A l t e r n a t e  S a l s a

Modest Fashion, Beauty, Lifestyle

What inspired you to start your fashion and lifestyle journey?

I’ve always been a creative. I dibble dabbled in a bit of everything growing up. From drawing, to painting, to creating decorative home décor. I often found myself leaning towards anything that allowed me to express myself in a creative and unique way.

Fast forward to my mid to late teens. I slowly discovered that what I wore, and how I presented myself, was simply an extension of my creativity. It was more than ‘just wearing anything’. It was about intentionally experimenting with different colours, fabrics, silhouettes, trends, change of seasons, and so on.

As time went on, all of the creative activities I partook in slowly fell through the cracks, and I no longer found the same enjoyment in them as I once did. The one thing that consistently remained through time, was my love for fashion, and my admiration for expressing my creative side through clothes and makeup.

With the boom of social media, I realized I could share my journey of self discovery and personal growth with other like-minded women. I aspired to share my growth through daily fits, outfit ideas, and get ready with me, in the hopes that I could inspire other young women to pursue their own self-expression journeys; thus, the beginning of Alternate Salsa.

How would you describe modest fashion in one sentence?

To me, modest fashion is the expression of self without compromising on one's values.

"To me, modest fashion is the expression of self without compromising on one's values".

For people looking to transition their wardrobe to modest fashion, what are three staple clothing/accessories that they absolutely should have in their closet?

A versatile maxi skirt of your choice that you can pair with sneakers, sandals, or even heels. I find black, white, or neutrals to be the most versatile.

A taupe coloured blazer. Blazers tend to be quite oversize in nature, and can allow for extra coverage. They can also be worn casually, as well as dressed up for a more smart look.

A pair of wide leg pants. My preference is something high-waisted and loose from the top of the thigh to the bottom of the ankle. Again, can be dressed up or down depending on shoe choice.

Who are some of your favorite fashion brands or designers?

I don’t necessarily have a favorite brand or designer at this moment in time. However, I am heavily influenced by the creativity and outfit choices of other hijab and modest content creators. A few that come to mind are @kishama, @luckyzaina, and @belinay.uyar

If you were going to an elegant reception, then describe what your fashion look for the day would look like?

For any elegant look, I love anything with a flowy, satin, or silk finish. Also, I love the idea of colour-coordinating my hijab colour to the colour of my heels, or my heels to the colour of my bag. For example, if I’m wearing a turquoise dress, likely with a satin or silk finish, I’ll pair it with nude heels, a nude hijab, and a relatively clean and simple makeup look.

Are there any challenges you've had to overcome as a fashionista?

The biggest challenge I'm still learning to overcome is the imposter syndrome, and the judgment that comes with sharing my journey online for anyone to access, view, and comment on.  Whether that’s on my page directly, or quietly between friends.

Personal style isn’t a one-size-fits-all, so judgment from others is bound to happen. Putting myself out there on social media has made me vulnerable to people’s dismay, but it has also allowed me to push against my own insecurities, and to develop a thicker skin for the greater good of my own personal and professional development.

What are some words of advice that you can give to future digital creators who want to build their fashion and lifestyle platforms on social media?

Just start. If you have the passion and the drive, just start. It doesn’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to start. And each day that you don’t, you’re robbing yourself of the joys and opportunities that come with this rollercoaster, and delaying the start of something great.

"Just start. If you have the passion and the drive, just start. It doesn’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to start. And each day that you don’t, you’re robbing yourself of the joys and opportunities that come with this rollercoaster, and delaying the start of something great".

Do you have a favorite beauty brand or makeup product?

I am quite fond of the Kosas Revealer Concealer - I find it has really good coverage and blendability - the core to any good day to day concealer!

You are also an avid traveler! What has been your favorite country to travel to?

I have traveled to quite a few countries over the last few years. I think both Japan and Vietnam are my top two with no clear winner. Both were incredibly enjoyable and beautiful!

Outside of fashion and lifestyle, what are some other hobbies that you enjoy?

I enjoy baking, content creation, photography, roller-skating, and basking in the sun any chance I get!

Follow at:
Instagram: @alternatesalsa
TikTok: @alternatesalsa