Modest Looks from Forever 21

l to r: classic a-line skirt, basic knit dress, striped longline skirt I,

Longline Sateen Trumpet Skirt, Tiered Extended Dress, Striped Longline Skirt II

I used to think Forever 21 was a loud crowded store full of a bunch of party tops and and tight jeans. Well, the store is a bit crowded and loud but Forever 21 also has reasonably priced items, very cute accessories, and occasionally you can even find something modest. I've had a lot of success finding cute affordable tops during my pregnancies, but the bottoms were always another story. Although I've searched high and low, I have never found a skirt modest enough to buy at Forever 21. Maybe that has finally changed -- at least for this season. The skirts and dresses above are examples of what you might be able to find ... if you're willing to endure the loud music and search the racks. I guess you could shop online, but you might want to try the items on first to check for sheerness and/or tightness. You may also want to check out their Love 21 line which is described as offering a more sophisticated and modest fit...like this new skirt!

Make It Yourself: From Cap Sleeve to 3/4 Sleeve Tutorial

The last time I was at the J.Crew outlet I, like many others, feel in love with their embellished t-shirts. However, I could not pay $25 for a beautifully embellished t-shirt only to cover it with a cardigan because the sleeves were shorter than I prefer. Since I couldn't find an embellished 3/4 sleeve t-shirt I made it myself! So, here's my first tutorial " From cap sleeve to 3/4 length sleeve t-shirt"

Materials:

Two t-shirts in the same color (One will be "shirt A", the one we will cut up. "Shirt B" will be our final shirt)

Thread

Seam ripper

Scissors

Ball point needle for sewing knits

An old t-shirt with a sleeve length you like

1) With your seam ripper, carefully remove a sleeve from your old t-shirt which will act as your pattern.

2) Place your open sleeve against the bottom of your. Pin and cut two sleeves from shirt A.
This is what it should look like:
3) Fold sleeves in half right side together and sew.

4) Carefully remove capped sleeve from shirt B. (Below are shirt B, old sleeve, and new sleeve). The new sleeve is about double the length of the original.
5) Line up your new sleeve seam with your shirt B seam and pin around the armhole.
5) Sew around the armhole. Yeaaaah! You just sewed a sleeve and made a t-shirt a little more modest...no cardigan needed. Use the rest of shirt A to embellish your t-shirt. Here is a good tutorial.

My Take on the Elastic Waist Skirt Mama Edition

Photo by Morgan C. Bolton

Photo by Morgan C. Bolton

So, I originally saw the Freshly Picked: Elastic Waist Skirt Tutorial - Mama Edition posted on say Yes! to hoboken. I agreed with Liz about the shape and bunching, so I made a few alterations*. I didn't use as much fabric and added darts in the front. The finished product is a little more straight. My favorite parts about the skirt are the pockets (thanks to the template and instructions from Susan) and the fabric which is home decor fabric from Joann. I can't wait to make another one.

*Side note, I think the original design is nice. However, since I just had a baby four months ago I'd rather not have as much gathering in my midsection:)

Arty Cardi

Just got Anthro's September catalog. And this was my favorite piece...Its wearable art.

These shoes are cute: the ribbon, the color, the heel.

...they had me at ribbon!

Just let me know if they go on sale.

Tutu cute!

Any meek+chic woman can attest that a good jean skirt is the wardrobe stable for any active woman who values modesty and style. Hubby convinced me to buy this one from the Gap when I was pregnant. I was hesitant, because of the price but I definitely got my money’s worth. I literally wore this skirt almost everyday while I was pregnant…and many days after. In fact, I’m wearing it while I type. I have searched high and low for a good denim skirt. About five years ago I found three ankle length ones at the Levi store, but two have paint spots (remnants from my career as an art teacher) and the other was a little too young looking. These days I am in search of a dark denim pencil skirt that is not tight, calf-length, with a kick pleat. It seems I may just have to buckle down and make it myself. Anyway, in the meantime I just bought Chloe bug her first denim skirt its from the Gap also and it is tu tu cute! Online it looks like a simple tiered denim skirt, but it actually is reminiscent of a tutu with a little bit of flare and tulle underneath. And one of the best parts is that I got it on sale, with an additional 20% off, during a “tax free holiday”! If you have a daughter you should check this skirt out...and if you see a denim pencil skirt out there as described above, please let me know!