Less Talk, More Posting

Maybe it's because my birthday is coming up, or maybe in a pre-emptive strike to be prepared for any weddings or bridal showers or glamourous baby showers, or maybe it's just that I've perused one too many post-award show galleries, but I've got gown fever.

I saw a few friends this weekend who also 1) requested that I post more and 2) asked if I had any evening gowns up my sleeve. And yes, yes, I do.

These:

I particularly love the skirt:

 

A New Year's Eve Outfit to Dream About (While Sleeping Through It)

Happy New Year everyone! How did you all spend your new year's eve? Admittedly, I'm not much of a New Year's person. To me, it's another day with a lot of hype - I mean, technically, couldn't any day be a new year's day to count the revolution of the earth around the sun? I prefer to create my own new year whenever I feel like it or think it's needed!

I rang in 2015 in bed, having gone to sleep a few hours before midnight, waking up the next morning, refreshed, relaxed, and spent the next hour going through everyone's new year's photos and videos (my favorite were from a Facebook friend named Melissa, who posted a "dance floor" video of a living room full of kids 4 and under TEARING UP THE FLOOR. Now that's a party worth staying up for!)

However, if I did have plans, I would have ensured my outfit would be all sparkles and sequins and enough glamour to make me feel shiny and new. What I covet most is my friend Tania's Alice + Olivia emerald green embroidered hi low ball gown skirt, which she donned for her brother-in-law's wedding this past fall. I can't get over how ravishing she looks.

What it lacks in sequins and sparkly it makes up in spades in glamour. I've already told her I plan to borrow that skirt multiple times, even if it's just to go on a Target run.

Going back to sparkly sequins and shimmery clothing, I love the idea of wearing a sequin skirt - be it, maxi, midi, or full out long. I love this look below from A Pair + A Square:

Looking for a sequin, sparkly skirt that's a bit more modest than the typical new year's outfit? These skirts below are on sale - most are under $50!

I'm really tempted to get this one - my 32nd birthday is on its way! - but I've put myself on a restricted spending limit so any new birthday outfits might have to wait this year. Alas, being a grown up stinks.

So what would I have worn from my pre-existing wardrobe? Shimmery, sparkly gold eye shadow, long dangly earrings, and this top:

I picked it up from the Neiman Marcus x Target collection a few years back and it's still a resident in my closet. With the navy Sabine pleated maxi skirt I picked up last summer and a pair of ankle strap heels, I'd happily have subbed for a new year's disco ball.

While this top is sold out, pick up one of these sequin tops for your next big night out.

Reader's Request: Styling the Sabine Maxi for Eid

My reader Samina S. wrote on the Greater Lengths Facebook page, looking to style her new Sabine Maxine skirt (see here) for Eid.

Samina wrote:

So what tops go with long pleated skirts? only short or can i go long or asymmetric? all the photos i see are tucked in tops w a belt... i have a navy blue pleated skirt and i want to make an outfit for eid that will be long sleeves and ideally open in the front or not tucked in (for nursing).

Glad you asked! I myself bought a Sabine pleated maxi skirt in navy. I'm personally a fan of the tucked in top/maxi skirt look. I like how tucking in a top accentuates the waist, giving anyone a slimmer waist. Of the many tops I browsed, this nod to the military style came as my favoite. The lace shoulder detail, in place of epaulettes, is an edgy update and a cheeky wink to stay that one can stay classic while coloring outside the lines.

For Samina's needs, while nursing, this can easily be unbuttoned for an impatient child in need of some quiet mommy-and-child time.
Some button down blouses for your unique style:

More H&M...

If you're ready for a look different than a tucked in blouse, a hi-low pullover blouse with a belt is an option to maintain a cinched waist. Simply find a pullover blouse (some of my favorites are below) and add a neutral colored belt.

More H&M...

Similarly, a peplum - which has a built in waist-line - creates a similar effect.

More LAmade...

Understandably, this may not be the best route for a nursing mom on Eid, who needs something simple, free, and still elegant, Another route, inspired by Samina herself, is the emerging kimono trend. With a billowy cami underneath, this open-front open will be cool and free-flowing as well as easily accessible for a kid (at least I hope...I'm saying this from watching friends with experience!)

More H&M...

Hello

It's Alive! Frankensteining My Graduation Dress (part 2)

A day or two before graduation, the comment still on my mind, I remembered a neutral-colored pleated chiffon maxi skirt from Urban Outfitters that I owned. I layered long and sleeveless tops all the time - why not a skirt with too short a hem? I liked the idea of the play on texture - the pleats peaking out from under the angular hemline. While I meant to test the look earlier in the week, I didn't actually try it until the day of graduation - and thankfully, the neutrals weren't too off the mark of each other to work.

The real trick came in ensuring the shoes would be fully visible. Worn at my waist, the maxi would have covered my shoes and lengthened the hemline - giving the dress more of a gown look. I wanted the skirt to fall right around the longest part of the hemline of the dress.

So I did what any normal person would do - I pinned the skirt to my bra.

I'd planned to go a little bold and wear the dress as is - loose and flowy a la the Olsen twins in their early style years - but as my brother commented, I looked like I was wearing a tent. A belt was in order and I found the PERFECT accent in a gold metal belt from Asos.

Dorothy Perkins <span>Long Skirts</span>
Jessica Simpson <span>Pumps</span>

I'm VERY happy with the way it turned out. I felt like a hippie goddess with all the flowing sleeves and regal collars.

It's Alive! Frankensteining My Graduation Dress (part 1)

It happened! It finally happened! I graduated and walked across the stage and can officially say I hold a Masters in Business Administration from a top 25 business school!  I have been in school the entire existence of this blog and even before, a student working on her degree part-time while working full-time as a consultant.

The countdown to graduation began a few months ago, as did the anticipation for my outfit. I decided not to buy a new dress for graduation. I haven't had my eyes on anything lately - at least not in the dress category - and I also own enough clothes that I could re-wear something in a fresher way.

This is what I started with:

Which I've worn like this before (wide leather belt, tall leather riding boots, and an aqua long-sleeved shirt)

Hanging with one of my favorite bands, Parachute

But for graduation, I needed something unique. I knew I wanted to wear my new Jessica Simpson heels in Miss Piggy (a soft baby pink) and decided to take a chance on the pink/neutral/orange combo. This dress is a midi and part of it falls around my knees - definitely too much skin if worn on its own.

I settled on wearing stockings with piggy pink tights from Target with a blouse picked up from H&M.

H&amp;M <span>Button Front Tops</span>
Jessica Simpson <span>Pumps</span>

A few weeks before graduation, I showed my mom the outfit, to which she commented that my legs were still "bare". You see, I grew up with the belief that a Muslim women is covered when you don't see her form, not simply when her skin is covered. Acting as a typical child, even at 31, I brushed off my mom's concern when she expressed it, but the comment lingered with me...I didn't feel like I'd really modest-ified the dress enough.

But what to do? I wanted to wear the dress as a dress for an elegant affair - not layered with pants, and clearly tights or anything similar were out of the question.

The solution came in the form of safety pins and my undergarments.

**See part 2 of of my graduation outfit post tomorrow! Here's a teaser in the meantime!**

Style Farrah's Graduation Outfit

I bought this dress many years ago - my first Asos find and perhaps what set me off on midi dresses as the maxi dresses of now.

I've worn it on birthdays and to baby showers, and now, it's going to be my graduation dress! I'm pretty excited to wear it; it's definitely one of the most favorite things I own which doesn't find enough occasions to make its way out of my closet.  In the past, I've modest-ified it with boots and a teal H&M shirt underneath, but boots scream "fall" and I want this to be a spring affair.

I'll be wearing these shoes, Wintee by Jessica Simpson, to freshen up the look with a new shoe silhouette.

Jessica Simpson Wintee High Heels

But now I need something for my arms and legs. Should I go with a blouson, with drapey sleeves? Or a sleeker lace-sleeved look? (Cast your vote on Facebook or in the comments!)

Like what you see? Need to see it in more detail? Click on the images below to be taken to the retailer.

Roper Longsleeve Tops · Asos Button Front Tops · Forever 21 Longsleeve Tops

I'd prefer to have opaque tights for my legs - something with some texture but you can't see through. Am I too late for wanting those with this spring here?

FAVORITE FIND: Pants with Bow Detail by Asos

In my previous post, I posted these bow pants, which are SUPER cute. Let's review:

• Pleated front (which for a while I thought was a terrible look but I've come back around)
• Bow detail
• Muted spring palette
• Ankle length

These pants are great for the spring and summer - lightweight, but with structure. Think of all your spring events coming up - baby showers, bridal showers, frolics in the park! These are the pants for you. They're a departure from the skirted leg-norm that spring and summer seems to mandate on us modest-dressing women, and a welcome one at that.

The loose front also provides a little more modesty for those who don't need to share with the worth EXACTLY how long your inseam is, which goes the same for the rear.

These pants are also a great way to incorporate the cropped top look, kind of like the model (but with less midriff). Or, tuck in your favorite roll-tabbed split-neck blouse.

Either way, these pants are the modest fashion on-trend piece for the spring.

Mossimo Tunics · H&M Longsleeve Tops · ModCloth Longsleeve Tops

Now you're just a shopping bag I used to know

I almost hit the "confirm" button on these items, tempted - INCREDIBLY tempted to buy buy buy - but I took a look at my Evernote list of things I "want", and feel like I should focus on procuring those items, crossing off that list, before moving on to more clothes.

But in the meantime, take a look. Maybe you'll find something you like!

Asos Pants · Glamorous Dresses · Dorothy Perkins Cocktail Dresses

[Under $50] A European Craving

It’s been well documented (on this blog, anyway) that while I was working on my recently-completed (alhumdullilah!) MBA from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, that prior to class I would usually go shopping…browsing anyway. There is a small block around 10th and G Street NW in DC where you find a mecca of fast-fashion shops: Zara, H&M, Guess, Forever 21, and Anthropologie (maybe that’s not as fast as the others, but closer than, say, Macys, which is also nearby). If Asos had a store, I would be set with favorites.

Essentially, it was European fashion center, which is great for women seeking styles that allow us to dress modestly with style. These stores have affordable fashion but tend not to be as fitted or short.
Now that I am awaiting graduation (May 22, insha’Allah!), I have no reason to frequent that block as regularly, and I have to say – I miss it! I miss seeing sales and styles and gauging the next big trend. So in light of my homesickness for school, today’s post is dedicated to European fashion.  Feast your eyes on my recent purchases (Asos), what I will be purchasing after this post is up (Zara), and what I’ll be checking out on my next H&M run (this weekend, maybe?).

Every time I saw the blue tunic top at Zara, my heart would skip a beat. I keep waiting for Katie Holmes to be featured in a mag sometime soon donning the same thing with her signature ankle booties. For me, it’ll likely be go with a pair of skinny jeans and loafers.

(Remember, click on the arrow on the right hand side of the widget for more items!)

Zara Sweaters · Zara Day Dresses · Zara Blazers

I made a LARGE purchase at Asos the other day, with the intention of returning items I do not intend to keep. Their free two-way shipping makes it easier to buy things just to check them out. While my order contains a whole lot more, here are a few items. The cold shoulder checked dress might be a bit of a challenge to style, but I’m thinking of layering with an oxford button down, for a classic pinafore look.

(Remember, click on the arrow on the right hand side of the widget for more items!)

H&M Cardigans · H&M Sleeveless Tops · H&M Tunics

When you do not visit H&M for a while, you can easily miss entire collections – things shift in and out so quickly. Here are a few things I could see working well in modest fashion closets.

(Remember, click on the arrow on the right hand side of the widget for more items!)

H&M Sleeveless Tops · H&M Tunics · H&M Shortsleeve Tops

And finally, who doesn't love a little bit of Mango, especially when it's on sale?  Unfortunately, Tysons Corner Mall took away the Mango we used to have (please bring it back!), but I regularly browse their site and found a few goodies for all of us.

(Remember, click on the arrow on the right hand side of the widget for more items!)

Mango Day Dresses · Mango Longsleeve Tops · Mango Cocktail Dresses

Things We've Been Wanting to Share: Asos

Guys, I don't know if it was a user error or if ShopStyle/PopSugar Shopping really was working on their community features, but you've maybe noticed there was a long absence of our posts.  There are reasons all related to technology (and likely user error!) but it doesn't meant I haven't been thinking about you.  I have.  And I've been wanting to share so much!!

So for starters, here are our latest Asos picks!  Everything at Asos is 10% off this weekend with code WOW10.

Soft pleats and peg legs are in these days - almost like a  classy way to wear sweatpants!  Here are our modest in style and modest on price picks!

Asos Pants · Asos Casual Pants · Asos Skinny Pants

Looking for a few good tops?  The dresses included can double as tunics, to be worn over or under another layer.

Asos Day Dresses · Asos Maternity Clothes · Asos Maternity Dresses

And finally, skirts and dresses!

Asos Long Skirts · Yumi Day Dresses · Asos Day Dresses

The 2013 Black Dress Dilemma

It's the challenge that inspired this blog and my mission:

The quintessential "little black dress," which fashion houses all over America claim every woman owns.

But not this girl.  Not if you're a modest dressing, style-savvy woman who makes a conscious decision that her body is not for show.

While I always hope, and love to hear, that this blog helps women everywhere - particularly those who look for clothes that help them stay covered up with long pants, maxis, and longer sleeves - find stylish and affordable clothing, the challenge of finding the perfect black dress still remains.  To date, especially in the summertime, I don't see black dresses at the usual suspects - the Macys, the Gaps, the Marshalls, the Anthropologies, the Banana Republics, the H&Ms, the New York & Cos, the Nordstroms, and anywhere else in between.

I firmly believe that the market and these retailers can stock items in their stores that stray away from the usual need to equate summertime with "bare it all." If you know me, you'll know my mission in life is to bring modest clothing into the mainstream.

As a tribute to the effort that planted the seed in my head, and to the constant battle that women who choose to maintain a modest and stylish dress code, here are my yearly picks for summer black dresses.  Criteria are as follows:

• Must be a dress that falls at my mid-calves or lower
• Must be contemporary
• Must be wedding appropriate
• Must be easily styled with a bolero, shrug, or cardigan without looking odd/frumpy to cover up bare arms
• Must be under $100
• Should not look like something a witch or your grandmother would wear (unless your grandma is Anna Wintour or Audrey Hepburn)
• Must be predominantly black

Here are my three favorite finds:

KNT By Kova & T Chiffon Carved-Neck Maxi Dress

Black/white panelled maxi

River Island Lace Maxi Dress

If these don't satisfy, here are a few others I found:

Topshop Dresses · Dorothy Perkins Evening Dresses · Piperlime Dresses

[Maxi Skirts] These are a few of our favorite things

Oh, Asos, you just get me.  Thank you for starting my day with this:

Because, I have been creating a list of my favorite Asos maxi skirts, and now they're available for an additional 20% off.

Asos Long Skirts · Asos Mid-length Skirts · Asos Day Dresses

What I love about these skirts is they are long, full skirts and most importantly, the right blend of fashion to create a modest style look.  Ladies, I hope you enjoy!

Skirting the Issue with Peplum Tops

I can't get over peplums.  I just can't.  For a while, I didn't know what peplums were (a peppy plum?) and when I initially discovered them, I didn't get it.  NOW I get it.  I see them everywhere and want them so badly - but always wonder how to wear them.  Peplums seem to be geared towards tight and fitted

...but thank you to the fashion industry for recognizing a few new ways: peplums with wide leg pants and peplums with maxis:

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So you see, it's hard to resist.  Any why try?  There are many different ways to style this new fashion staple modestly, so make it happen!

Here are a few peplums, priced between $10-$50 to get you started.  And let us know in the comments: would you wear this?

ModCloth Tops · ModCloth Shortsleeve Tops · Anthropologie Tees

A Quiet Statement

Feeling at a loss for wrods, so I'll let the pictures do the talking.

  

Find your voice here.

Leather Jackets
Teen Girls' Jackets