Monday, February 13, 2012
Craving Pleats?
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Looking for LoVe?
Did you know that Sister Missionary Mall has been around for 6 years?! And throughout our entire existence we have always loved a few things in skirts: length, pleats and color! Which is why we LoVe this new skirt made just for us by one of our favorite manufacturers.
We loVe you Matt!
And what's not to love right? The color is gorgeous, the pleats are set into the skirt with heat, making them permanent. So they last and last, no ironing! The fit is modest for EVERYONE! We are just happy that fashion is finally recognizing the things that we have been loving for the past 6 years. Come pick one up today only at Sister Missionary Mall, 210 East University Parkway in Orem.
We loVe you Matt!
Monday, January 23, 2012
Thursday, January 12, 2012
It's not about what you wear....
But HOW you wear it!
For example:
However with a little work this look can be taken from drab to fab with a few stylish accessories!
Here is our after:
Fun right? Looking for your own style make over? Every member of our sales staff have been specially trained in fashion, fit and modesty to help our customers meet their clothing needs. Come visit us today at 210 East University Parkway in Orem, we love assisting women in their fashionable modest clothing quests!
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Fit your Body not your Size
Hello Sisters! We haven't blogged in a while because we have been so busy it was easier to just post to facebook. Check us out for great pictures of current product, and to see what we have been up to.
To start out this new year, we are doing a series of posts about making over your wardrobe so that it better suits you and your life. Obviously, we specialize in Sister Missionaries, because they are a group that really need to make the right impression. That right impression starts with what people first see when they see you.
Today, I'd just like to say a bit about sizing. First of all, let me give you the inside scoop on a dirty little secret of the fashion industry. Ready to wear clothing is made for people in the middle--so the average size for a given height and weight. For years, they have been doing something called vanity sizing. Some call vanity sizing a myth, because they argue that clothing just isn't made well anymore or we are getting fatter as a population. Call it what you will, but clothing off the rack won't fit everyone perfectly, and if we are sizing up our patterns, regardless of the reason behind it, it still presents a problem when we go to clothe ourselves off the racks. How a pattern is graded and then the garment cut from that pattern has everything to do with how it fits.
So, before our discussion on vanity sizing or "why this or that size doesn't fit me" ensues, here is a bit of info on sizing in general:
First of all, sizes are relative. The company who cuts and sews the clothing chooses how they want it to fit. The company chooses the "body" that their ready made garments are meant to fit--and one size rarely fits all. So, your size can vary from company to company.
Secondly, most of our clothing these days is made from stretchy, knit fabrics that are easier to fit a wide range of people. A knit stretches and is more comfortable than a constructed, woven fabric. Usually they are also more wrinkle free--because we all have this aversion to using an iron these days.
Thirdly, because fashions change so much from season to season, it is easier to size with "average sizes" (like XS, S, M, L, XL etc.) and they don't fit everyone. It is quite possible for you to be between an average size. It is also possible that not all size "S" are the same. There are some brands where size "S" means size "6-8" and others where it means "2-4." You never know until you try it on.
Finally, the sizing system in the US is based on...well, who knows. It is a random set of numbers that has lost its correlation to actual sizes. In European sizes, it refers to measurements in centimeters--which is very helpful. However, with our aversion to true numbers in sizing, we simply can't handle the truth! So over the years the industry has randomly adopted numbers that refer to someone's set of measurements that don't even correlate to the population at large.
Here is an example: One of the things most said about Marilyn Monroe was that "she was a size 14 and look how beautiful we considered her." Consider this, in 1962 when she died, the dress measurements for a size 14 were more or less as follows: bust-36", waist-28", hip-38". If she was a dress size 14 then, Marilyn Monroe would probably be a size 8 now. Incidentally, the measurements for a size 14 now are as follows: bust-40", waist-33", hip-43", so back in the day that would have been about a size 22. This idea that there are no actual fixed points on which our clothing sizing is based brings us to the idea of VANITY SIZING!
The nitty gritty of the whole issue is that people will buy more clothing if they feel like they are buying a smaller size than what they expected to buy. To be completely honest, this is a tactic that has often worked with me personally too. I was usually a size 10 at the Gap. I had been a size 10 for years, and then a few years back I went in to finally buy a new pair of jeans. I tried the size 10s on, and to my delight, they were way too big. So I went for the size 8s. They were too big too! So, I bounced over to the size 6s, and found a pair that fit perfectly well! I was so thrilled by the idea that I could wear a size 6, I bought 3 pairs instead of just 1! The funny part is, when I got home, the pair I had purchased 7 years earlier is the same size when they are laid on top of each other. So, what happened? I weigh the same, and actually even have the same measurements--but the size on the tag is different! This is what we mean by vanity sizing!
The sad flip side of this scenario is that if we shop regularly at places like Old Navy, Gap, or Walmart, you will encounter vanity sized products. So if you try to shop at a boutique, you may not encounter the same fit if you are only shopping for size. So often I see customer discouraged by this fact. We need to be realistic and push past the label! An article a few months ago in a major fashion magazine talked about the psychology of it all. Vanity sizing works to sell more products, and that keeps retailers in business. So, you just need to shop for what fits and flatters, and be above the label.
So, shop to fit your body--not your "size."
In our shop, we carry a variety of brands from fashion houses the world over, as well as some clothing we make ourselves. That is why our sizing is not always consistent. It isn't us, it is because of the boutique nature of what we are doing. We are currently working on our own system of sizing to help customers navigate the difficulties they face when shopping and not knowing what is going to fit, so stay posted for that.
In the meantime, don't get discouraged! Shop for what fits you and not what you think should fit you. No one ever sees the label, but they will see you squished into clothing that doesn't fit, or swimming in something that is too big. Fit matters, sizes don't.
It's not you, it's them.
To start out this new year, we are doing a series of posts about making over your wardrobe so that it better suits you and your life. Obviously, we specialize in Sister Missionaries, because they are a group that really need to make the right impression. That right impression starts with what people first see when they see you.
Today, I'd just like to say a bit about sizing. First of all, let me give you the inside scoop on a dirty little secret of the fashion industry. Ready to wear clothing is made for people in the middle--so the average size for a given height and weight. For years, they have been doing something called vanity sizing. Some call vanity sizing a myth, because they argue that clothing just isn't made well anymore or we are getting fatter as a population. Call it what you will, but clothing off the rack won't fit everyone perfectly, and if we are sizing up our patterns, regardless of the reason behind it, it still presents a problem when we go to clothe ourselves off the racks. How a pattern is graded and then the garment cut from that pattern has everything to do with how it fits.
So, before our discussion on vanity sizing or "why this or that size doesn't fit me" ensues, here is a bit of info on sizing in general:
First of all, sizes are relative. The company who cuts and sews the clothing chooses how they want it to fit. The company chooses the "body" that their ready made garments are meant to fit--and one size rarely fits all. So, your size can vary from company to company.
Secondly, most of our clothing these days is made from stretchy, knit fabrics that are easier to fit a wide range of people. A knit stretches and is more comfortable than a constructed, woven fabric. Usually they are also more wrinkle free--because we all have this aversion to using an iron these days.
Thirdly, because fashions change so much from season to season, it is easier to size with "average sizes" (like XS, S, M, L, XL etc.) and they don't fit everyone. It is quite possible for you to be between an average size. It is also possible that not all size "S" are the same. There are some brands where size "S" means size "6-8" and others where it means "2-4." You never know until you try it on.
Finally, the sizing system in the US is based on...well, who knows. It is a random set of numbers that has lost its correlation to actual sizes. In European sizes, it refers to measurements in centimeters--which is very helpful. However, with our aversion to true numbers in sizing, we simply can't handle the truth! So over the years the industry has randomly adopted numbers that refer to someone's set of measurements that don't even correlate to the population at large.
Here is an example: One of the things most said about Marilyn Monroe was that "she was a size 14 and look how beautiful we considered her." Consider this, in 1962 when she died, the dress measurements for a size 14 were more or less as follows: bust-36", waist-28", hip-38". If she was a dress size 14 then, Marilyn Monroe would probably be a size 8 now. Incidentally, the measurements for a size 14 now are as follows: bust-40", waist-33", hip-43", so back in the day that would have been about a size 22. This idea that there are no actual fixed points on which our clothing sizing is based brings us to the idea of VANITY SIZING!
The nitty gritty of the whole issue is that people will buy more clothing if they feel like they are buying a smaller size than what they expected to buy. To be completely honest, this is a tactic that has often worked with me personally too. I was usually a size 10 at the Gap. I had been a size 10 for years, and then a few years back I went in to finally buy a new pair of jeans. I tried the size 10s on, and to my delight, they were way too big. So I went for the size 8s. They were too big too! So, I bounced over to the size 6s, and found a pair that fit perfectly well! I was so thrilled by the idea that I could wear a size 6, I bought 3 pairs instead of just 1! The funny part is, when I got home, the pair I had purchased 7 years earlier is the same size when they are laid on top of each other. So, what happened? I weigh the same, and actually even have the same measurements--but the size on the tag is different! This is what we mean by vanity sizing!
The sad flip side of this scenario is that if we shop regularly at places like Old Navy, Gap, or Walmart, you will encounter vanity sized products. So if you try to shop at a boutique, you may not encounter the same fit if you are only shopping for size. So often I see customer discouraged by this fact. We need to be realistic and push past the label! An article a few months ago in a major fashion magazine talked about the psychology of it all. Vanity sizing works to sell more products, and that keeps retailers in business. So, you just need to shop for what fits and flatters, and be above the label.
So, shop to fit your body--not your "size."
In our shop, we carry a variety of brands from fashion houses the world over, as well as some clothing we make ourselves. That is why our sizing is not always consistent. It isn't us, it is because of the boutique nature of what we are doing. We are currently working on our own system of sizing to help customers navigate the difficulties they face when shopping and not knowing what is going to fit, so stay posted for that.
In the meantime, don't get discouraged! Shop for what fits you and not what you think should fit you. No one ever sees the label, but they will see you squished into clothing that doesn't fit, or swimming in something that is too big. Fit matters, sizes don't.
It's not you, it's them.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Just In.....
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Van Heusen Challenge: Day 5 and 6
Here is our Van Heusen Challenge wrap up! Someone (possibly me) may have gotten a bit crazy with Picasa photo editing. So fun right?! Enjoy and remember to vote one last time:
Who says you can't wear white after Labor Day? Hannah's blouse really pop's with this white on white combo!
Kira's beautiful scarf stands out bright and beautiful against our classic Tuxedo blouse. This combo is perfects with denim or try it with one of our many amazing skirts.
Lizzie shortened the sleeves on this blouse and made some adorable button cover earrings with the scraps. So cute and so creative!
Kirstin looks like she is ready for a night out with her fashion forward belt and scarf! And her Dansko heels add the PERFECT touch to this classic outfit.
Christin went for lots of layers with this look! Her blouse almost looks like part of the cardigan, a floral blouse and skinny belt keep her waist from disappearing and our Baby O embroidered skirt has never been more perfectly paired.
Who's look did you like best: Hannah, Kira, Lizzie, Kirstin or Christin?
Christin went for lots of layers with this look! Her blouse almost looks like part of the cardigan, a floral blouse and skinny belt keep her waist from disappearing and our Baby O embroidered skirt has never been more perfectly paired.
Who's look did you like best: Hannah, Kira, Lizzie, Kirstin or Christin?
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Van Heusen Challenge: Day 4
Today we have Lizzie, Ashley, Amanda and Kirstin. We'll start with Lizzie's introduction and go from there!
Lizzie served in the London South Mission and has been home since Christmas of last year. She's been working for us since the spring and recently she married one of our employee's from the Men's store (we love when our employee's marry!), which is why she has been a bit MIA in the Van Heusen Challenge post. We love Lizzie's bright shining smile, eyes, and personality. Lizzie loves bright beautiful colors and funky patterns and loves helping women look beautiful in modest clothing.
Amanda added her signature layers to make this look a hit!
Kirstin went for layers with this look as well! And what we love most is that EVERYTHING she is wearing comes from Sister Missionary Mall right down to the belt!
Lizzie served in the London South Mission and has been home since Christmas of last year. She's been working for us since the spring and recently she married one of our employee's from the Men's store (we love when our employee's marry!), which is why she has been a bit MIA in the Van Heusen Challenge post. We love Lizzie's bright shining smile, eyes, and personality. Lizzie loves bright beautiful colors and funky patterns and loves helping women look beautiful in modest clothing.
For this look Lizzie simply used purple BOWS! She took a lovely purple ribbon, tied it around her neck. She also replaced the laces in her Dansko's with the purple ribbon for a dramatic look (not quite captured here).
Doesn't Ashley look smart?! This look is perfect for the college girl on the go! The August Silk vest adds a touch of class, the skinny belt accentuates Ashley's skinny waist, and the beaded necklace adds another dimension of color! Love it!
So who wore it best? Lizzie, Ashley, Amanda or Kirstin? Vote to win!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Van Heusen Challenge: Day 3
Today we have Amanda, Christin, Kirstin and McKenna rockin' our awesome Van Heusen blouse! Remember to vote for your favorite look below!
Amanda kept her blouse unbuttoned to show off her adorable polka dot blouse underneath (we love polka dots) and pulled it all together with a darling belt. Doesn't she look hip?
Christin added her own personal touches to this classic blouse and vest combo by adding a pearl necklace and red belt!
Kirstin added a bold belt on her hip and a swing cardigan to give this classic blouse an updated look.
McKenna took two basic's and made them classic. Combining a blazer to her Van Heusen blouse.
We know it's rough (because our sales staff is so creative and fashionable) but vote for your favorite look by commenting below! Who wore it best, Amanda, Christin, Kirstin or McKenna?
We know it's rough (because our sales staff is so creative and fashionable) but vote for your favorite look by commenting below! Who wore it best, Amanda, Christin, Kirstin or McKenna?
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Van Heusen Challenge: Day 2
Today we have three outfits to choose from. Let's start with Ashley, one of our newer employee's. Ashley is from Arizona, studying to be a teacher at BYU, and served a full-time mission in the Philippians (she returned in March of this year)! She makes her own adorable jewelry, has a contagious laugh, and is fun to be around in a variety of settings (including work). We love her and our customers ask for her by name.
Ashley used this beautiful coral cardigan over her blouse to add a huge pop to this basic outfit. To accentuate her tiny waist she used a red skinny belt (available at Sister Missionary Mall) to make this outfit very figure flattering.
Kirstin used a lace tank to layer over her blouse to add color and feminine style to this basic blouse. She used a thick leather belt to show off her waist and tie the look together.
Think that button up blouses are only for formal wear? Guess again! Christin wore her french blue blouse with a pair of skinny jeans to add extra class to this normally casual look. Everything she is wearing comes from Sister Missionary Mall including the cream swing swearer, brown pumps (Dansko's of course), pink skinny belt and floral scarf!
So who wore it best? Ashley, Kirstin, or Christin. Vote in the comment section to win big next week!
So who wore it best? Ashley, Kirstin, or Christin. Vote in the comment section to win big next week!
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