New Energy: Sewing

Salaams and Saluations ALL,
So....I have a LOT of energy and so I've decided to put all that energy in the sewing!! I've been inspired buy Pinterest to 'JUST DO IT' --lol. I've decided to make a major piece in my EID outfit myself. Thanks to Mimi G and her WONDERFUL blog I have faith in my ability. Below you see her version of Butterick pattern 5650 . She creates fabulous pleats and an obi type belt. Mine will NOT be that fab, but it will be nice. I plan to pair it with a nice structured jacket and white accessories mostly found on Etsy.

Mimi G and her impeccable style

I have started sewing some crafts so I believe I can take it to another level, me. There is also an All White Affair in my area after the EID and I'm thinking about making something for that too. I will either make it lined or wear the proper undergarments because I STILL have an issue with 'all white' being modest *Kanye shrug*

Simplicity 2584  *out of print*

This pattern (Simplicity 2584)is actually out of print ,so you will have to search for it. iA I will make dress longer and the verdict on the sleeves is still out. The event stays that you can have a pop of color..now WHICH pop? Check out Mimi G's take on it here.

I've looked on  Amazon for help with sewing and Mimi actually suggests some books. I mean learning does stop and neither does modest FASHION. As an Imam once told me, everything has a halal.

Check here for updates on these two outfits soon, iA


B Beautiful,

Umm Amirah

Palette Love

Salaams and Saluations,

Today we're talking about palette LOVE. I <3 palettes.They are tote able, packed pops of make up. FAR less expensive then buying them ALL individually.

They can be WONDERFUL.

Urban Decay Sustainable Palette

Urban Decay Book Of Shadows II

TARTE

TARTE True Blood Palette

STILLA The It Girl pallete

Urban Decay Naked palette *fave*

MAC Winter duo

Do you own palettes? Which do u have?

B Beautiful

Umm Amirah

Hijab Workshop

Asalaamu Alaikum,
In my SPARE time (laugh here) I have been know to do a couple of hijab workshops.

Pearl daisy Black Drape hijab and a lace hijab

Pearl Daisy Bat Winged hoojab

Iman & Beauty hijab and Online hijab store undercap

The 1st one this year was done in Albany, NY. Alhumdulillah it was a GREAT event planned buy BU's own Dynamic Radiance! It was REALLY a packed event and the ladies loved all the options. I mean who won't love options. I say try it...you just might like it. Don't let hijab be a box you live in...let it be a form of expression and modesty.

This past weekend I was honored to work another Hijab workshop at Rahma Internationals here in Maryland. Alhumdulillah they had 3 'specialists' working with the ladies who came out. I like floaty everyday styles. Some like wild and crazy styles. Whatever makes you happy.

So I guess I am doing hijab tutorials now....I guess I will have to work that out on YouTube now *le sigh*.

Be Beautiful,
Umm Amirah

Pearl Daisy haul (most recent)

Salaams and Salutations Ladies

So I have a Pearl Daisy obsession. At first when I FIRST saw the hoojab video..I was like, "I'm NOT getting into the hype'...well that went out the window when I purchased my 1st hoojab.



Pearl Daisy is run buy Sister Amena, she love of hijab into a J.O.B. (not made at her) On her YouTube channel, Amenakin, she does hijab tutorials, make up tutorials, drops ilm, and baby product reviews. Check it out.
Most recent haul
Drape hijabs: pink drape (fushia), coco bean drape and greycious drape

Thin scarves: Pansies in the Sky (blue), Rose Fluer (peach), Victorian Spring(brown), Floaty Flowers(cream)

Crinkle scarf: Sprinkles Hyacinth

Please check her channel for tutorials on these styles and others. Note that Pearl Daisy is a UK store and the British pound is KILLING the US dollar. Go in and share the shipping with a friend or wait for promo codes and the like.
Me in some of my Pearl Daisy collection:

Dark as night (black) hoojab with an accessory

Evening Mela hijab

Da Vince thin scarf

Cherry Blossom Hoojab

PD tip: Hand wash these hijabs. Some are very delicate and can snag easily. Crinkle Scarves can be stored in a twist so that they STAY that way. Or they can be ironed out for a new look.
Hope you enjoyed that.

B Beautiful

Umm Amirah

Beauty on the Outside: LiaWear Interview

Salaams and Salutations Beautifuls,

Did you all follow Love HFW this year? Well they included sports wear this year. I WAS SOOOOO excited. Did I participate??...sadly no..but I'm thinking about doing so the next one this fall.

Back to the fashions during Hijabi Fashion Week there was only TWO sister that profiled swimwear as workout wear and it WASN'T LiaWear (sad inside). Check out *bluewendy* and *Kakikusukaberialan*. Of course there were lots of attempts to piece together workout wear. Most did a great job but its better to have something made for you that fits the activity you want to do, whether its swimming or zumba or yoga. Well we're so happy to have LiaWear!!!


Beautiful Ummah: What is the philosophy behind LiaWear?

LiaWear: GET ACTIVE. KEEP MODEST. LiaWear allows you to get in motion and take care of the body you have been blessed with. I want for modest women to experience life, not just sit on the sidelines. Being fit adds quality to your life and that is what I want for my sisters. Women who are already active have pieced together outfits. Women who are not, stay inactive. LiaWear offers sportswear and swimsuits as a solution for the woman who values modesty.

BU: Have you always had an eye for fashion?

LW: I have always had an eye and love for detail and quality. My strength is in garment construction, I love a well made garment and do my best to offer the same. When I was younger, my mother took me to different Muslim Fashion shows and I just loved the color, excitement and beauty of the designs.

BU: What types of products to you provide for your line?

LW: Currently, I offer modest swimsuits, coverups, jogging suits, long sleeve tunic tees, sport hijabs, yoga wear, and workout wear. Each design is custom made to the size and shape of the customer. I love collaborating with customers because the synergy usually produces a new design or a unique idea. This is how I now offer a nursing swimsuit and a water park swimsuit. I have been asked to design a horse riding outfit, too! Answering the needs of the modest woman is my service to community.

BU: What drives you to bring modest affordable fashions to American sisters?

LW: The fact that American sisters don't have everything they need in terms of clothing choices. I have traveled to Syria, Dubai and Yemen and there are choices available particularly in Dubai. If an American sister registered for an exercise class and needs to buy a long sleeve T-shirt that covers her, she should be able to so. The same if she needs a modest business suit for work, or a fancy dress for a party. One day I would like to offer all these clothing categories for my Muslim sister so that she can be free to express herself in every facet of her life without compromising her deen. Wouldn't it be nice to have the right modest outfit for any occasion already in your closet?

BU: What is your definition of beauty?

LW: Symmetry. I love when color, design detail, shape and size are all balanced.

Jazkallah Kheir Sister Latifa for participating. Check out Sister Latifah and LiaWear on FB here. Or email her for more info at liawear (at) gmail (dot)com. Size is NO problem. I actually have one cover up that I love. Soon to purchase swim suits for my kids. LiaWear also has LiaWear Prayer...also on facebook. Prayer garments for adults and kids.

B Beautiful!
Umm Amirah

Vela Scarves

Salaams and Salutations,
LONG time no post. Busy..that's the ONLY thing that can describe it.

Here is my VELA scarf post. I've been eyeing *wink, wink* VELA for a while. They are SOOO pretty to look at. Their hijabs come in various price points. Since these are my VELA scarves I picked the inexpensive ones. Now inexpensive does NOT mean low quality.

So I received my 3 VELA scarves very quickly after purchasing online.



Can I say they ARE lovely.

I plan on wearing one to an event this weekend..

Cat's Meow
This one is in honor of my Sorors Aliya K and Ameenah M-D...since they love animal print..lol.
Vintage Lavender
Lavender...well I'm a Gamma so...I couldn't resist. Pretty
A la mode
This hijab is lovely!! I mean its silky and really pretty.

VELA scarves has a tutorial for their hijabs. The hijab is simple and easy to follow. Try it..you might just like it.


B Beautiful,
Umm Amirah

You Must Accessorize..a hijabi's story

Salaams and Salutations Beauties,
Happy New Year...for those who induldge. I chilled out on the 31st. I was packing and preparing to move to another city in the D/M/V ((jump up and down here)). Saturday Abu Amirah and I went out with the Maryland Ummah on a night cruise. It was truly for the grown and halal sexy *wink*. EVERYONE came out in their BEST. You could TELL sister's and brother's REALLY put thought into their outfits and accessories.

So today's post is on accessories. Do you wear them? Well let me tell you accessories can REALLY make your outfits POP (ooohhhh aaaaaa oooo here).

Somethings to try are necklaces. I wasn't always into them, but as of late they really make my outfits come to life.

This is a Pearl Daisy necklace. Very simple and chic.

Purchased from Etsy.

Love this Etsy find. It can be worn with SO many colors.

Of course I go for the unique and different. I heart Etsy because I can find unique and handmade pieces. Although I have an accessory budget, like a hijab budget-lol, I splurge every now and then.

So what about brooches? When one thinks for brooches do you picture little old ladies knitting in circles?? Scratch THAT...how about fly hijabs with fly brooches!!

These pictured below are from New Look. New Look is a UK company that sells accessories, much like forever 21.

Sparkly

Goes great with jeans, read or white.

Very elegant.

So you have your necklaces, your brooches and now there are head bands. Of course I go for the IN YOU FACE type. Subtlety is NOT my specialty...lol. These headbands or bandos (for you UK ladies) add a little 'somethin' somethin'' to an outfit and hijab look. More pics like these to come.

This lovely was purchased from New Look and its so pretty. I wore it with My Day 1 outfit (another post).

A Forever 21 find.

Another Forever 21 find.

Boho chic from Forever 21.

Okay. I KNOW there were lots of pics in this post..but I just COULDN'T talk about acccessories and NOT show you the ones I use. So ladies, enjoy, experiment, let me know how you like them.

B Beautiful,
Umm Amirah

Enter to win!!

Aab's Facebook fans can win the new Aab Hijab (£25.99) and the best-selling Oolong Abaya (£84.99)!!!!! All you have to do is send us a name for the Hijab and send it to competition@aabuk.com with your name, Hijab name suggestion, and email address.


The best names will be then posted on an online Facebook poll at the very start of 2011. Members of the Aab fan page will then be able to vote for their favourite name! The poll will be launched when Aab feel they have enough great Hijab names to be featured in the exciting poll.


Similar free giveaways will be considered by Aab, depending on the success of this competition...so please join the fan page and get involved!


To join the fan page and get involved in the competition visit: HERE

To find out more about Aab and their fantastic range of hijabs and abayas visit: HERE

So hurry! Put your thinking caps on and give it a try! We'd love to know what YOU'd call it?

The Creative Hijab

Salaams and Salutations Beauties,

I'm on VACAY but is STILL coming up with great ideas for Beautiful UMMAH. Again, Ramadan Mubarak!! I pray everyone's Ramadan is going well. Don't forget about the Hijabi Project 2010 contest. Get your entries in by EID, iA, for the FAB LUSH gift card!!


Sooo (back to this post), have you ever been to a wedding and seen the most CREATIVE hijabs styles? Either on the bride herself or on in the wedding or attending the wedding and thought: 'I can't do that for EVERYDAY but its soooo pretty'?? Well you CAN. I've been hanging around YouTube lately and found ALL TYPES of hijabs tutorials, Hijabs of the day, hijab store hauls...OMG!!

So I had added Pearl Daisy a couple of weeks ago on FB, not really getting into what she had. OMG Pearl Daisy, operated by Sister Amena, has lots of great hijabs for layering and light ones for the summer. On her YouTube page Sister Amena gives you ALL type of hijab tutorials. She even explains what a 'Hoojab' is? What IS a Hoojab?

ValleyGurlFrmHell


WhatStartsWithA

Note: I have not ordered from Pearl Daisy as of yet. But I am impressed with all the broaches and different hijabs they carry. Can't wait to order though.**

There is also TheChicMaya who runs Hijabonlinestore[dot]com.
All the fave among hijabi's on FB and on YouTube.



WhatStartsWithA


YazTheSpaz89



tutorial with a HijabOnlineStore[dot]com
*Note: again I have not ordered from Sister Maya's store. She does carry lots of hijab accessories that could be GREAT give aways for BU or as EID gifts to encourage hijab creativity. I have heard about her great customer service from a shopper though**

My hijab go tos also include:

The Souq: great customers service, quick shipping, affordable, always having sales

Al-Mujalbaba : again, great customer service, Sister Jennah is a DOLL **BU Loves her** and she is currently working on her new website to give MORE variety. *NEW WEBSITE PPL**

So where do YOU hijab shop? Are you NOW planing a creative look for EID? Oohh do tell!!

Be Beautiful
Umm Amirah

Modesty: A dish not only served Muslim

Salaams and Salutations..
In finding more and more Muslimah fashion blogs..I also came across MORE and MORE modest fashion blogs. I LOVE IT. I love how these women (and those like them) take their faith to the NEXT level buy dressing apart from the norm. In norm I mean, short skirts, plunging necklines and exposed skin everywhere.

Modesty is Pretty
Shey is a Christian that admits that modest dress was her choice and has not been an easy or comfortable road.

All Tumble Down
Nina is an Orthodox Jewish girl who shows up a peek into her daily fashions as she deals with her year long mourning of her father.

The Daily Cover
Another Orthodox Jewish girl teaching us more about Jewish hair covering as she learns to style and adapt her personal style.

Modestly Fashioned
Ally is a plus sized modest fashionista. I love her style.


So you see, modestly is not all about oppression but more recognition of a higher power. These women are not forced they show us daily how they revel in their modest style. I think its great. Enjoy.

B Beautiful!
Umm Amirah

QVC and Bobbi Brown scoping

Salaams and Salutations Beauties,

Beauties..it HOT. Make up is scarce on this face (smile). So I pulled out a Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for a little color on the cheeks. LOVE IT! Then I went over to QVC to see if the new Denim Palette was there on flex pay (frugalista). Not yet, but isn't it pretty?

Bobbi Brown Denim Palette
All those pinks are GREAT for the summer, even on brown girls. On weekends I love to kick back and wear a great pair of jeans and a long shirt...to go to the farmer's market and or the movies.


Sasquatch Swatch of Pot Rouges

Lets talk about Pot Rouges. They have been discontinued by Bobbi Brown on her website and Nordstrom, BUT they are on QVC. OMG they are sooo multi functional. Place them on your cheeks and on your lips. Gotta LOVE a multi-functional product. Sasquatch Swatch has done a great job swatching these. Aren't they pretty. Bobbi Brown's colors will look good on a range of beauties, and you control the intensity of the color. Great for that pop of color for EID and or nights out with the girls or ones spousal unit.

These colors are portable and travel well. Weather your the sister that is a 'lipstick hijabi' or the one that 'doesn't do make up'...a little blush goes a LONG way. If you pick up one, or have some let us know what you have and how you like it!



B Beautiful,
Umm Amirah

Muslimahs got style

Salaams and Salutations Beauties,

Who ever said that Muslimahs have NO style was WRONG? Who ever personifies that perception is just...well WRONG!! Muslimahs are fashion forward and so in the Mix. Blogging about beauty, make up, clothes and how to bring it all together.
Below are a list of some links that might help you propel you fashion forward. Please note..that fashion and style does not have to be expensive, just gotta know how to 'twirk(yes I said it) it'.

The Hijablog

Hijab High - This blog is just images of Muslim women ALL over the world. I love it!!

We Love Hijab - Great blog. The editor now has a magazine ( you must pay for subscriptions) and handy hand outs (there is a cost as well)

Hijab Revival an Turkish Aussie showing us her WONDERFUL hijabi style!

B Beauiful!
Umm Amirah

Beauty on the Outside: Creative Overgarments

Salaams and Salutations Beauties,

Its HOT in the CITY!! 100 degrees here in the DC area. I pray you are staying cool and hydrated where EVER you are.

So when its hot and heavy outside..What is a hijabi/mujalbaba to do? I wear cool and light colors with light and thin hijabs. Need some linen styles? Check out Creative Overgarments (dot) com. Sister Tawanda is doing it up. Providing sisters with unique and creative styles to wear. Now I purchased linen for my overgarments..but one can purchase heavier fabrics for the winter.

In June she ran a special: 3 overgarments for $95 dollars and free shipping. It basically came out to 'buy two get one free'. Customers provide the fabric, that's fine with me. Below are pics of the three styles I choose.

This turquoise overgarment is the :Scrunch empire
This one is the :scrunch sleeve in pink
This is the:belted in Khaki(natural linen)
*photos taken by K.Cohen with HTC cell phone
I have worn two so far. Lots of complements. Lots of interest.

For July Sister Tawanda the special is '$35 overgarments w/ 2 details w/ free shipping and fast turnaround time. Material not included.' Turn around time is fast and Sister Tawanda is very much the business women. She will save your measurements in her database so you only need to send them once. She makes sure her clients are satisfied to they can order again.

Looking for something for EID? Get on it how!! Fabric is on sale till Labor Day.

B Beautiful!!
Umm Amirah

Steals and Deals: the 4th

Salaams and Salutations Beauties!!

The Holiday weekend is approaching..so that means...'Steals and Deals' this weekend!!

Check out an old fav of mine Pure Luxe Cosmetics:

June 25th through July 9th
25% off $25.00-$99.99 worth of product
30% off $100.00 - $199.99 worth of product
35% off $200.00 and up

For those frugalistas....stock up on $1 samples of PL's GREAT mineral shadows!!
Try the lipies as well...she's got a NEW one that I've got my eye on..Mistress (ooohhh aaaahhh oooo). Don't forget to put the discount in your cart.

Shop Craze is offering an additional 20% OFF on already reduced prices and on sale items of TrueFace & NYX Cosmetics.

Coupon Code: HAPPY4
Expires: July 10, 2010

Enjoy your days off...or on.

B Beautiful!
Umm Amirah

Bint Qamar..getting your 'Hijabi On'

Asalaams and Salutations,

So I've been looking at Bint Qamar for a while. I like some of their hijabs and some of their styles. They have great prices...so I decided to buy a hijab or two..or three. Well.............I mean they are hijabs, BUT they are nice and light for the summer time. Check me out this week wearing my Bint Q hijab?

This bag is sooo cute. I think I might use it this summer.


Cute and lightweight hijabs

B Beautiful,
Umm Amirah

NYX is going Bananas

Salaams and Salutations Beauties!!

NYX is going banana's till the 25th of this month. That means SALE. Check it out.
Let us know what you scored. In December they had liquid foundation on sale for a $1 a bottle. A DOLLA!!! Can't beat that with a stick.

B Beautiful
Umm Amirah

Getting the Job done: Make up Tools

Salaams and Saluations Beauties!!!

So are you digging the NYC trip? I am!!! I'm getting the goody bags together as we speak!!

Anywhoo. Soooo Umm Amirah is on a 'make up fast' till the end of the year (le sigh), so I'm going to do this post about TOOLS. Tools are essential to created the perfect LOOK. Whether it's natural, nuetral or OUT THERE, if you don't have the right tools its NOT going to look right.

On YouTube, The Island Beauty has a great view of her tools. Now mind you, she lives in Japan and has access to tools not availalb state side. She uses MAC tools as well.



For ME, right now, I have Sonia Kashuk brushes from Target (great great great brushes) and some E.L.F studio brushes (great great brushes as well), that you can get from Target as well. E.L.F is a good place to start. Studio brushes are about $3.00 a piece. You can buy a start up set for like $10 on the website. I'm not sure if they have ALL the E.L.F stuff in Target stores as of yet.


The Sonia brushes I have are:

the powder brush
the foundation brush
the small eye shadow brush
the big eye shaddow brush



Here are a list of my ELF brushes:
eyeshaddow 'C' brush ( I want another)
fan brush
complextion brush
blush brush (which I use for bronzer)
small smudge brush

Coast Scents also has some economically friendly brushes. From the reviews on the site and YouTube they have some that are comparable to MAC brushes. Check them out here. They have badger hair brushes and synthetic brushes.

I'm not use if MAC is the bar..but they have some good brushes as well. If you want the FULL MONTEY of MAC brushes, check out Karlasugar here. She does a GREAT job of showing you all the brushes.

I have a MAC brush wish list:
129
217
239
187

I plan to pick these up in January when I go to NYC (due to my make up /make up related fast-lol)

Also there are sponges that I use for cream blushs, my Sephora eye lash curler (works great $5) and various lip brushes (CARGO) for my compact lippies.

What tools do you own?

B Beautiful

Umm Amirah

October is Breast Cancer Month...Remember Pink Hijab Day

Salaaams and Salutation Beauties.

As we all know October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. What have you DONE this month to support breast cancer? I bought a pack of whole coffee at Caribou Coffee....Amy's blend. I have NO way of using it so I gave it away. All for a good cause.

If you follow various beauty blogs or are an Etsy shopper, everyone had a Breast Cancer Awareness give away. COOL!!!

Well Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 is Global Pink Hijab day!!! I have about 3 to 4 pink hijabs..hmmm which one to wear. I have known many a muslimah to pass away from cancer and especially breast cancer. We as muslimahs must pass on the words about awareness, health and early detection. Please know that cancer can affect ALL women. It knows NO race, color, religion or age.

Here are some tips for Global Pink Hijab Day from FB:

National Pink Hijab Day encourages all hijab-wearing Muslimahs to don a pink hijab for the day in a show of solidarity towards finding a cure for breast cancer.

We are also encouraged to:

- Ask non-Muslims to wear a hijab for a day to see what it feels like
- Ask everyone (men included) to wear something pink in a show of solidarity
- Collect funds for charity either through donations or through 'wear a pink hijab for the day' sponsorships (usually going towards breast cancer research, such as the Susan G. Komen foundation)
- Answer any questions that may be directed to pink hijab wearers about Islam
- Show the world that Muslims are making the world a better place
- and.. OF COURSE - Increase breast cancer awareness

There is EVEN a 'Pink Hijab Photo Day Contest'..check it out here . Enter the contest..I plan on it.

B Beautiful,
Umm Amirah