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

As time passes by my style has definitely evolved. I sometimes like prints and sometimes I love color and sometimes I like everything. As fashion changes, of course so do I. Lately, I all I want to wear are neutrals. I love mixing different neutrals and having more a muted look lately. I'll add some color sometimes with my lipstick or bag but for the most part I mix up colors like black, nude, gray, taupe, tan and white. Here are some ootd's that all I wore were neutrals! I'm also starting something new on my blog by listing not just where the items are from but also the prices of each item. I mostly shop for a bargain but sometimes I splurge so it does vary. I hope this helps when you look for those items yourself:) Also check out some awesome finds I got from the Zara Sale! If you have a chance definitely check it out!

Maxi: Zara (sale) 19.99
Taupe Hijab: Zara Man 17.90
Leather Jacket: Target 39.99
Handbag: Zara (sale) 59.99
Infinity Scarf: H&M 14.99
Booties: Target 24.99

Sequin Top: Francesca's 29.99 (splurge)
Taupe Cardigan: Forever 21 19.99
Tube Skirt: Zara 15.99 (SALE!)
Heels: Call it Spring 29.99

Fur Vest: Cotton on 29.99
Pants: Zara 25.90
Striped Top: Zara 15.99 (SALE!)
White Scarf: Forever 21 9.80
Heels: H&M 24.99

Fur jacket: Marshalls 29.99
Necklace: Zara (sale) 9.99
Handbag: H&M 19.99

Neutrals may sound boring but as you can see there are so many inventive ways to pair different types of neutral prints, textures and styles together. My favorite neutral is that cogniac/tan color. I could buy anything in it! 

with love,

sania 

Ramadan Mubarak!! I know I have been absent for quite some time but inshAllah I am back with more frequent and consistent posts! After graduation it became really hectic with my licensing exam and moving from New Jersey to Connecticut. Yes, we have officially moved! A huge change, that is a little tough on me but inshAllah with time it will get better. So for Ramadan, it is definitely difficult to come up with different ideas every year since really its all about wearing dresses and skirts. So this year I decided I would style my favorite black abayah from my favorite abayah store, BulBul Clothing! This store has abayahs in arrays of colors, prints and designs. It also has many different hijabs in really any color you like. The prints are also beautiful but not too busy! If you're ever in the New Jersey area you have to check this chic abayah store!

During Ramadan, I always want to be comfortable yet be presentable! It is such a joyous month in which you see your family and friends almost everyday. Even though we're rushing out of the house after Iftar, it doesn't mean we have to throw on that home black abayah and just go to taraweeh. This does not meet to get glammed up but since we are going to the house of Allah, it is important to present a clean and fresh look and not smell like what you just ate! So this post is for those that really have no time to put a snazzy outfit together and can utilize a black or any plain color abayah for that matter but still look presentable! Here are 3 ways in which I styled my amazing BulBul black abayah!

1. Floral Fun

Black Abayah: BulBul // Floral Cardi: Zara // Belt: H&M // Scarf: Forever 21

The first look is the most versatile and can be worn to many events especially in Ramadan. It's comfortable enough for Tarawih but also cute enough an Iftar party. This is definitely one of my favorite pieces in my closet lately!

2. Kasual Kufayya

Chambray Shirt: Forever 21 // Scarf: Interhijab // Scarf: Forever 21

This is more of a laid back look probably better for a casual shindig! I love this kufayya that was sent to me by Inter Hijab! Keep a look out for their hijabs and I'll be reviewing many more in the upcomin weeks!! Another favorite part about this abayah is that it has pockets! Anything with pockets is my absolutely favorite :)

3. The Statement

Scarf: Zara // Shoes: ICNA // Neclace: Zara // Bracelet: Call it Spring

This last look is definitely more of a fancier get up that I wore to an Iftar party just this past weekend! I got some compliments on it and decided to dress it up with some fancy pieces like these gorgeous sandals and this statement zara necklace! 

hope enjoyed and have a blessed Ramadan :)

Sania 

As Hijab's we've become pretty snazzy at 'hijabifying' fashion trends and styles. Whether it is dressing up for going out, work, school, parties and even our own weddings, I have to say we've made it work. But there is one event, that I still find difficult today... GRADUATION! Alhamdulilah I am graduating in less then 2 weeks with my Masters and even though it is my 3rd graduation ceremony, it is still so difficult to come up with an outfit! It's just honestly so hard to work with that cap and gown. Usually I get inspiration from runways and celebrities since modesty is in lately but with graduation everyone just wears a short dress or skirt. Anyways as I struggle to make my own outfit, I am going to try to help everyone else too. There are many ways of doing this but these are the following tips that I think will help us look our best!

Tip # 1: Pick a Neutral Hijab Color

First thing first, Hijab! When choosing your outfit first look at the color of your gown. If you have black (like me) consider yourself super lucky. We all love black and it gives you a lot more options with your outfit if you have a black gown. If you don't, it's okay! We'll make it work. Anyways, for hijab I suggest choosing a neutral color such as black, white, nude or taupe. If you have a colored gown, I would say go with black! Some subtle floral prints may work, but the safe choice is definitely black. If you do have black like me, you can definitely take more risks with different colored hijabs but still keep it simple. I made the mistake of wearing a red hijab on my golden gown in high school...and let's just say my nickname was McDonald for a while!

Tip # 2: Don't Volumize your Hijab

I know we all love this trend, believe me I do too. But graduation is not the place to do it. The hat is already difficult as it is to wear and it just does not look good with a huge bun. I usually wear a volumizer scrunchie but definitely wont be for graduation. When putting on the cap on your hijab, make sure the front of it isn't resting on your forehead but more tilted back. I also suggest wearing an underpiece so your hijab is not constantly moving around. And lastly, utilize those hijab straight pins to keep your hat in place!

Tip # 3: Simplicity over Flash

Keep it simple! The key to a graduation outfit is simplicity. This isn't a wedding or your actual graduation party. It is a semi formal event to celebrate your degree! Also, remember you'll have your gown on most of the time anyway. I would say stick with light colors like pastels, neutrals and simple prints like florals and stripes. Also when picking an outfit, keep the hijab tips in mind. Although an outfit may look cute with a red hijab but it definitely won't if your gown is some funky color. Keep your hijab in mind! If you do decide to go with a floral hijab, make sure the outfit consists of only neutrals. Don't have too much going on. The gown sometimes has many colors on it and you'll just end up looking like a rainbow.

Tip # 4: Dress Light

Make sure to dress light. Don't wear too many layers. I would suggest just wearing one underneath. I know we love cardigans and blazers and all but for your top get a full sleeves blouse, shirt or dress. Even if it is inside, it can get pretty hot in these gowns. For bottoms, I would suggest skinny's or loose pants. The gown already is a lot of fabric and you don't want a dress or skirt making it more complicated. Whenever I wear a dress or skirt, I always trip going up the stairs. That is something you want to AVOID during graduation. So dress light with minimal fabric as possible.

Tip # 5: Wear Comfortable Shoes

Do NOT wear super high heels. I know heels look better so as an alternative I suggest wedges or short heels so you are comfortable but still look cute. My absolute fear is tripping while walking to or up to the stage while getting my degree. I'm clumsy as it is, I don't need something else making me trip. If your graduation is outside make sure to wear wedges, platform heels or even flats. Otherwise you'll constantly be getting stuck in the grass!

Here are some outfit inspirations from myself and others :)

Look 1

Pants: Forever 21 // Top: Forever 21 // Sandals: Forever 21 // Necklace: H&M

Look 2

Dress: Dor L' Dor // Necklace: Forever 21 // Scarf: Ebay

Look 3

Pants: H&M // Sweater&Shoes: Forever 21 // Scarf&Necklace: Zara // Bag: Aldo

I hope that helps. I'm still trying to decide what I want to wear but will be a combination of the above picture. If you have other requests for what to wear at a specific event, comment below!

with love,

sania :)

Kimono: Joyce Leslie // Jeans: Zara // Blouse & Shoes: Forever 21 // Bag: H&M

Yesssss! Spring is finally around the corner...at least I hope so! I among many others just want this cold weather to go away. This week will be a tease with some good weather but with some snow too. Anyways, spring is my second favorite season after fall. Florals, pastels, and flow skirts are just a few of the themes. Kimonos have been around for a while but I couldn't really get myself to like certain prints or really wear them. Recently, chiffon flowy ones have come out and I am in love! I have to say I'm pretty picky on floral prints and I finally found one I liked and that I could afford. I found this sweet chiffon floral kimono from joyce leslie (I know shocker). Some of you are thinking, what in the world is that? It's definitely a cheap store...but you can find some gems in there if you look! I loved some at urban but were way out my price range for just a short trend. I'm so happy I waited until I found this. I also love florals in the spring and summer but realized I can't wear floral pants, they just don't suit me. So I love that I can wear floral print as a kimono and even as a dress. I paired it with some casual  blue jeans from Zara which I REALLY recommend. The comfiest jeans, well jeggings ever! I've just given up on buying jeans cause either they don't fit or they're not comfy or too long. I'm definitely getting some more of these from there. Here are some more details of my Kimono.

Some more Floral Kimono's!

Forever 21

Forever 21

Urban Outfitters

hope you enjoyed!

with love,

sania<3

Dress: Urban Outfitters // Shirt, Tights, Sandals: Forever 21

I am loving these ethnic prints everywhere! From paisley and floral mixtures, to traditional native american prints and eastern inspired pieces. I recently found this amazing maxi dress online at Urban Outfitters. I couldn't resist mainly because it was on sale for $19.99 and was originally $99.99!! How could I say no? I'm digging slits in dresses and skirts, of course not too high but makes great room for comfort. I wore it to the beach all day and it is the perfect lightweight material for those hot summer days. Urban Outfitters is notorious for these ethnic type prints but can sometimes be steep in their prices. That's why, I always wait for their sales. They have amazing online sales and usually have most sizes too. I also purchased a blue/green paisley mixture jumpsuit as well. Since these prints are so loud, everything else should remain neutral. These prints are usually short term trends so I don't like to spend too much on them. They can found on maxi dresses, jumpsuits, trousers, tops, sweaters, and even on clutches. I personally don't wear them as hijabs as they are a little too wild for me but I've seen some pull it off well. Here are some of my other looks with ethnic prints :)

Ethnic Top: Love Culture // Sandals: Forever 21

Ethnic Jumpsuit: Urban Outfitters // Cardigan: H&M // Sandals: Forever 21

Here are some celebs wearing ethnic inspired looks.

I am in love with how these bloggers styled these ethnic bottoms.  

Hope your inspired to get your own ethnic piece now :)

Similar pieces:

Forever 21: Tribal Dress, Pants, Cardigan

H&M: Blouse

Urban Outfitters: Harem Pants, Jumpsuit 

Zara: Harem Pants, Blouse

with love,

sania