Well that title certainly sounds like a bad romance novel...
This post was a long time coming. Since I got back from Malaysia I have been looking after my children, both of whom became sick (one with the flu, one with a reaction to a vaccination) and lo and behold now every single human being in my house has caught the flu bug (as expected). I'm currently laying on my couch nursing a sore lower back (anyone else always get body aches with the flu?), battling a runny nose and drowsiness - all on two hours sleep. I just want to close my eyes and snooze the week away but of course being a mother of two I do not have the luxury of that option. If only I could rewind to my holiday...
This fantastic tropical pool setup at the resort I stayed at in Langkawi was a perfect background for taking outfit pics although with the constant rain I only managed this and the abaya review
shown last week.
Before packing for our getaway I was on the lookout for a new swimsuit because the others I have weren't the right fit for me anymore. American company
AlSharifa heard my cry for help and stepped in, sending me their Riviera swimsuit. I was originally wanting another design (the Laguna) but I was talked into getting the Riviera by their incredibly helpful staff. They knew what design would be best for me in regards to my height and the length of top I wanted (not too long, not too short - ideally about mid thigh) and I'm glad I listened to their suggestions because it was a perfect fit. I hate Islamic swimsuits that come all the way down to the knee - I think they are too restrictive movement-wise but at the same time the ones that reach just under the bum are way too short for modesty's sake on anyone who isn't stick thin. Mid-thigh tops are the go for me and I seriously could not be happier with the fit.
I like the minimalist style of this design. In retrospect the one I originally had my eye on would've just made me look top heavy while this one is a more streamlined and lengthening.
The sides of the top can clip onto the pants. This is a function a lot of companies are now using to secure the top and prevent it riding up in the water, although AlSharifa's clips are way more handy and easier to use than the simple fabric ties some companies include. I hate messing around, undoing knots in a hurry (especially when they are wet) so clips work for me. There is also a drawstring on the pants which I didn't need to use, but may be helpful for shorter people who need to instantly take in the pants a bit.
The top has an attached hood but I never wear those things. I hate the way they look so I always end up rolling it down my neck and wearing a normal hijab. I'm a leisure swimmer, not an athletic swimmer, so nine times out of ten I don't put my head under the water. Knowing this, AlSharifa sent me a very pattern heavy scarf (above) to use as a tied up turban to go with it, which I will do next time I go to the beach.
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Whilst taking these pics I wore my new beach cover-up open kaftan. It is a little too short for me but in saying that you wouldn't want it long enough to trail on the wet ground (or sand if you are hitting the beach).
On a side note, there was another woman there with her family at the pool and she had on the exact same swimsuit as me. We kinda gave each other that look in passing as if to say "Well, this is awkward".
Loving the reversible patterns of this turban...
Make sure you check out their website and if you are looking around for a swimsuit you can use the special code MISSHIJABI20 to automatically get 20% off your purchase!
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