Any hijabi will tell you it's easier to dress in Winter...Summer is a whole other challenge! You want fabrics that are cool yet breathable and non transparent so you can avoid layering.....oh and "with sleeves please".

It's rare to find long tops and dresses with sleeves that aren't sheer..and when I do...I want to know how many colours I can get it in. I do have the advantage of being able to sew what I want, but often don't have the time. Despite the lack of Modest wear...I still love shopping;)

This outfit combo is my go to!

Scarf: Lace, pleated kashkha Laila Couture Fordsburg ( I got it at the Eid fair a while back)
Scarf band: Sowsan
Shirt: Mr. P
Pants: H-twenty one jeans (90% cotton)
Necklace: gold leaf Checkers Hyper
Watch: Swatch
Wedge Sandals: Jet
Bag: LV
Inner: Moondrops (Durban, Overport) couldn't skip it ...it's a white shirt..lol..Moondrops has the largest selection of inners I have seen one shop carry!
Gold belt: WOW Couture


When I want a change, I just swop my shoes, bag, scarf and wear the shirt in another way....tucked in at the front, skip the belt or try another..and the options are endless.

I love this White shirt, because it is a loose fit but has some shaping and has a longer back. Shirts are my staple...I even wear them over dresses and jumpsuits like a jacket and with skirts..the looser fit offers more versatility. A white shirt is a perfect addition to a capsule wardrobe for the budget conscious (who isn't these days?!)

It was really hot when I wore this...so we were running for shade when my highly esteemed photographer(ahem my hubby) took these random pics...Thanks Hun!  It was a relief to be wearing a cotton shirt and mostly cotton pants...

This one is definitely a selfie;p
Right now, the trend in lace scarves are running riot and this one from Laila Couture is really gorgeous!

 At the Home stuff store at Brightwater Commons...

Last seen in this OOTD at the Industry Bakery...:)

Xoxo....

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. 

Fashion is highly transitory, moving from overly fitted garments to more boxy flowing items and then the convergence of both, to breaking the rules from wearing evening items as day wear to mixing prints. If there is any time to be you..it would be now...no time like the present! when things are constantly evolving and you can't seem to remember what is the new black? or whether diamonds are still a woman's best friend?... return to your element and Be yourself!

More designers are embracing individualism, and stressing on the importance of using their garments to express our own personal style and personalities rather than generic styles copied straight off the runway that lack soul, character and are devoid of any charisma. This be the year to celebrate being You-nique!

I went out on a whim and bought what I had been aching to make for months now. I had a nasty cold and we did a quick stop at the bakery to buy some dessert to take over to my cousins who invited us over for lunch...and there it was, in huge bold print: 50% off at COTTON ON....I could not resist, I love Cotton On apparel and that "on sale" sign was just baiting me.

I thought I would just browse, but then I saw kimonos and broke out in a happy fit, walking out with my favourite one...My new "ootd wardrobe staple" is none other than the "Kimono"
btw the sale was scheduled for the next day and the kimono ofcourse was new stock to which the sale did not apply...sob sob..

Here's what I paired my kimono with:

Look 1:
Skinny blue jeans (Chinese owned store in Fourways, will do a review of those soon)
Basic pink 3/4 sleeved T R69,99(pick n pay clothing) I like theirs, it sits lower than regular T's,
Pierre Cardin nude pumps R350 (Edgars) I have worn these repeatedly, 
Lengthy kimono R350 (ouch!)I'll get my moneys use out of it, expect a post on many ways to wear your kimono(",),
Black slouchy bag (the Hub Fourways) you should definitely have a soft fabric slouchy bag, it's a great casual element

Look 2:

This time I paired my kimono with one of my longer dresses and bootleg jeans with kitten heels. I mixed prints again playing with stripes and florals.

Striped jersey scarf from North Beach flea market (2 scarves for R100)

Mint green dress Hi Fashion Fourways Mall R180

Nude kitten heels Mr. Price R120

Broadacres Lifestyle Centre Nursery

Other ways to wear the versatile Kimono:

Over an abaya, tied up, playing with prints.....or
over a skirt outfit, and with a maxi dress...

Sincerely sorry for the poor image of my own hijab style in look 2..I will update it with a clearer one soon. Hope you enjoyed this post, would you like to see more of my ootd posts in future? are they inspiring you to try new trends and add your own personal touch? whatever it is, I would love to hear from you! interact with me by commenting below, via Instagram: Stylexplora, or Facebook: Waseema Abdool Khader or Google plus Waseema Abdool khader and I just might do a simple diy kimono tutorial so you can make your own no matter what level of sewing you are at.

Jazak'Allah as always for your support including reading and sharing my posts.