Salaams and Hello StyleExploras!


I hope you bought your tickets for the #HFWSA (Hijab Fashion Week South Africa)! An event not to be missed!

Here is more information and all of the questions I have been getting:

1. When is it?

13th and 14th May 2017

2. Where is it?

At the image Lifestyle Center, Fordsburg in Johannesburg where the Jimmy Killer Prawns is also located.
Here is the Google maps for directions on how to get there!
Image lifestyle Venue click me!

3. What time does it start:

between 2-5pm

4.What is it about?

Founder and coordinator Abashiya Achilles who is also the designer and owner of the "Fabulous in Hijab" modest wear brand,  maintains that the Hijab fashion week is not a new concept.

London had already seen many years of the ever successful  London modest fashion week #LMFW.

Having been in contact with the organizers, Abashiya then embarked on introducing a Hijab fashion week in Cape Town,  South Africa, her home town.

I cannot wait to meet her! She has been an absolute pleasure to liaise with, and is truly a remarkable person. 

After 5 successful years of the HFWSA, in Cape Town,  with exceptional growth each year. It will now be launched in Johannesburg on the 13 and 14th May 2017, at the image Lifestyle center in Fordsburg, in conjunction with Crescent Lifestyle. 

While it may not be a new concept,  it is an entirely new platform for emerging local modest wear designers and an opportunity to cater to the large and wide demands of Hijab or modest wearing Muslims. 

The HFWSA is set to gather some of the best local design talent in the modest industry as well as the who's who in the blogosphere of modest bloggers.. all in one event over 2 days. 

Taking place just days before the Islamic month of Ramadan, it will be the Eid shoppers delight to get their hands on these unique designs for Eid, prior to Ramadan, so focus can be maintained on the more important aspects such as ibaadah (prayer), fasting and charity. 

Designers contact details will also be made available to those in attendance requiring custom garments or wishing to purchase the runway designs. 

Fashion designers to exhibit: all names are clickable links so just tap on it and you can see more about that designer! It will take you to their Instagram page...no worries if you'd like to get back to reading the rest of this post.. Simply close the Instagram window. Designers are creating new items just for the HFWSA! So below is just a teaser of what designers have offered or are currently offering. 

Fabulous in Hijab

By: Abashiya Achilles

Creates gorgeous, classy garments, with modern cuts and with close attention to detail and quality. Expect your Fabulous in Hijab pieces to withstand the test of time! She plays with prints, colours and textures, and her garments always have comfort at its core. Love this brand??

Stylexplora  (that's Me! InshaAllah!also
check out @shopstylexplora)
By: Waseema Reyazuddin /Abdool Khader

My Online Souk

By: sisters Sabeena and Jehan

Is your online store for one stop shopping for those gorgeous outfits from a number of local designers. They bridge the gap between fashionable Muslimahs who love to shop designer pieces and the designers themselves. Having spoken to one of the sisters, I can say without a doubt...you will love shopping with them.

Shop style snap

By: Nazmeera Jeewa

Every ounce a fashion forward stylist, I am a fan of her personal style and ethos. This brand retails modest garments with modern cuts! With an eye for detail, this brand understands the needs of modern day Muslimahs and offers tomorrow's styles today!

Red Ruby Abayas

I am excited to see what Red Ruby has in store for us!

Adore by Adila

Gorgeous selection of kimonos, Luxe robes and modest wear. She is not afraid to play with textures, colours and prints. Her feed is a feast for the savvy fashionistas eyes. Cannot wait to see the beautiful range she will send down the runway.

Demure by S

Hails as a contemporary modest wear brand. Their page is a shoppers delight with kimonos, dresses and more. Creative use of prints and mix of fabrics make this brand one to follow.

Ruhee Collection

A contemporary modestwear extraordinaire. Their collection is a feast of gorgeous kimonos, Abayas for both ladies and little ones, as well as draped and flowy dresses and seperates. Attention to detail is prominent, with striking modern prints, lace, embroidery and a mixture of patterns and solid colours.

Bloggers to attend and cover the event. 

Bloggers

Stylexplora (you are here! :)- Waseema Abdool Khader... Yes! I will also be blogging about the HFWSA.

Veiled Beauty- Raeesa Sadik

Accountant by profession with a propensity for creating killer outfit combos, brilliant product reviews and great flatlays! So much more to her!
We have been friends for years and are yet to meet each other... We hope to do so at the HFWSA InshaAllah! Can't wait!

Style unboxed- Raeesa Essop

A newbie lifestyle, beauty and fashion blogger with a beautiful Instagram feed. Her product and fashion reviews though would have you think she's been doing this for a while... She's a natural!

Modest Isle- Soraya McKenzie

A beautiful mommy blogger with incredible style! Her blog and Instagram feed are uplifting and inspirational. Can't wait to see her take on the HFWSA. 

Cannot wait to meet everyone I have mentioned above and especially you guys!

6. What else can I expect? 

Fashion Shows featuring collections of the designers above. Feast your eyes on ready to wear garments for Eid and occasions. Styling advice, including Hijab styling and lots more... Fun evening out for ladies only. Alot is underwraps...  because we aim to surprise! All I can say is,  Donot miss it! I really want to meet you guys..

7. How do I buy tickets? 

You can purchase tickets from here >>>>>Web tickets

Tickets are R150 per day,  so R150 for the 13th and R150 for the 14th...if you book for both days.. It's R300... 

8.What happens to the proceeds? 

This is a fundraising event and to showcase modest fashion designers. 

9. I would like to model for the HFWSA, what do I do? 

Email:waseema561@yahoo.com 

Or aiishconcepts@gmail.com

But do so quickly as the spaces are filling up....

We are looking for ladies of any race or religion, in two categories. 

Category A: 18-35yrs,  1.64m in height and taller,and sizes small-medium

Category B: over 35 years any size and preferably 1.64m in height or taller. 

In your email, include the following :

1. Name,  Surname, cell number

2. Age,  

3. height, 

4. size 

5. a little paragraph or two about yourself and what you do. Occupation etc. 

6. a pic of yourself close up and full length. 

If you are successful,  we will let you know and call you for castings.  All model training will be provided, no experience necessary!  Just confidence and happy thoughts:)

Thanks dolls...don't forget to subscribe to my blog to get more stylexploring delivered to your inbox! :) 

I'm going to go ahead and confess... I had not had a facial in months, possibly years. I just always found a 100 excuses not to! A busy mom thing I guess, and I chalk facials upto luxuries... But as each birthday comes around the corner... I realize my skin needs more.. And what I considered a luxury is in fact care that's vital to ensure the good health of my skin and ofcourse to age gracefully! Don't we all want that? 

When Urban Bliss announced their facial promotion for the month of March, my familiarity with the beautiful spa got the better of me, and I decided to book one. 

For those of you unfamiliar with Urban Bliss ...here is my previous post on the spa and my experience.....The ultimate Bespoke Wellness spa!

The day could not have arrived sooner! I dropped the kids at school, and off I went to 85 Barry Hertzog Road, in Emmarentia, Jhb to make my 10am booking. I decided to do a virtual tour of Urban Bliss, as I had previously wished I had done to share with you guys. Here is the link to that video:

A Virtual tour of Urban Bliss Day Spa

Don't forget to subscribe to my channel as there are lots more videos (with huge improvements) coming your way. Insha'Allah 

I was met by Ms. Lerato Tlhame who is the Manager and a vastly experienced therapist at Urban Bliss with sincere warmth and kindness. The spa at that moment was quiet, and ideal for pics and videos, so we had immense fun doing live videos on social media. We were also joined by Ms. Ayesha Rajah the owner and founder of Urban Bliss and her therapist Ms. Andrea.

Truth and the whole truth? ...  the Urban Bliss spa is truely a beautiful space, and so accommodating to all their clients and their needs. They continually strive to improve on their offering, are flexible and unlike most spas are dedicated to true wellness. 

They consistently offer their clients treatments that are tailored to address their individual concerns. They take the time to chat with you and find out more about what you really need, and that to me, makes all the difference. 

If you book a detox massage with a facial, but are short on time, they will tailor your treatment such that, while you enjoy your facial, you will simultaneously be treated to a detox wrap. They will even advise you on the treatment you should go for when you book. 

What's also deeply satisfying, is that the spa believes in rest and relaxation to the point, that they never rush and usher out their clients after their treatments. You can even stay and relax on their pool deck, bring your bathing costume for a swim, rest in the pause area or try out their beam swing, above the pool while you dip your legs.

My facial began with changing into their soft monogrammed robes and slippers and heading off to my London treatment room...Ha! that sounds soo cool! I just love the city theme that echoes throughout the spa. In the pic above I captured a bit of New York;)

Lerato then came in, and I had a full face of makeup. I challenged her! 

We began with a few deep breaths (something I ought to get in the habit of doing!), and then Lerato accepted the cleansing challenge with a hearty laugh. The Phytomer Perfect Visage cleansing milk just melts on your skin and felt like a gel. In a few short seconds of massaging the cleanser, my makeup was thoroughly dissolved...challenge Annihilated!

All Points to Urban Bliss and Phytomer cleansing milk, which you only need a small amount of and comes in 250ml at R366. I love prods that do no harm! All Phytomer products smell like an ocean breeze...fresh and addictive! 

To tailor my facial, Lerato had added in an ampoule for hydration, to address dryness around my cheek and forehead areas. Customising your facial at the spa, is as easy as building your burger at the Burger Stack! 

Exfoliation was the order of the day! Ok!..the facial!. The Phytomer Gommage (that is french for a gentle cream exfoliator...Wi?!) used, contains clay for detoxing and removing any other impurities from the skin. Then came the gentle steaming to further loosen impurities such as white and black heads, to make them easier to remove.

Lerato did a fantastic job with the extraction, this is where most spas fail and often create the dreaded acne holes in your skin. I did not have any deep tissue damage, and my skin was immediately calmed with Phytomer's soothing serum and then hydrated with a moisturising serum.

Below are products from Phytomer and Priori I received from Urban Bliss on my first visit. The Phytomer cleanser lasted me about 6 months,  was so effective and the scent was deliciously uplifting. Priori gommage or exfoliator for body and face with AHA is exactly what you need to get your hands on for the upcoming Winter season. It will keep your skin smooth,  bright and help all your other products to work more effectively, by removing the layer of dead skin cells. This allows your products to penetrate better and get to work where they need to.

I then received a face massage, I didn't even know I needed. My jaw was tense for days, I hadn't a clue why, and just hoped it would go away. Lerato just loosened any tension by massaging my jaws, and gave me a lymph drainage massage to alleviate sinuses and puffiness. It felt amazing!

She then applied a moisturising mask, followed by a moisturiser, together with my favourite...the Phytomer Rosee Visage toner which comes in 250ml at R366, is alcohol free, and was applied with cotton pads over my eyes to soothe puffiness (which I have alot of, side effects of an insomniac!). At that point I felt like napping like my 4yr old.

I then got a little treat with the application of a nifty Phytomer cc cream, which adjusts to suit to your skintone. No need to look like you just got a facial with extractions... Lol!

Just when I thought everything was over... I got a hand massage... Omw!! I could take those everyday!! (designer hands work hard!)  

When all was done, Phew! I got served tea in bed! They have delicious teas! I enjoyed my cuppa Gunpowder Raspberry- Current tea to the max!

Results of my facial...

The soothing serum immediately calmed my skin after the extraction. My skin took possibly 3 days at most to peel, and didn't look bad at all. No acne scarring or pain. Skin was really glowing by day 4 and makeup application too was smooth and far easier. Skin texture overall improved,  no blackheads and whiteheads hiding under the surface...skin feels smooth to the touch with no bumps. Even my original foundation shade was matching well. Would I book repeat sessions? Yes! Absolutely!

Before facial with makeup.. Notice uneven skintone.. I didn't do any colour correction under my foundation.. 

4th day After facial with the same makeup base and again no colour correction. 

And ofcourse without makeup.... Minutes after I woke up... :p

Still have a few days to take advantage of the facial special with Urban Bliss... Else watch this space for April 2017 specials... 

Urban Bliss:

Website: Urban Bliss Wellness website click me!

Contact:bookings@urbanbliss.co.za

Tel: (011)486-0512

Salaams and lot of love!

Stylexplora

Salaams Guys!!!

Hope you are all doing well!  Finally tried RocoMama's! Home of the original smashburgers!  ... 

Going to Melrose Arch has never really been high on our agenda. So visiting it twice on one weekend has to say something! 

We rocked up on Saturday at Melrose Arch to eat at RocoMama's... Ridiculously hungry after all the errands... We saw the long queue,  and left to eat elsewhere.... But we promised to visit again some other time. We just didn't think it would be the very next day.  Our family wanted to try Rocos too. So we joined them.

We got there around lunch time.. after 1pm... The atmosphere electric! Most of the customers were Muslim (ofcourse) ,  and the whole place was a buzz! 

The queue was there again.. But there was a guy with a clipboard in hand, taking names of those in wait, so he could secure their tables, and then call out for them when it was ready. We were told an hour long wait, so we put our names on the list, met with our family and went shopping for just under an hour. 

When we got back,  the guy was yelling Abdool Khader! Shot my hand up,  and we were seated outside at a cozy corner picnic bench and table... Just after the manager and clipboard guy (teehee), told us that we were lucky we got back in time as we would have lost our seats and had to wait again.

Next we were handed our drinks menu in the form of a wooden placemat.. Then several pads with preprinted menus and checkboxes with pens. It felt like being handed a pop quiz. "Oh RocoMama's Why can't you just take my order like a normal restaurant or cafe?" At that point I spotted a slogan on the waiters t shirt... We are not normal!... Yes,  I suppose,  that answered my question.. Lol.. In any case I loved the uniqueness, was fun going through the menu. 

I ordered a 150g beef Macon,  cheese and guacamole smashburger. I love avos..I'm going to say this out loud and clear... That was the best burger I ever had! With it I ordered a death by chocolate freak shake... was absolutely delicious.. I am notorious for not finishing my burgers,  but I wolfed this one down..I'd just make one suggestion to Rocos.. Please swop the mini chomp chocolate in your death by chocolate shake with a flake or a Lindt for freak shake! 

Family members ordered wings and burgers too. I definitely suggest you guys call in advance and book a table if possible before you rock up..You have to try RocoMama's if you are a fan of burgers, wings,  ribs and chips.. Their chillie cheese fries are awesome! See below.. 

Wherever you go... Life's always better with the right company! Salaams.. 

Xoxo

Stylexplora 

On October 29th, 2016, UrbanBliss Wellness Spa held their "Discover You!" event at their premises, 85 Barry Hertzog Rd in Emmarentia. It was definitely worth the wait and attendance. I am positive this event will set in motion a host of future collaborations with the Spa,  InshaAllah.

To learn more about the spa click here:my review on the UrbanBliss spa
on Instagram: UrbanBliss if you were there...you are probably on their page!;)

You can also view and book their ground breaking treatments and purchase their advanced skincare: UrbanBliss website

The Discover You event was aimed at empowering women of the 21st Century who juggle work, home and family. It brought together a host of some of the best in the local industry from fashion, makeup, makeup organizers, to scarves and beauty treatments.

The following are the amazing people who collaborated alongside Urban Bliss to make the day especially memorable:

Stylexplora: yes!! I was there...!  This time in the capacity of  Makeup Artist. I provided one on one consultations,  and did a demo on the pool deck providing Makeup advice and tips to the value of R3500 exclusively to those who booked for the demo. My audience were spoiled with random gifts from makeup to gold metallic belts, turbans and headbands to the value of R1500.

Laboutique: suppliers in 100 % authentic premium quality Makeup. They supply everything from beauty blenders, Kyshadows, kylielipkits,  Morphe, Kat Von D, Nikki tutorials, and the list goes on.... Click here to check out their 100% original products on Instagram: Laboutique

Atelier Dajee: Fashion Mason retails and custom makes innovative and unique high fashion... Also featured at the SA fashion Week. The ladies were spoilt as he produced a fashion show just for the Discover You event in his demo slot, and all of his garments were available for retail at the venue and a few lucky winners snatched up vouchers. Click here to see Atelier Dajee Instagram: Atelier Dajee


Glambox: suppliers of the very on trend perspex organiser boxes that glams up any space and can be used as storage for a multitude of items and products around your home, business or events...A beautiful table was laid out with all of these organizers including selected Swiitch Beauty Brushes which were also available for retail. Swiitch beauty is a premium supplier in brushes and everything makeup related.

To view Glambox gorgeous boxes and organizers click here to go to Glambox Instagram: GlamBox

To view Swiitch Beauty, click here: Swiitch Beauty


Khalees Fabrics: specializes in unique scarves,  hijabs and headwraps... Gorgeous summer fabrics and prints to choose from.. They did headwrap and turban tie tutorials on the deck in their demo slot, click here to view their Instagram: Khalees Fabrics

Papushka: supplies a beautiful range of luxury Kaftans and sleep wear that are proudly South African.  Click here to view Papushka on Instagram : Papushka

Tanya Sachs: Celebrity Stylist who provide invaluable styling info in the first time slot of demos

Rashmi Threading Studio: touted as the Brow guru... who provided her professional services of face and eyebrow threading, grooming and tinting as well as waxing.
To Contact Rashmi: 011 486 0512/3

Finally some pics courtesy of Urbanbliss and Glambox!

Face beats by me on beautiful Marna! My table filled with gorgeous goodies from Laboutique and my kit! My scarf in dire need of ironing!

Turban tie tutorial by Khalees fabrics

#wanteverythingonthistable part of Laboutiques setup!

Ms. Ayesha Rajah owner of UrbanBliss Spa along with blogger Nonhle Thema sure have Pout perfection!

Atelier Dajee creation!

Atelier Dajee

Gorgeous dresses by Dezines4u

#Browgame strong by Rashmi!

Khalees Fabrics mesmerising the public with their wide range of scarves!

Beautiful Safwanah of Glambox handing out a gorgeous Glambox prize to a very lucky winner!

Papushka and their stunning range!

Mouthwatering affair! I mean eclair!

Cool Going ons!

The Stylexplora winners! Aren't they gorgeous? they were smiling throughout my demo!

Big ups, high fives and a huge Thankyou to the remarkable and gracious team of UrbanBliss Wellness!
 

Simply gorgeous! 

I spot a few familiar faces! ;)

There were tons of pics...so I may share more on Instagram....btw! a big little giveaway coming up on Instagram that you don't want to miss! Makeup, fashion, skincare, art, and more! click here to go tot my instagram: Stylexplora on Instagram and watch out for it!

Love and Salaams Always!
Stylexplora