~Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Flattery~

aSalaam uAlaikum and Good Evening My Fashionable Followers!

Okay, okay...so I know I said I wasn't going to blog during Ramadaan, and I meant it but this simply couldn't wait.

Tonight as I was meaning to log into my blog to see if any of my dear sisters had left any Ramadan greetings or comments (which by the way you hadn't, LOL) I accidentally typed in http://www.veiledcouture.com/, skipping the blogspot bit, and there in front of me was a *gasp* imposter!

Now, I'm only teasing (mostly) because mash'Allah I would NEVER feel negatively about a sister starting her own business.  I truly want for my brothers and sisters in Islam what I want for myself, and am always happy to encourage others to do and be the best they can insh'Allah.

But, really...not only did this person use my name (granted it's far from copywritten...copyrighted...whatever) but they went as far as using the same exact colors!

So....what's your take on this?  Should I be flattered?  Creeped out?  Is it all just a total coincidence?  What do you ladies think?

Ma'Salaama and Happy Fasting.

Fashionably Yours,

The (one and only) Mujahada in Prada

~Ramadaan Kareem~

aSalaam uAlaikum My Stylish Sisters...

I'm sorry I've been missing in action for a while now...I've been traveling with my parents and preparing myself and my family for this blessed month of Ramadaan.  Although I have many stylish subjects to post about, I've decided my time might be better spent increasing my imaan and knowledge this month.

Soooo....I will be taking a brief hiatus from posting.  But don't worry, I will be back insh'Allah shortly after Eid to fill you in on my cross country adventures, recent home improvement projects (and there have been MANY) and fashion crushes.

In the meantime, enjoy your Ramadaan.  May it be a month of mercy and blessings for all of us, and may Allah swt accept our fasts and hear our prayers. Ameen.

Allah Ma'aku

Fashionably Yours,

The 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

~Trend Setter....or Coincidence?~

aSalaam uAlaikum and Good Evening My Stylish Sisters!

Pull up a chair...let me pour you a Nojito...and let's get to chatting!  (By the way, I am seriously addicted to this fabulous little mocktail, isn't it delicious?  Maybe from time to time I'll share some more totally halaal delicious drink recipes when the mood strikes....)

Anywho...recently I was on another sister's blog reading all about the gamboo3a or shambassa....or whatever you want to call it.  She had reposted a very thorough article outlining the history of this trend, from head-dresses worn by British and European royalty in the Middle Ages to the newest craze sweeping the Middle East.  (I am sorry to whichever sister it was, I searched and searched and just couldn't find your blog again in order to give you due credit)

Middle Age Headdress

Gamboo3a

Iit is so funny to me that this is the newest, and trendiest way to wear hijab, because that is exactly how I used to wear mine when I first started to wear a scarf almost five years ago.  Alhamdulillah my hair is quite long, and I would pull it up into a big bun under my scarf...as this was most comfortable for me to keep cool on hot days.  I wore it this way until my ignorant and way-too-touchy-feely boss decided he thought it'd be funny to grab my bun one day and ask what I was "hiding" under there.  *sigh*  Needless to say I didn't work there much longer.

Then I started to think of all of the other trends I had sported long before they became mainstream.  You see, I have always been a big lover of fashion.  Ever since I was six or seven and I could reach the pedal on my mom's Bernina, I've sewn everything from formal wear to chair covers.  When I was a freshman in college I decided I wanted to dress more "East Coast", and started sporting long skirts with tennies.  The only problem was I couldn't find any decently fashionable long denim skirts....so I started sewing my own.  After constructing a few funky designed denim skirts (and selling a couple along the way) I started seeing them EVERYWHERE!

Later, after transferring to a design college, I decided to focus on menswear, and chose to introduce a line of men's dress shirts that were constructed out of slightly stretchy fabric, so they would move more with the men wearing them, and be more comfortable.  A couple of years later, Joseph Abboud came out with his own line of mens shirts using the same exact concept.

For my final project in design school, I chose to create a line of menswear using mismatching, but coordinating, fabrics for the body, cuffs, and collars of the shirts.  It wasn't even a year later that similar shirts started popping up at Dillards, Nordstrom, and Bergdorf Goodman like these from Robert Graham:

Not to toot my own horn or anything...but is this a coincidence?  I think not....I'm starting to wonder if someone close to me is selling my ideas.  Hmmm....   Well, either way, it's convincing me more and more that as soon as I can find the time, I need to get myself back into the fashion industry.

Oh yes, and speaking of design.  So far, the majority of you lovely ladies are supportive of giving my little blog here a facelift, but I haven't had many votes.  Sooo...don't be shy! I won't be offended...and it's completely confidential!  It only takes one click to let your voice be heard, so go ahead and vote!

Allah Ma'aku.

Ma'Salaama and Holy Camel Hump, Batman!!!!
(hehehehe...sorry, couldn't help it)

Trendfully Yours,
The (doesn't all that extra weight on your head give you neck-aches?) Mujahada in Prada

 

~Let The Good Times Roll!~

aSalaam uAlaikum My Amazing Muslimahs!

Okay, if anyone knows me well it's you.  And if anyone knows me, then they know that I love nothing more than to host a stunningly stylish soiree.

Yes.....it's PARTY TIME!!!

Although I had to squeeze four days into two, I am soooo happy I didn't miss out on the BEST category of Hijabi Fashion Week yet:  Party Hostess!

So...in honor of us all having one big virtual party together, I thought I'd share with you one of my all time FAVORITE mocktail recipes.  I love this drink to bits.  In fact, I often make it to celebrate just about anything, from a new pair of stilettos, to finding a parking space in front of my house!

So here it goes....

The Nojito

(get it?  instead of Mojito?  because there is NO alcohol! hahaha! wait...am I the only one laughing?)

6-8 Leaves of Fresh Mint per drink
Club Soda
Lime Juice
Simple Syrup
Ice

Gently smash most of the mint, being careful not to rip the leaves, and drop 5 or 6 leaves into the bottom of each glass.  Fill each glass with ice, then fill the glass 3/4 of the way with club soda, and add a splash of the lime juice (more if you prefer a more citrus-y drink).  Pour simple syrup into each glass until the glass is almost full, and garnish with the remaining mint leaves.  If you do not have simple syrup onhand, you can simply heat water to almost boiling, and add sugar.  (2 parts sugar to 1 part water)Allow to cool before using.

I love this drink because it's refreshing, tasty, and it looks so pretty with all those bright green mint leaves floating around!  You can always make your own version by adding different flavored syrups, and by garnishing with lime wedges, fresh strawberries or raspberries, or those cute little umbrellas!

Okay, now that we're all sipping away at our Nojitos, and the hors d'euvres have been passed around, it's time to reveal the last outfit of the week:  The Party Hostess!

I've chosen to put together an outfit that I would wear for an all girl's event, since I honestly wouldn't be hosting a party with men anyways.  Unfortunately in this picture this beautiful handkerchief style dress ends up looking like a wrinkly, shiny mess.  So you'll just have to take my word for it: with it's uneven hem, and vibrant, regal print this dress looks stunning when on.  I've chosen to top it with a flowing, shimmering gold cardigan by I.N.C. that is available at Macys.

    Because it's an all girl's event and I wouldn't be wearing hijab, I would definitely accessorize with these stunning, leaf chandelier earrings.

I would further accessorize my look with this amazing cocktail ring that I bought at a boutique in Florida, and (of course) my wedding ring.

And finally, (leaving the best part for last) I would complete my look with these amazing leopard print stilettos by Gianni Bini that I got at Dillards.  Aren't they Uh-mazing??  Seriously, I would wear these shoes with jeans and a tee shirt I love them so much.  hehe...but I digress.

So, there you have it.  My ensemble for the hottest hostess for a gorgeous girly gathering.

Insh'Allah you enjoyed my choices for Hijabi Fashion Week.  Hopefully I won't be running late for the next one in November (yeah right, I'm late to everything).

Ma'Salaama and Happy Hosting!

Fashionably Yours,
The (who wants another Nojito?) Mujahada in Prada 

~Work Wear, Formal Wear, and Travel~

aSalaam uAlaikum My Stylish Sisters...

In my last post I expressed (more like whined) about the fact that I didn't know about Hijabi Fashion Week, so since that last post I looked into it and learned that all hope is not lost!  The Titanic is still afloat!  The fat lady didn't sing!!

In other words...it's not too late!

Sooooo...since I didn't have time (nor had the knowledge) to be able to throw together outfits for all six days that have happened thus far, I chose my favorite three categories.  Here's what I was able to compile in the past few hours.  Insh'Allah you like them.

(P.S.  The lighting is horrible.  The backdrop is terrible.  The photography is less than professional.  In short...the pictures may stink, but the outfits are amazing.  And really...isn't that what counts?)

Work Wear

Crisp black menswear-inspired tuxedo shirt by I.N.C. available at Macy's.  White linen slacks by Ann Taylor.  Pinstripe white scarf by ummmm...no clue (sorry!)

Watch by Guess.  My own wedding ring and cocktail ring (both bought in Jordan by my in-laws) and a simple, pearl hijab pin.

My version of a briefcase, by House Of Derion (available at Macy's), along with some simple black pumps by Sheikh Shoes.

Formal Wear

This brilliant blue caftan with gold embroidery, and finished with beads and gemstone detailing around the neck and sleeves is from Soft Surroundings.

This necklace was a gift from my mother in law from Jordan.  The large cocktail ring is from http://www.gomodest.com/, and the other ring is another of my wedding rings (also from Jordan).

Shoes by Gianni Bini, handbag is from Newport News catalogue.

With such an intricate caftan, and fancy accessories I would keep the scarf relatively simple.  Like this off white one with gold sequin curls.

And now I have caught up with today's look................................

Day 6-Travel

Psychedelic peacock sundress is by Emma & Michele, jersey military inspired jacket is by Glimmer (available at Macy's) and pale turquoise pashmina was given to me as a gift.

Gold gladiators by Sam Edelman (available at Nordstrom), and brown sunglasses by Ralph Lauren.

Juicy Couture charm bracelet with salted pretzel charm, and royal purple hijab pin by Love Nyla (http://www.lovenyla.com/)

So, there you have it.  I'm always late to everything, so it figures I was late posting for HFW too, but alhamdulillah I'm able to squeeze in the last couple of days.

Now it's back to the closet to figure out what I'll post for tomorrow's category.  Hmmmmm.......

Ma'Salaama and Wish Me Luck!

Fashionably Yours,
The (wow! this is more than I've posted in a long time!) Mujahada in Prada

~Hijabi Fashion Week~

aSalaam uAlaikum My Stylish Sisters!

Ok....I must admit I'm a little hurt.  Why didn't anyone tell me about Hijabi Fashion Week?  I feel like I'm a nice person to be around.  Maybe not exactly the life of the party, but pleasant enough...and I can make some KILLER mocktails and appetizers, so what's the deal?  Why didn't I receive an invite to the party??

I keep browsing all of these other amazing Muslimah's fashion blogs and see one after another showing off their to-die-for ensembles, and I get a little tinge of disappointment that I wasn't sent a Save the Date for the occasion!

Soooo....that being said, I've decided to do my own!  Only I'll call it The Mujahada in Prada's Fashion Week.  (what else?? LOL)  Now, the only issue is this:  I'm not sure how to do the pictures.  I don't feel comfortable posting pictures of myself for all the blogosphere to see.  Not that I'm so especially smashing that I feel like I'll cause pangs of jealousy or anything, I am just a bit camera shy, particularly because I just had a baby not so long ago.  Let's just say I won't be bikini-ready anytime soon.  (Not that I wear bikinis anyways, but you get the point)

So I was thinking I could do the snapshots one of two ways:  Collages using Polyvore or something of that nature   OR   wearing niqab like I did for the photo up at the top of my blog.  Hmmmm....the jury is still out on that one, but I will definitely keep you lovely ladies informed.

Alhamdulillah this past week has been great.  I am still constantly struggling with the fact that I can't keep my house nearly as neat and tidy with two kids, as I did with one kid.  I guess I never realized how many hours a day I put into scrubbing the kitchen or vaccuming the floor, until I was too busy with a baby to do it anymore.  Some days I'm fine with the mess, but other days it literally causes my head to spin when looking around at my living room.  Just something to keep in mind for those sisters who are thinking of having kids, and don't have the funds to hire help.

My handsome hubby surprised me with an absolutely gorgeous diamond ring I've been lusting over for a while now.  The only problem is, when it was delivered a couple of the diamonds don't look right, so now I have to take it into the local store and see if they will exchange it for me.  *sob* How totally disappointing after waiting for weeks for it to arrive.  Ah well, insh'Allah khair.

Anyways, enough random-ness for one post.  I didn't really have anything too earth-shattering to share with you this week, but I wanted to pop in quickly for a quick cuppa and let you know what's going on in my world.

Oh...and one more thing.  I have decided to make a serious attempt to start eating better.  I've been reading a lot about how important it is to get lots and lots of antioxidants in order to try to stave cancer and other scariness.  Also, I am tired of still wearing my maternity jeans and am totally anxious to squeeze into my Sevens again.  Alhamdulillah the hubby has decided to participate in Operation Eat Healthy, which will make it much easier to stick to, so insh'Allah this weekend we will make a major grocery mission and get started with the healthy living.

Anyways, insh'Allah you all enjoy your weekends.  Do keep in touch, sometimes I feel as though I'm talking to myself in here! I love to get your comments, whether positive, negative, neutral, un-related, random ranting, or incoherent rambling.  :)

Ma'Salaama and Happy Hijabi Fashion Week! (hey, better late than never, right?)

The (I'm always fashionably late to everything anyway) Mujahada in Prada