I've heard each wedding takes on a life of it's own, this one certainly has. The wedding festivities have begun, guests are coming and leaving and there's lots of food, lots of dishes, new clothes, party favors, the henna party etc... So although I thought I'd be able to keep posting during the wedding, looks like that won't be happening, so I'm signing off for a few days, If I get a chance, to I'll post, but don't worry, when I'm back, I'll make up the missing posts. So stay tuned.
I'll leave you all with a love poem.
A Special World
A special world for you and me
A special bond one cannot see
It wraps us up in its cocoon
And holds us fiercely in its womb.
Its fingers spread like fine spun gold
Gently nestling us to the fold
Like silken thread it holds us fast
Bonds like this are meant to last.
And though at times a thread may break
A new one forms in its wake
To bind us closer and keep us strong
In a special world, where we belong.
- Sheelagh Lennon -
Wedding Chaos
A Japanese Wedding
I found some really beautiful Japanese Wedding dresses online. I was fascinated by the hoods some of them wear, it could be worn as a hijab. I was surprised to find some brides in white, as I had assumed their wedding dresses would be bright and colorful. The one thing all the clothes had in common was how demure they made the bride look. And all the outfits were Modest and Fashionable. As a hijabi, you can't go wrong with any of them. I picked this wedding portrait, because the bride and groom look so cute and I love black and white pics!
If you're not Japanese, is this something you'd feel comfortable wearing to your wedding? If you are Japanese, would you wear this, or something western?
Grace Kelly's Wedding Dress
My Brother is getting married this weekend insha'Allah, and in honor of that I'll be featuring wedding dresses from around the world for the next week. To kick start the festivities, here is a white wedding dress worn by Grace Kelly at her wedding. I love the lace work and buttons, it's very detailed, and extremely elegant, definitely fit for the Princess she was.
Would you wear this to your wedding? Why or why not? Her husband designed this dress. How would you feel about your future husband designing your wedding dress?
Designer: Her husband Prince Rainier
Have Fun With Tugba and Venn
Here's another lovely skirt from Tugba. The white jacket that goes with it, is smashing! You can wear this outfit to work, to school or just out! It would look lovely with a white and green hijab, or a multicolored scarf with lots of green in it. The combination options are endless. So go ahead, have some fun.
Designer: Tugba and Venn
So Tahura So Simple
I adore this simple black abaya for it's simplicity. Sure you might say that it's got some gold embroidery on it, but it's very understated just the way I like it! It has three gold circles on the bottom front, and one big one on the back. At 65 pounds, it's on the pricey end though, so I probably won't be buying one anytime soon.
What type of Abayas do you like? And do you like the black ones? Or are you fed up with black?
Designer: Tahura
A Taste of Morroccan Fashion
Fashion in Morocco has certainly grown since I lived there as a teenager. I have always loved the use of colors and layering in their fashion. Here is a Kaftan that I picked because the color is the opposite of the ones I normally see. In fact this is the first one I've seen with such a severe color combination. Would you wear this? And where would you wear it to? I'm not sure who designed this, but below are links to two stores that carry beautiful Moroccan fashions.
Designers: Les Princess D'Orient and Zahara Haute Couture
Artizara Artful Clothes
Artizara creates beautiful dresses that are works of art while at the same time wearable. This lovely green tunic called the Feroza Tunic comes with a matching green scarf. I not only love the combination, but how they tied her scarf. The lighter green color peeking out from under the scarf is adorable. If you like this design, then you'll love to know that they have the same tunic in brown, though i like the green one much better.
Designer: Artizara
Armine Does it Right
Armine has some of the best designs when it comes to Turkish silk scarves. But the best part about their site, is not just the scarves, but also the clothes their models wear and the styling. I'm not certain who dresses them, but their clothes look like they were designed by Turkish designer Tekbir Giyim. They certainly give you lovely ideas of how to tie a scarf.
If you're in the USA, you can order these scarves from Hijab Planet. My only gripe with them is their prices! sometimes up to $70 so be sure to catch them when they're having a sale for 50% off.
Designer: Armine
It's Scarftastic!
Scarves come in all sorts of sizes and colors, but I must say my favorite scarves come from Turkey. Their scarves are available in every color and evoke all kinds of feelings. They have bright cheerful scarves, impressionist paintings, military themed ones, animal prints... and the list goes on. The best part of it all is that the scarves are made of silk which is very soft to touch and makes the colors stand out that much more. In NY I can usually spot a Hijabi's head who's wearing one of these above the crowd of NY citizens and I must say it makes me happy and I want to run to her and say Salam Sister! Do you often find that when you're in a predominantly Muslim country, you ignore Muslimahs you see but when you're in a secular or non Muslim country you're in love with your Muslim brethren and feel a kindred spirit and connection with them? Or is it just me?
Here are some silk scarves from Bluebell at reasonable prices. My only issue with them is that most of the time, their scarves are too small!
Designer: Bluebell Wholesale
All About the Embellishments
These dresses are by Rania Al Bastaki an Emirati designer who's got great style and pays great attention to detail. These two dresses have incredible detail and I can only imagine the number of hours it took to complete each one. In the end, the dresses turned out remarkable, but is all the embellishing actually necessary? Would you be happy with a dress with half those embellishments but just the same colors? Or do the embellishments make the dress?
Designer: Rania Al Bastaki
The Best of Blue
These two designers sure know how to do blue right. The one on the left is a design by Amina al Jassim who also makes purses. It's a bedouin robe which to me is a much more interesting design than the typical Egyptian or Moroccan ones. It's a design confident in it's simplicity and very on point with it's embellishments.
Al Yashmac designed the dress on the right. It's a more elaborate design with layers and different fabrics and textures. I really like both these dresses, but if it came down to it, and I had to pick just one, I think I'd take Amina's design. Which of the two do you prefer?
Designer: Amina al Jassim & Al Yashmac
Salwar Kameez
Keeping with the International theme, today I picked Salwar Kameez native to Indians, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis. The beauty of Salwar Kameez is the seemingly infinitesimal versions you can find. Every color in the rainbow and then some, in every texture imaginable. In cottons, silks, polyesters etc. You'll find versions with detailed beading, some with gold or silver accents, and some that are very plain and simple with no frills. Here are some choices I picked out. The Sandy one I picked because I liked it's simplicity. The pink one for it's "Orientalness" it's very evocative of Japanese art. What's your favorite Salwar kameez? Do you prefer something simple and light design wise, or do you prefer something more ornate and detailed?
Designer: Bargello
Thando Zamxaka
The clothes by this 30 year old designer are so African and so modern. The combination of ethnic prints and solid colors combine to create a truly unique outfit. For the adventurous woman who wants to be one of a kind, Zamxaka is the designer for you. This is someone who embraces his roots, and dares you to join him. He certainly knows how to mix and match his fabric. I love the Africa on this skirt though I'm not sure I could pull it off. Would you be brave enough to wear this outfit?
Designer: Thando Zamxaka
Korean for a Day
I've always admired Korean dresses because inspite of the simplicity and almost uniformity of the design, the textures and colors are incredibly rich and varied. Here's a beautiful white and orange Hanbok with a brown bow. The only problem with this dress is finding an occassion to wear it. It's quite formal and even in Korea most people don't dress like this everyday. But if you're attending an Asian or World themed event, this is a lovely option to consider.
Designer: Stylish CN
African Queen
Here is an African dress made with Vlisco fabric. It's quite lovely and simple. Just wear it with a cardigan or a shawl and you're good to go. The wonderful thing about African fabric is the variety of the patterns. While some patterns can be overwhelming, in this dress, the colors are just right, the pattern is sparse and the design is fit for a Queen.
Designer: Vlisco
Regal in Green
This dress is rich and elegant. It's a dress fit for a princess or even a queen. If you have a fancy night out or a wedding to attend, you'll look regal and may be in danger of upstaging the bride if she's simply in white.
Designer: Amina al Jassim
Harken Back to the Days of Old
...when dresses were long and flowing, and men couldn't get enough of catching glimpses of women's ankles or wrists. I never could tell if all those dresses really had deep plunging cleavage showing or if those were just the hollywood versions. After all, what's the sense in covering from head to toe just to reveal an ample bossom?
Designer: Realm Collections
Trina Turk it to Work
I love Trina Turk for her choice of colors, but unfortunately it seems the more colorful the dress, the shorter the hemline. Here are 2 Fashionably Modest outfits from her Fall 2008 collection that are perfect for work. Wear them as an ensemble and you'll feel tres French tres Chique. Her use of fingerless gloves adds color and length to the ensemble.I suggest replacing the tight fitting pants with something looser, and not tucking in the blouse.
Designer: Trina Turk
Mediterranean Blue
Here's a really cute folkloric dress from Promod. It's very light and summery, perfect for those lucky enough to be heading into summer right now! The color is bright without being over the top so it shouldn't be too hard to pull of at work with the right accessories.
Designer: Promod
Cheery Bright Colors...
...add a little spring to your step and a smile to your face, not to mention everyone else who sees you. Here's a color that's sure to delight especially in the winter months when the snow has fallen and mud is everywhere. Just try and keep it clean!
Designer: Tugba & Venn
The Power of a Winter Coat
A winter coat helps chase the dreaded winter blues away. Nice bright cheerful colors can cheer you up, but they can sometimes be too loud for everyday wear, and usually find ways to get the ketchup stain. Here's a demure coat that's adorable despite it's gray color. You'll be making excuses to wear it long after the last snow has fallen and spring is in the air.
Designer: Setrms
What to Wear to an Inauguration
With the US inauguration coming up in January 2009 there's plenty of time to figure out what to wear. Here's an outfit that's very simple and comfortable so you can stand for as long as it takes without feeling out of sorts. Don't forget to smile for the cameras.
Designer: Spiegel
Michelle Obama - First Lady Style
Michelle Obama has undeniable class. Her style is simple, comfortable chique. She wears what makes her comfortable and doesn't care what anyone thinks! She's created her own style sensibility and now has the opportunity to be the next Jackie Kennedy.
Congratulations on being the first African American First Lady!
Simply White
White is innocent, romantic, antique, feminine and numerous other adjectives you could come up with. The beauty of this dress is in it's simplicity. with a few modifications such as a vest or a jacket you can dress it up or down. And the best part of it is it's versatility, you can wear it to school, to work, to dinner or just out.
Designer: Totally Modest
A World Class Vote
It's finally here, Super Tuesday has arrived. The whole world has been watching with anticipation and following the US elections as if they were going to participate in the election. Well now the whole world can. Cast your vote for the next US president here
Just don't take it to heart if your vote doesn't actually count. And be thankful actually that it's not a One World Order or One World Government...yet.
If you're in the US and can actually cast a valid vote, here are some lovely red white and blue sweaters to wear to the polls.
Designer: Newport News
Bring Out the Pajamas
This winter get warm in matching flannels, soft satins or coordinated cotton. Come hail or snow, you'll be nice and warm in these fetching Pajamas. Not sleepy? Wear them to lounge about the house.
Designer: Victoria's Secret
Perfect in Paisley
There's something exotic about Paisley patterns. They're evocative of the far east, places like India or Persia. They're feminine yet depending on the colors and patterns quite chique and modern. Here are some lovely Paisley scarfs in different colors, sure to take you from, school, to work to a night out.
Designer: Losve
