As you have read previously, I’ve started a new venture with one of my aunts. We’ve decided to have a piece of the fashion industry’s pie. Just a tiny little piece.

A couple months back, my aunt approached me and asked if I am still interested in starting up a business. A clothing business to be exact. Of course I had to say YES. After all, aside from beauty, fashion is my passion.

Earlier this year, I took part in a small flea market and sold some of my brand new and pre-loved clothes. Rental for a booth was only $50 and at the end of the two-hour event, I managed to cover my rent and earn a couple of profits. It may be small but that was the beginning of it all. I then thought of heading to Bangkok to source for clothing and start a blogshop online. But I didn’t have any capital and my mum was skeptical of it.

Then, one fine day, my aunt called and said that she has been toying with the idea of opening up a clothing store for the Modern Muslim women here in Singapore. With her husband’s encouragement, she decided to pursue it and needed a partner. This is where I came along.

When I brought the idea up to Fai, he of course said that it was brilliant and that this is the opportunity I have been waiting for. My mum was even supportive this time around. Within weeks MODE Clothier was born and we registered our business (a Limited Liability Partnerhsip or LLP), went sourcing for clothes from upcoming young designers overseas, as well as retail shops here in Singapore.

MODE short for Modern Muslim Designs primarily targets the Modern Muslim Women. However, our clothes are also suitable for non-Muslims as well. MODE’s clothes can be worn to the office, weddings, dates, and even on days when you prefer something more casual. Most importantly, we offer comfort, exclusivity, style, and quality.

If you’re wondering where you can get your hands on our clothes, I regret to inform you that we are still waiting for news on our retail space.

However, that didn’t stop us from launching on Facebook and Twitter. So come on over to our Facebook Page and follow us on Twitter @MODEclother.

Do not forget to ‘Like’ us and spread the <3 too! XOXO

WARNING: A possibly long post with lots of pictures.

The last 6 months have been a whirlwind of adventure and as such I did not even have any opportunity to sit down and blog. For that, I apologise to all of you for leaving without any note. But now I’m back and I can’t wait to share with all of you what I’ve been doing for the last 6 months.

 Let’s start with New Year’s, both Fai and I didn’t have any opportunity to welcome all our readers to the year 2012 because we were literally UP IN THE AIR. For a month right up til New Year’s, Fai and I were jet-setting around Europe and UK.

We visited Fai’s aunt and cousins in Walldorf, Germany, had a second honeymoon of sorts in Paris, France, visited a dear friend in London (she sponsored my henna during our wedding), and made a pilgrimage to Manchester United’s Old Trafford (I’m a HUGE Man United fan), UK.

Fai and his cousins in Walldorf, Germany

Walking through the streets of Paris

31 Rue Cambon

In front of Buckinghamd Palace away from the crowd

Man U vs Wigan on Boxing Day 2011 at Old Trafford (Man U won 5-0)

The visiting party from *cough* Newcastle United *cough*

The GLORIFIED 19th Trophy

After recuperating from jet lag, about a week into 2012, I started job hunting as I decided to go back to the workforce. I was busy going for interviews day after day but wasn’t getting much hope (I wasn’t getting the right offers and I’ve decided to be much more choosy this time around).

Just when I was about to give up, one of my aunts gave me a call and she asked if I was still interested in doing a clothing business with her. I have had this idea for a long time but didn’t have the financial capabilities and couldn’t get any loan or support. So when my aunt called me up about this, I was ecstatic!

Soon we were busy with our business trips, scouting for a rental space (we were looking at Haji Lane, but damn, rental in that area is super HIGH!), concept meetings, fashion shoots, and such.

In between all of this, I had to prepare myself for a major surgery. You see, when Fai and I decided to start trying for a baby sometime in August last year, we went for a check-up and during that check-up I found out that I had a small cyst in my right ovary, but at that moment, there was nothing to worry about. We were just informed to monitor the situation. Fast forward a few months later, the cyst grew. Since the doctor can’t determine what sort of cyst it is, I was ordered to do a blood test. My tumour marker from that test was slightly elevated. I was told not to worry and that the cyst looks like an Endometriosis which can cause the elevation, unforgiving menstrual cramps, and even infertility.

However, since the doctor isn’t quite sure and the only way to find out is through sampling the cyst, she advised that I do a keyhole surgery or a laparoscopy and remove it.

Alhamdulillah, the surgery went well and the cyst was just Endometriosis and non-cancerous. The downside is, such cysts are bound to recur. I just pray and hope that’s not going to be the case for me.

It has been a month since my surgery and I am into my second menstrual cycle and I am glad that I’ve not experienced any unforgiving period pains.

Right up until recently, my months were packed with visits to the doctor and travelling (for both business and leisure). Because of our tight schedules, we even missed Wicked.

And just two weeks ago, I launched my clothing business on Facebook. SO head on over to MODE Clothier at Facebook and ‘Like’ us.

P.S. For more pictures from our Europe Trip visit our Facebook Page.

Recently, 112 Katong has become both mine and Nur’s favourite hangout especially for a late night movie. Indeed, you can easily get a ticket at 112 GV Katong but that is only after finding a parking spot that is remotely priceless.

For last night’s showcase, we went to catch the latest Johnny Depp and Tim Burton’s collaboration Dark Shadows.  It is a delightful quirky movie of the cursed Barnabas Collins with his life ruined and turned into a vampire by a wicked witch. He is reawakened 196 years later, to restore his beleaguered descendants into the splendour of the original Collins era.

To be frank, Nur and I were in a bind as we were caught between Dark Shadows and 21 Jump Street’s Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill. Indeed, I was curious to see the all new slim Jonah Hill however my fascination with Depp and Burton simply was too strong.

However, upon hindsight, I wished I had caught 21 Jump Street (which Johnny Depp has a cameo scene). Hang on a minute, don’t start making up your mind of Dark Shadows! It still is a lovely show but just hear me out.

Dark Shadows is a quirky movie as it gives a ‘What if’ feel. What if a vampire was reawakened in the 70′s. It is ala reminiscent of Tom Cruise’s Lestat in Interview with a Vampire as he lived in the new World. However, Burton and Depp gives a cynical sweet feel as you go through the heavy human drama with laughs and smiles. When I look back, it is deeply disturbing that I was laughing about the deaths of 7 teens just due to a flashback scene. It was beautifully written with strong plots and heavy with emotions and laughter. However, it ended less appeasing. Let me review the movie.

Cast

The cast is stellar. Indeed, I have to commend Michelle Pfeiffer for her strong performance as the matriach Elizabeth Collins. She has changed from the sweet young school teacher to this motherly strong woman. Another class act was Eva Green as the conniving witch Angelique who sadistically tries to coax Barnabas into loving her although she destroyed his life in the first place. A memorable scene was Angelique offering her heart to Barnabas, as proof that she does have a heart to love him although it did come crashing down within moments. Let’s not forget the master Johnny Depp. Once again, he has added a new persona to his ever growing list of memorable characters. Barnabas Collins is a proud inclusion in the list of characters such as Edward Scissorshand, Ed Wood, Don Juan, Donnie Brasco, Jack Sparrow, Willy Wonka, Sweeney Todd, John Dillinger and Tonto in the upcoming movie Lone Ranger.

Plot

An original, strange and interesting plot. Who would expect such a strong and weird character Barnabas Collins to be reawakened during the swanky Hippie 70′s. The human drama of unrequited love; mystical figures like vampires, ghosts and witchcraft; to regain a pride; importance of a family; sin and vengeance. It was brilliantly smooth however everything comes crashing down as it seemed like they just wanted to end the show. It was like building a lovely home only to smash it with a wrecking ball.

Special Effects

Brilliant cinematography and special effects. Hollywood at it’s best.

Overall (3.5/5)

A movie that still has to be seen thanks to the genius of Depp and Burton. A first for Burton to have so much colour in his otherwise dark and grainy films. Just be prepared for the cringing ending. And yeah, catch 21 Jump Street first.

She told herself that one day she will don the Hijab and she will do it after…:

“I will do it after I finish JC..”
“I will do it once I enter NIE…”
“I will do it once I graduate from NIE..”
“I will do it on my first day as a teacher…”
“I will do it once I get married…”
“I will do it once I have a baby…”
“I will do it when I turn 25..”
“I will do it during Ramadhan..”
“I will do it on New Year..”

Alas she said: “I have accepted that there will never be a perfect day….that right moment.”

How true her words are. There can never be a right moment for donning the Hijab and I would have been in the same position, always procrastinating if not for my parents. Especially my very strict father.

I used to think that my youngest sister had it the easiest as she went to a Madrasah and all, if not, most of her friends wears the tudung.

Whereas I went to circular school and was wearing short skirts for more than 10 years of my life. Transitioning from the short school skirt to the tudung was never easy.

When I wanted to go out with my friends, I always argued with my mum why I had to wear the tudung. I never understood this compulsory obligation.

I wanted to feel the wind in my hair, dress as how my peers dressed back then. Heck, I even envied them sometimes. Furthermore, I always thought to myself that I was too young to be wearing one. I thought that maybe one day when I am much older and wiser, I will take the initiative of wearing the tudung myself. Alhamdulillah that didn’t happen.

Instead, I bit my tongue and continued wearing the tudung even though sometimes I was reluctant to. I even heard plenty of jokes around me about women wearing the Hijab or tudung but that never faltered me.

One of the reasons why I rarely faltered was because my very strict parents enforced it on me and my sisters. On top of that, most of female cousins wears the tudung as well. They were my pillar of support and never made one of us feel awkward about our tudung insecurities.

Finally, my numerous trips to the Holy land, Makkah, sealed the deal.

Now, I wouldn’t want to wonder what would or could have happened or how different my life would be had I not continue to wear the tudung.

Today I embrace this obligation of Allah’s with open arms as not many people are given the Hidayah to fulfill this obligation. But that doesn’t mean I can’t observe this obligation fashionably and stylishly. Hehe.

Shawl from Magnifique Closet | Sleeveless dress from Mod Cloth | Denim Jacket from Bershka | Pants from Uniqlo | Flats from Tory Burch | Agnes B Tote

I am finally here thanks to my very strict parents. My father may not read this but my mum sometime does. Mak and Abah, I am who I am because of the two of you and I am thankful for all the things you’ve done for me. I can never repay the sacrifices you’ve made.

I’ve got it covered. When will it be your turn?

P.S. Ms Nura J, if you’re reading this, you’re looking great and may Allah continue to bless us with his Rahmat and keep us on the right path. Amin!

I would have spent more time outside if not for my husband’s busy schedule. Who would have thought that an educator’s life is always so busy.

But the holidays are here FINALLY! The first thing we did as a couple after a long time is to catch a movie. A movie date means an opportunity for me to dress up. And that means, this is a fashion post.

So this was what I wore to our movie date.

Hijab from Geylang Serai Market | Long-sleeve tee from Uniqlo | Printed blouse from Cineleisure | Pants from Bangkok | Platform heels from Staccato | Belt from Uniqlo | Louis Vuitton (LV) Multicolore Speedy

We caught the movie in town and I’ve been noticing that many young Muslimahs now are dressing up more. They don the hijab and make it fashionable. Long gone are days when hijabs are known as a piece of cloth to cover a woman’s head. Now  it’s part of a fashionable Muslimah (Muslim woman) attire too. But some of you may not agree with me here.

Yes, the Hijab is an obligation for Muslim women so that their modesty is protected. But that doesn’t mean you can’t dress fashionably and make your hijab part of your fashion statement. Islam is never about restriction. And thus, you should never see the Hijab as an obstruction to fashion. With it, you can still dress modestly and be fashionable.

Speaking of being fashionable, I am working on a big project right now and I hope it falls through. InsyaAllah. And when it does, please do support me.

14 Best and Worst Lip Balms

See which balms to pick — and which ones to skip — for your softest lips ever

This is a TotalBeauty.com makeup article

As a beauty product no woman should ever leave her house without, lip balms are probably a staple in your purse, car, and desk drawer. For the most moist, plump, kissable lips, see what lip balms our readers say are the best and worst.

Read reviews

THE WORST NO. 7: JUICE BEAUTY SPF 15 TINTED LIP MOISTURIZERS, $15

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.5

“The balm’s surface has a rough, dotted-looking texture.”

THE WORST NO. 6: CHAPSTICK TRUE SHIMMER, $3.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.5

This product is “complete garbage that was created with a 5-year-old in mind.”

THE WORST NO. 5: BLISTEX FRUIT SMOOTHIES, $3.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.1

“Stick to the cheaper Bonne Bell version. It’s a lot better.”

Want to see the rest on this list? Click here!

Earlier this month Fai and I were invited to the Harajuku Street Style Launch Party at Tangs. We were expecting an exclusive party (by invitation only) but boy, were we wrong.

The party was huge and since it was on Level 4 at Tangs, it was also open to the public, especially since they were having a 10 percent off on everything sale until 11pm that night. Thus, we were definitely not expecting the crowd. In fact, we were like lost lambs. That changed when the models started strutting down the runway.

The party featured 15 different fashion labels from Japan, such as KBF, Dip Drops, Coen, and  Mystic. Honestly, I’ve not heard of these brands before. Gasp! I know!

But I definitely know tiny bits about the Harajuku world. In fact, when I heard of Harajuku Street Style, I was expecting bolder and quirkier fashion. I didn’t expect fashion from the Japanese capital to turn out so mellow. Haha. I can definitely see someone like me – a Hijab/Tudung Girl, wearing some of those clothes.

The clothes on the runway definitely caught my eyes.

I was so in love with the top outfit that I ended buying the pants/jumper. Can you imagine that I got the last piece?

But the most memorable part of the event was a photo with MTV VJ Utt.

It has been a while since Nur and I went out for a movie date due to our busy schedules. Thus, I have to thank OMY.sg and UIP Singapore for giving us the opportunity to catch the preview of an 80′s movie remake – The Thing.

It was the first time we caught a movie at The Grand Cathay and I must say that I was impressed. It really befits for a movie preview screening with at least 300 people watching it.

So what was the movie we were watching? Well, in the spirit of remakes of 80′s movies (the last being Smurfs), we finally revisited a classic 80′s horror movie John Carpenter’s The Thing.

It is exactly like the 1982 movie starring Kurt Russel except for a few minor changes in the storyline (American to Norwegian Research Centre) and a major upgrade in special effects as to be frank,the original movie was a little bit B Grade Sci-fi gore movie. But I guess, it has finally got what it deserves with the upgraded version similar with other movies like Tron.

The Thing 2011 stars Mary Winstead as Kate Llyod, a graduate student in paleontology assigned to identify the remains of an alien that has crashed into the Antarctica ice thousands of years ago. Unknowingly, the alien was very much alive and has the uncanny ability to replicate and look exactly like a normal human being.The story delves into a psychodrama thriller as everyone suspects each other as the Alien.

I have to admit that it is a fast paced filled with action. You are not given time to breathe as you are immediately delved into the thick plot. The director maintains the drama as we are led to suspect everyone and left guessing who is the alien. Certainly, one filled with scares and lots of brilliant CGI effects to leave you watching it through your fingers. I know i did.

So if you are looking for an outing of scares and a ‘guessing’ game, I will suggest for you to catch The Thing 2011 this weekend. And bring along a date, there are lots of opportunities to have those sudden scare hugs!

Review

Storyline : 3/5 (Brilliant plot although thanks to the original movie)

Special Effects: 4/5 (Amazing CGI & lifelike aliens)

Acting: 3/5 (Could have better chemistry among the actors)

Direction: 4/5 (Smooth and no gaps in the story)

Overall: 3.5 (Catch it this weekend.)

Tis the wedding season and there’s a few weddings I’ve been invited to. And also since my very own sister’s wedding is coming up in the next couple of weeks, I thought I shall blog about weddings.

I am indeed very weird. I did not blog about my own wedding – although I did attempt to blog about it – read the stories here, here, and here. Now I am blogging about the wedding of others.

I’m not really going to blog about others’ weddings but about my own wedding. Argh! I confuse myself.

I mean what happens if I could get married all over again – to the same man.

When I was preparing for my very own wedding last year, I didn’t really think too much about it, I just went with the flow. I let my parents decide on most of the major stuff such as venue, food, and such.

Even my henna designs weren’t picked by me as they were gifts from a dear friend.

If I had it my way, my wedding would have been a small, short, and sweet affair, with close friends and relatives. But since I’m the eldest of five daughters, I had to accomodate my parents wishes.

My mum did tell me that when she got married in the early 80s, my late-grandmother, planned everything for her and that she was told to follow what the elders had in store of her. She said she had to go through 12 outfit changes – that was the trend during that time – for nikah (solemnisation), photoshoot, and reception.

I was lucky that my wedding only consists of five outfits and I was able to pick and choose all five. I picked them according to my family and husband’s heritage as a tribute to our families. So there was the Malay traditional outfit – songket kebaya, Arabian style jalabiya and thope, Indian gaghra and sherwani, and the western wedding gown and suit. A total of five outfits for our two and half days wedding affair.

But if I really had my way and our wedding was only for a day, I would have worn, all the traditional outfits rolled into one.

Hmmm… Now let’s imagine the rolled-into-one kebaya, gaghra, and jalabiya as my outfit. I’ll probably use songket as my main material, with lots of beading.

The outfit will be a modern mini kebaya top made from songket like this one below, although this top is not a mini kebaya top.

Then the bottom will be a heavy beaded gaghra skirt just like the one below.

And finally a flowy-kaftan overlay made from chiffon like this jalabiya.

That will be my solemnisation outfit.

As for the reception dress, I will wear a gown inspired by Grace Kelly – exactly like what Malaysian blogger, Adriani Adnan, wore for her wedding. But instead of pink, or cream, my dress will be a shade of pastel yellow – my favourite colour!

Photos:  Adriani Adnan and Google

And a classic pin-up makeup to match. Just like this one!

Photo: makeupbycrystalS.blogspot.com

As for the groom, hmmmmm…. he’s just there to go along with the ride. LOL! So since my husband is Indian, he’ll wear the traditional Indian sherwani for solemnisation, and the boring suit/tuxedo with a pastel yellow satin tie for our reception.

But in reality, this was what we wore for our wedding.

Solemnisation outfit

Malay traditional outfit

Jalabiya and Thope (Arab outfit)

Gaghra and sherwani (Indian traditional outfit)

Wedding gown and suit

Maybe I should just keep this idea for my future daughter and in turn will plan her wedding like what my mum did for me and her mum for her.

As most of you know, just two weeks ago, Muslims all around the world celebrated Eid al-Fitr to mark the ending of the holy fasting month – Ramadhan.

This year’s Eid al-Fitr is a bitter-sweet affair. I lost both my grandmothers within a span of one year and thus, for this Eid, we only spent time at my parents, Fai’s parents, and his granduncle’s.

And even though we lost a few loved ones along the way, our family still grew – just days before Eid, one of my cousins gave birth to a beautiful baby girl.

Also this year, Rania, the little Queen, who is also Fai’s niece is back for good.

There’s also Ibrahim Taro, another cousin’s little boy – who celebrated his first Eid.

With so many little children around, Eid definitely is an exciting family affair – loads of feasting and screaming.

with Arina Akari – Ibrahim’s older sister, doing a goofy look

This is Asyura, all dolled-up in a pair of sunnies, white baju kurung, and a matching flower hair clip.

Of course, Eid is also about clothes and for this year’s raya, me and Fai chose the colour Yellow – my favourite colour.

Okaylah, so our outfit for Eid is a shade of orangey-Yellow.

So it’s more orange. Yeah yeah!

But seriously everyone, do not forget about the true meaning of Eid – a celebration of relationships and victory.

Once again, Selamat Hari Raya, Eid Mubarak, and Salam Aidilfitri – Minal Aidil Wal Faizin.