Simplify, simplify, simplify.  Since seeing this collection I’ve become increasingly obsessed with wearing monotones and layering, unfortunately the weather here is conducive to only one of those.  The looks, the layers, the oversized tees- it’s the 90’s grunge scene only a little older and cleaner than it’s teenage self.  I love this, really.  The formula for layering, with sheer chiffon and heavy knits is one to take note of.  It’s the kind of styling I can’t wait to try out, he’s just so goooood.

On a budget note, this is a diffusion line is actually well priced and well thought out, that is, if you’re not broke… oh well, there’s still some time before Fall, here’s hoping.

t alexander wang

Don’t you just love it when you find a forgotten piece in your wardrobe and fall in love with it all over again?  It’s one of my most favourite things.. in fact, it’s not unlikely that I forget about things just so I get to find them again.  My newest find is the Maysaa striped crop cardigan.  It’s great to throw over things, and my favourite way to wear it now is to tie the sides, so that the lovely drapey-ness becomes this soft tailored shape.  I used to to the same thing to my pyjamas.  When I was around 8, I had a lovely cotton nightgown that got ripped.  So I cut it to make it short, then cut the sides so I could tie a little knot on each side.  I still have the top now, and I’ll love and wear it until it is no more.

Sorry for my lack of posts, my health has not be great of late and I’m just trying to get better.  I’ve learned not to rush these things lest I end up taking months to recover.  But, I’m feeling a little perkier today, so I thought I’d share a little post with you.

The Video

So you’ve waited long enough for this, or I should rather say, It’s late enough, and I’m sleep deprived enough to think posting this is a good idea.  I guess you know I have an obsession with reworking my clothes and in particular my own designs.  I must admit, the subconscious designer in me has a talent for making a design lovely to play around with, I should write her a note of thanks. (oh and again you can watch it without the sound, if music ain’t your thing)

The wondrous star that is the dress is the Maysaa Kimono Wrap Maxi Dress, the top is Uniqlo (but of course), and the trousers (which I now live in) are soon to be available at Maysaa.

I really should befriend a film maker to make these with me… in the hope that I’d look less insane.

Royal Red

As a fan of juxtaposed textures there was just something about this that intrigued me.  It’s garish and slightly jarring but it kind of reminds me of dressing-up-box styling, maybe that’s why I like it.

(image: style.com)

Love in Layers

I love this, there’s just so much to look at and those two maxi styles in the middle are calling out to me “Wear me, wear me.”… Well if you insist.

(image: W Magazine)

Spring Summer 2010

Dressing Like A Hijabi

While these layered looks may not be favoured by the main stream I think there is a great deal of inspiration for us hijabis. It’s hard to be covered head to toe and still look casual, and harder still to find trousers that will do the job. So the answer is something we’ve been doing for a while; layer it up with a tunic or mid length dress.

Boy meets Girl

For Cavalli as well as the masc/fem blazer and florals combinations there were some more refined looks to be had. I love the idea of wearing a wrap dress opened up under a long trench or tailored jacket, something I think many of us could rustle up out of our own wardrobes.

[View with PicLens]

(images: style.com)

Layers and Lace

Party Perfection

Master of his craft there’s not much more I need to say. Absolutely stunning and so many ideas for modest style… Enjoy! x

(images: style.com)

Perfect Hijab Style

Layers are the perfect remedy for covering up, and as a hijabi you become quite an expert. This season designers created beautiful layered looks, from being wrapped up in knits at Kenzo to simple maxi dresses and jackets at Dries Van Noten. Who’s layers do you love?

Fall 2009

Your Favourite

You overwhelmingly voted Fendi’s head covering your favourite in last weeks ‘Look of the Week’. It’s easy to see why, with that chic mix of classic and contemporary. There was just a hint at the exotic with the ruched headband, a winning combination.

It’s All in the Details

Sharp lines and texture were the key features in Fendi’s Fall collection. The were modest maxi dresses and knee length dresses over trousers, both of which (with a little adjustment) would be fit for a hijabi. Cropped capes also allow for good shape coverage without looking frumpy, in fact it was all these layers of clean shapes and details of texture that made each outfit exciting but functional. And as you would expect from such an iconic brand the accessories were as beautiful as the outfits.

The Finishing Touches

I have been on a bit of a quest for shades, which happens every summer. It seems a bit stupid looking now that summer is drawing to a close but I can’t make up my mind (which also happens every year). I love the Fendi shades, they look like they wouldn’t date too much, having said that I don’t think they would suit my face or my budget. Looks like I’ll be calling off the search for another year.

The Campaign

The Fendi ad campaign caught my eye a while ago, the images are striking but soft, and the concept is great. It could be a still from a film; something gladiatorial or a 30’s romance. Plus using Jessica Stam can never be a bad thing.

(images: style.com)

You can have your say again this week, take a look at Autumn Couture

Covered in Style

Polo’s are everywhere, more than I can remember seeing in one season, but more interesting as a hijabi is the way they are layered. I picked the polo-neck as one of my Reverts Essentials Wardrobe top 10. Now it seems that fashion has taken a very Muslimah friendly turn by showing us new ways to layer it. It actually opens up a whole new realm of wardrobe possibilities, think short sleeved shirts over polos.

Pick of the Best

My favourites are Max Azria and Alexander McQueen (as always), the way they layer seems natural and soft. Nearly every look in both collections had this kind of layering (I’ll be doing a full Fall post in Azria soon!).

Hadith of the Day

“Seek out remedies for your ailments, O servants of God, for God has not created a disease without creating a corresponding cure.” Imam Ahmad