My “Sweatpants”

Some days even I don’t feel like spending a lot of time dressing up. Whether for oversleeping and having to get out quickly, studying on campus on a Saturday (that was the case with the following outfit), or going grocery shopping, every girl needs a quick and chill clothing option. And for myself (since I’m allergic to conventional sweatpants) my alternative is the abaya. 50 times better looking than sweatpants, it is just as – or even more – comfortable. Here’s a chill Saturday OOTD featuring an abaya from Bukhnuk.

Tunic & Pants x 3

As a freshly covered girl, cardigans, thigh-long tunics, and jeans were pretty much my uniform. Everything I owned came in the the same cut (normal solid color cardis, medium wash wide-legged denim, and your typical Forever 21 satin/chiffon patterned empire waist mini dresses) with a slight variation in color, and I saw little possibility for mixing things up while staying modest. Not surprisingly then, when I started reinventing my style, the tunics and were the first to go. It would take long before I’d be completely comfortable with them again (and then never with jeans and cardigans).

Having said that, tunics are pretty easy to work with for veiled women, and typically less dramatic than either maxi skirts or flowy dresses, and thus perfect for school/college (although those who know me know that I myself am as likely to wear those as tutus to class or teaching :P). Below are three completely different looking outfits I’ve worn lately, each featuring long tops and pants (oh, and as I discovered after juxtaposing them, the very same faux fur piece).

The girly one: with a lightly pleated “skirt” and crochet collar, this Delicate Hijabi top is sugary by itself. Add some fur, silky pants, and a cute clutch, and the outfit could hardly get more girly.

Scarf: Ebay, faux fur: H&M, dramatic dip-back shirt worn as cardigan: ASOS, crochet collar tunic: Delicate Hijabi, printed satin “pj” pants: H&M, heart-shaped lace clutch: Forever21, front zipper peep toe ankle boots: Aldo

The saturated one: Burgundy and burnt orange can be risky, but work well if done right (you can’t get more fall-like colors than these). Combine velvet and plaid for a bold look.

Scarf: Ebay, faux fur piece: H&M, velvet blazer: vintage, long tunic: H&M, plaid pants: ASOS, leather bag: souvenir shop in Spain, faux fur top flat boots: Aldo

The wild one: With crazy-pattern pants like these, who’d want to tone it down? Continue the playfulness with a basic print-clash staple: leopard/cheetah print.

Silk scarf: Egypt, faux fur piece: H&M, leopard print kimono: Stradivarius, jewel print pants: ASOS, bag: Accessorize, tribal patternet brogue shoes: Forever21.

The Oversized Vintage Coat

Since oversized coats are the thing at the moment, and since Michigan is making me to feel permanently frozen, I’ve been searching for a time to get to go thrifting for one. And some days ago, I finally managed to do so. I entered the weirdly smelling store  (I’ll admit Etsy is more of my style of shopping vintage, as I don’t have to brave the odor and piles of junk that plagues conventional shops) and judging from the attendants’ reaction, hijabis in tutus and military boots are likely not among their usual clientele.

I swiftly picked out four coats to try on, and was out in a matter of minutes. This $6 beauty seen in the Langston Hues pictures below is what I scored. As to get the fullest out of its voluminous cut, I went for an androgynous look, complete with chunky glasses, brogue shoes, and a sharp vintage bag. Yay for thrift stores!

Scarf: Unique Hijabs, colorful oversized coat: thrift Store, silk shirt: ASOS, tribal patterned pants: Boohoo, bag: mom’s closet, man shoes: Aldo

Whirling in the Rain

Some weeks ago the skies were grey and heavy with rain. Dressed in colors from head to toe I started whirling in the rain, painting the day beautiful.

“we came whirling
out of nothingness
scattering stars
like dust

the stars made a circle
and in the middle
we dance”

-Rumi

Scarf: Egypt, faux fur gilet: Boohoo, chain pattern shirt: Zara, pleated maxi skirt: Gina Tricot, bag: Guess, pumps: Aldo

Sunny Side Up

So I had an amazing day yesterday at the Headwrap Expo! I got to meet lots of amazing ladies who live around the area and otherwise enjoyed browsing the products of local businesses as well as catching some of the shows. Now it is about time I do some catching up with my blog. Here’s an outfit from more than two weeks ago (yes, I know, I’m so bad). More will be coming.

Scarf: Forever21, neck scarf: Egypt, crocheted shawl/poncho: Urban Outfitters, striped oversized sweater: Only, pants: H&M, fringed purse: ASOS, ballerina flats: Norway.