HIJAB STYLES FOR LESS: HIJAB FASHION TRENDS SPRING 2010
Today’s hijab style set has two purposes. 1. I wanted to demonstrate a more subtle way to mix prints within one outfit. And, 2. I also wanted to do a post (as requested) about Hijab Styles For Less (thanks Mira for the title!).
Mixing prints is a pretty hot fashion trend for Spring, but in my opinion, that look can leave you looking like you got dressed in the dark. Nevertheless, I still love this trend and I think that mixing prints can look more chic than crazy by following a few tips:
1. Keep one of the prints neutral in color.
2. Keep one of the prints simple.
3. Keep the shapes classic.
The long skirt that I’ve used in today’s hijab style set fits those three requirements perfectly. It’s black and white, it has a simple striped print, and it’s a classic a-line shape. The blazer is also classic in shape, but it has a bright pink, floral print which carries this look in to Spring 2010.
I finished the look with neutral pieces: black booties, a black pashmina hijab, and a large mother-of-pearl cocktail ring.
HIJAB STYLES FOR LESS
This striped long skirt by Xhilaration costs about $17, so it’s a very affordable alternative to the skirt featured in the hijab style set above. I don’t think it would look good with the floral jacket, but if you want a striped skirt in your wardrobe, this one would be a great choice.
So, what do you think? Would you mix prints? By the way, I’m sure that some of us have mixed prints before by wearing a floral scarf with a pinestriped pant or something similar — even if not on purpose. Have you?
Links:
[1] Rachel Pally Long Full Skirt, $198. [2] Newport News Floral-Print Sateen Blazer, $49. [3] Pashmina Hijab – Black, $15. [4] Michael Antonio Macey Ankle Boot, $25.72+. [5] Australian Mother-of-Pear & Pave Cocktail Ring, $74.99. [Hijab Styles For Less Link] Xhilaration Maxi Skirt, $16.99.
A reader on Muslimette.com left an interesting comment today, which reads:
“You’re right – non-muslims don’t have much problem with the hijab. It’s muslim girls and women who are ‘ashamed’ of it in a way. To some people, wearing a hijab is akin to slumming it, like not living up to what life is offering. But we have to face it – this life here is just a transition spot for the true believing Muslim. Sad and such a shame they cannot realize that…” -Z.
I have been wearing hijab since I was about 12 or 13 years-old and I can honestly say that I’ve heard more negative comments about it from Muslim women than from non-Muslims. None of these women actually wore the hijab and their reasons for not doing so range from “the hijab makes my hair fall out” to “I will start wearing hijabs once I’m out of college”… I wouldn’t say that I’ve heard a lot of these comments, but I’ve heard enough of them. On the other hand, I’ve only heard one or two negative comments about hijab from non-Muslims in my entire life (not counting the stupid things that a few people have said in my blog comments).
What about you? Do you agree or disagree with Z’s statement? Have you encountered more Muslim women who dislike the hijab or more non-Muslims who have a problem with it? If possible, please let us know what country you live in so that we can get a feel for what it’s like in different parts of the world.
Image Credit – kamshots
DESIGNER HIJAB STYLE : SILK HIJABS
In case you haven’t heard of it, ideeli is an invitation-only shopping website that offers limited-time sales events on designer brands at deep discounts. My sister invited me to join the site 2 weeks ago and I’ve been addicted to it ever since. I check it every day to see if they’ve got anything on sale that’s cute and hijab-worthy and today I made a great find! They’re selling silk scarves by Christian Lacroix! I don’t really care about labels, but some people do, and either way the scarves are really pretty. The one above is $54, but you can’t check it out unless you’re a member of ideeli. Here’s your personal invitation. Sign up (it’s free) and let me know what styles you got, if any.
Links:
[1] Oeillet Raye Scarf by Christian Lacroix, $54.
HIJAB STYLE FINDS: LONG DENIM SKIRT
Today’s hijab style set is full of neutral textures. The featured item, a long denim skirt by Shukr Islamic Clothing, is a classic wardrobe essential, but the pleating detail makes it a bit more special than the average long denim skirt. A soft cardigan contrasts the stiffness of the denim, while the woven handbag and nubby, suede boots add additional elements of texture. To finish off the look, I chose a fringed, pink hijab which adds even more texture and a pretty pop of color.
Links:
[1] Alana Denim Skirt, $54.95. [2] Cinch-Tie Cardigan – Marshmallow White, $20. [3] Pashmina Hijab – Mauve, $15. [4] Steven by Steve Madden Woven Wonder Satchel, $108. [5] Bandolino Jahnavi Bootie, $39.98+.
Apparently, BCBG Max Azria has created a new fashion trend of wearing long sleeved tees underneath sleeveless dresses… Message to the fashion world: Hijabis have been doing this for years. You guys are a little late. :o)
Image Credit – Style.com
FEATURED HIJAB STYLES TUTORIAL : HOW TO WRAP A DUPATTA (AROUND YOUR HEAD)
Hijab Style Tutorial By: caramelle47
A young sister from India wrote me about the fact that there are no Islamic clothing stores in her area where she can buy hijabs from. And she wanted to know if there were any hijab styles that she could create using dupattas. A dupatta is a large shawl (rectangular fabric) that typically comes as a part of a shalwar kameez suit. Usually, a dupatta is wrapped loosely around the head and/or shoulders, but in the video above, Caramelle47 shows you how to create a secure hijab style with it.
BTW… If you’re looking for more coverage or if you like really fancy hijabs, you may want to check out dupattas at your local South Asian clothing store. Or you could try googling “dupattas”. Be sure to let me know what you think of the video. [And please, no bashing, the sister obviously knows that she doesn't have on a hijab in the beginning/end of the video. That's between her and Allah, but if you feel the need to "advise" her, do so gently as Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) would've done in his time... Thanks ladies! :-)]
To view more hijab style videos, click here to visit the 150 How To Wear Hijab Styles page!
“Finally! A fashion book all about hijab style!”
I know that my posts have been few and far in between, but that’s because I’ve been working on The Book of Hijab Style – an ebook all about, you guessed it, hijab and style!
The Book of Hijab Style is a beautiful 40-page ebook that contains an A-to-Z clothing guide, tutorials that teach you how to do basic and new hijab styles, hijab fashion tips, and more.
The Book of Hijab Style also includes two bonuses: a DIY project that will teach you how to create an Endless Hijab (a very chic and super easy circular scarf), and a guide to hijab for your face shape!
Click here to instantly download The Book of Hijab Style… It costs just $10 to download and I really think you’ll love it!
( P.S. If you have a blog, website, or profile, you can sell The Book of Hijab Style and make some extra cash! Email me to find out more: welovehijab@yahoo.com )
QUESTION : I would like to know if Muslim women have to wear hijab during prayers at home? The purpose of hijab is to cover my body in front of men. When I’m at home by myself, I don’t see the need to wear hijabs during salah because there are no men around. Someone told me that this is incorrect. Can you please clarify?
ANSWER : Yes, we do have to wear hijab during salah — even if we are praying at home alone. Allah says in verse 7:31 : “O Children of Adam! Wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place of prayer…”
From that ayah, it is clear that we must wear our apparel no matter where or when we are performing salah. And of course when it comes to Muslim women, our apparel is hijab as described in the Qur’an and sound hadiths.
Allah knows best. Please don’t hesitate to correct me if I’m wrong.
Have a question about hijab? Send it to welovehijab@yahoo.com and I will try to answer it for you, inshaAllah.
Image made using: bethcanphoto
FEATURED HIJAB STYLES TUTORIAL : BRAIDED HIJAB
Hijab Style Tutorial By: gwhajibi
I’ve been getting some requests lately for braided hijab styles. I found this video in which the sister demonstrates how to add a braid to your hijab. At first thought, the idea of adding a braid to your hijab seems a little weird to me, but depending on what color/print your hijabs are, I think it could work.
When wearing avant garde hijab styles like this one, I would suggest keeping the color palette simple. In the video, the sister is wearing a bright yellow hijab with a green printed hijab on top. These are very contrasting hijabs, which she probably chose for demonstration purposes (so that the hijab style could be seen easily). I would choose colors that “pop” less, like a deep purple hijab with a black braided hijab on top. I’d probably stay away from prints with this style, but of course, it’s up to you. So, what do you think of this hijab style? Would you wear a braided scarf?
To view more hijab style videos, click here to visit the 150 How To Wear Hijab Styles page!
Today’s Hijab Style Find is a hijab style essential in my opinion. It’s a long cardigan that has big buttons — which I love — and a ribbed texture which makes it just a bit more casual. This long cardi comes in four festive colors, all at around $20 each — depending on what size you need.
Hijab Style Tip:
They’re calling this sweater a “boyfriend cardigan” — which usually means that the sweater fits really loosely. But, as you can see in the pic, this particular cardigan is slim cut. It also has a very deep V-neckline, so you’ll have to be a bit careful about what you wear it with.
I would suggest wearing it open over very full and flowy items, like a cotton maxi dress. HINT: This is a great way to take your summer dresses into the Fall & Winter seasons! Unless you want to fidget with your hijab all day to make sure that your chest is covered properly, you’ll want to wear a tank top underneath of your dress as well if the dress is also low-cut. Or you could wear a large hijab and wrap it in such a way that it would cover you enough.
Link: [1] Newport News Ribbed Cardigan, $20+.
FEATURED HIJAB STYLE TUTORIAL
I must confess that for me, there is nothing worse than a “flat hijab“. Sounds a bit silly, I know, but seriously, I can’t stand it when my hijab is flat and tight around my head and I always try to find ways to add a little volume to my hijab styles.
I found a video in which a YouTuber named Amenakin shows us a lovely (and simple) way to wear the hijab without it being flat. She adds volume to the hijab style by adding “folds” while she’s wrapping her scarf around her head. I would embed the video here, but embedding is disabled on this video so you’ll have to click the picture to watch it. Do check it out and tell me what you think of it.
And oh by the way, I’ve added a collection of about 150 How To Wear Hijab Styles video tutorials. More will be added frequently, inshaAllah…Click here to check them all out!
WHAT NOT TO WEAR à la HIJAB : SHEATH DRESSES
This is the first of a new WE LOVE HIJAB segment that many people have been requesting: a hijabi version of What Not To Wear. In these posts I’m going to be your Trinny & Susannah, and Clinton & Stacey. And I’m going to show you What Not To Wear (or how to wear things that you normally couldn’t)!
Up first, are sheath dresses. Sheath dresses are a really big trend right now, but they’re not hijab-fashion friendly for a couple of reasons:
[1] They’re tight.
[2] They’re short.
[3] They’re sleeveless (usually).
For these reasons, I wouldn’t normally recommend sheath dresses to a hijabi, BUT, there is one thing about these dresses that makes them wearable. The length. Sheath dresses are usually mid-thigh length, which makes them great underthings when you’re wearing longer blazers and cardigans. Check out the look below and tell me, are you feeling sheath dresses?
Links:
[1] INC International Concepts Dress, Printed Short Sleeve Sheath, $59.25. [2] Ponte Knit Long Jacket, $79+. [3] Her Majesties Pearl Locket Necklace, $36. [4] Pashmina Shawl, $15. [5] Ponte Knit Wide-Leg Pants, $29.99. [6] Pura Lopez N251 Mary Jane Pumps, $160.17.
If you’ve been waiting for me to feature plus size clothing on WLH, this Hijab Style Find is for you. Today’s find is a kelly-green cardigan by ON. I like this cardi because it’s feminine (the elasticized puff sleeves), affordable ($30), and it comes in three basic colors (black, white, and tan) and two jewel-tones (the green shown here and deep pink).
Hijab Style Tip:
Unlike typical cardigans, this one is tight on the hips so that it creates a blousy look when buttoned up. When wearing this style, you’ll want to leave the last few buttons undone so that the cardigan flares out and conceals your hips. – And of course you’ll want to wear this over longer items like sleeveless maxi-dresses or mini-dresses and pants.
Link: [1] Women’s Plus Scoop-Neck Cardigans, $30.00.
HAUTE HIJABI : ANGIE
The Hijabi:
Angie, a 17 year-old Egyptian-American high school senior from NJ, USA.
Angie on her Haute Hijab Style:
“I have been wearing the hijab for 8 years now ever since the September 11 attacks in New York City. I saw many of my Muslim friends taking the hijab off because they were afraid of being targeted or picked on at school. I instead, chose to put the hijab on because I did not feel that the Muslim ummah should feel embarrassed for who they were. Instead, I believed that we should all stand up together and become united. As I attended my high school and got to know a few other Muslims, I started an MSA along with my sister. Through the MSA we brought together many Muslims both in the school and the community. Before the MSA, everyone had just kept to themselves, but now, we are all like a family. Every year, more people join, even non-Muslims and we help the community by volunteering at soup kitchens, mosques, and even have banquets for the high school and the community about Islam and the Middle East.
I own over 100 hijabs. The hijab is my life. I love to match my clothes all the time with my hijab, from head to toe. I even match my pins with my outfit! Because I am the only hijabi at my high school with over 2,000 people, I like to be the best dressed. I shop at stores like Forever 21, Wet Seal, Macy’s, Charlotte Russe, Necessary Clothing, and a few other small shops in New York City. I buy my hijabs when I go to Egypt or at random in stores that sell scarfs. Having hijabs’ is a little bit more easier now that non-Hijabis and Muslims wear scarves on a daily basis.
The biggest tip that I can give to anyone about the hijab is to not over think it. When I get an outfit ready, I never over think how I will match. Even when I am shopping, if I love a pair of shoes or shirt, I just buy it without giving much thought to what it would match with. Also, it’s extremely important to have your clothes organized and arranged so that when you get an outfit together, it is easy to put clothes together.”
Want to be featured as a Haute Hijabi? Submit your photos to welovehijab@yahoo.com. Be sure to include your name, age, location, occupation, and a description of your Haute Hijab Style. You could win a fabulous prize!
Today’s Hijab Style Find is another nod to Global Pink Hijab Day. This pretty pale pink top features intricate embroidery, bishop sleeves (a favorite of mine!) and soft pleating detail in the front.
Hijab Style Tip:
This top is made of rayon and as you can tell in the picture, it’s very soft and flowy. To balance out the softness of it, I’d wear this top with a stiff pair of dark wide-leg jeans or black pants. In fashion, they always say that when you wear something flowy (like this top), you should wear something fitted/tight with it. Since fitted and tight are usually don’ts when it comes to hijab fashion, the stiff jeans that I mentioned will give us the same balancing effect – without exposing our goodies to the world!
Link: [1] Shakura Top, $39.95.
This year’s Global Pink Hijab Day event is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, 2009. As you may know, the purpose of the event is to support Breast Cancer Awareness month by having Muslim women wear pink hijabs for one day. This campaign is especially important to me this year because one of my loved-ones was diagnosed with and treated for breast cancer this past summer and I really want to show my support – hence We Love Hijab’s new pink theme.
Here is the mission statement as listed on Global Pink Hijab Day’s official website(www.pinkhijabday.net):
Mission:
Pink Hijab Day is intended to shatter stereotypes of Muslim women, as well as raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research. All over the world, Muslims participated by wearing pink hijabs, pink ribbons, and donating to breast cancer foundations.
I want to thank everyone who participated in previous years. We hope this project will grow stronger every year. The event takes place the last Wednesday of every October. This year’s event is scheduled for October 28, 2009.
There are other ways that you can show your support of Pink Hijab Day if you don’t like wearing bright pink…
[1] You can wear a pink ribbon (either a real pin or just tie a ribbon around your wrist);
[2] You can wear a dark pink hijab if you don’t like the bright pink color that is used for most Breast Cancer Awareness logos;
[3] You can donate a dollar or two to your local Breast Cancer Awareness organization: Susan G. Komen (US), Breast Cancer Care (UK), Breast Cancer Foundation of Egypt (Egypt), Zahra Breast Cancer Association (Saudi Arabia), and ThinkPink (Qatar)
Most of all, we should educate ourselves about the risks of breast cancer, how to prevent it, and alternative ways of treating it (if you or someone you know has/had breast cancer). Unfortunately, it will probably touch all of us in one way or another and the best defense against it is education, which starts with awareness, so please support Pink Hijab Day by wearing pink hijabs (or something) on October 28th; and support breast cancer awareness all year-round.
PSA is over now. :-)
xox Kima
Today’s Hijab Style Find is this gorgeous paisley print maxi dress by One World. This dress is so pretty, don’t you think? I am in love with everything about it, from the elegant paisley print to the vibrant colors. And the fact that this dress costs less than $50 makes me like it even more.
Hijab Style Tip:
The neckline on this dress is much more low-cut than it appears to be in the picture (I edited the pic a little bit for modesty’s sake), so wearing this type of dress would require either a huge hijab (think mini-burka style) or a high-neck tee or tank. And then of course you’d want to add a cardigan or jacket to complete the look.
Link: [1] One World Paisley Print Sleeveless Maxi Dress, $39.99.
EID HIJAB STYLES CONTEST
Congratulations Vanessa! Your gorgeous look won the Eid Hijab Styles contest and I’ll be sending you this pretty pink, black & white hijab.
Thank you to all of the other lovely contestants (even those who were not posted for one reason or another), and thank you to everyone who voted.
Now it’s time for the next giveaway. Stay tuned for details!
Hijab Q&A : What’s your inside style?
Inside style refers to what a hijabi wears when she doesn’t have to be completely covered. Click here to find out about my inside style. And leave a comment to let me know about yours.
WE LOVE HIJAB UPDATES
A few announcements…
[1] Voting has started for the Eid Hijab Styles contest. See the poll in the sidebar to cast your vote. The winner will be announced tomorrow.
[2] The Haute Hijabi feature is back and this time around I’ll have some nice prizes for the participants! There will be four giveaways a year (each season)… Submit your pictures to welovehijab@yahoo.com for the Fall round. I don’t want to leave out readers who don’t want to submit pictures, so I’ll be posting giveaways for all of you too. Stay tuned!
[4] We Love Hijab is getting a makeover, so if you see anything strange over the next few days, well, now you know why.
[5] Coming up this month: hijab articles, hijab style videos and pictorials, fall fashion essentials, hijab fashion shows, and much more! If there’s anything else you’d like to see here on We Love Hijab, contact me.
[6] New feature! My friend suggested that I start a hijabi version of What Not To Wear. If you need help with a particular outfit, or don’t know what to wear with something that you own, email me with pictures of your hijab fashion dilemma.
That’s all for now!
xox Kima
