Spring is here and it's not just about blooming flowers, chirping birds and warmer weather. It's a time of renewal, and that part of the year where we begin to alter our mindsets, rearrange our goals, create new ones and ultimately embrace change. What better way to reflect this than outwardly through fashion. We put away our heavy sweaters and keep the lighter ones close by, give away our knits that have seen too many Winters and opt for breathable fabrics for the warmer seasons, in colours that are bright, light and cheerful. 

So here is this Seasons Key Colour Trends:

1. Khaki, 
2. nude, 
3. bold red, 
4. orange, 
5. blues, 
6. yellow

1. Khaki 

A classic, and back on trend this season, in all hues and textures, form satin to suede, in more elegant forms, including smart safari to military. How about a Khaki lace skirt or satin dress? or perhaps bring out those camo or khaki cargos...Mr. Price Sport currently stocks these and I'm pretty sure they are a staple at JEEP and Cape Union Mart stores. 

Liviana Conti S/S 2015 

Ralph Lauren S/S 2015

Marc Jacobs S/S 2015

Chanel RTW S/S 2015

3 ways to wear khaki

* Pair khaki utility or Cargo pants with a more feminine top in chiffon or lace and wear strappy sandals or block heels.

* pair a khaki shirt knotted at the front with a grey t shirt maxi dress and converse takkies

* try khaki accessories: a fringed khaki kimono will hit 2 trends in one go, khaki sun hat, large bag, military jacket, or scarf paired.

Perfectly paired khaki:

Try it with grey, nudes, coral, red and even aquamarine and denim.

Jessica Alba

2. Nudes

Nudes such as cream, beige, white tones, blush and dusty pinks, and earthy stone colours have been on trend for a while now and still going strong into Summer. They are feminine, glamourous with minimal effort exude luxury. Nudes are easy to pair with existing items in your wardrobe as they are not an overpowering palette and can be mixed with other trends. My go to on this trend is to pair nude seperates and accessories such as nude shoes, belts, bags, cardis or scarves to mix with my current wardrobe staples. Consider Nude chiffon skirts, Flowy nude sweaters and dresses, and longer length culottes (think wide leg extra flare pants).

Haider Ackermann S/S 2015

Stella McCartney RTW Spring 2015

3 ways to wear Nudes

* pair pastel or brightly coloured outfits with nude shoes

* use nude shoes with nude pants to elongate a petite figure and make your legs look longer

* pair an all white ensemble with nude heels, clutch, and scarf or belt.

Perfectly paired Nudes:

Have fun with nude shades they are as basic as you can get and play nicely with all colours. Remember though that nude paired with cooler colours are perfect for warm weather.

3. Red and orange 

Popping up subtly in our blushes, lipsticks and even bags. This season they are celebrated in dresses, sunglasses, shoes, and pretty much every piece you can wear from head to toe. Red is overwhelming for the majority of us, so try pops of red in your scarf prints or elements on your bags, clothing or jewellery..think red pom pom key chains, red floral prints and red stone jewellery. The bold will love red skirts, dresses, stilettos or takkies (this seasons "it" shoe)...whatever it is, it is worth a try!

Balmain Spring 2015

Zuhair Murad S/S 2015

3 ways to wear Red:

* try a red shoe with a black ensemble to start out, then pair with nude. 

* Colour block Red shoes with a cobalt blue dress and yellow accents like a belt and black as a neutral colour in your bag, scarf and elements on your dress like a black zip, buttons or a panels.

* Red compliments green, try a red plaid shirt with a khaki scarf or utility jacket.

Perfectly paired Red:

4. Blue

I doubt there is a wardrobe that lacks this colour, whether it's nautical stripes of navy blue and white, blue floral prints, marine blues touching on green, or denim in different shades of blue. 

Chloe S/S 2015

pic courtesy of Style mag

Elie Saab S/S 2015

pic courtesy of Vogue.com

3 ways to wear Blue

* blue skinny jeans with a loose asymmetrical cut or high low hem white shirt and fringed red, tan or teal clutch or wristlet bag

* try a denim skirt with button down front and a red, yellow or nude boxy shirt half tucked in at the the front

* pair a bright blue scarf with a nude ensemble and a yellow clutch

Perfectly paired blue:

This polka dot number hits so many trends in one

5. Yellow

The colour of sunshine, used by colour therapists to energise and reawaken enthusiasm and confidence, it's one of my favourite colours. This colour is not usually widely available but being on trend means you are going to see alot of it....yey!

3 Ways to wear yellow

* Try a yellow cardi or floral kimono over blue, grey, denim, nude or a purple dress or t and jeans.
*  Full length maxi in yellow paired with red, tan, turquoise, purple or nude heels or strappy flats looks amazing.
* for a more subtle approach try buttercup or pale yellow in scarves, belts, bags and jewellery.

Perfectly paired Yellow:
  

Hope you enjoyed this!;)....Please note, that this post mostly serves to inspire you to combine colours and create combinations that you will add to or make hijab appropriate and are ofcourse not entirely hijab appropriate on its own....next up is current trends,  and how to incorporate them in Hijab, finally some feedback on our amazing sponsors and the hijab workshop and hijab styling as a career, the magnetic pin craze and the lady who started it all, spa that is altering the way we see wellness, an adventure safely tucked away in Fourways thats great for the whole family,...and a whole lot more..InshaaAllah till next time;)

A seasonal hybrid of epic proportions, Turn it up a notch with classic jewelry and a bold lip and let the rest speak for itself. Whatever the event or outing, this long sleeve Peplum dress will rise to the occasion.

Love them? Get them here:  http://hijabistyle.tictail.com/product/azizah-peplum-maxi-dress

Hijab Fashion 2015 by  ?? Hend El Awny  the creative fashion designer is a fashion store located in Egypt .  SPRING  SUMMER 2015   

 If you�re looking to dress up a plain outfit, add a sequined top, a glittery clutch, a bold statement necklace, or flowers in your hair/hijab 2015! Whether you wear pants, a maxi skirt, or a maxi dress 2015, there are many ways to add some fun and glam to your outfits .Islam Fashion , Hejab , Muslim  ??hijab 2015 By Hend El Awny?? Hijab Fashion 2015 if you�re going to be out and about going to the masjid or visiting friends and family, Hijab Fashion 2015 dress comfortably so you�re relaxed.

 ??hijab 2015 By Hend El Awny?? ? Muslimah fashion & hijab style
http://www.myhijab1.com/2015/03/hijab-2015-by-hend-el-awny-muslimah.html

I barely have time these days to do a regular post with my part time fashion designing career having become a full time one, so I do apologise again. This is my break away for now;)...... I am sure you will enjoy this post and it will inspire more looks or #hootd, don't forget to tag me #stylexplora, would love to see the stunning combinations, you impressive ladies come up with. 

I love abaayas. I remember hearing the word abaaya for the first time in high school. At that point I had owned quite a few "cloaks" and I would only wear them for Jummah. I had grown fond of them but rather tired of the styles.

A very sweet neighbour who would frequent Makkah and Madeenah providing her cooking services to Haajis (pilgrims), would also bring in an abaya haul when she returned, trading in South Africa. My adorable mum bought my first 2 abayas from her. I fell in love with the front fastening, modern details and the softness and variety of fabrics it came in and most of all the way it flowed with movement, so feminine and graceful. I knew then that Islamic attire for woman would see a huge shift in design, styles, fabrics and embellishments. The word abaaya is now very loosely and interchangeably used with cloaks.

So this post like many to follow, Insha'Allah, will be addressing recent and new abaaya/ cloak trends, as well keeping an eye on the Kaftan scene and how to incorporate these versatile garments and much more.

Abaayas and cloaks are typically full length garments (or dresses) that are loose fitting and mostly worn by Muslimahs or Muslim woman. In recent years, runways across the world have pulled inspiration from these flowing garments and it seems to be settling in as a classic piece rather than a wavering trend.

The Arabic Calligraphy trend in abaayas is still going strong and has made its way into our accessories, from belts, scarves, clutches and more.

A sportier look, these colour blocked stripe abaayas add a modern touch to your ensemble.

Colour blocking, draping, ropework and flare, these abaayas mix both traditional and modern design lines. 

Basic A-line abaayas in solid on trend colours such as plum, navy blue, emerald green, dusty pink, maroon, marsala, grey and earthy colours have become widely popular for both its' effortless simplicity and versatility. It can be dressed up or down with just a change of accessories or outer garments such as scarves, hijab styling, cardigans from short to long, boxy or fitted, jackets in leather, lace, chiffon, belts, shoes etc.  Check out the aab collection of abaayas and jilbabs for a gorgeous shopping experience or simply inspiration on what to pair your current abaayas with. click here for the aab collection. I just love the way they pair their scarves and accessories with their everyday abaayas, you could look great everyday;)

Naeem Khan Spring 2015 reminiscent of a basic black abaaya, with eastern influenced embroidery embellishment around the neckline and cuffs that are more popular in Indian tunics.

Textured abaaya in jersey mixed with either satin, velvet or suede combinations are perfect for Autumn and Winter.

White is no longer reserved for the bride-to-be, as flowing kaftans and gowns in white take first preference on both the runways, the red carpet and the likes.

Natalie Portman at the Oscars 2015

Jessica Alba

Pastels are still on trend and Alexis Mabille has also chanelled flower power in the pretty pink number above. Floral or abstract flower prints, including handmade and embroidered flowers are definitely big this season. Try sewing artificial, lace, laser cut polyurethane or suede flowers onto your abaya,  or wear belts with flower patterns or flowers to update an old look.

More embellished looks have come through due to the demand for hijab appropriate evening wear. These abaayas can incorporate anything from sequins to beading and more draped styles.

Here are a few more ways to wear your abaayas, kaftans or maxi dresses.

My wardrobe essential;) try a long cardigan or kimono. 

 Try a fur gillet or waistcoat for winter.

Throw a poncho, cape, top, tunic, shirt, dress or scarf (click here for ideas on how to wear your scarf over)over. Get Creative and have fun.

Check back here soon for prized details of local suppliers of scarves and exclusive abaayas in South Africa.