Work Style: What I Wear

It seems like ages since I've posted a Polyvore set on the blog! This set basically shows what I wear to work.

I've been mixing up my outfits, and swapping my usual abaya for maxi skirts and blouses/t-shirts as the weather gets a little warmer. I know this outfit may seem really casual, but I do work in a primary school, so casual and comfortable is the way to go! I'm slowly building up a collection of Converse and cardigans as I pretty much wear them everyday. Stretchy bead bracelets are an easy way to accessorise without adding too much. I like to wear a mix of different ones and stack them up with other bracelets (usually ones that I've made) =)




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Boxing Day Sales [haul]

As I do every year, I went to the boxing day sales on Thursday at Westfield Stratford. As we got there quite early, we had finished shopping by 11am and left before the mad crowds and general craziness!

Here's what I managed to pick up on the day:

Lush Goodies! All the items were half price. The Christmas Kisses set includes the Bubblegum Lip Scrub, Chou Chou I Love You Toothy Tabs, Honey Trap and Santa Baby Lip Balms =)

 

 

Jewellery from Accessorize! Again, they were all half price in store =)

 

I also got the Guerlain La Petite Robe Noir 30ml Gift set for only £17.50 (unfortunately didn't manage to get a photo). I did quite a bit of sale shopping online on Christmas Eve as some of the ales had started early online. I ordered another Guerlain perfume gift set from Boots (the same one that I later bought in store...ooops!). It's a fragrance that I had my eye on in the summer when I was in Duty Free but I didn't get the chance to pick it up. As they say, good things come to those who wait! And seeing as the 30ml bottle retails at £35 alone, I couldn't resist! I ordered a dress from Dorothy Perkins and some Lily Flame candles which should also be arriving soon.

Aaliyah from Pyari Beauty tweeted about the Real Techniques brushes being on sale at Asda Direct, so of course I had to add the Core Collection to my basket. At less than £9, I couldn't say no!

Did you manage to pick up any bargains from the sales this year?





p.s. I'll be announcing my giveaway winner in a blog post tomorrow so do check back =)

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Smoky Not Smudgy [haul]

Seems like November is my hauling month, considering that this is my third! I attended Smoky Not Smudgy on Saturday 17th November and volunteered to do henna at the event. Unfortunately this meant that I couldn't wonder around the stalls or attend any of the workshops (they had a cupcake decorating one, which I would have loved to have gone to!), however I did get some time towards the end of the event to have a look around and pick up a few bits and pieces.

And here's what I got!

Halal and Organic is a company that specialises in organic handmade skincare products that are free from alcohol and animal fat. They have a number of different products which are designed for specific skin types. I purchased the Yellow Mango Butter Balm and the Sweet Lemon, Ginger and Manuka Honey Skin Scrub. I'm planning on using the butter balm for my eczema (this was the one specifically recommeded for it) in place of my usual Lush Ultrabalm. I seem to be getting more interested in skin scrubs, and so decided to purchase this one. The ginger makes the scrub smell lovely and I think this scrub will be perfect for winter as it also contains Argan oil and Vitamin E.

From Yana Kiss I purchased a bottle of Cosmetic Argan Oil. I've never tried Argan oil (or products containing argan oil) before, so this is a bit of experimenting for me. I don't know exactly how I'll be using the argan oil, but if you have any idea's or tips, please let me know (comment, email or tweet me) =)

In terms of hijabs and hijab accessories, I didn't buy much (mostly because I need to de-clutter what I already own!). I purchased this pretty grey and black hijab from Hijab Candy. The pattern on the border reminds me of lace which is the main reason I picked it up (also because I didn't have a grey hijab, so this is the first!).

 

Finally, I bought a few pins from Dramafree. The Sweetheart Rose pin is one that I've had my eye on for quite some time, yet never actually got around to buying it. I also got two different sets of diamante pins (which I can't find on the website) but these will be perfect for that extra little sparkle on my hijab =)

Did anyone else attend Smoky not Smudgy? How was your day at the event?





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Creative DIY Inspiration

I'm currently on the hunt for a job, so I thought why not use my time productively as well as get a bit creative at the same time. I'm already painting canvases (click the tab above to go to my canvas art facebook page), but I've also been inspired by a lot of other tutorials (some of them I found by accident!). Here's a few pictures of what I have been up to, as well as links to a few more inspiring DIY blog posts. If you have anymore to share, feel free to leave the links in the comments =)

Making some embellished friendship bracelets. Tutorials can be found here (for the bracelet) and here (for the embellishments). I used ribbon ends, lobster clasps and some chain to make the closures, because I didn't leave enough thread on either end to tie the bracelets together.

Mini shamballa style zebra bead bracelets - Perfect gifts for little kids.

Henna pattern in acrylic paint on my pocket mirror.
Fill up a cone applicator with acrylic paint and henna away =)

And here's a few more DIY posts that I haven't yet tried out. They do look pretty cool though.

DIY Brush Holders by EpiphannieA: If I didn't have enough storage pots already, I would definitely get creative with some spray paint and jam jars!

Two Finger Rings by The Creative Muslimah: One day I will get around to makeing these. The video tutorial makes it look so easy!

DIY Cute Cushion Covers by MangoWhirl: Love the paisley print on these cushion covers and they make such a pretty addition to a couch or bed =)

The Creative Muslimah's twisted bow earstud tutorial : I'd probably use this tutorial in a slightly different way (because no-one sees my ears) and put the bows on pins (or something similiar) =)






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Mini Blog Sale: Hijab Pins

I found a whole bunch of hijab pins that I had made but never actually used (and I'm running out of space to store them), so I'm putting them on here if anyone would like them. They are individually priced (as listed below) but open to offers =). Most pins have been made using Swarovski bicone beads, with silver plated pins and chain. Payment via Paypal. Shipping within the UK is £1 (2nd class), and International is £2 (standard airmail). If you'd like recorded/signed for delivery instead, do specify when ordering and I'll update the price accordingly.


Comment or email me if you'd like any (chocoholic-hijabi@hotmail.co.uk).

(click the image to make it bigger)

Note: Colours may vary slightly, but this is the closest representation to the colours that I could photograph (with my little digital camera). Comment if you have any questions =)

 

 1. £1      2. £1      3. £2      4. £1      5. £2      6. £4

 7. £3      8. £3      9. £1      10. £3      11. £3       

 

 



If you see anything you like, let me know in the comments or by email =)





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OOTD: Eid Gathering

Every year, I attend the annual Eid Gathering, which is organised by members of different families, and it is basically a way of us as a family (and a community) getting to know one another and to keep in touch as well as enjoy a meal. This basically means that I am in some way related to every single person that attends (which is pretty cool) even if I don't know who they are (I'm sure we have a mutual family acquaintance somewhere). The kids get given Eid gifts at the end and there is also a raffle for the adults, and it's a nice way to spend an afternoon as it might be the only time (other than at weddings) where I would meet these family members. And this year's Eid gathering was held yesterday and so I thought to show you what I wore to the lunch =)

The abaya is Bisht style (I think) and I love the brown border on the cuffs and neckline. It's made of a soft jersey fabric, but because of the cut and style, it doesn't stick to the body and therefore makes it extremely modest. I paired the abaya with a pair of lace ballet flats from New Look and wore the matching hijab in a simple wrap with a few folds. The only accessories were my side bag (again from New Look) and the F21 gold stackable rings. Simple yet stylish!


What do you think?





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July Accessories Haul

Most of the shops at Westfield Stratford City currently have a sale of some kind going on. I had originally planned to buy a bag from Zara on Sunday but didn't manage to find it in the store. I did however, pop into Forever 21 and H&M and pick up some accessories (not that I really need anymore!). I love stackable rings, and definitely prefer wearing them over statement rings as they can be mixed and matched with different rings as well as worn individually.

I also bought 2 sets of hair slides from H&M as there was an offer on, with some of the jewellery being buy one get one free. I picked up these two sets as I am loving the cute bows and the black rose designs. I wear these slides to secure my hijab in place on the side of my face (don't really want any sharp pins near my cheeks!).

Have you bought anything from the sales? Also, what do you think of haul posts?





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What I've been up to recently

So exams have been over for two weeks now, and I've been keeping myself quite busy. From the Pearl Daisy Smiles Better event, to more recently painting canvases, making jewellery and doing more henna, I've been indulging my creative side (which I neglected over the past few months). If you follow me on Instagram, you're probably well informed of what I've been doing (I seem to Instagram everything at the moment!). Here are a few snapshots of what I've been doing in my free time (alongside everyday chores and learning to cook).

Finishing off a scrapbook for a friends birthday (this is the back page)

Trying out stencilling on a personalised canvas

My first attempt at bridal mendhi

More mendhi patterns that I've been doodling on my hand (practise makes perfect)

 

Making jewellery (Shamballa style bracelets)

What have you been up to recently?





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HFW May 2012: Day 6 - Date Night

I'm not married, so this post will be a hypothetical date night outfit. I love dressing up, as well as wearing casual and comfortable clothes. My ideal outfit: something feminine, not too OTT, but subtle and sophisticated. Another Polyvore set as the weather is not my friend today =( (my idea of taking more photographs seems to have gone away with the sunshine). A simple maxi skirt paired with a coloured top (both in a flowy chiffon fabric). Accessoried with a single ring and cuff bangle, with a lace edged hijab and lace heels =)

Check out the rest of the Day 6 outfits here =)






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Hijabi Tip: Glasses and Hijab

I have to say that at the moment, I wear my glasses more than contact lenses. Mostly because I can't be bothered with putting lenses in, taking them out, cleaning them etc. so glasses are just a quick and easy way to make sure I can actually see where I'm going! Wearing glasses with hijab can sometimes be a pain as the arms of the glasses are squashed between the back of your ear and your head, leaving you with a headache/earache and a not very comfortable hijab. Also, if your frames are wide from the front, they can create a gap, which may mean that the odd hair will come loose.

Here are some idea's that have worked for me (and can also apply when wearing sunglasses). Let me know if they help =)

Wear your glasses over your hijab. Now I'm talking about after you've pinned under the chin/wrapped the hijab around once, then put the glasses on and carry on wrapping your hijab. This way the arms of the glasses are not in direct contact with your skin (so no more pain) and there is no risk of any hair showing from underneath. Also, this style makes is a lot more practical if you have to remove your glasses as they simply slide back in. Perfect for when it's raining and you need to wipe your glasses in order to see again!

If you're not keen on wearing the glasses over your hijab, then I would most definitely recommend wearing them over an underscarf. I use tube underscarves as they don't need to be tied at the back of the head, and again don't cause earaches. They are also a lot easier to put on as they are pretty much a supersized hairband. Simply wear the underscarf first and make sure that your ears are at least partially covered (so that the glasses don't touch your ears/head) and then wear the glasses. Wrap hijab as you normally would.


Here is a few hijab tutorial that I've come across which may also help =)





Any other tips that you'd recommend for glasses wearing hijabi's?



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(semi) OOTD: Wedding Guest

I still didn't manage to get a full shot of my outfit from last Sunday's wedding, but here are a few pictures which I posted on Instagram, including the accessories, henna and eye makeup =)

Bangles and Clutch Bag

Henna and Clutch Bag

EOTD: A simple purple look

 

If anyone else is on instagram, my username is asmaa17 if you want to see the rest of my pictures =)



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UnderMyAbaya: Mint Bows

Dorothy Perkins turquoise dress
Straight jeans
Satin Flat shoes
Clutch bag
Matthew Williamson Coil Bracelet
Pin brooch
Linea Weekend scarf

Another under abaya outfit inspired by Spring and the gorgeous pastel colours associated with the season. Although completely inappropriate for Spring weather in the UK, this sleeveless bow detail dress can be worn layered over a long sleeve top or under a cardigan. Pair with white straight leg jeans and accessorise with shades of white and grey, with a grey hijab and a white clutch bag. Add more bow detailing with satin bow flats and a crystallised bow brooch. Finish off with a teal glass bead coil bracelet on one wrist.


Is it Spring yet?




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Hijabi Tip: Earrings

As a hijabi, it's pretty difficult to wear earrings when your scarf has to cover your ears. Luckily, there are some great hijab tutorials where you can wear earrings and keep your ears covered. I love these styles for special occasions, such as weddings and for Eid. Check them out below =)

Alz786uk - Hijab Tutorial/Style with Earrings

Marafy- Back to School Hijab Tutorial


Sabrina from Slice of Lemon




Amenakin's Hoojab tutorial for earrings, glasses and stethoscope (can also be adapted to a regular hijab)


Or, if you don't really like wearing earrings, turn them into hijab pins by attaching them onto a stick pin with a jumpring =)


If anyone else has links to tutorials for hijab styles with earrings, then link them in the comments below and I'll update this post regularly inshaAllah =)




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Dramafree Hijab Pins and Accessories

Dramafree is a company which specialises in hijab accessories, mainly hijab pins and brooches. They keep their designs simple and elegant, as well as making sure that they are practical to wear. Dramafree also have a facebook page, on which they share details of new products and other important information.

As they currently have a sale going on (which ends this weekend), I took advantage of the prices and ordered a few different items. I am amazed at how quickly they arrived, as I ordered last Wednesday, and they were delivered in the post on Friday. The packaging of the pins is unique as they come attached to folded cards, which have the Dramafree logo on the front and a Dua on the back. I ordered the Skyla and Zuri pins, and the Spotty...Mini brooch.

Zuri and Skyla pins

size comparison

The pins are sturdy and easy to use (basically they are fancy stick pins!). I wore a combination of the Skyla and Zuri pins on my hijab to the wedding in Manchester. I love that they add that 'bling' factor without being shiny or glittery. They add a touch of sparkle to glam up your hijab style and can be worn on an everyday basis as well as for special occasions. The Skyla pins are longer in length than the Zuri pins, although this doesn't bother me as I use the pins for decoration, after securing my hijab with plain stick pins. As the pins are of good quality, they are unlikely to bend out of shape, but this also means that the pins are slightly thicker than standard stick pins. This would be something to take into account when wearing delicate/fancy scarves that you don't want to ruin, as the thicker pin may leave a small hole where you have pushed it through the scarf.

I haven't worn the Spotty...Mini brooch yet, but my first impression is that it's so cute! It's a tiny brooch but the perfect way to add some colour/pattern when wearing a plain hijab. Or I may just pin it to my coat collar, seeing I'm wearing it a lot during this crazy weather!

All in all, I'm really happy with the pins and know that I'll definitely be getting a lot of use out of them. I think that they are reasonably priced and I'm likely to place another order (this time for pins in different colours!).



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Sale shopping haul

So this year, I didn't go to the boxing day sales on the 26th December but waited a few days before braving the crowds. I managed to pick up some great bargains which I'll be able to use regularly (no random purchases!).

First of all I managed to find a pair of wedge heel boots! These are from Barratts and had been reduced to £20 from £42. I chose the brown pair, as I wear quite a bit of brown/neutral colours and I already have a pair of black boots.

Next on my list of purchases is a pair of grey fingerless gloves from New Look. I chose these as they allow me to use my phone and still keep my hands warm. I also picked up a long necklace from New Look which was on sale at £3. I love long necklaces as they can be worn with a hijab and be seen. Also the pink and antique gold colours work well together and I can see myself wearing this necklace a lot. I didn't really find much in Primark, however picked up a necklace for £1, which I am going to take apart and upcycle into a bag charm. I think it'll look great on one of the empty D rings on my bag (which are there for attaching the longer strap).

I did manage to pick up a Philosophy 3in1 shampoo, bubble bath and shower gel. The Christmas gift sets are currently half price in Boots, and I found this miniature tree ornament on the shelves. This particular one is Snow Angel and I look forward to using it. Lastly, I went into Lush and picked up the Snow Fairy lip tint which smells like bubblegum and is exactly like their most well known Christmas product, the Snow Fairy shower gel . This product is great as it adds a slight pink tint to the lips (even though it's really bright in the tin!) and is pretty moisturising. I ordered a few more lip tints via mail order (another Snow Fairy and two of Celebrate), one of which I am going to include in a friend's birthday present (a sort of introduction to Lush). I also picked up the Snow Fairy gift set as part of her birthday present as well (not pictured) =)

I'm still on the look out for dresses and cardigans/jackets, so my sale shopping is not completely over!

What have you picked up in the sales this year?



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