Muslima Moda

Halal Romance: Frills and Flowers <3

2008-10-26T22:36:00.013-05:00

Salam my lovely ladies!

Sorry about how very long it's been since I last updated. My life is a busy one, and to be completely honest, I didn't think anyone would miss me! I'm glad to say I've been proven wrong, so here's an update before I hit the hay after a long day of studying.

Gorgeousness awaits you, my lovely ladies because the romantic (especially in greys and purples) look is the way to go for this season. Fancy frills in small doses is the name of the game. Wear a very classic outfit with one pop of romance. It can either be a ruffly dress or some popping shoes. The important thing is not to overdo it! It's also a great time to take advantage of luxurious cardigans to tone down your outfit.

Be creative! Add a lace underpiece on top of your underscarf or decorate your hijab with a small cloth flower under one of your pins. There's no limit as to what you can do with this look!

Here are some of my picks:

1. Lilac ruffled dress, Gap, $44.99

2. Blue ruffled dress, Delias, $39.50

3. Shiny ruffled dress, Forever 21, $19.80

4. Velvet clutch, Target, $14.44

5. Brown cardigan, Delias, $39.50

6. Black cardigan, Target

7. Grey Cardigan, Old Navy, $26.50

8. Floral flats, Old Navy, $19.50

Floral Fancy

2008-05-10T12:15:00.001-05:00

My friends and I are big fans of picnicking at the lake in our area when the weather is beautiful, as it is now. What's better than fun in the sun and food to go along with it? Since I'm a big fan of florals, this is what I would wear on one of these little outings. Color color color is the theme of my life! :)

Pink Cardigan: Gap; $44.50
Floral Top: Delias; $32.50

Denim Skirt: Alloy; $36.50

Eyelet Flats: Delias; $44.00

Studded Flats: Forever 21; $17.80

The bangles and sunglasses are both from forever 21 and the purses are from Dillards for almost $200 each. I would advise hitting up TJ Maxx and getting the same thing for less!

The three square swatches are all hijabs from 2hijab. Those are the colors I would advise. You know my ways, pick one lovely color or go for two! I would probably wear a cotton amira underscarf in the same color as my sheila with a contrasting but matchy lace underscarf on top. Then I would layer my sheila.

How do you like it?

Maniac Muslim: Hijab Can Save Your Life

2008-05-06T22:33:00.001-05:00

Many of you may have heard of a website called Maniac Muslim (http://maniacmuslim.c om/) and love the Islam-related comedic videos and articles featured there. I've only just recently visited it for the first time and I'm in love with the site. The satiric articles are very fun to read and I have a smile on my face the whole time that I am on the site.

The author of the site, Hamzah Moin, particularly enjoys poking fun at muslim young women. His article, "Hijab Can Save Your Life" is a good example of that. However, as you read it, please keep in mind that everything he does is in good fun and he does not say what he says to offend anyone. So don't forget: jooookeeeee.

Please check it out! I think you'll really enjoy it!

Here's the article:

http://maniacmuslim.com/2005/01/09/hijabs-can-save-your-life/

Jazakum Allahu Khairan

Blue Baby

2008-05-05T17:02:00.004-05:00

So I was looking at a new (to me) abaya site and I found this one that I quite adore. Most of the accessories are designer pieces, except for my lovely car and the phone and ipod, so there won't be any links today.
I like this abaya because it is dainty and airy. Though it is muy overpriced, I think it'd be great for someone to treat themselves to!

Those miu miu shoes are to. die. for. Straps are just so tres chic.

Gahhhh. I wish someone would just rain muchos dolares on me and the rest of the world so no one would need charity and I could buy all the pretty things I want without feeling guilty. *sigh* Al7amdulillah.

Well that's the end of that. And in case anyone wondered where my buddy Ala has been, she'll be mia for a bit longer. She's a much more dedicated student than I am, and has been studying frantically for exams. She will be back soon though inshallah!

Salams!

Abaya How-To: Incurable Enjoyment (ok--maybe the bill cures it)

2008-04-30T17:39:00.010-05:00

My dad's side of the family mostly all lives in UAE so I visit about once a year! I love it!!! It's like the US but in a desert setting! Plus, Islamic and western clothing everywhere you go! It's the best of both worlds!

As a relatively frequent traveler to UAE, I'm pretty familiar with the whole abaya buying and "fasil-ing" process. I know a lot of people will be traveling overseas this summer (though why you would subject yourself to the heat of UAE at this time of year I don't know) and there are so many things to know that a new shopper of abayas may have a hard time figuring out what to do. And for those who don't have the opportunity this summer, maybe this will be a fun insight into how everything works.

The most important part of getting your abay and getting it at a good price is to appear in control. This sounds funny, like I'm teaching you to train a pet! But the vendors can smell inexperience and if they even get the hint that you are vulnerable and can be taken advantage of, they will not hesitate to boost the prices and skimp on the quality. So when you walk into a store, be casual. Don't look excited about anything you see. It works to make up a rap in your mind. "Be cool, be cool. Don't want to look like no fool. These prices just ain't cool." Yeah, I'm a white girl. But it'll keep you calm! :)

Make sure you have an amount you are willing to spend in mind. This will keep you focused and also, if you're like me, keep you from overspending. Make sure the price is reasonable. You don't want to be cheated but you also don't want to try and be a cheater.

When you find something you like, ask the vendor how much it costs. He will give you a very high price. This is a test to see how tough you are. It's time to kick butt. Be sure to give the man an incredulous look and ask him if he's trying to cheat you. Don't yell. While many "muwatneen," or natives, won't hesitate to start a yelling and insulting argument with the vendor, keep in mind that a woman's voice is her awrah and that yelling is not necessarily the best way to get what you want.

In a calm and quiet voice, tell him that you could get the same thing for (name a number that is about a third of what he offering you--or maybe 2/3 of what you are willing to spend). This is true because you will always be able to find a vendor who will have a better price. Be honest. No abaya is worth the punishment of lying! The seller will counter with "Their abayas aren't the same quality." This is where a good eye comes in. Point out things that will lower the price. If there are beads stuck on, mention that they are done by machine and not by hand. If they abaya is pleated--this was all the rage last time I was there and one of my fave abayas is pleated in the back--make him aware that you know that that is done easily by machine.

And now the fun begins! Tell him you will pay about 2/3 of what you are willing to spend. He won't be very happy and will probably say no. Ask him to lower the price to what he thinks is right. He won't lower it enough. Be tough!! I can be really shy, depending on my mood, but I know that this is the tough part and you should never back down! Finally, say that you won't pay more than what you are willing to pay. He'll keep making offers and you keep declining and if he still doesn't lower it enough, then say thank you and begin to leave. If your price isn't too unreasonable, the vendor will generally call you back and agree to the price you want. What an adventure! I get such a rush out of it!!

This is when you make sure he doesn't get away with giving you bad quality. Request your favorite fabric. Mine is a wonderful one called Internet. It's thick enough that it isn't see-through, but is very breathable. Also, it very rarely requires ironing. I can't remember the last time I had to iron an abaya. I looove it. It feels soo good! Another good fabric is burj-al-arab. These fabrics will also work for party abayas but if you really want to go all out, go with satin. I can't remember the name of my favorite, but just ask for satin.

If you don't know your size, the vendors are pretty good at guessing and they let you try on a abay to make sure they are right. If you want to add or remove anything from the design, feel free to ask. Things like these silver embellishments will cost a lot more. I had these particular ones removed from a abaya I bought and it drastically lowered the price. I personally thought they were too gaudy for my look. I usually change up the designs and add my own things. Adding something like satin bows should be free. I add bows to almost everything. I love them!

Make sure to get your abaya a little bit long so it looks perfectly glam with heels. Plus, you'll look just like the fashionistas in Dubai with a little bit of abaya trailing behind you. Trust me, they design so that it looks chic and not frumpy.

Shopping for abayas is SO much fun that I have to avoid it sometimes to keep from going crazy spending. It's a great opportunity to be creative and come up with your own designs. There's barely anything that I get a bigger high doing. Can you tell that I'm a shopaholic? I have to work so hard to not be extravagant, but the times I do allow myself to have fun with shopping, I come out a happier woman!

These are awful pictures, but here are some of my recent purchases for the spring:

Flowers!!These two make me feel so elegant!I love this one. It could even be a work abaya!

I had the silver things on this removed--too much for my tatstes. I like simple black so I can wear whatever sheila I want to with it!This one is just so gorgeous! I'll probably just wear it to fancy occasions! Isn't it so Arabesque?

Goodness, I miss that place. Who all is going overseas for the summer?

Mulberry Abaya

2008-04-29T20:51:00.004-05:00

So I am madly, deeply, incurably in love with this purple jilbab from Amirah Fashions. It's so fun and youthful. The reason I generally don't wear jilbab or abaya anywhere other than the masjid is because the usual style of the jilbab makes me feel so old, and abaya, to me, is a bit daunting in its typical black. So this one steps outside the mold and gets me all giddy! I put in a few choices in accessories to shake things up and to show just how much springtime fun can be had with this look.

mulberry jilbab with diamonte pleat: Amirah Fashions; about $40

ring: Twelve by Twelve, $6.00

sequined sheila: Veiled by Design; $23.99
rose pumps: 6pm.com; $40.36

white pumps: Charlotte Russe; $22.99

abstract sheila: Veiled by Design; $14.99

bracelets: Forever 21, $5.80

leaves sheila: 2hijab, $6.90

Are you as enamored as I am?

Veiled and Beautiful

2008-04-27T12:28:00.005-05:00

So I was just looking around at pictures of hijabis and I found these pictures that really made me grin. Take a gander: if smiling at someone is charity, inshallah making you smile is the same!

Aren't hijabis the best?

Jazakumallahu Khairan

eShakti

2008-04-22T21:03:00.013-05:00

Click HERE to enlarge, because it definitely looks better bigger.

eShakti isn't a Muslim clothing website, though the name sounds like it, but it has a wide array of modest and gorgeous clothes. The pieces are about the most I want to spend on clothes, but I think in many cases, it's worth it. A great feature of this site is that you can send you sizes and preferences and have your piece custom cut. The clothes on the site have a very nature-y feel and most things are nature inspired. On the months when I have a little extra cash, a few pieces from eShakti are usually found in my mailbox. Here are some of my favorites:

Look #1-Aztec sunburst skirt
I was skeptical about this skirt until it was all put together, but now I'm in love with it! The colors are perfect for spring and you can do so many things with it. This outfit is super comfortable with a soft tank top and a light sweater. You could wear either a blue or an orange sheila with it or you can be gutsy and use both! Another great way to wear this would be to sport an orange undershirt with a denim jacket.
Aztec sunburst organic cotton skirt: $44.95, eShakti
Bomber sweater jacket: $59.50, Gap This is a little pricey(for lack of choices), but if you have a wheat colored cardigan you could easily substitute it in.
Tank top: Forever 21, $4.80 You definitely want to wear this tank much longer and looser.
Flat rope thong sandal: Speigel, $39.95 This is a bit much for some sandals (something I didn't notice until I had already placed my pictures) but you can get these or these at a much more reasonable price.
Sheilas: 2hijab, $5.90-$6.90

Look #2-Floral dress
This funky dress brings the season to life with its vivid pinks and blues. I love it because the flowy material fancies it up a bit. The dress is gorgeous, but could easily pushed over to the "no-no" side of the spectrum with too much color in the accompanying pieces. For this reason, I used a simple grey cardigan along with grey pumps and jeans to tone the outift down. The pink pashmina wraps (yes, pun, haha) the outfit up without overdoing it.
Large floral border babydoll: $59.95, eShakti
Sailor trouser jeans: $29.99, Gap
Kenneth Cole pumps: $29.99, Piperlime
Pink pashmina: $9.95, Peach Couture
I couldn't find a nice grey cardigan, but if you can't find grey either go with black or white.

Look #3-black and orange caftan
I quite enamored with this caftan. If you're very short, it might be a dress on you, but you can either get custom sizing or just embrace it being a dress. Though most of the embroidery on the neckline will be hidden by your sheila, some of it will show on the sides (your neck will be covered by your long-sleeved undershirt) and will match the beautiful and funky sheila I picked. I would probably wear an orange underscarf to ensure that the front of you head isn't visible through the see-through material. Plus, I just like sheilas with underscarves. Wear black pants for two reasons: the material is very flowy and will show your figure otherwise and the kaftan is only about lower-calf length. Top off the look with some lovely orange pumps and go on a glamourous outing!
Geo motifs embroidered caftan: $59.95, eShakti
Multicolor floral scarf: $21.99, Veiled by Design
Red Shimmer Stretch Headband: $3.99, Veiled by Design
Wide leg pants: $39.99, NY & Co.
Orange Pumps: $47.99, Shoebuy.com

So what do you think? Which is your favorite?

You ain't no Al-Hakam. You ain't no Judge Judy.

2008-04-19T13:48:00.007-05:00

Salam Girls!

Sub7anallah. Recently we have received long-winded messages from people who apparently cannot contain their disapproval of our site, people who think that fashion has a sexual connotation and that it cannot share a world with hijab. One even suggested that I'm not "into" hijab or islam. While I always appreciate constructive criticism, these are the kinds of people I disassociate with. The people who find something wrong with everything they see, and view themselves as worthy of criticizing everyone but themselves. Not only are the critical, but they go about confronting people in and unfriendly manner, with only the intention of criticizing instead of gently correcting their mistakes. The irony in that is that it’s against everything that our religion advises us to do. This story is one of my favorites from childhood and it's a good example of how Muslims should correct each other:

In the time of the prophet (PBUH), an aged Bedouin man came to Medina. He was very religious, and when the time for salat came he began making wudu. Hassan and Hussein, the young grandsons of Rasulullah (pbuh), observed that the man was performing his wudu incorrectly. Wanting to correct him without hurting his feelings or wounding his pride by correcting their elder, Hassan and Hussein came up with a plan. The approached the old man and ask him to help them because they couldn’t decide which was doing wudu correctly. Each performed wudu correctly and when they were done, the man realized his error. He thanked the boys for showing him the correct way and for their gentle manner.

Had the boys laughed at the man or looked down their noses at him, he probably wouldn’t have listened to or accepted their advice. As the Qur’anic ayah goes

"Kind words and forgiving of faults are better than charity followed by injury. And Allah is Rich (Free of all wants) and He is most Forbearing" (Quran - 2:263).

What really inspired me to write this, however, came from a non-Muslim classmate of mine. We were having a class devoted to Islam and the students were quickly bored by the video that we were assigned to watch, so they switched it off and started a Q & A session with me as the person with all the answers. It was an amazing time, MashaAllah, because these people asked me some really great and insightful questions. The one that really dug into my heart, however, came after I talked about the reasoning and rules of female Islamic dress.

A classmate asked: “So what do you think of girls who don’t adhere to what is prescribed to you? The girls in the tight jeans and the short shirts who wear a scarf on their head. Or even the ones who don’t. Do you think they are going to hell?”

This question twisted my mind to pieces, because up until that moment when my Catholic classmate posed the question, I hadn’t been aware of just how judgmental a person I have been. I may not have burst into reprimands and chastisement, but I sure thought it. My answer to him represented exactly who I want to strive to make myself be:

“I am not God and it’s not my place to judge. I wasn’t born with the sole purpose of being my religion’s judge and enforcer and I’m sure I make mistakes in other areas that other people might judge me for. I don’t know every situation.

I know a girl who has such a hard time modesting it up because her mom isn’t a hijabi and she is pursuing hijab on her own. She never knows if her outfit is too tight or too short, because the standards she was raised with are so different from the ones she is trying to live up to. If I was someone who didn’t know her I might think that she just didn’t care, but thank god I know better. I wouldn’t want to try and judge someone with such a good heart and good intentions.

I know that there are a lot of muslim high school girls out there who have a hard time with hijab. I know that when I was in high school, especially in the first 2 years, I made such a bad representation of hijab in my tight jeans and short shirts because I felt like, of everything I was wearing, the long skirt was what would make me look strange, not the hijab. But as I got older and began to see hijab in a more religious light (I began covering when I was 10, by choice, but by high school it had just become a thoughtless habit) and began to appreciate its importance, I began to improve my attire significantly.

There are many girls who are facing the same feelings that I did, and inshallah they have the same epiphany that I did. If I judged them I would be the one committing the wrong, because many of those girls are trying with good intentions.

So while I, of course, hope that they modest themselves up, I’m not going to go so far as to say that they are wrong, black and white, period.”

If you see this in yourself, admit it to yourself: you see and you judge, even if you don’t think about it. Admitting it makes you realize that this might be a fault you need to fix. All we can do is ask for forgiveness, advise with kindness and gentleness, and always remember to try to improve ourselves.

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should talk what is good or keep quiet, and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should not hurt (or insult) his neighbor..." Sahih Bukhari: Volume 8, Book 76, Number 482

Jazakumallahu khairan!

Modest Formalwear

2008-04-14T18:17:00.010-05:00

Salams Girls!
I hope everyone's enjoying the site so far! We're having a ton of fun with it.
Last week a visitor messaged us saying that she never knows what to wear to formal event, so I put together these suggestions. I hope this helps Ameena!
Click on the image to see it larger.Look #1:

This look is one the would be great for a mixed wedding or prom. The dress is paired with a cashmere cardigan to cover the arms and to minimize the showing of figure that the tight waist of the dress encourages. I recommend wearing a white chiffon sheila and white clutch along with red shoes and a red underpiece to provide a pop of color. You could even use fancy jeweled pins in your scarf! Formal dresses are unbelievably difficult to shop for online, so I used designer pieces to inspire your outfit.

Look #2:

This second look is perfect for a banquet, dinner, or work related gathering. The dress is the perfect basis for an outfit. It reaches nicely to the knee, has a jeweled neckline to dress it up, and the pattern is perfect to match green accesories to. I would wear it with some well-fitting wide-leg black dress pants, and either a black jacket with a black underscarf, or a white jacket with a white underscarf. Match the hijab and a nice clutch to the green in the dress, slip into some gorgeous pumps, add jewelry and light make-up to polish, and voila! A versatile and gorgeous outfit for many different formal occasions.

Get this look

Dress: Chadwicks, $59.99

Shoes: Shoebuy, $97.95

Pants: New York & Company, $39.95

Hijab: 2Hijab, $2.95

Look #3:

Here's an outfit for girls who only wear abaya or jilbab or for anyone who just wants to sport a glamorous khaleeji look. This beautiful abaya with silver embroidery is a stunning and modest way to dress up for any formal event. I've been drooling over it for weeks. I decided to just accessorize in all silver, which will provide an elegant contrast to the black of the abaya.

Get this look

Abaya and sheila: Ecrater, $59.99

Pumps: Shoebuy, $98.95

Underscarf: Middle Eastern Mall, $5.00

Necklace: Forever 21, $8.80

Ring: Forever 21, $5.80

Clutch: Ebags, $24.00

So, what do you think? Which outfit is your favorite?

Please leave some feedback so that we know we have some readers out there!

Jazakumullahu Khairan

Muslima Basics

2008-04-10T23:09:00.008-05:00

Salam

Firstly, thanks to all of you who have viewed the blog and especially to dvinelite89 for being our first commenter and to Hijrah. We love you both! Anonymous viewers, we would love your feedback, any criticism or suggestion is welcome.

For any muslima there are a few staple items that should be owned and worn regularly. I know I’ve basically worn out every single one of my basics. So here is just a list of the must haves for modest hijabis.

1) The long sleeve t-shirt: With so many great tops, many have plunging necklines and are short sleeved or not sleeved at all. The long sleeve t-shirt turns any cute top into a modest top. Warning: avoid heavy fabrics which will give you a bulky look. However, also avoid light fabrics which will be see through, a huge muslima don’t. Target, $6.29

2) Umtah/ Headbands: For the hijabi who has bangs that refuse to stay hidden, an umtah or a headband is the perfect solution. We use lacy headbands or the under piece of a two piece hijab for our umtahs. However, any headband will work miracles. If you are clever you can work it into your hijabi style. Ebay, $2.00

3) Wide leg pants and jeans: Alhamdullilah for this new trend! Wide leg is back. As a hijabi we want to avoid showing the shape of our legs too much. I tended to buy pants that were too large just so that they may be loose. Of course, you then have a waist problem. With the wide leg, you can buy pants in your size and be modest. JCPenny, $29.99

4) Denim long skirt: Denim is more casual than most fabrics in a long skirt which will give you a more day to day piece in your wardrobe. Avoid skirts with slits because we all know that is not modest. Orvis, $24.00

5) Abayah: Our little black dresses. For any occasion, the abayah just works. More plain styles are best for Friday prayer at the masjid. Meanwhile fancier beaded and embroidered abayah are best in gatherings. It is important to find the right length to avoid showing ankle. I like to wear jeans under mine but Ruqiyyah prefers leggings. Al Hannah, $46.99

JAK (Jakumallahu Khairan)

Spring Fashion Dos and Donts

2008-04-05T14:31:00.020-05:00

Dos:

1. Embrace the new trend of hijab-worthy scarves at all the greatest stores! The material is generally quite airy and comfortable, even after wrapping a few times. This one: Forever 21, $9.80

2. Colorful spring cardigans are in! These breathable, lightweight sweaters are an eye-catching way to add modesty to any outfit. These ones: a. Gap, $59.99 b. Banana Republic, $29.99-$58.00

3. Cotton wraps and shirtdresses are all the rage. They're also the perfect addition to a modest muslima's wardrobe. Wear them with jeans and a nice long sleeved undershirt or cardigan and you're good to go! This one: Newport News, $29.00

4. Gorgeous long skirts bring spring to anyone's step. A rainbow of colors is out there to compliment any outfit. This one: Dorothy Perkins, about $39.89

Also, dress up your wardrobe with colorful jewelry, shoes, and accessories. Spring is a great time to add color to your world.

Donts:

5. Skirts over pants! This just looks silly and it usually ends up being too bulky and busy. Opt, instead, for a longer shirt or a full length skirt.

6. Cropped cardigans. These little things are great for parties or hangout with your girlfriends, but they really add nothing to a modest muslima's outfit. They are too fitted around the chest and they accentuate the waist too much.

7. Cork shoes. They may be comfortable, but these babies are just plain ugly. They always look dirty and aren't the least bit feminine. Just say no to cork.

8. Jersey dresses. Jersey is a terrible idea for a muslima's dress material because it shows every curve. Keep your sacred secrets to yourself and opt for a more rigid fabric.

9. Skinny jeans. Skinny jeans are a humble hijabi's nemesis in every way. Not only do they show everything we should try to keep under wraps, but they are also extremely unflattering to the general public. Opt for flares with knee-length tops or wide legs with thigh-length or longer tops for a more decorous look.

Jakumallahu Khairan

Ruqiyyah

A Land Called Paradise

2008-04-03T00:12:00.006-05:00

Salam,

When you discover something that could bring joy to someone else you should always pass it on. This video by the MAS media foundation had me smiling from beginning to end.
The video is called "A Land Called Paradise"and it was Produced and Directed by Lena Khan.

What would you say to the world if you could?

Here is what I would say:
My hijab forces you to judge me for my mind rather than my body.

Jazakum Allahu-khair

First entry

2008-04-01T00:37:00.005-05:00

Assalam Wa3laikum! Welcome to Muslima Moda!

We, Ruqiyyah and Ala, started this site up as an outlet for the interests and concerns of Muslimas everywhere. We are fashion fanatics who feel a deep and meaningful connection with our religion and we want to use this blog to reflect both aspects of our lives. We want to share our love of being muslimas, wearing hijab , and hijabi fashion.

"Hijabi fashion" may seem like a paradox but it is a growing fashion industry serving millions. We really wanted to start our first post here to talk about what hijab is to us.

Hijab is more than covering your head. It is a dress code set out for muslim women after they reach puberty. The dress code involves covering everything except for your hands, feet and face. In fact the permissibility of feet has even been controversial. However, for our purposes we believe it is not part of the hijab.

We know that the fashion industry wasn't made for the purposes of our modesty, but we know that we can make it work for us in often gorgeous ways that we hope to share with everyone!

In addition to fashion advice and discussion, we want to address problems and issues that face the hijabi of the 21st century.

We intend to put up at least one new post every week. Posts may be by one or both of us and they should be a ton of fun inshallah!

Just some background on us: We've been best friends for over ten years but we're complete opposites, so you should see a wide variety of fashions and feelings about spending and style between the two of us.

Please leave your feedback about what you would like to see on here and we'll be happy to use your ideas.

Jazakum Allahu Khairan!

Ruqiyyah and Ala