"wear calf-length skirts, flat shoes and an indefatigable air of energized piety."

The title of this blog comes from a quote from a very misinformed article written by Maureen Callahan for the New York Times.  I tried to find the article, but was unable.  I can only assume that they have either pulled it, or I don't have access because I don't subscribe to the NY Post.  Even though I can make a value judgment on Maureen Callahan's writing based on what I did read by her,  I'll keep those feelings private for now.  Here is the link to a response by the Deseret News.  I will say this, she just didn't really check her facts.  However, her description of Sister Missionaries --well that was almost spot on!  I wish that she could see the beauty in the sisters serving--because cleary that was lost on her.  However, calling them women who "wear calf-length skirts, flat shoes and an indefatigable air of energized piety" was not necessarily an insult.

Let us dissect this, as it gives us a chance to talk openly about some of the things that we at Sister Missionary Mall see everyday.  Let's face it, we outfit more sister missionaries on the whole than any other single retailer worldwide.  We were the first, and are still the only store dedicated specifically to sister missionaries.  We were also the first ones to be online (but that is a discussion for another day!)  Anyhow, we have a thing or two to say about how Sister Missionaries are perceived based on their appearance.  So, here is our take on the "criticisms" given by Ms. Callahan--which may or may not be criticisms...depending on if you took it personally or not!

Some of the skirts that hit runways back in 2010

1.  Calf-length skirts--basically this means any skirt that is below the knee.  Your calf muscle extends from  behind the knee-cap down to the ankle, so mid-calf would basically be anywhere between there.  Usually, mid-calf is about the middle of the thickest part of your calf muscle, and is sometimes called "tea-length."

Truthfully, someone wearing a skirt longer than their knee is just concerned with being appropriate.  A skirt that covers your knee says that you are classy, put together, conscientious enough to seek out appropriate styles, and a woman of faith.  I do not know who came up with the silly idea of wearing leggings with a skirt that is too short.  Just because you are covered does not necessarily make you modest.  Did you just come from working out at Ballet?  No!  That is why Sister Missionaries don't do it!  (and really no one else should for that matter either...)  By the way, Sister Missionaries do not have the corner on calf-length skirts--they just wear them with more style and panache!

Shameless pitch for our store:  On another note, we wrote the book on calf-length skirts.  We have been carrying them for years, and will continue to carry them in cute solids, prints, styles, fabrics, and cuts.  So we can fit just about anyone.  We also have a full alterations shop--and most of the simple alterations are free--or very affordable.  (Basic hems are always free.)  If you haven't been in to see our selection, or if we did not impress you the last time you were in--come on over!  We have our own "energized piety" about skirts, and our selections vary by week as we sell out so quickly.  If anything, you can make friends with the girls at the shop. 

Cute, sassy, and comfortable.

2.  Flat shoes--well, you all know our take on that one.  Of course sensible shoes are your saving grace as a missionary.  Your feet work harder than any other part of you as a missionary--save maybe your knees from praying so much!

Who could wear these all day?

Furthermore, If  you are going to be on your feet all day, regardless of the height of the shoe, you need good support.  I can only assume that Miss Callahan mentioned this because she is a "clacker"--meaning someone who "clacks" around in silly stilettos all day.  

However, Sister Missionaries are wiser than your average fashionista.  They know that if they are in pain, and their feet have given out--they are useless.  After all, the stats say that a woman in a stiletto or even a kitten heel is more PSI (pound-force per square inch) than an elephant when walking along.  We don't care about the PSI,  just the money she will spend on a hip replacement at age 65.


3.  Indefatigable air of energized piety--Okay, this one actually made me smile.  Yes, Sister Missionaries are indefatigable--which is a very fancy way to say, "Anxiously engaged in a good cause" or "tireless effort"  both of which can also be used to describe the likes of President Monson and the brethren.  As for piety?  We don't often use that description of ourselves, as we have seen it in the church to have a more pejorative meaning, such as the word "over-zealous."  However, the word itself usually does refer to great devotion, and being consumed by our faith.  And, well, that describes Sister Missionaries like nothing else.  No other group of missionaries makes quite the same sacrifice to be in the field as Sister Missionaries.   So, insult?  I think not!  Maybe she meant it that way, but any sister who knows--in the way that Sister Beck describes women who know--will take that as a very good compliment.

A sister with both a calf-length skirt, flat shoes, and an indefatigable air of energized piety!

In April 2012, Elder Bednar said, "We have the obligation of becoming actively and anxiously engaged in promoting the cause of righteousness."  That is what sisters do.  How they dress reflects that.  The outer wrapping should be an indicator of the inner commitment.  We not only need sisters to match our message, we need them to look like they match our message.  


We at Sister MissionaryMall are pleased to be a part of the great transformation that is becoming a Sister Missionary, and we invite all women of faith to come and see what we have to offer.

Flats much?

So, we have a quite a few things to thank Aubrey Hepburn for...skinny jeans, the pixie haircut, and finally, Ballet Flats.

Since the skinny jean resurfaced a few years ago, we have all turned our attention to ballet flats (known as "skimmers" in shoe talk).

For the most part, we have left behind the chunky heeled shoes we had been wearing a few years ago.

This is a great swing of the mighty fashion pendulum from one extreme to the other, and usually isn't a huge deal--unless you are a missionary!





These skimmers are darling, and let's face it! We love to wear them! There really is little to them, and they usually come with a great price so we can have several pairs that we can use to accessorize and add color to our outfits.

So why, then, are they the absolute worst shoes for a missionary? 

That discussion is easy. However, first of all, let's talk about what missionaries are doing on their feet.

If they are proselyting, then they are at one time or another knocking on doors and contacting people in the street.

If they are serving somewhere foreign, chances are they walk everywhere.

If they are serving domestically, then even if they have a car, their miles are limited and they still walk quite a bit.

If they are serving in a visitor's center, then they are giving tours or standing on their feet carrying out their duties.

If they are super effective missionaries and have help from their recent baptisms and supportive ward members, then they are following up on referrals--and still on their feet more than the average woman.

Missionary service is time served on your feet.  Even when you are doing weekly service, you are usually on your feet.  If you are on your feet so much as a missionary, then you should have supportive shoes that will make your feet feel great.

 Think for a moment about other professionals that spend a lot of time on their feet.

This includes dental assistants, nurses, hairdressers, chefs, and even moms. How many of them (think of the practical ones) do you see wearing little ballet flat skimmers? That's right. Go to any hospital, salon, or restaurant, and chances are you will either see them wearing super ugly orthopedic shoes, tennis shoes (which usually have great support), some form of crocs, or a great supportive clog of some sort.

For this reason, even though we LOVE ballet flats and shoes of their ilk, we encourage young women in the mission field to have shoes with real support. Take the time to make sure you understand the technology behind the shoes you are buying, and be willing to invest in a shoe that will make the difference for your foot health. Your feet--and actually your hips and lower back too--will thank you!

We just got in a new shipment of our latest and favorite Dansko--the Dansko Abby! This shoe has much of the same DNA as the professional clog in the stapled collection, but includes much of the "pretty" that we love about feminine ballet flats.

Serving soon? Come in today and be professionally fit by our specially trained staff. This and other styles are waiting for you to see the difference a good shoe can make.

Dansko "Sam"

Just in time for spring!  Dansko does it again with this perfectly comfortable transitional shoe. Come check them out at 210 East University Parkway Orem UT, 84058..

Oh..the possibilities!

Just in time for spring: New Skirt Sets in Coral and Aqua!  We love the polka dots, the colors and all of the fun ways to wear these pieces (as demonstrated by our lovely live and stationary models)!  Together or separate they the perfect way to update your spring wardrobe.  And just in case you forgot our 'Spring Cleaning Clearance' sale is still going on while supplies last!  Come check out all this and more only at Sister Missionary Mall, 210 East University Parkway in Orem.

Craving Pleats?

One of our FAVORITE pleated skirts is back!  Pleats are one of 2012's hottest trends and we are spreading the love in three colors (navy, gray, and chocolate) for only $25.99.  Come pick yours up today only at Sister Missionary Mall located at 210 East University Parkway in Orem!

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.

Winter Hours

Monday through Saturday our store will open at 10 AM and close at 7 PM.

It's not about what you wear....

But HOW you wear it!

 For example:

Take our most basic outfit.  We love this blouse!  It's a wrinkle resistant 'wash and wear' dream for any wardrobe.  The skirt is a fully lined poly-wool blend that is machine washable (which is a combination really hard to find), these two basic are durable, classic, wear well and are a must have!  We feel that they've been a bit over looked because they may be viewed as dated.

However with a little work this look can be taken from drab to fab with a few stylish accessories!

Here is our after:

The difference between the two looks?  The blouse was tailored to fit Christin, layered with a plaid blouse and tied in the front.  She also added a fashion belt, chunky necklace, fun earrings, red lipstick tousled curls to  make this look her own!

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!

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.

Just In.....

Adorable dresses, skirts, shirts, HalfTee's, and even a ruffled pea coat for little girls!  Come check out our great selection and prices on Sunday Best attire for the "little" sisters!