FashFaith.com

[Covered-Style Inspiration] Olivia Palermo's Flawless Looks

2013-06-18T16:32:00.004+07:00

Just in case you had forgotten how stylish and beautiful Olivia Palermo is.. :)

Source: mirror.co.uk

I love Olivia Palermo's style. Throughout these past couple of months, Olivia Palermo, a model-publicist-actress-NYC socialite, always be on my "style-radar". I love how she mix-and-match her clothing items, and she even sometimes "re-use/re-wear" the same item fabulously while she showed-up at different occasions/events.

Not just that, Olivia Palermo often seem dressing-up modestly in covered-style. This made me love her even more and started to see her as one of my style inspiration.. Her style is inspiring and encouraging - at least for me ^_^ - to learn more about mixing and matching, also accessorizing an outfit..

Sometimes Olivia just dressed up in a simple effortless outfit like simply wore a solid coral-colored long-sleeved blouse and black pants, paired with animal-printed beige ankle boots as the focal point of her look; Or, showed up in all black outfit, accessorized with gold bangles and a statement handbag.
Or, she dressing-up in a more stylish/edgy look - as usual.. ;) - by mixing and matching:
a stylish jacket over a floral jumpsuit paired with heels;
a shirtdress with an edgy belt and necklaces;
dark brown pants paired with electric blue pumps;
a well-tailored blazer and long flowy skirt, matched with a wide brim hat and a pair of open-toe ankle boots;
black-and-white outfit, matched with yellow mustard shoes and accessorized with gold jewels;
a white button-down shirt - tied at the bottom - matched with a brown leather-look skirt, sunglasses and a statement clutch; etc.

You can easily re-create these looks using the similar items you already have in your wardrobe, or just learn how she mixed colors in different colour-palette, mixed prints, patterns, and graphics, or how she matched different clothing-textures (silk, chiffon, lace, fur, leather) over her outfit, and then imply these "lessons" while you create your own look ;)

Source: Uploaded by user via Olivia on Pinterest

Source: oliviapalermo.com via Olivia on Pinterest

Source: oliviapalermo.com via Olivia Palermo on Pinterest

Source: fabsugar.com

Source: mytrueoptions.blogspot.com

And.. her glam look:
She added an Art Deco-inspired patterned blazer to her Roberto Cavalli gold sequin halter gown.

Source: stylebistro.com

.. really in love with her style! Are you? ;)

[Pic: Runningwithheels]

MyLifeTime.com shared few points from Olivia's style you can adopt to achieve her eclectic polished style. Here they are:

Stock up your closet on classic basic staples: the perfect white tee and white button-down shirt, versatile outerwear (jacket/blazer/coat), lots of neutral shades: grey-white-black-beiges.
An effortless mix of those neutral shades with a few touches of color from accessories (shoes, clutch/handbag, jewels, vest, scarf, etc.).
Forget about trying to match shoes and handbags.
Mix and match accessories to transform a basic look into something unique and personal - at this point, hijabers (Muslim women who wear hijab) could use their headscarf to create this signature look.. ;)

[Pic: Intheircloset]

And No. 5 from me: Learn on how Olivia mixes different/contrast colors, patterns, and clothing textures fabulously! ;)

Love on how she mixed blouse, belt, and skirt with contrast patterns and colors..

See more Olivia Palermo's flawless looks in covered-style below:

Click to view Style Files: Olivia Palermo's Covered-Style on GLOSSI.COM

More on Olivia's looks can be found on her site, Oliviapalermo.com, where you can take a look at her 'today's outfit' - tagged with: 'Snapped' -, also with details about what she wore and even shop the items she wore right from her site (by clicking a cart image next to the item pic).

My favorite categories in Olivia's site are 'Snapped' and 'How to Rock'! Here are some great tips from one of those categories: How to rock the coat.. check them out here!

So.. get inspired, Lovelies! :)

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[Video] HuffPost Live: Hijab Couture

2013-06-07T16:00:00.000+07:00

Featuring Yasmine Yasmine: a fashion stylist & writer, Mariam Sobh of HijabTrendz, Marwa Atik of Vela Scarves, and Keziah S. Ridgeway of Philly Hijabis Killing It.

Peplum and 'Phyton' luxury skin as detailing are major trends in the high fashion world right now. Creative fashion styling has made many fabulous pieces accessible to Muslim women.

An interesting talk on HuffPost Live about the blooming of Hijab Fashion. Watch it out below:

Yasmine, a fashion stylist and writer, in this talk, had a chance to mention some creative fashion styling that has made many fabulous/couture pieces accessible to Muslim women. Also, some major trends in the fashion world: pleated peplum (in this video, embedded on a gorgeous white blazer by Prajje 1983 - an amazing designer recently showed in New York Fashion Week), and beautiful detailing by the neckline: 'Phyton' luxury skin (snake skin). Many high fashion insiders use this luxury skin to accessorized their fashion pieces. Those are very on trend in high fashion/couture right now.

Yasmine and Dena (the interviewer) showed us the styling interestingly.

It's a really great watch! :)

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Neck and Ear Candy.. by Nat's Living

2013-06-06T21:38:00.002+07:00

Rustic, ethnic, raw, naturals..

What I would like more of: unique necklaces and long earrings to keep my "plain" hijab look more interesting. These - lead free and nickel free - necklaces and earrings handmade by Irene Natalia of Nat's Living have the qualities needed. They just add sweet charm to the whole look.

While mostly of my daily outfits are rather "plain", effortless and simple.. so often I forget to add details. I have beautiful hijab pins I never pin onto my headscarf, some rings in my jewel box I forget about, necklaces I never had a chance to wear, pretty bracelets I only remember if I'm not wearing my watch, etc..

It would be nice to feature more details like this in my day-to-day outfits.

Necklace by Nat's Living

Sometimes, if it possible, I wear necklace as a hijab accessory - settle it down tightly into the scarf with pins.

As for what kind of hijab-style you can pull off to be worn with long earrings, see some of the tutorials here.

Have a fabulous weekend, Lovelies! :)

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An Afternoon Walk

2013-06-05T22:10:00.000+07:00

Just took a little walk in the afternoon.. enjoying the breeze and the scenery around with the kids while "Mr. Sun" got ready to set down..

Was wearing my effortless relaxing outfit - a striped top, my favorite grey light-weight pashmina, skirt-like pants (celana kulot), paired with my brownie platform slide and a medium-sized black handbag.. No accessories, except the hijab pins ;)

Unintentionally, we all were wearing stripes! ;)

The road was a little wet after the rain.. Lucky, I had put on my platforms!

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On the Sidewalk

2013-06-02T14:33:00.000+07:00

Photography

Red Stockings

Bookshop Main

Boys wrestling

Mom's shoes

by Fred Herzog (Equinox Gallery Vancouver)

Love these photoshoots by - a Germany-born then emigrated to Canada - Fred Herzog. He took lots of streetscapes photos and photographic documentation of Vancouver and other cities in North America in years of 1950s - 1960s. Love to see these "old" city-sceneries through his eyes..

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Dive into Summer with Dorothy Perkins: Boyfriend-style Jeans and Black Cardigan

2013-05-31T10:45:00.000+07:00

Summer Style

Dorothy Perkins, or Dotty P, or DP (named after the English Rose), is one of the biggest ' fashion trend-setter' retailers based in the UK and it's firm favourite on the British High-street. Then after established over 90 years ago and going worldwide, recently DP finally got going in Indonesia.. DP provides a unique, feminine, wearable, up-to-date and affordable fashion.

The brand offers UK sizes 6 to 22, and a wide range of collections including Tall, Petite, Maternity, Shoes and Accessories.

You can take a look at the Dorothy Perkins Indonesia site at http://id.dorothyperkins.com, to get a feel for what’s available - there’s a great selection online, handbags, skirts, Summer dresses, or a bunch of accessories for your next dinner.

DP's this season collection has many strong different designs and some hot Summer key trends.. graphic prints: dots, floral, stripes, tribal; on-trend colours: jade, peachy pink, cobalt blue, nautical look; gorgeous maxis, cute sandals and pretty tops.

I picked out a pair of boyfriend-typed jeans and a black cardigan - every wardrobe basic-staples for Summer casual look - as my first try out from Dorothy Perkins. The jeans are made of 100% cotton and the cardigan is in a soft stretch jersey made of 95% viscose with 5% elastane.

DP's black cardigan felt very soft on my skin, it's light-weight, breathable and very comfort to wear in my country's tropical climate weather. It has a rouched detailing to the back that make it a cool design.. love it!

It's perfect (particularly for hijab-wearer Muslim women) to be thrown on over a sleeveless dress in hot Summer days! :)

As for the jeans, the boyfriend-typed jeans is also a perfect choice for women who do not like the "mainstream-fashion" skinny jeans, yet at the same time do not want to wear the slouchy baggy-like or boot cut jeans while still maintain to look edgy and flattering. And it's a safer choice for hijabers (= hijab wearer women). So, for you, hijabers, you might want to consider having a collection of boyfriend-typed jeans. They guarantee a looser fit appearance without looking like a pair of oversized jeans, and have a cleaner finish.

The plus of wearing boyfriend jeans is that you can wear them with short hem / fall-just-above-the-hip tops, without look too figure-revealing.

Unfortunately, here in Indonesia the boyfriend jeans are quite hard to find - not like the skinny jeans that keep showing up everywhere! So thanks to Dorothy Perkins, with its affordable price (compared to other similar high-quality jeans/denim here) and its online shop, has made us easier to shop our favorites.. ^_^

Shopping in a hot day in Beringhardjo traditional market - at the spices section.. ;)
Add a splash of flowers to your jeans-cardigan staples!

Love my DP jeans! I'm expecting my third born, so my belly is blossoming.. haha :D

The colorful Batik clothes sold at the high-street side.. Be careful if you intend to shop Batik at Malioboro street side, do not get it in over-priced or get the low-quality ones.

In the midst of crowd-and-busy Malioboro street, holding my shopping plastic-bag full of akar wangi (frequently used to maintain the Batik clothes in store) :

These DP jeans and cardigan will surely become my staples.. and I can think of endless possibilities on mixing-and-matching them with any other pieces available in my closet! ;)

Outfit details:

Pink floral top: Kasyalna fashion

Black cardigan: Dorothy Perkins, (now $22)

Mid wash boyfriend jeans in blue: Dorothy Perkins, (now $35)

Nude-coloured shoes: Crocs' old collection

Faux leather postman-bag: Ann's favourite stuffs

Bracelet: faux white-pearls bracelet from Mom

Headscarf: unbranded floral scarf

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A sneak peek to Islamic Design House's New Spring Line 2013

2013-05-14T08:13:00.000+07:00

Very soon Islamic Design House will be releasing their new, greatly improved website along with their new Spring Line collection. Recently, I was sent an April catalogue of their new Spring 2013 collection. There are many edgy and trendy jilbabs/abayas, with more nursing-friendly designs. Love them! And for future collection, the team behind Islamic Design House are working to provide a larger selection of plus-sized jilbabs/abayas.

Above are a few snaps from the catalogue of some of the designs I found most appealing to me.. You can see the complete collection very soon in their new website! :)

What do you think? Do you like Islamic Design House's new designs above? Do you have any suggestion for their future designs?

Click here to see the latest collection of Islamic Design House, and use the code: FASHFAITH to get 10 % OFF your purchase on the website.

Related post: My review on their abaya-coat.

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Islamic Design House's Abaya-Coat/Jacket-Jilbab [Product Review - and a voucher code!]

2013-05-08T12:09:00.000+07:00

I've known Islamic Design House Muslim clothing since months ago for its edgy style and its great abaya/jilbab design competition. Then while back ago, the team behind this amazing brand offering me to choose one of abayas/jilbabs from their latest collection. I was so thrilled and excited, and I have a hard time to pick just one from their wide range of gorgeous abayas.

One of their abayas/jilbabs that caught my eyes is the abaya-coat, or we can call it, a jacket-jilbab. Not only because the tailored abaya that appear as long overcoat is one of the new stylistic trends nowadays, but also I love the colour and the multifunction it has. So, I picked this fabulous abaya-coat from Islamic Design House.

Not long after I sent my size, it arrived.

I just can't wait to open the package. The abaya was wrapped in a neat package tied up with a purple paper bow.. I ripped open the package, and the first thing I saw is the colour. The colour is perfect, my favorite colour for a staple piece.. and I really want to make this abaya my wardrobe-staple :)

The tag has a lovely little saying..

Then I opened the folds, and pull up the abaya.. it's so perfect! I love the design and the fabric. The buttons go down the side of the abaya. I love the oversized collar/lapels that drops down and the double-breasted style giving the abaya a trench-coat structure. The stitching is neat. The fabrics aren't cheap, the abaya feels soft, comfortable, and drape beautifully. The fabric's materials are cotton twill and jersey from elbow down.

There's also a flap inside around the chest area to keep everything closed.

Although the abaya belongs to Islamic Design House's 'Winter Classic' collection, I'm pretty sure that this abaya is also can be worn in Spring or even Summer, surely with no layering-stuffs addition.

When I looked at this abaya, many different ways to wear it just popping out in my mind.. ;)

But firstly, I want to talk about its size. I ordered size: S-54, but they also asked for the alternative size, perhaps just in case the size I ordered is out of stock. Based on that, finally they sent the size S-56 for me.

As a whole, this abaya fits me well.. I love it! The skirt is a bit too long, but I can "trick" this out by wearing heels, or perhaps someday I will hemming it up to adjust my height :) The sleeves length also a bit too long, but it doesn't matter, because I just roll them up and I love it more with the sleeves rolled up :)

So, I think the size S-54 would have been the exact size for me.

When it comes the time to "test drive" this abaya.. First, I wear it the way it is, as.. an abaya.

Then I tried to wear it with my red converse and the matching pashmina.

And because it has a slightly trench-coat design, I tried to accessorize it with a cloth-belt, just like on the trench coat. If you like, you can accessorize it with various belt-style.

Then I wear it as a long coat.

Do you have another idea to style up this kind of abaya? ;)

It's really worth it to have an abaya from Islamic Design House, this abaya-coat in particular. The PLUS from this abaya:
- It has pockets on the side. The pockets are quite deep and wide.. Love them!

- It's high in quality.
- Soo wearable!

As for sizing, the size chart is pretty accurate. Islamic Design House also offers three different fits: slim, regular, and loose; and few different length options.

Browse the latest Islamic Design House collection here.

And.. last but not least, the exciting news is..

The Islamic Design House will be releasing a NEW Spring 2013 line and a new greatly improved website very soon!!

They have sent me a catalogue of a sneak peek to their upcoming collection. InshaAllah I will share a few snaps of some of the designs I found most appealing to me on my next post.

But wait - the best is yet to come!

Readers of FashFaith.com can get a 10 % off their purchase on Islamic Design House's website by simply using this code: FASHFAITH at the check out.

Click here to start shopping now!

Outfit details:

Abaya-coat/Jacket jilbab: Islamic Design House

Unbranded inner black maxidress (similar here)
Inner scarf, floral scarf, and pashmina: local store

Heels: Shoeka shoes

Red converse: local sport-shoes store

Necklace: Nat's Living

Belt: Centro

Watch: Tommy Hilfiger

Disclaimer: I received this jilbab in exchange for my honest review. The opinions and thoughts expressed are my own and I received no other compensation for my review.

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Muslim Women in Sport [plus, list of stores that sell Sport Hijab]

2013-05-04T01:37:00.000+07:00

Aquila Style Magazine on April 26, 2013, published an interesting article about Muslim women in Sport: the influences of culture versus religion. This topic has been brought up many discussions and debates around the world amongst the Muslims themself, particularly in Saudi Arabia where female participation in sports has long been a controversial issue. As for me, I've never been bothered about this issue, since I was born and have been grown in a relatively very tolerant country with moderate (typical) Indonesian Muslim, and surrounded by family who love sports, so it never crossed my mind a bit that Islam restricts Muslim women to play sports. I believe Islam encourages sport and other physical activities for all.

The prophet Muhammad is said to have invited his wife Aisha to a foot race.

We can play sport whether it's outdoors or indoors, there are men around or not, recorded by TV camera or not, as long as we guard our modesty. Besides, sport (walking, running, cycling, etc.) is a natural part of our life, isn't it? ;)

Fatima Fakier, the lovely lady who wrote that article, contacted me (before the article was published) and asked me to fill out some questions related to this article she was working at, about Muslim women in Sport, particularly in the context related to the Culture versus Religion. I'm so pleased to fill out the questioner, as I thought this would be a good chance to share some of my opinions on this while being hopeful this would add some insights or "enlightments" on this often divisive issue.

You can read the article here. There are a number Muslim women from around the world she interviewed to get further insight into this topic, including me. I played Hockey and Volleyball when I was in college. Now I do some workouts/fitness, jogging, cycling, and sometimes do fun swimming with my kids.

There are also Ruqayya, a young teenager living in America, wears the hijab and plays basketball.

Kulsoom Abdullah, 37, is an American weightlifter well-known for her successful campaign against the hijab ban in her sport.

Stephanie, an American and 21, is into rock climbing. Sarah, 23 and from the UK, enjoys the crazy sport of roller-derby.

And Mumtaz, who is 35 and lives in Botswana who has a slightly different view. While she is active in sport, she takes extra care to do it in an all-ladies group or with her husband.

Thanks to the fast growth of Muslim fashion these days, many designers and also hijab stores have been designed and sold fabulous, look comfortable and practical covered sportsuits, swimsuits, work-out clothes, headwears, and many active wear for Muslim women. Some of online hijab stores that I know selling sport hijabs are:

and so many more.. Or, you can find these kind of stores in my posts about Sport Hijab here. Indonesian local highstreet hijab-stores, like Karita and Al Fath in Yogyakarta, also sell beautiful covered swimsuits. Zoya, Indonesia Muslim-clothing brand, sell 'Bergo Eropa' that is wearable as a sport hijab or to be worn with glasses.

However, there will always be a need for improvement, innovation, and invention on these 'sport hijabs' in the future, whether it in design or the fabrics being used (bamboo fiber, anyone??) to make them be more comfort and wearable.

If you know any Islamic or non Islamic store which sell covered sport-clothing, swimsuit, or sport hijab, you can add it to the comment section below. Hope it would help people who are looking for covered sport-clothing easily find what they are looking for.

Few other pictures showing off Muslim women in sport from Sadaf Syed's iCover book:

In other physical activities:

(Photo credit: Aquila Style, iCover)

What do you wear when you do sporting activities and where did you get/buy your outfit from? Share with us :)

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Lovely Pieces

2013-04-28T16:38:00.000+07:00

Editorial

Lovely dresses and blazer.. in love with them.

Vika photographed by Marie Zucker for Material Girl magazine spring '13

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The new protagonist in the 'covered-up' fashion movement: Valentino

2013-04-28T08:57:00.000+07:00

The New York Times Style Magazine said that in its recent March 2013 issue..

"Revealing the body beautiful has become a fashion cliché.. Baring it all looks increasingly like yesterday’s trend."

Valentino, with his Spring and Fall 2013 Ready-to-Wear collection full of elegant edgy covered style, has been called as the new protagonist in bringing up a new sensibility to a wardrobe -- a 'so ancient and out of fashion' word in the mainstream fashion world: modesty. His new modest style has proven that demure need not mean dull.

Valentino Fall 2013 RTW collection

How beautiful is this Fall 2013 collection for Valentino designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli? Classic maxidresses and the simple gowns are updated with delicate embroidery, knit, and exquisite layers of lace, or decorated with lovingly luxurious embellishments or ornate creations, such as the white collars that came in laser-cut leather encrusted with beads.

Just as lovely as these delicate creations is the austere grace this collection is bringing up to -- everything evokes a quiet sense of wonder, beauty in demure.

Tong Liya in Valentino Spring 2013 - 3rd Beijing International Film Festival

(Images credit: Style.com, Photo: Yannis Vlamos/InDigital/GoRunway; & RCFA)

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Lively New Fashion Trends for Muslim Women

2013-04-26T10:01:00.001+07:00

A Guest Contribution from Nousheen

For those unacquainted with Islamic women’s clothing, jilbabs and abayas are both long, dress-like garments that cover a woman’s body. Either a jilbab or an abaya can be worn over everyday clothing, providing full coverage and creating a modest silhouette.

Some people might find these kinds of coverings to be dowdy or constrictive, but emerging trends in Muslim fashion are proving that these garments can be as individual and unique as the woman wearing them.

Fashion Fighting Famine 2013 Fashion Show, March 31 2013 in Irvine, California.

(Photo: Ritzy Photo)

Fashion designers have recently begun to realize that Muslim women are a huge demographic hungry for gorgeous clothes that fit into their lifestyles. Jilbabs and abayas are cropping up on runways all over the world with beautiful new details and embellishments, proving that haute couture can thrive in Islamic culture.

(Photo: Yannis Vlamos/InDigital/GoRunway)

"Revealing the body beautiful has become a fashion cliché.. Baring it all looks increasingly like yesterday’s trend" (The New York Times Style Magazine, March 19, 2013)

These new styles may help Muslim women living in Western societies to feel more accepted and more fashionable among their peers while also allowing them to express their personalities through clothing in a way that was difficult to achieve in the past.

New Stylistic Trends

One major new trend in the evolution of both jilbabs and abayas is the cut of the garments themselves.

In the past, this apparel has always been loose and free-flowing, with very little shape or form. Modesty is certainly a goal in Muslim women’s wardrobes, but a bit of fine tailoring can add an element of sleek styling without being revealing.

Tailored jilbabs now appear as long overcoats, with a slightly more defined waist area and buttoned lapels. In fabrics like light suede or khaki linen, the glamor factor is present but not overdone.

Long tailored suede coat - HilalPlaza.com

There are also changes in the fit of the skirts of these pieces. Rather than a classically simple straight form, designers are adapting the skirts to feel more feminine.

Additions such as a longer train provide just as much coverage as the jilbabs of the past but allow the fabric to swirl around the legs gracefully.

Semi-pleated skirt with buckles - HilalPlaza.com

Tiered ruffles along the skirt are also growing in popularity. In colored lace, these ruffles give off an almost flamenco-like vibe.

Tiered ruffles dress - Marchesa Fall 2013 RTW

(Photo: Stefano Masse/InDigital/GoRunway)

Finishing Touches

Intricate adornments are another way that jilbabs and abayas are becoming highly personalized.

Floral embroidery around the hem of the skirt and sleeve can transform a jilbab from plain to luxurious, and this style is readily available for women of all budgets.

Long sleeve floral embroidered gown by Valentino - Fall 2013 RTW

For dressier occasions, look for jilbabs and abayas adorned with detailed beading along the bodice, lending a regal elegance to the wearer. Adding bead work or embroidery might even be an easy task for a woman who is handy with her own sewing machine.

Saudi black abaya with fancy circular beads - HilalPlaza.com

Another way to dress up jilbabs and abayas is with trim along the sleeves or hems in brightly colored or metallic fabrics.

A black abaya with sleeves adorned with bright pink edges is a subtle standout, as are jilbabs incorporating gold or silver closure ties.

Fashion Fighting Famine 2013 Fashion Show, March 31 2013 in Irvine, California.

(Photo: Ritzy Photo)

A beautiful collar can also be added to both jilbabs and abayas without detracting from their function. Over-sized collars give off a cool, retro image, while a daintier collar bespeaks a gentler femininity.

The embroidered white fall collar and the intricate sleeves' detailing - Valentino Fall 2013 RTW

(Photo: Gianni Pucci & Yannis Vlamos/InDigital/GoRunway)

The message is clear that jilbabs and abayas are quickly joining the ranks of high-fashion women’s clothing. Rather than being seen as boring, these pieces should be viewed as blank canvases that can be imbued with all of the identity and charm of the lovely ladies who put them on.

Creative Islamic women will always find a way to infuse their own essence into their wardrobes, and this season is sure to bring a new wave of exquisite new trends which do just that.

Nousheen works as a content specialist at HilalPlaza.com, a site that offers Islamic Clothing.

(Images, credit: Hilal Plaza, Style.com, FashionFightingFamine; inserted by Rania)

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Life with the Hijab: A Ballerina & Tap Dancer Muslim Woman

2013-04-14T15:54:00.000+07:00

Just want to share this amazing picture of Hiba Awad, a Muslim ballerina and tap dancer from Texas, USA, who wear hijab.

Some people might have ever thought about how could Muslim women who wear hijab be a ballerina or a tap dancer, or even other professions that is thought as impossible to do by Muslim women, especially who wear hijab?

Hiba Awad has proven to us about how versatile and unique a Muslim woman can be.. that hijab do not restrict Muslim women in expressing herself, whether on a dance floor as a ballet dancer, or in sport or other performing arts activities, or other areas.

This picture is one of the photo collection in an award-winning photography-book of Muslim women in America, titled iCover, by Sadaf Syed that first published in 2010.

Check out here and here to see some other pictures from that book of inspiring Muslim women in America shot by Sadaf Syed.

“A lot of American Muslims don’t feel as if they have a voice,” Syed said. “I wanted stories to be told after the 9/11 tragedy that would educate readers and help them know about the beauty of the faith of Islam.” She wants her book “to show love, mercy and unity – that our differences are appreciated.”

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Modest Baroque Touch of Annah Hariri

2013-03-10T11:22:00.001+07:00

FashFaith's Picked-up Finds

Today's FashFaith's Picks are dresses and skirts designed by Annah Hariri, an Eastern European designer who newly founded a Dubai based clothing company named after hers, Annah Hariri, in 2012.

The designs of Annah collection are so elegant, unique, and edgy. With a bit of modest baroque touch to the dresses and skirts (lots of pleats at the waist), these pieces showcase the beauty of femininity, yet at the same time, look modern and trendy. The motifs/prints are versatile. The fabrics made from the breathable cotton and linen that will make sure that the wearer of these pieces will be feeling comfortable in them.

The exciting thing about Annah collection is that they are designed in a maxi covered style.. so, there's no need to wear those under shirts or under garments (that sometimes did not look right to me), or to do the layering stuffs, while you wear these pieces.. Unless you want to jazz it up a bit by adding a vest or accessories :)

Not only I love the designs of these pieces, but also love on how they styling up these dresses and skirts into fabulous looks!

The dress below is what they are working on right now to be launched in their upcoming collection..

I really love the color-graphic combination: the white-and-black-stripes graphic combined with the solid colour yellow-mustard.. and, I also like the shoes! ;)

As for ordering, besides the standard sizes (XS, S, M, L, XL), Annah Hariri also receives custom tailoring as per your desired measurements and with no additional charge for it. Isn't it great?

Annah Hariri collection can be bought at www.annahariri.com, and I could say actually it's hard for me to pick what I love from the site, because it seems that I love all pieces on Annah Hariri's site.. There are also trousers/palazzo pants, blouses, and vests that I love, too.. ;)

What do you think of Annah Hariri's designs? Have you ever bought one of these pieces, tell us what you think..

[Photos: courtesy of Cleo Photography and Annah Hariri]

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[Video] Thought About Hijab: A Documentary on Hijab Style in Indonesia

2013-03-06T08:52:00.000+07:00

I stumbled upon this video by anak ACICIS, Elise Young, about Hijab Style in Indonesia. That she said it is a meet between faith and fashion. These young Muslim women in this video embrace fashion while implement their faith, and making it their own style: Hijab Style - "yet, as the film notes, the same garment often elicits a different response in Western countries like Australia" (aiya.org.au's blog).

As perhaps you've already known that Hijab, as a Muslim's faith, can walk along together with Muslim's everyday life.. with our need to self-express.. with our interest in fashion..
And, as long as I know, Islam doesn't separate religion (read: faith) with everyday life because they should be integrated to one another. It's been said in the Qur'an (7 : 26), raiment is bestowed upon us to cover our private part, as well as an adornment to us.. it's the same as "pure" meaning of fashion. So there's no need to separate hijab with fashion, as most of Western media always do.

Also, like the mainstream fashion or fashion in general, one thing to remember is: do not over-do fashion, unless you will end up look like a 'fashion-victim'.. ;)

Well, back to the documentary..

In this film, Elise shows us the colourful shops and stalls in Indonesia selling various jilbabs and hijabs for Muslim women.. and takes a closer look on what some young Indonesian Muslim women's thoughts about hijab and its style:

The Australian Embassy's Radio Kookaburra program also interviewed Elise about the film. You can read the interview here that has been translated to Bahasa Indonesia.

Do you have other thought? Share with us in the comment section below.. :)

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12 Items I Want to Rock This Spring..

2013-03-01T09:10:00.000+07:00

Spring Picks

(Image: featuring Gap classic two-button blazer)

This Spring, there are 12 wardrobe pieces I want to rock..

They are:

White flowery top
Flowy maxi skirt
Coloured pants/blue jeans
Light-weight breathable blazer
Light-coloured or pinstriped shirt/blouse
Wedge-sandals
Round-toe ballet flats
My comfy sneakers
Cute tote-bag/clutch
Sunglasses
Fresh-look headscarf
Unique cuff-bracelet

What are the reasons these 12 items becoming my picks?

It's simply because: they are so Spring-y.. ^_^, comfortable to be worn, come in natural colours or prints, look effortless yet edgy, some of them are included to basic staples so it would be worth it to pick, and lastly, most of them (I mean: the similar pieces to my collection below) are already there in my wardrobe! :)

Here is my created-collection as the example of my picks:

View Entire Collection >>

(Click the blue words above to see the entire picks of mine.)

The Mossimo gray womens boyfriend blazer and Eddie Bauer natural boot-cut jeans are in a great clearance now; only $24.48 for the blazer and $14.99 for the jeans.

Surprisingly... my Spring Picks accidentally consists many of 'coral and teal'- coloured things.. hehe.. what is that mean? ;-)

How about you? What piece/pieces that could be your best item to wear this season?

Have a lovely season, and stay fabulous, Lovelies!

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Victorian and Marie Antoinette - Inspired Feet Candy

2013-02-21T11:34:00.000+07:00

Shoes Design Inspiration

Victorian style boots (Image credit: Fluevog, via StyleBubble)

I love everything classic and timeless. Even though, on the other hand, I also love edgy, contemporer, urban chic stuffs. But timeless or vintage-inspired pieces always attract my interest.

My newly found obsession for things European classics.. especially the dresses and the shoes, started when I was looking for a pair of perfect boots for me. Boots are not common to be worn in tropical countries like in here. So there are not many choices on boots or booties' design in the local stores. However since I love reading fashion sites and looking for boots online, I sometimes stumbled upon European classic-styled clothing or shoes.. that eventually made me fell in love with (perhaps I should make another post about the clothing.. ^_^).

European classics shoes, in this context are shoes inspired by the Victorian style (in the era of Queen Victoria in England) and Marie Antoinette style (in the era of King Louise XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette in France), are renowned for their curved heels (some people said these kind of heels as 'kitten heels' or 'Edwardian style heels' or 'Louis heels').

European fashion in 1750-1775: Woman's yellow silk shoe to be worn with shoe buckle, c. 1760-65 (LACMA)

Vintage Victorian shoes (Credit: Etsy)

Besides the curved heels, each style has specific signature.. Regarding to wikipedia, Victorian / English style was defined by simple, practical, made of inexpensive durable fabrics, catering towards a leisurely outdoor lifestyle (the shoes were lace-up, buckled, or boots); while Marie Antoinette / French style was defined by elaborate court dress, colourful and rich in decoration, demonstrate their affinity for luxury in dress and lifestyle (as shown at their shoes' pretty frills and bows).

Both classic style have easily became my picks because they have all the characteristics I want to be on my dream shoes.. ^_^ French style shoes are so pretty for a party. As for boots, mostly inspired by the Victorian style that more catering towards daily/work wears. My dream boots should have these 'Victorian-inspired chic' characteristics: ankle-high or just-below-ankle high, lace-up, made of genuine leather, not suede, well-crafted, pretty in shape, not bulgy, with medium curvy heels: not too high but also not flat.

VINTAGE 1930s BLACK WINGTIP OXFORDS | Source: adoredvintage.com via FashFaith .com on Pinterest

Victorian style boots (Image credit: Etsy)

Style Bubble recently published some images of these pretty Marie Antoinette-styled shoes.

(Credit: Style Bubble)

Beautiful frill-edged, tassel-adorned, and ribbon bound shoes! I'm so in love with these Manolo Blahnik's 2006 pretty creations for Sofia Coppola's film Marie Antoinette. I don't mind to wear them in this contemporer urban chic "modern era".. ;)

Newly creations of this Victorian or Marie Antoinette style-inspired that can be found in the shoe brands Fluevog, Rubelli-Santoni, and Miz Mooz are very charming..

Fluevog's Daydream Spring booties in burnt orange

in burgundy

Rubelli-Santoni's collaboration for SS 2013 collection: Natasha lace-up satin shoes

Miz Mooz's Victorian-inspired chic boots with decorative ripples

One of my favorite fashion bloggers, Rebecca of The Clothes Horse, in her outfit posts always wears adorable shoes that I'm really really coveting for. The shoes she worn look like they are in a high-quality materials and very well-crafted, mostly made from finished leather or suede, high heels, low heels, pretty flats, laced-up or buckled, with classic timeless designs: vintage, Oxford style or Victorian style shoes. In my opinion, every detail, every curve in the shoes she worn was all done to perfection.. :)

Click here to see one of her shoes I'm coveting.

Mostly the shoes she worn or shoes I'm coveting are made from outside Indonesia (USA, Canada, or Europe) which usually the prices are way out of my budget (not to mention with the addition of shipping cost and import fee that made them more pricey). So I've been looking for "the shoes of my dream" locally.. Until one day, I read on Affi and Lita of Fashionese Daily's today's outfit post where Lita wore a fabulous black booties which she addressed as shoes from Shoeka Shoes..

I got curious about the shoes, then I just went directly to the linked site. As I browsed the site of Shoeka Shoes, I got hooked up on Danielle Heels. They have Victorian-inspired design, with low heels that slightly look like kitten heels, lace-up, and a nice natural brown leather colour. The most exciting are they made of genuine leather, and the price is relatively affordable, plus.. they are made in Malang, Indonesia, so I don't have to worry about the high shipping and import fee. When I got my hands on these shoes, I could see that they were well-handcrafted with high quality materials. The size is true, and they are comfortable to be worn.

I do not know about the quality of every shoes/designs from Shoeka Shoes collection other than a pair that I bought.. But definitely I would recommend this shoe brand, especially for those who live in Indonesia (in term of 'you don't have to pay for high shipping cost and import fee to get your hands on a pair of unique gorgeous shoes of your dream').. You also get a chance to support local products! ;)

So here they are, become my picks of the moment..

Another Victorian-inspired feet candy from Shoeka Shoes, Percy Limited. These shoes came in wedges.

Percy Limited

If you covet for more unique-elegant, wacky, glamour shoes, or even custom your own shoes, Kozzy Closet (also based in Malang, Indonesia) can be one store you can give a try.. but notice that some of their materials are faux leather.

What kind of shoes have you been coveting lately?

Happy shoes wearing, Lovelies! :)

(Disclosure: All expressions written here are my TRUE opinions. I do NOT get paid for anything I said or recommended or linked to in this post)

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Pinjab, a Magnetic Hijab Pin: No more holes in your beautiful scarves

2013-02-13T09:47:00.002+07:00

Latest Design in Hijab Accessories

At the end of year 2012, in October to be exact, Imaan and Beauty Hijab store, based in Germany, designed pinjabs, magnetic pins for hijab, and started sold them in their site.

Pinjabs are simply two magnets that one of which has a decorative side. Its decorative side looks pretty and stylish whether in vintage, flowery or elegant designs, such as the pretty daisy, rose, and the elegant rhinestones.

The incredible thing is these pinjabs won't be snagging and make a hole in your beloved hijabs, as the regular safety pins usually do. Especially if you have a baby or little kids you used to hold close to your body, you don't have to worry that your hijab pins will hurt her/him. Or, when the children play around you and accidentally pull off the edge of your hijab, the hijab's fabric around the pin, won't get ripped.

Watch this video, that gives a thorough explanation on how this pinjab works, from the owner of Imaan And Beauty Hijab store.. You can also watch the using of this pinjab on various hijab wrappings here.

The magnets are really strong, as shown in the video.. So, it looks pretty convincing that the pinjab won't easily pull apart and would keep our hijabs stay in place all day.

These useful magnetic pins can be used not only for your hijabs, scarves, shawls, but also could help button up your top, or to be used on anything you could imagine for them to work, like: for tie pin, paper pin, curtain pin, or even hold up your bread plastic package.. ;)

Even though perhaps for some of you these pinjabs could not replace the safety pins fully, they still be an amazing, helpful invention on hijab accessories.

Where to shop: www.ImaanandBeauty.com

I would love to get my hands on these pinjabs and try them out.. but the shipping fee from Germany must be expensive. So, is there any hijab store here in Indonesia sell pinjabs? ;)

Well, what do you think of these pinjabs?

(Photos and video: courtesy of ImaanAndBeauty)

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Wudhu Socks: Check!, Wudhu Tights: in Search! ;)

2013-02-09T18:15:00.000+07:00

"For Allah loves those who turn to Him constantly and He loves those who keep themselves pure and clean" (Qur'an: Al Baqarah: 22)

"Cleanliness is Half of Faith" (Prophet Muhammad SAW)

Wudhu or the ritual ablution that Muslims perform before prayer (washing parts of the body using water) can often leave people feeling a little uneasy. There are a few steps involved, and the last one is the cleansing of the feet. This last one need us to take off our socks (if we wear socks) and then rinse our feet.

If you want a quicker way to do it or have a hard time taking off your regular socks, nowadays there are lots of wudhu socks are being sold in many hijab stores in Indonesia. The socks have a subtle opening on the top or underneath the ball of your foot. You can simply roll them up.. then voila! your feet are revealed.. :)

These socks are quite cheap in Indonesia, only about $1 - $2 a pair in average. They come in cotton and nylon, and for unisex. I have a couple pair of wudhu socks. They come in handy especially when I am on the go.

Lately, particularly after I wrote an article about coloured tights for maxis, I am interested in sporting tights more often. Like I wrote in that article that I only have one pair of tights in black (it's a very basic staple, isn't it?), so I would love to add some of them in other colours, perhaps charcoal or brown (so typical me.. hehe.. drowning in neutral hues ^_^).

But it comes across my mind, that I will be in a difficult situation when I am on the go, in public, and the prayer time arrives, and I need to do wudhu.. (eventhough it doesn't mean that it is not possible).

Like you already know, tights cover your feet and the whole legs, from toes up to your waist. So, imagine the steps: before I go to the wudhu room/space (a clean space, whether it's outdoor or indoor, with lots of faucets to do wudhu), I need to find a public toilet first, and then taking off my tights in there.. The worst is, let me tell you about myself, that a public toilet possibly is the last place in earth I want to enter, or if I could say, never want it.. The alternative is taking wudhu at home before you go and keep your wudhu un-break while on the go.. but it could be difficult, too.. :)

So, I really wish that there are tights with this feature.. it would be very helpful and useful :)

Do you know a store that sell some kind of wudhu tights? Or can you make your own DIY (do-it-yourself) project of it?

Share in the comment section below.. Thank you! :)

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Pretty thing to wear: Red Valentino sheer trench coat

2013-02-09T09:09:00.002+07:00

Outerwear

It has been a rainy season over here in Indonesia since couple months ago (yes, there's no snow here so we've got the continuous rain instead.. ^_^).

Almost everyday my city has been showered by rain. Rain coats and umbrellas are sold very fast. But all the rain coats I saw out there have never been so cute as this stylish Red Valentino sheer trench coat I found..

RED VALENTINO sheer trench coat

Featuring a short pointed collar, contrasting black pipine throughout, a double breasted button fastening, a belted waist, and a pleated skirt, I could see this purple (or pink?) sheer trench coat being really cute over a long-sleeved black maxi dress..

The fabric looks thick (not like other thin cheap fabrics I usually saw), sleek, the color is pretty and seems much more like neon colour which will glow in the dark ;)

How I wish playing in the rain wearing this coat! ;)

Where to shop: Unfortunately this item sold by Farfetch.com is out of stock.

Rainy Outfit by fashioningfaith featuring clear coat

Max Studio classic black dress
1.242.065 IDR - maxstudio.com

RED Valentino clear coat
7.665.885 IDR - stylebop.com

Marc Jacobs cashmere shawl
3.141.550 IDR - veryeickhoff.com

RED Valentino wellington boots
pinterest.com

Brooch
jewelry.1stdibs.com

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What to Wear when Running Errands

2013-02-08T18:08:00.000+07:00

Daily Outfit

What is your outfit's style when running errands: just pick up your kids at school, go to the grocery, other daily routines?

Is it a laid-back casual? Feminine? Or you keep put some efforts onto it to look unique? Bold? The utmost important is to make sure it looks decent on the street..

Do not know what to wear?

Here are some fashion tips from SliceofLemon.com's Dress Well series on what to wear when running errands:

video platform video management video solutions video player

What do you think?

Love what you see? Watch more BlogHerTV's fashion videos on the right sidebar of this site! :)

You can also share your daily look's photo/url to your photo when you're running errands here in the comment section below or in FashFaith's other social media.. I would love to see what you wear ;)

Happy weekend, Lovelies!

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Outfit Styling: Chic, Comfort, Covered Style

2013-02-01T16:32:00.000+07:00

Pinspiration

These are several outfit styling that I love so much. Look comfort, modest, and sooo fashionably.

Some styles look stylish effortlessly.. Some of them perhaps need an extra effort.. :)

The earth tones colour-palette, the pastel colours, the gorgeous flowy super maxi skirts whether with classic buttoned-up top or a unique braided sweater, the well-made outer wears (blazer, coat), along with timeless or semi-couture accessories (the handbag, cool checkered black-and-white fur clutch, belt, shoes, the bracelet and the rings) ARE definitely the style that I got easily fall in love with and pull off..

Simply pop up my polished headscarf wrapping, and I am ready to go! ;)

Source: prettystuff.tumblr.com via FashFaith .com on Pinterest

Source: fashion.teenvogue.com via FashFaith .com on Pinterest

Source: dailylook.com via FashFaith .com on Pinterest

Source: fashforfashion.com via FashFaith .com on Pinterest

Source: stylemeromy.com via FashFaith .com on Pinterest

Source: carolinesmode.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Source: purpleishboots.tumblr.com via FashFaith .com on Pinterest

Source: stylet.ag via Rochel on Pinterest

Well, could you see yourself pull these looks off?

I could.. ;)

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On a Day Street-shopping.. just in Red and Yellow Mustard

2013-01-30T16:03:00.001+07:00

Street Style

It was a bright sunny day, and this lovely lady made it brighter! ;)

(Photos by Rania, FashFaith.com)

Want to see more Street Styles? --> go right here.

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Look I love: The look from Indij

2013-01-25T00:24:00.000+07:00

Hijab style

I found a brochure of Islamic clothing label... organized in my 'cupboard of things I want to keep'.

I can not recall from where or who I got this brochure, but one thing for sure why I keep this, it must be for a reason: that I loooove the look so much on a first sight!

It's just soo stunning!!

Hmm.. but one thing annoys me is the footwear.. I do not like this stunning outfit being paired with those kind of 'open-toes wedged-sandals' footwear. I prefer a pair of pumps for a more sleek and elegant look!

Anyway, here's the look from Indij by Indira Putri that made me fall in love with.. :)

(Image: scanned by Rania, FashFaith.com)

Hehe.. the paper is a bit crinkle because of the un-neat storage.. ;)

According to the brochure, these outfit's pieces are available at www.hijup.com, or email for order at indiraputri9@yahoo.com

What do you think of this look?

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Trending: Polka-dots Abaya

2013-01-22T03:45:00.000+07:00

Fashion Trend

One more fashion insider which follows this season trend, coming up from Muslim Fashion world..

Have I said to you about what's on trend this season.. Yup, I have, here. From the classic black and white, stripes, prints, graphics, sequins to polka-dots..

Therefore, Amirah Fashions has just taken one step ahead to be closer to the trends..

Polka dots in abaya!

Score! :)

And, not only simply put the dots as they are. Amirah Fashion's designers have managed to put the dots smartly. Tiny dots that look like a 'twinkle twinkle little stars' was put only at the bodice of the abaya, to create a polkadots effect bodice; and at the edges of the sleeves. The result is fabulous! Simple yet elegant.

Do you have any idea what it would become if the dots are bigger and all over the abaya!?? Hmm.. I'm thinking about clowns.. hehe.. especially if the dots are in various colours.. (Or, do you think it would be cute? ^_^ )

So that, this abaya is an ingenious way to keep up with the trend without over-do it.

Well, I present to you this slim-fit style black jersey abaya with black-and-white polkadots effect bodice from Amirah Fashion.. :)

Styling tips: If you want to look bold, simply add a plain candy coloured scarf, or a floral printed scarf; Or, play with graphics by adding a patterned or a black-and-white striped scarf.

Or, go with a monochromatic look (pairing the abaya with scarf and shoes from the same hues), then add a bold statement bag to your look.
So, what do you think, Lovelies? Do you like this abaya?

(Photo credit: Amirah Fashion)

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