The Coin Clutch

Wearing a design by one of my favorite designers again: this “coin” clutch by Eman Fathy in a neutral palette of soft camo green and woven creme and peach  adds a lot of flare to an outfit otherwise consisting of more plain garments.

The H&M palazzo jumpsuit from two summers ago which I’m also wearing seems to be found in every veiled girl’s closet; after posting the outfit on my Instagram, more than a handful of girls noted that they have the exact same thing. This is generally the case with most items in my closet, and since I’m on a grad student budget this will necessarily remain the case for years to come. The trick then is to wear these common pieces in uncommon ways, putting some sort of personal touch to the whole thing by adding unique accessories that are often more affordable to buy from boutiques etc than entire clothes.

Check out more of Eman’s stuff here and here for outstanding one-of-a-kind additions to your basic wardrobe, whether clutches like this one, folkloric belts, or colorful garments.

What I’m wearing: ethnic print scarf: Charlotte Russe, faux fur: H&M, studded shoulder camo shirt: Vero Moda, palazzo jumpsuit: H&M, clutch: Eman Fathy, peep-toe ankle boots: Forever21, awesome peach colored vintage-look ring: MODA Style First.

Tailored Tivoli

One of my favorite designers, the UAE based Eman Fathy, recently sent me a package of goodies, including the quirky, fun, and bold skirt below and other amazingness that you’ll see more of in the future for sure (a fab heavy crochet lace maxi skirt and ethnic-style coin belt will be up with my next ootd). What is unique about Eman’s designs is that she is no stranger to fusing the traditional handicraft look – coins, cotton, heavy bedou style embroidery, bold colors, and folkloric patterns and symbols – with a more refined touch – tulle, lace, etc – for a unique and eclectic modern Middle Eastern style. What can I say? I love almost everything she does, and there’s a big chance you will too, if you’re into that stuff! More than anything, I highly recommend her belts and clutches for a dash of boho chic to any ordinary outfit. Check out her Instagram here and Facebook group here.

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Update: As expected, I received a lot more mixed reactions to this outfit than I usually do, especially on my Facebook page. I realize the combination and colors are unusual and not for everybody. I personally still love the outfit and as I responded on my page, fashion and personal style is all about having fun and feeling fabulous and so I encourage doing what one thinks is cool regardless of potential negative reactions 🙂 Still, I always appreciate your feedback, guys!

What I’m wearing: Scarf: Egypt, leopard print peplum top: River Island, black chiffon shirt: Vero Moda, rainbow colored maxi skirt: Eman Fathy, clutch: Francesca’s, velvet flatforms: H&M.

Channeling my Inner Khaleejiya (La Parisienne Abaya Review)

Why do you need this stunning La Parisienne designer abaya straight from Dubai, UAE? Because it is obviously amazing. And I say that as sincerely as I can; the day it arrived and I tried it on I just couldn’t get myself to take it off again right away and so I continued the events of that afternoon and evening in it. It is true that I don’t often wear abayas, but if my closet were to be filled with pieces like this, you would definitely see me wearing them weekly.

Fawziah Al Marzouqi is the gracious and creative lady behind the brand, who, in addition to selling her products in the two brand boutiques in Abaya Mall and Arabian Center in Dubai, takes online inquiries and orders! The product itself looks great and it feels even better. The base is made of luxurious material that is really smooth and airy, with snakeskin and lace fabric on the bodice. The wide, detatchable belt – also in snakeskin print – makes the abaya stand out from anything else I’ve seen, as it gives it kimono-esque finish. Also note the adorable Eiffel tower-shaped logo on the bottom front of the garment! Feast your eyes on this gorgeous piece and the beautiful photography of Langston Hues.

 

 

 

A little bit more about those gorgeous galabiyas…

So I found the designer of the previously posted luxurious galabiyas (I think). Rania Al-Bastaki is a designer based in the UAE, that specializes in galabiya designs. You can read more about her gorgeous traditional designs here.

How I love her designs… Haha, not the peek-a-boo hole on the beige galabiya though. What do you think?

Gulf sisters

They are the women in black, the jewels of the desert. Fashionable as few, with an eye for expensive brands,  they catch up with the latest trends, while staying true to their traditions. This is a tribute to our always elegant sisters in the gulf.

My, I wish I could rock elegant abayas and shaylas like them. What about you?