The Pinnacle of Covered Girl Couture: Happening Now!

The shift in the past several years is undeniable. Some say it's the lure of handsome payback from the infamously affluent Middle Eastern markets. Others say there was simply no other direction left for fashion to go. Whatever the reason, the change in direction is officially here to stay... for now.

Big wigs like Valentino shifted to demure couture gowns due to all that disposable income up for grabs in conservative global markets (the purchase of the luxury label by Qatari royalty also probably had something to do with it), and several others have made similar changes to their designs. But you know the modesty trend has officially arrived when Karl Lagerfeld, arguably the most influential individual in the fashion world, chose to host his highly anticipated Chanel cruise show in the unexpected locale of Dubai earlier in the month. The event extracted the who's who of fashion out to the Middle East, an elaborate smorsgaboard ranging from A-list Hollywood actresses to Saudi princesses, as well as a healthy range on the modesty scale of locals donning everything from abayas to minis under one roof with zero judgement.  Lagerfeld delivered a collection of covered yet flattering cuts likened to the traditional shalwar kameez of the subcontinent, with his long, flowy tunics and slim pants adorned with much more pomp, print, and bling than the usual classic Chanel designs. 

Who would've guessed this is Chanel?

And as if that weren't enough, Kim Kardashian, reality tv's bombshell notorious for her risque fashion choices as much as for her volatile love life, shocked the world last weekend with her elegant, and for the most part, covered Givenchy gown for her third set of nuptials in Versailles. The dress featured a sky-scraping neckline up to her neck (no decollatege or even a more subtly alluring collarbone in sight!), full sleeves to the wrists, and a floor-length hemline with an unadorned, simple veil. The verdict? Even average Joes on Instagram contended that Kim looked equal parts, if not much, much more beautiful than in her past revealing apparatus. 

Some of the very few public images of their big day. Even Kimye's photo coverage was modest!

 Love her or hate her, her heavy influence in the mainstream fashion and beauty sphere is undeniable

There have been small victories along the journey, paving the way for these big wins for team modesty. Last year, Christian fashion week made history by marketing its controversial wish shrewdly as a dare: "We are looking for designers who want to challenge themselves to create art without the crutch of sexuality. We fully understand that sex sells. But for the everyday woman, sexuality is not the dominant quality she wants to exhibit. She is a force to be reckoned with beyond the visuals of her anatomy. She is fierce and demands attention with her strength, intelligence, and grace. Now, THAT is sexy."

So it's official. Us full-time restrained folks can relax a little bit in our hoarding of maxi's and long tees as if they will disappear from stores tomorrow. Doesn't look like they will be slipping from our grasp anytime soon now that the rest of the world is in our little thing. Hopefully it's a significant matter of time before hemlines start rising and necklines start plunging all across the board once again. Atleast we'll have our closets brimming with full-sleeved goddess dresses and breezily chic palazzo pants to fall back on when this discreet stage in the fashion cycle comes to its inevitable end. 

Nope, not Junaid Jamshed! Those double C's are somewhere on there

Written by Saba Ali of Style by Design - Image Consulting

(Images are not mine. But aren't they great?)

Ethical, Sustainable and Up-To-The-Minute: Spotlight on Ishi Vest

It’s incomparably rare for an individual to merge his passion, family, livelihood, and deep-rooted desire to leave an outright impact on the world, into one neat little package. But United For Service alum Harish I. Patel, founder of Ishi Vest, is not one to simply bank on his good fortune – he takes it all in stride with a healthy dose of gratitude. “Going back to India every summer actually gives me the opportunity to spend quality time with my mother, “ professes the Gujarat-born social entrepreneur whose ambition stems from the avidity to do business with an unusually high standard for materials and process. Noted for starting the company after he was repeatedly catechized about the pragmatic bohemian vest he was sporting after a recent trip to India, Patel is a trendsetter in several senses. Embodying the traits UFS looks to instill in its volunteers from the get go, he has exhibited empathy, leadership, and hands-on problem-solving prowess throughout his life as a Muslim-American with one foot set firmly in his native land. His visits abroad over the years on various service-related expeditions, including Aid to India and United for Service in 2010, planted the seed of action in his mind around the disconcerting issues he grappled with during his travels, most notably that of the tragic farmer suicides. 

“It’s a huge issue in India, “ contends Patel, who was particularly affected after meeting the widows and children of these farmers. “Textile comes from farming, which is heavily reliant on insecticides, pesticides and harsh dyes that are not only harmful for the environment and consumers, but exorbitantly priced for the farmers.” The workers pay for supplies which initially produce a high yield, but then leave them with lower returns, excessive debt, and hazardous health issues, all eventually leading to the staggering number of suicides (a number Patel feels is minimized by the Indian government). Troubled after witnessing this first hand and aware of the demand for his own cotton vest in the States, Patel thought to launch a social venture that could help empower the victims (and those like them) he had met. “I don’t believe in simply handing over money – I’d much rather invest in a way that will keep giving.” Patel, who had once considered a career as a doctor, states, “My work is my identity and I want to be on the right side of things.” And righting wrongs is what he set his mind towards – his Kickstarter campaign has been successful in promoting Ishi Vest as an ethical organization which seeks to level the playing field of labor and safety standards in the industry.

Patel doesn’t claim to know much about fashion, but when pressed about the looks he reveres, the answer is quite telling. “Bold and stately – Nehru, Malcolm X – these men were confident in where they came from yet still looked the part of the sharp leader. They were cultural translators in a sense”. It’s no surprise Ishi’s main product boasts the iconic “Nehru” collar, a term coined by the leader’s signature jackets which were christened as high-fashion chic in the most coveted powerhouses of couture decades ago. “I have a designer in-house to take care of that side of things,” he laughs, referring to the team who helped him fine tune his single introductory product, the men’s vest, as a crucial part of his simple yet potent business model. The women’s version was added to the lineup just a few weeks ago, and he says the brand plans to dip its toes into the lucrative pond of kids wear, all the way down to infant swaddle blankets. 

Patel doesn’t seem to have time for much besides his ingrained commitments, as there are several. Aside from running Ishi Vest with co-founder Jackie Mahendra, he is pursuing a Masters in Urban Planning at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Patel also helped start Chicago Votes, a non-profit dedicated to engaging, educating, and training a young generation of leaders in the political arena. In addition, he works at UIC, helping to develop a department for Diaspora Studies, which will focus on immigration, war, and climate change.

“I don’t want to bring a child into a world with so much messed up in it,” states Patel. With so many noteworthy causes on his resume and plenty more promising projects in the works, his conscience can rest assured that he is doing his part in making that happen. 

Saba Ali is a writer, blogger and the founder of Style By Design – Image Consulting (SBD), a venture specializing in style and fashion consulting, career image consultation, and overall personal design. She has worked with clients from all walks of life, and has been featured in various publications. Find her work on her blog, Facebook, and on Instagram 

Fashion Week SS14: A Closer Look Into Spring's New Style Collective

Fashion week has wrapped up in a whirling New York minute, and the highly anticipated Spring/Summer 2014 ( (or #ss14 if you speak hashtag) collections are making their way into the mainstream psyche as designers, models, bloggers, socialites, actresses, and minions gathered for what is perhaps the most anticipated event all year.

A few concepts spotted early on in the week drew inspiration from confection in blush pastels (rose, lilac, butter) and stark white in women's wear. The soft colors were balanced with strong asymmetrical lines in silhouette from powerhouses such as Alexander Wang, Victoria Beckham, Tadashi Shoji, and Prabal Gurung. On the contrary, last season's statement patterns grew bolder in all their animal, tribal, floral, and pinstriped glory on soft, minimalist shapes at Diane Von Furstenburg, Donna Karen, and Tracy Reese.

The overall verdict? Styles seem to be drawing consistently from last season's spring collection, yet pleasingly topping their predecessors with added oomph in graphic prints, structured cuts, and modern aesthetic.  This was embodied best in the prevalence the full, flouncy skirt, which made a stunning comeback (in varying lengths) at collections across the board, from department store favorite Alice-and-Olivia to Spanish-darling designer Delpozo.

Delpozo

3.1 Philip Lim

The full skirt is also a key example of a startling shift.  The continuing movement away from the ultra feminine, bodycon apparel of the past seems to be here to stay. Cool-girl uniform master Philip Lim stunned with boxy shapes orchestrated in rock and fire prints as well as subtle embellishments, a collection so dazzling in itself that the models were sent down the runway with shades, wet-looking hair, and barely-there makeup. Lim is just one successful example of the widespread appeal of a more restrained approach to fashion, where something is being left to the imagination. What started out as a natural shift last year due to the see-saw nature of the industry has been fully embraced, and is now being recognized as a conscious international effort on part of several designers to to tap into the infamously conservative emerging markets of Southeast Asia and the Middle East.  One look at Valentino, now owned by Qatari royalty, and it is apparent that the brand has traded in skin for lush fabrics and demure necklines which are equal, if not greater, parts glamorous than their skimpier predecessors.

DKNY frontwoman Rita Ora

Other luxury brands are trying out voluminous yet structured shapes, not just with large winter coats, but in fresh spring concoctions of roomy knitwear and boxy jackets as was apparent all over the Spring/Summer 14 collections. While lush, full silhouettes in heavy, rich fabrics were the epitome of high-end couture for fall, the notion is just as relevant on the street-style side for spring.  DKNY's 25th anniversary collection, featuring large logo'd nods to decades past, as well as a closing strut by trend setting pop starlette Rita Ora, epitomized this notion with tailored staples, billowing trenches, and clean neutrals that were young, edgy, and anything but dowdy. Such conservative approaches as seen in menswear, grunge, and throwback 90's looks like DKNY's (think of the consistently popular hi-tech, roomy sweatshirt) prove that covering it up is quickly becoming mainstream.  Blame it on the comfort and ease of movement, those with their eyes on the prize of conservative yet lucrative fashion markets, or a natural progression from bodycon, the restrainted aesthetic seems to be here to stay, and the all too pleasing #SS14 collection further proves across the board that this is the case.

                                                             90's Menswear at DKNY

How Your Appearance Can Impact Your Mental Health

Written exclusively for www.mentalhealth4muslims.com on 8/15/13

"Say, who has forbidden the beautiful gifts of God, which He has produced for His servants, and the things clean and pure, which He has provided for Sustenance?"
(7:32)

With the month of Ramadan now behind us, we are perhaps feeling rejuvenated with a renewed sense of spiritual purpose and the "fuel" to carry us through the rest of our year. While this inner spiritual journey it is at the crux of our faith, sometimes as an Ummah we are quick to dismiss the more mundane day-to-day impact of our outer selves and our outer actions, particularly the ones related to image: the image we project, and more importantly, the image we have of ourselves.

We are quick to judge one another and sometimes feel we are beyond worrying about appearance and dressing well - after all, there are so many other more worthwhile things to fret over and improve upon in the endless journey of self-improvement. And while this is true to a certain degree, it still doesn’t justify the notion that worrying about our outer appearance to even a moderate degree somehow makes us "superficial" and hence makes the topic of grooming, dress, and outer appearance overall a taboo one in some Muslim circles. 

Our deen is one of balance and moderation. To protect ourselves from excesses, we must practice restraint in most matters as we have been taught. We must also never forget that the greatest man to ever walk the face of this earth, the resplendent and the magnificent, yet the humble and the modest, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) believed dressing well and looking good to be a demonstration of the blessings of God:

"God loves to see the result of His blessing on His creatures" (Hadith: Al-Tirmidhi & Al-Hakim)

The One who is the most beautiful, and who is the source of all beauty, surely knows what true beauty is. So what is the beauty that Allah loves? Ibn Qayyim said that it pertains to two things: First, beautifying ourselves outwardly, and second, beautifying ourselves inwardly. Think about it for a second: first, beautifying ourselves outwardly...then inwardly. Deep. And contradictory to popular notion. 

 "Whenever a delegation came to meet the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) he would wear his best clothes and order his leading companions to do likewise. On the day the delegation from Kindah came to meet him, he was wearing a Yemeni garment, from amongst his best attire." (Hadith: Ibn Sa'd from al Tabaqat)

And similarly, applicable to everyday wear and not necessarily for special occasions - when travelers were going to meet their brothers, he would tell them: "You are going to visit your brothers, so repair your saddles and make sure that you are dressed well, so that you will stand out amongst people like an adornment, for Allah does not love ugliness." (Hadith: Al-Qurtubi)

Hence outward beauty is important in Islam. It's no coincidence that the prophets and messengers--who we can thank for our faith today--were not just extremely attractive human beings but were also very well groomed. Furthermore, Islam did not spread at the hands of people who favored grunge-chic, it was given as an amaana, or trust, to those distinguished few who despite social standing, means, or lack of wealth, carried themselves with dignity, and did not go out looking anything less than well-kempt and put together according to the social norms of their times.

Cleanliness & Beauty
At the very basic level of our practice is cleanliness. We have heard not only from our own faith ("Cleanliness is half of Iman"), but we have also taken from our western, non-secular culture the famous idiom (teetering on the edge of shirk): "Cleanliness is next to Godliness". With this idea of being clean grounded in our psyche, we can then move onto the more aesthetic level highly encouraged by our Lord and our prophets and messengers: that is, to be well-dressed and presentable. As the aforementioned hadith clearly show us, dressing well is not considered showing off, unless it is done with that intention or to show that one is better than others. Rather, dressing well is a sign of prestige and distinction. Again, all of this pertains to outward beauty. We as human beings incline towards that kind of beauty in one way or another. Think of children, and their natural draw towards pretty things and even pretty people, free of any social conditioning or learned restraint. This is a fundamental part of our fitra, or nature, that needs to be acknowledged, embraced, and acted upon, versus being dismissed or taken lightly. 

I was recently asked to speak at my alma matter, U.C. Berkeley, for an alumni event on the power of dressing well. Given Berkeley's well known hippie vibe which goes hand-in-hand with it's powerful initiative and voice for social change throughout the decades, we poked fun at our carefree undergrad take on appearance. College, and college at UC Berkeley especially, was indeed existence in a bubble, and the wake up call of graduation and emersion into the real world was one of self realization career-wise, lifestyle-wise, and...for our neglected college appearance.

Apart from its religious and spiritual benefits, in this day and age, we have no choice but to care about our appearance and make sure we are going out looking our best. With everything going on in the world today, and with several of us being the children of immigrants and refugees, we have been given the very unique position of being first generation educated, American-born and bred Muslims. Many of us are at the forefronts of our careers - we are the engineers, the doctors, the educators of our time, and since we have taken the painstaking time and effort to attain these merits, degrees and honors, we absolutely need to make sure we put the best package on that very intellect and ability that our parents made so many sacrifices for. How? By maintaining our personal best appearance, of course. 

I keep using the word "personal" because it is indeed a personal best. Not anyone else's best, but one's very own absolute best level of personal greatness.  There is a misconception that fashion and dressing well is reserved for only the elite, the skinny, the great looking, or the wealthy, perhaps a notion that those who consider themselves among the elite few bestow falsely upon themselves.  Even in our own Muslim communities, we have countless blogs, Instagram accounts, and Facebook pages of attractive Muslims who encourage modest dressing while maintaining consistent "fabulousity". As amazing, motivating and inspirational as some of those pages are, there is a polarizing aspect felt from those of us not as physically blessed or privileged. How many times have we seen those pictures or YouTube videos and thought to ourselves: "But…she's thin! She's cute! She would look great even if she threw on a garbage bag and wore some lipstick!"

And so the effect is almost the exact opposite of what it should be: dressing well and looking good isn't for me. It's for them. I'm not good enough. Pretty enough. Skilled enough. These thoughts then make the idea of looking our personal best less universal, less appealing, and less attainable. But this could not be further from the truth. Anyone, and everyone, can do something to look better, and to carry themselves to their own personally highest level. Let me make it very clear that this is not about buying the latest in designer clothes, or spending tons of money, or keeping up with the Joneses to any degree. We are blessed enough to be living in an era of accessible fashion, where what was once reserved for only the well traveled or connected is now available to the masses: the masses of every weight, skin tone, age, social standing, body type, shape, and wallet. 

Why You Should Invest in Your Physical Appearance
In addition to today’s tremendous global market of brick-and-mortar stores as well as online finds, we also have a mass wealth of styling tips, videos, and resources at our fingertips via the internet today, eliminating any excuse one would have to not try. That said, if one is just starting out on building a wardrobe of great personal style, an emphasis should be placed on timeless pieces of quality that will last and not go out of date quickly.  Resist the urge to run to "fast" fashion powerhouses such as H&M, who sell all the latest looks at ridiculously undermarked sale prices (no shirt should ever cost $3. Period.  Can we say "sweatshop"?) for all your apparel needs.  Rather, set aside a budget that emphasizes well thought-out, researched purchases of quality once a month or quarter, vs. bags and bags of so-so items that will be worn a few times and tossed aside for the next fad.

It's the motivation of our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) and the duty we have to give our faith a good face that should drive us to be cognizant of this topic and it's repercussions as they apply to us today. It should give us the confidence to stand up say, "Yes, I'm into appearance, and it's ok! Contrary to popular thought, it does not make me superficial, when done in moderation. It actually gives me a decent package to put over the inner part of me which I am constantly striving to grow and improve upon!"

The truth is, whether we like it or not, appearance matters.  We are judged on it constantly and we should take it seriously because it affects how others view us as well as how we view ourselves. Personally speaking, I'm not all about my outfit, it's not entirely who I am nor does it represent what I value highest in my life, but if my pants are wrinkled, my shirt button is missing, or my jacket is extremely dated or worn - then I have to wonder, is someone who knows absolutely nothing else about me going to listen to or care about what I have to say? It may seem extreme, unfair, or even unjust, but we all have to accept it as a reality of the non-perfect world we live in. Even if fashion or clothing doesn't particularly excite you or feels like a chore, think of it as playing your part in the game, a game in which you win. Because the effects of looking good & feeling confident will not only get you that second interview or the coveted unpaid internship, but will carry you much, much further as an individual.

To Look Good is to Feel Good

It's not talked about openly and again, it is often considered taboo, but I've seen firsthand just how much looking good impacts people. It's a very basic concept. If you look better you feel better and more confident. You carry yourself differently and you are more willing to go the extra mile; to raise your hand and ask that offbeat question, to walk up to someone and start a conversation that you may otherwise may have felt too shy to. In turn you are more confident and hence... happier. Yes (gasp!), happier. What a powerful and universally all-inclusive word.  It’s what we are all striving to be, no matter what faith we are, what age we are, or what social standing we have. The universal goal of all, summed up right there in that little seven-letter word.

I've had clients come back and tell me that I've helped them with their work, their careers, in their marriages and with their families, to be better wives, better mothers, better fathers, etc., just by helping them with their wardrobe. I've also had family members reach out secretly and thank me for helping their loved ones as they see firsthand how it has helped them be more willing to go out feeling confident, to shoot for the job or career they initially thought was beyond them, or the schooling program they were previously intimidated by. Some clients have also said they feel they are worthy of finding an upright life partner who they now feel they deserve and can offer something to in the form of their new and improved self. I'm very grateful for this feedback because after the client/consultant relationship ends, I have no way of knowing how the small changes we've implemented impact them. Some of these people have become more than just clients but friends because a special bond has formed between us; I've touched a very personal part of their lives, their closet, and by doing so the benefits have trickled down to all these other facets of their lives, the more important facets that make us who we are at the very core.

I share these personal anecdotes to serve as further evidence of what I believe to be a deep and lasting impression that improving one's personal appearance can have on people. Oftentimes it's a topic too personal and embarrassing to acknowledge between acquaintances or even friends. Not many people are comfortable admitting that they are greatly affected by something so external and "superficial". But ever since I started SBD (Style by Design), my eyes have been widely opened to the deep and lasting positive social and mental impressions made on individuals. I feel as if one of the greatest paybacks for the exhilarating and humbling work that I do is that I've been thrust into a fascinating and complex social experiment adventure. And the ride only strengthens my faith, my resolve, and my awe of our divine influences and teachings, and the wisdom of these teachings in helping us be our best selves, outwardly as well as inwardly. My sincere wish is that through the work I do and the ability to share my experiences and views on the importance of fashion,  my words will serve as a reminder for all of us to not take lightly the immense power of looking great and feeling our personal best!

Written exclusively for MH4M by Guest Contributor Saba Ali

The Best and Worst of the ESPY's Red Carpet

The most talked about names in sports stepped out for an evening sans uniforms and warm-ups for the ESPYAwards (aka the Oscars of sports) held in Los Angeles. The event provided a rare glimpse into the red carpet personae of some of the worlds' most apt physical specimen. Here's a quick recap of some of the evenings best, worst, and just plain memorable looks.

Worst:

Colin Kapernick - The football legend did seem to put together a color-blocked ensemble of ill-fitting cobalt pants and a red blazer with more effort than usual. And although his white button-up tied the pieces together, we would have preferred the man of the hour in pro-football to don something a bit more tailored for sports' biggest night out. Also...matching the shoes to the jacket, and the hanky to the pants? Classic rookie faux paus.

Lolo Jones - The track and field athlete attempted a look that did little for her fit frame. The halter mini with ruching in a standout lemon yellow and embellished neckline needed no additional accessories, but she insisted on adding drop earrings and a stiff overdone updo. Softer hair, minimal accessories, and perhaps an easier cut of dress would have equated to an ensemble of red-carpet calibre.

Best: 

Maria Sharapova - the tennis great looked effortless and chic in a shimmering halter frock from J. Mendel's Resort 2014 collection. The easy hair, gold strapped pumps, and sheer black hem only further accentuated her statuesque frame.

Dwayne Wade - arguably the best dressed player of the NBA, Wade brought the heat with a more refined look consisting of the classic black tux with a textured scarf draped over the neck. His signature pop of course, consisted of the unconventional red high top shoe, the perfect touch for a night of sports recognition. Girlfriend Gabrielle Union complimented his look in a modern embellished LBD with plunging neckline.


Most Memorable:
Lebron James - Some might say the next best thing in NBA legends is allowed to wear whatever he wants, and Lebron continuously tests those limits with his recent fashion choices. He donned a head to toe crimson tux (was that a peplum we spotted in the back?), something a normal man of his frame and stature would typically shy away from. The winner of multiple awards tonight, including male athlete of the year, certainly left an impression. Like it or hate it, the world is most likely remember this statement look for years to come.

Ramadan Chic: Your Style Guide for Taking It From Day to Night

The blessed month is finally upon us. After weeks of anticipation and preparation, we all hope to extract from the spiritual treasures bestowed to us during these special days. The focus is primarily on the inner as we struggle for a deeper level of existence, every single day.

But like it or not, part of that struggle for some of us includes the daily grapple of what to wear. For busy days and nights spent in more than the yearly load of worship, one must take into consideration the wide variety of events, crowds, and elements to dress for. For those of us who work or go to school in the day, head straight to iftar at a friend's place afterwards, then try to catch a few rakats of Taraweeh at our local mosque...it may seem daunting and sometimes impossible to put together an outfit that will translate across the board.

If the easy way of throwing on an abaya as a cover-up doesn't quite tickle your fancy, fret not. It's not as complicated as it may seem. Sure, maxi dresses and skirts are everywhere and may seem the obvious choice, but their flowy element can lack the structure some of us need when dressing professionally in the am (if this is not a concern, then by all means...think of the maxi as your modern day "abaya" suited for all your Ramadan needs!) If you crave variety or indeed require more structure for work or school, then read on.

Career Muslima: AM to PM Elements

Ramadan Day to Night by stylebydesign-sbd featuring a long sleeve cardigan

Aaiko long sleeve cardigan
$180 - welikefashion.com

Zara print blouse
zara.com

Tara Jarmon long sleeve blouse
$150 - johnlewis.com

Zara high waisted pants
zara.com

Lanvin high heels
lanvin.com

BCBGMAXAZRIA strappy sandal heels
bcbg.com

Alexander McQueen evening handbag
$2,080 - liberty.co.uk

Diane Von Furstenberg black handbag
forwardforward.com

Trina Turk LA ball ring
trinaturk.com

Tory Burch cuff bracelet
$125 - harrods.com

Gold charm
ylang23.com

Humble Chic patterned scarve
humblechic.com

Jigsaw leather belt
$58 - jigsaw-online.com

Miu Miu matte sunglasses
net-a-porter.com

Fossil Georgia Mini Three Hand Leather Watch White
evosy.com

High Waisted, Wide-Leg Pants: Instantly hip and mindful of all prayer positions, this conservative cut will help you cover the full leg (no ankle exposure when sitting!) and eliminate low-riding waistlines, even in your most vulnerable sajdah position. Luckily the look is of-the-moment and readily available in stores these days. Just be sure to wear at least a two to three-inch heel to avoid pooling of fabric at the feet, as well as to give shape to this classically feminine cut (like the Zara pair pictured above).

The Ladylike Button-Up: Push aside the expected, boyish cotton-woven work shirt. Given current warm temperatures and the high probability of layering in the pm, a top in a flowier fabric - silk, chiffon, or georgette - adds a feminine touch to your structured pants and reduces bulk if you need to layer up for worship later in the day. With the wealth of fun prints and styles available right now, the piece can be easily personalized into a look of choice just for you. Another pro? This type of top typically seems to favor a full, to-the-wrist sleeve (vs. the frustrating three-quarter length we see on most of the more "halal" tunic tops out there) and a derrier-skimming length, perfect for all your holy month needs. Leave it out, tuck it in, or sport my fave - the "half-tuck" (front in, back out) as you need throughout the day.

The Updated Scarf: Whether or not you wear hijab "full-time", the lightweight, gauzy versions frequenting most stores today comes in the perfect size and need NO ironing, making them the perfect item to stash in your am bag if you need a quick cover-up for prayer time. In addition, the modern texture has some serious GRIP...allowing you to focus on your prayer versus whether or not it will slip off your head.

Added Layer for Taraweeh: So you're all covered up from head-to-toe in chic fashion, but still feel a little self-conscious for your eight to twenty rakats? Fear not. Your feminine blouse is the perfect candidate for light layering (as mentioned above), so simply add a duster, cardigan, or blazer in a THIN summery fabric in order to survive most internal mosque temperatures of shoulder-to-shoulder action.

The Clutch: Keep one in your car at all times, and you are empowering yourself to toss essentials from your larger work tote into one of these instant style boosters. The mini-handbag is a hot item available just about everywhere right now, so choose a fun animal print (snake or cheetah anyone?) or a bright solid to keep the added accessory fun, polished and updated.

Jewelry: Where earrings and chokers may get lost in all your modest wear, long necklaces, statement rings, and cuff bracelets should be your very best friends. Again, add on to your night look as needed if it feels a bit much for day.

Written by Saba Ali - stylist, writer, and founder of SBD - Image Consulting

Comments? Questions? Leave below or email us at stylebydesign.sbd@gmail.com