Tag Archives: hijab

May 24 2013
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

The Failed Artist

On my first day in Oslo, Norway actually leaving my mother’s place, I wasn’t really dressed great. Everything was casual and comfy – the shoes sort of had to be as I messed up my left one after several days of sightseeing by foot on bad heels. Pictures of my outfits were taken in a hurry with my cell phone before running to catch the tram, and one of the picture files was even damaged (note the line dividing one of the three pictures at the bottom). What I do have for you today, however, are two pieces of evidence of a time ten years back when I had both the time and patience to be creative beyond just dressing and getting made-up.

thefailedartist

That’s right. In 2003 I was so bored, I painted these two pictures in the background here. The one to the left (which is actually the second of the two in order of creation) is in my gorgeous friend Sarah’s possession (also seen in the picture – haven’t seen homegirl for two whole years!), and the one to the right is at my mom’s place.

I’m pretty sure I could do much, much better now. Obviously, the lady’s eyebrows are crooked, and you all know how carefully I shape and even out my own at this point. Asymmetrical eyebrows – I’m not a fan.

thefailedartist1

Scarf: Egypt, ethnic beaded and embroidered vest: Zara (maaaan, I love this one), studded shirt: Boohoo, skull tee: Cubus (Norway), pants: Vero Moda, bag: Egypt, shoes: Club Aldo (Egypt)

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
May 23 2013
2 Comments
Uncategorized

DC Days

I really enjoyed my brief time back in Washington DC, a city where I spent a summer back in 2010 doing a pretty fun internship before the route of academia had become clear to me. Not only did I eat well every meal for the entire time I was there (fancy Turkish/Mediterranean at Zaytinya, delish Mexican/El Salvadoran, yummy Ethiopian, and hearty Chinese), but I stayed comfortably as well (thanks, Zoha, for hosting me the last day <3), and saw wonderful friends (including girls I met at the FFF show and my lovely former boss in MBC, Nadia).

PhotoGrid_1369351025118

(Zoha and I outside Zaytinya, me looking slightly homeless at the Lincoln Memorial – I had to remove my shoes after a whole day of walking, my NYC elephant ring and the White House, screen with verses from holy texts at Dulles Intl’ Airport, Ethiopian delicious food, and me being excited about a blend of three juices at the same place)

DC is clean, chill, and full of interesting people, but the dress code is unsurprisingly much more muted there as opposed to NYC. I love the city as it reminds me slightly about Europe, but the weather is extremely humid, making life uncomfortable for hijabis at even moderate temperatures. I can’t believe I walked for a half hour to work everyday in that mess in the middle of the summer.

neonstripes

(This outfit is loose, casual, and suitable for sightseeing minus the shoes. I messed up my right foot severely after running around on them the whole day and thus had to wander barefoot around on the National Mall in the evening. What I’m wearing: scarf: H&M, neon kimono: H&M, neon and cream knitted top: Mango, acid wash dungarees: River Island, fringed ethnic embroidery bag: TJ Maxx, front zipper ankle boots: Aldo, accessories: Urban Outfitters, New York, Yemen).

dressed

(Unusual combinations make the best outfits. Here I’ve coupled a dressy jumpsuit with a casual, washed-out denim shirt, feathers, and neon details. What I’m wearing: scarf: Unique Hijabs, denim shirt: Forever21, jumpsuit/dungarees: Boohoo, oversized neon clutch: ASOS, studded ankle boots: RIver Island, accessories: Ebay, ASOS, Zara)

What is for sure is that I have to visit both DC and New York ASAP by myself. I didn’t even get to catch up with or visit a fraction of the people and places I know and love. Au revoir, America. See you in a month’s time.

IMG_20130521_203315(1)

(On the plane, ready to sleep until touchdown in Europe)

 

 

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
May 22 2013
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

New York…

It is not me, it is you. Although you’re pretty alright compared to “exotic” Michigan, you are not awesome enough to totally make up for that fat rat that almost hit my leg running down the metro stairs, the constant smell of sewage or urine, or that white, middle-aged guy who thought it’d be just fine to steal my taxi from me with his two spoiled brats, ignoring my screaming and admittedly pathetic cursing.

I do not use the F-word and multiple other more powerful ones, and so I ended up yelling weak phrases like “you rude idiot” – that obviously won’t cut it in New York City. Although I resisted the urge to pull him out of the taxi and hit him, thus potentially facing deportation (idk if that could really happen but I better stay on the safe side), I made a mental note to carry a less lethal but insulting weapon around the next time (a shibshib – flip-flop sandal, anyone?).

IMG_20130518_141847

(Looking all homeless and stuff after missing the Megabus back to my favorite US city, DC. What I wore: scarf: Norway, fringed suede vest: River Island, statement sweater: River Island, white tank coverup: Vous Etes Belle Fashion, boyfriend jeans: ASOS, bag: Forever21, studded ankle boots: River Island, accessories: Ebay, ASOS, Icing)

Also. New York does sleep, at least compared to Cairo. Despite the latter’s even dirtier and stinkier appearance, the life of that city makes up for just about anything else.

tropical

(Exploring Brooklyn, a pretty chill part of town. What I wore: scarf: street vendor, tiger print shirt: Norway, tropical print maxi skirt: Boohoo, bag: Forever21, leopard sandals: New Look, massive vintage necklace: gift from my friend Reem, antique look silver bracelet: Yemen, kaf/hand earring: El Husayn, Egypt)

IMG_20130516_135838

(Closeup of the statement piece of statement pieces, gifted to me on my last birthday by my dear friend Reem)

IMG_20130516_132056

(Unbeatable combo:  being a kid AND eating awesome food. I live for good food. This girl doesn’t do diets.)

It is not all bad, however. Far from it. What I do love about New York  is its many originals. People wear anything and everything, and sing in the streets. Now that’s my kind of crowd. Thus my serious print mismatching outfit and my tutu were very well received.

pinkpunk

(A punkish state of mind. Or something along those lines. What I wore: skull print scarf: H&M, jersey neck scarf: Unique Hijabs, neon pink shirt: Forever21, suspenders: Urban Outfitters, black maxi tutu: Ebay [the seller is Angel-Secret], bag: Gina Tricot [Norway], accessories: Icing, ASOS, street vendor)

What’s more, I got to see my mom and sister, attended a charity event, went thrifting (and got a tacky-superb sequin top), did some sight-seeing, got to eat some yummy food (that reeeeally matters to me), and caught up with some loveable girls.

IMG_20130517_230648

(Stylish lovely ladies  Ayperi and Sana from ModHijabi <3)

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
May 19 2013
1 Comment
Uncategorized

East meets Far East

If you are looking for something edgy and truly unique yet really modest, this Far East inspired The Abaya Company Abaya is the way to go. I chose this piece out of their fresh collection exactly because of this. It could be a hit or miss, I figured, as the bold tricolored “kimono” sleeves and the big, floral oriental embroidery on the back of the abaya and side of the sheila definitely makes it stand out of the crowd. Being no stranger to wearing unusual pieces and combinations, however, I was drawn to the less “safe” choice, and I must say I’m happy I did.

DSC_0831(1)

As mentioned, the cut is one of a wide kimono, with very wide sleeves that you attach with buttons around your wrists, accompanied by a mandarin-style collar. The abaya is in a very light material and open in the front, with buttons down to the upper legs. In terms of colors, the abaya is completely black with a broad white stripe covering the top of the sleeves, the shoulder, and the collar. The back, however, is really the masterpiece. Across the sleeves, you have the front white stripe as well as a grey one, before the abaya turns black. It is also here the big, orchid (?) Asian embroidery is located.

DSC_0844(1)

I really love this piece, as it is very different from most other things out there. The only issues I have with it is that one of the buttons came off the first time I put it on. This still did not affect the wearability of the piece too much. Also, because of time constraints due to my travels, I had the abaya sent to me without being tailored to my measurements. This is not recommended, as a size 60 abaya is huge on me. Fortunately, the company always tailors to fit, so you should not face the same issue. All in all, it is a bold, beautiful piece that I’d highly recommend.

DSC_0958(1)

DSC_0887(1)

DSC_0998(1)

All the beautiful pictures are taken by my very talented friend, Anushey Pervez. Find her on Instagram here.

 

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,
May 14 2013
3 Comments
Uncategorized

Pretty, Pretty Covered Girl Scarves

When Covered Girl contacted me to do a review of their scarves, I was a little skeptical. Not because of their lack of beautiful products, no, but because their stuff is so elegant, so professional, and so classy it is not really me (not saying I’m not classy, I just have a preference for colorful, loud things). Oh, and I also like to have an oversized head. Which, you know, is not really achieved by normally sized silk chiffon scarves.

In any case, the prettiness was too overwhelming to resist, and I ended up choosing a silk and lace number from their signature collection (their self-designed ones) and a maxi leopard scarf from their picks to balance it out. I sort of regret I didn’t get more of their own design cause I ended up being positively surprised. Check out their website and Facebook page and see below for descriptions of the two scarves.

Coveredgirl

I had originally intended to give this cute scarf in stone colored silk chiffon and black lace away after finishing up my review as it is not a maxi size and otherwise too delicate for my regular style. Well, look at the pictures. Obviously I changed my mind. Whereas I thought the cold beige tone would not compliment my skin, it really did, and I do not have much to complain about in terms of volume either. This scarf is pure class, and probably one of the nicer you can come across. Check out more of their signature wraps here.

Coveredgirl2

Then we have the Pretty in Pink leopard maxi scarf, which as the name suggests has pink in the shape of hearts printed over the base animal pattern. It is a regular material huge wrap, and it looks really good.

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,
← Older posts
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 47,313 other followers

%d bloggers like this: