Awesome Updates (of the modest kind) on Boutique Narelle

MODESTY MALL UPDATES
In December I spent eight hours adding stores and features to the Modesty Mall, and I've just done a tweak for January. I'm thrilled that new stores offering modest clothing are opening all the time. If you know of one not on the list, please let us know! Boutique Narelle's Modesty Mall is the most comprehensive regionally categorized list of modest stores in the world, making shopping for modest clothes easier for ladies like you.

Shopper's Guide: Why Shop Recycled [Thrift]?

 Recycled clothing. Is this a phrase that turns you off or fills you with joy?

I grew up in a home that often didn't know where the next meal was coming from, but we did not shop at secondhand clothing stores. We were dressed from gift bundles or my mother sewed what we needed.

There were two secondhand clothing shops in my small town, and in my teenage opinion, only desperate people shopped there. The selection was small and the quality was poor. Just how desperate people could be was demonstrated to me by a friend who excitedly modelled her 'bargains' for me. She had found two tee shirts for 50 cents each. They were so thin that she had to wear both of them at once. To my mind, they were still too thin.

I was therefore of the opinion that ladies couldn't shop at secondhand clothing stores. However, I began to doubt this theory on my 21st birthday when my aunt came up from the capital with a navy blue wool suit for me. It was beautiful, expensive-looking, tailored, modest, in fact everything that a lady would delight to wear. My aunt had been given first pick of a new shipment at a secondhand store, and this is what she found. It cost about NZ$10.

About 3 years later, I took a trip to Mount Maunganui with a friend to meet up with my sister for a long weekend. We explored this fairly exclusive beach destination, and my friend pointed out a chain store I didn't know about: SaveMart Recycled Clothing. I was dubious about wasting time in such a barn, but her enthusiasm convinced me to give it a chance.

An hour later, I was converted. I came out with several dresses which became closet staples. One in particular has been a consistent, adaptable favourite, my Red Roses Dress (worn below at an English Country Dance) which has drawn many admiring comments and has continued to adapt to my shape without complaint. Carrying the label American Weekender, it cost me just NZ$8.99, even though prices on the Mount were higher than at any other SaveMart I visited in the couple of years following.

Following our Mt. Maunganui adventure, I explored SaveMarts in Wanganui (huge and excellent), Nelson (wasn't impressed with the selection available that day), and Palmerston North (closest to where I live). I hadn't been for several years, so recently took my camera along to see what I could see.

The Plastic Bag Says It All...except for the website: www.savemart.co.nz

Although I always keep an eye out for modest tops and skirts, my specific wish list was short: warm corduroy or moleskin jeans (not tight between hip and knee).

Did you laugh? Yes, these are few and hard to come by. Once or twice a fortnight, trousers are required apparel, but I've lost weight in the past year and the trousers I've been wearing don't have belt loops. I've been using a pink plastic clothes peg to keep them up.

I figured I could improve on this solution, but the cost of new jeans from mail order companies like Victoria Hill (NZ$70) and Ezibuy (NZ$50) was more than I felt was justified. The local Postie store has corduroy jeans but they are low riders and have that peculiar bleached wash that draws attention to butt and thighs.

What's the difference between these 2 Ezibuy styles: Capture bootleg corduroy jeans (above) and Emerge bootleg corduroy jeans (below)?

Notice the leg width at the thigh and knee. If you need to wear trousers but are worried about modesty, choose a style that doesn't hug your upper legs. Try before you buy and CHECK YOUR REAR VIEW!


Ogden Nash wrote, and my dad frequently quotes this quatrain:

Sure, deck your limbs in pants.
Yours are the limbs, my sweeting.
You look divine as you advance.
Have you seen yourself retreating?

My haul from that trip was six garments. Lessons learned were twice that number. For Boutique Narelle's Top 12 Tips for Thrift Store Shopping, click here: http://www.boutiquenarelle.blogspot.co.nz/2012/01/shoppers-guide-to-recycled-clothing-top.html


Note: We are sorry about the missing images. They were tragically and irreversibly gobbled by Google+.

Shopper's Guide to Recycled Clothing: Top 12 Tips

At SaveMart New Zealand, over 3000 fresh items of recycled clothing come into each store every day. If stock hasn't sold in 4 weeks, it goes to charity in Papua New Guinea.

For you, that means there's always new stock generated from diverse sources. Provided you remember Boutique Narelle's shopping tips below, and barring sticky trolly wheels, raucous radio, cramped dressing rooms, and staff-only toilet facilities (not all stores are thus adorned but certainly Palmerston North's SaveMart), your shopping experience should be a happy one.

Top 12 Tips for Thrift Store Shopping

1. CARRY A LIST AND/OR A COLOUR SAMPLE of what you're looking for. Be wary of being sidetracked by an apparent bargain you don't actually need.
2. In good lighting, CHECK GARMENTS FOR FLAWS such as rips, stains, loose stitching, snagged fabric, missing buttons, and other problems. Be aware of tag positioning -- removal of the staples may leave holes. (These labels are best removed using a staple remover.)
3. TRY ON EVERY GARMENT AND UNDER THE CONDITIONS YOU EXPECT TO WEAR IT (i.e. over a camisole or t-shirt). Shrug, bend, wriggle, and crouch to check all aspects of fit.  When trying shoes, wear the denier of stockings or socks you would wear with them. Walk in them.
4. TEST ZIPPERS several times.
5. WEAR GARMENTS AND SHOES THAT ARE EASY TO REMOVE for try-ons, such as zipped sweaters, button-up shirts, and slip-on footwear (not lace-up boots!). Don't wear your best duds -- SaveMart is a dusty place.
6. BE AWARE THAT SAVEMART BUILDINGS ARE NOT HEATED OR AIR-CONDITIONED. Plan your trip accordingly.
7. READ GARMENT LABELS for laundering surprises and to check for extra buttons.
8. READ PRICE TAGS CAREFULLY. SaveMart tags are hand-written and not always neatly. Don't rely on colour codes.
9. DO NOT RUSH. Give yourself time to think. If you need the toilet, go, and return to your thinking unpressurized.
10. If the garment has flaws, consider what it will cost you in time and notions to fix it. IS IT WORTH IT?
11. If it isn't right and you can't easily fix it, LEAVE IT. And...
12. COME BACK SOON for another hunt.

Note: We are very sorry about the missing images. They were unexpectedly and irreversibly gobbled by Google+. 😱😭

Duggars on Modesty

A Public Expression of Modest Femininity

I love meeting people who are courageous and content in modesty. I've been remotely-introduced to these happy, beautiful young ladies whom a TV channel finds interesting enough to make multiple programs about and whom viewers find fascinating. The American family have also published two books which I found to be complete page-turners.

"The Duggars: 20 and Counting" recounts some of the questions asked by viewers about the way the girls dress, and includes answers from the Duggar parents or their daughters.

e-Mail to the Duggars
Q: Do your daughters always wear long dresses? Why?
A: First, we want to stress that this is our family's practice. We don't put our conditions on other people or tell others what they should wear. Our standards of modesty are based on personal prayer and Bible study. We want to attract others' interest to our faces and our character, rather than to our bodies. For us, that means long pants for the boys and long skirts for the girls and no low-cut tops. Amazingly, some of our older children have developed stronger convictions about dress standards than we have.

Here's a question of which I've heard many variations. I love how 16-year-old Jessa responded to it. (Click image to enlarge.)

Click here to enjoy photos of the Duggar girls and cute girl-outfits. Jessa and Jinger are the family experts on how to dress modernly-modest, and most of their shopping is done at thrift stores. Notice how they use layering.

Thank you, Duggars, for sharing your life with the world!

Their second book, "A Love that Multiples"*, includes modesty links in the Resources section. I had a browse and am delighted to add www.ChristopherandBanks.com to Boutique Narelle's recommended stores list.

This resource link answered a question I'd been longing to ask the Duggar girls: What is that garment you're wearing under your t-shirts?

After studying photos of the way the girls dress, I deciphered that they have access to a layering garment I've never seen in New Zealand or in any online store to date. It has more shoulder coverage than a camisole. It has a crew-neck like a t-shirt, but no sleeves. Its hem is at hip level, so it's not a tee-neck/dickie/modesty panel.

You can purchase them from www.christopherandbanks.com or plus sizes sister-store www.cjbanks.com. The store calls the garment a tank, but it's quite unlike the tanks available here which are nothing more than glorified singlets. My description is a sleeveless crewneck tee. 

Wearing two layers of cotton knit won't be a comfortable solution for hot climates (or those that have summer without air-conditioning). It's a wonderful modesty fixer for mild climates, and it might mean you can wear those pretty blouses made of sheer fabric.

If you'd like to find out more about the fascinating, inspirational Duggar family, their website is www.DuggarFamily.com.

I still have a question for the Duggar ladies: How do you get your hair kinky like that?


Note: We are very sorry for the missing images in this post. They were unexpectedly and irriversibly gobbled by Google+. 😱😭

Where to Find Modest Skirts

Are you looking for modest skirts? 
This catalogue of stores may solve your shopping worries.

Share the video link with your friends! http://youtu.be/5rChosZsCDg

In case viewing YouTube videos isn't something you can do easily, we've listed below the stores and websites featured in the promotion.

Annie Lantz, Australia. Not an online store, but the garments they design are worth getting on their mailing list for. Phone or fax to order their free catalogue. Australian Freecall 1800 817 402 / NZ Freecall 0800 722 203
www.aprilcornell.com, USA
www.bfc.co.nz, Ballentynes, New Zealand
www.chadwicks.com, USA
www.denimskirts.com, Style J, USA
www.ezibuy.com.au, Australia
www.ezibuy.co.nz, New Zealand
www.hannahlise.com, USA
www.hempco.net.au, Australia
www.kooky.co.nz, New Zealand
www.koshercasual.com, online retail around the world, wholesale in USA, Canada, Europe, Australia
www.kosherclothing.com, USA
www.newcreationapparel.com, USA
www.rayannesdesign.com, Australia & International
www.rockmans.com.au, Australia
www.tznius.com, USA
www.victoriahill.com.au, Damart/Innovations, Australia
www.victoriahill.com.au, Damart/Innovations, New Zealand
www.womensuits.com, USA

2 Simple Steps to Find a Modest Fashion Bargain

Are you a modest lady with a tight grip on your purse looking for low cost but good quality clothing that actually covers you?

I know how that feels. For months I've been working hard to solve my own drastic wardrobe situation (I had just one winter-weight skirt!).

THE EASY WAY TO GREAT CLOTHING BARGAINS
Clothes wear out faster than most people can make them, so my best tip at this time is to get yourself on the e-mailing list of your favourite stores. They're doing their utmost to get people to buy, offering huge and frequent discounts to loyal customers.

How do you know which shops provide the kind of clothing you're looking for? Use our Modesty Mall to browse your region for online stores that stock modest garments.

Add your email address to their list via their website, and all you have to do is keep an eye on your Inbox (or mail box) for sales promotions. Reductions are frequently 50% or greater. Stores like Ezibuy offer weekly discount specials, and even high end fashion stores send out 'secret mailers' to preferred customers offering up to 70% discounts for 2-4 days prior to offering what's left to the general public.

THE TWO STEPS YOU CAN TAKE NOW to get your next bargains sooner than you may think:

1. Browse for modest fashion stores using BN's Modesty Mall.
2. Subscribe to the shop's email list or catalogue mailer list.

Every dollar counts when you're trying to save money!

See PLAN AHEAD.

Bargain Hunters Plan Ahead, updated

Bargain hunters plan ahead -- we get on the mailing list of stores that provide clothing we like! That way we get first dibs on sale and super-sale items.

Bargain Hunters and Plan Ahead were posted in 2009. The advice still stands, and to make it easier for you to benefit from that advice, I've created a Modesty Mall, Boutique Narelle's list of recommended online stores that have consistently provided MODEST clothing options for women.

Get on the mailing list of your favourite stores
so you know when the bargains are ripe for picking!

Disclaimer: Boutique Narelle personnel have not purchased garments from all stores in the list, so we can not vouch for quality or service, nor do we claim all stock in these stores to be of a modest nature.

Tall By Design - Fashion with Height

Tall Women's Clothing

If you're a tall woman looking for fashionable tall clothing that fits – then check out Tall by Design. They are a specialist tall women's clothing store based in Auckland, New Zealand.

Fashion with Height

At Tall by Design all of their garments are created in the same long lengths no matter what size you order – whether you are a size 8 or size 20. They have created a fashionable range of tall garments that are stylish, essential pieces.

In this video clip, watch Tall by Design's Joan Oxspring talk to TVNZ about her store initiative, while famous tall girls model Tall By Design outfits.

More Boot-Buying Tips

If you're shopping for boots, you may find the following reader comments helpful.

Sarah says:

"I have loose ankles (my ankles twist really easily, the opposite of strong ankles, I suppose -- if my shoes don't have a supportive heel, my ankles will be twisting all day) and my left arch is quite high, so I have to make sure that the boot is a neat fit for support but doesn't put pressure on the top of the arch, and that my heel has an adequate platform to stand on. I must have a full zip, otherwise I can't get my foot in. There mustn't be any seams on top of my foot because these create pressure points. I definitely have to stand and walk around in the boots for a couple of minutes to make sure there's no excessive sideways wobble and that I can confidently put most of my weight on my heel. This fact alone makes me hesitant to try mail-order boots, as I might love the look of it, but there's no way you can tell by the picture if boots have too much slope under the heel so that most of the weight is constantly sliding forward onto the ball of the foot. I think that would always be the case once the heel is over three inches, and these are the boots and shoes that give the wearer very sore feet after a short while. The ball of the foot is not designed to carry one's full weight for any length of time.

"The only difficulties I have with high heels is when driving and trying too walk fast! I fix the first problem by having more comfortable footwear along for wearing in the car, and the second just requires practice.

"For the rest of the purchase decision, it's a matter of finding decorations I like [accents such as tassles, studs, or ruching], and a toe shape that fits and suits my foot. A softly pointed tip (nicely rounded) looks good on my feet and fits my narrow foot and tapering toes (second toe longer than the rest)."

An avid boot lover, who admits to owning 7 pairs, says:

"When buying boots, I recommend you go for comfort. There are some lovely flat boots around if you want to be mega-comfortable, but if you want to feel a bit fancier and want a heel, I would say a wedge is a great idea. They're fashionable, but comfortable and they don't have the teeter factor that thinner heels have. I stomp around in mine all day long and don't get sore feet and I have very wimpy feet. Overland Shoes have some of the nicest and most comfortable boots I've ever tried on. They have an Italian brand called "Isabelle Anselmi" and though they're usually a couple of hundred dollars a pair, they last forever and are lovely.

"My favourite boots are the ones I'm wearing now. They're a rich chocolate brown with a stacked wooden wedge heel. I polish them with bees wax.

"I think the look of boots with a mid-calf length straightish skirt and a long coat looks great in winter!"

For expert advice on boot care and how to measure your feet, ankles, and calves to get the appropriate size and style, visit DuoBoots.

When Skirts are Too Cold, Part II - Boots

It's not only the old who get cold. Let's face it -- when the weather's cold, we all feel cold! You may think that the skirt falls from favour when the temperatures fall toward zero, but here are 3 secrets that enable you to keep the skirt in service.

Wear layers underneath.
Line the skirt.
Wear boots.


This week, we wear boots.


Boots go with anything -- skirt, dress, trousers, coat and hat -- and are sooo practical. A dressy boot can hide a chunky sock on a day when nylons are foreign to the climate. A tall boot can elongate a short leg (keep the colour flowing from boot to skirt - ie black boot and black skirt). A knee-high or high ankle boot hides a thick ankle or calf -- they make skirt-wearing a joy. [http://www.trinnyandsusannah.com/rules/thickankles/boots]** If you're careful selecting your style of boot, it can be worn on almost any occasion - casual or dressy, home, shopping, or church. Probably not for formal, but that's why that category of dressing is called special occasion. = ) You expect special food, special clothes, and special heating.

**I don't usually recommend Trinny and Susannah material, because they are crude and their orientation is sexual attraction. They do offer some practical wisdom, but it's difficult to filter the good from the bad.


Things you should know before shopping for boots:

What colour?
What fabric?
What price range?
What heel height?
What size?
Store or catalogue?

Colour
Black, grey, brown, white, red? Decide what coordinates best with the outfits in your wardrobe. However, if you have the funds for a special pair, don't be shy of cheerful red or dazzling white that goes with everything. Just remember that you'll need the coordinating shoe care kit in order to prolong the look and life of your boots -- black polish doesn't look so good on red leather!

Fabric
Suede is easy to care for. You don't need nugget/polish, only a suede brush to remove dried dirt.
Real leather is amenable to being oiled and polished, retaining it's fine appearance.
Synthetic will be cheaper, but will quickly show wear.

Price range
Brand names and construction fabric make a difference to the price. If you're a label enthusiast or you want real leather, you may have to pay more. However, stores are eager to get rid of their stock and I've been surprised at the significant sales they're offering before we're even properly into winter.

Heel height
Do you want a dress boot or a casual boot? The way stores separate these catagories has a lot to do with heel height. If you are considerate of your spine, you won't be wanting a spiked heel. If you spend a lot of time on your feet, you won't be wanting a tiny standing platform. Just because everyone else seems to be stretching themselves doesn't mean you have to. You can be wise and stylish at the same time. There are boot options that don't promote the long leg and bouncing backside display.

Size
Are you going to wear stockings or socks inside your boots? This will effect what size is suitable. If your boots are sheepskin lined, you probably won't be wanting to wear heavy socks as well. If your boots are synthetic fibre, you'll feel most comfortable in cold conditions if you have a foot covering that wicks the moisture away from your tootsies. Make sure you take the appropriate socks or stockings with you when you go shopping.

Because boots cover where shoes don't, you have another area to consider -- your ankles and calves. Some boots are a slender fit. Some provide for wider proportions. Some styles are cleverly designed to cater for calf differences, such as lace-ups and half-mast zips looking like they're on purpose. Make sure you fasten the boot all the way up and walk around to check it's comfortable.




Store or Catalogue?
Internet and mail-order catalogues are the most convenient way for many of us to find the apparel we need, but how do you handle the challenge of choosing the correct size?

1. Find the shoe size guide in the catalogue. It will give instructions on how to measure your foot and find the ...relative.... shoe size.
2. If you're still not sure, order 2 sizes. Mail order companies have a returns policy that caters for this because they recognize that you don't have the opportunity to try on before you purchase. Shipping rates are usually standard, so you don't have to pay extra for them to ship the second pair. You will have to pay for it's return, but recycling their packaging helps keep this cost to a minimum. They may even offer a special returns rate by using their pre-printed returns label.

BOOT FINDER

NZ find-a-footwear-store
I went to Google NZ, selected "pages from New Zealand" under the search bar, and typed in "footwear". I found this link which allowed me to browse through a variety of online shoestores in my country. While I have tried to cover a reasonable portion of the world, such research is extremely time consuming, so if you don't see anything you like here, try this search method for yourself.


Ezibuy (www.ezibuy.co.nz or www.ezibuy.com.au) offer 7 new boot styles in the latest catalogue, some of which the ladies above are wearing. Here is a clearer view of them:

Number 1 Shoes offer a 15% discount voucher if you register with their database. Doesn't list boot fabric, doesn't show zip, but a low price of $49.95 for the style illustrated below.

The 3 items in the boot section are only a small example of the many styles in-store. The website provides a find-a-store feature. Number 1 Shoes specialize in cheap footwear, so don't expect the quality, service, and information of somewhere like Overland Footwear.

www.Kumfs.co.nz

Hot Style, Cool Comfort. Designed for fashion, engineered for comfort - you don’t have to compromise. Kumfs are light, soft, cushioned, and have support where you need it.

You can browse Kumf styles online, but you can't buy them there. The website doesn't mention prices, but they do provide a store locator feature (with stores in NZ, Australia, USA, and Hong Kong) and a contact option so you can phone, fax, or email and ask for price and current stock details. If a store doesn't stock an item but it's on the website, they will probably be happy to order it in for you. Stores like this offer loyalty discounts, so be sure to ask what's available. If you and your friends all buy at the same time, it might win you all a special discount.

www.OverlandFootwear.co.nz

Overland Footwear offers a store locator, online purchasing, trend advice, and a varied and gorgeous range of boots. The following 10 images are merely a sample of this.

Overland shoecare tips and products are found here. Quality footwear isn't cheap, so it's worthwhile knowing how to make it last.

Sheepskin boots like these from Koolaburra are popular and certainly cosy, but there are two drawbacks. They're entirely casual and they don't offer any arch support. They may seem a snug fit when you first try them on, but very little wear will flatten the wool and leave quite a bit of wiggle room.

www.KoolaburraBeach.com

I found these and the following styles from www.kiwi-sheepskin.com by googling for 'sheepskin boots'. Commonly known as Ugg boots, they come in a mulitude of colours and designs.

But what I was actually looking for was wool-lined leather dress boots, not so common right now. I found some here:

www.SierraTradingPost.com

The following pair are made of felt.The key to finding what you want on Google is picking the most accurate search phrase. I got better results googling for "lined boot". Results included:

MandMdirect.com

QVC.com offers the Uma Shearling Lined Boot - visit web to view image.

This search link offers several options of lined boot. The above image is just one of them.

Rebecca Shearling lined boot

www.bamason.com

B A Mason says: "Finding the right fit in a tall boot just got a lot easier. Blondo’s side-zip, Water-Resistant Leather Boots offer you a selection of calf sizes. There’s a back elastic gore panel on the 14" boot and a side elastic gore panel on the 16" and 18" boots to add an extra stretch factor. Soft felt insoles. Ultrasuede linings. Slip-resistant, rubber-like soles stay flexible even as temperatures drop. Sensible 1-1/2" stacked heels. And they’re practically maintenance-free … salt, calcium and mud wipe off easily with a damp cloth."

I'm particularly interested in this part: "Soft felt insoles. Ultrasuede linings." Most boots have a synthetic lining which encouraged the foot to sweat, something that can make you very uncomfortable when it's cold!

www.ShoeBuy.com

This website has a huge range of boots divided into very specific categories. There's a button for white boots, one for fleece-lined boots, one for leather boots, one for low-heeled boots...and so on down a list of 70 options, plus a sale section.


Next week: "Bootiful Memories".

[Note: Sorry about the missing images. Google+ swallowed them. 😣😕]

When Skirts are Too Cold, Part I

When chill airs and wintry winds get close and friendly, is it possible to wear skirts and be cosy? I've heard many say it isn't, but I know otherwise.

Are you ready to receive impowering information?
How to be warm in a skirt:

1. Wear layers underneath. Undercover solutions discussed below.

1. Line the skirt. Illustrated directions on how to do this coming soon.

1. Wear boots.

Introducing Damart

The heart of the Damart story is a unique fabric called Thermolactyl, which provides lightweight insulation against the worst of weathers. A classy, modern 'long-john' provider, the company is very sport oriented, with a number of sponsorship affiliations, keeping fit young sportsmen warm during the the winter and helping prevent muscle injuries.

The ability of Damart underclothes to provide the best thermal environment whilst still keeping the body dry and able to function normally has meant that Damart has travelled successfully to all corners of the earth and up some of its highest mountains.

But what does this have to do with attractive, feminine modesty?

It's not only the old who feel the cold. Lightweight but wonderfully cosy, a thermal under-layer makes a world of difference to what you can do (or wear) when it's cold! For instance, you can comfortably wear that pretty dress or blouse considered more appropriate to autumn than winter. Long-johns under trousers prevent the frozen thigh syndrome that frigid winds invite so readily. They form a happy temperature arbitration when sitting on cold stone steps.

Notice the different Thermolactyl grades.

The undercover range is dainty and colourful, but there's also a delightful range of outer clothing, some of it incorporating the famous Thermolactyl or a new blend of Thermolactyl and silk. Damart supplies a wide range of sizes and colours, and comfortable shop-from-home features. I have noticed that the website takes a while to display the latest catalogues, so if you want up-to-date product and sales information, go for the mailed version rather than the website.

Browse Damart here:
Damart New Zealand
Damart Australia

Overseas outlets include:
www.damartusa.com
www.damart.co.uk

If you prefer to see before you buy, use the website's Store Finder feature.