Bahama Mama: Modest Swimwear (Part 1 - Base Layers)

This series of posts is inspired by my recent trip to the Bahamas and the Atlantis Resort. My best friend Andrea and I went as a belated MBA graduation gift to ourselves.

In the categorization of travelers, I trend on the active, adventurous side. Short stints of laying around on the beach are fun but an entire day of that sounds like vacation hell. I like to mix it up, with some relaxation peppered into a day of activities, excursions, shopping, and adventure.

For a long while, my swim clothes consisted of cotton pants and tees, or I chose not to go into the water at all - both life decisions which made me very sad. After an embarrassing experience at Laguna Beach in SoCal a few years back, in which a major wardrobe malfunction* still leaves my face burning, I decided these decisions were no longer acceptable.

Modest swimwear has long had its challenges. The quickest go-to for most modest swimwear is the burkini**, which is not for me. In addition to what I feel is overpriced clothing, the design of such clothing does not allow me the ability to move freely without being weighed down, a problem for someone who surfs and swims multiple laps. A year ago, I came up with my version of "modest swimwear" - swimwear that enabled me to participate in water activities without compromising the performance of my experience. Additionally, these items are usually in a spend category much lower than the other modest swimwear options I've found. I'm providing some on-sale options for your modest swimwear needs below, but feel free to explore as there are plenty out there!.

Because of how long this post can be, I'm breaking it up into parts that will be released a few at a time in the next few days. That way, you can examine my list at your leisure and determine what, if anything, is needed for your modest swimwear collection.

**I fully support any woman, particularly those whose dedication and determination, creates a wider variety of modest clothing options for women. I would like if quality and functionality was not compromised as part of that dedication.

*You know that wardrobe malfunction I mentioned earlier? I wore a normal bra and cotton underwear under a cotton tee and gym pants. Cotton does not dry as quickly as polyester, and thus, I had a perfect outline of a bra as my shirt dried. Also, I was with my brother.

Part 1: Base layers
One absolutely must have a bathing suit as the first layer. I own a pair of bottoms and two tops (bikini top and tankini) from Athleta. A base layer acts as your sports underwear - giving you support where you need it as you move around. Buy something with a good fit, both on top and bottom; the better the fit here, the more comfortable you will feel. Avoid ruffles or twists - they will show through in your other layers.

Tankinis

Bikinis

Bottoms

Like the Britney song goes, "It's been a while"...

"It's been a while
I know I shouldn't have kept you waiting
But I'm here now"
-Britney Spears, "Break the Ice"

Oh hello friends. It's been a while, hasn't it?

I promise I haven't been ignoring you. Every once in awhile, a person takes on so much that they have to let something go. A coworker at work told me, "don't be a goldfish." Goldfish don't know when to stop eating and keep eating as long as there is food, which is the most common cause of death amongst goldfish. (I didn't at all research that last part, so don't take that as fact.) All this is to say that I began to put too much on my plate and had to put this, my beloved blog, on the backburner for a minute.

So what have I been doing since last posting on August 18? Glad you asked. (As a note, I would have illustrated this with pictures, but then I came up with a video to post on Facebook as a "year in review" and now I'm sharing it with you! Scroll to the bottom to check out my year!)

1. Working Girl: Since spring of this year, I had been working on transitioning from my current career in federal consulting to that in the fashion and retail world, specifically in the area of product strategy and marketing. In the middle of informational interviews and networking, another consulting company asked me to interview and made an offer in a federal consulting role. After an initial attempt to receive a counter offer panned, I made the tough decision to take the new job offer. And then things got crazy.

I took almost a week to notify my client about my decision. My client is a very demanding but very kind man - a tough balance, but I think he strikes it. After congratulations, he marched into my senior manager's office and essentially told her that he would be willing to front the money from his program budget to keep me if my firm made me a counter offer. Within 48 hours, my senior manager was able to make me a counter offer equal to the 30% increase the other company was making. Considering that by staying at my current firm, I was able to retain my network, my 401(k) firm contributions, and most importantly (to me), had the unarguable support of my client, which spoke volumes for the quality of my work and contributions.

2. Charity Work: The job offer commotion went down just before Fashion With Compassion (FWC), a beauty and fashion night a charity event I executive produced. FWC featured the first-ever Northern Virginia modest fashion stylist showcase and designer runway. The night was a huge success and raised over $12,000 for the Foundation for Aid and Immediate Temporary Help (FAITH), a social services organization in Herndon, Virginia that serves the Northern Virginia area. It was a TON of fun but I think I'm still tired from it. Did you attend? There was a lot to love from the night - the pop up boutique, the make up artist demos, the amazing DJ - but the swag bags without a doubt were my favorite! I worked really hard to secure the sponsors and am so proud of the contributions various local organization made to our attendees: free month-long passes to all women's gyms, organic, fair trade chocolate truffles, skincare samples, organic argan oil lip gloss, gluten-free and organic caramel candies, new product samples of dried chick peas, coupons for spa services, and so much more!

A huge thank you to my blogger friends - Miss Al-Nahdi, A Day in the Lalz, and The Vintageista - who stepped up for the stylist showcase. They brought their A-game and so much more to show women how to creatively dress their best while still maintaining a demure look.

Also, shout outs to Seema of Modern Mary and Safura and Shyema of Kotyur. Modern Mary debuted some new designs and Kotyur debuted themselves on the runway - both designer lines an amazing success.

3. Run run run: Finally, and maybe my most satisfying, accomplishment over the last few months was running the New York City Marathon. It was not my first marathon, or even my second. I've run a few before. This one is certainly my most proud in that I ran it - all 26.2 miles - while being a kickass career woman, while producing a fashion show and charity event - 8 minutes faster than I've run previous marathons.

It was such a brilliant run. The day was literally as cold as ice - temperatures in the high 30s and 20 mph winds (I saw a table full of water get blown over by the wind, leaving an effect like waves crashing on each other) but I just felt GOOD the entire time. Almost from the start, all I could think of all the amazing and wonderful things in life that had lead me to that moment: the endless love and support of my parents, the deep and enduring encouragement of my friends, and the confidence that I have in my abilities.

And now, here's the video. Enjoy! Here's to 2015!

Wardrobes, Budgets, and Savings Accounts

Friends.

I've been gone for a while, I know. I promise you I am planning a return. In fact, I've had a draft post sitting around for almost a month on where I've been and what I've been doing. Kind of like the essay your teacher assigned you on the first day back in school - "How I Spent My Summer Vacation." The topic always seemed so easy and as soon as you tried to think of what you were doing the past three (or four...) months, you drew a blank.

While that post is coming, I wanted you guys to see my closet.

Yes, that is it, in all it's glory. While I am a shopping consultant to the stars (you guys ARE celebrities in my life!), my closet itself is unglamourous. I wish I could boast of shimmering gowns and perfectly color coordinated pieces, that is not me. I don't even have all my clothing on all the same colored hanger yet (a work in progress...I progress when I remember to buy white hangers at Target).

Thing is, to have new clothes all the time, you have to have an additional or extraordinarily large source of discretionary income. I am not that kind of girl. As a woman of the world and hell, someone with a good head on her shoulders who knows how costly the world and all the things in it are, I know my cash is constrained simply to what I earn. Ain't no sugar daddy or glittering inheritance in my life that I can live off. I have student loans, rent payments, gas, car insurance, grocery bills, family obligations, and a goal to invest and save at least 10% of what I make on a monthly basis. I also have to account for birthday presents for others, daily coffee, and other expenditures that sometimes creep up on me.

A few months ago, I realized I was steadily spending more than I was making - dipping into my savings a few times - and that was not wise. The wise thing to do - the one that I'm exercising - was to take a break and re-evaluate my needs versus wants, even when the urge to purchase struck. It's not easy - try resisting this skirt.

Champagne & Strawberry Brocade Skirt

But, I know I can't, and for now, I won't. I am the one who takes care of myself. That said, I've been steering clear of shopping altogether and living on what I have, while prioritize where my money should go.

Why tell you all this? I find myself constantly salivating over all the pretty fashion blogs out there and wanting what they want. I also find myself asking how they afford it? How do everyday fashion bloggers have a new Michael Kors bag or new leather booties or such gorgeous outfits ALL. THE. TIME? If I had an answer to that, I may not have to worry about budgeting as much. Until I figure it out, I'm going to be human and admit that I can't keep up with them as a fashion blogger.

But, that won't stop me from posting. I will begin posting again and more frequently once again and am excited to do so. However, don't feel the pressure to buy. Click and look all you want, but do what's best for you.

FAVORITE FINDS: Glamour, not "Beauty", Products

You know that sound a machine makes when it's changing directions? There are a lot of clicks, followed by some whirring and finally a solid locking sound to know that a new course has been set? I think that's happening in my life and I like it. I haven't yet heard that final sound, but who really does? You're too excited for all that's happening to really pay attention.

A few of the exciting things are known, but some are not and for those that are known, I need new makeup. Ha, I know, strange lead in to this post, amirite?

This post is a little bit (no, it's a lot) departure from my usual clothing posts because I've been looking at a lot of makeup lately. My family gets to celebrate a few special events coming up soon and I've decided it's time to refresh my makeup - the last time I did so was 3.5 years ago.

I do enjoy wearing makeup and I've received compliments when I've done my eye makeup, which is a high compliment to someone who can barely draw stick figures, let alone paint or draw. I don't wear makeup daily, just for special occasions (and place where there will be a lot of cameras) because those are the only times I think it's appropriate.

A PSA announcement to us all: you are beautiful as is and there is no need to have to paint your face daily to feel like "your best self" or a new version of you. There is no need to change up your look daily. Your best self is right there, on a day to day basis. Makeup is simply a good way to add some glamour - NOT BEAUTY - to your look and only if you want it.

So here are Farrah's Favorite Finds/Deep Desires in the makeup retail market these days. You'll notice it leans heavy on the eye shadow side (reference the above paragraphs) but lacks variety. That's because I'm in the market for new mascaras and liners (especially liquid!) and happily taking suggestions. That goes for lipsticks as well (a great nude pink would be welcome). Also, if anyone knows a thing or two about contouring, please help.

1. Eye shadow palettes

I tend to wear dramatic colors (aqua, deep purples) so it's hard for me to create softer looks. The Urban Decay Naked 3 palette has 12 shimmery, rosy hues for those events where I don't want all eyes on my eyes.


Urban Decay also has similar palettes, named Naked and Naked 2. To be quite honest, I want to own all of them, but am limiting myself to Naked 3 to start.

Naked	Naked 2

How do you know which one to get? All three palettes promise a neutral experience but do highlight different skin tones. I can't do justice to the reviews so check them out here: http://goo.gl/fF0C8M

I'm also INCREDIBLY in love with this Yves Saint Laurent palette in my signature purple eyeshadow.


This one comes with an aubergine color that anchors a soft copper-infused peach, pink, and green accents. Love love LOVE. Not a fan of the price tag, but for someone who only buys makeup every 3-4 years, the price amortizes over time (how do you like that MBA speak?!).

A very special reader sent me the palette below as a graduation gift and I can't get enough of it. I'd never looked into Kat Von D's line but turns out she's got some really cool stuff.


This palette, called "Poetica", is an array of gothic and romantic colors that can be mixed and matched to create a myriad of looks. I love it because it's different than what I currently own and like the idea of being able to pull off some more Jessica Alba dark makeup looks.

2. Face makeup and tools

I've been having some progressive results with my latest skincare endeavor, using the Rodan + Fields Unblemish system for 3 weeks (today starts the fourth!).

Side conversation on that: My friend Kate recently started selling Rodan + Fields products after experience really noticeable results. She's someone who either LOVES something or HATES it and she LOVES R+F. The things she loves generally fall into my own loves, so I decided to take the plunge and start an R+F regiment. So far, so good. I can't say it's 100% better but it's only the 4th week. It's a bit pricey, I'll admit, but worth the trial if you can budget it in. Here's Kate's site and tell her Farrah/Greater Lengths sent you! https://kswalker.myrandf.com/

Investing in R+F is my insurance against the need to use foundation so this sponge falls into the one of those things I don't REALLY need but for hype, am considering the purchase.


The foundation I when I use foundation is Make Up For Ever High Definition Foundation, which I bought for a roughly $70 set from Sephora (okay, realized I bought this last year - so ONE new thing in 3 years). It came with primer, concealer, a kabuki brush, setting powder, and a full size bottle of foundation - a GREAT deal. Really, I did the cost comparison and it's a steal.

Sadly, the microfinish setting powder was a casualty of graduation recently - the bag containing it got lost between the ceremony and reception at the business school.

Not to say that expensive, high end foundations are the way to go.  I am a huge fan of L'Oreal's True Match foundation, which I may go back to after I use my current bottle of foundation. L'Oreal really has created a line of foundations for every skintone and one that provides natural coverage.


Continuing in the vein of face makeup, I've been hearing a lot about this Maybelline Dream Lumi highlighter and concealer. My friend Sabba commented on my Pinterest board that it's as good - or even better - than her Dior alternative. Considering it's around $8 without a coupon, it's a low-risk investment that may have major beauty payouts.

When and if I end up getting this stuff, I'll try to keep you guys in the know. Let me know if you already own these things or end up getting them yourself!

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!**

"Pain is Temporary, Tiffany's Lasts Forever"

The blog title is my favorite sign from along the course at this weekend's half marathon.

There were definitely a few others I chuckled at along the way, but I've forgotten most of them. (Of the ones I can remember, a Breaking Bad reference, "Jesse says, 'Run, b***!', a guy holding a sign that said, "Your pace or mine?", another guy with a sign that said, "I like your stamina, call me!", a sign with a picture of a cow that said, "Bessie says keep Moo-ving!")

A half marathon is a 13.1 miles, for those of you wondering, and I ran the Nike Women's Half Marathon in DC. Nike has a Run Women's series where the emphasis is on female runners and their accomplishments in the running field. Instead of a medal, the runners receive a special edition Tiffany & Co necklace - which after a few races, those medals sit forgotten and overlooked in a box, so the functionality of the necklace is very much a plus.

My Little Blue Box - a Tiffany's necklace for finishing the Nike Women's Half Marathon DC

As a Muslim woman who grew up with a Pakistani heritage and culture, I experience that the fitness for women was discouraged either through jest or simply the mindset that it was "too hard" or "too dirty". In many cultures, isn't there an idea that women shouldn't sweat? The mindset was fully a result of the culture the immigrants brought over from their originating countries and passed down to some of their first-generation kids.



Thankfully, my parents weren't like that. I played soccer and pursued my beloved sport, gymnastics, for years, sometimes at the dislike of my parents (sports = their time + money) though they never say "no" to any of my fitness interests. As a result, I developed a lifelong belief that a person is meant to move.



After college, I picked up running as a way to combat the ortho issues I was seeing manifest in my aunt and mom - issues that were hereditary, but also preventable. Running was also a way to get myself back down to a more acceptable body weight (I'd added a few pounds in college), and overall to stay healthy. At first the goal was to run a few minutes without stopping, and slowly a few miles, until now...when I plan to run my third full marathon in November (a full being 26.2 miles).

There have been a number of challenges along the way: backhanded comments from members of that immigrant and first-generation community about being "too fit", backhanded hospitality to overeat foods without quality nutrients at social gatherings, and of course - finding modest clothing to wear while running or lifting weights.



However, there's also been a lot of support, primarily from women who've been victims of the mindset I managed to escape. For the many reasons I keep doing this, it's also with the hope to inspire them to lace on a pair of sneakers and set out for a mile-long run, even if it feels slow or they're teased as they head out the door.

(Various photos of me running over the years)

At 31, I'm fit, happy, and confident. I can physically and mentally propel myself on my own two feet to cross 13.1 or 26.2 (and many distances in between) miles, a gritty mindset I can apply to other challenges that seem "too hard" for women. I'm proud to be the type of woman who earns her own fortune, rather than has it handed to her.

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?

[Style Series Africa Edition] Majorelle Jardin in Marrakech, Morocco

Towards the end of three weeks of constant movement through Africa, Andrea (my friend with whom I traveled) and I were in the mood to lounge. An overwhelming number of people (thanks Halima!) had emphatically suggested we get away from the commotion of Marrakech by spending a peaceful afternoon at Majorelle Jardin.

Majorelle Jardin is the beautiful botanical oasis in the middle of the desert.  Designed and owned originally by French artist Jacque Majorelle, who owned this artists' escape in 1920s and 1930s, it was later purchased by Yves Saint Laurent, the French fashion designer, in 1980.  Now it remains as a visitors paradise, and a treat for a fashion-centric person like me.

Channeling my needs into my outfit, I combined a warm (it was a bit nippy), soft jersey (jersey may have been a theme this trip) striped Hive and Honey skirt (featured here).  The sweeping skirt felt as breezy and lazy and unencumbered as I wanted to be that day. Because the colors of the skirt were neutral and muted sand and black, I chose to wear a similarly neutral, sequin shirt with a 3/4 length stretchy cotton top (the t-shirt had short, sheer sleeves) (featured here).



If I wasn't as hungry as I was at that point, I could have spent another hour just sitting at Majorelle Gardens. A lover of colors, I could not stop snapping pictures of the rich, bright, fresh colors that created the theme - lemon yellows, sunset oranges, watery blues.  Fun fact: the blue that was populated throughout the site is a specific color called Majorelle Blue.

Love the chevron skirt or the sequin t-shirt?

[Style Series Africa Edition] Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg

After a full week in Cape Town, it was time for this MBA student to move on. The class had run its course in Cape Town and was on our way to Johannesburg.

This outfit was inspired by Stephanie of Pretty Is This, whose picture I snagged over a year ago.  I'd been so taken by her outfit and how she modest-ified what could have been a slightly scandalous dress, loving the transformed look of the delicate lace against a white canvas.

So, I did what any good blogger would do - I copied the look.



Admittedly, these are not the greatest photos of my outfit, but it still was one of my favorite ensembles of the trip. The outfit consists of a Michael Stars ikat tank dress and simple white Gap skimmer pants, which were a gift from Zeena after a photo shoot. The exact dress is shown below, with almost the same pants:

The Limited Skinny Denim · Gap Maternity Jeans · Michael Stars Day Dresses

(more shopping and actual discussion of the apartheid museum after the jump! click on 'Read More')

[Style Series Africa Edition] Tweede Nuwe Jaar in Cape Town

In the weeks prior to jaunting off to Cape Town, I posted this entry on the jumpsuit I purchased as a "Black Friday Deal" (sadly, it was not as much of a deal as I usually like, but I couldn't let it sell out on me).  Leading up to the departure of my trip, I didn't have an opportunity to wear it or really, the guts to pull it off in person.  The jumpsuit, all wonderful jersey surpliceness of it, hung there in my closet, asking for its day in the sun.

Patience is a virtue because when I started packing for Africa, it was the #1 thing on my list to bring, donning it on the first non-active day of the trip (day 1 and day 2 consisted of hiking and a day safari...those outfits coming soon). That day came on the Cape Town celebration of Tweede Nuwe Jaar, when the city has its Minstrel Celebration.

Tweede Nuwe Jaar reaches back to the days of slave trade and servants in Cape Town, when the disenfranchised would generally work on New Year's Day for their masters and employers; they waited until the day after New Years to hold their celebration. The tradition continues and the city even pushed off the celebration a few days to accommodate the Muslim Friday prayer (so it was held on Saturday, January 4).

So you ask, HOW DID I WEAR THE JUMPSUIT?

(more after the jump)

[Style Series Africa Edition] Farrah's Fashion and Modest Style in Africa

Before launching into my Africa Style series, I should recap why I was in South Africa and Morocco.

You may have picked up throughout the progression of this blog that I've been in an MBA program part-time at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business while working full-time as a consultant in the DC metro area.

Last March, Andrea emailed me with the subject header, "3 Reasons Why You Should Go to a Study Abroad in South Africa". I think I was convinced before opening the email.  South Africa! For school! Of course!

We tacked on Morocco because as Andrea wrote, "it's on the way!" (It's not but who am I to question?)

Overall, our trip - including travel time - lasted from December 30 until January 18; that's 20 glorious days of frolicking around the continent of Africa.  Those 20 days also included me, dressing to the nines (well, maybe the fives...I was on vacation!) in my comfortable modest style.

You'll start to see that most of the pieces I'm wearing have been posted on this modest style and fashion shopping blog. There are a lot of great examples of stylish modest dressing women out there, but sometimes, their clothing selections are unattainable - whether for the price or the lack of occasion.   On my blog, you'll see that the pieces I post are not only attainable (about 80% being under $50) but can be worn daily, for work, or for play.

Let me know what you see and what you like!