Greater Lengths | Style & Shopping for Modest Apparel

April 15, 2013

Modest Marvel: Sanna "Hijabsta" Naqash

You know how sometimes on your social media networks, you start seeing the same few people on Facebook that you don't actually know? That's how I "know" Sanna. She and I had so many overlapping friends but ourselves didn't know each other. But I couldn't stop stalking her style.

She was always spotted wearing something unique and vibrant, always leaving me wondering, "where did she get that?"

Case in point: this outfit is what compelled me to work my network to get an intro and ask the burning question, "where did you get that top?" (Answer: Kashmir)

Not only do you see her photos and think, "ooh, I wonder where she got that," her smile make you say, "aww, I want to hang out with her!"

Name: Sanna Naqash, aka Hijabsta

Maxi dress: H&M, Cardigan: Forever 21, Hijab: Laila Rowe

Background: Sanna is a Kashmiri American, currently residing in Northern Virginia. She majored in psychology at VCU, but her passion is for photography and fashion. (Check her out on Instagram here.) It wasn't until 2004, when she first started wearing hijab, that she cites becoming more aware of her style. "I really don’t know what happened…it’s like layering and wearing cloth after cloth became a prototype of enjoyment and thrill for me, and I started putting my outfits together like one solves and puts the pieces of a puzzle together."

What we love about her style: What's not to love? Sanna uses rich colors and textures, and never are any two outfits the same. Each piece has its own story. You look at each piece and think, "where did she get that?" and turns out, it's where you've been shopping all along!

Your favorite pieces: Maxi dresses and long, baggy tops "where one side of the shoulder is either strapless or falling down"

About her style: Sanna's style is relaxed, chic, and full of interest. Each outfit has an element of fun.

What are you looking to achieve in an outfit?: "When I have to get ready and choose an outfit to wear or put together, I just think of what looks fun yet chic at the same time. I just play around with what I have and put the pieces together. I would like people to see that dressing up modestly is fun and I enjoy being covered up yet be able to look good."

What makes an outfit?: "Modest appeal. For me, it would have to be the hijab I wore that day."

Your no-limit gift card would be for: H&M and Zara

Sweater: H&M, Boyfriend Jeans: Forever 21, Boots: Nordstrom, Hijab: Aldo
Her disclaimer - that's apple cider she's holding!

April 14, 2013

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]

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

Welcome back to me!

Geeez, was it really Mach 4 when I last posted? I'm embarrassed, you guys. Seriously, how did I let so much time go by? I love blogging for you all and making your wardrobe finds easier and increasingly fashionable while maintaining modesty. So accept my apologies. I'm hoping to get on a more normal schedule.

What has kept me away, you ask. Well, primarily the need for some rest. It's been a hard few months and I just became...tired. I thought I could keep it all going but eventually, you realize it's best not to.

What else? Well, school. The first term of the spring ended and the new spring term has begun. And with that has come finals, group projects, and all that fun stuff. But (insha'Allah!) I am about 18ish credits from graduating! That's about 9 classes!

Oh, a secret project. I can't tell you about it yet. But I will. Oh, I will.

Oh, and I helped my friend's daughter find outfits for DC MIST. She emailed me sometime in February, asking to coordinate her team's outfits. I had a lot of fun and the students looked great!

Finally, I turned 30. It was lovely and wonderful and I was surrounded by a loving assortment of people.

Me with a chunk of my support network. Lots of girls not pictured (Naima, Sara, Sarah, Amie, Caroline, Hareem, the list goes on...)

Naima's mom, me, my mom, my younger brother

Looking forward to many posts of fun, stylish, modest fashions!

March 4, 2013

Modest Marvel: Sarah Imam

One of my biggest regrets in college is that I didn't appreciate style and fashion. You could typically find me sporting a free t-shirt and an oversized sweatshirt hoodie (similar to the one I am wearing as I write this post!), traipsing through campus (love you JMU!). It's why when I find college students with enviable closets who are maintain a fashion sense while still modestly dressing, I have to highlight their efforts and wins.

Sarah Imam certainly falls in to this category (do you see her tan and black polka dot sweater?!) She was the recipient of our Greater Lengths giveaway of The Limited Stitched Shawl boyfriend blazer, and sets a standard for how the next generation of modest dressers should look - without sacrificing their values.

Name: Sarah Imam

Modest Marvel Sarah Imam in her various stylish, modest outfits over her four years of college

Background: A proud product of Northern Virginia schools, Sarah is currently in her final year at University of Virginia, majoring in Foreign Affairs. She's an avid baker and loves to read classic novels, like Jane Eyre and Gone with the Wind
What we love about her style: Her on-point, easy style that covers up without looking bulky, frumpy, or dowdy.
Your favorite pieces: Sarah loves her cardigans. "I always add them on if I feel like I need to add a bit more color to what I’m wearing." She's also been loving her mint-colored pants. "It just adds a feeling of freshness to my look." Her trademark touch is a flower or bow in her hair (definitely a step up from the bandana headbands I used to wear!), which is the ultimate finishing touch to almost all her outfits!
About her style: A woman after my heart, she cites Zooey Deschanel's character from New Girl as her style inspiration. Sarah weaves soft, feminine touches in to her outfits. Currently, she is "obsessed" with peace, mint, and mustard colors", so you'll find her all around UVA grounds or Charlottesville with one of those colors integrated into her outfit.
What are you looking to achieve in an outfit?: "I try to send the message that it's okay to look girly and that matching is perfection!"
What makes an outfit?: "Any accessory makes an outfit." Hair clips, earrings, necklaces, or belts are among the ones Sarah uses to pull an outfit together.
Your no-limit gift card would be for: "Forever 21! There are so many choices there, it's ridiculous!"

March 3, 2013

Extra 40% Off Sale Sale at South Moon Under

Sorry about the confusing post earlier - the sale is at South Moon Under, not Cusp (although they are having their own sale as well - just not as good as SMU)

Since I am out the door to a facial (my first!!), I did a quick review. Here are a few items I thought you guys would like! Let me know what else you find!