Ella Gunderson

11 year old girls should learn how to spell before they attempt to conquer the world.

ok, this girl needs to seriously see a psychologist or something. I don’t understand… if you don’t like the clothes, shop somewhere else. That’s the way it’s always been and that’s the way it always will be. All I can say is - what the hell?

actually, i’m one of the leaders for the challenge group that ella belongs to, and i have responses to both of the previous comments: 1-she’s ELEVEN-she doesn’t have to know how to spell, the message is getting across in her letter, and she didn’t exactly know that this was going to make national news. when i asked her if she was excited about going to NY to be on the Today Show, she’s like, “i guess…all i did was write a letter!” and to the second comment—the problem here in Seattle is that there are no other places to shop where you can find the types of clothes she was looking for. everything is low-rise, low-cut, “barely there” business—she wasn’t writing the letter to say that no one anywhere carries modest clothing—she was saying she likes to shop at Nordstrom, but she’d been finding it dificult to find appropriate clothes there. companies like to hear from their customers—she did what any other dissatisfied customer would do, people just give her a hard time because she’s so young. anyway, there’re my points, take ‘em or leave ‘em.

Kalene, it has come to my attention that you are obviously very un-attractive, just as your young friend, Ella! Then again, the two of you DO belong in a “CHALLENGE Group”. I don’t blame you though, after all, beng as ugly as Ella is, life MUST be more than a challenge for her. Ella, let me give you some helpful advice; unless you plan on becoming the next William Hung, lose the specs, stop dressing like you were born on an un-aired episode of Star Trek, and get your self a friend. No, I don’t mean a fellow handicap from your Challenge Group, no offense! Maybe then you can be sure that what you wrote in the first place was a letter, instead of making statements like, “I guess…all I did was write a letter!” Also, Kalene, you seem more confused that our friend Ella, because I am sure that there is more than 1 retail store to shop for clothes. It looks to me as you are only protecting the real story behind it. Let me guess; Ella was discovered by just another idiot Fox reporter behind a dumpster chewing on a wet sock, and he/she was desperate for a story. By the way, what the hell does she like Nordstrom for if they don’t carry what she prefers? That’s like saying, “I love eating eggs, but they only come in white and yellow!” I always did think that some people are troubled, but WOW! This one’s the lucky winner! Yes, companies do like to hear from their customers, CUSTOMERS being people who SHOP at their store. Our friend Ella has touble with such things because she prefers otherwise! All in all, I leave the both of you with this saying; just close your eyes and I swear the mean people will go away. It’ll all be over soon honey, just stick to your challenge group, because life will ALWAYS be a challenge for the two of you!

RYAN! i am ASHAMED of you!that is so rude! i think what Ella said is a very strong opinion, and she deserves to get her voice heard. you have NO right to accuse someone of something like that when you dont even know them. on a side note for the readers, ryan is IN a challenge group himself, he’s just ashamed to admit it, so plz ignore his rude and selfish comment and his desperate attempt to be funny.

What I found funny in the linked article, was that the fashion editor at Seventeen magazine only seemed to be able to think of another extreme instead of the current revealing style: “a sexy take on a librarian”.

There are SO many possibilities in between, it seems a bit sad that someone who’s supposed to be a bit of a professional, can’t think of any..

Hi, I’m surprised that anyone would put someone down for what they like or dislike. Even 11 year old’s have an opinion. Some styles I like but some I don’t. I would be talked about if I wore very tight tops that showed a lot, I’m a size 2, with a size DD top. Then what would you say about me. Everyone here is viewing his or her opinions, but it isn’t on the topic, it’s on her spelling, about Nordstrom’s, her age, looks ect… Ella would like to have the top of the line clothing only modest. Good for her! I like low-rise pant’s, but that’s me. But I too would like a little more variety. All of us should be able to choose our own style, it’s more of a statement. Just think about it…. I don’t know if you guys will jump on me now, but I also have a strong opinion, which probably won’t hit the news…But what about manufactures making thongs for 5-8 year old’s. That’s perverse if you agree with that kinda stuff, what will you be raising your little girl to be…. Ella, you have done something most adults wouldn’t have the nerve to do! Don’t listen to these put downs….I appreciate hearing your opinion. It’s nice to know, you not cut by a cookie cutter :)

hey i think its kewl the way she gets to express herself. im 14 and i have to dress like a hoochie to have friends & boyfriends. yep, im pretty too. we all do, you know it. if i didn’t all you would say im a freak too. but i admire that, id be scared to do it,wouldn’t be a deb anymore. i like ella. leave her alone. we all look the same anymore. shes different, right on.

Finding modest clothing is really hard. Those nasty comments would have made me cry at eleven. All she wants is to wear clothes that fit. How heartless can a person get? I don’t like wearing clothes that pull to much on me either. I just bought a swimsuit from wholesomewear.com and was soooo excited because finally I could go swiming without feeling like I was taking all my clothes off. It really helps to know that I can save my nakedness for my husband. Who by the by is the idol of my life. Little Ella, who wants to be comfortable in her femenine attire is an example for the rest of us shy ones who won’t speak up. Why shouldn’t an eleven year old want to hide her nakedness? She doesn’t need to attract dirty old men and guys her age just aren’t interested. Stores can sell more than one kind of clothing, lol. Thanks Richard, These guys are a riot Ban Anna

Hi, My name is Olivia and I’m 12. I really think that Ella is right to stand up and speak out. I hate seeing all the girls in my class and grade wearing mini skirts and tight t-shirts and stuff like that. It’s just really annoying and slutty. I’m way too shy to wear that kind of stuff in public, so I’m glad Ella said something about it. Whata go Ella. -liv

Hey! I don’t like the fact that the clothes are considered dirty. I think that if you don’t like it than don’t wear them. But if you do than wear them. They should have clothes for the style of everybody. Old men don’t have he right to look at someone just because of what they wear.Traci.

i’m ella’s friend and i don’t care if u make fun of me to. i’m not a part of the challenger group but i know a lot of people who r and i wish u guyswould stop. i know u have ur opinions but we’re only 11.

the day ella’s letter was in the paper there were 2 news stations at our school and after they were done interviewing ella we acted like nothing happened. she wasn’t trying to conquer the world she was just trying to state her opinion. she didn’t even think her letter was going to even get read. let alone be n the today show.

i have 1 qestion for all those her r making fun of ella, how can u say she’s ugly just beacause she has glasses? how can u say kalene(she was in my brother’s class) is ugly when u havn’t even seen her? and last but not least how can u say this about an 11 year old, where u just trying to let off steam? plz think about that, plz

-Laura

Ella just needs to be quiet. Homely girls like her always envy those of us who can make a boy hot in just jeans.

Ella is just a sourpuss who’ll probably end as a virgin even if she marries a man. Poor man.

hey im ellas sister, and if you have a problem about what my sister is writing about, then you probably haven’t met her. she is not trying to conqer the world. i didn’t know she even wrote the letter or got replies untill a week after the replies came. all she said was “cool. they listened” that was it. you know what, she hates all the attention, she had another interview today and was almost crying about it because she just wants them to leave her alone. she just wrote the letter because she saw a problem that maybe not everyone sees, and she never wanted it to turn into a nation-wide thing. she is the cutest girl anywhere. i just want you guys to know that. thanx ~Robin

If the saying “pretty is as pretty does” is true, we have some of the ugliest people I’ve met right here on this board, and I don’t even have to see what you look like. I think Ella will be beautiful for the rest of her life. Most of you will never be. Hang in there, Ella!

Actually, after reading over the board again, I need to revise my statement. Only a couple of you need major help! There are some beautiful girls out there. Beauty does not depend on what kind of clothes you wear. That’s pretty shallow, don’t you think! And if “getting a guy hot in just jeans” is your goal in life, that’s pretty sad. I appreciated what a lot of you had to say. Thank you for sticking up for what you believe. It’s hard any more.

Good for you, Ella. Standing up for yourself, I think, is very mature for a young lady your age. You had every right to ask the store “How come you don’t carry a certian product?”

The rest of you critics need to see the big picture….not the narrow-minded one!!!

i’ve read this entire log, and it’s sad to see that people have to resort to personal attacks rather than sticking to the issue.

i am a youth leader at my church, and i’ve been sheparding my freshman girls since they were in the 6th grade. i’ve seen their bodies blossom into young women, and i’ve also seen the way they dress these nubile little bodies. what most girls don’t realize is that they send a powerful message to others by the way they dress, and for some guys, it makes it very difficult to live lives as honorable men when sex is being flaunted (even unknowingly) in front of them.

i have a 13 year old girl and it is a constant struggle to find appropriate clothes. it’s like every store is selling jr. prostitute wear!

it’s time to realize that your worth comes from yourself, not your wardrobe. work at your character, and noone will be able to resist being around you.

i wish all of you young ladies out there all the best in being the best young lady that God created you to be!

Wow. People are so stuck on themselves that they cannot see beyond the mirror. I see from many of the above postings that an 11 year old is far more mature than most.

I’m 28 and wish that clothes could be fashionable and flattering without being frumpy or sleezy. Some shopping trips are great, others are depressing. I’ve got a good figure, but that doesn’t mean I want every man to see my goods!

Props to Ella!

Ella and her friends should be very proud of themselves for taking a stand. Those of you who maliciously attacked them with your shallow comments are just that - shallow. My guess is that you’re also lacking self esteem, if you have to resort to sleezy clothing in order to attract attention. While the Ellas of the world may not conquer it, they will certainly become leaders and will be far more successful in many ways, in comparison to those of you who resorted to weak insults. Ella deserves to have a choice of clothing and it looks like she’s going to get it, thanks to the fact that she wasn’t afraid to speak up.

Right on Ella!

Tom in Massachusetts

Props to Ella! Believe me she’s doing something bigger than you can imagine and it’s in GOD’S plan not yours (thats why some of you don’t like it). He will work through you if you let him. Belive me I’ve been to the other side and have seen Jesus with my own eyes. So stop ridiculing a young girl who is wise enough to hear his call.

       Lainey in Ma

if she doesnt like the clothes shop in the old ladys department i mean thats stupid that she is getting so much publicity because she doesnt want to have her stomach showing.. but not all the clothes have it .. just because she cant find ones that fit..i think its so stupid personally.. my grandma made me read the article and i think its sttupid

hello people god is not making some girl have longer clothing.. and yea thats not why we dont like it she should make her own clothes then or have a personal stylist

to #20… its not sleezy clothing.. its a tiny but of skin. and not all clothes are like that

props to #5 hah ur so right

Awww sweetie! It’s about time someone spoke up and out about the styles that are emerging today. It’s wonderful and very inspiring that it happens to be coming from an eleven year old! It’s amazing how one small voice can be heard in such a crazy world. Personally, I am truly horrified by some replies to this little girl’s letter. She’s only eleven. :( and she’s not saying that she can’t find any clothes that fit her anywhere, she’s just stating that it should be much easier to find clothes for all preferences anywhere she may go. I’m a 20 year old college student who LOVES to shop but lately the things that are in-style just don’t appeal to me what-so-ever. It’s so difficult to go into a store and find something I like and actually buy it. Basically because I have a hard time finding something that fits me the way I’d like it to without feeling provocative in it. It’s not because I have a difficult size to buy because I am an average built woman (size 5). So just think about it… why should I have to run all over the mall trying to find one top or one pair of pants that fit me just right? I shouldn’t have to and nor should anyone else. I think that Ella’s letter is very important and informing to department stores and that’s the reason why her letter has had so much feedback. I totally support Ella 100%!! I honestly don’t see why more people wouldn’t?? Who wouldn’t love to have more of a selection when they go to shop. Lord knows I hate it when I have the same top as someone else. hehe. BRING ON MORE SELECTIONS AND STYLES! :)

Way to go, Ella!! Here is a quote for you. “In matters of style, swim with the current. In matters of principle, stand like a rock”. Thomas Jefferson. NOTE: a rock in the water creates ripples…keep up the good work!!

Ella you are amazing. I am a 25 year old woman who is very proud of you. I think you are beautiful inside and out and I commend you for being yourself! Continue being that wonderful girl that you are. Never change who you are. Best of luck to you in life sweetheart.

How can anyone say that Ella is not attractive. I just saw a picture of her and she is beautiful. If you think that girl is ugly you need an eye examination or you just have no taste, probably the latter. You go Ella. Someone has got to stand up to the sleezy way the fashion mogels expect young ladies to dress today. It is disgusting.

Ella -so many people are making comments because they know, down deep, you are right. Our Lord asks us to be modest. Your will never be wrong-you have the Lord on your side. It is wrong-morally wrong to wear immodest clothing-and I even see it in churches often. I couldn’t understand why priests or or anyone has not said anything before. Stick to your guns and keep the message current. Marco from Alberta Canada

Ella, I am SO proud of you! You are awesome!! How refreshing to hear such “good news” for a change. I am sure you are a Christian young lady with high standards and moral. Don’t let the critics discourage you. You are on the right track. It’s so awesome to see how God is using you. YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!! I love your outfit in the picture. It has never been easy to stand up for what is right. God will honor you for this. God bless you and give you strength to carry on. Joyce Williams, Wichita, Kansas

Ella, I’m writing a book profiling women of faith from around the world (my third book in that series). Are you a Christian? If so, I’d love to include your story in my next book. Contact me at williamsgj@aol.com if possible. Keep up the good work. Many people are praying for you and your family. God bless you.
Joyce Williams see: www.myfaithstillholds.com to view information about my series on faith.

Way to go, Ella! Your ECYD and Challenge spirit has made us all proud. If some people can’t see the beauty in what you have said, that’s their problem. Thanks for going for the gold and setting America straight. Your words have touched many hearts and changed many girls opinions. The graces from your decision will multiply, trust us!

to #13: Who would want to make a guy “hot”? I feel sorry for you, 13. You just don’t get that Ella will probably end up in a much better relationship than you because she respects her body, and others respect her for it. Keep going, Ella, and ignore those people too worried about getting cute guys to see your courage and beauty as a young woman. -Elizabeth

Ella, I agree with your letter to Nordstrom’s. Although I feel each person has a right to wear whatever they choose to, I personally feel that the current fashion trend is restricting the availability of conservative dress. Thank you for expressing your letter. If you haven’t read Every Young Woman’s Battle, I highly encourage your Challenge group to start a study using this book as its focus. My wife and I are in the process of beginning a study with our youth group. Its focus is a challenge.

In Christ,

Donnis Hamilton apotassomai@hotmail.com

The comments leveled against this young lady prove her point. She is simply requesting a decent alternative to the slutty Britney, Christina, and Madonna look.
I respect her.

Ella Gunderson has made a point that I would love to debate. Just to let everyone know, my Uncle is one of the owners of Nordstrom’s, therefore his last name is Nordstrom. Although Ella seems to have acted upon her better judgement and overall manners as a child, it is clear that her point does not sit well with everyone. A letter to Nordstrom’s was quite professional, however, hides the true meaning of the situation. Although many parents seemed to be pleased with this ‘heroic’ story, it is not known whether other girls her age or even older agree with the statement. Not only did it offend those around her, but it also reflected her need for the spotlight. I can understand wearing church-themed clothes and nice suits in a professional setting, on the other hand, is not practical when dealing with kids ages 10-18. Not only will kid wear what they want to wear, but it also gives them a chance to express his or her personality. While I agree that it is not always pleasant to view someone else’s ‘personality’, it is also what makes us different as a society. On top of that, I don’t see how it is our job to judge others for their fashion choices. Ella might prefer this style, but is living her childhood as an adult. Many want to make an impact on an industry, but it seems as if this child just had something else to complain about. Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Madonna influence teens everywhere, but who said it had to be fashion? I plead everyone to think about Ella Gunderson’s remark to see how truly pathetic it is.

FINALLY! Someone stands up and says something! Ella, totally kept being modest! All the other people who tell us that’s just the way clothes are today, don’t give in to that. They can go walk around in clothes they have no point in wearing anyway, but at least we know how to have a little originality. You’re totally the example of a world of girls who were too scared to speak up.

Oh. Sorry if I like made anyone feel bad by my other post. I just had to get that all out. We all have different opinions on what we should wear, so we wear what we feel comfortable in. Ella’s letter was about her opinion- it won’t kill us. Some of you guys like how the clothes today are. That’s okay. Some people would like to look good without their clothes showing as much. That’s okay too. Whatever you like, do it, because that’s your own personal style and no one can take it away from you.