~Little Muslim and Muslimah Gear~

aSalaam uAlaikum and Good Morning My Stylish Sisters!

Alhamdulillah today is a wonderful day...I got some wonderful news about my close friend who was going through some trying times and it just showed me again how Allah subhanahuwata'la is Most Merciful!!

Now, insh'Allah you all had a wonderful Jummah yesterday.  I had a great day relaxing, and spending time with my family alhamdulillah and doing my all time favorite past-time...

SHOPPING!!!

I didn't get anything for myself, I was shopping for some summer items for my daughter, and it gave me the idea that I should do a post about kid's clothes.  I don't know about you ladies, but my daughter is a fashionista in the making, and is already deciding which shoes should go with what.  She will flat out tell me "no" if I pick out an outfit she doesn't like, and has a serious love affair with her froggy rain boots.  (and we all know, galoshes NEVER go out of style!)

Well, The Children's Place had all of their new summery items out, and we picked up a few pieces from there.  I love that store because you can buy a few pieces that coordinate, and mix and match them according to the weather and event your child might wear them to. 

Childrens Place Girls Clothes:

~Right now they have these adorable roll up cargos in a variety of colors for both boys and girls, and they are on sale for $8.00.  They come in Sandal, Hot Rose, Dark Crocus and Frenchy colors for girls.  I got them in the "Frency" color for my daughter.~

~I got her this dip dyed smocked top to go with them, which is also available in colors that coordinate with the roll up cargos.~ 

 

~They also have some adorable summer dresses with coordinating shrugs.  I decided to stick with the same color scheme.~

Boy's Striped Polo

Boy's Roll Up Cargos in Magnet Color

(also available in Stone, New Navy, and Sandal)

~If you sign up for The Children's Place email mailings they usually will send you a coupon.  But, I was able to get a coupon code if you want to place an order online, it's good for 15% off your purchase of anything on their website.  Coupon Code# C99AA (expires 03/07/2010)~

Aeropostale Kid's Clothes:

~I can hear all of you saying "Aeropostale sells kid's clothes??" (Yeah, well until I decided to do this blog I had no idea they did either!) Unfortunately they start at size 7 for girls so the stuff is still too big for my daughter, but any Aeropostale fans out there check out their website! (I personally looove their sweats and casual wear for around the house, and they have GREAT sales)  They've got casual hoodies for boys and girls for around $10.00, and great school uniform pieces on sale now too.  They've also got nice jeans for both boys and girls from $16.99.~

Girl's Pintuck Blouse on Aeropostale.com

Girl's Hoodie on Aeropostale.com

Boy's Hoodie on Aeropostale.com

Boy's Fashion Jeans on Aeropostale.com

~And if you go to http://www.mycoupons.com/coupons/aeropostale.com you can get some great deals with Aeropostale graphic tees for boys for $3.99 and summer dresses for girls for $9.99.~

My Baby Rocks Kid's Clothes:

~I don't know about you but I love getting my daughter funky clothes from time to time to spice up her wardrobe, and My Baby Rocks has just those pieces I love.  Granted, they definitely have some strange (and sometimes inappropriate?) pieces, but all in all if you are looking for a black and leopard print tutu or a Bob Marley t-shirt for your three year old-this is the place!~

Infant Black and Leopard Tutu

Infant Boombox Dress

B is for Bob boy's tee

Target Kid's Clothes:

~I'm pretty sure you ladies have noticed by now that I am huge fan of Target.  In the last couple of years they have expanded their clothing and accessory departments and now you can find anything from pretty scarves to comfy loungewear, to trendy jewelry.  Their kid's clothing department is no exception, and they have some great pieces right now.  All of these are from Target.com.  You can go here to find a coupon for free shipping on any purchase of babies, infant, or women's clothing over $50.00 at Target.com.~ 

Infant Girl's Bubble Dress

Infant Boys Dress Set

And last but not least is where most of my husband's paychecks go....

Gymboree Kid's Clothes:

~Depending on where you are, you may also have a clothing store called Crazy 8, this is the same company, with much of the same merchandise.  So if you can't find something you like at one, there is a good chance you can find it at the other. I love Gymboree's website because you have the option of looking at the clothes in sets, including shoes and accessories.  This is a wonderful thing for busy moms everwhere!  They also sell some styles in both slim and husky sizes, which are sooo hard to find at many stores.~

Kid Girl's Daisy Set

Kids Boy's Dog Tales Set

So there you have it.  Some great options for our little Muslims and Muslimahs so they can be just as fashionable as we are.  If you are willing to take the time, it is always worth checking prices online before heading to the mall to do shopping for kid's clothes.  Also, mall stores have specific days they have sales, so pay attention to what days of the week you see sales signs, and try to shop on those days. (For The Children's Place and Gymboree their sales are usually the beginning of the week, near the end of each season) and don't forget to search for coupon codes when you are shopping online.  There is NO excuse to ever have to pay for shipping, there are always free shipping codes if you dig around.

Well ladies, I have another day of shopping ahead of me, so I must be off.  It was lovely spending some time with you (as always) and insh'Allah you've found some styles for your kiddos.

Ma'Salaama and Happy Shopping!

Fashionably Yours,

The Mujahada in Prada

~The Lazy Abaya Post~

aSalaam uAlaikum and Good Morning my Stylish Sisters...

I am going to be lazy today.  Ok, so it's not so much laziness as pure exhaustion.  The last thing I want to do is complain, because alhamdulillah I am so grateful to be blessed with the life I have.  But please forgive me if this post is quite simple compared to most, I couldn't stand skipping a day of chatting with you lovely ladies.

That is why I chose to share some of my favorite abaya styles that are available right now.  Whether you are a sister who wears abaya as an everyday staple, or a sister who wears them for special occasions or traveling to certain places I have done my best to try to represent an assortment of styles and color options.

This first website I am going to show you some styles from is actually not a muslimah website at all, and their abayas are not actually considered abayas, but caftans instead.  That doesn't diminish the fact that they are all beautiful, quality garments that can be tailored to your specific measurements.

I have drooled over this caftan for quite some time now, but haven't found an excuse to spend the money on it yet.  Beautiful deep purple coral design embroidary around the neckline and cuffs make this abaya unique and classy.  You can spend the money on it here. 

This abaya is from eastessence.com.  I have purchased three abayas from this website, and I was happy with all three, although I have known a couple of sisters who had trouble with the fabric staining easily.  They have a nice variety from very simple, to very fashionable, and have amazingly low prices.  You can get this one and many more if you go here.

This beautiful taupe abaya is from alhannah.com.  Personally I have never bought anything from this website, but I have heard good reviews about their products.  The majority of their abayas are quite simple and basic, but they do have some nice emroidered styles from time to time as well.  Moderately priced, and you can get them here.

This website is full of funky, fashionable jilbabs that have a cool, urban feel to them.  If you are the type of sister who likes to wear New Balance tennies with denim skirts, or old school Pumas with her jilbab, this is the website for you.  You can get this style and more here.

You just have to love the femininity and fluidity of shukronline abayas.  They have this and other brand new styles for Spring/Summer 2010 that are a must-have for any fashionista muslimah! You can get the cowl neck abaya (shown above) and many more if you go here.

Okay, so technically this doesn't qualify as abaya because it is sheer, but I had to include it because I own it, I love it, and I always get compliments on it whenever I wear it. At an amazing price, this beautiful abaya can be yours by going here.

This website is a great source for simple, everyday abayas at reasonable prices.  This one comes in two fabrics, and is perfect for daily use.  You can buy it here.

Okay...all I can say is Mash'Allah...this website has got some gorgeous abaya and gowns for special occasions. The prices are not something that most of us can afford to spend on any average abaya, but these are not your average abayas.  Beautiful for weddings, engagement parties, or other formal events you can find this "Tara" style caftan in Magenta (shown) or Jade, and other beautiful gowns here.

So there you have it my marvelous muslimahs...eight wonderful and unique abayas.  Insh'Allah you found one, or more, styles that appealed to you.  I find when it comes to buying abayas it may take a little experimenting until you find out just the style, just the size, and just the color that suits you best.  Whether you love the bright magenta caftan from Artizara.com, the chic black and white floral dress from GoModest.com, or the cool urban jilbab from IslamicDesignHouse.com somewhere out there is the perfect abaya for you.  Whether you prefer the simplicity of an all black abaya like at IslamicBoutique.com, or the embroidered elegance of the caftans at eShakti.com insh'Allah you find just the one you have in mind.  And if you have any great websites for abayas, please insh'Allah leave me a comment with the website so the rest of us sisters can see...

...or are you trying to keep them a secret? 

Ma'Salaama and Happy Shopping!

Fashionably Yours,

The Mujahada in Prada

~The Shoe-aholic~

aSalaam uAlaikum...My Name is Mujahada in Prada...and I am a shoe-aholic.

Ok, so you laugh, but seriously I have a major shoe habit, one that is starting to become more of an obsession..maybe verging on an addiction. ( at least it's halaal! )

And the thing is, I have a very strong feeling that it is not entirely my fault.  I believe it is actually hereditary in the women of my family.  My mom's closet is so full of shoes that she had to add a little rounder in the center just so she could fit some more in there!  Even my daughter (who is only two years old) has close to twenty pairs of shoes.  Ok...so I guess that one is my fault since I'm the one who buys them for her, but it's kind of a tradition.  We go to Dillards (my all time favorite place to buy shoes) and my mom buys me like three pairs of amazing shoes, so of course it's only fair that we go upstairs and I do the same for my daughter, right?  (Is there even any logic in that statement?? hmmmm)

Well anyways, my absolute favorite style of shoe is the clog.  Mule, clog...whatever you want to call it, they are the answers to any fashionable Muslimah's shoe desires.

They hide your feet.
They are comfortable.
They look great with pants, or skirts, or abayas, or whatever you choose to wear them with.

Now, before I go any further let me specify something.  I am NOT referring to those lunch lady style clogs that our grandmothers used to wear. 

(and no offense to any ladies who like those...they just simply are not my style)

I am talking about the new, funky, fun, feminine clogs that are back in style for this summer.  (yes I did say back in style!!!)  I cannot explain how overjoyed I was to be skimming through my March 2010 Lucky Magazine and find an article about these amazing foot accessories that we know as clogs and their re-emergence on the fashion scene. YAY!  Let's take a look, shall we??

Hellooooo there Sacagawea...those are NOT your average moccasins! (not really an average price either unfortunately)  "Tamara" style clog by Cynthia Vincent...available here.

If you can get past the weird name of this shoe, the wedge heel is fabulous and the rouched leather adds a bit to an otherwise mundane style...Blowfish Hedonic Wedge Clog..and you can find it here.

Just like the name says, these are the PERFECT traveling shoe...easy to slip on and off through security, comfortable, warm, and oh sooo cute!  Rocket Dog "Globetrot" and you can get them here.

Now these are a bit simple for my taste...I usually prefer something a little funkier, but I can totally picture how well these would go with some classy slacks and a nice tunic..Corso Como "Simple" available here.

Not sure why they couldn't take a couple of minutes to think of a better name for these...but nonetheless these are adorable...gotta love that tassle! Michael Kors Backless Women's Pumps...you can get them here.

My favorite pair of shoes at this moment.  I wear them with everything, and going everywhere.  You can put the strap up for more security, or wear it the way it's show.  Jessica Simpson Xain...find them here.

Matisse is probably my all-time favorite company for clogs.  These are adorable, the perfect combination of casual chic...Matisse "Taylor"...you can get them here.

Personally, these clogs by DSQUARED2 are a little out of my pricerange at the moment...but for those sisters who have a little extra cash to spend, these would add a great splash of color to any outfit! DSQUARED2 Sling Back "Pippi" and you can spend that extra cash here.

I own these in the white with turquoise combo...when I first found them I was a little apprehensive of buying white clogs, thinking I would have nothing to wear with them...but they quickly became my "go to" shoes in my closet...Matisse "Emmy"...and you can "go to" them here.

So I guess I should stop now.  When I told one of my close friends last night I was going to blog about shoes her reply was "What took you so long?".  I could easily go on and on about shoes, show you pictures of all my newest ones, or even explain to you all of the technical names for the different parts of shoes.  I sold them for four years at a high-end department store, which just worsened my addiction, and a few months ago when I was planning to move somewhere, but later changed my mind, I shipped 15 pairs and never got them back.  And I still have at least 30 pair in my closet now (but that is partially my mom's fault because she hides them there so my dad won't get mad LOL)  I know, it's bad...but I don't think they've made any support meetings for shoe-addicts.  If you know of any, please let me know...

Ma'Salaama and Happy Clogging!

Fashionably Yours,

The Mujahada in Prada

~What Did We Learn Today?~

aSalaam uAlaikum my Stylish Sisters...

I am on my way to insh'Allah get my eight hours (or probably more like six) but we haven't shared what we've learned lately, so I just wanted to get this post started before I nod off.

Please, feel free to share.  Whether it's a life lesson, an academic lesson, a fashion lesson, a parenting lesson...we all would love to hear it and insh'Allah learn it along with you!

So...today I learned two things.

#1: I learned that even when you are at your lowest, and you feel like you're standing on life's stage in front of an empty theatre, if you look hard enough you will always have one fan standing way in the back, clapping their heart out, and supporting you no matter how terrible your performance was.

#2: I learned that you absolutely cannot make a good leben-kiar (cucumber and yogurt salad) without mint.  It just doesn't work...that was a very sad lesson to learn today indeed.  Especially because the arabic store was already closed and my rice and kabob were ready.

Well ladies, goodnight.  Sweet dreams.  Allah Ma'aku.

Fashionably Yours,
The Mujahada in Prada

~We Are More Than Friends...We Are Sisters~

aSalaam uAlaikum my Stylish Sisters...

Insh'Allah you won't mind if I take a little detour with this post.  In light of some recent events in the life of one of my closest friends and our sister in Islam I feel a bit superficial gabbing on about clothes or shoes or handbags.

Instead I want to talk about something that is much more important in life: real, true friendship.  As Muslimahs we have the upper hand in this field, as a strong bond between us is actually something that is expected from us as Muslims.  We have been commanded by Allah subhanahuwata'la to choose our friends wisely, and to hold on to those friendships tightly.  Just as a man is instructed to choose his wife for her piety, so are we instructed to choose our friends:

'And hold fast, all of you together to the rope of Allah, and do not separate' (Noble Qu'ran 3:103)

We are told in the Qur'an that it is our responsibility to help protect eachother in times of need and that we are truly brothers (and sisters of course) so to treat eachother in this way.

'And the believers, men and women, are protecting friends of one another, they enjoin the right and forbid the wrong' (Noble Qu'ran 9:71)


'The believers are naught else than brothers. Therefore make peace between your brethren and observe your duty to Allah that ye may obtain mercy' (Noble Qu'ran 49:10)

I can clearly remember the excitement I felt when I first reverted to Islam and started meeting sisters in my area.  I remember I had absolutely no doubt in my mind that these ladies would be wonderful, caring, loving, and loyal friends because they were Muslims, and this was expected of us.

And I can clearly remember the disappointment when I realized that this was far from the truth.  I have had so many bad experiences with ladies who considered themselves good Muslims (and from the outside appeared to be such) who I later found out were backbiting me, lying to me, and in no unsure terms conning me.

So, alhamdulillah since my reversion those years ago,  I am so grateful to have found in my life a few true friends, and we are more than friends, we are Sisters.  We laugh together, cry together, have inside jokes and silly stories.  We have celebrated eachother's triumphs, and suffered eachother's pain.  We have given eachother advice, taken eachother's advice, and ignored eachother's advice.  We have learned together and grown together and taught eachother so much about life.

So it is so hard for me to see one of these friends, one of our sisters going through a real crisis right now.  For her privacy I will not name her name, nor will I tell her story but I will say this:

I love her for her strengths, but even more for her faults.  I love her for her beauty, and even more for her blemishes.  She has been there for me when I wanted to crawl into a hole and never come out, and insh'Allah I can be there for her as well.  It is times like these that I wonder, why must we always judge eachother? Why must we pick at eachother's imperfections instead of pointing out to eachother's value?  Instead of criticizing one another's weaknesses, why can't we extend a hand to help?  I am far from perfect, I am sure I've hurt people's feelings in the past, and will probably do so in the future.  But it is something I want to work on, and something I think we should all work on.  We are an Ummah; a community, a hodge-podge of races and cultures, backgrounds and demographics, and we all have one thing in common and that is our love for Allah swt and RasoolAllah.  So isn't that enough to bind us?  Isn't that enough to connect us in a way that petty problems and silly arguments cannot undo?

I think it is.  And insh'Allah you think it is.  Because I love my name twinnie, and my du'a is with her that Allah swt will give her the strength to face these trials and she will know that He tests whom He loves the most.

And insh'Allah we can all remember this in the future, because after all...we are more than just friends...
We Are Sisters.


Ma'Salaama and Allah Ma'aku.

Fashionably Yours,
The Mujahada in Prada

~7 Secrets For Healthy Skin~

aSalaam uAlaikum my Stylish Sisters!

Insh'Allah you've had a restful night's sleep, and if you have...great! That means you've already got one of these seven secrets down!

I find that skincare is especially important for hijabis, specifically those of us who choose not to wear any makeup.  We are baring our faces to the world, pores, pimples, laugh lines and all, so it's always a relief when you're having a good skin day.  So insh'Allah if we can put these secrets to use, we will have more good skin days, and fewer "Oh no...where did I put that concealor?" days.

Healthy Skin Secret #1: Catch Your Zzzzzzzz's (all 8 of 'em)
     See? I told you ladies who got your eight hours last night that you were ahead of the game!  Sleep is the most important thing we can do for ourselves to improve our skin. (and our general well-being)  Dr. Dennis Gross, a New-York based dermatologist, stresses the importance of eight hours of sleep every night.  It is shown that chronic lack of sleep can set off the human body's fight or flight response because fatigue causes a mild state of physiological panic.  This response triggers production of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, and prompts the body to divert more blood flow to the major internal organs, and away from the skin.  When our skin is deprived of this blood flow in this way it can become dull and pale.  Believe me, I know how hard it is for us moms, or career ladies, or students, to make sleep a priority, but it is a must!  Not just for our skin either, for our health in general.  So grab your pillows and blankies and go take a nap.

But wait...let's finish this article first.

Healthy Skin Secret #2: Your Output is Proportional to Your Input
     Okay, so that's actually an electrical term, but it's the same idea.  “When the arteries become clogged from an excess of fat in our diets, all of the tissues of the body, including the skin, receive less blood, oxygen, and nutrients,” says Dr. Gross.  If you eat fatty foods your skin quickly shows it by appearing dull, being less elastic, and unable to repair itself when plagued with any blemishes.  So try to incorporate more foods in your diet that are high in vitamins C and E and lycopene.  These include citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit, sunflower seeds, and tomatoes. These foods along with green tea, berries, broccoli, red grapes, garlic and spinach are wonderful antioxidants as well, which destroy free radicals and restore your skin's collagen and elastin. 

Healthy Skin Secret #3: Sweat it Out
     I would normally never consider sweating as a good thing, BUT if you are sweating because you are exercising then it is exactly what the doctor ordered.  Exercise improves your body's circulation and ensures an optimal flow of blood and nutrients to your skin, which help creates that glow I keep referring to.  Sweating also is the body's way of filtering out any unnecessary water or toxins.  Just be sure that if you wear makeup, you don't wear it while exercising, and always gently wash your face after your workout to rinse off any grime or oils you sweated out.

Healthy Skin Secret #4: Rinse, rinse, rinse...
     Okay, so the fifty rinses didn't jive with you (or maybe you haven't put it to the test) but either way, you have to find a beauty regimen that works for you.  It may take a little bit of experimenting, but in the long run it will pay off.  Remember your skin is a living, breathing organ (as creepy as that may sound) and so it will react as your body changes, your hormones fluctuate, and your lifestyle evolves.  Try to wear gloves when doing any cleaning to avoid making contact with any chemicals; in the winter (or if you have dry skin) try to keep your baths or showers to ten minutes or shorter, and use warm water instead of hot; try to use natural cleansers that don't strip your skin of its essential natural oils; if you have dry skin then use non-foaming creamy cleansers and always always ALWAYS moisturize after every shower, face-wash, and before bedtime.

Healthy Skin Secret #5: The Sun Is Your Enemy
     So I exaggerate. (a little)  But in reality, the sun can be very dangerous to the health of our skin.  Always wear sunblock on your face, or at the least use sunscreen or foundation with an SPF of 20.  Those of us who wear hijab don't really have to be concerned with all-over sunscreen, but for those sisters who don't: make sure to wear sunscreen every single day. (just on your trips to the beach is not enough)  Protect your skin in the winter too by wearing gloves and scarves to protect against the cold or wind.    

Healthy Skin Secret #6: Remember What I Said About No Scrubbing?
     Well... that wasn't entirely true.  You do need to exfoliate once a week or so to remove dead skin that can otherwise make skin thicker, rougher, and less radiant.  Exfoliating is also important because it allows your skin to benefit more from your mosturizer. For those sisters with dry skin, simply using a washcloth that is damp with warm water is enough.  Gently rub the washcloth against your skin in a circular motion, then rinse with warm water.  For those sisters with normal to oily skin you can use a moisturizer or cleanser that contains alpha hydroxy or beta hydroxy (salicylic) acid to exfoliate more aggressively. But never rub too hard, or for too long, and always moisturize immediately.

Healthy Skin Secret #7: Humidity is a Good Thing
     Are you tired of hearing me say moisturize?  Because I'm going to say it one more time.  Moisturize!  In the winter, or more arid parts of the world this is especially important.  Always apply a good, natural lotion to your skin especially when it is cold outside.  Also, using a cool-mist humidifier can help stave off dry skin, and range from $17.00 to $60.00 depending on the model.  You can find cool-mist humidifiers here.  In the summer avoid staying in the ocean or swimming pools for too long, and stay out of the sun as much as possible.  Also if you are a frequent traveler, those airplane cabins have almost zero percent humidity, so moisturize before, during, and after your flights.

So there you have it.  Seven steps to a truly fabulous face, an excellent epidermis, a gorgeous glow!  I will just add one more if you don't mind...

Healthy Skin Secret #8: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
     Notice I didn't say moisturize? LOL...  No seriously, I mean drink a lot of water, green tea, or natural fruit juices to replenish your body of the fluids that it loses throughout the day.  Especially after exercising or eating, it is very important that we drink at least eight, eight ounce glasses of water every day.  If you want to read more about the importance of water in our diet go here.  It is not only important for our skin health, but our overall body health so don't wait to rehydrate only when you're thirsty, take along a fashionable and earth friendly water bottle with you like these wherever you go.

Well, I don't know about you but I am off to do some yoga.  So go ahead, take a skin-loving snooze or do some step aerobics...but don't forget to wash your face when you're done.  Oh and....moisturize!!

Ma'Salaama and Happy Hydrating!

Fashionably Yours,
The Mujahada in Prada

I must give credit where credit is due.  Sources: Healthy Skin Secrets, Top Ten Antioxidant Foods, Water, How Much Should You Drink Every Day?

~A Louis or an Ewwwwy?~

aSalaam uAlaikum and Good Morning my Stylish Sisters!

How are the fifty rinses working out for you? Are you glowing yet? If not, don't give up...you'll see soon and say "wow that Mujahada girl really knows what she's talking about!!"

Anyways, I have so many things to catch up on today so insh'Allah you won't mind if today's post is tres petite.  I will do my best to make it up to you wonderful women tomorrow insh'Allah.

So I thought today I would quickly explain the five easiest ways to be able to discern if that Fendi you got online is fake, or if that Coach is a counterfeit.  With more and more fashionista Muslimahs living busier lives it is very tempting to go online to buy that name brand handbag you've been pining over, especially when many times you can get them between 25-50% off retail price. 

BUT...beware!!  You have to be very careful about purchasing these items online. (or from the guy on the corner, or the lady selling them out of her car)  Sometimes these are stolen, and sometimes they are fake, but either way...if it's not the real thing then you should not have to pay the real price.

Real or Rip-off Rule #1:  Price
If anything in this life seems too good to be true, then it probably is...and that rule applies here.  Any site that is selling a brand new Louis for less than louisvuitton.com is selling a Phooey- not a Louis. (excluding department stores who may be having real sales)  And many designers don't sell brand-new items online at all (Chanel is one such design house) so they are probably either counterfeit or stolen, either way they are off-limits.

Real or Rip-off Rule #2: Pictures
Do not purchase a hand bag from a seller who is using stock photography. In other words: if the photo does not look like they took it themself, or if you see the same photo elsewhere stay away.  Always request specific shots of the bag you are buying, including close-ups of stampings, zipper heads, and date code/serial numbers.

Real or Rip-off Rule #3: Verification 
For example: On Louis Vuitton bags the manufacturing country along with the month and year of production is always provided, and you can look these up online to make sure they match up.  If the bag is stamped Made In France, but the code indicates it was made in China then it is a fake.  Also Chanel bags have a unique serial number that determines the age of the item, and you can verify those online as well.

Real or Rip-off Rule #4: Return Policy
Don't be embarrassed to ask someone what their return policy is, if they have a flexible policy then it shows that they have nothing to hide.


Real or Rip-Off Rule #5: Ask An Expert
If you are still in doubt you can go to Purse Forum and click on the Authenticate This section.  You can post pictures of the item, and their in-house pros will let you know if it's a Louis or an Ewwwy based on the symmetry, stitching, and hardware of the handbag.
 

Now, just for the fun of it. 

Can anyone tell me which of these is the Louis, and which is the Ewwy?

Bag #1

Bag #2

Well ladies, as usual it's been fun.  But I must be off to start my day, insh'Allah I will be back tomorrow with more modest musings and fashionable fun!

Ma'Salaama and Happy Shopping!

Fashionably Yours,

The Mujahada in Prada

I must give credit where credit is due: Lucky Magazine, March 2010 pg.72

~Trenches, Tuxedos, and Blazers...Oh My!~

aSalaam uAlaikum and how are you my Stylish Sisters??

Insh'Allah your weekend has been lovely so far, and if you live in a country where your weekend was over yesterday, then...well insh'Allah you have had a wonderful start to your week!

As I'm sure you are all well aware, one of the biggest fashion events of the year is happening right now in New York City- Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week!  This year it runs from February 11th-18th, and as always, is full to the brim of all of the couture pieces that will soon be made into ready-wear garments and trickle down through Bloomingdales, to Macy's, and eventually Forever21, TopShop, and other trendy stores.

I've decided it would be fun to pick a trend that is emerging from the Fashion Week catwalks and try to find comparable pieces at prices that those of us with who have mortgages, car payments, and kids can afford.  One of my biggest pet peeves in magazines, and on fashion sites is when the non-designer item looks NOTHING like the original, so insh'Allah I have gotten as close as possible...but I am also keeping in the back of mind that I am trying to find comparable pieces that, as Muslimahs, we can actually wear.  (a feat that is not as easy as it may sound)

The trend I've chosen today is jackets.  From deconstructed to ultra-structured, from flowing capes to military style, and from leather to boucle tweeds, jackets are a huge part of this year's show. 

Mash'Allah jackets are a wonderful garment for fashionista Muslimahs, because they are something that we can wear modestly, and still look well put-together and stylish.  For those of us who do not wear abayas (and mash'Allah to those of you who do!) a nice long, lightweight jacket can be the perfect attire for any occasion.

So here are some of my favorite picks...enjoy!

The Cropped Front Jacket

Very funky, with a shorter length in the front, there were variations of this style jacket in everything from leather to wool.  This example is from Alexander Wang's Fall/Winter 2010 collection.

And here is a wonderful adaptation of this style for everyday wear from Lulus.com

The Boyfriend Blazer

For us this style would be the husband blazer LOL...but you get my point!  This one is from DKNY.

And here is a very cute, and affordable variation, from Asos.com

The Jacket Dress

It's a jacket...no it's a dress...well it's kind of both.  Very chic, very trendy, this one is from Bersoni:

And this one is from C.C. Couture by way of Overstock.com

The Military Jacket

This style is nothing new, but is still going strong, with variations by every designer from Chanel to Roberto Cavalli.  This one is by Chanel for their Pre-Fall 2010 collection.

And here is one from Newport News.

(which I love so much I own in two colors...word of advice: get it in a size bigger than you normally wear so it's not so form fitting)

The Feminine Trench

Probably my favorite jacket out there is the feminine trench that was introduced by Burberry Prorsum (which makes sense, because they were the first designer of the trench) This year it was released in pastels and satins, with interesting sleeves, rouching, and details.

And here is a gorgeous variation that is definitely on my Must Have list.  Available on Overstock.com, and designed by Jessica Simpson.

 

The Cropped Tuxedo

I left this style for last because it is next to impossible for those of us who wear hijab to be able to wear this cute little number, anywhere other than around the house.  But it is so adorable I couldn't pass up mentioning it.  This one is by Dolce and Gabbana.

And who better to do a great copy of this style than Forever21

So there you have it.  Alhamdulillah, one of the hottest trends this coming seasons is one that we can actually partake in.  I can think of nothing easier and more chic than a great jacket with some wide leg trousers or a long skirt, a coordinating scarf and some accessories to look like the fashionista muslimah you are!  Oh, and of course- don't forget those marvelous mules that are a must-have for this summer...but we'll save that for next time...

  

Ma'Salaama and Happy Shopping!

Fashionably Yours,

The Mujahada in Prada