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Neon Tribal Abaya

July 4, 2014, 8:30 pm
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NA Exclusive Abayas sent me another piece to review. The abaya is very colourful as you can see for yourself, decorated with sequins set in particular patterns. While I'm a big colour and pattern lover it does make me feel slightly like a giant lolly wrapper and would only be worn on an occasion when you'd be expected to dress up. Example - when I first tried it on we were about to head out the door to go have dinner and my husband said to wear it but walking into a cheap Asian eatery looking like a giant neon sign didn't sit right with me. It's definitely one of those pieces that have a time and place and a casual setting just ain't it. Not in my books anyway. The piece is incredibly eye catching (from one side at least) so I'm thankful the majority of the dress is a plain black with detail brought in with asymmetrical arm designs - one being a straight fit, the other being a butterfly-esque draped design. Truthfully, I don't know how I feel about mismatching sleeves. I don't hate them but I'm not crazy about them either- it makes me feel a little lopsided but in saying that this design probably wouldn't work without them. Just wish the straight sleeve was a little more fitted because it is too loose and shapeless for my liking. I like things  defined. 
The matching oblong scarf has one end panelled with the sequins but instead of letting that drape loose like I do with 99.99% of my scarf wearing, I decided to tied it up more in a headband sense to not overpower the already in your face abaya design. I think this way it kept it nice and neat. A done up turban style (which doesn't suit my fat head unfortunately) would be perfect with this design. 


Only negative to this I would say is that the sequin section needs to be lined because it is sheer in places and I did have to wear a top underneath it which I don't usually do unless it's an open front style abaya. (Update: I have been just been told by the designer that my piece, being a sample, is not lined but all customer orders are/will be lined so it won't be a worry for you). Other than that all is good - I'm loving the bright colours and the distracting vertical patterns. You can check out this and a plethora of other designs over at NA Exclusive Abaya's Facebook page (and make sure to place any order soon before Eid rolls around).

What do you think of this design? Would you wear it or is it too attention grabbing for you?
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Velvet Teal Floral

July 9, 2014, 10:51 pm
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Wahat AlJalabiya sent me their Teal Night Rose Kaftan to review which I personally think is a splendid choice for Eid attire because where else would you have the opportunity to wear something as grand as this to except for perhaps a wedding?

The kaftan is pretty loosely fitted (no cinched in waistlines, etc) and comes with a matching sleeveless underdress as the chiffon/velvet embellished slip is sheer and open at the front from the bust downwards. On their website the dress looks more dark blue on my screen resolution than teal but is actually teal in person. The mute gold velvet roses and dots are great quality (not the cheap Chinese type that seem to rub off in the wash).

My favourite part of the kaftan are the sleeves - they're princess cut and drape like a dream. Only problem is the sleeves are not lined so you're might have to wear something underneath in mixed environments.

The piece is well made with good quality material and the best news is that their collection is currently up to 50% off (this kaftan included) so now is the time to buy if you haven't picked out your Eid dress yet.

Some of you might not be down with being covered head to toe in flowers but I'm totally fine with grandma prints and mass usage of florals.


Details + Links
Shoes ~ Target
Bag ~ Palestyle
Scarf ~ Egypt

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A Henna Idea For Eid

July 21, 2014, 9:31 pm
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Although having your hands dyed and decorated for Eid is a Muslim tradition all around the world, truth be told I have only had it done once and it wasn't even for Eid. On a trip to Malaysia last year with my husband (not the most recent trip that I've yet to upload pics of) I came across an Indian woman sitting at a small table in the middle of the street in busy Chinatown, her small son by her side. She had a folder in front of her, open to images of elaborate dark brown scribbles that drew me in. I flicked through them and found the one I wanted but when I sat down she told me that particular design would make my hands look wider than they already are (seriously... if I was a guy they'd be perfect for boxing) and instead drew out on my skin her own design. 

It became sort of awkward when a small crowd starting gathering around to see the artist at work. I don't like being a focal point around people I don't know so in my head I was mentally asking them to all bugger off but in reality if I was a passerby I probably would've stopped and stared at the art in progress too. 

I was amazed at how quick she was. Bonus point for the henna being the exact same colour as my nails. Minus points for the low quality henna only lasting two days on my skin. I was expecting it to last at least a week (if not more).

Most of the pics were taken back in my hotel room against a beautiful piece of art by a local Malaysian artist that hung in our room. I was waiting the required time for it to finish drying, hence the 3D effect of the henna. Speaking of art - I bought a gorgeous floral piece over the weekend from a local Perth artist (Muslim too!) that I'll show in the next blog post, along with a few other goodies I've picked up recently. 


In the street getting it done...



The dried henna design the next day at breakfast. You might have seen this pic before form last year if you follow me on Instagram.


What do you think of the design? Have you ever had henna done before?

P.S: I'm trying to organise a last minute henna party for my friends before Eid so if you know of a henna artist in Perth please let me know!
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Recent Ramadan Buys

July 24, 2014, 10:44 pm
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Last Sunday I attended a local Ramadan bazaar and picked up a few goodies to spruce up the home, including a cute decorative bowl from Tunisia. My kids have broken so many ornaments in their collective short few years of life so I'm mindful of cute (and cheap) little knick-knacks when shopping. This one cost $15 and will make a perfect ring bowl but in reality it will probably end up holding random coins.


Little blocks of Tunisian perfume. At $5 a pop, these babies go great in drawers to ensure your clothing smells beautiful. I ended up buying two rose varieties and one of jasmine.


Spring in June. I love florals. Thats a bit of an understatement. I saw this piece in an uploaded photo on Facebook for the day's event and was originally not going to attend because the kids were acting up and I felt craptastic myself but once I saw this painting I knew I had to have it. I drove down, mentally cheered "Yes!" when I saw it still for sale and handed my money over on the spot. I've been looking for pretty artwork to do up my house for a while now and besides a nice one I bought from Ikea a couple months ago (that I'll show in an Ikea haul later on) I haven't really come across anything that really drew me in.


I love this piece because the colours are on point, IT'S FLORAL, it's a proper original canvased painting not a mass-produced print and it was painted by a lovely local muslim Perth artist; Aseel Zaher. Check out her website here.


I also bought cupcakes to keep the kids busy as evidenced by a recent Instagram upload, but alas I didn't get to have nay because the kids got to all of them before I could.


Have you bought anything home related of late?
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A Visit to Deerland Park

July 30, 2014, 9:00 am
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One of the best experiences of my recent girls trip to Malaysia was spending the day touring from coast to coast on a wildlife adventure that included bathing and swimming with baby elephants, handling cute and cuddly hedgehogs, holding snakes and cruising down a river at night time to do a bit of firefly spotting. 

One of the first stops on the day (after a visit to the grand Batu Caves) was a visit to Deerland park in Pahang where we got to pet and feed a very populated yet gentle group of deer. The deer were very friendly (the apples in our hands helped a lot), although the obvious group leader was the usual alpha male bastardo and kept pushing the other deer out of the way with its antlers just to get the prime feeding position. 

After that, a quick stroll through maintained Malaysian jungle led us to a small sanctuary of sorts that housed various creatures, amongst them a rather overly cute baby hedgehog (that seemed to live precariously too close to a snake pit inhabited by three pythons), lizards, native chickens and other such birds, more deer species, ferrets and even more birds.

It was a great break from the usual shopping/eating majority of our trip, especially since I can't really indulge in these sort of things back home with my toddlers. 

Stay tuned for the elephant swimming adventure! 


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Birth Control Issues - Uterus Talk!

August 14, 2014, 8:01 am
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Quick excuse - I haven't blogged in two weeks, returned emails, etc because I have no internet at home due to a fault which will hopefully get fixed tomorrow. I'm hardly getting by with my phone and occasional Instagram updates. Fingers crossed it all gets fixed soon because I have some serious blogging and Real Housewives episodes to catch up on. Anyways...

High five if you have a uterus!

Yay! Hooray for wombs! Now let's talk about shutting one down for an extended period of time...


After I last gave birth I requested that any semi-trained medical staff member shoot me up immediately with their most potent birth control substance. I ended up laying on the hospital bed with  my head turned away from the doctor holding the scalpel as he inserted a tiny tube of Implanon in my arm. I thought it was great because I wouldn't have to worry about taking daily pills and knowing that it stays in your arm for three years is a pretty sweet deal.

But after a month or more of constant bleeding (which thankfully subsided eventually before I bled to death) I now find myself piling on weight when I shouldn't be. I've been eating relatively better and exercising more yet no weight is coming off and instead I find myself actually putting more on. I started noticing my clothes were becoming tighter so I stepped on the scales and recoiled in horror at the six kilo increase. Ok, maybe two of those could be cake related but seriously... this hormonal change the medicine is making in my body is dangerous. 

And then there is the dryness. For as long as I can remember I have always had oily skin but since using Implanon my skin has changed. It's now super dry, even a little flaky, my scalp is dry, my hands and face look and feel older because of the loss of moisture, my skin texture has changed - basically I hate what it has done to me.  I now have the skin of a saggy old Eastern European chain smoker. It aint good. 

I can't take it anymore and plan to get the damn thing taken out of my arm ASAP even if I have to cut it out myself with a magnet and a pitchfork. Question is though - what birth control method to use? I definitely do not want anymore kids so some form of the stuff is needed. Chastity Belt? Castration? Menopausal rain dance? Disembowelment... no that's going too far...

What medication or method do you suggest using? Have you had problems in the past with any specific type of birth control? 
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THIS BLOG HAS MOVED

August 17, 2014, 1:26 am
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September 13, 2014, 10:05 am
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Product Review - The Nabrman "Kim Kardashian" Abaya

January 13, 2012, 12:42 am
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Remember when Kim Kardashian recently popped into Dubai and pretty much every hijab blogger went nuts over the fact that she wore not only a kaftan but even went local by wearing a Nabrman abaya? Well lucky ole me was sent the Nabrman abaya that Kim Kardashian wore (Thanks to Huda Beauty!).


You can see Kim's patterned clothing peeking out underneath...


As you can see from Kim's pics, the abaya has slits runing up the length of the arm and is completely open (with only one snap closure located at the neck) so you do need to wear something underneath it. I wore a sleeveless abaya on top of a fitted long sleeve top to ensure proper coverage.


The material is very soft and slightly sheer and is decorated with white crystal baubles that are delicately attached along the shoulder, down to the arms and all the way to the hem of the gown, including appearing on the front open section of the abaya.


It is designed to be very loose and free flowing so there is ample fabric to play around with. After wearing it I can definitely see why Kim was clutching it as she walked - the designer has been very generous with the material used.


The fabric is of great quality and drapes so easily into lovely folds to really accentuate the femininity of this piece.


The abaya deisgn is very simple, which I quite like because it is good to have a change from the usual brightly coloured trimmed abayas I usually wear. It is quite classic chic in appearance, helped along with the luxurious feel of the soft fabric. It could easily be worn out as a formal piece, especially if you wore it with a nice pair of black heels and a blinged out bag, but works just as well worn with some cute flats and simple accessories for a more casual glam look. I'm also going to later wear something colourful or heavily patterened underneath to really get those decorated side slits showing!


Abaya ~ Nabrman
Silver sequined & bow flats ~ Shoe Show
Bracelet ~ Melbourne, Australia
Moonstone & silver ring ~ Bazaar @ Carousel, Perth.

The Nabrman logo featured on the right shoulder of the garment.

You can purchase this abaya from Nabrman (website currently under construction) by contacting them via email (nabrman.abayas@gmail.com), calling (+971503424212) and by checking out their Facebook page.

What do you think of the abaya? Would you wear this design?
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Product Review - Marena Y Sol (Kris Jenner Dubai Kaftan)

March 5, 2012, 1:42 am
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I've had my eye on this gorgeous Marena Y Sol orange and turquoise kaftan since I spotted Kris Jenner wearing it as she accompanied her daughter Kim Kardashian on their recent trip to Dubai. Click here to see my original post on the girls and their kaftans. 

Lucky me was sent this piece to review.



I loved this fresh summer design a trillion times more than Kim's traditional burgundy version. Orange is a colour that designers rarely use, so to see it done in such a pretty way is awesome. 


I made my sister pose in the scorching sun in my backyard so I could take these pics, simply because I wanted the turquoise and ruby jewels to shine! It was so hot, but worth it. 

Just from the Dubai based pics, the embellishments on this kaftan appear to be an array of blue stones adorning the tangerine orange of this jalabiya. It wasn't until I had the piece in my hands that I really saw how ornate it is. Just look at these ruby jewels placed in between the turquoise and clear crystals. So pretty. 


I was really impressed that the designer incorporated the jewelled motif all around to the posterior of the collar - something that is rarely done. This design feature would look great at a party with a classy hair up-do.


I was sent a peachy coloured slip to go under the kaftan. Usually it is sold without one, though you can custom order a slip when purchasing, which I do suggest wearing underneath as the fabric is quite sheer without it (like most kaftans).


The fabric is soft, sheer and extremely delicate. Don't go wearing any sharp jewellery with this. Like most silk kaftans, they tend to catch very easily on anything sticking out. 


Is it just me, or do they seem to be glowing?


You can buy the Catalina kaftan from Marena Y Sol's website for $298. Personally I would wear this purely on special occasions like summer parties, formal gatherings, etc. It is too pretty to be used for every day wear... although a fancy poolside soiree would come in handy :)


Review-wise... would I recommend buying it? Hell, YES! The design is too gorgeous to say no to. I feel so summery with this on. All I need now is a fancy beach resort on some fantastic island and my outfit would be complete. 

Shop more kaftans here below:


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Miss Hijabi in the Media: Independent Fashion Bloggers

March 9, 2012, 4:40 pm
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Style Focus - Abaya Styles on the Red Carpet

October 3, 2012, 4:59 am
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I found this very interesting visual article from the BBC on the hopeful emergence of the abaya in Western fashion circles. It only goes for a few minutes and contains interview excerpts from the major abaya label founders of DAS and Barjis.


I've seen more and more celebrities wearing abaya-esque cut designs for formal red carpet events, so in a way the beginnings have already been made; after all at its most basic level it's just a long sleeved, long dress, regardless of which colour is used. Keep in mind we are talking about a statement abaya (the flashy, Westernised, designer type) not the casual, plain ones you run to the shop in to grab some milk. Just check out Angelina Jolie who I have featured before because of her regular usage of elegant long abaya-like outfits.

Her Elie Saab coral split dress would be a perfect abaya (minus the split of course). DAS have a similar style, available in light peach, in their resort 2012 line. Matched with Louboutin heels, Montana ring & Anaconda grey moonstone ring.


Carrie Underwood in a gorgeous silver white floor length gown next to Effa's sequinned edgy wonder from their Spring/Summer 2012 collection.


For a truer abaya version, I love Roselle's entire collection. They always incorporate lots of lovely old European style lace, reminiscent of a bygone era, creating a dainty look mixed with the traditional black abaya. I can imagine Cate Blanchett's recent Oscar dress perfectly amalgamated with any Roselle abaya.


What do you think? Do you imagine statement abayas ever being worn by non-Muslim women on regular style basis? 


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Fay Tellaoui Turquoise Abaya

October 13, 2012, 2:58 am
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I saw a recent abaya from Australian designer Fay Tellaoui and instantly fell in love with the design and more importantly the colour.


Anyone who regularly reads this blog knows I am an avid abaya lover and wearer, but that all of my abayas tend to be black. I usually don't go for coloured abayas because the ones that stick out in my mind are the atrociously ugly ones I always see when visiting Egypt - mismatched, blind-person-made-these type designs with huge unnecessary pockets, bells and ridiculous zippers in random places that serve no purpose (with slashes of tartan thrown in). They made me want to throw up. This on the other hand I wanted to grab with both hands, swing it around my head and scream "It's mine! It's mine!" like one would in an old 1950's horror flick. You can imagine my delight when Fay messaged me, sending me one over to review. Here is one quick combo pic I took on Instagram when I received it:
I got it within a couple of days, tried it on and loved it even more. At first I was a bit hesitant because most abayas/long dresses I am sent are always custom sized for me and this was one of the first times I have been sent an item that wasn't tailor made to perfection. You see, I always have a problem with length. I'm not Frankenstein tall but at 5'8 pre-made maxi dresses and the like are never adequately long enough. This one was. Huge surprise. Loved it. Not only that but it was a perfect fit, which brings us back to the controversy over the original photo.


The controversy was over the sizing of the piece in the image. The designer very clearly commented multiple times that there was a sizing issue on the day of the photo shoot (the gorgeous model ended up being curvier than expected for the smaller sized abaya sample she had) hence the form fitted appearance. Straight away I knew the remedy was as simple as "buy a bigger size" but unfortunately many people on Facebook are not too good at reading comprehensively and/or lacked common sense, even when another photoshoot image of a much looser version was floating around on Facebook too. Not once did anyone say that this image promoted "proper hijab" (actually the designer stated quite the opposite), yet many people still protested. I understand why some people had an issue over the image, but a lot of people got way too worked up over something they could simply click away from. I knew it was a simple sizing issue and was more than ever determined to prove these closed minded people wrong.


Please take into consideration that at the moment I am 6 months pregnant, so of course the abaya will a lot looser on me in general after I give birth and deflate in pretty much every area I own. I was surprised to find it still comfortably fit my very pregnant figure and wasn't tight at all considering the baby that is hiding underneath that fabric.


Before it arrived I was actually considering getting my sister or a friend to model it because I thought there was no way I could get my pregnant self into the size I ordered. It was genuinely a complete shock to see my ballooning belly fit into it so easily and nicely, with ample room left over. I could probably do a few lunges in it, if my legs knew what lunges were.


This is still the most comfortable abaya I now own. The tactile material is of a stretchy type, yet it is not clingy or thin at all. It gives a very smooth appearance to the body, is extremely comfortable to wear and covers easily from neck to toes. The colour is as vibrant as it is in Fay's photoshoot and perfectly suits the oncoming summer months here in Australia, although I'd be more inclined to wear this on cooler days because the usual 40 degree celcius weather we get here in Perth will make you melt and sweat unless you are wearing tissue paper thin material.


The abaya costs $130 and is available for purchase either from her Melbourne based shop or by contact via email or Fay's Facebook profile. It's well worth the money for the unique design, gorgeous colour and great quality workmanship. Plus it's Australian, so you know it's going to be good ;)


Just a quick word of warning - it is selling out very fast due to the hype over the design via Facebook. Some sizes are completely gone so if you wanted to order I suggest doing so ASAP. Also, Australian clothing sizes run concurrent to UK sizes but are different to US sizing so beware of that if purchasing. You can order via her facebook page that she has just opened up or by emailing: faytellaoui@live.com.au.


Outfit
Necklace ~ Some place in Maylands {$45}
Abaya ~ Gift from Fay Tellaoui {$130}
Scarf ~ Kmart {$10}
Ring ~ YSL {$275}
Shoes ~ Target {$40}

What do you think of Fay Tellaoui's turquoise abaya? Would you wear a coloured abaya?


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Review - N A Exclusive Abayas

October 21, 2012, 6:57 am
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I've had this song in my head all day since hearing it on the radio this morning. Pretty appropriate considering I feel like a giant shiny disco ball in this abaya and when you are a massive bling lover like I am, it's always a good thing. Going for a nude, lightly glittered manicure today also helped it along. Anyway, on to the abaya...


I was sent this gorgeous abaya from NA Exclusive Abayas for review. There were literally over a hundred designs to choose from but after searching through the multitudes and narrowing my list down from about twenty finalists, I kept going back to this one because it is simple, elegant and can be worn at any age.

NA Exclusive Abayas do produce their own designs while making those inspired by current abaya designers. It is a great alternative to have, especially for those of us who can't afford those huge designer price tags of $800+ and/or don't have access to our own abaya tailors as they readily do in the Gulf.



I don't have any complaints about this abaya. Love the fabric, adore the style and treasure the fact that I finally have an abaya I can wear to night time special events without relying on tiny bits of jewellery to do all the shimmering for me. 


Outfit
Abaya ~ NA Exclusive Abayas {$175}
Clutch ~ Yves Saint Laurent {$620}
Ring ~ Diva

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Review - Downton Abbey Edwardian Style Abaya

January 5, 2013, 6:27 am
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N A Exclusive Abayas isn't new to my blog. I have reviewed for them before - if you would now kindly cast your eyes and memories back to this post about an awesome black sequinned abaya they sent me. It was a pretty popular one for obvious reasons. (Obvious reason being it was gorgeous). 

This time around I choose their white lace/grey abaya duo - a replica of a Roselle abaya (N A specialise in designer replications, custom pieces and turning sketches into reality in pretty much any colour and material).


The overall style is extremely elegant and very old world in essence. I'm a big fan of the draping shawl style of the sleeves. Underneath are normal semi-fitted abaya sleeves, whilst an extra layer of chiffon is brought over the shoulders to the front to drape over not only the entire arm but also down the flank sides to the ground. They're even large enough to completely cover the front section of the dress, but I doubt anyone would wear it that way because it would cover up and conceal the main feature of this abaya which is of course the mix of grey chiffon lined with charmeuse silk and the white lace embellished with pearls and beads.


I ended up rummaging through my the bits of jewellery strewn across my house and found a white multichain necklace that matched the abaya perfectly.



My Burleigh china, given to me by my mother. Coincidentally they're currently having a 25-50% off sale, which is going to help me because my cat broke my teapot and I've been meaning to replace it for years.


Tea & biscuits anyone?


Check them out now - they are currently having a big sale on abayas and will also give you 5% off when mentioning "Miss Hijabi" while ordering. Try getting this abaya in a different colour. I think the white lace with pink chiffon would be awesomely girly!

Details:
Necklace ~ Meh, who knows. 
Ring ~ Egyptian Jewellers
English China ~ Burleigh
Nails ~ Revlon's Bewitching

Digging into those partly English roots of mine for a while was fun! What are your thoughts on the review? Do you admire the abaya? 


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Champagne Shine

May 12, 2013, 5:59 am
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After mentioning in the last Islamic Design House review that I loved their Sophia Collection more than the piece I was sent, I was gifted a piece of choice from the said line. I chose the black & gold design ($122) for it's elegant simplicity (with a side of pizzazz).


This design is so much more in line with my personal style. It's a more mature, formal style that I adore.


The top half is ladden with champagne hued sequins; the rest of the abaya being clad in plain black. There are ties hidden on the inside which allows you to wear the abaya as loose or as tight as you want around the waist. I have it pulled in on mine to give more shape, as I tend to do.


It goes perfectly with my Steve Madden heels that I never really had anything to match with. They're pretty much the same colour as each other - both as shiny as well.


Obviously this can easily be worn as a night/going out ensemble but I feel due to the sequins being a dull shine that it can also pass, if dressed down a bit, as a casual ladylike day time piece as well as it isn't too glitzy.


The quality is perfect, as is the design. The only issue is that their longest size is still a tad too short for me but I love it so much that I make do with it and wear it anyway. It stops at my ankles (usually I prefer it to go down all the way) but besides that I'm all for this abaya because it is feminine and modern (thankfully the way most current big name abaya designers are designing).

It'd be great for Eid for those who like to get dressed up without being too flashy and decked out head to toe in bling. If you are interested in buying anything from their site, remember to use the code MISSHIJABI when ordering to get 10% off your purchase.

Details
Heels ~ Steve Madden
Jewellery ~ Egypt


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A Ring Around the Rosie

May 29, 2013, 8:45 am
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After what's been a bit of a hiatus (just over a week counts, right?) I'm back with a little ladylike classic style from UK based design house, Aara. I choose the Rose Bouquet abaya to be sent for review and was told that it was their best seller. You can see why - it's simple yet classy and easily feminine; a staple for any hijabi's wardrobe.
 

Structurally, the abaya is a typical farasha style piece; loose at the back, while curving slightly to the feet. There is an inner belt hidden on the inside that tightens around the waist - the ones on the outside being purely for decoration's sake only, giving it a slight kimono-esque feel.


The roses, being the focus on this garment, are hand-sewn on very securely. The whole abaya in general is very well made and of high quality. The first thing I actually noticed about it was how soft and light the material was. Its lightness is quite impressive considering how much fabric is used here. It makes it easy to  move around in.  


It was completely custom made which is great for me because length is always an issue when buying online. 



It kinda goes without saying that I love this design. It's so uber-feminine and classy and can be worn pretty much anywhere. I wouldn't say it is strictly a formal piece, being that I could easily see myself wearing out to have a casual coffee with friends as it isn't over the top in design. 

I find it so incredibly pretty. I just want to sit around drinking tea in it and pretend I'm posh for second with my pinky in the air (the sweet roses get me in the mood for daintiness.). Is that weird?


Details
Abaya ~ Aara Website | Facebook | Instagram
Ring ~ Kenya
Sunglasses ~ Bvlgari 
Nails ~ Revlon in Knockout& Bewitching
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The Sultaness's Treasures

June 15, 2013, 8:01 pm
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Remember when you were an awkward chubby strawberry blonde girl in primary school and all you wanted to  do was fly on your magic carpet, have adventures with Aladdin and look like Jasmine? Yeah, it never happened for me either. The closest I got was acting out childhood fantasies via the Aladdin movie toys that my parents got me.

The love for the mystic that was all things Aladdin never dissipated though so when The Sultaness sent me images of their latest venture; a foray into the hijab accessory world, I pretty screamed at that them that they had revived a little bit of Aladdin back into our lives.


A few days later she sent these treasures over in the cutest little polka dot box. Inside was a massive gold and blue ribbon and fillagree ring and plenty of hijab pins to keep me going. The pins I received (left to right) are Lush, Shamla, Ice Wow and Ibiza. 


To be quite frank, I am not into decorative hijab pins at all. For the most part, the majority of companies selling them tend to shell out the same cheaply made, cheap looking pins that lack style and end up breaking after a few months anyway. They're alright for teenagers but as a grown woman I want things that look expensive (even if the price isn't) and exude a certain level of class. Enter The Sultaness.


Her pins are damn strong. They are professionally made by herself and her team, not pushed out one after the other from some factory in Taiwan or China. They are made with good materials and well sourced components. The Arabesque charms mixed with the colourful beads and strong golden stems are pins that I would and will wear - this coming from an avid non-pin wearer. I hope she eventually widens her business beyond rings and delves into the bracelet/necklace market because she has the design eye and cute charms to do so.


And I have to say - packaging is on point. If you ever need to buy small gifts for anyone then I suggest The Sultaness. Even the pins, as you can see via my Instagram account, were individually boxed within another box and ready to be shared with a loved one.


The launch party for the line, in collaboration with Inglot, is happening soon. If you happen to be in New York at the time you should go for a fun hijabi night.


Details
Accessories ~ The Sultaness Website | Facebook | Instagram

What do you think about all this prettiness?
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Arabian Threads Bohemian Chic

June 18, 2013, 10:03 am
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I got to release a bit of the inner hippy locked away inside of me thanks to Bahraini based company Arabian Threads. Before Islam and abayas came along, I pretty much lived in bohemian style clothing ever since I was a young child, so it was good to welcome some of it back with this relaxed kaftan.


The stand up Oriental style neck on this kaftan is awesome. Usually I wear my scarves draped over the neckline of whatever I am wearing, but this piece really needs to be shown off so I had to tuck the hijab in to display the intricate collar design. The light metallic embroidery continues down the chest and along the wide half-sleeves. 

The bottom of the lightweight kaftan is loose and flowy, making it perfect for any summer affair, be it a relaxed family barbecue or an elegant beach cover-up on a hot day. I'm planning to don this piece a lot more considering A) it is really my natural style that I don't seem to wear enough of anymore and B) it's a lot more Western friendly than the heavy-on-the-eyes black abayas that I tend to regularly wear nowadays. 


The kaftan is semi-sheer so I had to wear a Carina body top underneath that I picked up from
Egypt to complete the sleeve coverage. It doesn't come with a slip to wear underneath so if you're a hijabi you may need to invest in one. 



Arabian Threads, although based in Bahrain, do deliver worldwide via their Etsy shop. Most of the pieces are one-off designs so if you see something you like you better jump on it as chances are there won't be another one hanging around. Make sure you check out their other kaftan styles as  well as they have some extremely pretty ones ready for sale. Personally, I'm loving these three below (look at that bright orange beauty!)...


Details:
Kaftan ~ Arabian Threads Etsy Shop | Facebook | Instagram


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Boho & the Broken Bag

June 23, 2013, 2:02 am
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Whether you wear abaya regularly or not, one thing I think every Muslim woman should own is a plain black abaya. Not only do they go with any colour or pattern you throw at it, it will also take you through pretty much every occassion; dressed casually for daily run-around errands or dressed up for more formal type soirees. 

Today I went for more of the boho laid back style, matching this NA Exclusive Abaya with an ethnic bag I picked up from a Malaysian street market last year and a scarf from Dubai's Sweety label. 


Calling this a plain abaya is a little bit wrong on my behalf. Yes it's black with no embellishments, but it does have quite a sleek cut to it. The downward V at the waist and the mermaid-esque shape to the tail of the dress creates a very slimming, lengthening and elegant effect.


The back is a waterfall design that drapes all the way down, near to the back of the knees.


Worn with my super high Steve Madden wedges that I bought a few months back. These are so comfortable, unlike most high heeled shoes that I own. I love their slight 70's vibe. Excuse the feline interruptus.


 Feet high-five?


My bag has taken quite a beating. It''s entirely made of fabric so it isn't the strongest of things. I should have realised that before chucking about 4kg worth of camera equipment and full water bottles in it. I love it despite the rips. 


Details
Abaya ~ NA Exclusive Abayas Facebook
Wedges ~ Steve Madden Website
Jewellery ~ Lovisa Website
Scarf ~ Sweety Website | Facebook
Bag ~ Malaysia

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