Surfing the Crimson Wave

One of the best things that came out of the movie Clueless (in addition to the hotness of Paul Rudd and a prototype for a wardrobe matching computer program) was the phrase, "surfing the crimson wave." When Clueless came out (when I was 12! geez!), it gave women everywhere a cooler alternative to the aged phrase, "Aunt Flo". It made getting your period sound almost sporty.

Thankfully, I have no major issues when I'm surfing the crimson wave, but the first day or two I'm EXHAUSTED (and usually super-emotional - WHY DIDN'T THEY GIVE THE BUNNY HIS CEREAL? I'll be in the corner crying over that). Today was no exception. I went to sleep tired, woke up tired, and felt downright "blah" the entire day. When one feels like this, it's hard to want to wear anything that has an actual waistband. Alas, my "Oakton Gymnastics" sweatpants probably won't be tolerated at work without a serious double take and maybe conversation if I'm feeling okay.

So I did the second best thing - wide and loose errything. I found my loosest pants - a pair of wide leg trousers from Asos - and wore them an oversized v-neck tunic sweater from H&M and boyfriend style button-down blouse. I felt like a professional in the Hamptons.

Blouse: The Limited 'Ashton' // Trousers: Forever 21 Wide-Leg Woven Trouser // Sweater: H&M Fine Knit Sweater

And I would do it all over again. Except maybe with more elastic in the waistband.

I highly recommend everyone have a pair of wide-leg trousers. They elongate your legs, give you a reason to wear heels, and give you a clean, modest look. They are also timeless items - transcending fashion trends. And of course - great for when you need a professional alternative to sweatpants.

Find your crimson wave style below!

Button down blouses:

Wide-leg trouser:

V-neck tunic sweater:

FAVORITE FIND: Luxe Geo Palazzo Trousers from Dorothy Perkins

I've really been feeling the ultra-wide pants lately (did you see the post and inspiration on palazzo pants here?). Trends that toe the edge of fashion are sometimes slow on the uptake in most US stores, so I'll look at our friends across the Atlantic for shopping finds.

These palazzo pants are everything I like in a fashion-forward modest style item: bold pattern, eye-catching color, and of course, discounted price. If you weren't able to grab the wide-leg palazzo pants from Anthropologie last week, check out Dorothy Perkins' option below!

Click on the item to be taken to the retail site.

Luxe Geo palazzo trousers

Widening Your Horizons in Spring 2014's Latest Trend

Sometimes style skips a generation. We've seen the revival of 80s glam and 90s glitz, but now the 60s are making a coming back in the very welcome form of palazzo pants.



Likely a predecessor to the 70s flare legs (which were also a late 90s, early 2000s trend, that ahem, I may have participated in), palazzo pants are the ultimate chic in combining the comfort of a skirt with the coverage of trousers - modest fashion without meaning to be, creating a look for a woman seeking American modesty without styling too hard.

The super voluminous bottoms looks balanced when partnered with a more fitted top - a lady-like blouse - but evidence proves that a draped hi-low top or slouchy sweater also make a fitting pair.

   

A great look, no matter how windy the weather.

Printed palazzo pants:

Anthropologie Wide Leg Pants · UO Wide Leg Pants · Boutique to You Wide Leg Pants

Solid color palazzo pants:

Alex Evenings Wide Leg Pants · Revolve Clothing Wide Leg Pants · Vince Camuto Wide Leg Pants

Cobalt Into My Life

It's no denying it - cobalt blue has been the staple color of the season for a few seasons now.  It took me a while to jump on board with this.  Cobalt looked like the lighter, runnier version of an ink pen that had long gone past its writing usage.

My mind has changed with the seasons and I suddenly have an urge to incorporate into every outfit I could possibly muster from my closet.  The undeniable blue boldly goes where no color has gone before - combining with the likes of lime green, solid blacks, and even after-Labor-Day whites (the new winter color combo?).

Which of these would you work into your wardrobe?

Tunics
Day Dresses

Cobalt tops

Anthropologie Tunics · Zara Tops · Madewell Button Front Tops

Cobalt Blazers and Sweaters

Pim Day Dresses · Mossimo Day Dresses · Studio 1 Day Dresses

Cobalt bottoms

Coldwater Creek Petite Pants · Topshop Wide Leg Pants · Lord & Taylor Casual Pants

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:

[credit]

[credit]

[credit]

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

FAVORITE FIND: Professional Dress Pants from The Limited

As a Muslim woman who works at a top tier consultancy, what I love about The Limited pants is their relaxed fit professional dress pants which never cling, never unnecessarily outline, and have a clean, polished look.

A number of Muslim women are graduating from college this year and may heading in to interviews, or maybe you're one of those women just looking for a job change, OR you might have a job you love but need to refresh your wardrobe.  The Limited has the pants to give you the cleanest, modest look you're looking to achieve.  Here are a few on sale this weekend, in store and online using code SAVE 40, for an additional 40% off.

Drew Pieced-Edge Bootcut Pants	Drew Pieced-Waist Bootcut Pants	Drew Pieced-Edge Bootcut Pants	Cassidy Tab-Belt Classic Flare Pants
Cassidy Banded-Waist Classic Flare Pants	Drew Stitched-Loop Bootcut Pants	Drew Slim Cuffed Pants	Cassidy Classic Flare Pant

Winter Wonderland

I've never been a fan of the cold but I've always been a fan of sweaters.  Bulky, oversized, chunky, warm, cozy, soft, fleecey sweaters.  They're super easy to wear as a Muslim woman, or really - ANY woman - but with the added bonus of modest style and usually in fashion!

This photo came across our Pinterest feed recently, and of course, I had to repost.  It's a cute style for any Muslim woman and translates well at any age - from fashion-risk high schooler, to style-developing college student, to chic and sophisticated post-20s.

[Source]

Here's our take on some easily accessible items to complete this modest Muslim wardrobe mix up!

Cardigans
Wide Leg Pants

Wide Leg Pants
Sweaters

Just a few extras

More Kate Landry...

More Asos...