The Coin Clutch

Wearing a design by one of my favorite designers again: this “coin” clutch by Eman Fathy in a neutral palette of soft camo green and woven creme and peach  adds a lot of flare to an outfit otherwise consisting of more plain garments.

The H&M palazzo jumpsuit from two summers ago which I’m also wearing seems to be found in every veiled girl’s closet; after posting the outfit on my Instagram, more than a handful of girls noted that they have the exact same thing. This is generally the case with most items in my closet, and since I’m on a grad student budget this will necessarily remain the case for years to come. The trick then is to wear these common pieces in uncommon ways, putting some sort of personal touch to the whole thing by adding unique accessories that are often more affordable to buy from boutiques etc than entire clothes.

Check out more of Eman’s stuff here and here for outstanding one-of-a-kind additions to your basic wardrobe, whether clutches like this one, folkloric belts, or colorful garments.

What I’m wearing: ethnic print scarf: Charlotte Russe, faux fur: H&M, studded shoulder camo shirt: Vero Moda, palazzo jumpsuit: H&M, clutch: Eman Fathy, peep-toe ankle boots: Forever21, awesome peach colored vintage-look ring: MODA Style First.

Burnt Orange

This is just a quick OOTD post as things are crazy hectic at the moment. I’ve been meeting with the local TEDx coordinator (sign up here if you want to see me share my idea live October 19th), settling details for event appearances/speaking engagements (keep your eyes on the blog the coming days for more announcements), and otherwise trying to keep my head above water when it comes to all the university work. I should be more verbose over the weekend, iA.

Other than that, I’m enjoying fall, the only time the US Midwest is truly beautiful in my opinion. The nature is clothed in yellows, oranges, reds, and burgundies in a show of colors more spectacular than anywhere else. Also, I can wear my layers without melting away. Yay!

Scarf: Egypt, faux fur: H&M, ethnic patterned wrap around kimono: Forever 21, studded jersey-chiffon mix shirt: H&M, wide legged pants: ASOS, leather bag: vintage (taken from mom’s closet), boots: Aldo

Dots on Dots & Tribal Attack

This is going to be a very quick 2 x outfit of the day post, as the last few days have been a little crazy (in a good, socially active, ramadan-ish way). The last days have been filled partly with delicious food and sweets, partly with interesting people, and partly with spirituality. And as always with a lot of prints and colors sartorially. I hope you are all enjoying this wonderful month and that you’ll be rewarded for all your efforts.

Headscarf: Ebay, neck scarf: H&M, pharaonic/ethnic print tunic: Zara, tribal print maxi skirt: Stradivarius, fringed bag: ASOS, accessories: Urban Outfitters, Icing, Boohoo.

Scarf: H&M, polkadot dip-back shirt: Forever21, polkadot palazzos: Forever21, clutch: Gina Tricot (Norway), harness/necklace: River Island, accessories: ASOS, H&M.

PS! Even though I’m the more is more type, things can get too much for me as well sometimes. I actually removed this belt right after the pictures as it was a little too much going on, making the outfit look less than its potential. Sadly, the pictures were taken before that point.

Royal Boheme

This trip came to an end where it started – in front of the green door of my mother’s apartment’s building. I spent my one day layover in Oslo running errands and spending some quality time with my mom and sister, before heading west. I will not be apart from the Old World for too long, however. Can you guess my next destination?

Also.. A lot of you asked about this skirt which is technically not a skirt, but a maxi dress worn as one. I tend to use this fashion hack a lot, especially now that maxi skirts are harder to come by since they are not as on-trend as previous summers. So should you 😉 It works with any tube, halter, or spaghetti strap maxi dress; simply fold the top down inside the “skirt” part and wear a belt in your waist to make it stay put.

Scarf: My mom’s closet, studded shirt: H&M, bohemian maxi dress worn as skirt: Promod, leather bag: Spain, sandals: Norway, accessories: Icing, vintage

The Failed Artist

On my first day in Oslo, Norway actually leaving my mother’s place, I wasn’t really dressed great. Everything was casual and comfy – the shoes sort of had to be as I messed up my left one after several days of sightseeing by foot on bad heels. Pictures of my outfits were taken in a hurry with my cell phone before running to catch the tram, and one of the picture files was even damaged (note the line dividing one of the three pictures at the bottom). What I do have for you today, however, are two pieces of evidence of a time ten years back when I had both the time and patience to be creative beyond just dressing and getting made-up.

That’s right. In 2003 I was so bored, I painted these two pictures in the background here. The one to the left (which is actually the second of the two in order of creation) is in my gorgeous friend Sarah’s possession (also seen in the picture – haven’t seen homegirl for two whole years!), and the one to the right is at my mom’s place.

I’m pretty sure I could do much, much better now. Obviously, the lady’s eyebrows are crooked, and you all know how carefully I shape and even out my own at this point. Asymmetrical eyebrows – I’m not a fan.

Scarf: Egypt, ethnic beaded and embroidered vest: Zara (maaaan, I love this one), studded shirt: Boohoo, skull tee: Cubus (Norway), pants: Vero Moda, bag: Egypt, shoes: Club Aldo (Egypt)