For the LOVE of MONOCHROME

This is the one trend that refuses to fade away, it is our super keen friend in fashion. Victoria Beckham runway pieces only confirmed why it may be my favorite trend, it is so easy and affordable to pull off.

 

Spring has arrived and I keep gravitating to the whites in my wardrobe. I have always stated that white and black can be worn throughout the year, and TOGETHER they can debut fresh fashion forward ideas in the fashion/style industry. Throughout the years we have seen Monochromatic outfits make history, as they possess a certain elegance that has taken over fashion, pop culture and much more.

Marc Jacob & Giles alongside other designers have taken a admiration to stripes, poka dots and infusing those patterns with black and white. Entering department stores like Zara, H&M, Marshalls, Riverisland and Topshop you can find great monochromatic pieces for a steal price and you are sure to find comfort that they will come back in style over and over again.

As many of us have witnessed the new revamped Monochromatic ideas from old sixties to fresh fun 2014 masterpieces. Pattern play, geometrics and amazing craftsmanship have been done by some of the greatest designers like Alexander Wang, Victoria Beckham and Celine, its almost the breath of fresh air in 2014 spring fashion. 
 

One of the reasons why I love playing with Monochromatic pieces is because it is easily accessible to all of us who don’t have a lot of money, it is flattering on the body and it can be a conservative work outfit that can evolve with a pair of heels and clutch for an evening outfit. IT IS UNSTOPPABLE and for those that love colour, add a bright clutch or shoes and let it fuse with the monochrome outfit for a more vibrant option.  

So have you added the sleek, sophisticated look into your life? and if not remember that Monochrome outfits are here to stay, so experiment and enjoy the play of pattern, fabric on black and white.

 

So for ideas on clean put together outfit I am going to introduce you to some of the Monochromatic outfits that I have been showcasing in the last month.

 

Outfit 1)

Top: Asos.com

Trousers: Forever21

Shoes: Officeshoes.com

Hijab: Modern Majesty

 

 Outfit 2)

Top: Vintage

Coat:Zara

Trousers: Burlington

Shoes: Zara

Hijab: Modern Majesty
 

Outfit 3)

Blazer: Boohoo.com

Skirt: Boohoo.com

Clutch: Matalan.co.uk

Hijab: Modern Majesty

Designer Showcase: A Fashionista Networking Event

Salaam Alaikum/Peace & Love,

I pray this reaches you all in the best of times god willing.

This past weekend I was fortunate to attend the Fashionista Networking Event hosted by Seema Sahin (Designer of Modern Mary), Farah Khan (Blogger at Greater lengths) and Hakeemah Cummings (Designer for CMB) on the 28th of March, 2014. This event was a chance to turn lemons into lemonade for our sister Fleuri Paramita, who travelled 28 hours to the U.S. from Indonesia to showcase her designs at the Islamic Modern Fashion Week event. Unfortunately, this event was abruptly cancelled at the last minute, leaving Fleuri (alongside many other vendors and designers) alone and penniless.

Alas, it didn’t deter her spirit or goals and sitting across the table from these exceptional women, truly brought to light that with hardship comes ease; the truest mercy. Although the events of IMFW left it’s own stains many of us were supremely ecstatic to come together and witness Fleuri’s wonderful designs (skirts, capes, dresses). As an aspiring designer and stylist looking to continue building your brand, it also reminded me that I must, first and foremost, be a sister to these women around me and today’s women.

It became an eye opener for us bloggers, mothers, wives, etc., as we discussed Fashion, designs and business rules, that this industry has a place for all of us as the night went on. We are the inspiration and there’s a platform for us to add something unique and special to this ever growing industry. We also had a chance to meet and converse with Ian William, a fashion designer and coordinator for Fashion shows in his own right. He explained the fashion show industry in greater detail and how to dodge fake shows by asking the right questions.

Fleuri’s explanation that her designs are a way to employ people in her country struggling to find jobs and her belief she feels a great responsibility to find an opportunity for them was the most poignant point that I took away from the entire session. As a woman who loves fashion, styling, fabrics and prints since the age of 5, I had to take a few nights to ponder on the best reasons why I want to create or be part of the creation of modest fashion. Maybe we should all take a step back and think about the reasons. The intentions behind our actions and our aspirations have tremendous repercussions.

Furthermore, we were all reminded of our duty to serve our art/hobby/love/business for fashion with responsibility and care. We have an audience and we have a responsibility to our audience to create, dress and act accordingly to our faith in Allah (GOD). In the end, this is all greater than numbers, facebook and instagram likes. This is a movement of modesty and empowerment in a crucial time where many on TV, Billboards and music strip women of their crowns.

Amazing food, conversations, designs but most of all sisterhood. If there was ever a reason to stay in the fashion industry, to support it and to fund it, it would truly be for the SISTERHOOD.

 

Thank you to the event coordinators for allowing this event to be open to everyone, may we all share space again, inside and outside of fashion soon.

With Love,
Fahima A

“Turbanista Rap”

Turbans have emerged over the years as one of the most creative ways to wrap (cover) your hair.  It’s considered a universal middle ground for all women who enjoy expressing themselves through fashion. They are such a statement accessory that collections like Issa, Andrew Gn, Jason Wu, and Giorgio Armani; to name a few, have introduced the turban wrap onto the runway.

Formally associated with casual attire, they now magnify outfits, and are essential for the bold fashionista. Consider this a daring route for those wanting to bring ‘flavor’ to their everyday fashion ideals.

When it comes to turbanista styles, you can relish in the contrast between a delicate floral print fabric and its robust wrap style, a simple color with a playfully intricate configuration, or take the regal approach and adorn your wrap like the queen you choose to be. The turban fulfills the elegant and ethnic must for your head wrap collection.

When looking to experience your first turban style, understand that simplicity is key until you get the hang of it.  If you’re like me and prefer the softer side of the turbanista experience, let your outfit be the bold statement complimenting a simple head wrap.

Turbans can be worn for every season in the year. Take notice as women bring their head wrap game to work, the grocery store, weddings and even red carpets. Your options are limitless when it comes to fashionable expression.

For the perfect scarf, I personally suggest browsing through your local H&M, Forever 21 or fabric store to try the fun and affordable option or peruse stores like Zara and Mango, if you’re looking for more high-end samples. For turban tutorials, check out Dina Tokio or Winnie Detwa’s YouTube page, Comment or message me and let me know how your Turban experience went! 

GET YOUR CAPE ON

Peace & Love Ladies,

How is everyone? I pray your all well and BLOOMING, even in this cold weather!

So the other night I had this inspiration to write a blog or a series of blog post on ways to get out of those boring habits we fall into with our wardrobe choices. We start to become comfortable and its a struggle reinventing old pieces into new fashion forward ideas due to many reasons, motherhood, income, time etc

... so a friend of mine who is on this journey said she never knows what I'm going to wear because my looks vary, and she's unable to put me in a box or a corner or even identify a garment and say "YUP SHES WORN THAT BEFORE". Little does she know I fight so hard not to be predictable because I love feeling alive, and Fashion is an art for me.

Evolving with Fashion in London, I learnt quickly roaming in high end boutiques how to add flavor and personality in my outfits and glorify my faith. Now allowing yourself to play and be adventurous in the way you put things together will push your VISION further. WE ALL struggle, so I'm going to introduce Fashion pieces every week  to freshen up your wardrobe.

...I'm sure you have gotten dressed and felt like it was too sensible or predictable, I know I have and you start to see yourself repeat the same color coordinated outfits over and over again. WELL Today is a NEW day but I have to remind you that VISION is the next step and that's all in you, its there for you to find, explore and recreate

Ponchos/Capes

One of my Favorite winter buys are capes and I usually carry this trend into the spring. Now if you've ever entertained the idea of buying a cape or a Poncho and you hesitated, Modern Majesty are here to show you how certain items are easy to play with.

...Truthfully I like the idea of being my own superhero and Ponchos/Capes have helped turn everyday looks into some of my great ideas yet. Especially for outwear and as Spring is right round the corner, it may be a wise investment.

Pair them up with some ankle boots, turban style hijab and a bold colored bag and bring colors together, especially for the spring. This is the time to explore white, neon, prints and somehow create a walking collage that is YOU.

Modern Majesty Have taken pictures for you below. If you need any help or ideas please leave a comment or as some of you guys have already done, Facebook message me. Find me under Fahima Abdul.

Styling In ROME

Peace&Love,

So people always ask me what my favorite spring color is and it has been WHITE for the longest, So one of my fav buys is my Zara light white coat. This time last year my best friend and I went to ROME, one of the most GORGEOUS places ever and the weather really worked in our favor, it was coming into spring and we had to travel real light due to the plane blah blah blah.

So one day we decide to really welcome spring in our attire and I have the task of styling and putting together a modest outfit for my friend. Also when styling someone you have to take in account their BODY and likes and dislikes

Here are my steps...

1) Find the statement piece and style around it, this would be the hijab in this case. I took the colors and the elements of one of my fav hijabs and started to place the outfit together.

2) Lace is my fav thing in the world, so we played with color here and made the base of the outfit a darker shade of ivory, close to cream but still a little darker, this was her top.

3) Because the hijab had elements of black, she wore a black bag and black pants. but her accessories complemented the base and the white.

4) I then paired it with my spring coat, to give the outfit the freshness, we were looking for. I went with light makeup, a bronze blusher, a little mascara, no eyeliner and RED lips always works with white for me. Makeup was light because the outfit was bold. Must always be a balance. Picture of the final product is below.

Know and wear for your BODY

Peace and Love Ladies,

Today is a day for knowledge, that even I had to learn and experience for my fashion progress over the years and till this day.

So one of my biggest issues when people ask me to style them is their lack of knowledge in regards to their BODY. You must understand that what works on someone else, may not work for you, that usually doesn't mean you cant wear certain things, its all in HOW you wear it.

Now I've had this discussion with many ladies when we go shopping, some of us have wider hips or broader shoulders and there is a way to flatter your body instead of really stomping on its beauty. Many times I've helped my friends with their weddings or graduation outfits and I ALWAYS begin with getting familiar with their body. So before you put your FASHION inspirations to life. Know and WEAR for your body.

Here are 3 basic tips..

1. If your a petite girl, stick to solid colors and avoid prints, especially on your lower body. If you are a print lover, I would suggest wearing a printed shirt as your statement area and then on your lower half (Legs) wearing a solid or try a printed pencil skirt but focus on the print itself, it could be that bigger prints work better for you.

FYI sometimes less is MORE, you can MAKE your statement through statement necklaces and earrings, both are very in right now or you can easily get a printed hang bag or clutch, last but not least SHOES, there are many ways to still wear what you love without taking away from your body.

2.  If you have a boyish figure, do not feel bad about it, I have ONLY just accepted my broad shoulders & slim arms. There is a secret into adding womanly flare to your body, because they DO EXIST but we are all built differently and that will always be the most beautiful thing. Anyways back to the secret, Buy things that give your body some shape, such as peplum blazers/tops. Also play with fabric such as velvet, wool etc and enjoy color blocking. Beaded/printed dresses are very current.

 3. Curvy bliss, if you are a full figured woman then here are some tips for your flawless fashion days ahead. So smaller prints work better because bigger prints will add weight you don't have, I also think tailored suits look a lot better because they give your look more structure an example would be a trench coat. I will say solid colors work amazing on curvy woman, like a deep red and some nude shoes with a printed bag is like chocolate cake for me, scrumptious. Color Blocking works too because it breaks up the outfit.

Jummah's Pleasant PALAZZO PANTS

PEACE&LOVE Always...

Yesterday was Jummah (Friday Prayer at the mosque) and the weather was STUNNING, TRULY giving thanks to God because it has been really cold. So I had a prayer/Lunch date with a sister of mine. My outfit is casual because I dressed it down for prayer, but always remember bracelets, rings, clutch and heels EQUALS a less casual outfit. So if you have some Palazzo Pants hanging around, enjoy recreating new looks, because they are modest and glamorous when worn correctly!!!

Hijab- Modern Majesty
Palazzo Pants - www.Matalan.co.uk
Black shirt - Primark (UK store)
Chelsea boots - Asos
Shawl- H&M