~And Now I Am A Nine....~

aSalaam uAlaikum and Good Evening My Stylish Sisters...

I know it's been a loooong time since we last saw eachother, and I'm so sorry!  It's crazy to me sometimes how quickly time passes subhan'Allah.  It seems like only yesterday I was sitting down at my laptop, determined to start a blog where I could express myself and my views on topics important to me, and now we've had over two years together!  When I sat down this evening to check in with my favorite fashionista muslimahs, and noticed it's been almost two months since we last visited, I was shocked and ashamed at how negligent I had been! 

Well, anyways, I'm glad to be back, and I hope insh'Allah that you ladies are glad too.

I guess the biggest news to share with you is that I've lost some weight! Yay Me!  I was so fed up with not feeling comfortable in my own skin, that I made a conscious decision to make some changes in the way I was living my life, and alhamdulillah it has definitely paid off!

The first step to my transformation was a Detox Diet that I did for one whole week.  I didn't eat any dairy, meat, white flour, sugar or caffeine for seven days.  It was hard to stick with (it doesn't sound too hard, but once you start thinking of all of the things you normally eat, you'll realize they probably have one or more of what I just named) but alhamdulillah I was able to finish the week, only cheating once because I ate two Ritz crackers.  Since I finished the diet, my cravings for chips and sweets have pretty much disappeared, and I get full much faster than I did before.  Two months ago I was a size 14....and now I am a nine!!  Insh'Allah I can keep it up and get close to my pre-baby weight so I can feel comfortable with myself once more.

One of the best things about losing weight is that all of your clothes stop fitting anymore which means YOU HAVE TO BUY NEW ONES!!!  My mom and I planned a Girl's Day together, and this past week that "Girl's Day" turned into three "Girl's Day"s in a row!  It was a great Mother's Day present to eachother to spend the day chatting, lending support, enjoying eachother's company, and of course encouraging eachother to spend way too much money LOL.  I can't wait until my own girls are old enough that they enjoy these girl's days with me, the way I've always loved them with my mom.

Because work has been picking up alhamdulillah, and there is a possibility that my position within the company might change sometime in the next few months, I decided that I should invest in a few classy business pieces.  I had never shopped much at Express in the past, but I decided to check out what they had, and ladies....I think I may have found my new favorite store.  They had beautiful suit jackets of varying lengths, colors, and fabrics...the most adorable collared short-sleeve shirts in tons of colors to wear under them, and some of the nicest quality jeans I've seen since Seven Jeans went downhill.  I decided to wait on the jeans until I got down to my ultimate weight goal (they were pretty pricey for jeans I will insh'Allah only be wearing for a month or so until I lose more weight), but I got a suit jacket and this adorable shirt to wear under my work blazers in a few different colors. 

Okay, so it's hard to picture how well it can hijabified just by looking at this picture, but I wear these tops with a tank underneath (just in case my scarf rides up) with a longer blazer (like the one below by Ann Taylor) and loose fitting trousers or a skirt and (of course) a pinstriped, or color-block scarf.  All in all, these are basically a professional-looking pop of color to go with your business suit.

Ladies, if you live here in the United States, and live anywhere that the seasons actually change and tank tops and short skirts are the only thing available in the summer, then you KNOW how impossible it is to find nice, modest, cotton clothing that will be cool, yet still modest enough for the summer months.  That's one reason I loved Express so much, the store had plenty of long skirts, long sleeve cotton shirts, and tunic length tops to be just the right amount of "fashionable", while still maintaining the vital "modest" factor!  I have definitely found my new favorite store!

Well my Amazing Muslimahs, I would love to sit and chat all night, but unfortunately my java is wearing off, and my eyes are slowly drooping.  I must be off to get my beauty sleep (I need as much as I can get LOL), and to dream about the chocolate cakes and potato chips I can longer eat.  It was lovely to see you ladies again, and insh'Allah I will be back sooner than later.

Ma'Salaama and Happy Healthy Eating!

Fashionably Yours,
The (Size Nine...yay!) Mujahada in Prada

~Shoes...Stress....and Renewed Opportunities~

aSalaam uAlaikum and Good Evening My Stylish Sisters!!!

It's late here...after one in the morning, and as I sit here enjoying the peace and quiet that finally fills my busy home after another long day...I decided it was about time for me to catch up with all you ladies and find out what's been going on in YOUR busy lives...

Alhamdulillah everything has been going a bit better here.  I have found different ways to try to ease my anxiety a bit.  I've made attempts to come to grips with the fact that with a preschooler and toddler in the home chances are that at least 50% of the common areas in my home will be covered with toys laying about....no matter HOW many times I try to pick up during the day.  I've also realized that if I am constantly worried about where I'm going next and what I need to get done next...that I can't really enjoy what's going on NOW. 

I need to bake more.  (Random....I know)

Anyways....I've gotten totally addicted to this website called www.shoedazzle.com.  In case any of you amazing Muslimahs are new to my blog....I am completely, totally and helplessly addicted to shoes.  Stilettos, Wedges, Sandals, Peep Toes, Pumps, Platforms, Ballet Flats, Espadrilles....you name it.  Shoedazzle is this website where you go fill out a short profile about yourself, and name some of your preferences in shoes and they will specifically select a small selection of shoes for you each day.

I haven't placed an order...yet.  I've been trying to restrain myself until dh gets his tax returns.  But, I'm not sure how much longer I can wait. 

Alhamdulillah we had an amazing time with dh's cousin while she was here.  She has young children, one around my daughter's age, and they had a blast with eachother for the week they were here.  Seeing my princess having so much fun with someone her age, (then feeling guilty she didn't know any kids her own age) I decided to enroll her in some classes to keep the two of us busy and spending time together.  She started her classes this past week and alhamdulillah LOVED them.

While dh's cousin was here we started to discuss business ideas.  As you ladies know I am already somewhat of an entrepreneur, having started my jewelry line Love Nyla a couple of years ago, but I have about a million and one other ideas for business....we've just been waiting until we could save up the capital to start one of them.  She, on the other hand, has the capital and no ideas!  We sat and chatted about different ideas I have and decided to focus on one in particular....so I'm starting to draw up a business plan now.

I mean, how exciting is THAT?  As soon as I decide to stop sitting around the house complaining about not feeling well, and actually get busy doing things...an opportunity fell into my lap!  When Allah swt closes the door...He opens a window. 

Anywho, I've noticed more and more through close observation of friends and family members that women tend to overlook themselves way too much.  I mean, not to sound like some bra-burning feminist or anything, but we truly ARE the backbone of every single successful family unit.  It is the woman who is there for her children, her husband, her parents, and her in-laws through thick and thin, yet we practically never take the time to spoil ourselves!

That's why recently I've tried my best to make myself a priority at least one day a week (okay it's turned into more like one day a month....but whatever).  Although I feel a bit guilty spending the money, it really does help the stress levels to go once in a while and get that mani/pedi, or new hairdo (yes- even hijabis should have their hair styled once in a while!) or just a day to grab lunch and a movie with some sisters.  Alhamdulillah I have a hubby who completely agrees, and even encourages me (probably because he enjoys my less frequent nervous breakdowns LOL).  My sensational sisters, please do take a bit of time to yourselves to do those things you used to enjoy doing pre-baby/marriage/career days!  You deserve it!

Anywho, I know this post was completely random...insh'Allah I will be back to my normally sheduled program soon and actually have some fashion posts for you.  In the meantime, go grab that Starbucks or Tim Hortons and read the newest People magazine while pampering your tootsies! (then enjoy the look on the manicurist's face when you say "No polish, please!" LOL)

Ma'Salaama and Merry Manicuring!

Fashionably Yours,
The (Totally Scatterbrained) Mujahada in Prada

~Every Day is Thanksgiving~

aSalaam uAlaikum and Happy Thanksgiving My Stylish Sisters!

I know, I know I'm late.  I'm sorry.  Yesterday was a totally hectic, yet totally abnormal Thanksgiving.  As I sit here eating wayyyy too much leftover pumpkin pie with an enormous dollop of Cool Whip, it occurs to me that in reality, I am blessed enough to celebrate Thanksgiving almost every day with my husband and my wonderful in-laws.

Okay, so technically we are not celebrating the day of a peaceful feast occurring between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans, but really....do we even know for sure if or when that day ever happened?  The pictures of 'The First Thanksgiving' that fill our textbooks as children, or hang on classroom walls in the fall seems so staged.  There is always one Native American greatfully accepting a plate of food from a Pilgrim woman, even though it was the Native Americans who knew how to grow the food needed to survive...NOT the other way around.  And the pilgrims are always sitting around, plumply satisfied with a huge feast of turkey, sweet potatoes and other veggies, even though I'm pretty sure they were close to starving and miserable in their new surroundings.  But...as usual, I digress.

Although we're not celebrating Thanksgiving....we ARE celebrating thanks giving.

You see, the average American loves this day because it's a day that families come from far and wide, to simply sit down and enjoy a meal.  To tell stories of the past, share memories, pay tribute to those no longer with us, and celebrate the accomplishments of those who are.  It's usually a day of laughter, love, and gratitude for all of the blessings bestowed on us.

Do you know what that sounds like to me?

It sounds like an average lunch at my mother in law's house. 

Alhamdulillah I married a man whose family feels it is so important to stay close to eachother, that up until a year ago we ALL lived in the same apartment complex!  We have an amazing grandma who loves nothing more than cooking a huge meal, and sitting with us and a cup of tea, sharing stories from times long gone.  My mother in law's door is always wide open for us to come in and eat, and her ear is always available to hear what is troubling us.  A small, weekday lunch at my mother in laws is usually between 15-20 people, and any special occasion that we can use as an excuse to have Mensaf, or Grape Leaves, or a Kharouf usually hosts upwards of 35!  We have days of laughter, love, and showing our gratitude at least three times a week alhamdulillah!

Thanksgiving does not need to consist of an oversized bird, with specified sides and pumpkin pie (although pumpkin pie is absolutely delicious!) all it needs to consist of is giving thanks.  And you can do that any day.

Ma'Salaama and Happy Thanks Giving

Thankfully Yours,
The (who wants another slice of pie?) Mujahada in Prada

P.S.  One thing I am deeply thankful for is all of my customers on my website http://www.lovenyla.com/.  To show my deep thanks, I am having a two day only sale! 25-26 of November.  Check it out, and use coupon code FREESHIP25 in order to get free shipping on top of the amazing discounts I'm already offering.

~Love Nyla's Blog is Up!~

aSalaam uAlaikum and Good Evening My Stylish Sisters...

I just wanted to stop in quickly to let you know that I have (finally) launched my other blog for Love Nyla Designs (my handmade jewelry line).

It's been a long time coming, but I decided that it was necessary to have a nice place for customers, potential customers, and even critics to get together and address any questions, comments, or critiques they have for me or my merchandise.

I will also (and here comes the fun part) be giving you amazing Muslimahs some helpful hints about things like cleaning your sterling silver jewelry with normal, everyday household goods as well as fun ways to use my handmade hijab pins, interesting facts about the different materials that I use, and random jewelry related anecdotes.

I'm hoping insh'Allah that you ladies will join me on my other blog and help to support a fledgling, muslimah owned small business.  In return I will make sure that whenever I have coupon codes, special sales, or contests, YOU sisters will be the first to know!

Click Here To Check Out Love Nyla's Blog

Ma'Salaama and Happy Blogging!

Lovingly Yours,
The (thanks for the support!) Mujahada in Prada 

~So Happy To See You Again!~

aSalaam uAlaikum and Good Evening My Stylish Sisters!

Let me pour you a cup of coffee and plump a pillow for you, it's been far too long since we've chatted and I've missed you terribly.  Insh'Allah everything has been more than wonderful for each and every one of you faithful followers and for your families as well.

As usual my life has been busy busy busy.  Alhamdulillah both of the girls are getting bigger by the day, I have been struggling to keep up with them and their hilarious tactics, and my husband has been struggling to keep up with all of us. 

I love this time of the year.  Even though we don't actually celebrate Christmas, here in the United States the time between Halloween and New Years is one that just has a certain electricity in the air.  The mall is bustling and full of wonderful smells and even more wonderful sales.  I love the Christmas lights that people hang around on trees and their houses, and I love how people (in general) seem to get just a bit kinder to eachother.

One of the reasons that I have been so busy lately is because alhamdulillah my business http://www.lovenyla.com/ has gotten super busy lately.  My husband is amazing at marketing my product, and always encouraging me when I'm starting to lose hope.  I have a brand new and soooo beautiful collection coming out that is much more in tune with my personality than the previous one was.  I will be starting another blog dedicated solely to my jewelry and my jewelry-making adventures, so insh'Allah once it is up and running I will invite all of you to follow me there as well.

I also do have to admit that recently I have been struggling a bit with some stress and anxiety issues.  I would never normally share something like that, and I only am sharing it with you with the plea that you will keep my in your du'a and prayers because THAT, my friends, is our most powerful weapon.  The power of positive thinking, fear of Allah swt, and collective prayer.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Anywho, enough of the blah blah blah.  Insh'Allah I will be back posting up a storm and blabbing your ears off with lots of irrelevant stories and irreverant advice.

Ma'Salaama and Happy to see you again!

Fashionably Yours,
The (timidly optimistic) Mujahada in Prada

~There is nothing better than beautiful jewelry....unless it's free beautiful jewelry!~

aSalaam uAlaikum and Good Evening My Stylish Sisters...


Insh'Allah I will continue telling you all about my latest home improvement projects and recent going-ons in my next post, but right now I have to share this amazing contest that Love Nyla is having. What is Love Nyla? Well it's a little company, Muslimah owned and operated, that sells handmade sterling silver and Swarovski crystal hijab pins, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and charms. They have some adorable things on their website, and in order for them to make room for the new stuff they're coming out with soon, they are having a contest.

The first prize winner will get a $75.00 coupon code, second prize is a $35.00 coupon code, and third prize is a $15.00 coupon code along with free shipping for life on anything on their website.

All you have to do is log into Facebook (I KNOW you have a FB account!), find Love Nyla (the business) and make a post on their wall letting them know you want to participate. They have the full instructions on their home page, but the gist of it is this:

                      After you let them know you want to participate in their contest, they will send you a code word. You contact all of your FB friends and let them know that you are taking part in a contest, and you have them "Like" Love Nyla's page and post a sentence that uses the code word you gave them.

I think whoever refers the most people to Love Nyla's page will also win a prize for the friends they referred, so it's worth their while to participate!

Anyways, just had to share the great news with you amazing Muslimah! Should be fun reading all those silly sentences people will come up with!


Ma'Salaama and Good Luck!

Fashionably Yours,
The (may the best sister win!) Mujahada in Prada

~Sale Alert! Sale Alert!~

aSalaam uAlaikum and Good Evening My Stylish Sisters...

Could there possibly be anything better in this world than absolutely fabulous, handmade, one of a kind hijab pins???

YES!!!

It's absolutely fabulous, handmade, one of a kind hijab pins ON SALE!!!

My all time favorite hijab pin designer LoveNyla is having a 40-60% off sale on their Limited Edition Fashion Hijab Pins, and Classic Hijab Pin collections!  These pins are amazing, it's like wearing a little piece of art on your scarf every time you walk out of your door!

Here's the catch.....(there's always a catch, isn't there?)

These pins are NOT featured on their website LoveNyla.com.....they are ONLY available on their Facebook Fan Page.

Better get there soon before I buy them all up myself!

Ma'Salaama and Happy Shopping!

Fashionably Yours,
The (you can never have too many hijab pins) Mujahada in Prada

~Wow!~

aSalaam uAlaikum and Good Morning My Stylish Sisters!

Insh'Allah I will be back soon with a much longer post, but for now I had to let you amazing muslimahs know that Love Nyla is having a HUGE sale!!!! Everything is 25-50% off!

Love Nyla

There are some amazing designs at even more amazing prices right now!  Sterling Silver bracelets with Swarovski Crystal charms, Sterling Silver Key Necklaces, Beautiful Hijab Pins, Stunning Chandelier Earrings, and more!

Yay! I'm excited!  Insh'Allah you ladies get some great things before the sale runs out!

Ma'Salaama and Happy Jewelry Shopping!

Fashionably Yours,
The (Swarovski Crystal-loving) Mujahada in Prada

~Another Sale!~

aSalaam uAlaikum and Good Evening My Stylish Sisters!

As if my earlier post wasn't enough, in celebration for Ramadan coming, the entire selection of hijab pins at http://www.lovenyla.com/ are 25% off right now!

YAY!  Don't you just LOVE sales?  I'm thinking of just getting all of my Eid shopping done now!  (and maybe getting myself a couple of things too!)

Ma'Salaama and (as always) Happy Shopping!

Fashionably Yours,
The (shop-a-holic) Mujahada in Prada

~Hot Mama Muslimah!~

aSalaam uAlaikum and Good Evening My Stylish Sisters!

This blog entry is dedicated to one amazing Muslimah in particular.  In celebration of her newly announced pregnancy (mabrook again habibti!!) I thought it would be fun to do some searching for some highly fashionable, hijabi-fied outfits for those mommy-to-be Muslimahs.  Some fun, some classic, and all modest enough to cover the necessary parts even when you're ready to pop, here are some of my top picks for muslimah maternity wear:

Mama Muslimah "Baby Blue" Outfit

Mama Muslimah Baby Blue Outfit by LoveNyla on Polyvore.com

Cotton Long Sleeve Top in Brown
$37 - bellablumaternity.com

Paisley Pashmina Hijabs
2.50 GBP - alhijabworld.com

Forever21.com - Love21 - Maternity - 2000003035
$28 - forever21.com

Product: Kenneth Cole Reaction "Flower Gem" Sandal
$50 - dillards.com

Pugster.com: Silver Foil White And Blue Flower Pattern Brown Murano...
$26 - pugster.com

pictures 4 polyvore Home - pictures 4 polyvore
thereagency.com

Flared Maternity Long Jean Skirt
denimskirts.com

Mama Muslimah "Crayola Colors" Outfit:

Mama Muslimah Crayola Colors Outfit by LoveNyla on Polyvore.com

Square Hijab, Islamic Scarf, Buy,Italian Scarves,Mortada,Head Scarf -...
$13 - starscarves.com
More scarves »

Set of 4 Copper-Tone Wood Bangles : Target
$13 - target.com

Mossimo® Black Women's Kimono Sleeve Maxi Dress - Yellow XXL : Target
$50 - target.com

Cotton Long Sleeve Top in Sweet Potato
$37 - bellablumaternity.com

Report Copper Women's Dara Shoe
$86 - shoes.com

pictures 4 polyvore Home - pictures 4 polyvore
thereagency.com

Antique Copper Fashion Alert Medical ID Bracelet :: Medical ID's ::...
colonialmedical.com

Fashion Jewelry Copper-colored Jardiniere Vase with Colorful Crystal...
sourcingmap.com

Mama Muslimah Classy Kimono Outfit:

Mama Muslimah Classy Kimono Outfit by LoveNyla featuring GAP maternity

Kimono Dress
bellablumaternity.com
More dresses »

Gap Semi demi panel skinny jeans (dark wash)
$30 - gap.com
More GAP maternity »

Cheap Gucci Silk Scarf for sale
$109 - scarfonlineshop.com

Paris Hilton Tasso at Zappos.com
$73 - zappos.com

Small Under Scarf Caps,Hejab,Hijab,Amira Hijab, Head Scarves -...
$4.99 - starscarves.com

Point 925 Jewellery - Silver cuff bangle bracelet
point925jewellery.co.uk
More bracelets »


This post has just inspired me to do many more Polyvore Preggo outfits for our Hot Mama Muslimahs, so I may be back with more! But hubby is calling, lunch needs a-cooking, and the day is young so I am off for now! Insh'Allah you enjoy the sets I've thrown together, and if any of you fabulously fashionable followers have any other great preggy websites with hijabi-worthy pieces, please post them in the comments!!

For now,
Ma'Salaama and Mash'Allah to all our Mama Muslimahs!
(and the rest of you stylish sisters too!)

Fashionably Yours,
The (Is it just the cute preggy clothes, or am I having baby fever?) Mujahada in Prada

~The Purple Tree~

aSalaam uAlaikum and Good Evening My Stylish Sisters!

I am soooo excited to see all of you!  Please, let me pour you a cup of tea...or coffee.  Have some goodies to snack on, and relax...I am so happy to finally catch up with you again!

I sincerely hope that each and every one of you have been doing well since we last met insh'Allah.  I hope you all know that my disappearance had nothing to do with you lovely ladies, but was a combination of my life getting a little extra crazy, and me being a little extra lazy.  My family and I have had to move three (yes THREE) times within the last month due to reasons beyond our control.  We were able to take a short vacation in the middle of it, which made a truly stressful time a bit more bearable, and now FINALLY we have put down roots in a new area, with new surroundings, and loved ones nearby ALHAMDULILLAH!

The only thing about our new place is that I feel I am living in a sort of ghost town.  I know that sounds strange...we are, after all, in a city of ummmm like almost 10 million people.  The view from my balcony is one that would be next to impossible to get anywhere around here-it is literally a huge empty field with one gorgeous purple tree in the center.  This beautiful tree, although tall and healthy looking seems a bit sad to me for one reason.

Not even five years ago all of these fields were houses.  Homes...memories.  Children running and laughing, mothers cooking for their kids, fathers kissing their wives before going off to work, young couples planning their lives together.  I almost hear the echos of these people when I sit on my veranda at night.

All of these houses, these homes, were bulldozed.  All to make way for an expansion of a multi billion dollar a year business.  I know in a way it is a positive change.  The expansion of this business will of course provide jobs for hundreds of people and will boost the city's economy.  And these people were not kicked out of their homes, they were given sizable settlements to ensure they could rebuild their lives elsewhere.  But, I have to wonder...do any of them return?  Just to drive down the street and imagine where their home once stood?  To remember that special barbeque they had for their child's birthday, or where they themselves took their first ride on a bike?  These homes were over 50 years old, if not older...and I'm sure that although the houses are all gone, the memories are all still standing.  Just like that beautiful tree....left to sway in the wind and remember.......until it is bulldozed too.

Now before I go, I would like to cheer us all up a bit with some positive news.  Despite all of the recent turmoil and transplantation of my family and me, I am excited to announce that Love Nyla finally has their website up and running!  Mash'Allah the site is amazing, with some beautiful pieces of jewelry ranging from earrings to necklaces to hijab pins.  And of course, their gorgeous customizable charm bracelets.  I definitely urge you sisters to check it out at http://www.lovenyla.com/.  Let me know if you found anything, and share with us what you got!! There is nothing better than buying a fabulous new piece of jewelry, except showing off a fabulous new piece of jewelry to your good friends!

Ma'Salaama and Happy Memory Making.

Sentimentally Yours,
The (Purple Tree Loving) Mujahada in Prada

~Love Nyla~

aSalaam uAlaikum and Good Evening My Stylish Sisters!

Sorry this post is so short but I HAD to share the great news!  The Love Nyla website is finally up!! Full to the brim of beautiful charm bracelets, necklaces, and (most of all) amazing hijab pins!  Check it out ladies!

http://www.lovenyla.com/

Ma'Salaama and Happy Shopping!

Fashionably Yours,
The (in love with Love Nyla) Mujahada in Prada

~It's Time For A Trend Report!~

aSalaam uAlaikum and Good Morning My Stylish Sisters!

It's been a while since I've posted anything purely fashion-related, so I thought in order to get back into the swing of things I should do my own Veiled Couture Trend Alert for this spring season.

Although I could do without some of the trends showing up on the streets at the moment (*ahem* mini sundresses that barely cover your bum) I am pleasantly surprised at some of the more organic, and creative combinations that seem to be hovering on the horizon.

So, here are three accessories trends for Spring 2010, and my brief opinions about them.  (don't know if you want to hear what I have to say or not, but I'm going to just go ahead and say it anyway LOL)  I've chosen to do one jewelry trend, one handbag trend, and one footwear trend to cover all bases.  Enjoy and don't forget to leave us your two-cents about each of them in the comments section!

Trend Alert: Bunches of Bangles

This spring it seems the more the merrier when it comes to wrist accessories.  Anything goes, from Bollywood inspired brass, to your grandma's oversized pearls.  It's best to execute this fashion statement on one arm at a time, being careful not to exceed 4-5 bracelets, but other than that, chaos rules! Use various textures, colors, and styles to create a fun and funky look with your summer sundresses, or jeans and tunics.

Trend Alert: Superchromatic Wedges

  

I love Love LOVE wedges and I am soooo happy to see that they have made a comeback for this summer.  To me, wedges are the perfect compromise between foot fashion and casual comfort.  They go well with maxi dresses, abayas, jeans, or slacks and they enable you to dress up for an outdoor event, without worrying about being one of those silly females who get their stilettos stuck in the mud.  (don't get me started, I recently went to an outdoor day event where I saw wayyyy too many girls wearing night-time ensembles complete with sky-high heels and it killed me to watch them stumble around in the grass)  The best thing about this spring's wedge is that it is not in neutrals like last summer but in ultra-bright, super rich, Crayola crayon colors.  My only advice is to avoid wedges with wide-leg pants, unless they are bell bottoms and you're going for a bohemian-chic look.  Pants that are wide from hip to hem can appear bulky and add pounds when worn with wedges, so try to wear pants that are as slim cut as you are comfortable with.

Trend Alert: Boho Clutches

Ummm...I'm not sure what's going on here.  Usually I absolutely adore anything Boho-inspired.  Give me bell bottoms, native-American prints, and hippie beads and I can throw together an ensemble fit for any urban princess.  BUT...well....these just are not working for me.  And it's not just the picture I chose for this post either, I literally searched for a half an hour trying to find even ONE of these clutches that I liked.  I chalked it up to the personal feeling that anything "Boho" should be slouchy, comfortable and casual.  Having a boho clutch is like wearing a miniskirt with hijab- it totally defeats the purpose.  So, personally this is one trend that I will steer clear of this spring, and I will stick to my oversized slouchy messenger bag- thanks anyways!

Well, I guess two out of three isn't so bad.  And who knows, maybe one of you fabulous fashionistas can sway my opinion on those boho clutches (although I seriously doubt it LOL)  So please ladies, let me know what you think about these trends, and share with us any trends you see in your neck of the woods!

Ma'Salaama and Happy Trending!

Fashionably Yours,

The (yes those ARE fuschia wedges under my abaya!) Mujahada in Prada 

~The Unlikely Hijabi~

aSalaam uAlaikum and Good Morning My Stylish Sisters!

I have missed you all soooo much! Insh'Allah everything is well with all of you and your families.  I am sitting here sipping my cup of coffee, enjoying a beautiful morning in the eye of the storm before I get swept up in the whirlwind that I call my life.

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I am a huge Lakers fan.  And anyone who knows the Lakers well,  knows Kobe Bryant and his amazing basketball skills.  But, did anyone know that he is an undercover hijabi?

Not really of course, but he DID recently participate in a controversial photoshoot that was released in this last weekend's Los Angeles Times where he is wearing white from head to toe, and wearing a scarf wrapped as a hijab in a couple of the pictures.

If you haven't seen the pictures, take a look:

Now, you would think that both of these pictures would cause a bit of a stir, maybe some criticism or even conversion rumors about Kobe coming to Islam.  Although men who wear a keffiyah or huta often throw it over their shoulders while working or just to keep it out of their way, it is not common practice for a man to tie it in such a manner as in this shoot.  What is most interesting to me, though,  is the fact that the picture that has created the biggest stir is not the "hijab" pictures, but this one:

In fact, Kobe was quoted as saying the pictures were "a little too artsy" but mainly complained about the cover picture as being too "doctored up" and photoshopped, he has made no mention of the pictures wearing the scarf. Honestly, when I picked up my Sunday paper and saw this insert I had absolutely no idea that it was Kobe until further examination.

Reviews about these pictures have been mixed. Some say they are horrible, ESPN anchors teased Kobe relentlessly after Tuesday's game, others even claiming they are racist. Personally, I think they show a very artistic, fashion-forward, and en-vogue side of a celebrity figure we normally see in a jersey and sneakers. I also think it was pretty brave of him to do such a styled shoot, and it shows how comfortable he is in his own skin. I don't think he has any certain future in being a supermodel, but it was a wonderful attempt to show an alternate side of an outstanding athlete.

So tell me ladies, what do you think? Do these pictures interest you?

Disgust you?

Appeal to you?

Offend you?

Let me know, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Ma'Salaama and GO LAKERS!

Fashionably Yours,

The (Purple and Gold-wearing) Mujahada in Prada 

~Insomnia or Inspiration?~

aSalaam uAlaikum and Good Morning My Stylish Sisters!

This morning I'm a little tired.

Okay...A LOT tired.

You see, I have been agonizing over a detail of one of my recent projects.  It's a line.  Yes, just a normal line, nothing too fancy...but I just can't seem to find the line that is right for the job!

Some people may think this sounds silly, maybe even ridiculous, but I KNOW there are some sisters out there who can totally understand what I'm saying.

I'm the type of girl who feels that I might as well do everything myself, because I know if I have someone else do it, I won't like the outcome as much.  When typing that it sounds a bit conceited, thinking I can do everything better than everyone else but that's not what I'm saying at all.  I mean, when you think about it if Edison hadn't agonized over every detail of the light bulb, or Henry Ford over the many gears and parts of his automobile, or Sarah Goode over all the parts of her filing cabinet, we wouldn't be able to drive to work every day, and read our paperwork under a well-lit lamp!

I've been called everything from a perfectionist, to a control freak, to OCD.  I wouldn't really say I'm any of these things, I would just say that I'm slightly further up on the 'picky' spectrum than the majority of the population.  I strongly feel this is a characteristic many artistic people have.  Perhaps it doesn't carry on into every aspect of their lives (I know many designers whose apartments are distasters, even though their creations are perfect) but I think this obsession with detail is vital in order to motivate them to improve on every design, and continue to create new things.

I have to admit, there are some nights I wish I weren't quite so detail-oriented.  This isn't the first time I've lost sleep over a minute detail of one project or another, and it does make for many exhausted mornings and far too much coffee consumption.  But in the end it's all worth it to me, because once I have completed something I know that I did it to the best of my ability.

And we all have our quirks, don't we? 

Tell me...what's yours?  What is that one thing, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant to others, that keeps you awake at night?

Ma'Salaama and Sweet Dreams!

The (counting down the hours until I can take a nap) Mujahada in Prada

~Hijab Tutorial...finally~

aSalaam uAlaikum and Good Evening My Stylish Sisters!

Well, just as I promised yesterday I have put together a couple of hijab tutorials for you lovely ladies.  I decided I should do one simple one, for those sisters who are just starting out wearing hijab (and mash'Allah to you!) and one more complicated one for those sisters who have been wearing a scarf for a while, and would like a new, fancier way to wear their hijab for a night out with their hubby or a trip to the cafe.

Let's start with the basics, then go from there, shall we?

This first style is a basic way of wrapping a rectangular scarf, with an extra twist to dress it up a little.  I like to call this one:

~The Sophisticated Scrunch~

All you need for this one is a simple scarf, preferably one without tassles.  You will also need four or five simple pins.

As my beautiful assistant is modeling, you start the scarf out with one end much longer than the other.

You can either hold the shorter end in place, or if you are wearing an underscarf you can pin it.  Then start to wrap the longer end of the scarf across your chest, under your chin, and continue to wrap it over the top of your head.

Once you have wrapped the scarf all the way around at least once, make sure you still have quite a bit of the scarf left to make your Stylish Scrunch.

Pull the scarf across your chest, under your chin, one more time then pin about 3/4 of the way up the side of your head.

Start scrunching the scarf , and once you have two or three scrunches that you like, pin them into place.  Continue gathering two or three scrunches at a time, and try to arrange them into a circle.  This will take a little practice, and you may have to do it two or three times until you get the arrangement that you like.  Remember: this is not supposed to look perfect, the idea is to create a flower-like arrangement of scrunches. 

You will probably have to use at least four or five pins to arrange the scrunches in the way you want them.  You can continue scrunching to make the design bigger, or leave it smaller, like I did.

Here is the finished product.  A casual enough look to wear out everyday, but with a simple, sophisticated twist.

Now that we have the basics down pat, let's move on to something a little more complicated.  This one I call the:

~Twice As Nice~

For this look you will need two scarves, and three pins.  I chose to use two basic hijab pins, and one of the beautiful, fancy hijab pins made by Love Nyla.  It is up to you if you want to use two plain colored scarves, one print and one plain (as I chose) or even two coordinating prints.  Either way they both should be rectangular and pretty long.  I am going to refer to the black scarf from now on as Scarf 1, and the printed scarf as Scarf 2.

Wrap Scarf 1 around your head, and tie it in the back, leaving one end much longer than the other.

Take Scarf 2 and lay it over Scarf 1, leaving a little bit of Scarf 1 showing. 

Bring Scarf 2 around to the back of your head, and tie it under the tie you made with Scarf 1.

Wrap Scarf 2 around over your chest and under your chin.

Continue wrapping scarf 2 until you reach the end, and pin securely in place with one of your basic hijab pins.  The longer end of Scarf 1 should still be loose, hanging out from under Scarf 2.

Wrap Scarf 1 around the front, over your chest and under your chin loosely so that Scarf 2 shows.

Loosely drape Scarf 1 over your head, allowing Scarf 2 to show.  Using the second of your basic hijab pins, pin Scarf 1 at your temple, making sure you allow the scarf to drape low enough to expose Scarf 2 at your neck.

Using the fancy hijab pin, secure Scarf 1 on the other temple, making sure it sits far enough back on the top of your head to let Scarf 2 show.

Tada!!! Here is the finished product.  Using a fancy, fringed scarf makes this look especially formal.  This is a great way to wear your scarf to a wedding, a party, or any get-together that you want to look extra special for.  Enjoy!

Well ladies, there you have it.  Insh'Allah you enjoyed our first Hijab Tutorial.  I'm sorry it took me soooo long to finally post them, but insh'Allah it was worth the wait.  Remember, practice makes perfect.  Take the time to play around with different scarves in front of the mirror.  Every face shape has different styles that look best, so if you try one of these styles and you don't feel it looks quite right, feel free to change it up a bit and insh'Allah you'll find a look that makes you feel like the Fashionista Muslimah you are!!

Ma'Salaama and Happy Wrapping!

Fashionably Yours,

The (sooo sorry I'm late!) Mujahada in Prada