Undershirt Blurt.

Okay. So is it just me or does it seem like almost EVERY shirt is sheer these days? Or the sleeves are loose? 

Now. I love the elegance and flowy-ness (is that a word?) of these looks. 

But.

This makes it tricky for us as sister missionaries. Or anyone who is looking for more coverage. Or any member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints who has gone through the temple. #bestdayever

But.

There are solutions!! 

(Applaud now)

This brings me to my 

"Undershirt Blurt".

Blouses and Tops

If leaving your shirt untucked, ensure that the bottom of the shirt presents a tailored, professional appearance. You may layer shirts under blouses and tops to increase modesty; however, undershirts should not be noticeably longer than the top layer. Avoid sloppy, tight, or casual styles. Do not wear T-shirts, sweatshirts, golf-style shirts, casual shirts, or shirts with low necklines. Sleeves should fully cover the shoulder and the upper portion of the arm, including the underarm, to cover the garment. Shirts with cap sleeves should not be worn alone, but may be worn under blouses or tops to increase modesty. 

Taken from here: https://missionary.lds.org/dress-grooming/sister/guidelines/?lang=eng#outfits

Bingo.

Ladies and Gentleman...gentleman...gentleman...

For the first time on this blog...blog...blog...

I present:

Undershirts!!

Lets get down to the nitty gritty.

There are three brands that I really like of these types of shirts.

1. Nikki Bikki

2. Mod Bod

3. Downeast

P.S. These are all about the same price - $10.00-$20.00

P.P.S. They all run true to size. But they have some give. I am a small and I have gotten away with 

an x-small, small, and a medium. I am 5'7, 120 lbs. 

// NikiBiki //

( "icky vicky she makes me so sicky"- those of you that saw that episode of Fairly Odd Parents forever ago know what Im talkin bout. )

So I actually stumbled upon these at a nearby Boutique. I went in looking for skirts and came out with these instead... that always seems to happen. Hm. 

#noregrets

I  LOVE  them. They are so soft and they fit so great. Plus they are looooooong. Just be sure to tuck them in so they aren't significantly longer. I got a tan one and a dark grey, unfortunately they didn't have black in a small or a white (which actually was slightly see through. Not bad, I am just picky. ...For Nikki Bikki...he he...Rhymes.) But I am sure I could find those online somewhere. These are great for underneath sheer shirts, sweaters, etc. Plus the cap sleeve seems a little bit longer which I like.

I would recommend these to anyone. 

You can purchase them here. 

Or here.

And here.

// Mod Bod //

So does "Mod" stand for modest, modern, or model-status...? ehhh..er.. I dunno but let's just say all of them! 

These have been around for quite some time and actually, I believe, that they were one of the first companies, if the THE first company to come out with these. I like these as well. 

Many Styles and Many Colors...

You got your Basic.

Oooooh and a cute RUCHED 3/4 sleeve.

3/4 sleeves are my favorite.

And you've got your long sleeve for the chillier days. Not to mention this cool pose that you could do while wearing it. ;) 

"Oh hey it's just me wearing my mod bod shirt and my hair looks fabulous."

Oh! A shiiinnyyyy one. OH LA LA. 

This material looks extremely comfy.

And this cool reversible style where you can wear the sleeves down or roll them up to be a short sleeve..... Say Whaaaaa? 

Not to mention... what a beautiful color.

Buy these here.

// Downeast //

Ahh the classic modest store. So great. The store where you go to church and realize that everyone in your beehive class has the same skirt as you... oh and your beehive advisor. ;) Just kidding. It is all in a good way! It would be so cool if my companion and I had the same outift, we would look so "official"... 

"No we did not plan this, in fact, I did not even KNOW her before this." 

That's what's up.

 I LOVE Downeast. I have bought a couple of cap sleeves here and I have loved them!! Just recently! They have a lot of choices and colors. The material is nice, just plain and simple. 

(I whip my hair back forth I whip my hair back and forth)

I am sorry. I had to.

ANYWHOOO, this is their cap sleeve.

Their Basic Tee.

Doesn't this girl look good in blue? Just sayin.

Work it gurrrrrl.

3/4 sleeve!

With a cute kissy face! muah.

Buy these here.

SO.

unfortunately my other two favorite brands have not been selling lately or they are really good at hiding... those are:

Undertease 

and

Shade (closed down)

But if you happen to come across these... snatch those babies up, they are awesome.

Well I hope this helps a little with undershirt information. 

I also heard that they sell some of these at the Provo MTC. 

Thank goodness. 

Good luck Sistas.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is TRUE.

I don't know where I would be without it.

For more info go here -------> lds.org

you won't regret it.. :)

-Hermana B.

Hairy Situations...

What to do with your "Hurrrrrr."

Sister Missionary Hair Guidelines:

"The style, color, and length of your hair should be attractive and easy to manage and should not draw attention. Hair adornments and other accessories should be simple and conservative. Here are a few examples of appropriate hairstyles and hair accessories."

https://missionary.lds.org/dress-grooming/sister/grooming/hair/?lang=eng

Hahahahahahaha! 

Who made this picture and WHY?!

So I had been worried about this item of business since I decided to go on my mission...a little ridiculous I know... but being a girl with extremely THICK and wavy/curly hair, could you blame me?

Unruly hair sisters where you at.

#holla

So.

I've heard a lot of discussion about:

"Should I cut it?" 

"What about hair dye?" 

"Should I dye it back to my natural color?"

 "Short or Long?"

"Product?"

Lets explore these topics:

Cut

Color

Maintenance

Product

-CUT-

Short or Long?

Well first of all, it is preference. But second to that let's talk about some pros and cons of both.

Short:

Okay so personally, even though sometimes I wish I could, if I went short, most likely I would just look like I had a big triangle of hair on my head...

But I think short cuts are SO CUTE. 

Pros:

-Well it is short so less hair to deal with. Score.

-It is out of the way.

-You wont sweat a lot if you go somewhere hot.

-There is room to let it grow.

-It is a change. (Well for some)

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Cons:

-I've heard some girls say that you actually have to style it all the time...but hey if you like to- yay!

-It could be a big change, which I get it, some of us are emotionally attached to our hair.... I would be lying to say that I never had a nightmare about my brothers cutting my hair in the middle of the night and woke up crying... not my best moment.

-You may get a little cold. 

-You can't experiment with as MANY hairstyles.

I have a friend who recently cut her hair to a cute bob. She had gone short before and it looks so good on her. Honestly she is beautiful with whatever hair. She is going on her mish to Russia and with her hair-type and face shape, it looks PERFECT. And how cute would it be with a cute hat to top it off and a scarf to keep her neck warm?! S'cute... I don't know I just heard someone say it like that once...

Loooooooooong:

I have always had long hair so I am used to it and obviously most people who have had it know how to deal with it because well you grew it yourself...(most of the time anyway haha) #sneakyextensions #they'llgetyaeverytime

Pros:

-You can do more stuff with it, braid, put it in a ponytail, buns, etc. 

-You can continue to grow it out.

-You can get it trimmed in the MTC I've heard.

-Some people say, "The longer the better."

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Cons:

-It typically can take longer to style.

-It's more hair to take care of.

-You might have to get it trimmed more.

-You may sweat a little more. Let's face it, long hair is like a built in scarf.

Pondering long hair, this would be the best option for my hair type. And who knows I might change my mind and that is okay but I can blow dry it straight, curl it, through some gel in it and have it curl up by itself, throw it up on top of my head, braid it, whateva. Plus I've wanted to grow it out for quite some time... he he he. 

-COLOR-

Okay can we be real for a sec. Coloring your hair can be such a PAIN, but a lot of us do it, heck I do it! Plus I don't mind a relaxing hair appointment every once in awhile...ammeye right ladies? It is costly but sometimes it just happens. Anyway... This was another thing I had to think about. 

Melts: aka Ombre

So I know a lot of sisters that left on their missions with a weave, highlights, or an all over hair color and came back with the color halfway down their head and hey they were actually in style right away and they had no idea! So melts are an option. With these you can also do the top color the same as your natural color so that when it grows out it is not as noticeable, does that make sense? 

Highlights:

I've pretty much have always had highlights, except when I have gone brunette. I love them but they can be HIGH MAINTENANCE... I actually like the idea of "melted highlights" if that is a thing...? The cute lady who does my hair got what I was saying but bringing a picture always helps haha. I was thinking along the lines of making them look okay once they've grown out. Also, LEMON JUICE. Now I know that some have done this and it goes completely terrible. But if it looks good in your hair, your hair doesn't freak out when you do it, and you know how to do it, why not? I plan on doing that, I will be in the sun a lot so Im going to try that.  It can damage your hair so be careful... Here is a little how to:
http://sweetscosmetics.com/lemon-juice-hair-dye/

*Note: the results are sometimes orange/red for darker hair, so do this wisely.

Box Color:

You know those really soft hair sample loopy things that they have at the grocery store attached to the shelf? (And I always wonder why my hair never feels like that...) That is where the box dye is... 
WARNING: I have used this before when I wanted to go darker and it went a little red... I wouldn't do any extreme changes with box dye... unless of course you know what you are doin yo.

http://www.allure.com/beauty-products/2013/ten-home-hair-color-kits-under-20#slide=4

If you are a regular at box dye and you know what color you are and are confident in using it, you could totally buy that in your mish (for some) or a family member could send you some! I thought about this but I don't dare try this by myself haha. But see my mom can do it by herself and it looks way good! She is a brunette. She could totally do this if she were me. Plus you would save money!

*Some missions may even have places to go get it done! Consider time, cost, etc. 

Natural:

I know a lot of sis misses who just go their natural color or already are their natural color (way to be) and do not have to worry about color at all. That sounds way nice. And its beautiful! Its natural! So that is another option. Probably the easiest. 

-MAINTENANCE-

Okay so I know some of us wish otherwise, but from what I understand, we don't have much time to do our hair. So don't plan to do a bridal updo everyday. That might look kind of weird anyway. Hi Im sister ---- marry me. Plus that makes the rest of us look bad... haha just messing with you but really, find some quick and easy hairdos to do, PINTEREST. Cute braids, cute poytails, you name it. In fact, I am gathering a few and writing them down to take with me so I don't forget and so that I can have fun with it. There are SO MANY hair tutorials online. JUST DONT DO THIS. Personally I need to do this, but I have been timing myself lately of how long it takes me to get ready, shower, hair, make up, everything. I am down to about 11 min on drying my hair wahoo! Not that impressive be we are gettin' somewhere.

Hipster Princess. It's inside all of us.

-PRODUCTS-

Everyone's hair is different! Thick, thin, curly, straight, wavy, damaged, perfect, tangly, coarse, smooth, etc. So find things that work for YOU. Have someone send you them, stock up, or find similar items where you are at. I personally will want curling gel, hairspray, DIY sea salt spray, DRY SHAMPOO, (Oh my gosh I worship this stuff, okay not really, that would not be keeping the commandments ;) but I LOVE it.), and I treat my ends. My ends get really bad so I use Aussie Moist 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deeeeep Liquid Conditioner and I use a wide-toothed comb in the shower and brush it through which also allows me to gather my hair which I will discuss later... I also use the Aussie Hair Insurance Leave-In Conditioner in wet hair before styling.

DIY Sea Salt Spray Recipe

Leave-In conditioner

Dry Shampoo
Deeeeeeeeep Conditioner

For Humid Weather:

I have a friend who is currently in the Tennessee, Knoxville Mission and she swears by this stuff: 

Shout out to Sista Williams! Love you!

You can buy it here: 

http://www.amazon.com/Sexy-Hair-Weather-Humidity-Resistant/dp/B007C92OEC/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1381444310&sr=1-1&keywords=big+and+sexy+humidity

Styling Tools:

The basics: a blow dryer, straightener, a curling iron etc... I don't what kind of electricity your misison has but plan accordingly. 

For brand names:

I love CHI, Hot tools, and I have a Revlon hair dryer and I love it. Chances are one of these is gong to break and might have to be replaced so don't spend too much...like I said in my last post, missions are already expensive enough. For you curly headed sisters: a diffuser attachment for your blow dryer is awesome. It dries hair but locks in curl. I love being able to throw in some gel and run out the door. I did this recently for work.. yes my hair was still a little wet but I woke up a little later than I should have and I didn't want to be late so I ran out the door after quickly showering and getting ready and eventually it dried and it dried with no frizz. Luckily it was raining outside so it kinda looked like I just got rained on... phew... 

TIP: okay so I mentioned using a wide tooth comb with conditioning. Confession: I shed ALOT. So using the comb I am able to gather run away hair and throw it away before it clogs the drain and all the nasty stuff... and to save your companion from dealing with that haha. Also! they have drain covers that stop hair from entering the drain and I also have a tool that cleans out drains as well.

Drain stopper:

 buy it here

Drain Cleaner:

kind of a gross picture... sorry.

buy it here


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CHEESE PUFFS. CHEESE PUFFS. CHEESE PUFFS.

Once again, everyone's hair is different. Some are really concerned about it, some really could care less. These are just some of my own ideas. Plus once again, you know your mission much bettuh than I. Hope this helps. Hair is not the most important part of a mission obviously. But I know, personally, that it was a concern at first.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is True.

for more info visit here

Good luck Sistas! :)

-Hermana B.

Let's talk skirts...

Hello.

Before we get started, let's  review the clothing guidelines for Sister Missionaries, specifically for skirts. 

What is appropriate skirt length?

Skirts should fully cover the entire knee (front and back) when you are standing or sitting. Slits should not be above the knee when standing or sitting. 

https://missionary.lds.org/dress-grooming/sister/faq/?lang=eng#bookmark5

Ps. I believe maxi skirts cannot cover ankles... and I have heard the slip extenders can be tricky in the MTC but I am not positive about that...

Okay now that we are all aware, let's get to the fun stuff...

There are many things to consider when planning what skirts to take/buy for your mission:

1. Cost - you don't want to over do it.

2. Care - low maintenance seems like a good idea, at least to me haha.

3. Fabric - match to your climate, you don't want to be sweating...or freezing .

4. Modesty - you are representing the Lord, plus you want to be comfortable.

5. Where in the world do I find skirts like these? - let's think outside the box.

//COST//

A mission is already expensive as it is, if we don't have to, lets not add more mula to that. At first I was all excited to get a whole new wardrobe and how cute I would look if I had all new outifts... Haha my mom has reminded me numerous times that although I want to feel good about myself and how I look:

A. My clothes will be worn out by the end most likely 

B. A lot of stuff I already have, I can actually take with me. 

C. Once you are out there, You most likely will not be as concerned about your wardrobe as you may be right now.

D. I will probably end up buying some clothes there, especially to replace worn out items, and live more like the people there. 

...Mother knows best. :) 

So one thing you should know about me is that I am kind of a bargain freak... and rarely do I buy things at full price if I can help it. 

Here are some secrets and some not-so-secrets:

As far as going out and BUYING skirts- look in the SALE and CLEARANCE items!!! 

Oh! and COUPONS!!!... I loooooove coupons. Did you know you can google coupons for certain stores and a lot of times there will be some that you can print off or use online? So great. Or that you can buy gift cards and coupons on Ebay and still save a ton of money? Thats a stretch, but it is an option. And being on email lists... now I know sometimes all the emails you get from stores are ridiculous BUT sometimes there are exclusive offers. 

*Also there are some missionary discounts at place such as Deseret Book.

This is kind of a given but look ONLINE and COMPARE pricing for similar items. Sometimes Amazon will have the same item as a more "well known" store but $10 cheaper.  

One of my most recent bargain purchases.... 

Get ready for this baby.

I saw this at Anthropologie, one of my favorite stores (but pretty expensive), a couple months ago and loved it. I first saw it as I was browsing the sale section, (are you surprised), it was originally $118.00, it was marked down to $69.95.... still too much for this girl. So i waited and watched and waited and watched until it got marked down to $29.95... now we are a business. 

Originally: $118.00

I bought it for: $29.95 

that's a little over 70% off! 

A STEAL.

Its great quality too, and its cotton which is great for the climate that I am in. 

//CARE//

If you know how you will be washing clothes, take fabrics accordingly. Chances are you will not be able to dry clean but you know your mission better than me of course! Wouldn't that be fabulous. For me, maybe a washing machine but maybe hand washing and it might switch off so you pick what you think you can handle! Easy care fabrics are always great though. Also someone had mentioned once to buy a travel steamer if you are worried about not having an iron? That's cool. That would be "loads" of fun... ha ha.. ha.

#wellsaid

//FABRIC//

Now Now... none of that Ryan... You can come to my homecoming.

For me, lighter fabrics, such as cotton will be best.

Match fabrics to climate, I honestly just googled my climate and what fabrics to use.

 -Tropical-

http://www.wisegeek.org/what-are-the-best-fabrics-to-wear-in-tropical-climates.htm

-Colder- 

http://www.weather.com/activities/recreation/ski/articles/snowboarding_dress.html

http://www.youbeauty.com/body-fitness/cold-weather-clothing#

Etc. 

//MODESTY//

Modesty is an attitude of propriety and decency in dress, grooming, language, and behavior. If we are modest, we do not draw undue attention to ourselves. Instead, we seek to “glorify God in [our] body, and in [our] spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:20; see also 1 Corinthians 6:19).

Our mission isn't about us, we are representing the Lord. 

Someone told me once that if your butt looks way good it in, then its probably not a good idea for the mish hahaha. (Dang it Right? just kidding)  Plus lets keep it modest for the Elders, we are in this together. Just remember that we want to draw attention to the Gospel, the Spirit, Jesus Christ, and not necessarily our clothing. Does that make sense? 

Also if you are a little more on the "crafty side", you can alter skirts that you already have by adding some length. Be sure to match fabric or something that looks good in preferably a lighter weight fabric so that it doesn't weigh down or change the shape of the skirt. You can go to a seamstress, a neighbor, a family member, or do it yourself! Or heck just go ahead and make skirts!! 

If you are reading this and are a long-femur-ed (meaning there are a few miles between the top of your hip to the knee) female, like me, then it can be hard and you feel like you will finding NOTHING that meets the guidelines except for maxis. You are NOT ALONE. Don't give up, they are out there! 

P.S. Watch those Slits!

//WHERE IN THE WORLD DO I FIND SKIRTS LIKE THESE??//

Well first, check your favorite stores, because well, they are your favorite for a reason... right? 

Luckily a lot of stores have "midi" sections in the skirts as well, which basically means, mid-calf length. 

BINGO. 

Others:

Ebay $-$$$

http://www.ebay.com/

Thrift Stores (I love Savers) $

 ASOS $-$$$

http://us.asos.com/Women/?r=1&mk=VOID

Sorella Bella $$

http://www.sistermissionaryclothes.com/skirts/335-striped-midi-skirt.html

lulaRoe.com $$

http://lularoe.com/#shop-lularoe

Downeast Basics $-$$

*website as well

http://www.downeastbasics.com/

I have actually tried this ^ one on and it is supppper comfy. I found a coupon in the "Entertainment" coupon book, they have at least 2 in there every year.

Modest Closet $$

http://modestcloset.com/

Overstock $-$$

http://www.overstock.com/

 Shabby Apple $-$$$

http://www.shabbyapple.com/

Etsy $-$$$

http://www.etsy.com/

Winsome Jones $-$$

http://www.winsomejones.com/

FREE SHIPPING 

(usually)

Latter Day Sister Missionary $$

http://latterdaysistermissionary.com/

Cool reversible skirts!!!!

Nordstrom Rack $-$$
http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/nordstrom-rack

Tj Maxx $-$$
Ross $-$$

Local Boutiques

Ask around! :)

Overall, I know I wrote a lot but keep it SIMPLE and don't STRESS. Everyone's mission is different, everyone's bodies are different, and everyone's taste is different. These are just some of my personal ideas. Plus you are all beautiful, you guys could wear a paper bag and look great (a modest paper bag of course)... maybe don't do that but you get the idea. ;) 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is True.
for more info visit here

Good Luck Sistas.

Con Amor

-Hermana B.