The winter weather in DC and the rest of the east coast
seems like there’s little hope for abatement. We were teased with a few days of
temps above 50 and then this “little chance of snow” has turn into a
half-storm.
When I work out, I prefer to be outdoors. There’s something
about being physical under open skies that appeals to me much much more than
any promise fitness machinery will ever make.
To entertain a winter workout outdoors, bundling and
layering is important.
To entertain a winter workout outdoors as a modest
dressing Muslim woman (but really, anyone who prefers modest clothing), tunic
lengths and loose fits are vital.
I encourage all women out there to wear performance fitness
clothing. A former victim of the t-shirt/sweatshirt workout combo, once I
transitioned into sweat-wicking material, my exercise experience – as well as
my health because you don’t want to retain sweat against your body in cold
temps! – improved drastically.
Check out these pairings for modest fitness clothing
inspiration. Click on the links below each photo to be taken directly to the
retailer.
Like what you see? Click on a link below to be taken directly to the retailer.
Multi-Color Tunics
1. Nike 'Epic' Long Training Shirt
2. Adidas Tiro Speedkick Pants
Heathers
1. New Balance Heather Tunic
2. New Balance Anue Mantra Yoga Pants
3. New Balance All Over Heather Pant
Nike Epic-ness
1. Nike 'Epic' Dri-Fit Wool Crew
2. Nike 'Epic' Training Pants
3. Nike 'Epic' Dri-Fit Wool Crew
4. Nike 'Revival' Dri-Fit Woven Pants
Pink Gear
1. Champion Loose Fit Yoga Top
2. New Balance Boyfriend Stripe Tank
3. Under Armour 'Icon' Pant (also available here for less)
Mulberry Galore
1. Nike Dri-Fit Wool Hoodie
2. Reebok Dance Woven Cargo Pants
3. Moving Comfort All Over Vibe Shirt
February 26, 2014
February 25, 2014
[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?
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?
February 24, 2014
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:
Solid color 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.
 |
Solid color palazzo pants:
FAVORITE FINDS: DC Fashion Week Haute & Modesty Fashion Show
Friday evening, I had the pleasure and honor to attend second DC Fashion Week's Haute & Modesty Fashion Show, sponsored by Areej Fashions. I attended the inaugural fashion show back in the fall and was happy to be there again on Friday. This was the second time DC Fashion Week held a Haute & Modesty Fashion Show, a fashion showcase dedicated singularly to modest styling. It has since been picked up by Philadelphia Fashion Week as well.
While I love the concept of the show, much remains for content. There were plenty of eye-catching designs and unique flairs, which stood starkly in the face of those who believe modest fashion is akin to Amish style. For a girl who loves colors, there were plenty of them to go around, with texture to boot. However, very few of the outfits felt wearable for the every day. Don't get me wrong - I like my fair share of dresses and maxi skirts, but as a working American Muslim woman, I need something that I can wear to the average American women's occasion - a business meeting (or heck, an office job), a concert, an amusement part - and most of these clothes, save a few, could I not see in a normal American setting.
That aside, one showcase stood out - that of my friend Hakeemah Cummings, of LoveCMB. Her first stylecase, if you will, consisted of fashions from a number of designers that have been featured here on Greater Lengths. Her styling was spot on - high fashion for the American woman.
My most favorite outfit was the one she actually wore! This emerald green dress from Artizara was one I saw at ISNA 2013 and almost featured as a Favorite Find. The color was so lively and the floral hijab from Veilure Couture was a nod to the spring event. The front pleats reminded me of Kate Middleton and her penchant for Jenny Packham pleated gowns.
While I love the concept of the show, much remains for content. There were plenty of eye-catching designs and unique flairs, which stood starkly in the face of those who believe modest fashion is akin to Amish style. For a girl who loves colors, there were plenty of them to go around, with texture to boot. However, very few of the outfits felt wearable for the every day. Don't get me wrong - I like my fair share of dresses and maxi skirts, but as a working American Muslim woman, I need something that I can wear to the average American women's occasion - a business meeting (or heck, an office job), a concert, an amusement part - and most of these clothes, save a few, could I not see in a normal American setting.
That aside, one showcase stood out - that of my friend Hakeemah Cummings, of LoveCMB. Her first stylecase, if you will, consisted of fashions from a number of designers that have been featured here on Greater Lengths. Her styling was spot on - high fashion for the American woman.
My most favorite outfit was the one she actually wore! This emerald green dress from Artizara was one I saw at ISNA 2013 and almost featured as a Favorite Find. The color was so lively and the floral hijab from Veilure Couture was a nod to the spring event. The front pleats reminded me of Kate Middleton and her penchant for Jenny Packham pleated gowns.
 |
| Artizara Dress // Veilure Couture 'Eden' Scarvf |
February 19, 2014
[Workout Wednesday] Modest Gym and Fitness Tops
It prides me to say that the most common reasons Greater Lengths is stumbled upon is the search for modest workout clothes. This implies a lot of things:
I do get a sincere sense of satisfaction and motivation when I get comments like these on the blog:
In the name of alliteration and all things modest fitness apparel, welcome to the first installment of “Workout Wednesday”, a regular feature which will be dedicated to the fitness clothes available on the retail market that defy the typical body-skimming athletic apparel trend. This is a double benefit for me as I am trying to get back into a normalized running routine and having new clothes is a spring of motivation.
Please leave comments and your thoughts. I love knowing your opinion!
- Women who dress modestly are not letting clothing get in the way of their fitness
- In general, women are seeking more modest ways of covering up while working out
- My blog is providing solutions to these needs!
I do get a sincere sense of satisfaction and motivation when I get comments like these on the blog:
In the name of alliteration and all things modest fitness apparel, welcome to the first installment of “Workout Wednesday”, a regular feature which will be dedicated to the fitness clothes available on the retail market that defy the typical body-skimming athletic apparel trend. This is a double benefit for me as I am trying to get back into a normalized running routine and having new clothes is a spring of motivation.
Please leave comments and your thoughts. I love knowing your opinion!
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