~Superstar Style...at a Pauper's Price~

aSalaam uAlaikum and Good (very early) Morning My Stylish Sisters!

I know, I know...where have I been?  Why has it taken me soooo long to get back with you lovely ladies?

Well honestly I have no good answer to that.  I could say my life is a little crazy right now, but let's be honest- whose life isn't?

So, instead I will offer a sincere apology, pour you a cup of peppermint tea and get started.

As all of you ladies know, there is NOTHING I love more than a fabulous find at a friendly price.  That's why I was overjoyed to find sooo many amazing accessories out there right now that won't leave me eating Top Ramen for a week after buying them.  There is absolutely no reason not to look your best this summer when there are such beautiful bargains out there!  Here are a few of my absolute favorites:

Et Tu, Brutes?

Can you believe that these fabulous sandals are only $29.99?  Available at Target.com they are by designer Cynthia Vincent and were previously available in Cognac (as pictured) and Yellow (which is now sold out).  I can't think of a better combination than gladiator sandals (LOVE!) and sky-high wedges (DOUBLE LOVE!)

Boho Beach Bag

Oversized and slouchy, this bag can go from the beach to a night out with the hubby! The perfect combination of dressy (with all the ethnic-inspired beading and embroidery) and casual (it's canvas!)  It's only $23.80 and is available at Forever21.com.

Cuff 'Em

Ok, wow!  These supersized beaded bangles come in various colors and can be easily paired with any outfit from a plain white tunic and khakis, to a beautiful bohemian skirt and heels.  Perfect for a coffee date with your closest girlfriends, or a real date with your soulmate, these bracelets look high fashion, but are available at the super low price of $28.00 at Athleta.gap.com.

A Little Bling

Ok, so it's a lot of bling, but for only a few bucks! You all know my obsession with cocktail rings, and what makes this one amazing is it's combination of a vintage feel, with a supersleek modern design.  Perfect with that brown abaya and cream scarf, or denim skirt and tunic this ring is the perfect pairing of bling and elegance.  What could make it even better? It's only $25.00 and is available at Topshop.com.

From sky-high Caesar sandals, to boho-princess bangles, this summer's styles are both super chic, and super cheap.  And really, what could be better than that? 

Ma'Salaama and Happy Bargain Shopping!

Fashionably Yours,

The (checkbook-balancing) Mujahada in Prada

~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