The Joy of Christmas

Christmas is just one week away.  I've been reminiscing on my elementary school days where we had a Christmas program and sang songs like "I'm gettin nuttin for Christmas", "Jingle Bells" and "Away in a Manger".  Those songs were always my favorite.  The ones about Christ, for that truly is who this beloved Holiday is all about.

The other night, I had two adorable missionary girls in.  Both heading out after the new year to serve the Lord.  They were here trying on lots of clothes and shoes.  We had a great time, getting to know them and hearing how excited they are for their missions.  One missionary was here with her mom, the other with her grandmother.  The two girls got talking.  At one point the grandmother came up to the register where I was and said, "I want to pay for one of that cute missionaries dresses, how do I do that?"  I told her I would just not charge the other missionary for one of her dresses, and when the grandmother came to pay for her granddaughters clothes, I would charge her for the dress.

It was the sweetest gesture.  And especially appropriate for the season we are in.  The Christmas season, where peoples hearts are a little warmer and a little bigger.   When the missionary and her mother came up to pay for their items, I quietly told them of the grandmothers kindness.  They were so shocked that a woman they'd just met would do something so kind for them.

It always touches my heart to see things like this.  And here at The Sister Shop, we see them all the time and all year round. People coming in to shop for others, or paying for others items.  I also had a lady in here just the other day to get a $50 gift card for a Sub-for-Santa present.  I get to see little miracles everyday.

I absolutely love working in a place where there is so much goodness and service. I think there is something about missionary work and service that brings people together.  It brings out the best in people.

I hope this Christmas season brings you peace and joy and time with family.  But I also hope that it puts a little more service in your heart.  I hope that you will take the time to serve those in need around you.  And that you will make service and kindness a part of your life not only in this Christmas Season, but in every season.

Found on falalalovely.blogspot.com

To learn more about The Sister Shop, visit our website

thesistershop.com

 follow us:

instagram.com/sistershopboutique

facebook.com/sistershopboutique

zion bags.

Missionary Bags.  How do you find one that has ALL of the features you need?
Look no further than right here at The Sister Shop!  Zion bags are the one bag you need for your mission.  Their quality and durability can't be beat!

The Harvest Bag with pink accents.

The back of this fabulous bag.  You can see the comfortable padding, it also has a waist strap hidden from view!

Read this little blurb from the creators of Zion Bags!

"Zion bags are built with the most durable all weather materials like 1680D Ballistic Nylon and Tarpaulin bottom, tough YKK zippers and soft, yet strong seat belt webbing. To give the Harvest a more stylish appearance without sacrificing strength.

The Harvest (name of the pink Zion bag) is ready for whatever Mother Nature will throw at you with a detachable rain cover that hides in its own dedicated storage pocket until needed.  Added compression straps keep an umbrella tight against the waterproof bottom panel to ensure protection.

For further protection we’ve incorporated many safety features such as padded air mesh panels on all touch points, a Cam Lock adjusted shoulder strap, and a hideaway lumbar support belt that supports the weight of your bag on those long bike rides and walks.

To make travel and transfers easier we’ve incorporated a pass through panel for luggage handles, reflective piping accents the exterior for increased visibility and for the ultimate defense we’ve included a Guardian LED safety light with every missionary bag.

We know you will be taking materials, tools and technology with you wherever you go and the Harvest bag is ready to assist you. Internal and external organization panels and pockets have been specifically designed for all your missionary necessities, including tablets and mobile phone devices. With the Harvest bag you are in control with multiple stowage options at your fingertips. And when you return and go off to school, there’s even room for a laptop."

The Embark Bag, with yellow accents.

Now that you've read just why Zion Bags are the perfect bag for your mission, let me tell you about ALL of the features.  There are so many.

• Internal / external compartments to organize and protect all your personal items and missionary necessities (external pocket is PERFECT for pass along cards!!)
• Laptop bag exterior made from 1680D water resistant ballistic nylon
• Tarpaulin waterproof protective bottom
• Fleece lined pockets for phone, camera, optics, etc.
• Internal fleece lined padded laptop and tablet compartments fit most 13” laptops and most all tablets
• Padded air mesh back panel with airflow design
• Deluxe reflective air mesh shoulder pad
• Reflective piping on flap, sides & rain cover
• Adjustable Cam-Lock shoulder strap with foam padded shoulder pad and soft seatbelt webbing
• Rugged YKK zippers and durable hardware
• External access to all missionary materials such as planner, pamphlets, pass-along cards, scriptures, etc.
• Rear organization compartment with multiple storage pockets
• Adjustable tuck-away padded lumbar support belt (perfect for you biking sisters!!)
• Suitable for business with padded top handle
• Umbrella/weather gear stowage loops
• Detachable fitted rain cover in zippered waterproof pocket
• Side gear loops for attaching bicycle helmet, lock, etc.
• Custom luggage tag with steel cable / barrel lock
• Guardian military grade LED safety light, attaches to gear loop on bag and rain cover
• Internal detachable key fob to keep keys secure and easy to find
• Luggage pass through for attaching to your wheeled companion
• Mesh water bottle pocket with adjustable compression strap

Have I convinced you yet? If not, here is my favorite feature: The rain fly! Now that is waterproof.  

This wonderful rain fly comes from a zipper pouch at the bottom of the bag.  As you can see it covers your entire bag! Every nook and cranny that could get rain water in it is covered.  Truly a genius idea.

What you don't see pictured in any of these pictures is the awesome super padded strap.  The thick padding will definitely help your shoulders!

Here is our cute Lexi with the Embark Bag.

This bag really has it ALL.  There isn't a feature they didn't think of. Also, here is a short video from the founder of Zion Bags.  

So, if you are going on a mission and need a bag that will fit all of your needs, you've found it right here. 

 Zion Bags.

To learn more about The Sister Shop, visit our website

thesistershop.com

 follow us:

instagram.com/sistershopboutique

facebook.com/sistershopboutique

[ fabulous fall ]

Fall is here.

Bring on one of my all time favorite seasons.

The best part about fall is definitely the beauty.
Aaaaand.

Lets be real.  Who doesn't love pumpkin EVERYTHING!

Here at The Sister Shop, we've been preparing for fall. Think layering. Cardigans, blazers & scarves!

Most people think for the cooler weather that they need to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe.  Not so!  It’s time to get your fall essentials on, and we're going to show you how.

    
Cardigans & Blazers

Blazer with a buttoned up shirt, roll up your sleeves for a Parisian look. 

Simple button up buttoned just at the top

Add a long pendant necklace

Add a belt and simple scarf tied in a DIY infinity.

Short sleeve draped cardigan with boots.

 
Scarves 
 

These are a personal favorite.  With many different ways to wear a scarf, the options are endless!

These are some of my favorite ways to tie scarves!

European

Simple loop

DIY Infinity

The Boa

Knot

Learn how here:

Video Credit: Wendy's Lookbook. Check out her page :)

To learn more about The Sister Shop, visit our website

thesistershop.com

Or follow us

instagram.com/sistershopboutique

facebook.com/sistershopboutique

I'll just leave this here- 

beautiful things don't ask for attention

{beautiful things don't ask for attention}

That one line from the movie adaption "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" has stuck with me since I saw the movie in theaters around Christmastime 2013.

Walter Mitty is in the Himalayas tracking down world famous photographer Sean O'Connell who is photographing the "Ghost Cat" or snow leopard.  When Mitty finds O'Connell he is about to take a photo of the gorgeous elusive cat. But he doesn't. He just stares at it and lets it walk by.  Missing the shot of a lifetime.

Mitty asks O'Connell why he would do such a thing--let the photograph he is there for slip through fingers?

O'Connell replies that sometimes when looking at something so beautiful, he likes being in the moment.  Observing something so beautiful without the distraction of his camera.

Picture taken from this blog (pathdiscoveries.wordpress.com/2014/05/28/beautiful-things-dont-ask-for-attention-james-thurber/)

Then he says-

"Beautiful Things Don't Ask For Attention."

What does that mean?

To me, it means that something beautiful doesn't have to tell others it is beautiful. It just IS.

Where does this true, outstanding beauty come from? When it pertains to us as daughters and children of God, I think it comes from knowing who we are. And WHOSE we are.

When we realize our potential and worth as children of God, we don't need to ask for attention.  We don't need to use our bodies, or show them off, to be told we are beautiful.  When our self worth is vertically connected to our Father in Heaven instead of horizontally connected to our peers, that cute guy that took us on a date or people we compare ourselves to, our true beauty and worth can shine through. (The idea of horizontal vs. vertical connection for self worth comes from my most favorite Institute teacher, Brother Hunsaker at the Logan LDS Institute.)

When someone knows WHO and WHOSE they are, they understand why He has asked them to dress modestly. They don't need to use immodest dress to get attention, to be told they are beautiful so they themselves can believe that they are beautiful.  They. Just. Are. And they know it.

When I was a freshman in college I had a couple classes with this guy I liked.  We spent lots and LOTS of time together.  One time he told me, "I just need to find a girl with your personality".

Ouch.

I headed to Institute after this conversation to attend class with my best friend (who I've known since birth.) Mckenna has a gift.  Since I was little she's always been able to say exactly what I need to hear exactly when I need to hear it.  She's just cool like that.

I sat in my seat, Kenna walked in, sat by me and instantly asked what was wrong.  I told her nothing. We started to sing the opening song and I started to cry.  I got up and went to the bathroom and Kenna followed.  While I sat on the bathroom floor crying, she asked what was wrong.  I told her what that boy had said to me.  Then I said "Kenna, I'm just not good enough.  I'm not pretty enough. There is something wrong with me.  I'm the ONLY one with MY personality, and if he can't like me, than there has to be something wrong!"

That's when Kenna got mad.  She looked me in the eye and said, "You are a beautiful daughter of God.  Don't you EVER let ANYONE make you feel like you are less than you are."

Then we ate some chocolate.

Something changed in me that day.  She was right.  I AM a beautiful daughter of God and never again was I going to let what someone said to me, or thought of me, change that FACT in my mind.

I know WHOSE I am.  I know WHO I am.  I know my potential as a daughter of God, and I don't need to dress to show off my body to impress a boy.  Guess what? The boys who want you to dress immodestly are not the type of boys you want anyway! You want a MAN who will love that you know who you are. You want a MAN who loves that you keep your standards. You want a MAN who loves that you respect yourself enough to dress modestly.  He will see your true, God-given beauty. And he will love it.

You are a beautiful daughter of God. And beautiful things don't ask for attention.

To learn more about The Sister Shop, visit our website

thesistershop.com

follow us:

instagram.com/sistershopboutique

facebook.com/sistershopboutique

the first day of school.

Remember when you were little and picking out your outfit for the first day of school was the biggest decision you had to make? Now, you're deciding what to major in in college, what classes to take and how many credits you can manage.  Or are nearing the end of your high school experience and trying to decide what the next step is. 

We can't help you decide your major or make new friends, but we can make sure your outfit is killer.

Here at The Sister Shop, we want to make your new semester a little easier, by helping you look cute on your first day.  A common misconception about our shop is that we are "just a missionary store" or that you "have to have your call to shop here" or that you "have to be Mormon" to shop here.  None of these are true! We have clothes for YOU. 

It is true that we don't carry pants or shorts.  But you can buy those lots of places.  We do carry the cutest tops, skirts and dresses that are mission standard. Meaning, that if you are LDS and wear garments, our clothes will cover them.  Or if you don't and still want to be a little more modest, our clothes have got you covered.  

So whether you are the back to school excited type

Or are dreading the first day of school...

Come to The Sister Shop and we will help you make it the best first day of school ever. Our friendly and experienced staff love helping you put together the perfect outfit.  And lets be honest, looking and feeling cute can only help your first day go as smoothly as possible.

You can pair any of our adorable tops or cardigans with jeans or colored skinnies to make the perfect outfit.  We also have dresses and pencil skirts you can dress down for the perfect casual look.

Perfect casual dress with wedges.

Aztec print with black skinnies.

 Cute snap cardigan with long pendant.

 Zoe top with combat boots and black skinnies.

Striped tan pencil with plain T.

If you can't come visit us here in Logan stop by our website!

thesistershop.com

or follow us:

facebook.com/sistershopboutique

instagram.com/sistershopboutique

{the perfect dress}

Ever heard of a 'little black dress'?  How about a little striped dress but a little more modest.
These beauties have arrived at The Sister Shop and are flying off the rack!  We have them in white with black stripes, white with navy stripes and white with mint stripes.

The beauty of this classic cut dress is that it is so {VERSATILE}. You can dress it up or dress it down.  Add tights, boots and a cardigan and you are set for fall.  Throw on a waist belt and sandals or a long pendant necklace and flip flops to dress it down.  Add heels and pearls to dress it up.  It really has limitless possibilities. And it's just so cute. Here is the beautiful Lexi in this timeless dress ready for any occasion and any season!

 long pendant + flip flops = simple chic

red belt + the cutest red shoes by Taos = classic

 dressed down with a simple belt + flip flops = perfect for summer

 infinity scarf + leather boots = ready for fall

snap cardigan + leather boots = winter lovin'

cognac belt + cognac shoes = perfection

Mint has arrived and it is flawless.

Navy has also joined the party. Just restocked, but not for long!

Come try one on or order yours from our online store. 

It really is the perfect dress.  

From versatility to comfort, this dress has it all.

thesistershop.com

or follow us:

facebook.com/sistershopboutique

instagram.com/sistershopboutique

Ten Things to Love About the Sister Shop

1.    Modest clothing doesn't mean boring!  At The Sister Shop we like sell stylishly modest clothing that is fun and makes you look AND feel great! 

The Sister Shop

2.  You don’t have to be a sister missionary to shop here. Our clothing is great for work, church, school or just because!

Perfect Skirt, Poppy Top, Modified Pencil Skirt, Zoe Top, Perfect Skirt, Ardene Dress by JUNIEblake

3.  The Sister Shop gives you good value for your money. We try to sell top quality items that will last for a long time. Watch our Instagram and Facebook page for specials, and we always have a coupon in the Cache Valley Hometown Values magazine. Also, join our email list!

Custom Made Missionary Bags

      4.   Sister missionaries get 10% off.  15% if you buy $500 or more of what you need for your mission at one time. Hey, less hassle and more savings! We have custom missionary bags, travel accessories, rain jackets and coats all perfect for missionaries.

Charles River Rain Jackets

      5.   Most of our clothing is made from durable knit fabric that lets you look great and feel comfortable all day long. We’ve had the comment many times that it’s like wearing pajamas, only you look fabulous!

Beautifully classic Perfect Skirt

            6.    We don’t sell pants.  Pants can be found lots of places! We sell hard to find items like modest skirts and dresses that are at knee length or longer, great modest blouses and tops, high quality slips, and fabulous shoes and accessories. We do sell JUNIEblake, Adelaide*, Hush Puppies and Taos Footwear, plus lots of other great brands.

Ardene Dress by JUNIEblake

      7.  Sensible shoes don’t have to be boring! We carry Hush Puppies and Taos women’s shoes that are high quality real leather with real foot support. These shoes look great with a skirt or dress, and still let you walk all day in comfort. A necessity for sister missionaries, and everyone else, really. Aren’t you tired of having your feel hurt after just a couple of hours, not to mention the damage that is being done to your feet!

Taos and Hush Puppies Shoes

       8.  Customer service is alive and well at The Sister Shop. Have you ever gone into a big department store and wandered around forever looking for someone to answer a question? At The Sister Shop customer service is our specialty and our favorite thing! We love helping you find just what you’re looking for. Need help putting together an outfit, or even a whole wardrobe? We’re here to help! Plus our store is fun and cute, so that makes shopping just that much better.

Cute, fun store!

      9.  Remember the name Adelaide*.  That is the name of our own line of clothes that we design because fabulous modest clothes are so hard to find. The Annie dress is our newest creation and is only found at The Sister Shop!

Annie Dress by Adelaide*

           10.    If you don’t live in Cache Valley, don’t despair! We launched our online store this fall and you can find many of our great items at www.the-sister-shop.com.

      

      

thesistershop.com

or follow us:

facebook.com/sistershopboutique

instagram.com/sistershopboutique

5 Ways to Wear the Zoe

Meet Zoe: One of the first two tops from our brand new clothing line Adelaide*

This half-sleeve top doesn't require any layering. The fabric is so comfortable you'll be tempted to wear it every day. The wide variety of colors make it extremely versatile and the perfect piece that's dressy and comfortable. Here are five ways to wear this adorable shirt:

1: With colored skinny jeans. 

Here the Zoe is paired with seafoam green skinnies for a casual look. You could also pair it with pink, orange, black, or white.

2: Tucked into the Perfect Skirt

Add a skinny belt and a necklace for an additional flair

3: Tucked into a colored pencil skirt

A pencil skirt makes any outfit classy. This bright pink color is extra fun and makes the outfit really pop.

4: Untucked with a skinny belt

The Perfect skirt really is the perfect match with this shirt. This combination is probably the most comfortable outfit you'll ever wear.

5: Add a cardigan with a pencil skirt.

A cardigan easily transforms this outfit from summer to fall and adds a touch of class. 

Come visit us at our store or online to get your own adorable Zoe top!

thesistershop.com

 follow us:

facebook.com/sistershopboutique

instagram.com/sistershopboutique