HFW Day 5: Jummah

When I pray, I usually where shalwar kameez.  This one is from Pakistan. I like it because it is silk, with delicate little gold sequins arraned in designs.  It is not overly dressy, so perfect for everyday where. Shalwar kameez are very comfortable and modest, so I find them perfect for wearing to the Mosque and for praying in. 

HFW Day 4: Date Night

This is what I would wear when my hubby and I go to the movies or out to eat.  This is one of my favorite dress coats from Forever 21.  It is light and comfortable, made of linen, and the flower print is perfect for spring and summer.  The jeans are the Diva flare jeans from Old Navy.  The scarf was a gift from my best friend Julie. The shoes are wedge sandals from Bakers. :)

HFW Day 3: Work Out Wear

This is my work out look. The top and pants are from Target, the scarf is from Forever 21 and those are my favorite gym shoes, Sketchers Shape-Ups! For those of you wondering, they are very comfortable and when you walk in them, you can actually feel the muscles in your legs and glutes working! I don't feel this when walking in any other gym shoe or regular shoe.  They are good for working out, bike riding, and using on machines like the elliptical. I wouldn't recommend them for running, as they are a little heavy. But, if you were wondering if they are worth it, take it from me. They are :) And with so many color combos available, you can coordinate with your outfit!

HFW Day 2: Formal Wear

This is the formal look I chose. This beautiful dress is from David's Bridal, and is long and flowly, and makes me feel like a princess :) I don't remember where I got the sweater from, but it has sequins around the edges, perfect for a special occasion. The hijab is from http://www.pearl-daisy.com/, and it is from the thin scarf collection, the embellished black scarf.

HFW Day 1: Work Wear

Here is my look for work. The office where I work is office casual and we are allowed to wear jeans! So, in this outfit, I chose my favorite Gap wide leg jeans, which are oh so comfy and sophisticated.  My blazer and collared shirt are from Forever 21.  My hijab is the purple panther hijab from Jannah Gifts, and my purse is Guess. :)

HFW 2011!!!

This year, I did not forget or miss it! I love Hijabi Fashion Week! Check out my looks for the week and don't forget to check out http://www.lovehfw.com/ and their Facebook Page, LoveHFW.  We sisters sure have style :)

  

Has This Ever Happened to You?

So, one weekend, my friend and her husband and my husband and I went out to eat at our favorite Thai Restuarant.  My friend and her husband were standing on the sidewalk chatting in happy anticipation of the meal ahead, our mouths watering.  My husband was parking the car.  My friend is about 5"10" and I am a very tall 5'1".  I wear hijab, as you may have noticed by now, and my friend does not.  Anywho, we were standing there, happily chatting away, when a short man approached us as he slowly stolled down the sidewalk.  He was walking obliviously, until he saw me. Now, I am used to people looking curiously at me, since I do wear the hijab, so I expect it here and there. But this man didn't just look.  He stopped dead in his tracks, turned to face me and stared at me, eyes wide and mouth agape.  From the looks of his facial expression, one would think he had just laid eyes upon an alien!

Now, I am sure I do not bear any resemblence to an alien, so I was quite surprised by this stranger's look of perplexion.  For a few seconds, I just stared back, not sure what to say.  Then, my friend, ever caring and protective natured person that she is, stood in front of me, blocking the stranger's view of me, her back facing him.  The stranger then turned and stolled down the block in the same slow gait that he had approached us with. It was a bizarre incident, to say the least.  I look back and actually find it to be a little humorous.  I did not take offense by this man's absolute astonishment at my appearance, but rather found amusement in it.

What would you have done?

ISNA Poster Contest for Summer Conference 2011

Salam and Hello! I thought I would share my poster entry for the annual ISNA conference coming up this July 2011!  The theme of this year's conference is, "  Loving God, Loving Neighbor, Living in Harmony".   I chose the houses of worship for the three major religions, Islam, Christianity and Judaism to symbolize that we should love our neighbor and live in harmony, regardless of belief.  These houses of worship also symbolize the places we all go to express our love towards God, Allah (swt).   The dove symbolizes peace and love and the globe symbolizes how we share this world together and should leave peacefully with one another :)

I drew everything in Paint program, "by hand", using a mouse. I then finalized the poster in PhotoShop.

It was such an enjoyment to create this poster, that it won't even matter whether I win or not. I still want to go to this year's conference, as I always miss it! And, it is sad that I live 20 minutes from where the conference is held and always managed to miss it every year. Not this year, inshallah :)

Boom, Boom, Pow Gotta Kit Kat Black Eyed Peas Funny Puppets

New Hijabi Experiences

Salam Alakum and hello! I just started wearing the hijab and thought I would share some of my experiences so far.  First of all, I wanted to say that I was inspired by Amena at Pearl Daisy.  She has videos on Youtube on how to wear hijab and I watched them and realized that you can be modest and trendy at the same time.  I am not a convert, but just did not wear hijab up until now.  I was also inspired by Saluff, a fellow new hijabi who is also very inspiring.  But, the decision to wear it is more of a revelation almost. Just one day, I felt that yes, I wanted to do it. I felt it in my heart and soul.

I do not feel treated any differently. I actually feel as though I have a new sense of confidence. I do not have to worry about "Oh, my hair got messy!" or "Oh no, my stomach plooch is showing".  Being modest is liberating. You don't have to worry about those types of things or guys whistling or hooting at you. I already see that there is a sense of respect and people focus on my face and what I have to say as opposed to how "sexy" I look in my clothes.  It really made me realize that beauty and looking good does not mean wearing tight clothes and having beautiful flowing hair.

My hijab and modesty makes me feel beautiful in ways I never did before :)