For a very long time I have been searching for the perfect abaya that blends casual and glam. I seem to have two sections to my collection; one side is blinged out to the max with heavy usage of sequins and all things shiny, while the other half seems to drown in a depressing disparity of items bought years ago that are only fit to quickly grab milk from the shops in. I was on a bit of a hunt to find something that I could easily go out to dinner in but also wear on casual days, even if it does have that slightly dressed up look to it.
I had seen (and admired) this abaya on The Abaya Company's Facebook before they had even asked me to do another review for them, so when they did it was an easy choice. Received from the UAE two weeks ago, I have worn it about four times already, twice of those to the park. Yes, it may be a little too dressy for a simple park outing, but after spending most days at home wiping up literal crap I do welcome putting in a little effort.
Case in point, my husband came in for a hug yesterday and started saying "You smell..." and I was waiting for him to finish off with either a "good" or a "nice", instead I got a resoundingly awkward "...like vomit". I simply nodded my head in recognition, looked down to the chalky white splotches of dried baby spit-up on my clothing and shrugged my shoulders. Got little kids to look after. This is life. Sort of like that episode in Sex in the City where Miranda mindlessly wipes infant fecal matter on her face (See here... in Italian?). It's all about caring for them and not you. Mothers naturally forget themselves when it comes to child rearing on a day to day basis, so for this reason if I go out I DRESS UP. I clean up. Screw expected dress codes. I want to feel good about myself if only for thirty minutes.
The abaya in question...
The front of the abaya is double layered - the usual abaya cloth is covered with a black, slight ala tutu style netting that is finished off with minuscule metallic gold thread, woven into the mesh. The back of the abaya is plain black.
The gold belt around the waist can be pulled as tight as you can try and won't change the looseness cascading from above. From the belt to neck, the abaya opens up with clasps that are perfecting for breastfeeding (so convenient for me right now).
The fabric to the skirted section drapes and falls so incredibly gracefully, hence the princess type comment in the title. The photos really don't do it (or the golden embellishments) justice.
I don't even know why my eyes are closed in this shot. Was I crying? Was I asleep? Who the hell even knows...
The Wares.
On an ending note let me just say that I even had non-Muslims commenting on how pretty this abaya is and when they take notice you know it's something special!
Details
Bracelet/Necklace ~ Lovisa Website