[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)

Black Friday 2013: Bar III Jumpsuit, Cap-Sleeve Harem-Draped

Last night, my younger brother, my mom, and I partook in the shameful Thanksgiving tradition that is Black Friday (yes, shameful - because as much as I love a good deal, Thanksgiving is a holiday meant for being appreciative and spending time with people who you love and love you...but this is my soap box for another day).

We went to Macy's, as it's my mom's jam, where only my younger brother proceeded to find clothes (it's never good to shop on an empty needs list - you either end up with too much, or nothing, like me and my mom).

The line was painfully long and I still had to work in the morning, so after about 30 minutes in a stagnant line, I pulled out my phone and placed my brother's order via the interwebs.  To qualify for free shipping, I purchased the jumpsuit below, which I've been eyeing for a while (sadly, they didn't have it in store).

Bar III Jumpsuit, Cap-Sleeve Harem-Draped

I'm trying to get on board with the harem trend, but like Sana of ModHijabi mentions here in her post on harem pants, it's really hard to find the right ones for your personal style and body.  But I think this combo jumpsuit/harem pant item will do.  I like the loose flow and the full body coverage.  Assuming the size I purchased will fit, it will drape nicely around my body, giving shape but without revealing too much shape - the perfect modest fashion piece.

The suit is marked down 30% for Black Friday.  What do you think?  Are you on board with this as a midnight purchase?

Another jumpsuit I really like is this one from Nylii, which is having a 50% off sitewide sale for today (11/29/13) only!  Nylii is a new online boutique, specializing in modest clothing from American designers.

[Sweet Modesty] Reader Request: Long and Maxi Cardigans

Not too long ago [oh shoot, my email says 8 days ago], I received a request from a reader at Sweet Modesty.

As you may have heard, Sweet Modesty + Greater Lengths have joined forces to provide you an exclusive service for making modest shopping inquiries.  Among our first requests, this reader is, not surprisingly, looking for long cardigans.

Hawa writes:

Hey, I've been looking for long/maxi cardigans, I can't seem to find petite sizes nor a reasonable price. I hope you can help me!

Hawa, of course we can!  Thankfully, the timing is right for us as we're hitting the first batch of seasonal sales at retail stores all over.  These long sweaters, also called boyfriend sweaters, for their long lines and easy fits, pop up but rarely does there seem to be more than one of these types of sweaters in the store.

I've gathered a few of them here - divided between neutrals (tans, black, whites, creams), colored (a rainbow of them!), and finally - dusters.  Dusters are the comfy, more stylish alternative to a great sweatshirt.  They're not as hefty as sweater coats, but usually longer than boyfriend cardigans.

What do you think?  Which one of you is making you reconsider your November clothing budget right now?

Neutral-toned long cardigans and boyfriend sweaters:

XCVI Cardigans · jcpenney Cardigans · Free People Cardigans

Colored long cardigans and boyfriend sweaters:

Ann Taylor Petite Sweaters · Gap Petite Sweaters · Lucky Brand Cardigans

Dusters:

Chico's Cardigans · Loehmann's Women's Fashion · Loehmann's Cardigans

Show your stripes!

Stripes fever has hit me in a big way, though I'm not the only one to have fallen under the spell of these enchanting illusions.  Stripes hit the spring 2012 runways hard and will continue on to the fall 2012 runway and racks as well.

(Marc Jacobs - source)

If you've had your eyes on striped apparel, but aren't sure what would be the best for your wardrobe, think "versatile".  Stripes, with a bold top or subdued jacket, will match under or over any layer.

Shortsleeve Tops
Tees

Here are a few items to get you kicked of.

Striped crops and cardigans:

More Charlotte Russe...

Striped tunics and tops:

More New York & Co....

Striped maxi skirts:

More Quiksilver...

A page from Rachel Zoe's look

Just when you mastered the art of the skinny leg trouser/jean/pant with your favorite top, while still managing to make it modest, the fashion world begins to tip in the other direction - the return of the wide leg.  This trend, though, is in our favor, Muslim women!

Wide legs are much easier to mod(est)ify into clothing that's comfortable, covering, and chic!  Case in point, the ever-so-fashion-forward Rachel Zoe:

(source)

I'm sure that each of us, in one way or another, has this exact outfit in our wardrobes.  However, in case you're looking for that one last piece, here are a few places to look to make it happen.

Black blazers and jackets:

More Mango...

White tops:

More Victoria's Secret...

Wide leg denim:

More LOFT...

An Evening to Remember - Proper Toppers

As Muslim women, we go to great lengths to ensure the propriety of our dress, especially that clothing not intended for Islamic modesty, like evening gowns.  Cardigans and tops do provide some coverage, however, the lines and loveliness of a beautiful gown can be lost if topped by a frumpy, unmatched cover up.  Below is a compilation of options for a proper topper to ensure that not only does your evening gown meet you Islamic lifestyle and dress, but that you are entirely the bell of the ball in wearing it.

More New York & Co....

An Evening to Remember - Spring-toned Gowns

Spring is in the air, and we find inspiration from the colors popping up around us -strawberry-hued day lilies brightening our day, golden daffodils waving hello, and purple hyacinths spreading their joy.  These modestly-priced gowns will hopefully find a place in your closet for those outdoor spring and summer soirees.  Long on length, they are perfect for that chic, Muslim woman.  See our post on tops for options on how to cover up the revealing necklines.

While this gown is a bit out of the price range, it's fun to look at:

Day Dresses by BCBG MAX AZRIA
Cardigans at Kohl's

But we think your wallet will like these a bit more.

More Calvin Klein...

A wide world of options

Time and time again, this look has been coveted by the likes across Pinterest (myself included) for the effortless chic look.

[Source emersonmade.com]

The wide leg pant is coming back, and made multiple appearances at various Fashion Weeks over the past few months.  The added bonus is that the wide and loose look is perfect for the average Muslim woman's style, creating a fashion forward outfit for a casual evening catching up with a friend or, with a bit more tailoring, an office look.

 

Following that trend, check out a few of these finds.  I personally like a printed top with a pair of wide legs, though click on the items below to be taken to your wide world of retail options (all under $50!).

Wide Leg Pants by Asos
Longsleeve Tops by Charter Club

Wide Leg Pants by Asos
Longsleeve Tops by Charlotte Russe

More Forever 21...

More LOFT...

REMIX: Shirt Dresses and Cropped Sweaters

After a season of sweater dresses, the new "it" item is the cropped sweater and unavoidable at our favorite stores.  How to wear this new trend without making our Muslim selves uncomfortable with the exposure?

Answer: the shirt dress.

[Source http://fashion-ocd.tumblr.com]

This look is a take on the classic button down shirt and sweater combo, but with a bit of chicness and edge to it.  As Muslim women, our closets likely house a shirt dress that pairs perfectly with a cropped sweater, so go ahead and take the leap - wear that cropped sweater and see how easy it is to stay in style!

Click on any of the images below to be taken to the retailer.

Day Dresses by Tommy Hilfiger
Crewnecks & Scoopnecks by Delia's

Click on any of the images below to be taken to the retailer.

Crewnecks & Scoopnecks by Old Navy
Day Dresses by Fred Perry

Crewnecks & Scoopnecks by Ann Taylor
Day Dresses by Lands' End Canvas

Click on any of the images below to be taken to the retailer.

Day Dresses by Alloy
Crewnecks & Scoopnecks by Express

Click on any of the images below to be taken to the retailer.

Crewnecks & Scoopnecks by Charlotte Russe
Day Dresses by Amy Byer

Click on any of the images below to be taken to the retailer.

Day Dresses by Forever 21
Sweaters by Juicy Couture