Friday, 29 February 2008
Good Hijab, Bad Hijab?
Is it haram or not preferable to wear colorful ornately decorated hijabs? Should one stick to solid colors? I have oftentimes heard different views. I was told that wearing solid, colored, undecorated scarves is "good hijab" because it is more modest. On the other hand, I have heard others argue that wearing beautiful scarves is being modest enough, and that although the ornate scarves are obviously more pleasing to the eye than the solid colored scarves, that is acceptable because women should not look horrible either. I am confused. What then really constitutes good hijab?
ANSWER:
One of the most famous hadith proofs for hijab is the following, "A'isha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that Asma?, the daughter of Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) came to the Messenger of Allah (may peace and blessings be upon him) while wearing thin clothing. He approached her and said: 'O Asma?! When a girl reaches the menstrual age, it is not proper that anything should remain exposed except this and this. He pointed to the face and hands." [Abu Dawud]
These are the evidences for hijab. As to what form the hijab takes, that can vary depending upon local custom. Scholars are unanimous that the hijab must cover every part of the woman's body, except for the face and hands. Some Hanafi scholars say that the face, hands, and feet are all exempted. The clothing used to cover the body should be opaque and loose-fitting. In other words, the color of the skin and the contours of the body should not show through the clothing. The head should be covered with some form of a khimar or head veil. The head veil should cover the hair, neck, ears, and bosom. Furthermore, women should not make themselves up or use perfume when they go out. Using makeup and perfume would defeat the whole purpose of hijab. It is easy to see how the West has built a whole industry revolving around making the female as seductive as possible with makeup, perfume, revealing clothing, and constantly changing hair styles. This is not an image that we Muslim women want.
As to what fabrics, colors, or styles of clothing you use, that is up to you, as long as you have satisfied these basic requirements. It is recommended to wear a jilbab, or over-garment. However, a long, loose-fitting tunic with a long skirt also satisfies the requirement for covering the body modestly. If you look at styles in the Muslim world, you will see everything from an Arab abaya to an Iranian chador, from Afghani burqas to Malaysian skirt and tunic sets, from smart business suits to Indo-Pak shalvar qamiz. You will see a diversity of fabrics, colors, and designs. All of these can fulfill the basic requirement of hijab, which is the modest covering of the hair and body. As far as color is concerned, a lot of that is cultural. While wearing black in Iran or the Arab world is customary, in Africa and Southeast Asia it is customary to be colorful and this is not inappropriate.
Diversity is one of the strengths of the Umma. I don't think it's appropriate for people to tell you that if you wear a black hijab, your hijab is good, but if you wear a hijab with flowers on it, your hijab is bad. As long as you are modest and have not dressed in a way that will attract attention to yourself, you are fine. You can tell if you are wearing something that is showy or flashy. What colors you wear are entirely up to you. Just use discretion.
Check this link to read the full article.
Thursday, 28 February 2008
SALE ALERT
I just got an email from Lane Bryant letting me know about some of their new spring styles. I think these shirtdresses are lovely and easy to wear with anything from wide leg pants and a cardigan, to jeans and a crisp blazer... Of course a nice hijab is in order to cover up the "girls".
Here is the link to the sale that I promised you:
Save 20% sitewide at Lane Bryant on our new spring arrivals.Use promo code 000209786. Exclusions apply. Valid 28-Feb-08 through 6-Mar-08.
MAXI DRESSES
Today, I'm really interested in these pretty maxi dresses from Mango. Throw on a lightweight blazer and you're good to go!
//Click here for more info.
STRANGE HIJAB
I know. I know. "That's not hijab!"
But aren't these strange? And maybe a little scary even?
Anything in the name of fashion I guess.
Wednesday, 27 February 2008
HIJAB : SPORTY STYLE
I found these cute little hoodies about 2 months ago, but the link to them got lost in my hundreds of favorites. Luckily, they're still available. It's just too bad that the $200+ price tag hasn't budged. I guess I'll be on the lookout for alternatives.
//Check them out at Tobi.
HIJAB Q&A
Q: I'm not really tall but I'm having a hard time finding long skirts. Help?
A: I have never ordered from Yoox, but they have a really nice variety of long skirts. Regular prices range from $50 to upwards of $350 so I'm sure you can find something to match your style and budget. Hope this helps!
HIJAB DU JOUR
Purple and Paisley are two of my favorite things, so this cashmere hijab is perfect for me. This style is actually pretty big in terms of size, so I think it would work best with an abaya. Wearing it over a jacket or even a shirt and pants might be a little bulky.
//Visit this link for more info.
GLOVED UP HIJABI
For some reason, I'm not really into those little arm sleeves that you can get at Islamic clothing stores. Maybe they just remind me of stockings too much. Today I found a stylish alternative in these fingerless long gloves that would make for great arm coverage. Imagine wearing a pair with a cropped jacket, long skirt, and boots. Would you wear it?
//Visit GlovedUp.com for more.
Tuesday, 26 February 2008
HIJAB : CITY SISTERS STYLE
In the meantime, I did find this How To Wear Hijab clip from one of the City Sisters shows. Check it out:
Monday, 25 February 2008
HIJAB FOR WORK
Links:
Black Chiffon Scarf: Wrapables, $24.95
Similar Abaya: IB, $30
Patent Leather Pumps: Gucci, $495
MUSLIMAH DILEMMA
When the show first started, I thought to myself that at least this policy wasn't enacted just to make things hard for Muslim women. But the huge impact that it is having on us, is undeniable.
Our hijabi sisters who choose Islam over the new policy are having a hard time. They are being suspended from their jobs. They are being forced out of medical school. And what's more is that the media is now spreading this ridiculous notion that Muslims - who wash their arms at least 5 times a day for wudhu - are not hygienic! (See the article: "Female Muslim Medics 'Disobey Hygiene Rules'" for more on that ridiculousness.)
One of the sisters on the show was an ultrasound technician who was actually suspended from work for several weeks because she would not roll up her sleeves. While she was out of work, she was able to compile evidence that proves that covering the arms is better than exposing them when it comes to stopping the spread of germs. Alhamdulillah, she was able to get her job back AND keep her sleeves down.
It is evident that this new "Bare Below The Elbows" policy was enacted so that hospitals can seem to be more clean in the eyes of the public. Yes, that's right! It's about perception and there is no actual data that proves that rolling up your sleeves stops the spread of germs.
The other guests on Muslimah Dilemma implored Muslimahs in the medical field to stick to Islamic guidelines without compromising. I agree that that's what they should do because in every situation, pleasing Allah is better than complying with meritless policies.
Pray, educate yourself so that you can tactfully stand up for your rights, and be patient. This too shall pass, inshallah.
(image source)
Sunday, 24 February 2008
Fashion Trends for Spring 2008
Below are some of my choices from various fashion websites for this season's trends. Check out the links provided to shop more choices.Graphic Prints
Some fearless fashionistas are combining these strong patterns by layering floral over abstract, stripe over polka-dot, large-scale prints over small. My advice is to sport one busy piece at a time and keep the rest of your outfit neutral. A loud blouse over quiet khakis, or a vibrant print wrap dress set off by subdued accessories, will score style points without blinding your audience.
Bold Colors
Citrus yellow, mint green, ocean blue, lilac and crimson — these are undeniably dazzling hues but they're also surprisingly flattering. As with this season's big prints, it's best not to drape yourself in blazing color from head to toe. (Check this link to read more) .
Saturday, 23 February 2008
HELP WANTED
If any of you are (or know of) a graphic artist/designer. Please contact me because I need a few icons created. What I need are like 7-10 Myspace icons created and I need them done really soon, so please get back to me if you know anyone.
Thanks so much! More fashion later, inshallah.
♥Kima
Friday, 22 February 2008
MODESTY MAKEOVER
This look is a great example of how to add color to your wardrobe. Black and white is always a chic color combo, but when you add a pop of color with a bright hijab or another accessory, you'll get a look that has an extra hint of style to it.
Check out my Hijab Makeover below: (And by the way, I'd wear a black scarf with this one).
Now, you'll notice that my outfit is a little more refined than the original, but that's for a few reasons.
1. I had to replace the casual skinny pants with wide leg pants that are less casual by nature.
2. For modesty's sake, I replaced the fitted graphic tee with an airy sleeveless dress.
3. I couldn't find the striped wedges and even if I could, I know that I would probably never wear them. So, I chose a cute little zebra print pair.
Here are the links:
Embroidered Babydoll Dress: Abercrombie & Fitch, $79.50
Summerweight Cashmere Cardigan: J. Crew, $158
Zebra Printed Peep-toe Mary janes: J. Crew, $199.99
Pants: HM, $??
Thursday, 21 February 2008
WE LOVE HIJAB
I'll explain more about why I changed it later, but this is just a little FYI. :o)
♥Kima
OPRAH'S SHLUMPADINKA SHOW
On the show, she had celebrity stylist Lloyd Boston doing all the makeovers. A lot of the outfits were very modest and I really liked most of them. So over the next few days, I'm going to hijabify some of the looks that Lloyd Boston put together.
Makeover #1:
Image by: Oprah.com
Here's my version:
UPDATES
I hope everyone's doing well. :o)
It's been a really busy week for me. Some good things have happened and some not-so-good things have happened. But, Allah knows best so I'm taking it all in stride.
First the not-so-good news. So, back in December, I hired a company to revamp hermodesty.com to allow for readers to log in and view the magazine (we all know it's an online mag by now right?). I was told that the job would take 2 weeks. Well, it's now the end of February and they told me that about 50% of the work was done.
Moving on, I found a new company and inshallah, the site will be done by March 5th. I'm really sorry to keep you all waiting so long for the magazine. I hope you will still support it when it comes out because it will still be Winter when the issue is uploaded to the new site inshallah. :o)
I also have a poll for you guys. I've been wondering about how people spell certain words. You know how our words are Arabic and so when you write them in English, it's just a transliteration and so there are many different ways of how people spell Arabic words in English. So, how do you spell the word "hijab"?
Modest Black Dress from Artizara
Nadya Gown with Bolero Jacket
Still remember my first post about MBD or Modest Black Dress? Well, this is what I found lately from Artizara. It is a silk chiffon floor length formal gown heavily hand-beaded front and back with silver and black beads in an elegant wave pattern. A sensuous delight to wear, the gown is fully lined in 100% silk jersey. Bias cut styling for a great fit. Full sleeve silk bolero jacket provides a chic cover-up to the sleeveless gown. Incredibly detailed by hand, and impeccably styled! I like it :)Fashionable Tops at Artizara
When talking about long and modest tops online, artizara's collection is one of my favorites. They always feature new and stylish tops that match my fashion taste. I checked their new tops collection this morning, below are my choices.
Contrast Tailored Long Button Down shirt with optional belt
Finely tailored long button down updated with a contrast collar and cuffs, and finished with antique brass buttons. Two colors.
Wednesday, 20 February 2008
Modest Black Dress
So what about us muslim sisters out there, can we wear this black dress also? Definitely yes, but not LBD or little black dress, we will call it MBD or modest black dress, hmm..sounds great, what do you think?
This morning, I consumed almost 2 hours looking for long and modest black dress online but this is only what I found, I hope I will be able to find something cuter than these Insha Allah.
Dress: Sean Collection
Sandal: Kenneth Cole
Clutch: Analucia
Hijab: Basile (courtesy of www.islamic-world.net/sister)
Accesories: Netaya
Tuesday, 19 February 2008
In love with Jeans
The color combination is not perfect but the manufacturer said that other colors are also available.
Click the links below to shop for the items:
Monday, 18 February 2008
Tuck it in, tuck it in!
Tuck that hijab into the top! Try it! It may not work for everyone, but when it does work, it looks FAB! Try this whenever the neckline is high - that means turtle necks too! Trust me, it's cute!
I will do another piece on "sleeves" on a later date insha allah. You can buy these sleeves, make them, or just not bother and wear a purple long sleeve underneath. I just find them convenient!
For the hijab (thehijabshop.com) I would wear a purple one, because it is the minor color (the top is all gray, so you want to mix it up with some purple -- from the shoes!)
Hijab - thehijabshop.com
Top - Forever21.com
Purple Pumps- Forever21.com
Black pants - mangoshop.com
Some Bling Bling!
Ok! I said before "when in doubt wear a solid colored top and a nice hijab"
That is a very safe look, but sometimes you need to spice that up a bit! HOW? Easy. Wear Accessories. I mean, fat bangles, long necklaces and rings.
Necklaces --
I love it when hijabis wear necklaces, and just to note... Wear a long one! Otherwise you can barely see it peeking out of your hijab. Don't have a long necklace? All of yours are short? Don't worry, I'm not going to say "BUY SOME!" however, i was tempted to. Wearing a hijab has many advantages - one being that you can't see string in the back of your hijab! Wondering what I'm talking about? Cut your necklace at one end, so it's just a string of beads. Now, tie a long piece of string to the back of it, joining it again. Now the necklace is longer. Try it on with a hijab. If you can see the string, adjust it so that you can't see the string you attached and it looks like the necklace was meant to be that long! Voila!
Blue Outfit! Day and night!
This outfit is adorable. The blue shirt is the main piece of the outfit. The long sleeve tops are to hijabi-fy it! For a day or more casual look, wear the striped long sleeve under the blue top with the gray ankle boots. For an evening or a more dressed - up look, wear the black top underneath it with the blue heels!
Sunday, 17 February 2008
Holy Designers... continued...
As I said in "Holy Designers" (Part I, if you will) I'm very blunt - and some designers of hijabi clothing, just suck. Soooo... I'm not doing to be linking you off to some bad sites, in fact, to the left you'll see a list of links I use here on my blog and they only include my favorites. Well... GREAT NEWS! I've discovered TWO more designers!!! I feel like.. I dunno, henry hudson or something in search of land?!? I don't know why these designers don't advertise themselves more, it's weird how we have to really search to read about one!
Anyway...
1) stationed in the UAE- Rabia Z.
*Studied fashion in the USA
*Moved to the UAE
*Won UAE's last fashion week
*Moving onto London Fashion Week to compete there!
WAY TO GO RABIA Z.!!
2 photos from her collection are above!
2) VHARDA
I do some of my research on you tube (i mean, hey, singers are being noticed there - why not designers?). When i clicked on this video, I thought it was going to be like many before - kinda lame. But only seconds into watching it, my mouth dropped open in surprise (don't worry i closed it before I started drooling..!) and I started getting all giddy and excited.
The brand's online store will open in June 2008 - and you know I'll be there!
4and 1/2 more months! We should have a countdown! haha
WATCH IT!
The Latest Trend >>> The Ghutra/ Shemagh
As if you haven't already noticed. The streets are filled with both men and women sporting this trend. The arabic words - Ghutra and Shemagh - this trend originated in Palestine, a part of their traditional dress - and now, well, it's a fad all over the world!
I've seen many celebrities wearing them in magazines - but they didn't inspire it - no, they definatly did not. In fact, when my sister was wearing one around the house, my uncle told us of when HE was a teenager and used to wear it. WOW! Talk about timeless fashion!
It all started with pashminas this past season and people then started wearing decorating pashminas and then the ghutras. Now the Ghutra comes in many different colors and other patterns like hearts replacing the diamonds.
As hijabis, you can wear them on your head - but this may just be a pattern overload (it really does depend on what else your wearing.. try to keep the rest simple and solids) unless you're.... (you guessed it!) LAYER! Wear the shemagh under your hijab, like an underpiece, or in one of those two hijab styles from 2-hijab.com which i discussed on an earlier post.
Here's HijabiFashionista Rule #5:
Just because you're wearing a scarf on your head, doesn't mean you can't wear another on your neck.
///
My sister wears a solid hijab on her head with a black shemegh on her neck regularly - and it looks great!
So get out and rep palestine and show you're a hijabi fashionista at the same time!!
------>>> Shemegh/Ghutrahs are sold everywhere, but check out these places:
**E-Bay
**Urban Outfitters
**Din-z Clothing - an affordable designer brand owned and created by a friend of mine.
www.din-z.comThis is my personal favorite from the Din-Z Collection. Check them out!
Fashion Photo
I decided I would write about this photo to inspire an outfit that you can put together for yourself. Every girl should have a blouse in her wardrobe - it's essential! You can dress it up or down depending on the occasion -- Ohhh and it can be dressed down, waaaaaaaaaayyy down or dress it uppp! So if you don't have a blouse, get one - and make sure it's not too tight or too loose. If you stand in front of the changeroom mirror and don't fall in LOVE with it, don't buy it. that was another hijabi fashionista tip, i'll repeat myself;
If you stand in front of the change room mirror and don't fall in LOVE with it, don't buy it.
So, let's analyze her outfit (or at least what we can see of her outfit.) With a white blouse, you can pretty much wear any color, so say, for instance, you have a red hijab you want to wear, but don't have a top with red in it -- you don't NEED to buy a new red top, what you need to do, is WEAR YOUR WHITE BLOUSE! :D
If you have a white blouse, and don't know what to wear, get creative with some accessories. Be it a necklace, bracelet, ring, or whatever. Put the necklace on, and from THERE pick out your hijab color. As you can see in the picture above, the hijab color was taken from the few green beads in the necklace she was wearing. (If she chose a white hijab -- it would be a color over-load).
I love the under-piece of the hijab she's wearing. Sometimes the under-piece has to be one of the colors in a shirt or skirt or accessory you're wearing, but if you keep the outfit simple (with say, a white blouse) then all you need to do is wear an under piece that matches the hijab!
TADA! Now that's chic made easy!
Saturday, 16 February 2008
Muslim Dolls can teach more than muslim children!
Even the “Bratz Baby” doll – (the one that’s supposed to be younger) wears like, Lingerie!
And just to note, a real human being cannot grow that much hair in like their first 5 years of life!?!?!?!?!?!
So what’s the difference between the dolls above, and the muslim dolls in the shelf? Are the muslim dolls created a real necessity? I think so! Not only are they good role models for young muslim girls, but we hijabifashionistas could learn a thing or two from this new "genre" of plastic toys .. the muslim barbie. ! Instead of boring you with all the info from the inventors of these dolls, I’ll just summarize it – basically they were created by muslim woman and men who saw some kids (be it their own or just some random kids) playing with normal Barbie dolls, and decided they didn’t convey Islamic dress codes and were bad influences on their daughters. SOOOO here they are! Take note of what they’re wearing and haavee fun with this little blast from our past.. I wish they were around when I was little!
Let's start off with the following; Dara and Sara - the Iranian dolls
I read this article at: www.islamfortoday.com/iran02.htm and...
They called these two dolls, “Irans answer to Ken and Barbie” I’m just hoping these two aren’t dating because although they may look arab, I don’t think they’re following muslim valuuuuueees..
I have to admit these two are cute, but I do think the toy seller ‘Ms. Rahimi’ is a little too welcoming of this doll when she says; "I think every Barbie doll is more harmful than an American missile,"
Umm.. I don’t know about that.. but atleast we know for sure that ‘Ms.Rahimi’ thinks that Ken and Barbie are complete corruptors of muslim childrens’ minds.
I’m not too sure about that however, I mean, I grew up playing with Ken and Barbie and alhamdulilah I’m alright. What do you think about this? Are Barbie and Ken real threats to muslim children.
NOW ADMIRE THE FASHION! heehe
Aww.. is that the muslim Ken? There should be a muslim doll bachelor contest! hahhaaa
I think this one is sooo pretty! Kind of reminds me of the Red Outfit I created! With the red hijab, tunic, pumps and white pants! And I saw this picture AFTER I created the outfit! Talk about coincidental. ANNND talk about how you really CAN use a barbie doll to plan an outfit. Make sure it's a muslim barbie doll and not a bratz doll however, or you might just be asked, "how much?" OKOK i'm sorry !! apology for that unnecessary comment but yeah. Seriously.
This one is adorable too! I am loving the way the hijab is wrapped!! Notice how the hijab is just one of the minor colors in the top? Just like in the very first outfit I created!
HIJABIFASHIONISTA TIP #4:
Keep your hijab a solid color if the top you are wearing is printed. You can wear a printed hijab however, if the top is solid!
///
COol! A hijabifashionista tip inspired by a doll!
It looks like an indonisian bride! what else do you expect from an indonesian based doll? How gorgeous! except it has caucasian features.. hmmm (Just accept it..)
Is it weird that I am in love with these outfits? No. Because they're cute!
OUR NEXTTT DOLLS:
OHhhh! This one is sure to be fashionable in the house, but she comes with an abaya for when she goes out! This cccccracks me up! But I love it!
I know my tone was somewhat sarcastic, and I don’t mean to be harsh at all – I really do love the dolls. Actually, last time I was in Oman, I picked up some fulla pillowcases! Hehe and I love them!
More Muslim dolls:
How gorgeous is this doll? I wish it were around when I was little! ... I want one now though...