Category Archives: Style

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Luxe Touches For Winter Wear

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20121109-172915.jpgClockwise from top left: hijab from Inayah Collection, maxi dress from Forever 21, pumps from Banana Republic, and cardigan from J Crew

Fellow hijabi fashionistas always want to keep using a bulk of their wardrobe without having to do a complete rehaul. One way to update your hijab wardrobe is to refresh your fall staples with some luxe touches.

For example, take a maxi dress you already own and top with a cardigan that you use. The new updates may be new heels and a new hijab with pearl detailing.

This winter, it seems like ladylike touches such as pearls and lace can update any look. Think Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O.

There are amazing new offerings all over the place. Look for new cardigans trimmed with lace (Banana Republic has an amazing Anna Karenina inspired collection) and look for lots of pearls. A another trend that carried over from summer is pastels. I stuck with an orange creamsicle hijab for this outfit of the day.

While this look may be daring for some, try taming it with flats. Also, I make sure I wear a long sleeved shirt underneath my maxi dress and cardigan so there are no wardrobe malfunctions!

If you are less adventurous, try stacking pearl trimmed bangles or rings. Or even adding a lace overlay (or underscarf) on your hijab. One easy update I did was wearing a lace headband under my hijab with just a bit peeking through.

What do you plan to wear this winter?

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Jenny Packham’s JC Penney Collection: Cult Classics

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20121105-224724.jpg Jenny Packham for JC Penney

It’s been a crazy weekend here in the El-Rahman household with colds, flus, and projectile vomit!

However one of the blessings of being holed up at home has been the ability to shop online. It is a blessing to be able to catch up on what is hot in the market in terms of fashion finds.

Now, I have to tell you that JC Penney is really cleaning up its act. Once infamously known in my circle as “desi penny,” the chain has started to appeal to my budget fashionista. I think it all started with their partnership with Sephora (also known as my not so secret addiction). I went in to just look at Sephora items and then it was like “ooh great pashmina!” and then “they carry Mango here???!!!”

Yes, JC Penney has taken a cue from Target to partner with trendy lines and designers.

One designer that I currently adore is Jenny Packham.

I am an American who is a secret Anglophile. I love Amenakin from Pearl Daisy (her accent is so charming!) I sat up and watched the whole royal wedding in its entirety just to see what Kate Middleton wore (Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen).

So of course, I follow Kate Middleton’s favorite designers. One of Kate Middleton’s favorite designers is Jenny Packham. However, I don’t have a princess’ budget to blow on accessories. So, when I heard JC Penney is doing a line with Jenny Packham, I was thrilled! It’s only for the holiday season so act fast.

Some standouts from the line are the sparkly bracelet and golden envelope clutch. I think I may have to buy multiple items from this collection because it is THAT good.

So hijabi fashionistas, run, don’t walk to your nearest JC Penney! You don’t want to miss this limited edition line.

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Elevate Your Hijab Style

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20121030-164717.jpg From top left: Rings and bangles from Forever 21. Watch from Michael Kors. Scarf from Uniqlo’s Orla Kiely Collection. Shoes from Tory Burch.

Every day, we typically do the same things over and over again out of habit. This includes hijabis. Hijabi life includes not having to stress about doing our hair, but then we end up neglecting ourselves too.

Don’t fall in a rut sisters!

I remember how when I first starting wearing hijab, I stuck with basic black forever. Then, I was stuck on wearing triangle hijabs. I could literally get ready in a matter of minutes. But I also felt less excitement about getting ready too.

Once I started pushing my comfort zone, I felt like I started to get pep in my step.

Today, it was gray and very gloomy in SF. But I still felt sunshine thanks to special details in my hijab and accessories. It translated to being upbeat at work, getting excited to get home to my daughter, and happy to see my hubby.

So sisters! Make sure you take the time to get out of your own hijabi fashion rut ( if you are in one) and pick some accessories that elevate your daily routine.

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Maxi Skirt Steal

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We all know that hijabis love maxi skirts as a go to wardrobe staple. But did you know that maxi skirts can transition well for fall weather?

Just make sure to pick a maxi skirt in a nice deep color and pick one up with pleats so it falls in line with the pleated skirt trend.

I pair mine with knee length riding boots and shorter tunic paired with a cool vest.

I love this particular maxi skirt find because it’s lined, long, and who can beat this price? It’s also perfect for petite hijabis who can’t always find long skirts that suit their small frames.

Let me know what you think of this hijabi fashion find. Stay tuned for more exciting fall beauty and fashion posts.

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Quilted Bags For Any Budget

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Clockwise from upper left: bag by Chanel, Michael Kors, Aldo, Forever 21

As a hijabi, I feel like it is important to look your best. In Islam, dressing well is considered part of the Prophet (saws) example. This is called the Sunnah of the Prophet.

It drives me crazy when people claim that looking nice is being “full of yourself” or “arrogant.”

According to a post on Suhaib Webb’s page: “In an enlightening hadith (prophetic narration), the Prophet tells us that no one with an ounce of arrogance in his heart will enter Paradise. In seeking to understand what arrogance means, the companions asked ‘O Prophet of Allah, what if a person likes to dress well?’ The Prophet responded, ‘Allah is beautiful and loves beauty. Arrogance is rejecting truth and looking down on people’ [Muslim] (taken from http://www.suhaibwebb.com/relationships/withthedivine/divine-beauty/)

So don’t feel bad about wanting to look well dressed. Obviously, we still want to follow the dress parameters outlined in the Quran too.

With that in mind, accessories are a very easy way to update and polish your look without having to overhaul your entire wardrobe.

This fall, it seems a lot of brands are taking a cue from Chanel’s iconic quilted bag. There is one for any budget, so check out your local shops for your own quilted bag this season!

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Fall Accessories

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I was so excited about my new Ralph Lauren business card holder pictured above, I had to share it with you.

But then I realized that perhaps there was a theme with accessories that make me happy. Sure enough, I pull out my glasses from Tory Burch and I noticed that the cover is gold too!

So there you go. I love gold accessories. The beauty of accessories is that it is small enough to take risks with color. It is neutral enough to add a bit of sparkle to any outfit without coming off as being too tacky.

You don’t have to pick gold. Pick a color or even a print that suits your own style and personality. For example, one of my aunts loves animal prints. When she wears neutrals, she just pairs animal print pumps and a belt or scarf and she looks instantly pulled together.

Also, remember that accessories are not equal. Shoes are more memorable than say a business card holder so take the time to invest in a good quality accessory with rich detailing. It doesn’t have to be expensive. For example, Aldo and other brands have been making some very cute accessories.

Expect a fall accessories round up from me soon! It will be for all budgets so be on the look out.

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Perfect Weekend Shoes

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Before I was a mom, I used to loooooove wearing heels, wedges, and other cute shoes. After my baby was born, I had such swollen feet, I couldn’t even wear shoes (just flip flops)! So now, I have to settle for comfortable shoes.

The good news is that with ballet flats, slippers, and other styles, I don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort.

On the weekends, I especially love to wear laid back flats with fun details like the Toms you see here. They are perfect for just slipping on and being on the go with a baby and Hubby in tow. I especially love the crochet patterned ones.

For you cold weather folks, Toms may not work as well so I would recommend nice flat heeled boots you can tuck your jeans into. Stylish, functional and warm! Perfect for chilly fall weekend weather.

Make sure to jump in the leaf piles for me!

PS: Thanks to my girl Sarah for introducing me to Toms and making me more stylish!

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Fall Must Haves!

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Clockwise: sweater from Banana Republic, top from St Johns Bay, jeans from Banana Republic, bag by Mulberry.

Fall is a great time of year for hijabis because we can actually add layers to add coverage to our outfits without adding too much bulk.

I used to HATE orange as an outfit color (just ask my Rahnuma Bhabi), but these recent fall pieces have me singing a different tune.

Pairing brights such as hot pink and orange with rich toned pieces in camel or brown gives your outfits depth and a luxe feel.

Some pairing to try are: yellow with mocha, camel with fire engine red, ecru with cobalt, and the combo of orange with oatmeal.

Are there brights you are scared to wear? Try these tips and tell me what you think!