My vote goes to KAYRA for their 2012 Spring-Summer Collection

Turkish fashion house Kayra, which caters for hijabis has just posted a video on their facebook page with reflections from their 2012 Spring-Summer collection.

My jaw dropped. I instantly fell in love with the colours, style, class, glamour... and I thought: that is what I want to look like!!!

To be honest, about 3-4 years ago, when looking into which brands to import to Australia, Kayra was on the list, but eliminated due to their very backward style... until two years ago I wouldn't take a second glance at their items despite the amazing quality of their products, only because I thought their styles targeted an older audience.

However, as of mid 2010 their styles took a turn for the better, and they seem to be doing great as a result. In fact, I can say in confidence that they have some of the best styles available for hijabis. At that time, another friend who was selling hijab friendly clothing (Sorayya Design) started to import Kayra to Melbourne, and her success was not a surprise with gorgeous products of such quality. 

Back in 2010 I was advised by the director of another fave brand of mine (which I was unable to import at the time due to financial reasons) that their designer had transferred to Kayra. I could see the similarities back then, but particularly last season and this new season, Kayra is just doing an amazing job. I can't get over how gorgeous the new designs are, and have never wanted to wear something so badly. :) 

Although I promise to put the brakes on my nafs so that I do not overdo the shopping when I get to Turkey (I am hoping, praying, this year inshaallah). I have to work very hard, and I don't intend on blowing it all on clothing... only that which I see necessary shall be purchased. I don't like hoarding.

So yeah, take a look at the video and let me know what you think... I can't wait! Just can't wait! I want to look in the mirror and see me wearing many of these. :P Call me crazy, I call me woman. :)))

Posted on 2:27 AM / 0 comments / Read More

Armine Spring-Summer 2012

It's March of 2012, so fashion houses are getting ready to launch their spring-summer lines.

I shared a photo from the Tugba Venn brand spring-summer launch in yesterday's post, and mentioned that it seems there is going to be a change in fashion catering for hijabis (by Turkish fashion houses). 

A few days ago I came across four styles from Armine's 2012 spring-summer collection, and noticed that this is not true for them. It seems they are determined to continue with their classic line. That's fine, it seems this works well for them, so why not continue along that line? :)

Looking at the four styles from their new season range, I cannot really say I love or hate... It's still too soon as they usually launch well over 60-70 every season, so four styles are not really enough to determine... While we wait for the new styles to hit the web, here are the four that are currently available to us:

Personally I am loving the trench with leopard print frills and belt, however, that hijab just is not doing it for me. The hijab on its own is a maybe as I like the colours, but I think it's just a little too busy and a bit too much with the trench. A nice plain hijab would probably be the best with this trench. The "less is more" rule is definitely true here. However, Armine has bumped it's prices up further this year, so I would definitely wait for the 50% off sales (if you are in Turkey that is!). Currently, this trench carries a 390 TL (approx. $230 AUD) price tag. When we convert it to AUD it's not a huge difference for us, but there is a 100 TL difference from last year for those living in Turkey. Now I say that's a whopping price increase. Anywhooo

Definitely not liking the trench. The front just looks weird, whereas I usually love Armine cuts. It's probably just this style. The hijab is very similar to many previous season hijabs by Armine as well as other hijab brands. Do I like the colours? Sure do!

This is probably one of their most humble designs this year, but I absolutely love it. Gimme anything in nude tones and I'll take it! I absolutely love the scarf and colour. If I were a size 10 or anything less than that, I would definitely rock this style. I say size 10 and less, because I think this colour really emphasises one's size, and I usually tend to use it in my hijabs and accessories rather than plastered all over my body. :) But that's just me! :)

Hijab.. mehhh... Trench... I am liking it... Liking the colour too... 

But seriously, if you ask me, judging by these four styles only, I say Armine has huge competition ahead, and unless they have anything better amongst the rest of their new season range, the other brand names will be the ones leaving a mark this year, not Armine... sadly...

So, while I wait in anticipation to see what's next... What do you think?

I think I really want the first one with leopard print trimmings, but will only consider buying if I can lose some more weight ahahah C'mon, it has to look good if you are spending that much money. :)

A happy Friday to you all. May Allah grant any wishes you have, with pure and sincere intentions... for the sake of this day.. Jummah mubarak!

Posted on 9:22 PM / 0 comments / Read More

My fave new shawl

So I wore my favourite new shawl. The sax blue lazer cut shawl from E-tesettur. Now it's time to showcase it. :))

I am loving loving just loving it! :) Although I must admit, you need to pin it at the sides, as this one is quite fluid. :) You already know that I don't mind pins as I am the pin queen. :P

Posted on 9:36 PM / 0 comments / Read More

E-tesettur purchases: New hijabs and polo necks

I've been hearing about E-tesettur, the Turkish online store where you can make purchases despite where you are located. They ship globally, so that's an advantage. Another advantage is that they are priced in Turkish Lira ($1 AUD is currently equivalent to approximately 1.85 TL, and $1 USD approximately 1.75 TL) in accordance with the Turkish market. So you don't get ripped off, except, shipping is quite pricey if you live outside Turkey and/or Europe. You are able to pay using your bank account details or Paypal. I always prefer Paypal, because if something goes wrong, you have a higher chance of getting your money back if you are in the right.

The only downside is that the website is currently in Turkish only, so you might have a little difficulty checking out.

The thing that tempted me to shop was the discounted shawls. Remember one of my recent hijab tutorials where I mentioned the slightly stiff shawls? So yeah, these shawls were discounted, so I wanted to try a couple. I didn't go overboard, because I plan to be in Turkey some time this year inshaallah if all goes as planned.

Most of the ones I wanted were sold out, so I ordered a gorgeous sax, cinnamon, and a mustard coloured shawl. So three hijabs all up and I added four cute polo neck tops just because they were cheap cheap cheap! :)))

I'm having huge problems with my Australia Post courier who fails to do his job properly, so it took extra long to receive my order. I had to chase my parcel and pick it up in person. I'm so pissed off with that grrrrr &%$^#&@ guy! If I ever see him I'm gonna bite his head off! 

So, I tore the box open in mixed emotions of rage and excitement and.................. pissed off again!!!! 2 out of the 3 shawls I ordered were sent wrong! Only the sax lazer cut oh so beautiful shawl was correct, the other two were ugh! Actually, the red they sent instead of the cinnamon is still okay since I can wear the reverse for a more dark cherry colour. I never wear the other bright red, and don't think I ever will. As for the one I got instead of the mustard... I hate hate hate it! It's too thick, and it's just friggen fabric you can purchase from fabric stores... just as they have done, and had the edges overlocked with thick hemming. It's not even worth the price. Originally they were approx 70 TL (so around $38 AUD), and now reduced to 35 TL (approx. $20 AUD). I wouldn't pay $5 on that let alone $20 plus shipping. Oh, and shipping cost me around $5 AUD per item. Not cheap! But you can track it online, so it's okay considering it comes all the way from Turkey.

I wrote to the company about the issues that bothered me. They apologised and explained that they have just recently switched to using barcodes, thus the mix up. They offered to make up for my troubles by reimbursing me for the two hijabs that were mixed up. I haven't replied as yet, but will do so today to accept their offer, but for the very thick shawl that I absolutely hated. I can still wear the red one, so I'm willing to bear the price of that. At least they were courteous and generous enough to compromise.

So here are my items...

See the red? The reverse, darker side looks really nice when worn. However, it's not too suitable for summer; a little too thick. The red one is from the Armanda brand and it is 18% silk. The navy print one is the one I hate soooo much. I hate it, hate it, hate it!

See how gorgeous the sax one with laser cut edges looks? It feels and drapes amazingly too! It actually reminds me of the Karaca shawls, but a slightly thicker version. I cannot wait to wear it out.

The polo neck tops with the lace are absolutely gorgeous. Excellent choice of lycra. The colours are actually a little darker than they seem in the photo. The navy is a true navy, and the red is a cherry red, so it's not as bright as it seems. The only one I regret purchasing is the leopard print one as the jersey is too... hmm too much nylon. I can't imagine wearing it on a hot day. Other than the fabric I like it. The neck is so high that you can wear your hijab back without revealing any neck/throat bits at all. I wasn't sure of the sizing so I purchased two of them in medium and two in large. Since they have a lot of stretch, I can wear medium, but it's not the correct size for me. I'm an Aussie 12-14 (Turkish 44), so large fits perfectly. FYI. 

Would I recommend buying from E-tesettur? Sure would! However, as I mentioned before, get your Turkish friends to help when ordering, and pay via Paypal. Email them with any questions, and you should be fine. :)))

Posted on 8:26 PM / 0 comments / Read More