In life, as in wardrobe, it is always important to get back to basics.

When social media takes its toll on your self-esteem for example, you have to remember to take account all that you are blessed with. When your closet is bursting at the seams with clothes but you can’t pick one thing to wear – just remember the outfit formula will always look chic and timeless on you. For me, that is a blouse, jeans, and flats.

This blouse by Thacker NYC is a new favorite of mine, it is long enough to look great worn over skinny jeans, but I love the look of it tucked in to my high waist straight leg jeans too. If you are a regular around here you know I’ve collaborated with Thacker NYC before and I love the line – see previously styled looks here and here.

Also my anniversary present is making an appearance today – I may or may not have hinted at it by sending an email to Tom with ‘dream bag’ as the subject line. Thats just what happens after 7 years of marriage, you know? I have friends who might get taken to a boutique and told to pick something out, which is obviously much more romantic, but basically the same thing. I’ve been looking for a great clutch bag, and I love the Dionysus clasp style. This one is just small enough to hold a couple of credit cards, keys, and a lipstick. I’d wear this as a clutch for a date night or cross body for day.

Ramadan and Eid has come and gone, and for me it was a little bit different this year.

Since I am still nursing Sophia I didn’t fast. At first I was kind of relieved at the thought because I was thinking of the long hot summer days ahead that would make it extra hard. Then I realized I also didn’t get to go through the phases of fasting, from the initial caffeine withdrawal headaches and hunger, to the ego humbling and soul beautifying that the practice enables. I always come out of it with a feeling of confidence and strength and more of a peaceful and loving spiritual mindset. I realize how little food I actually need to survive, and also how many other addictions can be controlled by mental discipline. In the end you are left with a better understanding of what is essential in life.

We celebrated Eid yesterday and it was a fun day spent with friends, family, and food. My girlfriends and I were talking about how hard it is for us first generation Muslim Americans to create our own traditions for Eid, and how easy it is to do nothing at all. Especially for those of us without family nearby. I am determined not to let that happen in my own family, so we took Adam to the arcade after prayers for several hours of gaming, and the celebrations continue today with more family time, and lots more food. I’m happy we are able to create fun memories for Adam to celebrate Eid like I did when I was a kid.

Getting back to basics is always a good thing in my opinion. Do you agree?

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Photo credit: @lubnahassan