Dress to Impress

Salam!

So I'm gonna introduce you to my absolute FAVORITE designer for evening gowns and dresses, the amazing, Reem Acra. Most of you have probably worn her gowns, heard of her or have seen her gorgeous designs on celebrities and fashionistas worldwide. But, for those of you who haven't, Reem Acra is an internationally acclaimed fashion designer, of Lebanese descent. She studied design at the Esmod Ecole de Mode in Paris and at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. Reem Acra launched her career in New York, and started out as an embroidery artist. In 1995, she started her own line of bridal gowns, quickly gained notoriety and was at the top of the bridal industry.

Reem Acra is famous for her bridal gowns and glamorous evening gowns but she has since branched out to casual-wear as well.

Here are some of my favorite picks from her Spring 2010 Ready to Wear collection followed by a video of her Spring 2010 Bridal runway show and an interview with Reem Acra. Enjoy!

Favorite Shade of Red

Salam everyone!

So, I've been looking for a red lipstick that is JUST RIGHT for quite some time now but I've been kinda picky with buying one cuz wearing red lipstick is not really my thing. I usually like to stick to light neutral colors like nudes and soft pinks. But, it's fun to try different colors and red is definitely in this season and everyone can pull it off.

So, after plenty of searching I found a really nice shade of red! I specifically wanted a very matte shade, like I don't wanna walk around with bold red lips that are also super glossy or shiny looking. So, my choice is by MAC, one of my favorite cosmetic brands, and it's called "Russian Red." MAC has a bunch of shades of red that you might like as well, but so far, this one's my favorite. "Lady Danger," also by MAC, is another really great matte shade of red but tends to look kinda orange-y sometimes. You can go to http://www.maccosmetics.com/ and check out their entire line of lipsticks and other amazing cosmetics.

When wearing bold red lips, remember not to overdue the rest of your face with blush and eyeshadow/liner, etc. cuz the red lipstick is enough and doing a full face of makeup would look kinda ridiculous. Vice versa, if you're doing up your eyes, try to stick to a more natural look for the rest of your face.

What's your favorite shade of red?

Home-Maid

Ok so, in the Middle-East, maids are very commonplace. Anyone from the paupers to the wealthy and everyone in between could employ them, and some people do and others don't. Having a maid is by no means some sort of status symbol. Ultimately it's a personal decision and the choice of the family looking to employ one. Everyone has a different situation though, so basing one's decision on other people's experiences may not always work.

I've heard stories of families choosing not to have a maid because they like taking care of their own house and family, they feel uncomfortable with a stranger in their home, there is no need for one, etc. etc. the list goes on and on. I've also heard of varying experiences that families have had who have chosen to employ a maid. Everything from firing the maid because the woman of the household felt her to be a threat to her marriage to having the most amazing maid that she has become part of the family!

There's this new book that's out now called "An Unsolicited Gift," by psychiatrist Dr. Dennis Friedman and it claims that boys who are raised by maids or nannies will grow up to be womanizers! The reason behind this theory is based on the idea that the child will get used to the fact that two women are taking care of him; one woman is his mother, the one he admires and respects and the other is the one who takes care of all the physical things, prepares meals, cleans the house, does the laundry and other chores. Having grown up in an environment where he has seen that it takes more than one woman to take care of him, the son, now a married adult, may seek out another woman, outside his marriage. Dr. Friedman also mentions that when a girl is raised with a nanny, a "cascade of need" is created where some females might later fill in with detrimental relationships, drugs and alcohol. Why the negativity?? Can't they fill this need with things that are fulfilling and proactive? Dr. Friedman's does, however, say that it would be "safe" to get hired help after the first year.

In Islam, cheating on a spouse is haram and forbidden. So as not to form an illicit relationship, among other reasons, a man is allowed to marry up to four wives, so long as he is able to treat all of them fairly and equally and is able to support all of them financially as well. And of course, pre-marital relationships, alcohol and drugs are all forbiddenn as well. So, I guess the most important thing to note is having a stable familial base and teaching strong moral values might be what effects a child the most.

Maid or no maid, Insha'Allah our children, brothers, sisters, cousins, all grow up to be intelligent, stable-minded, rational adults who are able to make the right decisions in life. Ameen!

Everyday is Earth Day

A lovely reader of my blog asked a question with regards to whether Earth Day (April 22nd)/ Earth week (April 16-22) is celebrated in the Arab world and how green living is incorporated in everyday life. I think it's a great question and I will do my best to answer it, Insha'Allah.

In the Arab world, many actions are taken, informally, on a daily basis, to contribute towards the well-being of the environment, such as recycling and preservation of water and electricity. However, Earth Day is being formally celebrated for the first time in the Middle-East this year. The Kingdom of Morocco will announce a National Charter for Environment and Sustainable Development on the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day, which would be the very first celebration of it's kind from a Muslim, Arab and African nation, since Morocco falls into all three categories. To commemorate Earth Day, environmental education will be introduced in schools and the country will be no longer be utilizing plastic bags.

Since we are referring to the importance of environmental protection and awareness, with regards to Earth Day, I think it's necessary to discuss how important this topic is in Islam. In Islam, we are taught to protect and preserve the earth. The Qur'an states that the earth was created as a dwelling place; a sanctuary of peace and rest for humans and all of God's creations. An example in the Qur'an of just how close humans are to the earth is that humans were created from the earth; out of dust and water:

"And Allah has caused you to grow as a growth from the earth, And afterward He maketh you return thereto, and He will bring you forth again, a [new] forthbringing. And Allah hath made the earth a wide expanse for you. That ye may thread the valleyways thereof." (Surah 71:17-20)

As Muslims, we are taught to cherish and protect the earth and the elements because it is a creation of God, and we must cherish all of God's creations. As humans, we do not own the earth, but we were placed here amongst plants, animals, insects and wildlife, to maintain the earth's balance. The Prophet Muhammad (ṣall Allahu ʿalayhi wa sallam)said, "All creatures are God's dependents and the best among them is the one who is most useful to God's dependents." The Prophet Muhammad (ṣall Allahu ʿalayhi wa sallam) was a prime example of environmental awareness. He would pray for rain to water the trees when water was not readily available and he enjoyed nature very much. The Prophet Muhammad (ṣall Allahu ʿalayhi wa sallam) has said that those who help take care of the earth will be greatly rewarded, saying, "If any Muslim plants any plant and a human being or an animal eats of it, he will be rewarded as if he had given that much in charity." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, 8:41) There are over 700 verses in the Quran that reflects on nature and the word "earth," or "ard" in Arabic, is mentioned 485 times which shows just how highly important our environment is.

"Earth Day" is not an Islamic holiday, however I think that everyday should be earth day. I think regardless of faith or nationality, we should all take care of the earth because it is our responsibility and we shouldn't wait for a holiday to do so. There are so many small additions you can make to your daily schedule that can bring great benefits. Here are some examples:

1. At home, if you're not using the lights or if you notice the lights are on in a room that nobody is sitting in, turn them off. Same goes for the TV, computer, printer, etc.
2. Keep a separate garbage can as a recycling bin for glass, paper and plastic and label them.
3. Don't waste water!
4. Reuse shopping bags or carry a cute tote bag instead.
5. Plant a tree in your backyard or join a community tree planting program where you can plant at your favorite public garden or park.

What do you do to help preserve our gorgeous earth?

Jumpsuit Chic

I luv jumpsuits for the summer! Especially, for us hijabis, I think they're awesome cuz they're nice and loose fitting. You can top a jumpsuit off with a nice blazer or loose cardigan and a pair of gorgeous heels or flats. I also love layering long necklaces and lots of bracelets to accessorize since most jumpsuits are just one solid color from top to bottom; the jewelry adds some variety.

My Polyvore Set:

Jumpsuit Chic featuring Christian Louboutin shoes

Items in this set:
Koi Jacket, 100 AUD
LANVIN Jumpsuit, 2.080 EUR
Christian Louboutin Straratata Glitter Sandals - We're Obsessed -...
Omala antique gold-plated necklace, $845
Gold crystal bracelet, $475

Tie-Dye

I've always luved tie-dye because I luv anything retro. I think it's really cute to incorporate tie-dye pieces into your wardrobe for a change. But, I definitely give it my denim rule: never head to toe, it can be tie-dye overkill, it's just a bit much. Lately I've been seeing a lot more tie-dye clothing, mostly denim, and it looks great!

Audrina Patridge is the new face for the Bongo jeans company and recently did a shoot for their new ad. This was my fave pic, cuz I luv the jeans!

Chanel Couture Fall 2011

The Chanel Couture Fall 2011 collection is very elaborate and beautiful. The clothing is very glamorous and full of embroidery rich with details of sequins, jewels, and colorful patterns. Big bracelets were the main accessory and mid-calf boots in gold, black, silver and other assorted colors were the only shoes seen.