I often reminisce about the glory days of magazines like Sassy and Jane. And while I’m a little older than that demographic now, I still like the idea of a niche magazine founded by a female entrepreneur who has fought to put her message on the market – something that reads in the same friendly, unpretentious tone.  Hence, my search led me to Eliza, a quarterly publication that promotes maintaining a balance of sexiness and modesty in fashion.  As a mommy of two girls, the premise is right up my alley.

Ironically, when I spoke with Eliza founder/editor-in-chief Summer Bellessa, I learned that she was inspired to launch her own magazine by her friends who have young children.  They noticed that their little ones were always attracted to the bright pictures in Mom’s fashion magazines – but they were the wrong kinds of pictures.  “They had to throw away the magazines they loved because of nudity and explicit content,” she says.  This led Summer (who’s also a model), along with girlfriends Kelly McCann and Michelle Budge to “start a magazine with high fashion, great photography, and interesting, positive articles.”
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So, is it mission accomplished?  To start, the amazing photo spreads showcase perfect marriages of chic yet demure fashion – proof that there is something to be said for keeping it classy and covered.  Also, regular installments such as “Smart Art” and “Saving the World One Issue at a Time” are perfect for the Thinking Woman who would rather not leave a cover that screams “50 Ways to Drive Him Wild!” out on the coffee table.  The unexpected treat, however, was finding that many of the clothes featured (I promise, you never knew modesty could look this hot) are reasonably priced.  Case in point: I actually OWN the top that’s on the Fall cover!  Can you say that about your favorite mag?

Don’t let the mom factor freak you out – Eliza is for modest women at all stages.  In fact, Summer and co. were recently asked to participate in L.A. Fashion Week!  Eliza is available at some newsstands and high-end boutiques in select regions, but your best bet in getting a hold of your own copy is by subscription.

~ Brook

Photo Credits: Courtesy of Summer!

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