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!

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!

JODI HYLAND
WORE… Gap jeans, a flowy cardigan by Kieus, black booties, and a hot pink pashmina hijab.
TO… an Oscar party at a friend’s house.
LOVES… Forever21, Old Navy, Gap, Express, and Wet Seal.
MUST HAVE… cropped sweaters in every color, pashmina hijabs, maxidresses and dangly earrings.

Steal Erica’s Hijab Style
Links:
[1] Long Cardigan by MaxStudio, $89. [2] Mother of Pearl FLower Ring, $27.99. [3] Hot Pink Pashmina, $7. [4] Denim Trouser Jeans, $19.99. [5] Calvin Klein Nader Boots, $142.

(If you’re reading this in your email box, please visit the website to see Jodi’s outfit.)

ERICA KELLY-ALI, Provider Solution Rep.
WORE… a dress from Target, Bitten jeans, Mosimmo shoes, and a Louis Vuitton bag.
TO… the Eid Celebration at Al-Farooq Masjid in Atlanta, GA.
LOVES… Target, Old Navy, eBay, and UrbanOriginal.com.
MUST HAVE… a really big handbag, a cute, comfy pair of heels and a beautiful pair of earrings.

Steal Erica’s Hijab Style
Links:
[1] Blue & Black Paisley Pashmina Shawl, $14.99. [2] Long-sleeve T Shirt, $8.50. [3] V-Neck Dress by Soprano, $29.25. [4] Black Silk Underscarf, $18+. [5] Jolie Pants by Sanctuary, $151. [6] Badgley Mischka Platinum Bianca Hobo, $276.50. [7] Gold Dangling Hoops with Beads, $65.99. [8] Steve Madden Treason Pump, $39.99+.

HAUTE HIJABI : SALIMAH

This week’s Haute Hijabi is Salimah, a 23-year-old Muslimah from New Jersey. Salimah is a Muslimah diva when it comes to fashion. And she does a beautiful job of turning runway trends into fabulous hijab styles! (Just check out her colorful Etro-esque outfit above!) Read on to find out more about this lovely Haute Hijabi…

WE LOVE HIJAB: Why do you love hijab?
SALIMAH: The main reason I love hijab is because Allah and his prophet love hijab. But also, hijab provides me with a shield from some of the unsavory things in the world. I’ve heard stories about women being harassed and groped on the street… That has never happened to me and I don’t fear that it ever will. I find that even non-Muslims see that hijabis demand a much greater level of respect. Wearing hijab is like wearing a big sign that reads “My Lord is more important”. And I think that most, if not all people get that message loud and clear. Lastly, I love hijab because inshallah it’s helping me on my way to paradise!

WE LOVE HIJAB: When did wearing hijab become like second nature to you?
SALIMAH: I think wearing hijab became second nature to me when I reached puberty. I’ve worn it since then but I think that I went through “levels” of hijab. Because I have a “passion for fashion”, at first I found it difficult to find the balance between the two, especially during my high school years. I think as I’ve gotten older and more conscious of Islam, I’ve found that balance. Mashallah.

WE LOVE HIJAB: What are your favorite places to shop for modest clothing?
SALIMAH: Oh man, I don’t even know where to start. Shopping is a bit of a habit for me. Put me in any store and I’m sure to find something that I love! But to list a few: Kohl’s clearance racks are too good to be true! Target is always good for dresses or even long button-up shirts. H&M is where I get a lot of my tank-style dresses to go over pants. Banana Republic has great dress pants. And we can’t leave out Old Navy and the Gap.

WE LOVE HIJAB: What clothing items do you think all Muslim women need in their wardrobes?
SALIMAH: SHOES! Well not just shoes… I think we all need at least one jilbab, a long summer dress (pre-lined), an array of colorful cardigans (they can add color to any basic outfit and provide added modesty as well), a wide-legged trouser jean, and a nice pair of slacks.

WE LOVE HIJAB: Which “celebrity” really needs a Modesty Makeover and how would you dress her?
SALIMAH: Mariah Carey. I would love to see Mariah in a dark washed, wide-legged trouser jean with a long, button-up white shirt, silver sandals, red bag and black/white/red floral scarf… and diamonds.

WE LOVE HIJAB: What do you want non-Muslim women to know about hijab?
SALIMAH: I want them to know that hijab is NOT a sign of oppression, and that it is actually quite liberating! When I get offered a job, I don’t have to worry that I got the job because of how I was dressed or because of how much skin I was showing. I know that, mashallah, it was based on just me. My personality, the way that I carried myself, my credentials, and maybe even because of my hijab. Hijab is a blessing, not a punishment. And nope, I am not hot!

WE LOVE HIJAB: What advice would you give to a sister who is having a hard time balancing Islamic modesty and her desire to be stylish?
SALIMAH: I’ve been in this situation before and I know how difficult it can seem. But you have to simplify it for yourself. What do you want most? To impress people, or to impress Allah? Who is going to benefit you more? Your friends who like your outfit, or Allah? Living in societies where hijab is the opposite of the norm can sometimes mess with your mind, but you can’t let it. Start hanging around more hijabis, ask them about their hijab stories, we all have one. Just think about your main goal in this life: to prepare for the next life and inshallah, that will help you on your way. There is a balance… Just look at the “We Love Hijab” website!

Want to be next week’s Haute Hijabi? Contact us!

HAUTE HIJABI : RAHMAH

This week’s Haute Hijabi is Rahmah, a 19-year-old student from Virginia. Rahmah is into fashion just as much as any other girl, but her serious side aspires to become an Islamic scholar who changes the world! Just like all of our Haute Hijabis, Rahmah is beautiful inside and out (mashallah!) and you can read on to find out more about her haute hijabi style.

WE LOVE HIJAB: Why do you love hijab?

RAHMAH: “O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks close around them (when they go abroad). That will be better, so that they may be recognized and not annoyed. Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.” (Qur’an 33:59)

That up there, is why I love Hijab. It is what my role models wore (Prophet Muhammad’s (saw) wives). Muhammad (saw) told them to wear it because it is what Allah (swt) has commanded him to do in the Qur‘an, and I love what He the Great has ordered because I know it has a lot of wisdom and good behind it. How can I not love what Allah (swt) and His beloved Prophet (saw) loved?!

I love the feeling of wearing a hijab. It makes me feel very comfortable. When I wear it, I feel that people look at me with respect. I am looked at as a human, rather than a sexual object. And I really love the fact that when I wear a hijab out in the public, there is always one non-Muslim that asks me a question or two on Islam, so if I didn’t wear a hijab, I wouldn’t have had the chance to make da’wah. Further more, being a hijabi, I have less things to worry about…Whether I have a bad hair day or not. That is something most women worry about daily and stress over it for hours! I am glad I don’t have to go through that, al-hamdulillah. I can just pop on my hijab and leave the house! I feel…FREE! This is why I LOVE HIJAB! <3

WE LOVE HIJAB: What is the worst Islamic fashion faux pas?

RAHMAH: Well, I feel that there is a lot more than one faux pas. But what really gets to me is when a sisters cleavage is showing. It is actually quite disturbing for me. Although tight clothes and revealing hair is a huge faux pas, exposed cleavage bothers me a whole lot more. It makes me feel very uncomfortable when I see a woman showing off her goodies in front of men, even if it is only her mahram who is around. A ladies body was made beautiful, and that beauty should not be abused.

WE LOVE HIJAB: Which hijab style is your favorite and how do you like to wear it?

RAHMAH: This is a tough one, heh-heh! I love them all and they each have such good qualities about them so they are all my favorite! The Amira Style. I like this style because it sticks to my head, meaning it won’t slip off or anything because of the way it has been made (two piece). I don’t even need a pin for this type of hijab (if I buy the right size of course). It stays firm on my head. It is also very comfortable to wear. For some reason, when I wear this type of hijab, it makes me feel innocent, maybe because I see a lot of kids wearing it. The Shayla Style. Man! This type of hijab comes in so many different colors, fabrics, and designs! They are usually wide enough to cover my chest. I appreciate the bigger shaylas more. It makes me feel very elegant, safe, and proper when I wear this hijab style.

The way I wear a shayla is not so different than anyone else would wear it. I make one side longer than the other before I connect the two sides below my chin with a pin. Then I take the longer side and wrap it around my head once or twice, depending if it is transparent or not. I make sure to bring it to the side of my face and slide a pin against the side of my face to hold the hijab in place.

WE LOVE HIJAB: Has it always been easy for you to wear hijab? If not, how did you overcome whatever was holding you back?

RAHMAH: No, it wasn’t always easy for me, this was when I was a young teen. Even though I didn’t really like it, I still wore it most of the time but for the wrong reasons. I started wearing a hijab in fifth grade, when I was enrolled in an all girl Islamic private school called Al-Qalam, wearing a hijab was part of the uniform. I was taught why I should wear it, but of course I looked past the importance since I was “young and dumb” as they like to say. Al-hamulillah, as I reached my middle teen years, I grew to be wiser as wisdom does come with age. I decided to learn about the beauty behind wearing the hijab and why it was ordered in more detail. I remember reading articles and watching YouTube videos on hijab. It helped me a whole lot. So a few years ago during the month of Ramadan, I decided that I will be a true Hijabi. (A Muslimah that wears it because SHE wants to, because she FEARS Allah (swt), because SHE LOVES it, and a Muslimah that wears it in front of ALL her non-mahrams). It is all about the intention.

WE LOVE HIJAB: What are your favorite modest clothing items?

RAHMAH: A Hijab, ha ha! Okay, okay, a maxi dress or a short dress (which for me is like a tunic). Especially the dresses with long sleeves, that saves up some layering in hot weather! I would only have to wear some loose pants/jeans with it and I would be ready to go. I like it when I don‘t have to worry about an outfit being layered, but it can be fashionable at times.

WE LOVE HIJAB: What are your favorite places to shop?

RAHMAH: I don’t really have a favorite place to shop at the moment. I just go to random stores. But I have three stores that I seem to be shopping at more than others: Forever 21, Gussini and Ross (Dress for Less)! :D I find that these three stores have my taste of clothing, a choice of modest clothing, and are not too expensive (Gussini is pretty inexpensive.) The quality for clothes in Ross are awesome since it is a store that carries brand name clothing and accessories for a lot less than their actual price! I am sure that I have a lot of more stores to discover, hah!

WE LOVE HIJAB: Any advice for Muslim women who are new to hijab?

RAHMAH: “A Muslim woman who wears her hijab is like a pearl in its shell.” The shell protects the pearl from harm, where the hijab protects the woman in the same manner. Hijab literally means to conceal. Usually people like to keep precious things hidden and not exposed. Most treasures are hidden for a reason. Real diamonds are not in display without being locked in thick glass walls at a jewelry store. What makes diamonds so special? Well, there aren’t that many of them. If a diamond should be covered, how much worth do we have as HUMANS? Are we lower than a diamond to expose ourselves? No. A human is a worthy being, and there is no worldly item that is worthier than one. We should maintain concealing our beauty. And we should be steadfast in it, as steadfast as we are with keeping our cash hidden in the best place possible. We are humans, and not just any type, we are women, but not just any type, we are the women of the believers! We are an example of what Muhammad (saw) taught and we should protect his teachings by acting upon them correctly. He sacrificed his life to make sure we were blessed with the gift of hijab, so we should show some appreciation and live by it.

HAUTE HIJABI : KE’LONA

This week’s Haute Hijabi is Ke’lona, a 25-year-old Muslim woman from California. Ke’lona’s style is eclectic, colorful, and innovative (just look at how she layers her hijab!). She has an obvious penchant for diva sunglasses and carefully coordinated ensembles. Read on to find out more about her Haute Hijabi style!

WE LOVE HIJAB: Why do you love hijab?
KE’LONA: I love hijab for so many reasons. The most obvious, of course, is because Allah loves hijab… I think hijab is one of the easiest ways to please Allah, and have fun at the same time. I also love it because it differentiates me from non-Muslims and non-hijabis… so much can be deduced of your character when you put on a simple scarf. Being someone with an extremely outgoing (and at times outlandish) personality, hijab shows people that I may seem crazy and wild at times, but I have a set of beliefs and an expression of my modesty, that could sometimes be missed otherwise.

I also like hijab because it reminds me to try to be modest… I am always afraid of setting a bad example for Muslim women everywhere if I don’t behave appropriately in my hijab. People tend to think that the behavior of one Muslim represents the behavior of all Muslims, so it reminds me to set a good example for all of us.

Ok, just two more [reasons why I love hijab]… I love it because it’s a modest way of expressing your beauty and style. And lastly, because of its flexibility… You can cover yourself from head to ankle in non-tight-fitting, but very trendy clothes. You can even rock nikab with style… Hijab is for everyone, if they only knew!

WE LOVE HIJAB: How do you wrap your hijab?
KE’LONA: Well, I use so many different styles… I wear traditional, full, knee-length hijabs and I accent them with earrings, jewelry, decorative underscarves or nothing at all.

I have developed all sorts of creative styles with the long rectangular shayla… From the traditional wrap around and drape across chest [style], to a behind the head tie-back style that is then draped around to leave space for earrings.

I roll loose ends [of the scarf] into rose shapes on the side [of my head] and add jewels to accent; I throw hoodies on over the hijab for a more urban style; and I do what I like to call my “Jackie-O” style [this is the one in the last image in the collage]. I wrap a small sheer scarf tight around my head and neck… draping it sideways across my forehead, like bangs kinda swept over one eye almost. Then I wrap a loose, usually patterned scarf around like a snood. That style looks very classy and chic with big sunglasses.

Lets see, I add hats now and then and I mix in headbands for a shot of color, or I do different draping styles with more than one colored scarf. I am always looking for something fresh and new!

WE LOVE HIJAB: How would you describe your sense of style?
KE’LONA: It’s virtually impossible to describe in one or two sentences. I guess I would say it’s unique, progressive, traditional and fresh. I like classy/chic, urban, whimsical, bohemian (boho), traditional, ethnic/Indian, funky, sporty/athletic, feminine & girly and what I call the Purist’s Style… Monochromatic, made beautiful by dramatic draping and jewelry accents.

WE LOVE HIJAB: Has it always been easy for you to wear hijab? If not, how did you overcome whatever was holding you back?
KE’LONA: When I first became Muslim, the hijab was instantly easy for me. It was a HUGE shift from how I usually dressed, and over the period of 7 years I came into my own style, but the traditional abaya, nikab and khimar were the staples of my repertoire for many years. There have been days when wearing hijab has been hard for me, or toning down my ensemble became necessary (I got a bit too liberal and felt a bit uncomfortable, quickly rushing back into the house for an ensemble change.)

When wearing hijab became hard for me I started infusing a bit of individuality into it… I went for brighter colors, hoodies, jean skirts and things that better reflected my personal mood or style. I let my friendly personality shine through in my clothing while maintaining the proper modesty. It made me so much happier to wear hijab because it became a point of interest and admiration to people, rather than a danger and threat.

WE LOVE HIJAB: What are you wardrobe staples?
KE’LONA: The shayla scarf is just indispensable. I especially love the thin pashmina rectangular scarf. It’s got the silky-smooth opaque quality of a pashmina, but is much more lightweight and breathable. Also, denim and khaki skirts are a must-have, as well as a huge variety of flats (close-toed or peep-toed shoes) in a variety of colors. After that, I think full length double-layered georgette abayas [are must-haves]. They are just so elegant and flexible… You can make them traditional, chic, elegant, even ghetto-fabulous with the right fur-trimmed jacket, hoop earrings and bangles!

WE LOVE HIJAB: What are your favorite places to shop?
KE’LONA:

www.Shukronline.com – Classic styles, clean lines, unique designs. Also they have very bright, rich colors. Great for Summer!



www.thehijabshop.com – Sporty, cargo, and casual styles… trendy and original. Plus they have a HUGE selection of hijabs!

www.scarfworld.com – Great quality and variety of scarves… You can get the “lightweight pashmina” here.

www.denimskirts.com – This site was a dream come true when I found it… Floor length denim skirts, good prices, lots of styles.

I also love shopping at Target… Their Mossimo line is just awesome and they have lots of cropped jackets and short dresses that work great as tunics. They also carry a small selection of scarves, accent scarves, and really great purses and bags.

Also, Forever 21… They are just great! And Payless Shoes always has a few good pairs of flats with matching purses. (Hey, you gotta save money somewhere.)

I’m a big-time shopper, so I could go on forever.

WE LOVE HIJAB: Any advice for Muslim women who are new to hijab?
KE’LONA: Sisters, hijabi and non-hijabi alike, Allah commands us to cover… Its not just with modesty, He gives very specific instructions in the Quran. Remember that your outfit is supposed to be an OVERGARMENT. So if you are wearing nothing but a bra and panties under that abaya, skirt, tunic or whatever, no matter how loose, plain or modest it seems, you are not properly covered! This is a very important part of hijab that is often overlooked.

Nowadays there are lots of things you could wear under your outfit that would not make you any less comfy (like leggings and tank tops for instance). At least try your best and make du’aa that Allah makes it easy for you!

I congratulate all of you sisters whether you are ready to cover or not. For those who struggle with covering, try writing a list of all the pros and cons of covering, then rate each thing on a scale of 1-5 in terms of benefit or harm (try to be as objective and honest as possible). Add those points up and see which outweighs which and by how much.

As time goes on, go back to these questions and rate them again. If you find yourself moving further and further away from hijab, try hanging around more hijabi’s so that you can better understand why they love the hijab so much. Hopefully some of that will rub off on you! Or keep reading through blogs and sites like this one, searching for a modest style that fits your personality.

Now, if you add the points up and find that you really are more in favor of hijab, but you’re scared for one reason or another, then try doing it step by step. Start with longer tunics, then full length skirts, and try tying your hijab as an accessory until you feel ready to wrap that baby around your pretty little head.

It feels really good to wear hijab. I hope that those who are struggling with it are inspired and encouraged by the great work of sister Kima here at “We Love Hijab!” (Thanks Kima, you rock!)

STEAL KE’LONA’S STYLE:

Look #1 (clockwise from right):
1. Red Pashmina ($20) 2. Smocked Long Skirt ($49+) 3. Barse Sterling Silver Bangles Set ($425) 4. Nine West Rebekah Peep Toe Flat ($65.99) 5. Tianni Leather Quilted Hobo ($70) 6. Simple Chiffon Shawl (£5.99) 7. Jersey Long Sleeve Tunic, Devon & Jones ($32.20+)

Look #2 (clockwise from right):
1. Black Oblong Scarf ($15.99) 2. Similar Abaya ($30) 3. Mia Catherine Open Toe Flat ($26.99+) 4. Kathy Van Zeeland Metal Works Belt Tote ($64.90+) 5. Silver Leopard Print Pashmina (£11.99)

Want to be next week’s Haute Hijabi? Contact me!

HAUTE HIJABI : NAJIBAH

This week’s Haute Hijabi is Najibah, a 22-year-old Muslimah from New Jersey. Najibah will be graduating from college this May, inshallah, and she will soon start the daunting task of job-hunting. Some people would think of her hijab as an obstacle during this time of her life, but Najibah would strongly disagree and she offers some good advice for sisters who are in a similar situation to her own.

WE LOVE HIJAB: Why do you love hijab?
NAJIBAH: I love hijab because it gives me a sense of security. When I go out in my hijab I feel good knowing that Inshallah I am pleasing Allah. Some people might think that we as Muslim women get harassed and bothered because of hijab, but in my experience I get a whole lot of respect – from Muslims and non-Muslims – because I am wearing hijab.

I’m not going to lie, it wasn’t always easy for me to abide by the Muslimah dress code. But with prayer, encouragement (wanted and unwanted) from my sisters, and personal development, I really started to love every aspect of hijab.

Hijab is so much more than a head covering. It is the way we present ourselves, how we talk, and how we act. When we wear hijab, we are representing Muslim women and we should try to show people a good example of what a Muslim woman is. We should try to remember that how we present ourselves could bring others to Islam.

WE LOVE HIJAB: How would you describe your sense of style?
NAJIBAH: Regretfully I used to wear tight jeans and shirts most of the time. But Alhamdulillah, Allah brought me out of that. Now most of the time I dress a lot more modestly and put together. I got a lot of ideas from welovehijab.com! : )

I’m a senior in college now so I thought it was time to start dressing more professionally. So you can catch me in some wide leg jeans, a short sundress, a lightweight jacket, some heels (wedges are the best for walking from class to class all day!) and a black hijab.

WE LOVE HIJAB: What is your favorite place to shop for modest clothing offline?
NAJIBAH: My favorite place to shop for modest clothing has to be Kohls. I just started shopping there and I have found the most beautiful and inexpensive spring dresses.

WE LOVE HIJAB: What types of clothing will you be wearing this spring?
NAJIBAH: For this spring, I am loving the short sundresses that you can wear as a shirt with a lightweight jacket. All you have to do is throw on some jeans underneath and a lightweight hijab for perfect spring coverage.

WE LOVE HIJAB: What clothing items do you think all Muslim women need in their wardrobes?
NAJIBAH: I think that every Muslimah needs a black hijab and a black abaya. In my opinion, a black hijab can be worn with almost anything – it’s actually my best friend, lol. And a black abaya can easily be dressed up or down depending on your accessories. You can throw one on with a denim jacket and some flats, or a blazer and heels. Either way, it’s a must have in a Muslimah’s wardrobe.

WE LOVE HIJAB: What do you think is the key to fabulous modesty?
NAJIBAH: Like a previous Haute Hijabi stated, I think the key is making sure that we are modest in actions as well as in dress. Some sisters believe that by wearing hijab, they are completely fulfilling their duty to Allah. But it is crazy to think that it is okay to wear hijab and cuss someone out or dance like you are in a music video at the same time! It kind of defeats the purpose of hijab.

WE LOVE HIJAB: What advice would you give to a sister who is worried that her hijab will hinder her ability to get a job after graduation?
NAJIBAH: I would tell her that nothing can stop her from getting whatever Allah (swt) has planned for her and it doesn’t matter what an employer has to say about it. We can’t go through life worrying about what people are going to think about us wearing hijab because we aren’t wearing it for them. We are wearing it for the sake of our souls. All we can do as Muslims is try our best to follow the commands of Allah and He will bless us with what we need, Inshallah.

Muslim women can do anything! There are hijabi professors, doctors, lawyers, and the list can go on and on. But the point is that we have to stay true to what we believe in and Inshallah, Allah will bless us with the best in this life and the next.

STEAL NAJIBAH’S STYLE:

Look #1 (clockwise from right):
1. Stretch Broadcloth Blazer ($78) 2. Wide Leg Trouser Jeans ($65.95) 3. Nine West Solelyn Sandal ($79.95) 4. Sean John Silk Chiffon Dress ($59.97)

Look #2 (clockwise from right):
1. Marciano Lily Maxi Dress ($168) 2. Mossimo Presley Patent Heels ($17.99) 3. Beyond Yoga Supplex Jacket) (wear unzipped for maximum modesty! ($45.37+) 4. Pashmina ($13.28)

Want to be next week’s Haute Hijabi? Contact me!

HAUTE HIJABI : AMANI

This week’s Haute Hijabi is Amani, a 19 year-old college student from New Jersey. Like many Muslim women, Amani’s style is an interesting mix of Islamic clothing (like abayas) and modern fashions (like maxi dresses). You may remember her from our old How To Wear Hijab video. And now you have a chance to find out more about Amani’s Haute Hijabi style!

WE LOVE HIJAB: Why do you love hijab?
AMANI: I love hijab because it allows me to always be mindful of who I am. Sometimes when you are in a situation where you may want to react in a negative way, the hijab makes you second-guess those actions and words. We know those things may be displeasing to Allah and certain things just don’t look good on a Muslim woman.

Hijab also gives me a sense of comfort; whether I’m inside or outside of my home. Although being recognized as a Muslim woman has its responsibilities, I prefer it over being recognized as anything or anyone else. When I’m out shopping or eating and I see another hijabi, she sees me, and we give Salaams and smiles… I Love It!

WE LOVE HIJAB: When did wearing hijab become like second nature to you?
AMANI: Around the age of 12 I began wearing hijab and it came naturally MashaAllah, even before my time of actually having to wear it. What wasn’t always constant was the higher level of modesty that I’m currently trying to accomplish.

WE LOVE HIJAB: What are your favorite places to shop for modest clothing?
AMANI: During spring and summer I love to shop at Old Navy because they always have a nice selection of cute maxi dresses that are great with a cardigan or maybe a cropped jacket. During the colder months it’s all about fabulous coats and sweaters, Target is the place to go to find these.

WE LOVE HIJAB: What clothing items do you think all Muslim women need in their wardrobes?
AMANI: A long-sleeved, almost knee length button down shirt in a basic color so you can wear it with almost anything. A long, lightweight, long-sleeved tunic to wear during spring and summer. A basic black abaya or jilbab, and a few colorful and printed hijabs to add some fabulousness.

WE LOVE HIJAB: Which “celebrity” really needs a Modesty Makeover and how would you dress her?
AMANI: Nicole Richie. I would dress Nicole in a white maxi dress with a tan cardigan, multi-colored pashmina hijab, and flip-flops. Oh and can’t forget the over-sized sunglasses!

WE LOVE HIJAB: What do you want non-Muslim women to know about hijab?
AMANI: That hijab-wearing Muslim women are still women and it doesn’t take some kind of super powers to wear hijab. A lot of the time when I meet non-Muslim women, at work or wherever, they say “I couldn’t wear that. You don’t want to show your hair?” Just about every woman I know enjoys getting her hair done and enjoys showing it off a little. This includes Muslim women. We just show it off in our homes instead of out in public. For the women who say, “I couldn’t wear that”… Yes you could, InshaAllah, if you truly knew of the rich benefits it brings.

WE LOVE HIJAB: What advice would you give to a sister who is having a hard time balancing Islamic modesty and her desire to be stylish?
AMANI: I would advise her to make Du’a about it. We should always try to put Allah (swt) first in our minds when it comes to dress (and everything else), before the style factor. But MashaAllah, it is definitely possible to have both Islamic modesty and style. Just visit WeLoveHijab.com for help!! :)

STEAL AMANI’S STYLE:

Look #1 (clockwise from right):
1. Embroidered Fuchsia Maxi Dress, Zapelle ($76.73) 2. Kenneth Cole Reaction Limme Go Sandal ($79.95) 3. Full Tilt Smock Waist Cardigan ($14.97) 4. Handwoven Silk Scarf, Ashore (£10)

Look #2 (clockwise from right):
1. Black Oblong Scarf ($13.91) 2. Similar Abaya ($30) 3. Steve Madden Silken Pump ($69.95) 4. Leopard Print Obi Belt, Newport News ($15) 5. Gold Satin Coat, Ya ($89)

Want to be next week’s Haute Hijabi? Contact me!

HAUTE HIJABI : SAMAH

WE LOVE HIJAB’S Haute Hijabi for this week is Samah, a 33 year-old Program Coordinator from Ohio. No stranger to the Islamic fashion blogosphere, Samah offers inspiring commentary on the concepts of hijab and modesty. You can check her out at one of her blogs: Jamerican Muslimah. But before you do, click on the link below to find out more about her Haute Hijabi style!

WE LOVE HIJAB: Why do you love hijab?
SAMAH: By wearing hijab I have the opportunity to give dawah on a daily basis (which in turn strengthens my iman.) I’ve been able to challenge stereotypes people have about Muslim women being uneducated, oppressed and passive. I’ve had lengthy discussions with people about Islam and hopefully I’ve changed their perspective. If I wasn’t wearing hijab, I don’t think I’d have the opportunity as much as I do.

WE LOVE HIJAB: Can you tell us about your first experience wearing hijab?
SAMAH: When I first started wearing hijab it was in the early 90′s. I was a new Muslim and had no idea why I was wearing it. I was only told that I’d be punished if I didn’t wear it. Needless to say, I took it off after a couple of years. Eventually I studied the purpose of hijab. I read the Quran, Tafsir, books on hijab and listened to sisters’ personal experience with hijab. Once I developed a good understanding of why Allah commanded it I knew I was ready to wear it permanently. Alhamdulillah it has been eight years now.

WE LOVE HIJAB: Describe your sense of style in 3 words.
SAMAH: Classic, sophisticated and elegant.

WE LOVE HIJAB: What clothing items do you think Muslim women should never wear?
SAMAH: Tight pants, tight shirts, short-sleeved tops, short dresess/skirts and see through clothing. All of those things interfere with the Islamic concept of modesty.

WE LOVE HIJAB: What do you think is the key to fabulous modesty?
SAMAH: Balance. I think I can have my own individual style when wearing hijab. I also think I can be creative with it. However, it’s important to constantly ask myself if I’m still fulfilling the guidelines set forth by Allah. Which includes modesty in behavior and actions.

WE LOVE HIJAB: What is the silliest question that you’ve ever been asked about hijab and how did you respond?
SAMAH: Someone asked me if my husband can see my hair. The sad part is the person was serious! After I recovered from my shock I explained who a Muslim woman is allowed to be uncovered in front of.

WE LOVE HIJAB: What advice can you give to sisters who may be struggling with the idea of hijab?
SAMAH: I think it’s important to combine du’a with action and knowledge. Study the purpose of hijab, ask Allah for his help and guidance but at the same time be willing to put forth the effort. So often it seems like sisters are waiting for a miraculous sign telling them to put it on. It doesn’t happen like that for most of us though. Sometimes I think you just have to do it. Ignore the fears, the hesitance and the words of naysayers. Yes, it may be difficult and a little scary at first but remember why you’re doing it- for the pleasure of Allah and the development of your deen. Lastly, I think It’s important to network with other hijabis (even if it’s online.) Those sisters will act as a support system for you.

Remember, just because you wear hijab doesn’t mean you can’t be stylish. Do you but in a modest way…

STEAL SAMAH’S STYLE: Despite an admitted lack of body-shots for her Haute Hijabi collage, Samah’s penchant for beautiful colors and prints is still evident. Here are a couple of looks that I think she’d love.

Look #1:
Silk Pashmina, £14.99
Sand Dollar Blouse, $48.95
A-line Skirt, $48.95
Jessica Simpson Cielo Satchel, $108
Guess Carrie Stiletto Pumps, $89.95

Look #2:
Shirred Silk Dress, $99.00
Cropped One-Button Blazer, $39.50

Essential Trousers, $25

Enzo Angiolini Maylie15 Pump, $47.48-$94.95

Want to be next week’s Haute Hijabi? Contact me!