Show your stripes!

Stripes fever has hit me in a big way, though I'm not the only one to have fallen under the spell of these enchanting illusions.  Stripes hit the spring 2012 runways hard and will continue on to the fall 2012 runway and racks as well.

(Marc Jacobs - source)

If you've had your eyes on striped apparel, but aren't sure what would be the best for your wardrobe, think "versatile".  Stripes, with a bold top or subdued jacket, will match under or over any layer.

Shortsleeve Tops
Tees

Here are a few items to get you kicked of.

Striped crops and cardigans:

More Charlotte Russe...

Striped tunics and tops:

More New York & Co....

Striped maxi skirts:

More Quiksilver...

FAVORITE FIND: Pam Breeze-ly Tunic from ModCloth

It's when I realized that I was saving this raspberry-colored tunic top from ModCloth for "special looks" at work that I realized I needed to share it with you all.

Retailing for $34 from Modcloth, this mandarin-color tunic top is a lightweight button-down work blouse, and will extend far past your waste, politely covering those nether regions in the front and back.  The tunic top comes in an array of bright colors to add that POP to your summer wardrobe.

More Clothing...

Giveaway! - Swim Pants from HydroChic

In honor of Memorial Day and the pools opening, we're having our first giveaway!  A few weeks ago, I posted on these great swimming capris offered by HydroChic and our friends at HydroChic have generously offered to give away a pair of these capris to one lucky Greater Lengths reader!

HydroChic - Chlorine Proof Capri Pant
(http://hydrochic.com/chlorine-resistant-swimsuit/chlorine-resistant-botoms/chlorine-resistant-bathing-suit-black-chlr-20.html)

Contest rules are as follows:

1.  Must be a current fan of Greater Lengths on Facebook

2.  Must post a response (50 words or less) to the following question on our Facebook wall: "What motivates you to work out?"

Winner will be chosen by the authors of Greater Lengths based on quality of response to the question, "What motivates you to work out?"

The contest is open from 12 pm EST, Saturday, May 26 until midnight on Thursday, May 31 to all US residents within the US.  Winners will be notified by email by Saturday, June 2, 2012.

Have fun!

Like us on Facebook!

Frequent reader?  Don't forget to click "Like" on the right hand side of the page to get updates through Facebook!  Our Facebook fans are privy to upcoming contests and giveaways!

A page from Rachel Zoe's look

Just when you mastered the art of the skinny leg trouser/jean/pant with your favorite top, while still managing to make it modest, the fashion world begins to tip in the other direction - the return of the wide leg.  This trend, though, is in our favor, Muslim women!

Wide legs are much easier to mod(est)ify into clothing that's comfortable, covering, and chic!  Case in point, the ever-so-fashion-forward Rachel Zoe:

(source)

I'm sure that each of us, in one way or another, has this exact outfit in our wardrobes.  However, in case you're looking for that one last piece, here are a few places to look to make it happen.

Black blazers and jackets:

More Mango...

White tops:

More Victoria's Secret...

Wide leg denim:

More LOFT...

Boyfriends of the Halal Kind

My favorite blazer - the one with the best pop of color, fit, and style - came, surprisingly, from a thrift store.  I stopped on a whim at the store on a random day off of work, and found it a few minutes before giving up the search for something cool.  The best part of this blazer, aside from the bright cypress green color - is the length.  Long enough to fall below my natural waist, high enough to make it me look professional without frump.

A challenge for all Muslim women out there is finding an item of clothing at the right length (hence why we're here!).  On a recent shopping trip to the mall, I spotted this blazer from The Limited and tore it off the hanger.  The fit was great, the length was golden, and the color so unique.  If not for the limited time (really I was supposed to just pick up an engagement present for a friend on this trip), it would be hanging in my closet right now.

For those of you on the search for similar, long boyfriend blazers, here are a few that we loved.  They all deliver that punch of color for your spring wardrobe.

Blazers
Longsleeve Tops

Spring has returned and so have we!

Friends, it's been a while!  There's been a lot of excitement going on here at Greater Lengths over the past few weeks: finals, a possible trip for Hajj, a first giveaway!  We're very excited for the things to come, insha'Allah!

And what do I look most forward to right now?  This:

Hive & Honey Novelty Stripe Pullover Sweater

With the return of consistent spring weather, it's hard not to want sunny yellows everywhere and thus this top is currently on its way to my house.  With a pair of my favorite jeans and a long, lean, long-sleeved striped top (thinking blue, green, or purple).

This particular top has a great sister-friend in this beautiful, warm, rust color:

Hive & Honey Novelty Stripe Pullover Sweater