An introduction to…

A True StyleSister

It’s hard not to fall in love with Nabila’s quirky but classic style. Her combinations of colours and take on trends make her unique and utterly chic! I think what I love most is that kind of effortlessness that only comes when a girl really knows how to dress! I caught up with her to find out what goes on in the head of this stylish sister.

Where are you living?

Malaysia. Right now I’m in Kuala Lumpur for my studies, but I’m originally from Alor Star, Kedah, the northern part of the country.

Work or student?

I’m still a student, and this is my final year My major is Teaching English as A Second Language (TESL) and I’m preparing to become a teacher, starting next year.

How would you describe your personal style?

Pretty simple and laid back, I guess, though everything totally depends on the occasion and what I’m feeling at the moment. Nowadays I’m leaning to slouchy, really easy to wear items.

Which item of clothing would you say was a key piece for a Muslimah?

In my opinion, it’s the cardigan. Cardigans can really be handy to help you be covered up especially when the things you like are mostly sleeveless items such as dresses or tunics.

Do you follow fashion trends?

Well, I kind of do actually. Haha, I’m easily influenced. For instance, sometimes a trend had been around for years but I may not like it at the time. Then one day some designer may interpret the trend in a certain different and modern way, only then I might be attracted to it.

How do you adapt them to a hijab style?

Sometimes it’s all about the colour and at other times it might be about the silhouette or cut. I will opt for what is suitable for my body type, what I like and how it will be appropriate with the hijab.

What do you look at for style inspiration?

I usually go to fashion blogs, e.g.: Chictopia, Childhood Flames, The Cablog and many others.

Favourite designers?

I really like Alexander Wang and Marc Jacobs. I think they have the nicest things ever! Oh and Luella too, for the use of colours, mainly

What tip can you share with StyleCovered readers?

Wear whatever you want that is appropriate with being a Muslim and don’t aimlessly follow the trends. You have to know what you like and what suits you best. Hehe I’m not really good at giving tips ^^;;

What goes through your head when you’re putting an everyday outfit together?

Like I said, it really depends on what I’m feeling at the time. If I’m feeling lazy, I’d think about how much time each outfit will take me to wear, or if I’m feeling girly, I would think about the colours I want to wear, or the accessories.

Favourite item of clothing in your wardrobe?

Oh I have this white tunic that goes with everything! I really love it. It’s my overused item too hehe.

Is there any item of clothing, or trend that you stay away from?

Maybe the harem, drop-crotch pants? Sometimes I do like it when I see the fashion blogs. But somehow, I don’t think it would ever work on me.

What are your style trademarks?

My friends always point out that I have a tendency to buy the same kind of colours. I just love pastels or soft colours.

A tip if you’re saving money?

What I usually do when I like something is to wait for the item to go on sale. When I was still in Auckland it doesn’t really take that long because of they usually have season clearance sales, but now when I’m back in Malaysia, where summer is the ONLY season, it might take forever! Other than that, try to look for secondhand items – go to bazaars, or perhaps online blogs. You may never know what you’ll find.

If you go on a spending spree what do you go for?

I like to stock up on basic items now such as plain coloured tops, or shoes or bags that can go with everything. I also like to buy watches when I have the money.

Beauty is…?

only skin deep. Yep, pretty cliché, I know. But yeah, you should try to be beautiful inside out. It’s kinda disappointing when you see a pretty lady with a bad attitude, no?

How does wearing hijab make you feel?

It makes me feel protected. It also reminds me that there is a God and that is Allah. It also reminds me as a Muslim, I have a certain conduct I have to follow.

As a Muslimah what do you look for in clothing?

For me, being a Muslimah is an ongoing learning process. I used to not mind about wearing tight clothes as I thought I’m thin enough to get away with it. But today, I avoid those tight-fitting clothes and I seek for loose items instead. I also try to make sure that the things I wear or buy are longer in length to cover up more.

In high-street shops I head straight for…?

The sale items. Haha, yeah because I’m thrifty like that.

When it comes to accessories I…?

wear things that are simple but unique. I usually opt for necklaces and not much of bangles/bracelets or rings. I have this one light bulb necklace that can actually light up! Oh I love that one so much hehe

If you’re a StyleSister, or know someone who deserves to be recognised, then email me a few details and pics and we’ll let you share your talent for fashion with the world!

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