I love a piece that you can dress up, over and over again! As a student with a part time job, I have to admit it's tough keeping up with fashion, and purchasing new pieces to convey my everchanging moods. That "one" piece helps me out oh - so -much.
That piece can be anything in your closet that's versitile. One you can dress up or down, one that's perfect for nearly all ocassions. One where the way you wear it, completely transforms it. One where... okaaaaay you get the point.
My "one" piece? My blank tank. It's loose, and hits right above mid thigh which makes it wearable even with a wide leg jean (which are hard to get looking perfect with a long top).
For the outfit above, I wanted to incorporate a few pieces that help me rock my lastest fav. style - indie.
I compiled items I loved - the shoes, the bag, the wayfarers, which add some color on what is initially a dark pallete. The beads help jazz the tank up, as well as compliment the tough leather jeacket. My jacket is gray and I tried to get a picture of one closest to my own.
Bags- shoulder bags with long straps are great now. But before you go out and purchase one, check your storage rooms or your older wardrobes (I checked my mothers') and she had two!! I visited a thrift store and they had soo many! Check yours! If you're not into the environmentally friendliness of second hand shops (okay, so that was a tad biased... haha), that's totally cool - shops now are stocked with them!
For summer I haven't yet decided what look I'm going to rock. Of course I dress to my mood,but while summer 2009 runways are lined with models sporting
athletic attire, clothing inspired by geometric shapes, glamour, and looks inspired by the economic meltdown and the depression of 1929, we fashionistas have our work cut out for us. My purchases for the season are leaning towards boho and indie trends.
Now believe me, I've been trying to capture indie fashion for a while now, but I'm only just getting it. To exude indie fashion, go for the slouchy, clean but carefree look. Babydolls? No. Lose 'em. haha. i mean, save them for another day.
My last indie outfit: (yesterday)
gladiator sandals, black straight leg jeans, a vintage velvet blazer with gold embriodery worn over a dark green tank, a black hijab worn over a high bun, and a thrift store purse.
A few months back I decided all the jewlery I was going to buy was going to be either fair trade or second hand. It's really important that your purchases are supporting those who created them, not the middlemen. This way you'd be helping the worldwide fair trade movement which aims to help producers and farmers reach a financial self sustainability. So with this look, I included fair trade bangles and bracelets. We have a gorgeous fair trade shop here in Winnipeg, TenThousand Villages. You can check it out at tenthousandvillages.com.
Other Fair trade shops can be searched at: globalexchange.org
You know the only thing I miss about my hair? That effortless look you can pull off. I mean, mornings, regardless that I spent half an hour on my hair, I made it look like I just rolled out of bed. And the best thing was, I could wear anything and make it look fabulous because my hair would complete the look! For instance, as a hijabi you see a girl in the mall looking fabulous. And you look at her outfit independant from her hair and you're like "how the heck did she get THAT to look good?" and then you realize you could never pull it off with your hijab. Sisters do you hear me? Well,
I decided I was going to shut out that pessimistic asma and let the hijabifashionista in me speak.
What did she say?
She said that girl I saw at the organic restaurant sipping her coffee (a little fast may I add) in that plain men's tee and leggings (looking Oh-so-cute), has nothing on what a hijabi sister can do.
What did I say?
Amen, girl. Amen!
hahaa
I don't know about you, but I am definetly tired of all the layers I have to wear. Don't get me wrong, I love layers. But with the sun shining, and everyone in minidresses, I felt the need to let everyone know that hijabis wear dresses too- and we look oh-so-nice in 'em!
I recently purchased a maxi dress, and I KNOW I can get a whole lotta wear out of it. My spring/summer dress code? Dresses. :D
<3hijabifashionista
I lovelovelove coral! Just two days ago I tried on a coral maxi and FELL IN LOVE! Too bad it wasn't appropriate for the event I was headed to that night, or else I would have purchased it. Actually, a few months before and i would have purchased it anyway - but I'm trying to stay away from shopaholic-(ism?) as I feel I'm at the very brink. eep.
I did manage to get away with a gooorrrgeeouuus maxi printed all over, but that's besides the point. The point is.. wait, what is it? Oh yeah, CORAL is the new black. In my book, anyway.
<3>
If you look through old posts, you'll come across another label I've profiled. After receiving an email today from the president of Taqwa Iman inc. inviting me to check out her revamped spring/summer collection, I followed her advice and all I could say was "wow".
The following look is my favorite from the site. The skirt is really nice, and think of all the possibilities; heels and silky hijab for a formal evening, sandals and a white cardigan for the daytime, a long black cardigan to dress it down but keep it classy.......
The above image are the Hijabifashionista's Must-Haves for spring. I think that clothing is a great way to express oneself, so I definetly wouldn't tell you exactly what to wear. I'm just reporting what's fashionable at the mo. I've chosen general pieces so there's room for your individual style. For example ,I say totes, you say yellow. Or maybe black! Whatever you like...
These must haves are definately all applicable for sisters in abaya.
1- Sunglasses. Don't shy behind those simple shades. DO IT BEHIND FUN ONES! Just kidding. Go for the bold, retro look. Everyone looks good in sunglasses, and they're great for a quick winter to spring outfit makeover. So the next time you're shopping for these, don't hesitate to try on the crazy orange spotted ones you would have never picked up before!
2 - Totes! This season, think... COLOR. Large bags are great for everything - from a little makeup and phone to work documents. I've personally been holding my clutch everywhere, and I'm def. on the search for a bright one!
3 - Kicks! Put on those strappy sandals, those bright heels, and most def. those gladiator sandals! It's hard to show off a bland heel under long trousers when all the other women are in flouncy skirts and delicious dresses, but your friends won't miss those bright yellow heels regardless how large a flare/ skirt you wear! (Don't go crazy with the flare.. but I'll get to that).
4 - Soft Make- up! If you're into make up, hunt down those soft hues for an everyday look, and colors like coral, pink, and red lips for the more formal events. Eyes - go bold with blue eyeliner (that's what I'm wearing), yellow eye shadow, and and and.............
5 - Scarves! Sisters, don't spend your money buying a scarf in every color! Make sure you have your neutrals, and then buy one or two bright ones for that saturday out with your friends!
I'm glad to be back,
<3>
I was soo excited when a sister commented and let me know she purchased Harem pants and that she needed help finding ways to wear them! This trend is super hard to wear- but if you do it right, you can look elegant, grunge, girly, or anything you want to be-- fabulously!
The best tip I have, is to wear structured pieces with them. Because the harem pants are very loose, having many elegant folds, one should wear a structured piece like a blazer for a complete, well thought out look. Here are two outfits I created:
Ankle boots would work amazingly with harem pants. Boots are an accessory that can really chanage the outfit you're wearing. If you go with a more vintage boot- it can transform your outfit respectively. Adding details like gorgeous buckles, and studded heels will really make your outfit stand out.
Try a leather jacket with your harem pants- but if you do so, don't go for ankle boots that scream "tough", rather go for ones you wouldn't think to wear right away- like colored ones. Notice how I used the studded ankle boots with the broad shoulder blazer on the right instead of the studded leather jacket on the left.
Remember to go for chunky rings to complete the look.
Two of my favorite designers (along with others) have Harem pants featured in their collections! Let's take a look at their outfits, and take ideas from them!
Proenza Schouler:
This one above is worn with a long top (like a tunic), and you can wear it like this, unless yours are much looser, or if it's low crotched.
Diane Von Furstenburg:
The pic above is an alternative to the "structured top for harem pants" rule that I mentioned above. It works really well, but cinch it somewhere so it provides for some structure in the outfit.
A structured top-- wear a structured button up or stiff longsleeve.
A structured top, and a loose blazer.
^This is just cool.
DO NOTS:
- Do not wear a tunic with your harem pants if they have low crotches. If they do not, and are tapered at the bottoms, that's fine (check proenza schouler pics above).
- Do not cover the waistband because they allow for more detail, and show where all the folds are coming from.
- Do not go for heavy fabrics like cotton - unless you love them. That's always an exception.
Ideas:
- If you're buying a bag this season, go for one with straps like the above (I'm refferring to the metal chain that the leather runs through).
- Another tip for buying bags, browns are nice, also burnt oranges and the color above.
- Leather gloves-- I just bought a pair. An amazing buy actually. They're Joe and only cost me about 5.00! They were small and I need like a large or med., but they were five bucks, so I thought "These are going to fit!". Haha, but now they've stretched out a bit so it's all good. Good thinking Asma, gooood thinking!
- For umbrellas- GO NUTS!
- Olive green hijabs!! I want one! Inshaallah.....
Soooo, we all know how much I love a good trench coat, so here's yet another post including one.
Now, I've recieved a lot of emails about making outfits for larger sizes. I def. want to expand the blog and make specific posts for larger sizes. However, I want you girls to understand that a lot of what I've already posted can work for all sizes. Just because the pictures of the clothing are pictures of small sizes doesn't mean the larger ladies can't wear them. So take this as a piece of advice to all the women (and man) who are reading this- take my posts as an idea... if there are jeans, wear jeans but find ones that flatter your body type (and i'll post specifics soon), and if there's a trench (which really flatter everyone.. depending on where the belt is, and a few other factors), find a trench that you like. You catch my drift?
If you don't already know, I'm in love with the movie, Breakfast at Tiffany's. Just watching it is a feast for any fashionista's eyes.
The inspiration for this outfit came from the very first scene where she climbs out of a taxi cab and walks up to a Tiffany store window. Below:
Her hands are full, it's early morning, and I just lllllooooooove it! So I hijabified it!
I'm in love with trench coats for spring. Why not go for a light, breezy one like the above? The diamonds she usually wears on her head, I put on her feet (no ladies, I was not going to make you put diamond clips on your hijab or something equally weird that I would most likely advise you to do.) WAIT A MINUTE! That sounds kinda nice. wait for it.. YES! I like it! A brooch on your hijab! DOOOO IT!
The long gloves complete a look of elegance you can acheive in a few seconds in your quick, morning routine. With a clutch and newspaper under your arm, juggling a coffee (not from starbucks), and croissant- or whatever else you like (I'll eat anything haha)- you'll look gorgeous sporting an outfit inspired by a fashionista's fav classic!
High waisted trousers are still in, ladies! Bask in the hijabiness! hahahaha. Add a thin belt to very top, as a transition piece from the blouse to the stark white in the trouser. I love these heels, they're so off of Whitney's feet from The City. I added the lipstick because I love a light pink on the lips- especially with a white hijab, you'll just glow!
<3 HijabiFashionista
HOW TO WEAR THIS OUTFIT:
jacket over white blouse.
Belt over blouse- positioned around waist (look at the model on the left)
As you know, I love the wiiiiiiiiiide leg trouser, and they're perfect for the warmer weather as they don't stick to you! Because we're layering, you don't want to wear pieces that cling - you won't feel comfortable at all! Jjust because it's spring, I'm not letting go of the fringe! But tone it down a tad- just a little on a bag or a decorative touch on footwear (like the heels above)!
Now, tie your hijab in a turkish style so as not to let the material hang over your top and cover the beautiful details on the blouse!
<3 HijabiFashionista
Finally, right? And I'm not talking about Spring's long awaited arrival, but as a lot of you have noticed, this blog has been sans new posts for like.. longer than a month! apologies, ladies! .. and abu mazaar. haha
ANYWAY!
As incredible as the spring 2009 collections have been, there have been a lot of surprising pieces walking down the runway. I have to admit, Alexander McQueen's collection was the biggest jaqdropper for me, but besides that THE SHOES!
Spring 2009 has got you stepping into spring in some
funky footwear!CHECK OUT MARC JACOBS:
\
BALENCIAGA:
Now you're thinking, Asma, If you expect me to buy thousands of dollars worth of shoes, you're wrong!
haha believe me, I don't expect that at all, and as most of you know, I"m not one to spend ridiculous amounts of money on clothing- (especailly because of the "money" factor hehe), but if you're planning on buying new shoes for spring, go for something different. Vintage shopping anyone?
