It’s that time of year again! The time when your summer body inflates back into its regular shape filled with carbs, sugar, and guilt-free saturated fat. And with the days getting shorter and the weather getting a little chiller, hiding in the dark under an over-sized sweater has never felt so satisfying. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. How do you wear those comfortable, over-sized clothes in a way that won’t inspire Aunty Jo to ask you when you’re due…again. Below are some tips on how to look fashionable in clothes you can actually eat in.

1. Peek-a-boo, I don’t see you

Turn heads in an off-the-shoulder top. Easy to dress up or down, this number will definitely be a tease at the dinner table. The best part about off-the-shoulder tops like these is that they drape over your body without looking frumpy. Pair with heels for that extra oomph.

2. Fit n’ Flared 

A moment of the lips is a lifetime on the hips! Embrace it in a pair of palazzos. These flared pants were all the rage this summer, but can be easily transitioned into the fall. Pair with a fitted jacket and some dark lips for a more autumn look.  Don’t worry ladies, there’s no need to unbutton anything in these pajama-like beauties.

3. Pretty in a pancho

This outfit screams sophisticated-city-girl. Not only is it a great way to layer up, this cape is versatile enough to wear in many different ways. Pair with a  button up shirt, or wear with neutral colours for a sleek and elongated look.

4. A Maxi, Maybe? 

Channel some serious boho-chic vibes in a maxi dress. Who says this head to toe ensemble is merely for hot, summer beach days? Opt for deeper hues and prepared to be showered in compliments as you float about at your mom’s house. It’s flowy, it’s airy — and allows you to hide your meat sweats.

 5. Sweater Weather 

You can never go wrong in a comfy sweater dress. It’s warm, it’s adaptable, and it’s effortless. Accessorize your sweater with a long necklace and some tall boots for the ultimate girl-next-door look.

That extra slice of pie has never tasted so good. Wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving! Happy eating!  

Turning 21 is the ultimate plot twist of life. It’s the awkward age between transitioning from teen-hood to adulthood. And while it’s officially unacceptable to act like a 16 year old, you’re also too young to be taken seriously as a functioning member of society. But despite all the confusion, being 21 also offers a lot of learning experiences that can, in turn, help us become the types of people that we aspire to be. You know, the types that actually separate whites from blacks when they do their laundry. #goals

So as I leave behind my 21-year-old-status, here are some of the things I personally learned this past year – while riding the roller coaster of young adulthood.

1. You’re your first priority.

Your life is about you. So never let anything or anyone take a step before you. Your health, your happiness, and above all, you and everything about you is the most important. Be selfish.

2. You can’t have everything in life

Fight as hard as you can for it. Then fight a little bit harder. If you still can’t acquire it, do yourself a favour and let it go. Because sometimes, as hard as it may be to understand, it just wasn’t meant to be.

3. Be Humble 

Once you forget the source of where all your blessings come from, life has a way of humbling you, in the most unexpected way possible. So, simmer down.

4. Sometimes you fall…hard 

I’m still in the process of learning ‘how to want him without needing him,’ but falling in love at 21 with the wrong person has been the worst thing that has happened to me. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

5. Take risks

Warning: taking risks may result in high doses of fear, followed by a chance of failure. To avoid injuries of the mind and soul, read lesson #6.

6. Lose all expectations.

From your family, friends, partners, life – even your dog. Your heart will be happier.

7. Lose control 

However much you try, some things will slip out of the very fingers you are holding it with. And that’s okay. It will be scary, but you will be fine. I promise you.

8. Write about things that you are most afraid to write

Often times, the best content is produced at your most vulnerable state. The results are raw, they’re genuine – and they’re the utter truth.

9. Let others see weaknesses

Showcasing yourself as a strong, independent young woman has its upsides, but after more than a few vulnerable moments, I’ve learned that letting others see you make mistakes- big and small – reminds them you’re human.

10. You will have bad days   

You will have trouble getting up from bed. You will have trouble communicating. But despite struggling to come to terms with it, sharing my story on how I dealt with my depression and anxiety earlier this year has helped me grow substantially as a person.

11. Roommates are a blessing in disguise

The right one will make you see the beauty in living on your own.

12. Let your guard down

You never know what may come out of it. When you feel that level of comfort with a person, let your guard down. Share your emotions, share your thoughts, let them see who you really are.

13. It’s never TMI with your best friends 

If you’ve never sent a snapchat to your best friends while you were pooping, you’re not friendshipping right. These are the people you tell everything to. Even the shady stuff. They’ll provide you with some good insight – sans judgement.

14. Arguments help relationships grow 

Lash it out. Even if it’s over the last slice of pizza. And although it will be uncomfortable , what comes out of these seemingly pointless arguments is a stronger, more resilient bonding of two – or more – people.

15. Always ask people if they’re okay. 

If you see someone hurting, it always helps to just ask them what is wrong. Yes, they may not open up or they may lie and say nothing is wrong, but they at least know that someone is there for them, regardless. We’re all going through stuff – let’s do it together.

16. Spend time with your parents and grandparents 

Despite what they try and convince you, they’re getting old! So cherish the moments you spend together, and make them last. Because they won’t be here forever.

17. Say no. 

This one’s especially difficult for those of you who have an uncontrollable need to please people. However, it goes hand in hand with lesson #1. Repeat it when they don’t hear you.

18. Apologize; even when you don’t have to

Many argue against this statement, given that over using the word sorry can give people a leeway to take advantage of your apologetic tendencies. However, sometimes apologizing is the only way to be at peace with yourself – and others.

19. Travel 

I’m known to disappear with my thoughts by the lakeside near my house when life gets a little too complicated, but sometimes going away to places just a little bit further is much more effective.

20. Laugh- at everything 

Yourself, your friends — your dad’s jokes (because no one else does). It makes life more fun, in addition to making you feel 12 years old again.

21. Confidence is key 

Put that pretty smile on your face and own what you’re doing – even if you don’t know exactly what that is. I won’t tell if you won’t!

It’s been fun, 21. Hello, 22! 

What life lessons did you learn at 21? Let us know in the comments below! 

Muslim women have a lot to celebrate when it comes to living in the west. The right to higher level education, the right to an independent lifestyle, and the right to modesty are just few of the many things they can rejoice. And with the invention of the burkini a few years ago, Muslim women can now even spend a day at the beach wearing the full-body bathing suit, all while eating that extra slice of pizza. Because coverage.

However, up until this morning, planning a European getaway in the most romantic country in the world would have likely left you feeling otherwise. Beaches were being patrolled by police after several cities on France’s Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts banned the burkini.

The ban followed a number of terrorist attacks that took place in the country over the last couple of years, most recently occurring just last month. Conveniently, France’s secular political class said the burkini subjugates women and is incompatible with a country whose motto celebrates equality and freedom. The logic behind the ban also stemmed from security concerns, because according to French men, no day at the beach is complete for Muslim women until they bring their weapons and explosives hidden under their fitted suits.

At first, you may have seen the ban as slightly amusing. ‘So ridiculous, its funny.’ However, France strongly implemented the ban, as the world saw just a couple of days ago when the now infamous photographs of armed French police confronting a woman on a beach, making her remove some of her clothing. The incident caused a media frenzy, dividing the world in two; with one side not being able to see the logic behind the ban, and the other side looking to implement the ban in their own cities.

On behalf of Muslim women, I can ensure you that the only thing that’s being hidden under these burkinis are a treasure of secrets and pearls of wisdom that they have acquired from decades of life experience. Thankfully, like the rest of the world, many non-Muslim women have evidently realized the convenience of the burkini, as some retailers have actually experienced an increase in sales since the ban. International debates ensued and political and religious tensions increased.

After several think pieces, blogs and contradictory images of both men and women dressed in what is essentially a wet suit, France’s highest administrative court, the Conseil d’État, overturned the so-called burkini bans in 26 of the country’s coastal towns and cities just this morning.

The court struck down both arguments for the bans: It ruled that the burkini is neither an insult to the equality of women nor a harbinger of terrorism. The attempts to ban it, the judges maintained, insulted “fundamental freedoms” such as the “freedom to come and go, the freedom of conscience and personal liberty.”

Rejoice again, Muslim women. For you can, once again, celebrate the very reason you’re living in the west; freedom– and a slightly more liberal view on modesty and religious practices.

Because let’s not forget, France has still placed a ban on the niqab, or full-face veil in public, along with outlawing the headscarf and other conspicuous religious symbols in state schools. But hey, thanks for listening, France! One step at a time, right?

Veiled or not, the badassery won’t stop.

Ladies, I understand. Sometimes you want to take a selfie, and you don’t want to use a filter. Because flawless. However, as flawless as you are in your head, you can’t help but add a little Valencia to your dull complexion and scarred cheeks from time to time. There’s still a lot of work to be done before I can confidently own my no-makeup look, however, I believe I’ve found the solution.

Oil. I’ve been using various types of oils on my face for about a month now. Whether it’s to treat pimples, reduce acne scarring, or add some well needed natural moisture to a face that undergoes harsh contouring, baking, and probing techniques on a daily basis, natural oils have become a highly beneficial addition to my beauty practices. Not to mention what the nightly massages have done for my mood!

After a lot of experimentation, I have narrowed down my list of oils to an essential five. There are various uses for each of these oils and although they can be used in a routine like I do, its recommended to try each oil out individually for a couple of days before becoming a grease monkey.

1. Coconut Oil

Boy, do I love my khol! A deep, smoky eye and waterproof mascara is a must for my daily makeup, but it can also be extremely difficult to take off. Eye makeup remover can get pricey, and some of them don’t even work. Instead of creating that unnecessary dent in your bank account, dip a cotton ball in some coconut oil and slap it on your eye. After letting your eye soak the oil, begin gently rubbing the ball in circular motions around your eye and magically watch as your dark circles and beady eyes take form again.  You can use the same technique to take off your stubborn matte, all day lipstick. I even massage any excess oil on my cheeks, especially on days where I’ve put on a lot of product, such as blush and/or bronzer. Wipe the oil off with a makeup wipe to reveal smoother, more supple looking skin.

2. Olive Oil

Olive oil isn’t a part of my daily routine, however, I do like to use it from time to time. The days I’m craving for change, I opt for olive oil to remove my makeup. Given its ability to maintain skin elasticity, olive oil is also a great addition to use as a moisturizer. But I find the best use for olive oil is as an exfoliate. Add some sea salt to a couple of table spoons of olive oil and begin scrubbing on your face to remove any dead skin cells and impurities that the coconut oil may not have picked up. Wash it away and marvel at becoming one step closer to Beyonce. #flawless

3. Argan Oil

Argan oil is the type of oil that makes you want to wash your face at night, just so you can use it. Not only is Argan oil packed with good stuff such as vitamins and nutrients, it’s also extremely hydrating. However, the miracle of Argan oil is not its benefits, but by how surprisingly light it feels on your skin. While coconut oil will leave you feeling a little like you just swam out of an oil spill (hence why I advise you to wipe it off), Argan oil will leave your skin feeling soft and moisturized. After exfoliating, clean your face with your daily cleanser and take a small, quarter sized amount of Argan oil in your palm and rub your hands together to heat it up. Begin to massage the oil in circular motions on your skin. Skip that rejuvenating, replenishing, time renewal moisturizer.

The best part of Argan oil? It’s anti-aging properties. Yay for youthful skin!

4. Tea Tree Oil

Okay hun, you’re not Beyonce yet. Because Beyonce does not have pimples! And even if she does, she does not let them show. Do yourself a favour and stick a cotton swab in a bottle of tea tree oil and dab them on your pimples. Tea tree oil has immense anti-viral and anti-fungal benefits. You may have to endure the slight, stinging sensation that the tea tree oil will cause as it cleans out your pimples, but it is worth it to replicate that inner beauty with your outer beauty. Because what is the use of concealer, if you can’t conceal the dark spots of your heart. Of course, there will be no use for concealer when you begin using tea tree oil, because breakouts will be a thing of the past.

Have you been using facial oils as a beauty practice? Let us know in the comments below! 

Image