Providing Mentorship and Resources to Blossom

“Don’t go killing all my roses, ‘cause I’ve only started growing… ”

— Jenna Raine

Like the lyrics in Jenna Raine’s song, Roses, “She’s only just started growing.” This young woman is going to do great things—she’s funny, beautiful, smart, and has the whole world at her fingertips. Sometimes, all she needs is a reminder of her worth, someone to lift her up when she feels like she’s falling, and a community to nurture her spirit when life gets tough.

At Top Buttons, we’re here to walk alongside her and so many others like her. Through boutique sessions, mentorship and providing needed resources, we remind young women that they are capable, worthy, and full of potential. This young lady is from a local high school and participated in our Wearing Confidence Program session along with 3 other young women. Watching her come alive and experience a boost in self confidence during her time with us was very special. The feedback from the school administrator and the girls remind us just how essential the programs of Top Buttons really are.

By supporting our mission—whether through financial support, shopping, donating clothing, or simply sharing our message—you become part of the story that helps her grow into the incredible woman she’s destined to be. And as she blossoms, so does our community.

Let’s keep those roses blooming. 🌹

A Heartfelt Thank You and One More Ask to Shine Brighter in 2025!

This year, Top Buttons has experienced significant support through volunteerism and community engagement. With over 17,000 transactions through our thrift store operations in Polk County, we’ve seen firsthand the power of daily interactions and the generosity of individuals like you. These contributions are vital, helping us cover the majority of our operational costs and partially funding the programs that empower young women in our community. In 2024 alone, 1,729 volunteer hours were generously contributed by our community, helping us serve a total of 347 girls through our programs. These numbers represent the incredible collective effort to make a real difference in the lives of young women, providing mentorship, skills training, and essential resources to help them succeed.

We are also incredibly honored to be named your "Best Boutique" in this year’s Lakelander Choice Awards! To be recognized among so many amazing boutiques in our city reaffirms that you believe in our mission, see the need we address, and recognize the impact we’re making together. Simply put, we could not do this without you.

As 2024 comes to a close, we reflect on a year full of challenges. From navigating difficult times with economic ups and downs to enduring the impact of two hurricanes, it has been a season of perseverance and resilience. Yet through it all, the support of our community has kept us going. Now, as we look ahead to 2025, we have one more ask to finish the year strong.

“My time here is helping me feel more confident and my program director pushes me to do things I normally wouldn’t do on my own. I feel more equipped and now excited about getting a job since I started working with Top Buttons.”

— Alexis (Shine Program Recipient)

Would you help us officially launch the Shine Mentorship Program? This vital program will provide life-changing opportunities for young women, offering mentorship, skills development, and resources to help them shine in their futures. To make this dream a reality, we need to raise $30,000 to close out 2024 on a strong note and ensure we hit the ground running in 2025.

Your support has already done so much. With your help, we can take this next bold step to empower even more lives. Every donation counts, and together, we can make an extraordinary difference.

 Thank you for being an integral part of our journey.

Providing Teens With Quality and Proper Fitting Bras

Not only has our Program enrollment grown in 2019, but thanks to the generosity of so many in our community, we were able to add the gifting of brand new undergarments to every girl we served this year. Undergarments are a need few think about, but are so important! Before we were able to include this as a part of our services, we were noticing young women coming in with bras being held together with twisty-ties, if they had appropriate undergarments at all. What the undergarments have added to our program can’t be overly emphasized. To be able to see the girls we serve be comfortable in appropriate fitting clothing from their undergarments to their outer garments has been an incredible gift. And now when the girls come back to see us, we are noticing that they are wearing the same undergarments they were gifted with on their previous visit - and they are thrilled to receive another set! We believe every woman should have the privilege of owning brand new, appropriate fitting bras and panties.

The Morning Cruise with the JoyFM was a champion for our Top Buttons Undergarments Campaign in 2019. We are so grateful for their support and your donation which enabled us to provide this unique and greatly needed resource to young women! With the money raised in December of 2019, we have purchased bras for every young woman who has participated in our Wearing Confidence Program.

Now that we are nearing the end of 2019, we are looking to fund our Top Buttons Undergarment Project once again. We are ecstatic to share with you about our partnership with Soma Intimates. It’s a National Undergarment Company based out of Ft. Myers. They have partnered with us to provide their high quality bras and underwear at a discounted rate to serve the girls of our Wearing Confidence Program. We love Soma because their pieces are beautiful, but not hyper-sexualized….our girls not only feel pretty, but comfortable in being themselves. They also specialize in larger sizing, which is a huge need! Through this partnership we are able to keep the cost of our undergarments project at $40 per girl while still offering a very high quality brand to our girls!

Our goal for 2020 is to once again provide this resource to at-least 300 young women who participate in our Wearing Confidence Program. The girls we serve are truly blessed, and at times emotional, as they receive their undergarments. It is such an essential piece to our Program and no other organization in Central, FL offers a similar resource for at risk young women.

With a 1x donation of $40 from each donor who gave in 2019, we can fund this project once again.

Thank you for your continued support! We are so grateful for what God has done and we are excited and expectant for what He will continue to do.

You can donate via our website www.topbuttons.org/donate or make checks payable to: Top Buttons, Inc. and mail to:

236 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. FOR INFO GO TO www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com OR CALL 1-800-435-7352.

Top 3 Habits of Mentally Strong People

Being mentally strong will be a catalyst in your life for success. It doesn’t matter what it looks like on social media, everyone everywhere deals with serious internal battles as they navigate hardships, loss and change. But navigating the challenges of life with Christ at the center will give you what you need to be mentally STRONG. We have put together our Top 3 habits of mentally strong people. One thought at a time, work to reconstruct your thoughts to line up with what God says about you and your life.

1. They take responsibility for their life.

Feeling sorry for yourself and how you have been treated will not change the circumstances. Mentally strong people understand “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28. THAT’s you! Work on what you can and keep moving forward. Don’t sit around focusing on the actions of others and things you can’t control. People are people and they will let you down.

2. They adapt to circumstances and take risks.

Mentally strong people understand life happens, things change, people come and go and they are willing to adapt and grow with the changing canvas of our world. Adapting to life doesn’t mean changing your beliefs. Adapting to life means understanding the tools you use to succeed personally and professionally may change quickly. Living life with a willingness to adapt and take risks shows great mental strength as you weigh out the full scope of your decisions (positive and negative) while trusting God in the direction He’s leading you. The Bible says, “God will give wisdom to all without finding fault to those who ask.” James 1:5-8 That’s you! If you ask for Wisdom, God will give it to you! Have you asked God to direct you and are you willing to take a risk and/or change course if he guides you down a different path?

3. They focus on the future.

We can all learn from past experiences. We can appreciate the good and have cry sessions about the bad. Mentally strong people reflect, work through and seek counsel on their decisions and their hardships but then move on. Let it go. Living in the past will not get you to your future. Maybe what you envisioned for your life is not your current reality. Maybe you took a detour from God’s original plan. Do you think God isn’t capable of giving you an even better plan B? He absolutely is!

Position yourself in a way to receive from God. Take responsibility, be willing to change and take risks and focus on your future!

Photo by Beth Carter Photography

Beyond the Racks and the Register

At Top Buttons we have two main programs. The first program is our Boutique Program through which we serve ALL women in our community. We provide a beautiful environment with quality clothing items at low cost for anyone to purchase during public shopping hours. The items we offer would not normally be accessible to many who come shop with us. We strive to provide designer thrift items which are both clean and current for women to choose from for any occasion. It is not uncommon to have families of the girls enrolled in our Wearing Confidence Program come in and shop with us during public shopping hours. We love these opportunities as they enable us to pour into an entire family! We are often asked, “Who is your target market or the main demographic served through the retail side of Top Buttons?” When asked, we take great pride in saying, “As a nonprofit, our goal has never been to be a retail operation. However, we love that we are serving women of all economic backgrounds through our times of public shopping.” It is our hope that as a community, everyone has a way to both give to and receive from Top Buttons. The mission comes full circle as women donate clothes, volunteer, and shop with us. We love providing opportunities for all young women to volunteer. It teaches both job skills and helps many obtain community service hours through our Boutique Program and our Wearing Confidence Program.

Our Wearing Confidence Program is also facilitated through our boutiques and has two components. We offer education on contextual modesty, how to dress on the job, self- compassion, and most importantly - understanding identity in Christ. Through our Wearing Confidence Program, in addition to the educational sessions, we offer boutique sessions. Large groups of girls from our enrolled organizations come to us for private styling sessions. The sessions include styling services, free wardrobes of proper fitting attire, hair and makeup up touchups, free makeup (if age appropriate), professional photoshoots, and a mini devotional or educational piece. It's important for you to know that our stylists are not necessarily fashionistas, they are young women who want to give their time, love on, build up, and encourage girls in our community. Stylists are matched one on one with a program recipient where they shop our stores and talk about style preferences and clothing needs. Modesty really has so much to do with context even more than a specific set of rules. We look to prepare our girls with appropriate attire for school, the work place, and every day/casual options as well! It’s not about creating little GAP models. That’s why having nice thrift clothing is so helpful. We have an overwhelming amount of style options for our girls to mix, layer, and get out of their box with when it comes to their individual clothing vibe. It’s fun. Being together with other young women talking fashion, life, and faith makes for a great combination to connect and grow together. If you want more information about volunteering with us email info@topbuttons.org.

What Is Top Buttons | Commonly Asked Questions

We recognize that we are still a relatively new nonprofit with a unique mission. We love answering questions about our operations. See some commonly asked questions below and if we don’t answer a question you’ve been wondering about, please email us at info@topbuttons.org!

LEGAL and Financial

• When did Top Buttons get started? 12/12/12 


•  Are you a 501(c)3? Yes 


• How are you funded? We obtain funding by community members, grants, corporate sponsorships, fundraising events, and the revenue from our Boutique sales. 


• Why do you sell? We did not start Top Buttons to sell clothing, but it has been a great blessing to our organization and to women of all economic backgrounds in our community as they can both donate and shop while supporting our nonprofit mission.

• Why did you add new clothing in with the designer thrift? At times it is difficult to outfit a Wearing Confidence Program Recipient in thrift clothing alone.  When this is the case, young women are able to take new inventory for free to add to their wardrobe pieces.  Additionally, it allows us to offer more options for customers.

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

• Are you a faith-based organization? Yes! We are a faith-based charitable and educational nonprofit organization. We believe that real change comes from the inside out through Jesus Christ and this message is incorporated throughout our program services.

• How do girls qualify to obtain your services? Organizations who serve at risk young women between the ages of 11-25 may enroll with us and receive our Wearing Confidence Program Services free of charge. 


• What type of services and education do you offer? Through our Wearing Confidence Program we provide faith-based, confidence building education and proper fitting attire to more than 300 young women in need each year. 
Click here to see everything we offer through our Wearing Confidence Program.

• How do you measure your impact? We measure our impact through evaluations administered to program recipients and also through feedback obtained from the directors of our enrolled organizations. Also we measure impact through the demand for our services, the number of young women who receive our services, the repeat visits we have through mentorship and life skills training opportunities, and the amount of program recipients who obtain jobs after completing our program.

• What organizations are enrolled with Top Buttons? The Department of Corrections, PACE Center for Girls, Girls Inc., Heartland for Children, The FL Baptist Children’s Home, One More Child, Parker Street Ministries, West Area Adult School, East Area Adult School, Young Lives, Teen Challenge, Boys and Girls Clubs of Lakeland and Mulberry, Echo Ministries, Christ Memorial Youth and many more. 


 THE SHOP AND CLOTHING DONATIONS

• Are you consignment? Where do you get your clothes? We are not a consignment store. We are an educational and charitable nonprofit with a women’s clothing boutique. We offer NEW AND THRIFT clothing. Individuals in our local community donate thrift clothing to us and a donation receipt is given upon request for tax purposes. 


• How much clothing is given away and how much is sold? Approximately 50% is given away through our program services and 50% is sold. It is important to know that the young women we serve, who obtain free clothing, come back in and bring their families to shop with us. Women from all economic backgrounds come shop with us because we offer new clothing and beautiful designer thrift clothing options for them at inexpensive prices.

• What type of clothing donations are you looking for? We accept clothing and accessories from pre-teen to adult, maternity and plus-size for women only.

• How can I donate clothes? You can bring in clothing and accessories any time we are open for public shopping at either one of our boutique locations.  They do not have to be on hangers nor do they have to be specific brands.  We only ask that the items be clean with no holes or stains. Click here to see our boutique locations and hours of operation.

Offering New Clothing And Designer Thrift

Over the years there have been so many organic changes and developments in Top Buttons...sometimes it is an exciting change and other times, scary. But over and over again I am amazed by how things fall into place as we pursue God's plan for Top Buttons. Is it funny to talk about God’s leading in fashion? First of all, if you know Top Buttons, you know we exist to build up young women in light of God’s perfect design for them. It’s much more than just fashion.

But Like FCA uses sports to connect, equip, and inspire, Top Buttons uses fashion to do the same. A few of us on the Top Buttons team went to the Apparel Market in Atlanta last week and are excited to share with you that we are now going to offer new items, along with designer thrift clothing in our boutiques. The new items will be for our Wearing Confidence Program girls and to customers who shop to support our cause. 

Buying wholesale, we can get greatly needed clothing items for our girls that are difficult to supply through donated items alone, and we’re able to get them at a cheaper price point. On several occasions while servicing groups of girls, we have found that pants in particular can be the most difficult to outfit the girls with. As we women know, it helps to have a selection of different styles, in different sizes, when shopping for just the right pair of pants we can walk out of the store feeling confident in! We want to make sure the girls we serve have that same experience. It has also been a goal of ours for some time to be able to provide leggings for the girls we serve as some dresses might fit them just right, but be a bit on the shorter side - a problem that can be easily fixed with leggings! Though leggings are not for work, the girls we serve need every day and casual attire too. During our time in Atlanta, we found the perfect leggings for any and all of our girls available for purchase at a wholesale cost. Problem solved! Our girls are in need of proper fitting undergarments too and we will definitely not give them used undergarments! It will be great to work towards having new items of need on-hand and ready to provide. 

We know many of our customers are shopping with us because they love our cause and want to support our nonprofit organization. We want to expand what we offer our customers and give them more opportunities to support and obtain something they couldn’t find anywhere else in Lakeland... 

While at market we connected with high-end and mid-range quality clothing and accessory brands. As we shared the Top Buttons mission with them, both brand owners and reps were excited and anxious to help us with our efforts. We can’t wait to share about the brands we will be carrying in our Boutiques! You won’t need to drive to another city to obtain special occasion dresses, every day, or professional attire. You truly will be able to “shop and give” with every purchase at our boutiques. Thank you for supporting our mission to build self-worth in young women through mentorship, education and fashion.

Beauty for Ashes Nepal

The integrity, intelligence, compassion and determination with which Glenda lives her life inspires everyone who has the opportunity to meet her.  Who she is and what she is passionate about has been poured into every aspect of Beauty for Ashes.  To hear the stories, see the beautiful creations sold, and watch the development of this very special business in Nepal, leaves no doubt that God's hand is on Glenda and her business. And not just on Glenda and Beauty for Ashes, but the very deserving young women who benefit from being a part of her mission. 

Missions has always been a part of my soul. I have traveled to many countries for missions and even lived and worked in a church in Copenhagen, Denmark. Currently my sister, brother-in-law and their two children are missionaries in the Dominican Republic. My sister-in-law and her family have been missionaries to Peru and Spain for many years. To share the gospel of Jesus Christ, to disciple, and to provide resources to help people truly live a life with fullness of joy, despite their past or current circumstances, is absolutely everything.  It is such an honor to be able to partner with those on the front lines in other countries.  Serving God and fulfilling the calling He has placed on our lives is often far from easy, but everyone has a special role to fulfill.  We will continue purchasing fair trade items and supporting anti-human trafficking organizations, which is a part of how we hope to help build up young women around the world.  Top Buttons has a great selection of the exceptionally beautiful hand crafted jewelry pieces from Beauty for Ashes in both of our Boutiques.  This is a collaboration that we look to expand as it is our desire to support this organization and the many women it benefits. 

The words below were written by a staff member from Beauty for Ashes.  

When I first met Binti (name changed to protect identity) she was fearful and anxious. With eyes nearly always averted, she rarely smiled. One morning she was so overcome by fear, she nearly passed out. Lightheaded and shaking from anxiety, it became clear she believed the lie so many women around the world believe; that she had no value.

Life in Nepal for women is difficult. They are responsible for taking care of not only their own family but also their extended family and in-laws.  Cooking, cleaning, washing clothes by hand, and looking after children makes up most of their day. They rise early in the morning before everyone else to make tea and finish their day by being the last to eat dinner and then washing all the dishes. Often seen as second-class citizens with little rights, they struggle to make a living when they don’t have a husband or family. Those who have fallen prey to trafficking or exploitation are especially vulnerable to further abuse and poverty with little to no means to support themselves or their children. 

Beauty for Ashes Nepal (BFANepal) is a gift items and accessories manufacturing company.  We are privileged to walk alongside women breaking free from fear and shame through the transforming power of Jesus Christ. We employ women who are marginalized by society and those escaping exploitative situations. Many of our women have been told by society that they are not and will never be enough.

Within a few months of working with us, Binti became bright, more courageous, and full of joy. She carried herself differently and had the confidence to believe in herself. Through Christ’s love, Binti discovered the truth that she is valuable and loved abundantly.

We at BFANepal are incredibly honored to partner with Top Buttons as they empower young women to believe they are beautiful, encourage them to know their value, and present it to the world without compromise. As Top Buttons helps young women in the U.S. find confidence in who they are created to be, they are also helping women in Nepal learn who they are in Christ by purchasing products made by us.  As Top Buttons is teaching on topics involving self-esteem and purpose, BFANepal is also teaching Nepali women to be bold in their identity in Christ instead of being caught up in the shame so many women experience. We may be on opposite sides of the globe, but we are united in our missions to bring change to the way women see themselves, present themselves, and love themselves. - Erika Beelen

Celebrating 5 Years of Top Buttons

In the last 5 years we have served more than 1,000 very deserving young women in need through our partnerships with more than 20 organizations.  We have provided 30 +  educational events in packed auditoriums, churches, and small classrooms on self-compassion, job preparedness, effective communication, social media safety, goal setting, and positive body image. We have a thriving downtown Lakeland Upscale Thrift Boutique.  We have had hundreds of volunteers which continues to be one of the most important elements of fulfilling our missional objectives.  And now we have a second Top Buttons Boutique servicing the community of Bartow. 

                                First Top Buttons photoshoot with Beth Carter for our website. 

SUMMER 2012

I can't begin to tell you how much I adore working with young people.  Maybe it's because they make me feel young, maybe it's because of my own traumatic teenage years or maybe it's because it truly is my calling. With all of that said,  I thought by now I would grow out of it but that's just not the case. The summer of 2012, I spent an especially large amount of time with the Lord praying and seeking Him for guidance.  I also discussed (talked endlessly) with my other half (Brent Powers) about how I could do what I feel so passionate about without taking away from my family.  God has been and will continue to be my everything, my husband has been by my side through it all offering great wisdom, and my three daughters + one son have reminded me to stay focused on what Top Buttons stands for.

Out of a heart that longed to encourage young women to know their worth, to respect their bodies,  their minds, their talents, and to seek their God-given purpose, I began to outline what the mission of this organization would be.  Modesty is so much more than just wearing layers of clothes.  Working with young women to build them up, encourage them in their gifts, and to know how to present themselves to the world without compromise has been the essence of our operations from day one.  

2009

Going back to 2009,  I first met Anastasia Jones while attending a conference.  I was pregnant with baby #3, sitting on the front row during a session and having a hot flash. She stood much taller than me, most do ;), and greeted me as I walked out the back conference room door feeling as if I was going to pass out. I'm sure seeing my pale and sweaty face, plus 9 month pregnant belly, likely concerned her. She offered me a hair tie and showed me where the bathroom was.  That was it. We didn't speak again until 2012.

FALL 2012

When the concept of Top Buttons started developing, the next step was to hopefully connect with people who would share the vision.  I filled out a form on the Southeastern University website so that students looking for internships might learn of Top Buttons and be interested in helping get it moving. As I searched the database of potential matches, I saw her name. It struck me as odd that I immediately recalled our meeting and her full name.  Miss Anastasia Jones.  I read her resume and called her. I thought for sure she wouldn't remember me. After a couple minutes on the phone, we planned to meet up and talk about what her role would be.  I was shocked that she remembered our funny first meeting and that she wanted to be a part of Top Buttons.  She said "I don't know that I am fashionable, but I love the concept and would love to be a part."  (...and Anastasia is absolutely stunning from the inside out!) At our meet up, she brought a couple more very special and talented young women and so began the journey of becoming a unique nonprofit with our growing Top Buttons Team. 

Knowing that young women are online, we began working on our online website and fashion blog.  At the time, there didn't seem to be an online fashion/positive body image magazine filtered with modesty in mind.  We had some amazing high schoolers who joined the team and they helped name our organization.

As we launched our online platform, we quickly recognized the needs young girls have right here in our local community. We can show them and try to inspire young people to raise the standard in their lives, but many simply don't have the resources to make changes even if they want to.  As we sought to educate and equip, we became an official 501c3 tax exempt org on 12/12/12. 

The online platform grew with interesting and consistent modest fashion content. Articles were posted regularly and the local equipping began.

We had our first shopping spree with a young woman from the Dream Center.  At that time Top Buttons didn't have clothing donations so Anastasia took her shopping at Marshalls.  It was a precious experience for her and us. After that we began collecting clothing.  Not junk clothing, but nice clothing for our girls to choose from.  

2013

My vehicle is always a thrift store on wheels, but in the spring of 2013, it was over the top.  People began to understand the need we were meeting and wanted to help us get the girls what they needed.  Taking large amounts of thrift store clothing to organizations serving at risk girls was not easy.  But we didn't have a space of our own yet and we needed to build relationships with the organizations we had a heart to serve.  The educational component began to develop as we were asked to come and educate on positive body image, modesty, and how to dress professionally at local orgs, churches, and schools.  

We had our first ever Thrift Clothing Sale at a residence in downtown Lakeland called a SWAP AND SHOP.

We wrote content, created a consistent online publication, produced videos, did shopping sprees for those in need, and had many dreaming sessions on what Top Buttons would become.  

In the fall of 2013, we were given a special opportunity to spend two days with Mercy Ministries in Nashville providing confidence building educational sessions and fashion presentations. 

 2014

Top Buttons continued to collect clothing from the community and take it to organizations while doing our educational sessions on site.  

The culture that we live in is full of cameras, photography, and an image focused mentality.  We loved being able to connect and inspire young women to have fun with photoshoots but do it for a cause bigger than themselves. We pull in girls of all economic backgrounds to be a part of and to gain from our online fashion resources.

We planned our first large scale clothing boutique session with 40 young women from the enrolled organizations we partner with.  Volunteer hair, clothing and makeup stylists joined us to serve for our first full day wardrobe and beauty makeover event at the Lake Mirror Bell Tower. 

2015

We are funded through corporate sponsorships, financial donations, grants and also through our Upscale Thrift Boutiques. We had our first official fundraiser three years after starting in 2015 at the Sorosis Building.  A room full of women who were interested in our mission began supporting our cause.  Following the event we obtained our first brick and mortar location.  Now the girls could come to us for our styling and wardrobe makeover program services.

The charitable and educational services we offer were given a name, "The Wearing Confidence Program." Every month we are able to serve more than 30 at risk young women through this program. 

Our Top Buttons Board of Directors have been championing the cause since the beginning.  They have been so generous, creative and inspirational while planning events and providing counsel for our development as a new nonprofit in a community full of amazing nonprofits. 

2016

Planning Boutique and Educational sessions were in full swing in 2016 as we had a fun and solid team working to complete missional objectives with excellence.  

We took over the Harrison School of the Arts Auditorium for an All Day Building Up Girls Educational Event in the fall of 2016. We packed out the room with more than 120 attendees from local enrolled programs who work with at risk girls.  

Women seemed to love to be a part of what we were doing through donating clothing and shopping on the days we were open to the public.  Plus young women we serve wanted to come back and bring their families to shop high-end clothing at a discount. 

2017

It was a huge risk, but we took it.  After pursuing the downtown lakeland space for almost a year, we were able to take the steps needed to move forward on leasing the space.  Now that we have been in this downtown space almost a full year, it seems like it was meant for us.  We are open 5 days a week for public shopping which is under our 501c3 umbrella helping to fund our full-time charitable efforts.  

Fun Fact: Did you know our downtown Lakeland space was actually the first movie theatre in Lakeland playing silent movies in the 1930s and 40s? The space is eclectic and very cool. We absolutely love it and its historical significance to our city. 

We are now able to provide such a precious experience for our girls. They receive styling services, hair tips and touch ups in the Strand Salon next door, free makeup, and new wardrobes of proper fitting attire.  Additionally we can teach our educational sessions in a venue just on the other side of us in the Sommer Building. The businesses on our block have been extremely supportive in ways we couldn't have imagined! 

I think for many, the idea of starting a nonprofit seems like a nice year-end goal and another thing to add to a "to do" list.  Take something you are passionate about and go for it.  However interesting and exciting it may sound, the amount of work involved with staying compliant, having excellence with the administration, and raising funds is all extremely time consuming.  It is especially difficult when you do not have a large organization providing support to get off the ground. Now we have had many come alongside and support us, but fundraising is not fun nor is it easy.  The main ingredient for staying afloat is hard work and persistence.  

Anyone who runs a small business knows that as you grow it is the behind the scenes administration that has to be in order for the growth to be sustained and to thrive.  Passion and creativity can only get you so far if the admin is a mess. Over the years of raising awareness, tweaking the services, and obtaining the right resources so we may give the right resources, we have had so many talented and amazing people who have added great value to Top Buttons. Several have been with Top Buttons since it was a concept and many still donate clothing and money even if they are not able to be directly involved anymore.  Currently we have more than 40 volunteers, several volunteer team members, and four paid staff who continue to work more than they are supposed to. At our last team meeting, we all grabbed our Mitchell's Coffee, opened up our calendars and laptops, and began discussing the overlapping of events happening in Bartow and Lakeland.  We have such an overqualified, practical, yet positive team.  What you see happening is a product of MANY people volunteering their time to build up young women in our community.  

In November we opened up our second Upscale Thrift Boutique in the beautiful downtown Bartow Stuart Building. In Bartow the Jean O'Dell Learning Center, Youth Villas, and Heartland for Children are just a few of the organizations enrolled with us who are already using this location for Wearing Confidence Program services.

“Our missional objectives have always been the same, but how we execute that mission has grown and developed over the years.”

I know what it's like to really let people down.  And I know what it's like to ultimately let myself down. And when we don't value ourselves, whether it's for a moment or a decade, that can be  catastrophic as we make poor choices which can have life-long effects.  We have to first believe that we were IN FACT created with a purpose by God, whether we are treated that way by those around us or not.  I don't say this to end on a negative note.  I say it because I know what it means to desperately need the healing grace of a Heavenly Father who is the only one who has the power to save and create real change.  I also know what if feels like to need support and people who will advocate for you. Through Christ, collaborating together, challenging with truth, and loving fiercely, we can help young people turn their lives around.  Top Buttons may be new, but we have made it to the 5 year mark and look to continue many years more with your continued encouragement and support. 

Growing Our Team and Reaching a New Community

After months of research, prep, and God orchestrated events, we have chosen to start another Top Buttons Boutique in downtown Bartow!!! Bartow is a quaint, old and beautiful city outside of Lakeland and is also the government hub of our county. Our new Top Buttons space is occupying the Stuart Building, right off Main and Central. In 1915, our building was known as the Stewart Hotel and it quickly became an upscale favorite among both tourists and locals.

Our space is perfect and we are so excited for the opportunity to expand our program services and also be a part of this very special community! Our grand opening is on November 9th, along with Rafa Natural, Arts on Central, and Bartow Mercantile.

Not only are we thrilled to announce the expanding of our services, but we have also expanded our team - meet Jaime!  She will be owning our Top Buttons Bartow Boutique under the direction of our TB Thrift Boutique Program Directer, Niki Hoyle. Out of all the pieces that came together for this new venture, having Jaime join the team has been the unexpected yet most necessary component for us to move forward.  You will love her as much as we do! Find out why here:

 It all started with a hashtag.

I found myself at 31, fresh off a decade working in IT and looking to change my career. Spoiler alert: it turns out lots of adults still don’t know what they want to be when they grow up.

A family friend of mine was opening a new business just up the road in downtown Bartow, so I would visit near daily to help build her website and spend some time chatting about the new activity downtown.

She’d playfully end conversations with “#centeroftheuniverse!” - a loving poke at our traditionally sleepy little town. As the weeks continued and more businesses started to pop up, #centeroftheuniverse started to feel like less of a playful jab and more of a reality. So when the opportunity to join Top Buttons in Bartow presented itself, I knew I had to take it. Now I find myself immersed in an entirely new world, one that’s challenging, creative, and more fulfilling than anything I’ve ever been a part of. The Top Buttons team has been doing amazing work in the Lakeland community for almost 5 years now, and it’s such an honor to be a part of this team as we begin our journey to serve the young women of Bartow. I invite you to visit our space in the historic Stuart Building, meet our team, and come see why our little town really is the #centeroftheuniverse.

-Jaime

Why It Matters: School Dress Code and Tween Professional Attire

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Catherine (right) is wearing her Mom's solid black Tahari blazer.

From a Mom to a Mom... 

Self-expression at the Expense of the Group
Fighting with kids about what they wear is not a battle many parents want to fight.  I admit, it is a difficult battle, especially with the driving force of our culture being profit.  But teaching our kids how to dress, along with every other type of education, is very important.  A school dress code can be frustrating, most often not because of the rule itself, but because of the inconsistencies with the way it is enforced. However, parents should aim at buying their kids' clothing according to their school's dress code.  It is a battle worth fighting.   The deeper issue here is not the school dress code, it's allowing our kids to focus on the needs of self rather than the needs of the group.  I get it.  Reaching a common goal with a group is not easy, and it doesn't take much to distract people from the goal and take huge steps backwards, whether at school, work, or whatever.  Our culture places an emphasis on building one's own brand.  Serving the needs of self seems to be far more important than serving the needs of the group. Self-expression and developing as an individual is vital, but not when it consistently becomes more important than the love and service of others.

There will be a time and place where kids can have more freedom of self-expression than others.  Helping them understand this concept is very important in life.  While teaching young people the importance of dressing professionally for a job interview, we often address the frustration young people have with denying self-expression with their clothing.  Depending on the culture of the company you are interviewing with, often the employer is most interested in your willingness to work on a team, skills and experience.  Before a word is even spoken, an employer can get a good idea about who you are simply by how you dress.  If we won't teach our children to respect the dress code at school and care about the impact their clothing choices have on the people around them when they are young, they will likely not care about their presentation for a future job interview.  There are ways to stay true to self, all the while respecting the boundaries set in place for a common goal to be reached.  I tell my children all the time, when you are in charge, you can make the decisions.  Until then, respect the boundaries put in place for you and understand it is for the good of our family as a whole.  The needs of the group matter too.

TBTweens16-07

Professional attire has evolved and especially for women, it doesn't have to be boring to be acceptable.

Thongs are Easier to Find
Ironically it's not like dressing our children in adult-like styles is uncommon.  Bikinis are available for toddlers.  Thongs with "Call Me" are available for our middle schoolers.  From our tweens' favorite role models, the music they listen to, and the clothing we buy them, we are training up our children earlier than ever to focus on their bodies rather than who they are and what they have to offer as a whole person. Why is it we seem to quickly buy the most adult styles for our daughters, but putting them into professional attire when it's appropriate is so arduous?

I went to Nordstrom, my favorite store most of the time, to look for a blazer for my daughter.  (She often comes with me to volunteer at the Top Buttons Boutique and you better believe I have her dress in appropriate yet stylish attire.) Nordstrom had no blazers or structured clothing in her size. One of the reasons I love Nordstrom, is that you can always count on them to have the best customer service and the most current seasonal items available for every family member.  I know going into summer, there are not many moms looking for blazers for their pre-teens.  But I still had hope that they would have something along those lines, since I normally do not leave the store disappointed.  I even talked to the the kids' department manager about my concerns, who confirmed what I was thinking.  They had nothing of the sort for pre-teens.  Thankfully, H&M and Gap Kids had some options, and I snagged up a couple of pieces to pull off just the right edgy yet structured professional look for my daughter.

It really is easier to find a thong for our pre-teen than it is a blazer.  This is a problem. Our daughters are smart, strong, bold, and talented.  They are more than just a body.  Buying clothing from a young age which places an emphasis on their developing sexuality rather than who they are on the inside reinforces that standing out is connected with their body alone. "If your clothing is overly revealing, you may have difficulty getting attention for your ideas," states Leah Bourne, a contributor for Forbes Magazine.  While they are harder to find, a blazer speaks a much more powerful message about who our daughters are from within and what they have to give.

Brooklyn's Blazer (Left) is from H&M Kids

Clothing has Power
Yes, beauty comes from the inside out.  Let's keep working on that.  But we need to make sure we understand that what we wear affects the way we feel about ourselves internally.  The Journal of Experimental Social Psychology conducted a study called "embodied cognition" which revealed that we not only think with our minds, but also with our bodies. Further studies show that clothing directly affects the brain of the wearer depending on two factors: symbolic meaning and the physical experience of wearing the clothing. This is referred to as enclothed cognition.

So yes, What clothing is bought and worn by your daughter will affect the way she views herself.  This video explains the concept well.

Dressing in pajamas at school, will likely result in a more relaxed and less attentive student.  That actually makes sense.  Putting on all the newest, stylish running gear plus a pair of new Nike shoes, may inspire one to run faster and longer.  That makes sense too.  What about boho and relaxed clothing in the work place? ... What about seductive and revealing clothing on our daughters? Will it encourage our daughters to behave more provocatively? This is a question we need to ask ourselves. Most parents do want to give their children the resources needed to make healthy choices. Since clothing does impact decision making, we should place a high priority on filling our kid's closets with proper fitting attire.

TBTweens16-21

TBTweens16-20

Pull it off with what you have in your closet already, plus one key structured item like a light weight sweater or structured jacket.

Contextually appropriate attire, or (contextual modesty) is simply "Clothing which fits the setting its being worn in"

Tips on how to get our kids wearing contextually modest clothing:

• Ask them questions to get them thinking:  What message do you want to send with this outfit?  Where are you wearing it to?
• For a potential job interview, study the culture of the company to find out the appropriate attire to wear
• Give them options
• Encourage them to do it from a young age and it will come more naturally when they are older
• There will be places they can have more style freedom.  Give them opportunities to have more freedom in other settings.
• Help them to recognize the importance of group goals over their own
• Buy them clothes that fit them properly
• Support role models who dress creatively but tastefully.  Steer clear of those who reinforce self-absorption, provocative behavior, and disrespect.
• Shop together and find what you both like

Other ideas for accomplishing the professional pre-teen look:

• Put on your favorite romper accompanied by one of mom's blazers and roll up the sleeves
• Throw on a nice spring dress with appropriate coverage and a low heel. It looks tasteful and will work great for most business casual settings
• Loose fitting trousers or harem pants can even fit the part if paired with a structured top
• Depending on the event, even black denim pants with a simple neutral top and bold color blazer will send the right "I'm here to work" message

TBTweens16-18

Final Thought
I remember a conversation I had once with a dad about the clothing his daughter was wearing.  The story went something like this: Mom and Dad were divorced.  Mom always bought the daughter whatever clothing the daughter wanted.  She was a tall and beautiful young woman, with the shortest shorts and often very provocative attire.  Dad took out his frustration on his daughter, often griping and complaining about what she wore.  I offered a potential solution for Dad to take his daughter shopping with the only condition being that Dad will only buy it if he likes it.  Knowing that Dad sees the problem and is offering a solution rather than just complaining is a step in the right direction.  You may be fighting a battle you feel like you are losing.  But as a parent of a beautiful, tall pre-teen daughter myself, I can say that teaching them the importance of sending the right messages with their clothing is important enough to sometimes fight about.

If we don't educate and equip our daughters on how to present their best self on the job, at school and in life, the fashion and media industry will.  And we may not like the outcome.  I would recommend we start by finding them a blazer.

TBTweens16-11

Cheney's Yellow Blazer is from Khols

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Makeup was done by the one and only, Yolanda Delacerda.  We love you!

A huge thank you to Beth Carter for jumping in as photographer.  She photographed our very first Top Buttons photoshoot back in 2012 and has been such an encouragement ever since.  Her work is exceptional and she captured the essence of what I was looking for with this article, perfectly.

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Wardrobe Makeover Event 2014 Video, Pictures, and Special Thank You

http://youtu.be/B4YK4WzwOjQOn Saturday Sept 20th, Top Buttons held a wardrobe makeover event for some very deserving teens in need from the Central Florida area. The teens that participated in the event were nominated by well-known civic and religious organizations such as PACE Center for Girls, Girls Inc, and The Dream Center. We were truly overwhelmed by response of the girls who participated in the event. When they arrived some were nervous and some excited, but all left with a huge smile that radiated with a newfound or renewed sense of self-confidence.

Providing wardrobe and beauty makeovers for 32 girls was a privilege for all of us on the Top Buttons team.  Our hope was that each girl would leave with much more than things, we wanted them to leave with an experience which would inspire them for a lifetime.

Each girl who participated received a Top Buttons T-shirt (THANKS TO ALL WHO PURCHASED THEIR OWN TOP BUTTONS T-SHIRT PRIOR TO THE EVENT) and quality used clothing donated from the local community!

As a part of this experience, we also spent a portion of time sharing about the mission of TB,  the importance of "considering the message we send with our clothing choices," and some important tips on how to avoid being trafficked right here in the US.

Each girl also received: (We have to use exclamation points, because each gift was truly a HUGE DEAL!!!)

• A swag bag designed and donated by Madden Branded Goods with gifts from the community inside!
• Adorable black tights and lovely studded earrings from Whimsy Boutique!
• A large bag of makeup and hair products from Cosmo Prof!
• Lip gloss and cute pens wrapped in fun socks from Eliska Poirier!
• Style boards to help them understand their style personality from Ahndea May!
• Some of the participants who had a special clothing need received gift certificates from Plato’s Closet!
• Yummy refreshments from Sweet Magnolia Tea Room!
• A free hair cut, style, and makeup from Supercuts and Salon Salvatore, and other exceptional makeup artists, named below!
• A professional photo shoot by the photographer extraordinaire, Jen Duarte!

Scroll down to see some of the amazing before and after photos of the participants!

---

Before

 After

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ALL

Who donated clothing!

We had clothing, which was mailed to us from outside of our local community too. The racks were full of beautiful pieces for our participants to choose from. The leftover clothing was placed in storage for our next Wardrobe Makeover Event to be held in the Spring of 2015 and some has been donated to local women's organizations.

Event Sponsors 

• Cresendo- Public Relations Turned Up,  YOU ROCK!
• JBurns Pizza
• Barrow and Powers Financial Services
• Sweet Magnolia Tea Room
• Whimsey Boutique
• Madden Brand Agency
• Platos Closet of Lakeland
• Cosmo Prof
• Supercuts
• Ahndea May
• JC Penny Lakeland
• Chick-fil-A North and South Lakeland
• Firehouse Subs

To all the hair stylists and makeup artists who stood on their feet the entire day without a break while providing free hair cuts, and makeup for the girls to have the finishing touches before their photo shoots. You wowed us all!

Supercuts

• Dana Hager - District Leader for Regis Brands
• Anthony Barcelo- Senior District Leader Regis Brands
• Leslie D'Elia- Regional VP for Regis Brands
• Paige Canaster- Shift Manager at Supercuts
• Nichole Wilson - Stylist at Smartstyles
• Tiffany Shouse - Manager at Smartstyles

Salon Salvatore

• Melissa Kinsey
• Sumner Moncrief

Independent Makeup Artists

• Christie Northington
• Yolanda Delacerda

Event Coordinators

• Sarah Powers
• Cathy Hayes
• Courtney Philpot
• Stephanie Harrison

AND all volunteers who jumped in to help with whatever was needed

• Aimee Perkins-Scott
• Katie Deloach
• Becky Waddell
• Christina Ingrassia THANKS FOR THE AMAZING BLOG POST ON THE WARDROBE MAKEOVER EVENT!
• Alexis Gauthier
• Chelsey Davis
• Jenna Olinger
• Brittany McMillen
• Annie Ward
• Abigail Gallagher
• Sierra Martinez
• Lauren Sandoval
• Sarah Szatmary
• Rachel Jordan
• Chelsey Jones
• Chris Fuson
• Kaley Fuson
• Ashley Lumetta

Recap Event Video

• Produced and Edited by Taylor Murray
• Assisted by Destiny Young

Extra Help from the Powers Family

• Sandy Perlewitz, you know you are a miracle worker. We love you!
• Brent, Brooklyn and Madison

Help from Afar - We wish you could have been here for the event!!!

• Anastasia Jones
• Molly Dodd
• Rebekah Miura

We are all looking forward to doing this again...

Top Buttons Hosts Clothing Donation Event for Some Very Deserving Central Florida Teens

On September 20th, we plan to provide an experience through which young women leave with much more than just free clothes. At Top Buttons, we recognize many young women who might want to dress in more proper fitting attire often don’t have the money to go out and buy clothes as needed. Through our “Fall Wardrobe Makeover Event for Teenage Girls in Need” we are working to offer these young ladies with styling tips from our Top Buttons personal stylists and provide them with gently used clothing to replace or enhance their current wardrobe.

Organizations such as PACE Center for Girls, Teen Challenge, Florida Baptist Children’s Home, and others will be able to nominate teen girls between the ages of 13-17 to be a part. Twenty-five girls will be chosen and will have a TB personal stylist waiting to help them pick out clothing that fits their personal style and their body type from quality and stylish clothing donated from people in the central Florida area. The girls who participate will be able to take home 10-12 clothing items at no charge, as well as, receive other gifts from our local community.

On this Special day, Each girl will receive:

• Free skin care consultation
• Makeup and hair touch ups
• Photoshoot in their favorite outfit
• Refreshments
• 10 minute talk on self-compassion and why it’s important to not compare your body image with others
• 10-12 articles of clothing

We truly love sharing our message with teens. We can connect through fashion, and then talk about deeper matters of the heart. It’s true, we all send a message through what we wear, and we will continue to challenge these young women to consider the message they are sending with their clothing choices. The girls who participate in this event will have access to our Top Buttons team for ongoing mentorship and encouragement. We are honored to partner with these local civic organizations and support the positive message they are working to instill in their girls.

There are several organizations and people, who are partnering with us to help make this event a success! We look forward to sharing more details, as we get closer to the event.

If you would like to DONATE CLOTHING, sponsor, donate a product or give a monetary gift to help us facilitate this special day, please comment below for more info.

What You Should Know about Top Buttons

So you may be wondering… what's Top Buttons all about?  Why do they call it "Top Buttons?"  What is their philosophy on modesty? We want you to get your fashion FIX  and get your questions ANSWERED!

In case you don't already know, Top Buttons is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization purposed  to be a modest fashion resource for young women.

So what does that mean?!!!

As a modest fashion resource, we promote TB approved fashion in the media, provide fashion ideas and help you get your hands on the clothing that has a bit more fabric.

The PHILOSOPHY on MODESTY

Modesty looks different to everyone. We do NOT define modesty through specifics on how long your shorts need to be, how much cleavage is acceptable, or even how tight is "too tight."  But just because everyone's view of modesty is different, doesn't mean the topic shouldn't be addressed.

Obviously, the topic should be addressed and an alternative provided.

We don't want to put young women in a box with one particular style.  Rather we work to encourage them in their self expression through fashion, along with challenging them to recognize the influence of culture on clothing ethics.

There is this concept being pushed in media that if a young girl wants to keep her self reasonably covered, she is somehow uncomfortable with her body or seen as insecure.  At Top Buttons we most definitely disagree.  A young women can love her body without flaunting her sexuality.  But if she feels this is the only way to get noticed and this is what is acceptable and normal, it will continue to occur.

It is our heart to encourage young women to consider the "why" behind what they are wearing, and to provide a "resource" that helps them accomplish their unique yet proper fitting look for every occasion.  

What makes an article of clothing "TB approved?"

In our opinion, it's about the total look of an outfit and the message it sends rather than an individual article of clothing.  TB approved looks are those which would not be defined as provocative by current cultural standards and those which would be acceptable in most settings.

That's about all the defining you are going to get.  To learn more about what we consider TB approved attire, take a look at our online magazine content.

Where did the name Top Buttons Come from?

So, we  wanted to think of a name that was loosely connected to modesty without being direct.  Something that makes you think of "classy" and is associated with style.  After jotting down tons of ideas and narrowing it down to the top three ideas.  We let the teens decide, and they liked Top Buttons best.  There you have it!

The Top Buttons Team

From around the world, Top Buttons has a team of young Christian men and women working together to serve you!  Our dedicated staff oversee each department of our organization,  from the Online Magazine Fashion Editor, Rebekah Miura to our Education Director, Katie Deloach.

Top Buttons also has numerous contributors for our online magazine that offer up to date fashion tips and tricks!  We work to collaborate with exceptional young men and women who are passionate about this cause and those who have artistic skills to inspire your wardrobe on a day to day basis.

Click HERE to read more about our STAFF and our REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS!

THREE PLATFORMS

Currently we operate on three main platforms: 1) The ONLINE MAG; 2) styling and educational services; and 3) wardrobe makeovers for teens in need.

1) The Online Magazine is motivated by our Motto…  Revealing Less; Expressing More! Not only are teen and collage age young people creating the content, but we feature everyday young people IN the content.  These young people can inspire you with their style and their life.  Check out our online magazine along with thousands of others each week for consistent fashion inspiration.

2)  As a part of our organization we also offer styling services. Pictured below, our TB Fashion Editor gives a style and beauty makeover.

Probably our favorite part of TB is sharing our message with young women face to face!  We have a fun and interactive program designed to challenge, encourage, and promote expression with healthy boundaries.

3)  We know young women can't always afford to go buy new clothing items when they need or want to.  As a part of being a modest clothing resource, we  provide young women in need with new wardrobes!

How it works:

• We accept nominations for recipients of our wardrobe makeovers from schools, religious or civic organizations.
• The nominated teen must be female and between the ages of 13 and 17.
• Through a review process and based on availability, we are able to provide the recipients with our TB styling services and a ton of new clothes!
• Our wardrobe makeovers include the donation of high-end, gently used clothing and/or shopping sprees!

For more information click here!

A REQUEST

We live in a world that rewards inappropriate and provocative behavior.  At Top Buttons, we are determined to provide a unique platform where young girls can be recognized for their individuality and their classy looks.  We understand the conflict with culture versus the young female on this challenging issue, we appreciate your support to continue propeling this movement.

Top Buttons is funded through donations!  Please share this article with your friends and family if you think they would be encouraged by what we are doing! If you would like to donate clothing, services, or financial support to our organization please contact Chris@topbuttons.org for more info or you can easily Donate Online by clicking here.  Surviving in the super competitive fashion industry can only come from, those with a similar passion, joining together to make an impact!  Our passion is simple, young women should have the alternative which we are providing.  Our alternative isn't motivated by profit, it's motivated by protecting, encouraging, and inspiring.

What do you think about what we are doing?  We want feedback from you!

Please contact us for questions and THANK YOU FOR SHARING IN THE VISION WITH US!

Used Jewelry Donations Needed for Human Trafficking Prevention

  A few months ago we took up a collection for USED, UNWANTED, OR BROKEN JEWELRY from YOU for an organization in the Dominican Republic called FIGHT Ministries. They truly are fighting against HUMAN TRAFFICKING through prevention, rescue, and rehabilitation.  The jewelry making company of FIGHT Ministries helps to prevent human trafficking as they provide a healthy environment and good source of income for young Dominican Women WHO RECYCLE YOUR UNWANTED JEWELRY INTO "NEW CREATIONS" JEWELRY PIECES TO BE SOLD.

Since receiving the jewelry COLLECTED FROM YOU AND DELIVERED BY US

1) They have provided more jewelry making jobs for women in the Dominican Community of Jarabacoa.

2) Hundreds of RECYCLED jewelry pieces have been made and will now be sold!

3) The recycled jewelry items made by the Dominican Women have fulfilled multiple prepaid orders to vendors in the States like the Barn Antiques, Sweet Magnolia Team Room, and an online store in Canada called Hope Aglow.

Read MORE about the enormous problem of Human Trafficking in the Dominican Republic by clicking HERE.

Since Top Buttons is taking a trip to the Dominican in February, we decided to take another QUICK- USED JEWELRY COLLECTION!  It is cheaper for Items to be taken THIS WAY if someone is traveling there, than for them to be mailed. It also ensures the delivery will arrive at the intended destination.  If you are interested in supporting the efforts of FIGHT Ministries, here's your chance!  Until Monday, February 3, We will be taking donations at the TB office.  Mail your UNWANTED, USED, OR BROKEN JEWELRY PIECES TO:

Top Buttons, Inc

256 North Kentucky Ave, Suite #105

Lakeland, FL 33801

They have SPECIFICALLY REQUESTED:  Beads.  But Any unwanted jewelry will be gladly accepted!

WOULDN'T YOU RATHER donate your unwanted jewelry to an organization such as this rather than let it sit UNWORN on your dresser?  So often we throw broken jewelry pieces away.  This is another opportunity to give away EXCESS and watch it be transformed into a VALUABLE.  Top Buttons is honored to partner with this organization in this way.  If you have any questions, send us an email to info@topbuttons.org.

Tips for Packing from Tori's Suitcase

Article by: Tori Mills// She knows the feeling. There is a big trip coming up and she has to pack...Maybe it's a business trip she must fly to attend, vacation with family, a weekend visit away to an old friend’s house, or a best friends sister’s wedding.

Whatever the purpose of her trip, packing is an inevitable and sometimes daunting feat she must accomplish.  First things first, she must decide: what in the world is she going to take to wear? Dress is a decision which impacts her packing and…often prevents it from occurring.

Tori's Trip

A business trip to a cool southwestern state, four days at a conference and two days of flight traveling. Airplane regulations, weather, and length of conference are all factors included in the decisions she makes of what clothes to pack.

She determines and so she begins the packing process, knowing that; when crunched for time to make it to the 7:30 am breakfast before the 8am meeting, she will be ready to walk out of her hotel room classy and…on time.

 Tori's Packing Tips

• Pick pieces that can be worn several different ways
• Clothes should be packed in outfits
• Choose shoes that are comfortable and classy
• Dress in layers since it is often cold inside and warmer as the day progresses
• Accessorize for professionalism

Thinking of ideas for pieces that can be worn several different ways, she decides on her favorite new black/brown platform ankle boots and black zipper jeggings. The brilliancy of jeggings are: they can be worn under dresses/ skirts and again as pants under a longer mid length sweater, the best part: they are small and easy to pack and show no wrinkles after that long flight.

Tori's favorite tricks to make your stay at the hotel clean and simple

1. Be organized when you pack-fold your outfits in piles. This keeps you both organized and ensures you have not forgot anything!
2. When you arrive at the hotel, un pack and hang up all outfits in groups. This can help you to visualize your outfits and be prepared the night before. This also will help reduce an wrinkles that may have occurred during your travel.

Day 1: Travel

OUTFIT TIP:  Dress comfortably, but in layers as the airport and airplane may be cold.

For travel day she decides on her Cotton On burgundy owl sweater, light brown shrug, jeggings, leg warmers, and knee high black boots. Accessories: black stud earrings, and her everyday fossil watch. (All purchased from JCP with the exception of the Cotton On sweater) What’s great about this outfit? If she gets warm she can take off the leg warmers, or the outer sweater.

Day 2: School Visits and Conference Opener

OUTFIT TIP: In order to make a great first impression, choose to wear your best outfit on this day.

For day 2 she decides to wear Ann Taylor Khaki dress slacks, paired with a light pink blouse and Ann Taylor ¾ length suit jack, and black/brown platform heels. What’s great about this outfit? It’s versatile and packs well without wrinkles, after the school visits and conference opener she can take the jacket, add a sweater, and change to jeans to transition to a more casual dinner attire.

Day 3: First full day of conference meetings

OUTFIT TIP:  Second day of conference, this will be a long day so be prepared.

For day three she chooses to pair her Express striped button down shirt with red dress slacks from the Gap and a rose colored Mossimo jacket. Highlights of this outfit? It is wearable for those long days of meetings and yet, both classy and professional. She pairs with it her black/ brown platform heels again (repeating from the day prior as to pack less shoes), small hoop silver earrings, and of course her everyday Fossil watch.

Day 4: Last day of conference, and sightseeing

OUTFIT TIP:  This is the last day so end with an outfit that will leave a lasting  impression.

For day four she decides on a funky and feminine look. She picks a champagne Loft dress, paired with gray tights, and a black and white patterned suit jacket (Notice the repeating pattern of jackets daily) wearing a blazer or light jacket over an outfit adds style and warmth for those long days in colder conference centers! She accessorizes with her black knee high boots, blue chunky necklace, and Fossil watch.

 Day 5: Travel home

OUTFIT TIP: Be comfortable and relax, you're going home!

For the last day and travel home she picks her favorite 7 straight leg jeans, black flat knee high boots, gray oversized Gap sweater, and her Faved Fossil watch. She loves to be comfortable and yet stylish.  Highlights of this outfit: This is the time to be relaxed as she travels through the airport and to her final destination: home. It's an easy pair!

A messy suitcase is a waste of time and it's crippling when you are in a hurry. Remember wherever you are traveling:  to a business conference like Tori, a vacation, or other- pack your outfits in groupings! But most importantly, show your personal style! It is you after all you are representing on the trip.

Tori Mills, 24, is a 2011 graduate of Southeastern University who currently lives in Sioux City, Iowa where she teaches 5th grade Dual Language. Tori is an outgoing, adventurer always looking for a new experience and an outfit to accompany! She embraces life and desires to set an example in all areas though she may be young! Tori will be a writer for other articles on Top Buttons in the future including: Health and fitness, DIY, and Spiritual Inspiration.

On The List: Try the White Jacket Trend

Just because it's fall, doesn't mean you can't wear WHITE!  Why go for the traditional black blazer or denim jacket when you can add an unexepected white outer layer instead?   As seen in style magazines for summer and fall, people everywhere have been spotted wearing this trend. You could even do all dark colors and add this soft splash of white on top.

When shopping for a white jacket, don't think large and oversized like a doctor coat. Think tailored and detailed.  Maybe consider a white vest instead of the jacket.  It will prove to be a guaranteed hit for year round use!

Photo Credit: Casey Taylor

Create an Eclectic Style from Your Own Closet

Ever wonder how some girls just have a knack for pulling together an outfit with pieces you would never normally pair together, but somehow the whole look just works?! Well, it isn't too difficult to accomplish this look because there is no one way to do it!

The eclectic style is all about creating an unusual look with mixing styles; therefore don't feel boxed in.

To accomplish this look:

• Mix prints, patterns, and fabrics

• Play with complimenting and contrasting colors

• Try putting together shades of the same color

• Pair fancy pieces with basic items, such as sneakers with a nice dress or a t-shirt with a frilly skirt

• With accessories, mix metals and size

• Having the right bag and shoes will pull it all together and give an intentional finish to your look!

The eclectic look can at times appear to violate some fashion faux pas.  But there is no harm in trying to upcycle old items with newer ones in a unique way. And if done tastefully, it can create interest into your personal style.

Morgan seems to do it right with creativity, personality, and class every time!

Teen Style that Began in a Courtroom

Written By Danielle Hart I have a really classic, professional style. I prefer structured, timeless pieces, such as blazers and pencil skirts, because they help define the waistline and in my opinion are très chic. I’d rather have a few versatile pieces (like a blazer or a cardigan) that can be paired with lots of tops and bottoms and will virtually never go out of style, than anything else. (Except shoes... I have a weakness for shoes of every shape, color, and kind!).

It wasn’t until about four years ago that I actually found this style and it began in a courtroom.

I’m involved in a program called Teen Court, which takes first-time juvenile offenders and tries them in a real courtroom, but the jury and attorneys are comprised of volunteer teenagers. One of my friends told me about it the summer before my freshmen year, so I went to observe, just to see if I would like it or not. I fell in love with it immediately and I have volunteered ever since (which is going on four years now). We usually have court every other week, but it varies sometimes and I often go up on non-court days, just to help out. The staff and volunteers truly care about the defendants that come through, and want to help them get their lives back on track. Teen Court has an extremely low recidivism rate (a fancy term for how many of the defendants get in trouble with the law again.) Teens will often listen to their peers more than they listen to adults, which is one of the reasons that it’s such a great program. The volunteer teens actually interview, try, and sentence the defendants, and they must comply with everything that we give them.

Teen Court helped me develop my style through their dress code. Which is just typical courtroom attire, such as no sandals, no shorts, no tank tops, etc. However, I’m an attorney (even though it's volunteer) so I wanted to look more professional.  I should say, they don’t force volunteers to wear dress clothes. So it began; I started wearing trousers and blazers and pencil skirts to court.  When I did, I knew I had found the perfect style for me, both in and outside the courtroom.

As an attorney, I either have to prosecute or defend (though they have to plead guilty before they come, so we just argue the appropriate sentencing), but either way I represent someone. If I’m prosecuting, I represent the State of Florida. If I defend, I represent the teenager on trial, my client. But no matter who I represent in the courtroom, I always represent God.  The whole concept of representing someone in the courtroom with my best crosses over in my personal walk with God.  I believe my personal style should honor God and not distract from my representation of Him to others, no matter where I am or what I’m doing.

I want to encourage other girls my age to find their own personal style. A lot of people don’t dress like I do, which is fine with me! Dressing in one's own unique style while considering our representation of God is a great guide to stay on the right track with what clothes to wear.

How to Bring a Summer Look into a Fall Style

 The Summer Romper + Tights

This Romper from Anne Taylor Loft is so comfortable and cute that it shouldn't be put away for next spring.  Why not try a pair of tights to give a little bit more warmth for the cooler weather?  With the romper's classic colors and a simple polkadot, try adding an odd but subtly interesting pair of color tights.

 The Summer Romper + a Leather Jacket

With this outfit, a pale orange pair of tights was chosen to bring in the color of this unique rust colored leather jacket.

 Pairing your lighter summer outfits with tights, a leather jacket, and EVEN tall boots that are neutral in color - is a great way to pull your summer looks into Fall!

Links to MORE Trends that can be pulled from earlier this year into Fall

• The Floral Pants
• The Wedge Sneakers
• Multiple Looks from the City Photoshoot
• The Trench Coat
• Military Chic
• Menswear Fashion

Photo Credit: Casey Taylor