And Heading Indiana Jones Ways

I have no real logic as to why this look makes me feel like I just stepped off a Spielberg adventure movie, maybe it’s the ‘cross the body’ leather pouch, the chino-esque peg trousers, or the leather belt (which doubles as a rather excellent whip).  Whatever it is I countered it by throwing on some sky-high heels as I walked out the door, otherwise I may have been tempted to jump down potholes or head for the jungle, neither of which are befitting of someone so ladylike.

Actually I was, and maintain that I still am a tomboy at heart, I played in the mud, cut my hair like a boy and one of my favourite things was finding big rocks to look under (prime slow worm hiding places).  Granted it’s been a while since I had grit under my fingernails but I’d still prefer a good old fashioned trek than a trip to the mall.  Sorry if that shatters any misconceptions about me being cutesy and fragile, I’m fearsome behind my bunny rabbit costume, honest I am.

P.S. I’m wearing the Maysaa basics jersey polo neck which is insanely comfortable, and sometimes simple is best. x

Fall 2009

This is a stunning dress, the folds are fantastic and create beautiful drape. I think I would wear it with a polo-neck and headscarf. The gloves are a clever touch to the outfit.

Don’t forget to vote for your Look of the Week

(image: style.com)

Fall 2009

Modest Modifications

At first glance this may not be the most hijab friendly dress but it doesn’t take much to make it wearable. It would look stunning with a black polo neck underneath, kind of a Max Azria vibe. You can see what I mean from my previous post. Just add a headscarf and you have an unconventional but beautiful look. Maybe add a vintage leather jacket to complete the outfit and add a harder edge.

There’s still time to vote for your Look of the Week

Coat Mania by Emma Sommerton

Hijabi Style Files

Karlie Kloss and Jourdan Dunn, two of the most in demand models of the moment show us one of the most modest editorials I’ve seen this season. Absolutely love it.

Inspire or be Inspired

It’s really interesting when big fashion magazines create conceptual shoots that are very hijab friendly, as a muslimah it gives you a different take on hijab style and modest clothing. It can be really inspirational, or can go to show how modest style has an influence on mainstream fashion.

Style Picks

Definitely another reminder that a polo neck is a wise investment

A classic camel coat can be timeless

Brighten a classic black and beige outfit with a hint of red, or make an impact with a tomato red statement coat

(images: models.com)

Style with Substance

Love In Layers

For me as a Muslim wearing polo-necks is a lot like wearing underwear; it’s just what you do. Even in Spring and Summer I never go that many days without reaching for my trusty jersey polo-neck. But when it comes to winter it becomes a second skin, almost every outfit starts with a polo base. It’s tough to think of anything more versatile, and this Autumn designers have given it a new lease of life and a well deserved turn in the spotlight!

Hijab Style: MAYSAA coming soon

How to wear it with a headscarf

Ordinarily you wouldn’t be able to tell what kind of neck line you were wearing if you styled it with a pashmina hijab. But the unique design of the MAYSAA headscarf (coming soon!) means that you can make the most of neckline details whilst staying covered.

But even if you stick with your own style, long sleeves layered under capped sleeved maxi dresses mean you will be bang on trend and beautifully modest.

Good Little Actions

At the end of the day recall all your blessings and be thankful for everything you have

Hadith Of The Day

“Consider well contentment, for it is a treasure without end.” At-Tabarani

The Content of Character, Collected by Shaykh Al-Amin Ali Mazuri

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

Modest Dresses: Simple shapes and abstract prints make modest fashion fun

Pre-Fall Finesse

This Lacroix Maxi Dress manages to be elegant, luxurious and playful at the same time. The print is gorgeous with great use of colour, rich but fresh. Because of the sleeves I would wear a polo-neck underneath with a simple headscarf. You could wear trousers underneath silk pajamas style, or we could always pretend there isn’t a side slit!

3.Polo neck

The polo-neck is the unsung hero of the Muslimah wardrobe. You don’t realise just how valuable they are until you find they are all in the wash, they don’t have an interchangeable replacement. At the moment I have 2 in black and one in cream, neutral works best because… well it works with almost anything. Lightweight jersey is best for layering, even in summer they aren’t as bad as you might think. I have a few niggles when it comes to wearing them under anything with thin straps, for me anything longer than capped sleeved works fine. I love the look of the Shipley and Halmos outfits, utter understated chic.

2. Hoodie

I think I posted a while back about the benefits of the hoodie. They are so versatile and look great over a headscarf, which is great if you’re a bit nervous about wearing one for the first time. I wore one the day I took my shahada, though I didn’t have the hood up over the scarf, it was one of the few things I was able to wear from my former wardrobe without any adjustments. From the tracksuit zip-front styles all the way to elegant embellishment they are a great way in to Islamic fashion.

Art of the Abstract: Alexandra Groover creates sculptured hoods that are stunning but simplistic

1. Long Skirt

Long skirts are another one of my favourites, but they are surprisingly difficult to get hold of. When you do find them they are either too much like evening wear or too casual. So if you are lucky enough to already have one then take good care of it. A big part of MAYSAA will be long maxi skirts, and I can tell you they are one of the hardest things to design once you take into consideration all the needs of a Muslimah. InshAllah I hope I come up with designs you will love wearing, and ones that are more versatile than what you can find on the high-street. But having said that, there are moments when designers get it juuust right!