More Moore

In loving memory of actress, philanthropist, and activist Mary Tyler Moore...

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s

Mary Tyler Moore lit up America with her roles on The Dick Van Dyke Show (starring as Laurie Petrie  - Dick Van Dyke's wife) and The Mary Tyler Moore Show (eponymous - starring as Mary Richards, a strong independent, unmarried woman working as a local news producer). With ease and grace, Moore was breaking stereotypical gender norms and empowering women. Playing roles as the original working girl she encouraged and inspired women of all walks of life to take healthy risks. She also made fashion choices that made statements which have stuck around for quite sometime now. Moore is known for making turtlenecks cool. Her signature looks consisted of capri trousers, turtlenecks, pleated skirts, and high neck sweaters, (which are still staples in just about every woman's wardrobe). Her style wasn't the only thing that made an impact, her words did too.

She once said: "Take chances, make mistakes. That's how you grow. Pain nourishes your courage. You have to fail in order to practice being brave." So let's all learn from the great Mary Tyler Moore and take chances for what we want in life! Whether it be wearing a fun floppy hat (even though the bouncer outside the bar calls you a grandma for wearing it), or being courageous and making that move (whether it be for your career or personal interest). Life is too short - so give it some more Moore!

Keep smiling,

Kimberly Malka

Outfit inspired by Mary Tyler Moore

Turtleneck: Aeropostale 

Pleated Skirt: Fashion Imperial (Milan,

Italy)

Boots: Stuart Weitzman

Hat: Nadine Fashion Group (Milan, Italy)

Watch: Michael Kors

Tips and Tricks

After the positive feedback and questions from my last post regarding modesty, here is a follow-up piece. Many have expressed an interest in dressing modestly, but don't know how to start. Here are a few tips that can help! 

*Remember, this is a process. In my opinion, it is healthiest to do this step-by-step, not overnight. Personally, it took me around 6 years (since I started learning about it) to put into practice full-time.

1. Start Small: Wear skirts once a week in a place where you feel comfortable. For me, the days I would be going to Queens College I wore skirts. There was a very accepting crowd and it was easy to feel like I wasn't an outcast. Eventually, dress modestly, twice a week and so on.

2. Summer Time: Same with the skirts, start small. Move from sleeveless shirts to cap sleeve, then when you're ready a longer sleeve that's bicep length, and when you're ready 3/4 sleeve. Don't rush!

3. IG: Follow modest fashionistas on social media to get inspired and details on where to find such looks. Here are some accounts on Instagram to check out: @fabologist, @tzniutstyle24, @modestlyfab, @the_modestmom, @fashionisha, @stylismodesty, @halachicallyhaute, @tzniut, @myfashionologybyrl, @the_modest_shopper, @tzniutforyou, @themodgame, @lilmissmodest, @modest_rebel, @the_chicleak

Note: You will also find inspiration beyond Instagram in the media. My current obsession is First Lady Melania Trump's powder blue Ralph Lauren inauguration dress, gloves, and heels. So Jackie O, absolutely love the look!

4. Declutter: Re-assess the items in your wardrobe. Some pieces may be salvageable (like a sleeveless dress that can be worn with a long-sleeve collared button down underneath), others may not be. Pick and choose the items you find to appropriately reflect your inner self.

5. Shop 'til You Drop: I've been introduced to some great stores (in the New York area) just by chit-chatting with my friends. Some stores are specifically created for women leading a fashionable and modest life, like @mayasplace, @fameoncentral, and @debbiescloset. You can even check out @Zara and @HM they have some beautiful and affordable modest pieces too!

6. Personal Touch: Glam up or dress down your look with your signature accessories. Remember, you are still the same person, you have just chosen to dress differently. So, add your favorite heels or handbag and make your outfits your own. This is the best way to combine your "past" fashion choices with your new style.

7. Enjoy the Process: Keep in mind that you aren't losing any part of yourself, you are improving! Have fun putting outfits together! Go shopping with your girlfriends! Enjoy every second of it, because you are WORTH IT!

Keep smiling,

Kimberly Malka

Skirting Around the Question

Two years ago, I made a decision that was life changing. I chose to dress modestly. Translation: no pants - skirts only, slightly higher necklines, and longer length of material covering my arms. Although I do not necessarily follow the exact rules to a T, I do the best I can and I am happy with where I am. 

So, what inspired me to dress modestly? I've been skirting around (pun intended) this question for awhile. Some people are irked when the topic of this fashion choice comes to the table, others are in awe. All I know is that I feel comfortable in my own skin, and that's good enough for me.

I started learning about modesty (tzniut) from a religious perspective about 6 years ago. I learned with mentors and friends, and read a few good books (Gila Manolson has some great stuff!). And this is what I've learned...

Firstly, dressing modestly does not mean you are living an oppressive lifestyle. Quite contrary, when you conceal rather than reveal you make a powerful statement, you're telling the world: "I'm more than what meets the eye," and I became incredibly fond of that idea. A certain self-image is projected when you put on particular items of clothing. Your outward appearance is the first thing people notice about you, and the way you dress can elicit various reactions.*

Secondly, and what really intrigued me about modesty was the mystery behind it all. What is concealed is perceived as being something more valuable. Think about it like this: your favorite Manolo Blahnik heels are never thrown at the back of your shoe shelf, rather they are kept inside their perfect box, inside a dust bag, with tissue paper wrapped all around the outside and inside to keep it in mint condition. Why? Because they're beautiful, precious, and expensive. Wouldn't it be great if we treated our bodies the same way?

Thirdly, I feel incredibly connected to the significance of regality in modesty. We are the children of the King of Kings, so that makes us royalty (fun fact - my middle name translates to "queen" in Hebrew). Think of how the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton carries herself. How she presented herself in the famous long sleeve lace Alexander McQueen wedding gown made the globe believe she was a princess prior to her nuptials.

Lastly, I'm a girly-girl obsessed with skirts and dresses. I do not feel limited by my options (there are tons of skirt designs from A-Line to pencil), and love mixing and matching different pieces together. 

Bottom line is, even though this is a fun and open space where we can talk about the latest trends in fashion and beauty, each and every single one of us is a soul and we need to allow our inner selves and true identities shine through by using fashion as a tool to dress for success!

Keep smiling,

Kimberly Malka 

*Outside Inside A Fresh Look at Tzniut p. 27-29 Manolson, Gila

Tick Tock

This blog post is dedicated to everyone out there who has faced rejection or has gone through a rough patch and has come up on top.

Didn't get the job but that annoying chick who loudly chews gum did? S/He didn't text you back and isn't interested in you? New Dior shoes that you got at a crazy price gets lost with the parcel delivery service? So what! 

The saying goes as follows: "When one door closes, another [better] one opens." Truly deep and wise words that can inspire you to pick up the pieces when things haven't been going the way you thought it would. 

Day by day things happen in a way that initially appears not be in our favor, however, in the long run everything works out the way it is supposed to in the most individualized, optimal way for each and every one of us. 

So, just take a moment and deeply breathe in and out. Seriously, do it. It will make you feel better. Recognize that even though what currently might seem like a disaster or that nothing is working out in your best interests, you are still worth it. You deserve #happiness and #success, and will gain it if you continue to #believe in yourself and do not allow yourself to be petty and wallow in the darkness of your troubles. Just because someone else got the job doesn't mean that you're unworthy of a promotion, something more substantial that suits your strengths and interests will come along. You can see that s/he read your whatsapp message and hasn't answered in 72 hours? Move along! That just means that s/he is not qualified to be someone special or compatible for you. Shoes mysteriously vanish from delivery truck? Get your refund and remember you'll find something that fits you and your taste, and will be at 

the right price! 

It's all about a matter of #time. While you power through this stage, reflect and reframe the dialogue you have in your mind about yourself which will either make you, or break you. Remember, you are right where you supposed to be, so be happy - it drives people crazy!

Keep smiling,

Kimberly Malka 

Fashion = Style = Kindness = Happiness

What is fashion? If you look up its definition you'll find that its a noun and a verb. Fashion is not only a style of dress or manner of speaking, it's also a way of forming, shaping, or accommodating. 

The best fashion tip I could offer anyone, man, woman, or child is as Ellen Degeneres would say: "to be kind to one another." Kindness is always in style. It is also one of the most amazing secrets I have learned in order to live a meaningful, fulfilling, and happy life. 

You never really know what is going on in the lives of those around you, and sometimes something as simple as holding the door for the person behind you, or offering a helping hand can make all the difference. Dedicating your time to help those that are in need is so rewarding. When you do good, you feel good and that type of energy is contagious!

By doing an act of kindness you are making a positive impact which encourages the witnesses of your small or large act to do the same. I've learned this from a special girl who is truly the cover girl of heroism and defiance. Ruchama Sara Miryam, RSM, or Sara for short is a unique soul who has conquered so much at such a young age. When she was just 7 years-old, Sara got the flu which led to long, repeated hospital stays. At one point, Sara was in the hospital for over a year! She has gone through two organ transplants, and two lower extremity amputations and has continued to battle the adverse effects of not-so-minor ear infections. Despite all of these factors, beautiful Sara radiates the world with positivity.  Here is an excerpt from this incredible writer's "end of the year" speech that she delivered to her 8th grade class at Bnos Bais Yaakov: 

"United, accepting, and compassionate are the first three words that come to mind when I think of our grade. Most people that saw me after my hospital escapade were kind of in shock. You all just accepted me for who I was and who I became. You never changed what you thought of me on my appearance, or my capability. While I was in the hospital I read through all of the letters you sent me, they help sustain me they kept me going. Because I know that once I was better I would be able to return back to my same friends, same family, same life. One time, Miss Young brought Ariella, Shayna and Avigail to the hospital. We dressed up in weird costumes and paraded around the room like weirdos, taking pictures and just having a good time. These little things made me feel so alive and hopeful that I was going to get out of this, I was going to survive. But I never thought I would make it this far thank you for believing in me."

An inspiration and role model to us all, her story needs to be shared! That's why @EllenDegeneres @TheEllenShow needs to meet this one-of-a-kind, brave girl. Let's get RSM (Sara) to Ellen DeGeneres!

Please LIKE, SHARE, AND COMMENT with the hashtag #getRSMtoellen

We invite anyone interested to do one or all of the following:

1). Click this link to write a short letter to Ellen about RSM- http://www.ellentv.com/be-on-the-show/1151/

2). Post a picture of yourself with RSM to either facebook or instagram using #GetRSMtoEllen in your post

3). If you haven't met her and are kind enough to participate- post a picture of yourself holding a paper saying #GetRSMtoEllen

4). Take a picture of yourself doing an act of kindness and use #GetRSMtoEllen. 

(For more inspiration and to learn more about RSM please look here- We Love Sara Miryam Bat Tamar Updates)

Keep smiling,

Kimberly Malka

#Goals

Today we begin with page 1 of 365 of the book of 2017. Each year we reflect and consider what we would like to do differently to improve ourselves. Some people would like to shed a few pounds, so they join a gym. The most difficult part of this process isn't setting your goals, rather keeping up with your goals. 

For example, you go to the gym every  day for one week and then quit because you lose your motivation. My advice to you is to find something to reinforce your goal. You want to lose those 10 lbs? Pull out that skirt from the back of your closet that you haven't worn in forever, place it somewhere your can see everyday and fight for it. 

My 2016 goal was to start writing and even though I started toward the end of the year, I still did it! So, I rewarded myself with this gorgeous Chloè Drew handbag that I've been staring at for ages. Work hard and get it!

Keep smiling,

Kimberly Malka