And the winner of the modest Hydrochic swimsuit is...

Haley!!!


Random.org choose 21 as the magic number for today (not a bad one, it's a really nice age to be... ;), which means that Haley will be receiving the HydroChic swimsuit top and bottom of her choice. Congratulations Haley - I hope you enjoy your prize! :)

Thanks to everyone who took the time to enter the giveaway! Remember, you can still receive 8% off anything you order at HydroChic.com with the coupon code: AmandaBeth


Remember to keep it cool and modest this summer! xo

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Also, I just wanted to take a second to let you know that a "Narnia" themed blog event that is currently running over at The Christian Fashionista. If you've enjoyed the past fashion events that we've hosted here at AmandaBeth, you might want to check it out. :)

Have a lovely rest of the week! God bless.

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Jane Style

If Jane Powell were food, she'd be something wholesome, homemade and very sweet. Like a sugar cookie, or a donut with pink and purple sprinkles. (Apparently I did too much baking last week, since I'm starting to compare people to food. lol :). There's no denying that Jane was the picture perfect girl-next-door, complete with golden curls, a wide smile, and big baby-blue eyes. She's the girl who would have every space on her dance card full, and a wide group of friends following enthusiastically in her tiny footsteps.

Jane was a petite girl, at just over 5 feet tall, but had personality and a singing voice big enough to fill the largest room. One of the few successful sopranos of the "golden age of Hollywood" she recorded and  performed numerous musical numbers with an astonishingly high, birdlike voice. Jane also had the honor of singing at President Truman's inaugural ball in 1949.

Coming to the big screen at the tender age of 15, she rose to stardom in the popular musicals of the day, most famously headlining the classic Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (which remains one of my favorite family movie musicals of all time :).

As far as fashion goes, Jane epitomizes the ultra feminine look of the 1950s. She wore her hair short and curly, and all her dresses (as seen in these "1850s meet 1950s" publicity stills for Seven Brides for Seven Brothers) feature full skirts and wide hemlines. White pumps seemed to be the order of this shoot, and floral prints, eyelet lace, and ribbon bows abound.

It's interesting to see how similar the style of these dresses are to some of the fare that has graced the department stores over the past few years. I know for a fact that I've found modern sewing patterns for all of these looks. So if you're in a "Jane-ish"mood, there are lots of options available...

Lastly, just because I want to get you hooked on Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, take a peek at this clip from the movie. This only one of the many memorable moments in the film, and I just adore it. This movie comes highly recommended. ;)

There. Who would have thought that backwoodsmen could be such great dancers? ;)


Images: Jane Powell Scrapbook

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And the winner of the custom sticker/labels is...

Missy Rose!

Random.org drew #18 as the winner. Congrats Missy Rose! I hope you enjoy the labels! :)

UPDATE on the Modest Swimwear Giveaway!

I just wanted to mention a couple of special features I missed before.

HydroChic carries over 40 plus size items in sizes up to 4x, and also has a maternity top for those who are expecting. All the tops come with a free swim bra (sports bra for the water or gym), and all swimsuits are made from UV Protective material to protect users from the sun's harmful rays (also good for people with sensitive skin or want to protect against skin cancer).

Even more options and additions! This is one fab giveaway... be sure to enter if you haven't done so already - you've got one more week!!! :)

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Modest Swimwear Giveaway!

Yay! It's summer! That lovely time of year meant for cook outs, sports (we've been playing a lot of volleyball for the past month :), swimming in the pool, and taking lovely day trips to the beach (or lake, if you don't live near the coast). Of course, some of these activities require a bathing suit. And often, finding a modest one that fits your needs, in an increasingly immodest society, can be quite tricky.

One of the reasons I created the Modest Fashion Bloggers Network was not only to bring together a listing of bloggers who focus on conservative fashion, but to also assemble a page of modest and feminine shopping resources. Of course, there are some great swimwear sites there,  to help you in selecting the perfect modest swimsuit for you.

But today, here on AmandaBeth, there's a super exciting chance to WIN your own modest swimsuit from HydroChic, a company specializing in sun protective water sportswear "so you feel comfortable and confident both in and out of the water."

How would you like to pick two separate pieces (a top and a bottom) to customize your own modest  swimwear to fit your needs? That's exactly what you'll get from HydroChic if you are the lucky winner of this fabulous giveaway!

Here's how to enter for a chance at a 2 piece modest swimsuit:

• Leave a comment - 1 entry
• Follow the blog, AmandaBFly on Twitter, or Amanda Flynn on Tumblr, or become a fan of AmandaBeth on Facebook - 1 entry for each
• Post about the giveaway (on your blog, Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, et cetera - include the link in your comment!) - 2 entries for each

Be sure to leave a separate comment for each way you enter, or the additional entries will not be counted. Also, include the best way to contact you (email/blog/other).

The giveaway will run through midnight (EST), August 4th, 2010, and the winner will be announced the following day. Good luck (I wish you all could win :)!

Be sure to check out HydroChic's site for a variety of modest swimsuits. You can also receive 8% off anything you order with the coupon code: AmandaBeth

Have a lovely rest of the week! I'm busy preparing for Saturday's 1860's ball... should be great fun. :)

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Custom Sticker/Labels Giveaway!

I just love giveaways! Don't you? I think they're a great way to start off the week.
(Think "Happy Monday" thoughts! :)

This one is for your own custom sticker labels - perfect for advertising your business or event, sharing a personalized message, an address label, or whatever creative idea you come up with! Digital Room has lots of options and is a great place for cheap labels. Here's the full details of the giveaway...

250 Stickers/Labels on 70lb Label Matte
2×3.5", 2×4", 3×3"
Full Color Front and Blank back
Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above

How to enter:

• Leave a comment about how you would use these labels - 1 entry
• Follow the blog, AmandaBFly on Twitter, or Amanda Flynn on Tumblr, or become a fan of AmandaBeth on Facebook -1 entry for each
• Post about the giveaway (on your blog, Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, et cetera - include the link in your comment!) - 2 entries for each

The giveaway will run through midnight (EST), July 26th, 2010, and the winner will be announced the following day. I look forward to reading all your ideas on how you would use the labels. I'll receive my own set for hosting the giveaway and need to decide what I'd like to have printed! (It will probably be something fashion-y. :)

This isn't all from AmandaBeth for the week - keep your eyes open for another super giveaway on Wednesday!

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I {heart} Kate Spade

I often use words and phrases commonly ascribed to food when describing things I love. Certain colors are just "yummy," styles are "delicious," and sometimes you can just "taste" those details. Kind of funny, considering that neither eating or cooking are hobbies of mine. ;)

But these designs by Kate Spade are decidedly "yummy" and give me a cheery, sunshine-y feeling. :) They're the perfect looks for a warm summer afternoon... or really any kind of weather, time or season.

 

Mmm...yellow. Don't you agree that this popular color is just as sweet as lemonade? I'm so glad it's become a trend - it makes everything nice and sunny. :)

The first top is appropriately named "Saltwater Taffy" and features brightly colored candies all over the place. The multi-ruffled neckline adds body and flair and keeps the blouse from looking too youthful. The "Fluorescent" top is a dream of yellow and brown stripes, with pearly gold buttons and a ruffle at the neckline. (And check out that necklace!)

 

Other than being a wee bit short, these two dresses are so delightful! The "Garden Party" gown is a 1950s-inspired dream, with it's sleek silhouette and bright and bold flowers. The skinny belt and ruffly top are just fun.

The color of the "Tutti Frutti" dress is one of my favorites - a bright coral-y shade. I think this dress would be really cute over white, knee-length shorts. Love the neckline and the chic ribbon belt.

 

While we're on the subject of color, take a long look at this spectacular burnt-orange top. I love how the button up front and ruffled collar add sophistication, but the lack of sleeves keeps things from getting too formal.

The "Karina" blouse is cut in a flattering style (adore it!) and features a chic neck scarf. Gotta love the touch of class it brings to the look!

 

I'm not a polka-dot girl in general, but the bright shades and wide bands of color at the hem of this skirt make it very appealing. What do you think? :)

Of course, when it comes to shoes, great colors are as essential as a great design. This one is gorgeous, classy and trendy in a brilliant shade of purple. Obviously, any shoe that's made of satin is twice as lovely...

 

A brilliant blue shoe is like something out of a fairytale, and this classic pump is made exciting by a shiny surface and rows of little cut-outs. I've already shared some thoughts on yellow, but this wedge is just a dream. I love the casual air that a great pair of wedge heels lend to an outfit. They never look like they're trying too hard. Always perfect.

All of these "delicious" pieces are currently on sale, but still way out of my price range. Neverless, I just love Kate Spade. She's one fashion-y gal. :)

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Late night video blog...

Au revoir mes amies! :)

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