MADISON — With “role models” like Britney Spears and Paris Hilton, girls today may think they have to dress and act provocatively to be popular. It’s a challenge to be both fashionable and modest in today’s world, but two Wisconsin women are rising to the challenge.
Monica Cops and Molly Miller, both from the Appleton area, have been friends for a long time. Cops, a member of Holy Spirit Parish in Darboy, and her husband, Tom, have six children aged four to 17. Miller, a member of St. Therese Parish in Appleton, and her husband, Steve, have three children ages 11 to 15.
Concerned about modesty
As Catholics and mothers, the two women were concerned about immodest fashion trends. “As a mother, I try to be a good example of modesty. I can be fashionable and look nice. We try to work at it ourselves,” said Miller in a phone interview.
Besides their own example, they wanted to do more. Miller and Cops co-founded Runway to Reality, a non-profit organization designed to combat the current trend of suggestive clothing by educating women of all ages in good fashion and wardrobing, emphasizing the dignity of women.
Miller has a bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising and is a hairstylist. Cops holds a bachelor’s degree in graphic arts.
Educating youth
The two combined their talents in 2008 to co-author what has become a bestselling book series for young people, including All Things Girl (five books plus a journal), Truth for Teens (with a journal), and All Things Guy. Their All Things Girl Web site (www.atgseries.com) includes an online magazine and a Girls Rock the World! online club.
On March 1, they also began appearing on a 13-week television series called All Things Girl airing Mondays on EWTN at 5 p.m. (Check www.ewtn.com for details.)
The All Things Girl book series is geared for “tweenaged” girls aged nine to 13. It teaches Catholic truths using topics such as fashion, beauty, and friends. Many of the subjects in the books are based on Pope John Paul II’s teachings. “Our main message is that you’re the daughter of the King (God) and you need to dress, act, and speak as daughters of God in order to know, love, and serve Him,” said Miller.
Cops said, “Girls don’t have to dress like Little House on the Prairie. One suggestion to to draw attention to their face with an updated haircut and accessories. If you have a midriff showing, short shorts, or a cleavage, that’s where people look.”
Miller added, “We also try to emphasize that modesty is protection for the girls. If you give them the truth, they will embrace modesty. We’ve been overjoyed by the response,” said Miller.
Fashion show in Madison
On Sunday, March 14, Cops and Miller will be presenting a “Faithfully Fashionable” program and fashion show for girls and women from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at the Bishop O’Connor Center in Madison.
Admission is $5 for teens and preteens and $8 for adults. For more information, call Relevant Radio at 608-833-7888 or go to www.relevantradio1240.com