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?