I would think (I'm married, and a woman), that this is a sexy take on a librarian: a real woman, with class and grace!
Posted on 06/03/2004 1:35:32 PM PDT by protest1
Girls Pushing for Modest Fashion Options
Wed Jun 2, 3:58 PM ET
By KRISTEN GELINEAU, Associated Press Writer
REDMOND, Wash. - During a recent shopping trip to Nordstrom, 11-year-old Ella Gunderson became frustrated with all the low-cut hip-huggers and skintight tops. So she wrote to the Seattle-based chain's executives to complain. The industry has been getting the message: A more modest look is in, fashion experts say.
The shy, bespectacled redhead has since become an instant media darling, appearing on national television over the past two weeks to promote modest fashions instead of the saucy looks popularized by the likes of Britney Spears.
"We like to call this new girl Miss Modesty," said Gigi Solif Schanen, fashion editor at Seventeen magazine. "It's such a different feeling but still very pretty and feminine and sexy. It's just a little more covered up."
Shoppers are starting to see higher waistlines and lower hemlines, and tweeds, fitted blazers and layers are expected to be big this fall, Schanen said.
"It's kind of like a sexy take on a librarian," she said. "I think people are tired of seeing so much skin and want to leave a little more to the imagination."
The Web sites ModestApparelUSA.com and ModestByDesign.com — where the slogan is "Clothing your father would be proud of" — report that sales have skyrocketed over the past 18 months.
Many youngsters are frustrated by the profusion of racy teenage clothing, according to Buzz Marketing, a New Jersey-based firm that compiles feedback from teen advisers.
"There is just sensory overload. Kids are going to say enough already," said Buzz's 24-year-old chief executive, Tina Wells. "The next big trend I see is kids are going to look like monks."
In 2002, a group of Arizona teens submitted a petition to the Phoenix division of the Dillard's department store chain asking for more modest clothes. The chain began carrying more conservative styles.
Nordstrom spokeswoman Deniz Anders said the company has been hearing for about two years from customers who want more modest looks, and Nordstrom tries to carry a broad array of styles in its stores.
The arrival of the modest look is good news for Ella, who last week participated in a sold-out "Pure Fashion" show in Bellevue with 37 other girls belonging to a Roman Catholic youth organization.
Ella, who paraded down the catwalk in a long-sleeved pink top and a shiny pink skirt, hopes the fashion show — and her letter — will prompt some change.
"There can be more than one look," the Redmond youngster said in an interview while wearing a loose Pure Fashion T-shirt, jeans and hot pink flip-flops. "Everybody should have lots of choices."
This is a great article. I have a 13 year old daughter and taking her shopping is a very stressful experience. I'm looking forward to seeing more modest teen fashions.
Amen.
When my 13 year old daughter is old enough to want to tempt boys, I recall some very conservative dresses my wife wore in college that drove me wild. We'll go shopping. The right boys will positively drool.
Amy Byer.
Pay more for her designs at places like Dillards, or pay less for them at J.C. Penney.
What I don't get is why so many girls wear this look *anyway*. I mean they *must* know it looks unflattering yet they still wear these low-cut jeans and a half t-shirt. I don't get it.
Bravo - my daughter's only 7 years old and even in that age range there's way too much "Britney" apparel. Our answer - I make her clothes. She helps pick the patterns and fabric. Everyone's happy! (and decently covered while being stylish)
And another Amen from a mother of 2 teen girls to be. (6 year old and 6 month old)
Yeah, I hated them the first time they were in style. At least they don't have to contend with the super-short dresses and "baby-dolls." Try living in Kansas -- very windy -- and wearing that crap. Of course, we didn't have the super-low-cut tops to deal with, only halter-tops. When you get older, you figure out that style isn't everything. If it's ugly or immodest, you just say no.
When I walk through stores anymore I feel like I'm at a bad garage sale. The stuff is UGLY! Orange and brown stripes (is it Halloween?), icky colors and odd patterns, etc. Just give me tasteful, comfy clothes like those from LLBean and others.
However, my sister and I have a grand time walking through clothing departments and picking out outfits for each other to wear (as a joke). It's easy. Hard is finding something you like.
During my high school years (1980-84) I was fortunate to hit the teenage revolt against disco trash. Girls were wearing sailor suits, long drop-waist lacy dresses, lots of preppy plaids. It was great and now it's not so embarrassing to look back at our yearbooks. These things go in cycles.
Isn't this great? Taking my 13 year old is a stressful experience also. She refuses to even consider the low-cut tight pants, and tight shirts with "sexy" written on the front. (thank goodness...I wouldn't let her wear them anyway!) I've had to take her to the women's dept to try to find jeans and tops because there was nothing in the girl's dept except the racy stuff.
It seems to me that someone sold these girls a bill of goods and told them that what counts is how much flesh and crease you show that attracts....not whether or not that flesh and those creases are in the right spot. I've seen girls with belly rolls hanging out between their hip huggers and their shorty shirt...and it ain't pretty. But it's obvious from the way they carry themselves that they think it is.
Had to laugh at this. My younger daughter always complained about the racy clothing some of her cousins wore, and she dressed modestly. And she has worked a couple librarian jobs. Guess the stereotype is true.
You bet it is ;) I've been working at my campus library for three years now and I wouldn't be caught dead wearing some of today's fashions! Now I just need glasses!
Good for her!
It is great that the kids are speaking up. However, it's odd how Seventeen is now the messenger for the voice of modesty. Seventeen Magazine has been one of the facilitators of indecency among youth. Why do ads always have girls sitting with their legs apart. Should not these teen magazines have ads with class. that has always bugged me. For crying out loud "Sit like a Lady." Seventeen also runs ads for Candies (never buy) which are quite suggestive. the best thing we could do for our girls is not buy those crap magazines (which I don't) or the products advertised (difficult to do), but you can call the product manufacturer and complain about their advertising and tell two friends to complain and tell two friends, etc.
Shoppers are starting to see higher waistlines and lower hemlines, and tweeds, fitted blazers and layers are expected to be big this fall, Schanen said. "It's kind of like a sexy take on a librarian..."
For earlier comments:
Girls Don't Wanna Dress Immodestly
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1146460/posts
as modified by World Net Daily:
Girl pleads to retailer for modest clothing (Top exec responds to 11-year-old, promises more fabric)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1140723/posts
>> I've seen girls with belly rolls hanging out between their hip huggers and their shorty shirt...and it ain't pretty.
No kidding.
What's the big deal? Go to any sporting goods store and look in the boys' department. The clothes are great for preteen & young teen girls.
I also have a 13 year old who needed a new bathing suit. They're all string bikins now! We didn't buy anything...
For more feminine clothing, there's always e-bay: brands to watch for are Jessica McClintock, *vintage* (not current!) Laura Ashley, and Gunne Sax. There seems to be a lot of Gunne Sax skirts & dresses out there, especially.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.