Month: June 2019

Crop Top + Black Palazzo

Fashion has always been one of the ways I connect with other women. It often allows me to encourage, uplift, and even gives me an opportunity to share my faith. Quite frankly, it’s the reason behind this blog. Recently another dope blogger Rebecca Shakespeare-Armstrong reached out to and D. F. Cameron and myself about collaborating. As bloggers of faith, none of us are surprised when people assume our beliefs limit our style. We decided a summer fashion series on Dope Modesty was in order. To kick things off I’ve chosen a true summer staple: the crop top.

Right now you’re thinking one of two things: “Sis, it’s just a shirt. Live ya life!” OR “Sis, it’s not a good look!” Would you believe neither one of thise are wrong. The whole point of modesty, is to allow the Holy Spirit to first dress your character. There are items I’ve worn in the past that I never intended to appear sexy. However, another sister in Christ may find skinny jeans with no duster a little too tight. Or a sheer top with a spaghetti strap tank too revealing. Each of us must discern when we are seeking fleshly validation. There is always intent behind an outfit, but interpretation will vary. My rule is that an outfit is to be appropriate for the venue, moveable, and properly sized.

Most crop tops come in a short (below bra), mid (below ribs), and full length (at/above navel). Making any of these work is a matter of either layering or proportions. This floral crop top is mid length. By pairing it with a high waist pant less skin is shown, which makes it more “modest” by most standards. This is perfect since this look was for a brunch date. These black wide legged palazzo pants are soft, just like the top. Each piece is loose and feminine. The photos don’t totally capture the pleats in the pants, but they add texture to the look.

While there are some things I will never wear, very few trends do I consider completely off limits. I never claim to wear modest fashion. I sumply dress and let others decide for themselves. Ladies, you don’t have to be afraid of expressing your style. Instead of stifling it, simply ask yourself “Does this contradict who I am?” I sincerely hope this was helpful. If so, let me know in the comments below. Also, be sure to look out for the other posts in this series from Rebecca Shakespeare-Armstrong and D. F. Cameron .

Top/Clutch//H&M , Pants//Thrifted , Shoes//K&G , Sunglasses//CVS

How to move forward when you’re stuck!

In case you haven’t noticed, we are halfway through the year. Seems like yesterday we were making vision boards and writing goals. Our adrenaline fueled the first quarter but many lost steam in second, only to come to a hault by summer. Right now you may be asking yourself “Where did the time go” or “Why haven’t I completed more goals”? If so, don’t worry, you’re not alone or out of time. Today, I’ll show you how to move forward when you’re stuck!

Make the Decision

Before we can do anything we must first make a decision. You and I need to decide that we’re serious about the goals we have for this year. I know six months ago you were on fire with excitement but there have been some challenges. Since then things have gotten rocky and you’re questioning whether you even want what you professed. Decide if you really want what you claim. Then you can move to the next phase…

Make necessary Adjustments

Now that you’re sure this is what you want, you can analyze your plans and make adjustments if needed. The goal is not changing in this step, but you may need to rethink your strategy. If your goal is to lose weight and you’ve been drinking smoothies only to crash by dinner – it’s time for a change. Perhaps making time to sit and eat a healthy breakfast is a better way to jumpstart your metabolism? The end goal can still be achieved, but the plan of operation may need tweeking.

Identify Time Stealers

All of us are inundated with daily texts, emails, phone calls, etc that need our attention. However, there are certain people, apps, shows that we can afford to hold off engaging. Either because they waste our time or they’re not a priority. Do you really need to take a call from that complaining relative? The one that shifts your mood and causes you to waste 2 hours. Should you really scroll IG first thing in the morning instead of praying? Don’t allow these things to steal precious time.

Keep your Word

Now this is where I am truly guilty, but I know herein lies my greatest success… If you set a date or a timeline for a project, stick to it. So many tumes I find myself moving a deadline up because I didn’t manage my time. In the end, I failed to keep my word – to myself! It’s never about anyone else. Comparison will have us so wrapped up in another’s movements that we end up standing still. Let’s master being consistent by keeping our own promises!

Celebrate every Win

Finally, as we navigate these last six months, let’s take time to actually enjoy the process. Do so by celebrating every success, no matter how “small”. Did you drink eight glasses of water today? Hooray! Made it to the gym as scheduled? Get it girl! Finished your projects ahead of schedule? You rock! Ironed the kids uniforms for the week or meal prepped so you can free up time? That’s awesome! Whatever it is, give it the attention it deserves and watch your motivation increase.

I hope these tips have been helpful. I truly believe we can finish this year strong and satisfied. Leave me a comment below with one goal you’re most excited about achieving this year!

Top//H&M , Skirt//Smak Parlour , Shoes//K&G , Purse//Forever 21

Yellow Flares

It’s been two whole weeks and your girl is still feeling some kinda way about the Game of Thrones series finale. I have so many questions for the writers of the show. What was the point of the crop circles from the Army if the Dead? Were there no scenes with both Cersei and Daenerys in the same frame? Y’all really gone play my girl Brienne like that? Bran the Broken though, REALLY?? Let me switch topics before the anger returns. Can we get into these comfy yellow flares?

You may recall seeing these pants before in a rust color here in a previous post. Stretch lycra fabric makes them super soft on your skin. The ribbed detail not only adds dimension, but also gives the illusion of length. To top it all off they are high waisted making them crop top friendly. This is right up my alley right now because my summer body is on layaway.

To compliment the ribbing on these yellow flares I chose a striped top. The chevron pattern and ruffled hem add some more movement to the look. The top is slightly cropped and goes perfectly with the high waistline. These pants are the perfect bottoms for me as I work off this belly weight gain and scar tissue from my surgery last fall. Pesky buttons and itchy zippers are no longer an option.

Being petite at a cool 5’3 I never waste an opportunity to appear taller, so I opted for a platform wedge heel. These white slingbacks are nearly 115 years old. All leather with a cork sole from Aldo shoes. If you’ve followed me for a while you know I LOVE their shoes. A simple white envelope bag and gold jewelry complete the look. These round sunnies were a last minute purchase from CVS because the sun was practically blinding during my shoot.

Hope you all have a dope weekend. Summer is here so let’s get out, off our phones, and enjoy ourselves!

Top//Marshall’s , Pants//Boohoo , Shoes/Purse//Aldo , Jewelry//Kmart , Glasses//CVS


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