Becoming An Empowered Traditionalist

Christa Taylor is one inspiring woman--or should I say ET?! According to Christa, an ET (Empowered Traditionalist) is "one who confidently stands on traditional values of modesty, and femininity in the face of opposition."


In January of 2007, Christa and her family launched something that may be unheard of: a modest clothing line. Since then, the line has grown tremendously and reached thousands of girls worldwide. To shop check out Christa-Taylor.


Alongside her blooming fashion market, Christa also created her blog launching the "ET" idea. On her blog, Christa gives advice about how to be modest from the inside-out while radiating Jesus' love.


Empowered Traditionalists are defined as follows:
~An ET strives to break the lie that states that to be modest you must compromise beauty and attractiveness.
~An ET embraces beauty and femininity and kills frumpiness.
~An ET is smart, because she purchases timeless styles and rejects the trends to purchase cheap new fashions every season, saving bundles of money.
~An ET is a trend-setter, in the best sense of the word.
~An ET stands out. Since she does not let the winds of fashion effect her decisions, she actually wears cuter apparel- she stands out compared to what every one else is wearing. (those Captivated Modernists).
~An ET is one who loves to dress well
~An ET is wise. She understands that character vs. immodesty attracts the best men.
~An ET is attractive in all the right ways.An ET has clothes that fit her personality and her body type
~An ET loves to surprise people with her style
~An ET sets the trend in modest style yet without succumbing to the pressures to buy apparel that compromises your convictions.
~An ET will show you what beautiful is.



Learn more about what it means to be an ET by visiting Empowered Traditionalist today.

Modesty--Isn't That Like From the Middle Ages?

Modesty, what in the world does that mean? Garb that covers a girl head to toe? I mean, how am I supposed to breathe in that kind of set up?--Uh, no. Modesty is not "granny wear" or a black trash bag. Modesty is tastefully choosing clothing that is not only fashionable, but also protects you from heartache and from advertising what is not for sale.



The World's Version of Fashion
Yes, I know that we have fashion standards to live up to! I am a girl too!! So, what is "fashion" according to the society that we live in?

• Fashion means less is more. So, less top + more cleavage and mid-drift is awesome! Not only will guys give you more attention, but you will feel more confident about yourself!
• Tight is better. Hip-hugger jeans work best, especially when they give you constant wedgies! Just pretend you are wearing leggings. You may not be able to walk, but that's OK!
• Short skirts are better than long skirts. Long skirts were made for your conservative grandma. Your legs were made for a reason so show them off!
• Bikinis work best for the beach. And yes, tankinis and one-piece suits are for your mother and pregnant women! Show off your body!

OK, so these are just a few examples of the lies that the media throws our way. It is so hard to dig through these statements and their popularity and find the truth about what we should wear!

God's Version of Fashion

God says fashion is awesome and definitely attainable! So, how does fashion really work?

• Less is not more! It is true that showing more skin will definitely get you more attention from guys and it may give you some temporary confidence, but it will only leave you more broken and starving for attention that ever. You can still wear cute tops and be modest. Layering shirts and tank tops is a great idea!
• Tight is not better--especially for the circulation system! But honestly, spandex just bring you the wrong attention in all the wrong places. So do you want a guy who loves you for your butt or for your contagious personality? I would go with the latter!
• No, long skirts are not for grandmas! I prefer the mid-leg skirts--you know the skirts that go to about your knee. These are a perfect medium. Yes, God gave you gorgeous legs, but they are not made to be eye candy.
• Bikinis are not best. Would you walk into your local grocery store in your bra and underwear? I sure hope not! But that is basically what you are doing? And yes I know that it is difficult to find cute tankinis, but it is possible! Trust me, you will get attention in a bikini, but not lasting or important attention!

So, how could we best define modesty? Modesty is wearing clothes that glorify God and allow you to still be a part of the "fashion world" without compromising your standards. That is worth striving for!

And one important thing to remember is that guys are visually stimulated so what they see stimulates them. We need to help protect guys from falling short. Strive for guys to like you because of your deep love and confidence in Jesus Christ. That is a love that really lasts.

Up next......It's All In The Guy--Wait, What About Him?

Fashion for Spring!

I don't know about you, but I love fashion and I love looking at least a little "fashionable"! So, where do I go to to obtain some fashion-knowledge first-hand while keeping modesty in mind? I check out Christa Taylor's website! Over the past few weeks, she has been releasing what the "in" colors for this Spring will be. Some of the colors include:

• Fresia
• Cantaloupe
• Snorkel Blue
• Rococo Red
• Golden Olive
• Silver Gray
• Spring Crocus
• Pink Mist

Check out Christa Taylor's website for tips on make-up, hair, and clothes for Spring 2008.

A Healthy Heart, A Healthy Attitude

What comes to mind when you hear the word health? Do you visualize a platter of "rabbit food" or do you remember a time when you tried one of those new diets, but only ended up running for junk food? Good health isn't about being under 100 pounds or about being the fastest on the track team. Good health is about taking care of the body God has blessed you with.

Eating is supposed to be re-fueling your body for the tasks you do during the day. Munching on Doritos and oreos all day will only slow you down and cripple you of the energy you need. Eating fruit and veggies and drinking water will not only fill you up, but it will also energize you from the inside-out. Treat yourself once in a while to your favorite snack. Choose one day where you can just "veg". For me, Friday night is my favorite time to eat junk food. I like to relax to a chick flick and eat oreos! Yummy. That one cheat day will help you make healthy choices throughout the week.

Exercising is great for your body. Exercising clears your mind of stress and gives you a boost of energy. There are plenty of ways to work out and have fun. Try some of these suggestions:

• Walk with your friend around the neighborhood.
• Dance to your favorite CD.
• Grab your iPod and go for a run.
• Swim.
• Clean your room at turbo-speed.
• Grab an exercising video and start marching along.

Good health is not only vital to your body, but it is also vitally important for your attitude. Exercising and eating right take stress off of your mind and make you feel refreshed. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also helps you to look and feel your very best. When you exercise, you feel better about yourself and you are proud that you accomplished something. I know that for me, exercising helps me to have a better attitude and a more positive outlook on life.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your tennis shoes and through out the ice-cream. Glorify God today!