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

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the only shoes you'll ever need.

okay.  They aren't the ONLY shoes you'll ever need, but if you are looking for the most comfortable, durable, leather shoes...we've got em'.

enter :

Toas were created in 2005.  Their goal is to give women stylish and comfortable footwear. Their moto is commitment to style, comfort, and quality.
They are designed in California and are made in the best factories around the world.  Many of the Toas we carry at The Sister Shop are crafted in Spain, with beautiful detailed leather.
Another reason to love Taos is they are environmentally friendly!  Their shoeboxes are made with recycled stock and soy-based inks!  

 The Step-it-up, we carry it in sand, navy and graphite. That comfortable heel grip will change your life!

So apart from being leather, durable and cute, why do we love Taos so much? 

They are the MOST comfortable shoes you will ever put on your feet.

Girls preparing for their missions come into The Sister Shop to try on shoes.  Now, missionaries will be on their feet ALL DAY ERRY DAY. They need comfort, durability, versatility. When these missionaries slip their feet into the Taos they are so excited that they've found all of the things they need in these beautiful, light-weight shoes!  We have been selling Toas to Misionaries going all over the world!! Proving their versatility. From Vietnam to Brazil, Taos are there on the feet of missionaries.

(Mama was right. Clearly she was talking about Taos.....they ARE magic shoes.)

These are actual statements we've heard from actual customers upon their maiden voyage of trying on Taos shoes:

"It's like having clouds on me feet."

"Oh my gosh."

"These are ridiculously comfortable."

"It's like I'm wearing NOTHING. That's how comfortable they are."

"They just move with my feet!!"

"Cute and comfortable.  I didn't know that existed!"

"They are so so comfortable, how do they do that?"

"They are supportive but not restricting my feet!"

We also have quite a few older ladies coming in looking for GOOD QUALITY shoes that won't hurt their feet!  Many of these wonderful ladies have problems with their feet. Whether they have a brace or insert or bunions, they are loving Taos.

One such lady came in, she has the hardest time finding shoes to fit.  Shoes that are comfortable but versatile enough for her needs.  She put on a pair of Taos then said this:

"My feet don't hurt. That's a first."

She bought two pairs.

One of the pairs she got was the beautiful Mambo, we just started carrying this shoe and we cannot keep it in stock!  It is literally running off the shelf ;)

Mambo in Saddle-tan. And all beautiful-like.

For me personally, the Mambo is THE most comfortable shoe I've ever tired on.
And yes, I got a pair :)

We've loved the Saddle-tan Mambo so much that we ordered it in two more colors! Granite & Black! Soon, we will offer all three colors here at The Sister Shop. Can't wait for them to get here.

So. Taos are pretty great.  If you haven't tried them on YOU NEED TO.

Comfort. Durability. Versatility. Lasting. Cute. Soft-move-with-your-feet-leather. These are all words that describe the beauty of Taos shoes.

Make sure that ANY leather shoes you choose to buy, you are waterproofing them.  That's what I tell every single missionary that steps through our doors.  We recommend a silicone water proofing spray.  But any way you treat your leather should help protect it from the elements.

Take care of your leather Taos and they will take care of you. :)

To learn more about The Sister Shop, visit our website

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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

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breaking the mold

Today I helped the absolute cutest girl outfit her mission.  She found so many cute, colorful, happy outfits.  She wanted to dress to match her personality.

The challege? Covering her tattoos.

She didn't fit the mold of most girls who come in the front door of The Sister Shop looking for clothes, shoes and accessories for their missions.  But that doesn't mean she was any less worthy or ready and willing to serve.  When I first saw her, I'll admit, she didn't strike me as someone preparing for a mission.  As I talked with her and got to know her a little bit I saw someone who was excited and a little bit overwhelmed with the idea of leaving for 18 months.  I saw someone who was a happy & bright light.  Someone who could relate to many people because of her past. Someone who was leaving home for 18 months to teach others about Christ.  His love for them and His Atonement.

I recently read Al Fox Carraway's blog post about how she hated how everyone called her "The Tattooed Mormon" (you can read it here, it's incredible. alfoxshead.blogspot.com/2015/08/i-hate-tattooed-mormon.html) This is what she had to say about making people fit in 'molds' or judging someone because of their past.

"Calling me the tattooed Mormon is hardly any different than calling someone else the “used to smoke Mormon,” or the “I used to look at pornography Mormon.” Let me be clear, I am not saying tattoos are next to those sins, but I am saying that it is referring people by who they no longer are and by what they are no longer doing and a part of. And why would anyone ever want to do that? We most definitely would not like it if others did that to us. Because of repentance, because of Christ and His atonement, to God my tattoos are not just something He chooses to overlook, because they in reality do not even exist at all. That is what the atonement is. That is what the gospel does for us."

It's easy to put people in boxes.  To label them.  To judge them based on first impressions or how they look.  But we don't know peoples stories.  Their past.  Al Carraway put it perfectly,

"Let us move past the fact I have tattoos. Let us move past the fact that there are people in your ward that have a different journey than you with different lessons. Let us move past the fact that there is a lot of crazy stuff happening in the world, with even crazier opinions and viewpoints and changes. Let us refocus on why we are here and what we need to be doing. Let us refocus on Christ and His compassion He showed to absolutely everyone and His dedication to returning to our Father in Heaven. Let us have compassion and eternal motives behind every thought and action. Move forward with a brightness of hope and a new mindset and perspective and a whole lot of love and understanding."

That truly is the beauty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Love. Understanding.
Let's break the mold.  Let us treat others how Christ would treat them.

As stated in my last blog post about the first day of school (sistershopboutique.blogspot.com/2015/08/the-first-day-of-school.html), you don't have to "fit a mold" to shop here.  You don't have to be a missionary, have a call, be a member.  We are here to help your typical woman find modest clothing but still look and feel beautiful.   Modesty does not equal drab.

That's another mold we can break.

Modest = Cute, Classy, Fun, Happy, Tailored, Chic, Timeless.

That cute missionary I helped today was all of those things.

For more information about The Sister Shop, visit our online store

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Navy - The Most Overlooked Neutral

Most of the time when neutrals are discussed people talk about black, brown, gray and tan. However, navy can be one of the most versatile neutrals to fit into your wardrobe. It is a fantastic color for every season and is a great color to build into your wardrobe. 

Black can sometimes be a very harsh color. Swapping black out for navy will soften and brighten your outfit, making it perfect for a cool winter day or warmer spring. Navy is also one of those colors that looks fantastic with nearly any color you pair it with. Some of the best options include: coral, white, yellow, turquoise, cream, tan, pink, red, and gray.

As Stephanie likes to say, navy is her neutral. Stephanie doesn't like to wear black or brown, so navy is her go-to for neutral pieces in her wardrobe.

Items to build into your wardrobe
1) A plain navy skirt - it can be a pencil, slinky, a-line or whatever style you like best
2)  A navy top - can be paired with skirts or pants
3) A skirt with navy accents - pick the colors you like best to pair it with. The options are limitless!
4)  A navy purse - perfect for nearly any occasion
5) Navy shoes - flats or heels look great with many outfits

How to wear it:

1) With complimentary colors

Here Stephanie pairs a navy pencil skirt with a complimentary lighter blue blouse. She finishes off the look with brown Taos shoes.

2) With contrasting colors

Here Stephanie uses a lighter shade of navy for a top with a maxi skirt that has navy accents in it. Pairing it with these navy hush puppies completes the look.

3) To brighten up an outfit and make your blouse's color 'pop'

For this outfit Stephanie pairs a navy a-line skirt with a bright turquoise top. Wearing a navy skirt instead of black brightens up the outfit and makes it perfect for spring.

4) In place of a black skirt

Here Stephanie wears one of our most popular skirts, the navy slinky. This skirt is also available in black, but the navy contrasts perfectly with the turquoise belt and coral cardigan. A ruffle layering shirt and navy Hush Puppies shoes make this outfit picture perfect and amazingly comfortable.

*All the clothes and shoes shown in this post are available for purchase at The Sister Shop.

Tips for Riding a Bike on a Mission

Biking while on a mission can seem a bit daunting, especially in a skirt. 

"How do I ride a bike in a skirt?" is a question nearly all girls called on biking missions ask. Luckily our dear friend Jami served a mission in the Netherlands and rode a bike nearly her entire mission. Here are her tips from an expert for all you future biking sisters!

Jami biking in The Netherlands, isn't she cute??

1- Bike shorts or a biking slip are your best friend. These allow you to ride your bike without the fear of showing a bit too much. Normal leggings will also work. We have a big variety of biking shorts and slips at The Sister Shop.  Getting a slip with 'legs' will help to keep your skirt right where you want it while you bike!  We call this lovely slip our 'pantaloons'; they may look old fashioned but they will save lots of stress and discomfort while riding a bike.

2- Stretchy straight/pencil skirts for the win!  Walking in a pencil skirt with no stretch is difficult enough, so riding a bike in one is never a good idea. Luckily a modified pencil skirt with a lot of stretch will work just fine, and stay in place.  Here at The Sister Shop we have the PERFECT biking skirts.  They are a knit stretchy modified pencil and will stay right by your knees as you bike.  They won't get caught in your gears or blow up with a gust of wind.

Pencil will hit most average height girls below the knee-- beautiful Jami is 5'11":)

3- Learn how to use gears. Change gears every time you stop at a light so you don't hurt your knees when you get started. This will save your legs a lot of ache and pain. When going up hill, switch to a lower gear, your legs will thank you!

4- Skirts that are too flowy or long will get caught in your tires. Instead choose skirts that are just below your knee so you can avoid damaging them or getting hurt yourself.

5- The bigger your seat the better your bum will feel. This may sound silly but it's true. Try to get a wider seat so you'll be more comfortable while riding. Trust us, you'll thank us later.  If your bike has a smaller seat, have no fear! You can buy gel pads that attach to your seat for more comfortable riding.

6- Get a bike light. Especially in northern countries it gets dark very early in the winter. A bike light is a great way to help you stay safe when it's starting to get dark outside.  Get one that has a flash setting that attaches to the rear of your bike. It will help drivers and other bikers see you when it's dark.

7- Follow bike traffic rules. This is a huge one. Especially in many places in Europe, there are thousands of people riding bikes all the time. In order to keep yourself and others safe you'll need to learn the bike traffic rules of where you're serving and follow them.

Double-decker bike racks are common in many European countries

8 - Biking is a great time to get to know your companion. Biking can get monotonous just as any activity can. Use your time wisely to get to know your companion or play fun games. It'll help your relationship and help the time pass quickly.  Play get to know you games, quiz each other with scripture mastery and Preach My Gospel lessons.

9- Use a hair tie or Velcro to keep flowy skirts from getting caught in your gears/tires/chain.

You can hand sew a small piece of Velcro on hem the inside of your skirt, just between your legs on the front and back of the skirt.  You can also use a hair tie, gather up your skirt at the bottom and tie the hair tie around the gathered part. You can also get a large safety pin and pin the bottom of your skirt together between your knees, but at the hem. 

10- Get a Messenger Bag with waist or back pack straps.

This will help distribute the weight of your bag and make it so it doesn't hang off one side of your bike!  Balancing on a bike in a skirt is hard enough, having the weight of your bag up around your waist will help a lot. 

 These wonderful bags are called Zion Bags and are sold right here at The Sister Shop.  Zion Bags are literally the best bag for your mission.  Durable, water resistant, rain fly, waist buckle, padded straps, safety light, thief protection and more!

Come in to The Sister Shop today, or shop online.  We have all the skirts, bags and slips you need for biking on your mission.

For more information about The Sister Shop, visit our online store or follow us:

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5 Reasons a Maxi Skirt is a Necessity

At least one maxi skirt is an essential whether you're serving a mission or just as a part of your every day wardrobe. Maxi skirts are fun, fashionable, comfortable, and oh so adorable. They can be dressed up for work or business, or they can be dressed down for a day at the park or beach. Here are five reasons a maxi skirt is a necessity for your wardrobe:

1) Maxis are the yoga pants of the skirt world. They are so comfortable sometimes you'll forget you're wearing a skirt. Comfort is key when serving a mission because of the amount of time you'll spend wearing a skirt.

2) Maxis are perfect for any kind of weather. Hot weather - they're breezy enough you won't get too warm while wearing them. Cold weather - they're long enough they cover you from waist to ankle. You can also wear fleece tights or leggings underneath for extra warmth.

3) No shaving. Because maxis are floor length you don't have to shave your legs, which is a definite bonus.

4) Versatility - you can wear maxis as a skirt or pull it up and add a cardigan to wear it as a dress.

5) There are so many options for fun colors and patterns to brighten up your wardrobe.  Maxis also are fairly thin so they fit very nicely into a suitcase.

*Note: Due to different mission standards maxi skirts can be hemmed to meet your mission requirements.

Maximizing Your Wardrobe: One Shirt Eight Ways

One of the hardest parts of serving a mission is the limited amount of space you have for personal belongings. At The Sister Shop it's our goal to help you maximize your wardrobe and get the most out of the clothes you take with you. In this post we'll show you how to style a solid colored blouse with eight different skirts.

1- Pair it with a coordinating patterned maxi skirt. Yellow is a fantastic color because it matches so 

many other colors. Here Jami pairs it with a patterned maxi skirt that has a slightly darker yellow 

already in the skirt.  

2- Pair it with a coordinating patterned pencil skirt. This JUNIEblake pencil is so fun!  Nothing is classier than a pencil skirt with a blouse tucked in. Many girls tend to stay away from patterned skirts because they're afraid they won't be able to match their shirts with them. We believe a patterned skirt is one of the best ways to mix up your wardrobe. If you find a skirt that has multiple colors in it you'll be able to match several solid colored shirts with it.  These black Hush Puppies are a perfect finish to the outfit.

3- Pair it with a plain colored, below the knee skirt with a belt. Our "slinky" skirt is a perfect choice that comes in black or navy!  A plain, just below the knee black skirt is an essential for almost every missionary. This skirt is super versatile, and will match almost every shirt you bring. Add a little more flair to this outfit by adding a waist belt.

4- Pair it with a minimal patterned pencil skirt. Another fun JUNIEblake pencil, black with a grey pattern.  Once again, pencil skirts dress up any outfit. This pencil skirt is fabulous because of it's neutral colors, but still has a subtle pattern.

5- Pair it with our ruffle skirt. Our ruffle skirts are one of our best selling skirts. They flatter nearly every body type and are very comfortable because of their elastic waist. The ruffles on the bottom add just enough frills to make it a bit more exciting than a plain skirt.  This plum color goes especially well with the cheery yellow. These Taos mary janes have a slight heel to add a dressy touch, but are still so comfortable!

6- Pair it with a plain, contrasting color pencil skirt and an infinity scarf. We love colors, and especially these two colors together. Yellow and blue nearly always look fantastic together. The color of this skirt brightens up the muted tones of the top and make for a bright and happy outfit. The sand colored Taos shoes Jami is wearing are so neutral they will go with just about any outfit, so cute and comfy!

7- Pair it with a contrasting maxi skirt. This outfit is tons of fun. The green and yellow are a bit unexpected, but go together so well. 

8- Pair it with a plain colored maxi and belt it. A plain colored maxi skirt can be hemmed just above the ankle or mid-calf and is an essential for any missionary. This skirt will match nearly everything and is very versatile. It is super breezy for summer or can be paired with leggings or fleece tights in the winter to keep your legs extra warm. 

Please note:  our beautiful model Jami is 5'11" tall, so the pencil skirts will be missionary standard on 

anyone shorter than that!  Also, maxi skirts can be hemmed to any length for mission standards.  Maxi skirt patterns come and go in our shop, but our basic skirts are always here for you!

Welcome!

Welcome to our blog! Our goal as The Sister Shop is to make preparing for a mission as easy for you as we can. Here we'll post tips, tricks, advice, and ideas for girls going on missions or for anyone who wants modest fashion advice. We'll also post promotions, giveaways, and details on our new arrivals. Getting ready to serve can be a daunting task. We're here to make it as easy and as much fun as possible. At The Sister Shop we've got your fashion needs covered and the rest of you too. Thanks for stopping by!