Modern Scarf

أشهد أن لا إله إلاَّ الله وأشهد أن محمدا رسول الله

Palestinian. Being a stylist, I'm not the "material girl" everyone presumes me to be. I've given up parts of my life for the sake of God's approval & I don't believe in pushing my beliefs on anyone bc of what I choose to sacrifice. I view misfortunes as more of blessings than luxuries. A born expressionist. Art enthusiast. I find beauty in everything & simple things make me happiest. I long for those things that money cannot buy; the in-disposables. I'm complicated & at times hard to handle, but 100% authentic.


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Confessions of A Stylist - Take VI: Moment of Clarity

Today marks the 1 month anniversary of my wearing the Hijab. I have mixed emotions about viewing this as an achievement, because it is obligatory but it most certainly has not been easy. I am, however, slowly but gradually gaining more and more peace of mind. I’ve realized peace comes from within. It starts with your mind, and then your actions. Many of us do not take into consideration that we may speak or act before we think, which can often lead to negative results. Don’t underestimate the power of a positive thought or a kind gesture - it can make every bit of the difference in any situation. 

“If you love large, you’ve got to hurt large. If you’ve got a lot of light, you’ve probably got an equal amount of darkness.”  - Sarah Mclachlan

“If you love large, you’ve got to hurt large. If you’ve got a lot of light, you’ve probably got an equal amount of darkness.” 

- Sarah Mclachlan

“I am that HIJAB - 

That CLOTH; that FABRIC; that SYMBOL; that FEAR; in people’s eyes. 

Why does she wear it?

I am that CLOTH - Bound; grippingly around her head; secure but comfortable; strong but delicate; covering her hair, her ears, her neck. 

I am that FABRIC - Pinned; gracefully around her head; protective but alleviating; simple but beautiful; displaying the beauty within, the pride within, the soul within.

I am that CONCEPT - Placed; gloriously around her head; fierce but merciful; unyielding but blessed; compelling the wearer to go on, the onlooker to pause, the bystander to ponder.

I am that LIBERATION - Wrapped; graciously around her head; desired but attained; unseen but felt; refusing the persecution, the unwanted glares, the harsh words.

I am that FREEDOM; that CONCEPT; that LIBERATION; that SYMBOL; that SERENITY; in her eyes.

That is why she wears it.”

- Aatifa Shereef

Modest Moda I : Moroccan Chic Just because you’ve got it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to flaunt it. I’ll be posting a new Modest Moda ensemble every so often, via sets I create on Polyvore. Ladies, you can modify my suggestions and tailor them to your personal style. I purposefully did not list prices or brands, as I feel that with the status of the economy, it’s irrelevant. Any look can always be achieved for less. I do have to say, there is a difference between cheap and inexpensive, so please keep that in mind. The colors that I have chosen are among colors that are ‘in’ for Summer 2011. Here we have a patterned cardigan; chic and stylish, and will cover a multitude of curves. I paired it with a brown, round-neck, long sleeved tee to highlight the color of the Chevron pattern in the cardigan. Also, wide-leg trousers are very popular, and I love that you can tuck the long sleeve inside the pants to show the high-waist on these. You can embellish it with a belt, while still maintaining modesty, as the long cardi is covering your backside and hips. I chose a wide belt, but please note: if you are shorter, it is usually best to choose a skinny belt, as it elongates your height. For a scarf, I chose to keep it simple. Scarves can double, as both a head wrap or as a neck adornment, for non-Hijabis. A solid versus a patterned scarf is less distracting, and can still add accent depending on your choice in color and cut. I chose a squared, tassle-adorned, mauve-ish colored scarf, with gold detail for my stand-out piece. I personally love adding color to earthy tones, and shades of pink always add just the right hint. I tied it together with the gold drop necklace with pink-ish flowers and the gold etching in the belt. As for shoes - wedges, flatforms, and platforms are must-haves this season! I believe accessories for the most part do make the outfit - you have to play around and see what suits you best - just don’t over do it! Less is always more. Voila! There you have it; an achievable, stylish, Modest Moda.

Modest Moda I : Moroccan Chic

Just because you’ve got it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to flaunt it. I’ll be posting a new Modest Moda ensemble every so often, via sets I create on Polyvore. Ladies, you can modify my suggestions and tailor them to your personal style.

I purposefully did not list prices or brands, as I feel that with the status of the economy, it’s irrelevant. Any look can always be achieved for less. I do have to say, there is a difference between cheap and inexpensive, so please keep that in mind.

The colors that I have chosen are among colors that are ‘in’ for Summer 2011. Here we have a patterned cardigan; chic and stylish, and will cover a multitude of curves. I paired it with a brown, round-neck, long sleeved tee to highlight the color of the Chevron pattern in the cardigan. Also, wide-leg trousers are very popular, and I love that you can tuck the long sleeve inside the pants to show the high-waist on these. You can embellish it with a belt, while still maintaining modesty, as the long cardi is covering your backside and hips. I chose a wide belt, but please note: if you are shorter, it is usually best to choose a skinny belt, as it elongates your height. For a scarf, I chose to keep it simple. Scarves can double, as both a head wrap or as a neck adornment, for non-Hijabis. A solid versus a patterned scarf is less distracting, and can still add accent depending on your choice in color and cut. I chose a squared, tassle-adorned, mauve-ish colored scarf, with gold detail for my stand-out piece. I personally love adding color to earthy tones, and shades of pink always add just the right hint. I tied it together with the gold drop necklace with pink-ish flowers and the gold etching in the belt. As for shoes - wedges, flatforms, and platforms are must-haves this season! I believe accessories for the most part do make the outfit - you have to play around and see what suits you best - just don’t over do it! Less is always more.

Voila! There you have it; an achievable, stylish, Modest Moda.

Confessions of A Stylist - Take II

Today, marked 13 days of wearing Hijab for me, Alhamdulillah. It hasn’t been as difficult as I thought it would be to adjust, but it hasn’t been as easy as I thought it would be in regards to people accepting the “new me” - who is very much, still the old me; only I feel more like myself than I ever have. As always, I am reminded that it can always be worse, and Alhamdulillah for everything good and bad. My uncle suggested this verse for me from Surah Ibrahim:

‎”How should we not put our trust in Allah when He hath shown us our ways? We surely will endure the hurt ye do us. In Allah let the trusting put their trust.” [Al-Quran 14:12]

May Allah ease the way for (all of) us and may he strengthen our hearts and minds.

Fashion struck back again, with Jun Takahashi’s F/W 2009 Couture show in Paris. What sort of message do you think these designers were trying to convey in regards to the ban? Well done, gentlemen …

Fashion struck back again, with Jun Takahashi’s F/W 2009 Couture show in Paris. What sort of message do you think these designers were trying to convey in regards to the ban?

Well done, gentlemen …

Confessions of A Stylist - Take 1

Today marked the 9th day of wearing Hijab for me, and I pray that Allah eases my way. It’s not as easy for me as it is for others. Going from a career in mainstream Fashion, to a more modest way of life is a huge change. But, Alhamdulillah it is not as difficult for me as it is for others, either. After all, I do have the freedom of wearing the Hijab, as I was born a Muslima.

My mission:

To integrate my skills as a Fashion stylist/writer into the Islamic apparel industry, and to gradually introduce my modest take on style to mainstream Fashion.

Some may not look at this as a difficult task, however, anyone who knows the ins and outs of the Fashion industry, knows that it attributes to just about all of the 7 deadly sins. I have to continue to be worthy of wearing the scarf; meaning I cannot expose myself to environments where non-halal activities are taking place, whether I am a part of those activities or not. I also do not want to promote style and fashion, and lose sight of the significance or guidelines of wearing Hijab, as I have seen all over the internet. Not to mention, I am a resident of South Florida - yes, the home of those who bare all. South Florida doesn’t have much of a Fashion scene as it is, and there isn’t enough of a market for what I plan on promoting. This is going to be a challenge, but I accept it and look forward to documenting my journey.

Salam.

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