Style Inspiration: Vogue Korea

Vogue Korea have the quirkiest editorials. I love these shots from the April 2010 issue; the colour of that blue gown is so fresh, and the preppy layers add a twist to floaty dresses:

Images: tFs

Summer Style: Keep it Cool

Blue and white have to be my favourite colours for summer. Forget nautical stripes though, add a punch of colour to your outfit with this cornflower blue tunic. It's a great find as the sleeves are long when rolled down and you can get away with a thin vest top underneath for opacity. Team with vanilla-toned wide leg trousers, a simple scarf and wedge shoes and you're good to go:


Wideleg tie-belt trousers £29, Promod; Izzy tunic £38, Monsoon; Fiorelli Del Mar medium hobo bag £65, Asos; Tuscany scarf £10, Great Plains; Peeptoe wedge court shoe £45, Debenhams.

Tip: Always stick to natural fabrics in the summer, as polyesters tend to overheat and become uncomfortable.

Bonus June Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to Zina Z. from Annaba, Algeria for winning the Bonus June Giveaway! Your clutch bag will be making its way to you shortly!

Keep an eye out for the next giveaway coming up in July!

Summer Style Finds: Neutrals

There's nothing that says 'summer chic' quite like simple pieces in neutral tones. Loud colours can look overpowering and messy; try shades of beige, blush and sand and team with white or denim for a casual daytime look, or more tailored pieces in greys and browns for smart workwear.

Considering how hard it is to find appropriate clothes this time of year, the beige shirt from H&M has been my best summer buy so far. The sleeves roll down to full length and it doesn't need any layering at all, perfect for when it really heats up! And I'm loving these beautiful trousers from Promod which look really lightweight and comfortable:


Nude bow longline shirt £32, Miss Selfridge; Soft Sand hijab £24.99, Aab; beige shirt £24.99, H&M; Wideleg tie-belt trousers £29, Promod; Mocher shoes £30, Aldo.

Maysaa Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to Nielfa C from Cape Town, South Africa for winning the Maysaa Outfit Giveaway!

But don't worry if you haven't won though. Due to the huge number of entries, the Maysaa team are extending the discount deadline until midnight Wednesday 23rd June to say thank you! Just type in HIJABSTYLE at the checkout to get 10% off your order.

Maxi Style: Day and Night

Resort 2010

Take inspiration from the runways this season with maxi dresses topped off with a smart jacket; they are such a lovely look for daytime this summer. I particularly love this Max Azria outfit with the neutral blazer and pretty print on the dress. Roksanda Ilincic on the other hand showcased a sleek, all-black ensemble that wouldn't look out of place in a formal environment.

Come evening time, and kaftans are ideal for going out or to take on a laid-back beach holiday. The Badgley Mischka kaftan has a stunning print, whilst Issa's is simpler and more relaxed. Which is your favourite look?

Max Azria; Roksanda Ilincic

Badgley Mischka; Issa

Images: Style.com

Maysaa Outfit Giveaway

Following the exclusive interview, Hijab Style has teamed up with Maysaa to give you the chance to win a whole outfit from the website! The lucky winner will receive a Chiffon Scarf Snood, Basics Long Sleeved Crew Neck Tee (white), Swish Side Panel Maxi Skirt and a Stripe Cropped Jersey Cardigan!

To be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is visit the Maysaa website and, send an email in with the name of your favourite item on the site, along with your full name and city with 'Maysaa Giveaway' in the subject line to hijabstyle@hotmail.co.uk. Please note that if any of this information is missing, you will not be entered into the competition.

Extra Entries:

You can get an extra entry into the giveaway when you follow Hijab Style on Twitter! Simply send in a separate e-mail with your full name and link to your Twitter profile. The deadline for entries is midnight GMT on Sunday 20th June 2010.

The winner will be chosen at random and contacted via e-mail. Don't forget to tell all your friends and family too - the giveaway is open to entrants from all countries!


P.S. If you're going to be ordering from the website, don't forget to use your HIJABSTYLE discount code for 10% off, also valid until midnight GMT on Sunday 20th June 2010.

Rabia Z - New Documentary

The following is an introductory promo for a new documentary designer Rabia Z is filming, as she travels to seven countries challenging misconceptions surrounding the veil. This follows a previous documentary she was a part of; DoBuy: The Fabric of Faith which won first prize at the Gulf Film Festival. Look like one to watch out for!

P.S. If you haven't joined already, check out the discussion on the Rabia Z fanpage on Facebook for a chance to win a signature Rabia Z. draped top & scarf!

Maxi Style: Keeping it Casual

I've been seeing maxi dresses everywhere on the streets of London recently. I love this particular one because the print is subtle and the colour isn't too loud. For a casual day look, I'd pair with a cropped denim jacket (or denim shirt when it gets hotter), a light khaki or cream hijab and a woven clutch bag. Add a cute handmade ring and these gorgeous H&M sandals (which are always sold out in my size!) to finish off:

Soul Cal border print maxi dress £39.99, Republic; Corsage denim jacket £28, New Look; sandals £19.99, H&M; Cool khaki hijab £4.99, Pearl Daisy; Stacey ring - pink £5.99, Love Letters; Kesek clutch £25, Aldo.

Bonus June Giveaway

For the second giveaway this month, Hijab Style is giving you the chance to win a handmade crochet clutch bag, courtesy of the Kuwait-based Chocolate Mints in a Jar!

To be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is send in an email with your full name and city with 'Bonus June Giveaway' in the subject line to hijabstyle@hotmail.co.uk. Please note that if any of this information is missing, you will not be entered into the competition.

Extra Entries:

You can get an extra entry into the giveaway when you follow Hijab Style on Twitter! Simply send in a separate e-mail with your full name and link to your Twitter profile. The deadline for entries is midnight GMT on Monday 21st June 2010.

The winner will be chosen at random and contacted via e-mail. Don't forget to tell all your friends and family too - the giveaway is open to entrants from all countries!

Readers' Special Offer

Hijab Galore are offering Hijab Style readers 10% off all orders of $50 or more with the code HGbuyhijab, as well as a free hijab pin with every order! Valid until 15th July 2010.

Product Review: Islamic Design House

Islamic Design House recently sent me the above Silk Route Jilbab in grape for review purposes. It's been quite a while since I've done any product reviews, however I do realise how helpful they can be, especially when it comes to ordering clothing online. Hijab Style will be bringing you many more in the future, inshallah! So without further ado...

When I first saw the parcel, I didn't realise it was the jilbab as it was quite thin and light. When opened, I realised the colour is actually a little lighter (and nicer!) than what you can see in the pictures on their website, and has a cooler, more grey tone. I also found the jilbab needs a fair bit of ironing before you can wear it.

Now initially I had to exchange the jilbab because of a problem with the sizing. The size chart on the website does not list measurements (except for height) only that the S/M/L sizes correspond to certain UK dress sizes. Now as for most of us, I tend to buy a size larger when shopping on the high street to ensure a looser fit. Now even taking this into account, I found that the IDH sizing was far too small. This was a little disappointing; realistically, the Large jilbab which is supposedly for sizes 16-18, would only really fit a UK true size 14, so I would definitely like to see a wider range and more accurate sizing system.

Regards the length, I also found the jilbab is only barely wearable with completely flat shoes, so I'd recommend purchasing a longer length than you think you'll need and then then hemming it up to adjust it.

The jilbab is made from 100% cotton so is lightweight and comfortable for summer, but would also be suitable to wear in colder months as the colour is fairly neutral. It's also quite easy to move in, and has the added bonus of two front pockets.

In terms of the design itself, it is of course a casual jilbab, but to make it more versatile, I would actually have preferred a simpler garment with fewer of the "urban" detailings like the stitching which goes all around the jilbab, as well as the logo at the back.

Overall, this is a great jilbab for casual, everyday wear; especially if you prefer something different to the usual black. It's also easy to pair with different coloured scarves and accessories, but just watch out for the sizing. Have you ordered from IDH before? What did you think of their products?

Disclaimer: I received this jilbab in exchange for my honest review. The opinions and thoughts expressed are my own and I received no other compensation for my review.

It's all in the details

Firstly, apologies for the lack of posts recently! Exams have just finished, but inshallah things will get back to normal from now on.

Secondly, if you haven't noticed it already, Hijab Style is now available on its own domain (http://www.hijabstyle.co.uk/)! All the old links will still work and will simply redirect to the new URL.

And now time for some style ideas. The weather here in the UK can't seem to settle, so versatile dressing is definitely called for! I love the idea of simple pieces with special detailing, like this military style light cardigan, and the swish maxi skirt. Team these with a nautical striped top in a few sizes bigger than usual, light grey scarf and neutral accessories for a simply stylish outfit. Try playing around with the accessories to dress it up or down:


Rare military detail long cardigan £45, ASOS; Drop shoulder stripe tab tee £18, Warehouse; Jersey scarf £11, Promod; Swish side panel maxi skirt £29, Maysaa; Groat handbag £40; Marchionni shoe £60, both Aldo.

June Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to Izzati N from Selangor, Malaysia for winning the June Giveaway! Your Veilkini swimsuit will be making its way to you shortly!

Keep an eye out for the second June giveaway coming soon!

June Giveaway

For the first giveaway this month, Hijab Style is giving you the chance to win a Veilkini Islamic swimsuit of your choice, courtesy of Alsharifa.

To be in with a chance of winning, you must do two things:

1. Visit the Alsharifa website and sign up to their newsletter (under 'Get Our Coupons' on right hand side bar).

AND

2. E-mail in your full name and city with 'June Giveaway' in the subject line to hijabstyle@hotmail.co.uk. Please note that if any of this information is missing, you will not be entered into the competition.

The deadline for entries is midnight GMT on Monday 7th June 2010. The winner will be chosen at random and contacted via e-mail. Don't forget to tell all your friends and family too - the giveaway is open to entrants from all countries!