The Live Chat Session is now closed! Thank you to all who took part! We'll have another one soon hopefully!
You can view the chat archives here.
Thursday, 30 September 2010
Wednesday, 29 September 2010
Muslimah Style: Houda
Reader's Contribution
I am Houda and I live in Sydney Australia. I am a hijab wearing daughter, sister, aunt, wife and mother to 2 girls. I am a Lawyer, but choose to be home for my family, and am ever thankful that I have the opportunity to do just that.
My Style
My style is all over the place. I like to mix it up depending on my mood. I love to be casual, but I also love to dress up. I really dislike wearing the same combination twice, but I mix and match a whole lot. I love to feel feminine, but I also love to dress a little edgy too. I always love to cover my chest with my hijab, I am much more comfortable this way as I don't feel so exposed.
I wore the hijab for the first time in 2002. This was a very trying time for me. After a few incidents which left me shaken, I took the head scarf off. I also had so much trouble with clothes. I couldn't afford to buy new clothes, and the ones that I did have, really weren't hijab appropriate. Back then I was plus-sized too (although I was smaller than now). It was the middle of summer and the only clothes I could find at an affordable price were in stores aimed at older women. Long sleeved button down shirts in terrifying colours, and pants with unflattering leg shapes. Put all of my issues together, and it made for a very unhappy 22 year old.
The second (and final) time I wore the hijab, was in 2007. I was 27 and knew my style well. I realised that I could layer! How revolutionary! :-) More stores were catering for young curvy women. I experimented a lot. It was difficult at times, but I stuck to it. And thank God I did. I am at a place now where I am the most comfortable I have ever been with my body and my size. My hijab has helped me become the woman that I am today; unafraid to be who I really am.
Top Tips
Dress for your shape. Hold your head high. Be confident. Love the way that Allah swt made you. Thank Allah by being the best you that you can be. With this combination, you can't go wrong.
My Style
My style is all over the place. I like to mix it up depending on my mood. I love to be casual, but I also love to dress up. I really dislike wearing the same combination twice, but I mix and match a whole lot. I love to feel feminine, but I also love to dress a little edgy too. I always love to cover my chest with my hijab, I am much more comfortable this way as I don't feel so exposed.
I wore the hijab for the first time in 2002. This was a very trying time for me. After a few incidents which left me shaken, I took the head scarf off. I also had so much trouble with clothes. I couldn't afford to buy new clothes, and the ones that I did have, really weren't hijab appropriate. Back then I was plus-sized too (although I was smaller than now). It was the middle of summer and the only clothes I could find at an affordable price were in stores aimed at older women. Long sleeved button down shirts in terrifying colours, and pants with unflattering leg shapes. Put all of my issues together, and it made for a very unhappy 22 year old.
The second (and final) time I wore the hijab, was in 2007. I was 27 and knew my style well. I realised that I could layer! How revolutionary! :-) More stores were catering for young curvy women. I experimented a lot. It was difficult at times, but I stuck to it. And thank God I did. I am at a place now where I am the most comfortable I have ever been with my body and my size. My hijab has helped me become the woman that I am today; unafraid to be who I really am.
Top Tips
Dress for your shape. Hold your head high. Be confident. Love the way that Allah swt made you. Thank Allah by being the best you that you can be. With this combination, you can't go wrong.
What did you think of Houda's style? If you want to be featured on Hijab Style, send in your photos and top tips to hijabstyle @ hotmail.co.uk
Readers will be able to vote for their favourite entry, and the winner will receive a FREE hijab of their choice from The Hijab Shop.
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
Hijab Style in CIRCUS Fashion
I found my copy of the CIRCUS Fashion bookazine waiting for me when I got back from holiday, and as promised, here's a sneak peak of the first two pages of the finished piece, illustrations by Tobias Tietchen. I can't wait to get reading the rest of the articles!
Sunday, 26 September 2010
Three Years On
Hijab Style is three years old today! I can't believe it's been that long since I first started blogging! Just a few achievements in the past year include: having an article published in the CIRCUS Fashion bookazine, being featured in the Brazilian press, being interviewed for an article for the BBC, speaking on LBC radio, as well as two more features in emel magazine! And to top it all off, Hijab Style has reached over 17,000 fans on Facebook! I hope I'll be able to continue to provide you with relevant content and coverage of all things hijabi!
And to celebrate Hijab Style's 3rd Anniversary, we've teamed up with LAKI Boutique in Sharjah to give you the chance to win a hijabi sports outfit!
And to celebrate Hijab Style's 3rd Anniversary, we've teamed up with LAKI Boutique in Sharjah to give you the chance to win a hijabi sports outfit!
To enter, all you have to do is 'like' the LAKI page on Facebook, then send an email in with your full name and city with 'LAKI 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 Thursday 30th September 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!
The deadline for entries is midnight GMT on Thursday 30th September 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!
Thursday, 23 September 2010
Live Chat Session 2
Last year Hijab Style had a live chat session here on the blog, and it was great to be able to talk to so many of you in real time! I haven't had one since, so it's definitely about time! The next session will be taking place Thursday 30th September 2010, 8pm-9pm GMT.
All you have to do to take part is is come to the blog homepage on Thursday 30th September between 8pm-9pm GMT, and sign up for Chatroll which only takes a minute, and then join in. Just before 8pm I will post a new blog post with the chat feature embedded. I look forward to seeing you then, and if you have any particular topics you want to discuss, please suggest them in the comments below!
All you have to do to take part is is come to the blog homepage on Thursday 30th September between 8pm-9pm GMT, and sign up for Chatroll which only takes a minute, and then join in. Just before 8pm I will post a new blog post with the chat feature embedded. I look forward to seeing you then, and if you have any particular topics you want to discuss, please suggest them in the comments below!
Wednesday, 22 September 2010
Style Notes: Ralph Lauren
Fall 2010
Yet more gorgeous long gowns, tailored coats and loose silhouettes. Ralph Lauren's classy collection this season featured plenty of floral prints, and more intriguingly, maxi dresses layered over long sleeve tops. I'm really not a fan of layering strappy maxi dresses, but the generous ruffled sleeves and lace detailing give these looks a new dimension. Is this something you'd try out?
Images: Style.com
Tuesday, 21 September 2010
Muslimah Style: Zeynab
Reader's Contribution
I'm Zeynab and I'm a 20 year old Law and Arts student from Australia. I've been wearing the hijab for over a year now and I love it!
My Style
My dress sense is very eclectic and depends a lot on my mood. I go through a lot of phases: one day I'll feel like looking a bit casual and I'll wear jeans and Converse sneakers, and the next day I'll mix it up with a maxi dress and girly bangles. No matter what mood I'm in, I love colour combinations and matching my scarves to my tops and dresses. I even try and match my jewellery and under caps to my outfits if I can. I just love colourful scarves - they make me feel cheerful and bright even when the weather is not so good!
It gets quite hot here so when summer comes around I mostly stick to skirts and maxi dresses. I'm not so tall so I love wearing maxi dresses because they make feel just that little bit taller! I love different cultural outfits too and mixing elements of them into my everyday wear. Basically, I love to experiment and just have fun with my clothes.
Top Tips
1. Figure out what look you're going for when you choose your first item of clothing, and then match the rest of your outfit to go with that look e.g. if you feel like wearing sneakers, think about how you can channel that look from top to toe.
2. Buy lots of plain cardigans in different colours to wear over dresses.
3. Organise your closet by colour, so you can easily see which items will match and which colours you need more of.
4. Just enjoy yourself with your clothes, while being as modest as you can be
What did you think of Zeynab's style? If you want to be featured on Hijab Style, send in your photos and top tips to hijabstyle @ hotmail.co.uk
Readers will be able to vote for their favourite entry, and the winner will receive a FREE hijab of their choice from The Hijab Shop.
I'm Zeynab and I'm a 20 year old Law and Arts student from Australia. I've been wearing the hijab for over a year now and I love it!
My Style
My dress sense is very eclectic and depends a lot on my mood. I go through a lot of phases: one day I'll feel like looking a bit casual and I'll wear jeans and Converse sneakers, and the next day I'll mix it up with a maxi dress and girly bangles. No matter what mood I'm in, I love colour combinations and matching my scarves to my tops and dresses. I even try and match my jewellery and under caps to my outfits if I can. I just love colourful scarves - they make me feel cheerful and bright even when the weather is not so good!
It gets quite hot here so when summer comes around I mostly stick to skirts and maxi dresses. I'm not so tall so I love wearing maxi dresses because they make feel just that little bit taller! I love different cultural outfits too and mixing elements of them into my everyday wear. Basically, I love to experiment and just have fun with my clothes.
Top Tips
1. Figure out what look you're going for when you choose your first item of clothing, and then match the rest of your outfit to go with that look e.g. if you feel like wearing sneakers, think about how you can channel that look from top to toe.
2. Buy lots of plain cardigans in different colours to wear over dresses.
3. Organise your closet by colour, so you can easily see which items will match and which colours you need more of.
4. Just enjoy yourself with your clothes, while being as modest as you can be
What did you think of Zeynab's style? If you want to be featured on Hijab Style, send in your photos and top tips to hijabstyle @ hotmail.co.uk
Readers will be able to vote for their favourite entry, and the winner will receive a FREE hijab of their choice from The Hijab Shop.
Monday, 20 September 2010
CIRCUS Fashion
Back in May I put out a request here asking for 2 participants in an interview for an article in a new fashion bookazine called CIRCUS. Well since then, I've found my participants, finished the article, submitted it and now, CIRCUS is finally available in print!
The bookazine is all about looking at fashion from the perspective of those whose voices aren't usually heard, and is made up of contributions from bloggers around the world. In my piece, we discuss the social, practical and sartorial issues relating to the hijab and modest dress. Hopefully it will give a more realistic and personal viewpoint on the hijab, and what it means to wear it.
I was also asked to read out part of my article at the London launch event on 22nd September, but unfortunately I'm not in the country so can't make it. I'll be sure to let you guys get a sneak peak at the article though once I get my copy of the bookazine!
Friday, 17 September 2010
Style Notes: Philosophy
Fall 2010
There is so much to love in the designer collections for this season. Maxi dresses, skirts, beautiful knitwear and elegant coats; there are plenty of hijab-friendly style ideas to be had! First off is Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti. The long, loose gowns in silk and lace make stunning evening wear and are contrasted with chic tailored coats. The do remind me a little of Irna la Perle's designs from Indonesia, though I must say I think she does it better...
Images: Style.com
There is so much to love in the designer collections for this season. Maxi dresses, skirts, beautiful knitwear and elegant coats; there are plenty of hijab-friendly style ideas to be had! First off is Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti. The long, loose gowns in silk and lace make stunning evening wear and are contrasted with chic tailored coats. The do remind me a little of Irna la Perle's designs from Indonesia, though I must say I think she does it better...
Images: Style.com
Wednesday, 15 September 2010
Product Review: Demure Look
Back in August I posted about a new online company called Demure Look, which specialise in silk scarves. A lot of you expressed an interest in them and so the company sent me the Textured Silk Mix Scarf in silver and the Thai Silk Scarf in aubergine to review!
First Impressions
I know they say you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, but from experience, the companies that pay attention to their packaging, are usually the ones that are presenting a quality product. In this case, the Demure Look scarves arrived beautifully wrapped in silver tissue paper inside a silver corrugated cardboard gift box, along with a leaflet about the company.
Textured Silk Mix Scarf - Silver
First Impressions
I know they say you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, but from experience, the companies that pay attention to their packaging, are usually the ones that are presenting a quality product. In this case, the Demure Look scarves arrived beautifully wrapped in silver tissue paper inside a silver corrugated cardboard gift box, along with a leaflet about the company.
Thai Silk Scarf - Aubergine
Wearability
Both scarves are quite large at at least 175cm x 75cm each, and could easily be worn as a wrap over an evening dress, as well as a headscarf. In both cases, the fabric is quite stiff and non-slip; which is good if you prefer more voluminous hijab styles, but did prove a little tricky to wrap and fold.
The Thai Silk Scarf is very thin and lightweight, and the fabric has a slightly gauzy feel to it. At one layer thick it is fairly see-through, but it is large enough to fold over itself. The scarf also has a subtle sparkle to it in the light, perfect for wearing on special occasions.
The Textured Silk Mix Scarf is also very lightweight, but has more of a smooth metallic shine to it, as you can see in the photo above.
Overall
I loved the luxurious feel of the scarves, and the professional presentation. However at such a large size I felt they were a little cumbersome to wear. They do however dress up an outfit beautifully and would make a lovely present for a relative or friend. The website is also well laid out and easy to use and customer service impeccable!
Disclaimer: I received these scarves in exchange for my honest review. The opinions and thoughts expressed are my own and I received no other compensation for my review.
Tuesday, 14 September 2010
September Giveaway Winner
Congratulations to Shabnaz S. from Dhaka, Bangladesh for winning the September Giveaway! Your hijab set will be making its way to you shortly!
There won't be a bonus giveaway this month; but we're saving it up for something special a little later on!
Monday, 13 September 2010
Muslimah Style: Riham
Reader's Contribution
I'm Riham and I'm from Virginia, U.S.A. I'm a 19 year old university student studying International Affairs and Journalism.
My Style
I started wearing the hijab in October of last year so it's still relatively new to me. I've had a great time wearing the hijab and I feel as though my style has gotten even better ever since I started dressing modestly. Wearing the hijab allows me to be more creative and to express myself much more than I did previously. I take a lot of pride in the way that I dress, especially as a hijabi because the way I look represents Islam and I want to make sure that people get a good impression about Muslims and Islam as a whole. I don't have one particular style, but when I go shopping I look for items with a lot of colour and things that are in style now. My style is pretty simple, I don't like wearing too many things at a time and I don't like being too matchy-matchy. My favorite hijabi friendly items are maxi dresses and cardigans. Maxi dresses are so easy to wear right now during the summer and cardigans are a way to cover them up effortlessly.
Top Tips
1) Don't be tacky: Hijabi outfits can easily be made tacky when worn with too many layers and colours. Revealing tops don't always have to be worn with a shirt underneath them. Sometimes cardigans are a better option and they look more flattering. Also if you're going to wear a shirt underneath another top, choose a neutral color, not something too bright.
2) If you don't feel comfortable in your hijabi outfit, than I suggest you don't leave the house. It's already difficult enough wearing the hijab (at least where I live) so the least you can do for your self esteem is to feel good.
3) Never sacrifice the guidelines Allah (swt) has placed for us when he commanded us to wear the hijab. Try to avoid showing your ears, a little bit of your hair, or your neck. Its not too difficult to be covered up and beautiful, just put in a little bit more effort.
What did you think of Riham's style? If you want to be featured on Hijab Style, send in your photos and top tips to hijabstyle @ hotmail.co.uk
Readers will be able to vote for their favourite entry, and the winner will receive a FREE hijab of their choice from The Hijab Shop.
I'm Riham and I'm from Virginia, U.S.A. I'm a 19 year old university student studying International Affairs and Journalism.
My Style
I started wearing the hijab in October of last year so it's still relatively new to me. I've had a great time wearing the hijab and I feel as though my style has gotten even better ever since I started dressing modestly. Wearing the hijab allows me to be more creative and to express myself much more than I did previously. I take a lot of pride in the way that I dress, especially as a hijabi because the way I look represents Islam and I want to make sure that people get a good impression about Muslims and Islam as a whole. I don't have one particular style, but when I go shopping I look for items with a lot of colour and things that are in style now. My style is pretty simple, I don't like wearing too many things at a time and I don't like being too matchy-matchy. My favorite hijabi friendly items are maxi dresses and cardigans. Maxi dresses are so easy to wear right now during the summer and cardigans are a way to cover them up effortlessly.
Top Tips
1) Don't be tacky: Hijabi outfits can easily be made tacky when worn with too many layers and colours. Revealing tops don't always have to be worn with a shirt underneath them. Sometimes cardigans are a better option and they look more flattering. Also if you're going to wear a shirt underneath another top, choose a neutral color, not something too bright.
2) If you don't feel comfortable in your hijabi outfit, than I suggest you don't leave the house. It's already difficult enough wearing the hijab (at least where I live) so the least you can do for your self esteem is to feel good.
3) Never sacrifice the guidelines Allah (swt) has placed for us when he commanded us to wear the hijab. Try to avoid showing your ears, a little bit of your hair, or your neck. Its not too difficult to be covered up and beautiful, just put in a little bit more effort.
What did you think of Riham's style? If you want to be featured on Hijab Style, send in your photos and top tips to hijabstyle @ hotmail.co.uk
Readers will be able to vote for their favourite entry, and the winner will receive a FREE hijab of their choice from The Hijab Shop.
Thursday, 9 September 2010
Eid Mubarak
I can't believe Ramadan is over so soon! Eid Mubarak to everyone; I hope you all have a wonderful day. Hijab Style will be posting as usual after Eid, with lots of exciting things coming your way, inshallah!
Wednesday, 8 September 2010
Hijab on the Cutting Edge of Fashion
Remember Noor d'Izar, the Belgian company who sponsored the July Giveaway? Well, CNN continues its interest in Muslim fashion and goes behind the scenes with them in the following video report. What do you think?
Thursday, 2 September 2010
Hijab Style's Eid Feature in emel
If you're looking for some last-minute Eid outfit inspiration, take a look at the September 2010 issue of emel magazine. This is the third time Hijab Style has been featured in emel, and for this issue I was asked to write about my experiences of Eid, and put together a couple of outfits. Check out the full feature here.
Wednesday, 1 September 2010
September Giveaway
For the first giveaway this month, Hijab Style is giving you the chance to win a hijab set from Hijab Galore which includes an ivory crochet shawl, lavender beaded scarf, white tie back underscarf cap and set of 12 hijab pins.
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 'September 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 Tuesday 7th September 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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
LinkWithin
