February 28, 2013

Candy Colored

Walking to and from class in Washington, D.C. (I'm also a part-time MBA student at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith Business school), I see this same billboard on all the Metro buses and bus stops.
  Gap Skimmer Denim Evolved billboard

I'm looking forward to all the pretty pretty colors emerging around every corner and these colored skinny jeans from Gap are perfect to layer with longer tunics.  Balancing flowy tops with fitted bottoms is not only one of the easiest modest outfits to create, skinny jeans - in all colors - is an essential closet item for the modest dresser's closet.

Which color do you like best?


February 25, 2013

Modest Marvel: Marwa Atik

You may not have yet heard her name, but if you shop for hijabs, you may have heard of her line - Vela.  A young and budding entrepreneur, Marwa's line, Vela, has caught the eye of a number of LA press and other well-known fashion sites, but us at Greater Lengths, it's her edgy style that has us hooked.

Marwa is part of the next generation of modestly-dressing women who bring a new take to fashion and being a stylish, modest dresser.  Her ideas and bold fashion is sure to catch the eyes of those who do and don't wear hijab!  Check out her line on her online retail site and on Facebook, and learn more about her below.

Name: Marwa Atik

Marwa, stylin' it up during finals week
Background: Born and raised in California with roots in Syria, Marwa is the middle child of 5 siblings and currently attending the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) as an Apparel Management major.  If you're a native of LA, you'll find her all over downtown working on Vela and looking for new design inspirations
What we love about her style: Marwa's feminine style is laced with rocker edge: her sweet ballet flats are studded, adds zippers to her hijabs, and rocks work boots with fringed scarves.

Studded ballet flats - signature Marwa Atik

Favorite pieces:  "A good handbag and jeans! It's important for me to find a chic handbag because I will often carry it out in every outfit and make use of it.  Also, lately I'm obsessed with the detailing that jeans have: from gold zippers at the ankles, to the textured print, the wash, fit, and detailed stitching at the knees.  I love finding  a good unique pair of styled jeans!"
About your style:  Marwa describes her style as a clash between Zara and Urban Outfitters (what did we say about feminine with a rocker edge?!) "I can be proper chic with the right blazer and top and then the next day id be wearing timberlands with a flannel shirt tied around my waist. It all depends on my mood and day!"


What makes an outfit:  For Marwa, it's all about her scarf.  "I think to any hijabi, it's important!"

Your no-limit gift card would be for: Nordstrom.  With a chuckle, she says, "Any smart girl would pick Nordstrom because you have access to almost every designer or brand!"

February 19, 2013

Hot Stuff at Anthropologie

I'm waiting for a call from a friend but spotted this AH.MAY.ZING sale at Anthropologie!  Anthro is my white whale - I'm always hunting for cute, trendy items with modest style appeal and they always allude me because everything costs a bajillion dollars (yes, a bajillion).

Unfortunately, ShopStyle/PopSugar is going through a technical makeover and my usual way of posting is not accessible.  Instead, I've tried to link you directly to the image.  We'll update when the community features are back.

I love the Fine Wale Cord Skirt ($30) and can easily see myself in the Bagatelle Blouse ($30).  And the $15 Paisley Brocade Crops?  I'm IN.

What do you like best?