Modesty Week - Aubrey's Perspective

Growing up I didn't think about modesty nearly as much as I should have. I grew up in the south. It was hot and humid. I wore the least amount of clothes as possible. 

Fast forward a few years... I went to college at Brigham Young University with a dress code that required modesty. It was my choice to go to school there, so I felt like it was my obligation to obey the dress code. Because the dress code was pretty specific it came up a lot in conversation. I remember one specific conversation with a group of guys. They talked about how much easier it was to be morally clean when girls covered up their bodies. It was very eye opening and taught me the value of modesty.

black cardi (gap outlet), button down (old navy), red skinnies (kohls)

denim jacket (old roommmate), sequin top (old navy), melon skinnies (gap outlet)

blue cardi (h&m), yellow v neck (the shine project), jeans (gap outlet)

denim jacket (old roommate), white v neck (target), black skinnies (kohls)

Modesty is important to me, because I respect my body enough to cover up.  Depending on the current fashion trends, shopping for modest clothing can be a little tricky. I shop all over for accent items, but for my staple items (cardigans, jackets, jeans, and basics) my top 3 stores are target, gap outlet, and old navy. Cardigans are my signature and help make almost all shirts more modest. My other tip is to layer, that way I never have to worry about not being modest enough.
I'm really glad I had that conversation as a college freshman. Not only did it make me more determined to be modest for the guys around me, but it helped me see the value of being modest for myself.

Check out Aubrey's Blog HERE

Modesty Week - Laura's Perspective

So this week on the blog -
 it's what I am calling 'Modesty Week'. 

5 incredible people will be sharing their perspective on modesty 

and the importance of it.

They will also be showing you where to shop
 for modest clothing, because sometimes that can get tricky.

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Hi everyone! I'm Laura and I blog over at Sincerely, Laura! I blog about my family, my life, and things that make me happy. I'm so thankful that Ashley has invited me over here to talk about one of the things that's most important to me- modesty!

I love dressing modestly. It was instilled in me, at a young age, that dressing modestly is important. Some of my friends assume that I dress modestly because of my religion, and while that is definitely true, it's not the only reason. I dress modestly because it shows that I respect my body. It shows that I respect myself as a woman, and as a daughter of God. I dress modestly because it shows that I know there is more to who I am than just my body.

I love this quote from M. Russell Ballard, from "Mothers and Daughters" on dressing modestly-

"For example, they need to understand that when they wear clothing that is too tight, too short, or too low cut, they not only can send the wrong message to young men with whom they associate, but they also perpetuate in their own minds the fallacy that a woman’s value is dependent solely upon her sensual appeal. This never has been nor will it ever be within the righteous definition of a faithful daughter of God. They need to hear this—clearly and repeatedly—from your lips, and they need to see it modeled correctly and consistently in your own personal standards of dress, grooming, and modest living." 

lace tee: downeast basics | button up: downeast basics | jeans: american eagle

As a fashion student, I do understand that most of the world is not concerned with dressing modestly. However, there are so many fashion trends that are modest and cute, and so many stores that carry modest clothing that make it easier on us girls who would love to dress modestly! My favorite stores to shop at that carry modest clothing are Gap, DownEast Basics, and Winsome Jones. 

tee: forever 21 | skirt: downeast basics | belt: thrifted

I love that Gap carries such classic styles in trendy prints and colors. Their clothes are, more often than not, very modest and fashionable at the same time! DownEast carries modest dresses & skirts that are so difficult to find these days. I love that when I need a new skirt or dress, I can hop on their website or run down to their store, and bam, tons of cute (and modest!) dresses & skirts. Winsome Jones is a new find of mine, and definitely a new favorite! Their whole motto is "less skin, more style" and I love that! They carry modest skirts, dresses, and tops and their accessories are to die for!

dress: shabby apple | heels: payless

I understand that it's not always the easiest thing to dress modestly and feel comfortable walking around outside without feeling like a Pioneer, but there are so many fun and cute ways you can style your modest clothing to keep up with the fashion world! Be creative, try new things, and most importantly, stick to your standards! You never know who is looking to you to be their example.

An open letter to Aerie

Dear Aerie,

I LOVE your store. I have been shopping there and supporting your business and attire since the day it opened. I love everything about it. The sweet girls. The store setup. Fashion, clothing, and style. The stickers that remind you of your worth. The ribbon that is used to tie each bag with love. All of it, it's all perfect!

Then you launched the #AerieREAL campaign and my heart exploded. Body image and self-esteem is something I have a HUGE passion for. I suffered from low self-esteem growing up. Growing up, I was so skinny, it was part of me and I had no control over it. I remember hearing rumors or being asked questions of if I had an eating disorder. I never did. As I grew up, I had a very fast metabolism and I would just eat whatever. I kept thinking I was invincible and I would never gain weight. One day I put on a swimsuit and noticed I had love handles. I was in disbelief, where did these come from??

Every individual is different, we are different for a reason and purpose. As I started following your campaign, I would start to examine each and every model. I kept thinking, I could never be a model for you. My sides and hips are just 5 inches too big. Then, to be honest, I started critiquing my body even more. Just knowing that your models appeared to be flawless and they weren't even photoshopped made me go crazy. It was actually worse knowing I didn't look like them than just believing they had been retouched. I remember one of your models had a mole on her stomach in the exact same place as me, so comforting.

So I propose to you or more like BEG you to stop only using models that are so thin and only one size. Beauty comes in every single size, shape, and color. You preach this, but you aren't teaching this. What about girls like me who have a little extra in places they wish didn't. I work my butt off, getting up at 5:00 am every single day to work out. The results don't always show either. I don't do this to change my image. I do this to prove to myself that I can. I do it to get healthy and to take charge of my body. I work hard, I eat right and I look like this.

In the media's eyes, I am flawed like crazy. In the eyes of the world, I am unproportioned which isn't what Hollywood beauty is about. But #AerieREAL is about REAL girls! I'm real. What about us? Can't you show us some models who look like us?

My passion and purpose in this world are to empower girls to have strong self-esteem and confidence. I figured one of the best places to start is with a HUGE name brand that shares my same vision.

Together we are going to make a difference and show the world what real natural beauty looks like! This is the real me and yes, I believe the real me is enough and perfect just the way I am.

Love, Ashley

5 Tips for Finishing Personal Progress

Post written by Alissa Merrill,
who recently received her Young Women's medallion at age 14.

I look up to this girl a lot. She has so much faith and a rock solid testimony.

 5 tips for finishing Personal Progress:

1.) Don't get discouraged -  If you look at the whole book, it does seem like a lot of work. If you do it in sections, it is a lot easier. It may not be that exciting when you first start working on it, but trust me it really does become addicting and it is so exciting to finish new things. If you stick with it, you will never ever regret it. 

2.) Find stuff you're already doing that can be incorporated in Personal Progress - I finished lots of my projects and experiences because I couldn't believe how much I already do! You just have to keep track of it and you're good to go! If you're in sports or take part in a performance of some sort, you can use those hours of practicing for a project!

 3.) Have fun with it - Don't make the projects a drag! Find something that interests you and something you will enjoy doing for 10 hours. Doing something you enjoy makes it fun and you're more likely to finish it if you're doing something you like!

 4.) Make goals and pace yourself -  Personal Progress is all about keeping track of and meeting goals. If you give yourself a certain time frame to finish something, do it! It's so much easier to stick to goals if you know what they are. 

5.) Get it done as early as possible - Personal Progress is an amazing tool we have been given for our day. It really is an inspired program that can help you grow so much in the gospel. I couldn't believe how easy it really was to finish. I was home schooled for my 7th grade year, and that's when I began to work on it the most. It really does help to finish it over the summer or when you have time so it's less stressful to get it done before your 18th birthday. Finishing it before high school helped me a ton. And plus, getting to wear your medallion everyday makes it so worth it. 


Blessings I have received from earning my medallion:


Personal Progress was a HUGE eye opener to me.
I honestly thought it was so dumb and boring, but when I started to feel alone
or feel like I wasn't good enough, I would turn to it.
I literally tested it. I was feeling so sad one day and saw my book 
and literally thought to myself, "I wonder if this'll work.. well.. I guess i can try it" 
so I picked it up and worked on what I was struggling with. 
It was Individual Worth at the time. I was feeling so alone but when I picked up that book and started reading the scriptures, I felt this peace that was so indescribable.
I cannot even tell you what I felt when I picked that book up for the first time. 
It was like all of my problems and all of my doubts had gone away. 

Personal Progress literally made me go from sad tears to happy tears
in a manner of about 10 minutes.
 I felt the Saviors love for me. 
And it was the first time in 3 years that I had felt that. 

If you are struggling in any way, Personal Progress can help so much.

 If you feel your faith is faltering,

  work on Faith. 

If you feel you're not sure who you are or what you're meant to be,

 work on Divine Nature.

If you're feeling inadequate and alone, 

work on Individual Worth. 

If you're confused, spiritually or mentally or in any other way, work on Knowledge.

 If you're not sure which path to take, 

work on Choice and Accountability. 

 If you're struggling with serving others, 

work on Good Works! 

 If you're standing alone, 

work on Integrity. 

If you're ridiculed because of 

your beliefs and values, work on Virtue. 

These values are here for OUR day. We just have to turn to it. 
No one can help you if you don't put your arm up and reach out for help. It doesn't work. Personal Progress was my friend when no one else was. 
It pretty much saved my life and it can do the same for you. 
I know it can and  will if you help you in your own life if you will make the effort.
It may not come right away like it was for me, 
but I know it can help with anything and everything.

Letter to My 17 Year Old High School Graduate Self

Dear Ashley,

Congratulations on graduating High School!
It is a huge accomplishment. Something worth celebrating.
But guess what, my dear?! This is just the very beginning. 

There were many things you wished that would have happened in high school
that didn't, but it's okay. You will succeed in life because you have learned 
one very important principle, to always try and to never give up.

Your high school status and popularity, or lack thereof will not limit you. 
You were destined for greatness and just because you never felt like you fit in,
doesn't mean that didn't have a purpose within itself. 

Listen to the confusion. 
The moment you start to feel confused or conflicted about a situation, 
it probably isn't right for you.

Stand with Integrity over being nice.
You're going to face a lot of peer pressure.
You were blessed to not face a lot of it in high school,
not to scare you... but just you wait!
If you will remember The Lord is on your side and wants the best 
for you, then you will have the strength to say no and avoid these situations.

You have been taught your whole life to be kind to others and accept 
what others believe in.
But there will come a time when you have to choose between being nice
or standing by your values and staying true to yourself.
If you choose to go along with what others are doing,
you're going to loose yourself very quickly and then you won't have 
the ability to help others or help yourself.

Don't get lost in the crowd. 
You are YOU - you are a girl with integrity.
Stand strong to your convictions NO MATTER what
other's around you may believe.

Don't be afraid to start up a conversation.
The secret to having a friend, is to first be a friend.
Reach out more. Give more. Love more.
Take some chances on people and get out of your box.

Your faith is going to be tested. You have prepared yourself so 
well through out your young teenage years to have a testimony in the 
gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 
This testimony will be your anchor!!! 
At times you will question things, you will have doubts, temptations and trials. 

You will look back often to rely on the strength of your faith you had built upon
in the early years of your life.
You will be able to compare the peace and happiness you felt in high school 
with the confusion, fear and loneliness you will feel in the near future. 
You will know without a shadow of a doubt that
happiness comes from living the gospel and trusting God in everything that you do.

You're going to have many opportunities to break hearts.
Remember how it feels when your heart has been broken, go easy!

You are going to go through things that will later on help you connect and relate
to all the trials and heartaches that teen girls have to face on a daily basis. 
Remember the lessons that you learn so you can teach and mentor girls 
and pass your wisdom onto them.

There will be days when you will feel lost and all alone, thinking you don't even matter
and no one would notice if you disappear off the face of the earth.
This is a trick, a mind game brought on by the adversary. IGNORE IT!
Don't you dare dwell on this thought for more than two seconds.

You will experience heartbreak, many, many different times, in many different situations.
You will justify this and think that this is how it is supposed to feel, 
so you won't do anything about it but be the victim. 

I wish I could spare you this heartbreak, but this will be a pivotal experience
in your life, helping you to become stronger and more independent. 
It will allow you to realize you can't do it on your own, 
and you will need to rely upon the atonement to overcome the pain you will feel.

You will chase goals and dreams, putting your entire heart into a goal 
that will mean more to you than you could ever imagine.
Don't get discouraged if it doesn't play out how you so desperately hope it will.
The hours of preparation and dedication that you will put in, will not be a waste.

You're on the right track, beautiful girl.
Hang on tight and enjoy the ride.
Life won't always be perfect, but when you put Heavenly Father
first in your life - I promise you with my entire heart that you will ALWAYS 
be HAPPY!

Dream BIG, WISH hard & Be believing!!!
With so much love,

Your 25 Year Old Self

{I graduated 8 years ago from Murray High School}

3 Beautiful things that come from opposition

3 beautiful things that come from opposition:

1. You know something amazing is about to happen - You are on the right path or Satan wouldn't be testing you so much. Satan's entire plan and purpose is to get you to be miserable like unto himself (2 Nephi 2:27). He must see a lot of good and potential in your destiny or he wouldn't even need to try to bring you down.

2. It is a chance to experience happiness. You are given the opportunity to compare the negative you  experience through the trial, with the positive you knew right before it. And if you recognize it quickly enough, you can seek out the truth and you can fix the problem immediately before it eats at you and destroys what you have been working towards in the first place. There is no possible way to know what happiness is without heartache and misery.

3. You are brought down to humility. You realize that this journey is hard and it is SUPPOSED TO BE THIS WAY! There would be no point of this life, no point of the test and no point of Heavenly Father's plan if it was easy. We need the atonement of Jesus Christ to make up for what we lack. We can't do this on our own. There is no way we could return to live with our Heavenly Father again without the atonement. It is through the Savior that we find strength and peace to get through opposition. Once we realize we can't do this on our own and we become humble enough to ask for help, that is where the humility is found and peace and assurance is given. 

In the Book of Mormon, it states:

"For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my firstborn in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad." (2 Nephi 2:11)

I have had two friends in the past 3 months recommend to me THIS talk.

Some mornings I have to listen to it multiple times for comfort and to remind myself that I am not alone in feeling doubt and opposition. And the thing is, this doubt and confusion comes most often right before or right after I have had a very spiritual experience or an amazing breakthrough. I can have so much faith and undoubted trust in The Lord and then BAM - Satan comes along to see if I can be tested and shaken.

Elder Holland states:
"This opposition turns up almost any place something good has happened. It can happen when you are trying to get an education. It can hit you after your first month in your new mission field. It certainly happens in matters of love and marriage. It can occur in situations related to your family, Church callings, or career.

With any major decision there are cautions and considerations to make, but once there has been illumination, beware the temptation to retreat from a good thing. If it was right when you prayed about it and trusted it and lived for it, it is right now. Don’t give up when the pressure mounts. Certainly don’t give in to that being who is bent on the destruction of your happiness. Face your doubts. Master your fears. “Cast not away therefore your confidence.” Stay the course and see the beauty of life unfold for you."

Opposition never has to define you. You actually become a hero and a warrior once the battle is over and you won the fight. Stay true to your convictions and turn to your loving Heavenly Father when you feel lost, confused or forgotten. I have no doubt he will let you know he is there and that he loves you. I have felt his peace and love in my own life more times than is fathomly possible to count. Even times when I felt like I didn't deserve to feel it. He is there, I promise!

A Mother's Love - A tribute to my mom

#ItWasMom

Ever since I was a little girl, I LOVED spending time with my mom. I was the girl that cried when she left the room for just a few moments. I was the girl that always begged to go to the store with my mom. I was the girl that longed for my mom and the comfort she could offer after a hard day. 

When I was 5, I remember we would walk over to Smith's to get doughnut holes and then we would come home and watch the cartoon of Aladdin while we would snuggled under the covers all morning long.

When I was 7, I remember my mom reading the story "Say your sorry" to me over and over and over again to prepare me for my baptism.

When I was 10, I remember coming home one day after school and she was sitting at the dining room table, games all set up and I walked in the door and she said "Let's play." She had even made us a special treat to share.

When I was 13, I remember my mom always taking me out to dinner for some "mother-daughter bonding moments".

When I was 17, I remember my mom going to girls camp and trek with me that summer. It was such a blessing to have her there on such a spiritual journey. My testimony has been anchored and strengthened because of her example.


To this day my mom is there to listen to my heart when it is heavy. She is there to show unconditional love and support when I tell her about my imperfections or worries. She has the strongest ability to comfort and love even when moments seem hopeless.

My mother is the most loving, forgiving and personable woman I know. She inspires me each and every day through her love, kindness and compassion she has for every single person she comes in contact with. She can make anyone feel of their infinite worth. She is always thinking of others and has the biggest heart.

#ItWasMom that was there for me sacrificing so much on my behalf.

#ItWasMom that kept our family together and our house in order.

#ItWasMom that encouraged scripture study and prayers so that I could gain a testimony of my own.

#ItWasMom who encouraged me and believed in me when I doubted myself..

I am forever grateful for my mother and from this day forward I plan on letting her know how much she means to me without letting a day go by. She is seriously an angel in my life. She demonstrates strength and courage that I never knew was possible. I have my own struggles and she went through the same ones before I ever did, I can look up to her and know I will be okay because she is now there to guide me through.

My mom will always be my best friend, I can tell her anything!!

Mom, I love you endlessly!!!