought it.  The dark green shade turn my eyes a bright green.  See the picture to the bottom right?  Yes, that's my real eye color (although with a different shirt on a different day...).  However, the blouse wasn't super comfortable.  I had to wear a cami underneath it to stay modest, but it tended to ride up and be too short on my long torso (thank goodness for the cami), as you can see in the picture.  I had to constantly pull it down over my hips.  One thing I do love about this shirt, however, is the fact that it isn't clingy or form fitting.  I also loved the stitching on the blouse.  You can see the picture below.

A cami is a cami.  I prefer Aeropostale's the best.  The only thing about this simple white cami is that it starts to fall low and I have to check every so often to make sure I don't need to pull it up.  I have a long torso, so I like the length of Aeropostale's camis most of all.

I loved the fading on my jeans.  They came in "short", so I didn't have to get them hemmed.  They weren't too long for me.  They're a little "low riding", but other than that, they were comfortable.  I liked their color as well.

My shoes are new.  I love their style, but I wasn't thrilled with how they fit.  As the day dragged on, they tended to cram my toes and the sides of my foot into the front of the shoe.  I've heard they're like that at first until they stretch, so I hope my new Rocket Dogs become more comfortable than they are now.  They're super cute, if that means anything.

Overall, I thought this outfit was cute, but it wasn't the most comfortable.  I preferred yesterday's outfit a little more.

The outfit I wore for the first day of school is not very "glamorous."  I decided to go for comfortable rather than extremely cute.  After all, a good friend of mine advised me, "Don't worry about what you're going to wear on your first day.  Everyone else is going to be so focused on their own cute outfit, they might not even notice yours."  So I went for a little cute and a lot comfortable.  Best of all, my outfit was completely modest.

Prices and Origins:
Shirt: Old Navy, $12
Pants: Levi's, Kohl's, $40 (although these are usually on sale at the store.  I got them for $31.)
Shoes: TOMS, $55 (Unfortunately, these TOMS are not being made anymore.  Here is the link to a cute, similar pair.)
Necklace: Okay, this was an expensive accessory because it was a gift from my parents.  You can purchase a similar but less expensive pair of pretend pearls for $6.50 at Charlotte Russe.

Comfortable Factor:
Shirt- 9/10
Pants- 8/10
Shoes- 8/10

Total Modest Outfit Cost (not including shoes): $49.50
Total Modest Outfit Cost (including shoes): $113.50

Overall, I was very satisfied with this outfit.  It was comfortable and cozy, and I got a lot of compliments on the blouse.  Nothing was slipping around or too tight, so I didn't constantly have to worry what I looked like.  Even though it was a simple dark gray, I loved the flowery design towards the top.  It was big enough so that it didn't draw specific attention to a certain part of me, but the design was simple and attractive.  I loved the beading.  I'll go ahead and show you a close up picture of my blouse so you can see the intricate beading designs.  Mind you, these pictures were taken after I got home from school, so I don't look very "fresh."

My new jeans were also very comfortable.  They came in "short" size, so I didn't have to get them hemmed.  I also like the way they fit.  Comfortably and not too tight. 

My shoes were old, but they were as comfortable as always.  I love TOMS.  Even though this specific style of shoes is no longer for sale, I'll go ahead and show you a picture of my shoes.  They give facts about "if the world was a village of 100 people", how many would have AIDS, how many would have no shoes, etc.  They're amazing. 

For my hairstyle, I left it down and straight.  I wore some eye makeup, but that's it. 

Perfectly modest, I'm thinking.

Do you like this outfit?  Leave your comments below.
 

To the Hopefuls-

To all of you hopefuls, to you boys out there,
Who have been dreaming of asking me out,
This poem is a warning, a friendly "beware!"
You don't know what you're talking about.

See, I'm very picky.  It takes quite a lot
For a boy to win my affections.
You may be the right guy... but probably not.
Please know I have high expectations. 

I don't want to sound uppity, snooty, or mean,
But I feel like I should tell the truth.
I'm not in a great hurry.  I'm just seventeen!
There is still so much time left to choose.

I've liked guys before. You may have a chance.
I'm flattered.  You're so very kind-- but--
If you're trying to find a way into my pants,
Then you have the wrong girl in mind.

I know that God has great things in store,
And if you are the right guy, you'll see!
We can always be friends,  but if you want more,
You must be seeking Him to find me.

Emily Whelchel
4-28-10

This was a joke in many ways, but... girls who feel this way as well, here is our anthem. :)  What do you think?

What I am about to show you is a poem I wrote about two days ago.  A close friend of mine was having some fears about ever finding the perfect guy for her... the future husband that God wants her to choose.  She said that her worst fear was looking back at the age of fifty or sixty and thinking to herself, "What have I done?  I didn't choose the right guy, and I made a huge mistake."  I think all (or most) young people have this fear, and we often need a reminder that even when we are unsure of our futures, God is sure... He can see ahead, and He's watching out for us along the way. 

So Ali, this is for you.  :)

The Dark-Haired Princess

She read storybooks before bed time,
About dragons and great knights.
She dreamed about their grand heroics,
And about their daring fights.

But one thing kept this girl awake,
One thing the stories lacked.
Each princess had hair like fair gold,
And this girl's hair was black!

"Is there no princess with dark eyes?
Without locks that look like gold?
If no such princess can be found,
I'll have to make my own."

So she took out a pen and paper,
And she tried her best to write,
But her rhymes were poor and simple,
And nothing came out right.

She shared her problem with her mom,
And said, "I really tried my best!
I guess I was wrong. I cannot write,
Of a dark-haired princess."

Her mother thought with loving eyes,
Then said, "Those tales aren't true.
There are princesses without gold hair,
And one of them is you."

1-18-10



I wrote this poem after my friend, Ali, who is Hispanic, told me that it always used to bother her as a little girl that the storybook princesses would only have blonde hair and blue eyes, and never black hair and brown eyes.  So I changed things up a little.

And of course now, we do have princesses of all colors, thanks to the Disney movies!