What I Wore to the Henna Party - Hijabi and the City

Posted on 3:17 AM / 0 comments / Read More

1001 Looks with One Skirt

Okay I exaggerate. I don't know if I can achieve 1001 different looks with one single item. Who knows, it may be possible if I had 500 other different items to mix and match with. :)

However, when the lovely Zaenab @ Stylish Muslimah featured me on her blog a few days ago (many thanks), she brought to my attention that I posted a few different looks with one skirt a few months ago. I wasn't aware I had blogged the same skirt three times. Not that this is a bad thing... In fact, it is a good thing. :) You can click away to Zaenab's blog to view my three out outfit looks with the same skirt. Oh, and while you are there, I strongly recommend following her blog too. One of the many blogs that I enjoy following. :)

So, now that this was brought to my attention, I wanted to wear the same skirt again. It's a good thing that I had my dearest mother take the skirt in before moving to Sydney -it was starting to fall off my waist as I walked. LOL

This time we have a fourth look that is also different from the previous three. I remember saying I needed a beige blazer/cardi. Although I still need the beige blazer/cardi, I have a beige turtle neck and a black blazer instead. Previously I had tried this skirt with a black hijab and a green one, and since burgundy looks just awesome with beige, I opted to wear my burgundy pashmina shawl the Turkish way. This hijab look is almost the only style of hijab you see on the streets for the past year. While in Melbourne, I have only seen a couple girls and myself wear this style. My mother hates it with a passion! The only reason being that she is not used to seeing anybody wear this particular style. She really dislikes anything different and new... until it becomes her own (she doesn't wear hijab, so in general). :)

The thing that makes this style so popular is that it is very quick and easy to style, and most importantly, it elongates the face while slimming it down. A huge bonus for those who have round faces like myself.

I had personally ordered these from the Turkish hijab house that manufactures these hijabs, but put my order on hold for a few reasons. I am not really sure if they will be popular here. It might be a little too early for that, and they are not really budget hijabs. The ones used in summer are made of silk, so they are quite pricey - think Armine, Aker, Pierre Cardin silk hijabs (in terms of price). So yes, for now, my order currently awaits in Turkey...

Now here are the photos. You be the judge... :)

xx

I look like I need to pee here, when in fact, I need to do just that as I write this.

Coincidence? I don't think so.

Too much detail? Right on baby! :)

Sooooo.... If you've seen the previous three looks with the same skirt, which is your fave out of the four looks?

Posted on 9:47 PM / 0 comments / Read More

Photos from a Clearance Sale

I'm actually going to a wedding in an hour or so, but I have everything ready, so I wanted to fit in a post. :))

I'm clearing out all my shop stock, and the products on my FB page needed to b updated. So the last couple days I've been working on that, but it sure is taking heaps of time!

My mannequins are not adequate for the photos. Sizing differences, and ugly faceless plastic mannequins just dont do justice to the products. So I pulled out my sizes off the racks, and started to take some photos. I thought you can at least see how it is going to sit and fit compared to seeing it cinched everywhere to fit a mannequin with unrealistic proportions. LOL

Yeah, they aren't the best quality, because I have poor lighting, but they will make do... I actually mixed and matched the sale items with hijabs and other items from my own wardrobe... I felt some looks may give inspirational ideas on how to put certain looks together for those of you who may need the help.

So here goes...

A simple polished look that can be rocked for any event really... can even be worn casually... tone it down for cooler weather by wearing black slacks or denim underneath.

I would totally wear something like this to the beach, a resort, a holiday in a very warm country... This is a personal favourite of mine, but I would wear a white top inside instead. I went with the black because I was wearing my black capster underneath.

I tried to mirror the look from this post. 

My coat isn't as structured as the ones in the post, but I still like it. :) 

Sporty casual with ma Converse sneakers :)

Very simple and elegant suitable for any formal occasion.

Any favourites?

*If interested in taking a browse, and you have a Facebook account, you are most welcome to add my profile: edb Collection-Gonul to view all the current photos and more new photos to come. I always enjoy browsing such pages even if for inspiration. One doesn't always have to buy you know. :)))

Posted on 1:18 AM / 0 comments / Read More

What to wear tonight...

I am attending a henna party tonight. For those of you who may not know what that is: a henna party is somewhat similar to a Hen's Night, but without the strippers. :)

I am going to use my leopard print shawl/scarf and platforms from a recent post, but it is going to look totally different! The main piece in my outfit is going to be a jersey maxi dress in black, but I am going to turn it into a statement piece! Well, I'm hoping. :))) It's going to feature something that is going to be included in my collection (edb Collection) inshaallah. I am actually loving it and I hope you do too!

I'm not 100% on the jewellery pieces at the moment. I have two options. I will decide when getting ready tonight. That's why I haven't included them in the photo.

So, you will see the entire outfit very late tonight or tomorrow morning.

Here's a sneak peek:

Posted on 8:16 PM / 0 comments / Read More

Leopard print the hijabi way :)

I had a lovely evening today with friends whom I had missed for the last couple months...

Delish home made tacos topped with bacio gelati ice-cream (100% halal hehe), and add amazing friends to that... what do you get? The perfect combo for the best night ever. :)

It was enough to warm me up on such a cold and chilly night.

So anyways, I though I need to be comfy and warm.. but I wanted to look chic even if casual. :) I had been dying to wear my leopard print platforms (I had posted in a previous post probably in Februry or something?). I thought great opportunity as I wont be walking much in them LOL. I actually do not like too much animal print as it is so easy to overdo it. You need to know where to draw the line between trashy and classy I guess... I thought wearing my leopard print shawl with it wouldn't be too much as there is a huge distance between my shoes and hijab (like 1.64 cm heheheh). Yeah, I don't think it looks too over crowded and I purposefully wore the black stockings under it. I thought it's a nice touch for winter. :P

I guess I should note that I don't think I'm a professional or whatever at styling (although being a fashion stylist would be a dream job)... If I am happy with what I see in the mirror, and it looks altogether, then that's good for me. That is what I go by to decide if it's the right look for me. You need to know your body and know what is flattering to it.

Like sometimes I do the wrong stuff (for example the jacket from my previous post... it's so wrong for me, my shape when combined with that dress, but seriously I had no choice - so it didn't bother me lol), but that's ok. :)) Having random bad hair/hijab days makes you appreciate the good ones. :P

How did I get to this? Seriously, I've lost the plot. :) I'm starting work today (it's after midnight in Oz) inshaallah, so mabrouk/congrats to me. :) It is also the first day of Love HFW (Hijab Fashion Week) today (30 May 2011). I guess it has all got me hyped up and excited. It's normal for me to go all weird with so many things happening.

Anyway, yeah, leopard print hijabi outfit... I would have worn my leather jacket, but I didn't want to take it off as it's too cold... so yeah that's why I wore the woollen cardi.

Mwah to ya'll! Stay tuned for fashion filled Hijab Fashion Week as of today.

Hijab: edb Collection, Long Cardi: Target, Very Maxi Skirt: Glassons, Platform Shoes: Forever New, Clutch: Kate Hill

Can you tell it's all about the clutch? :) My new obsession!

P.S. I'm on Twitter :) You can find me @GonulEdibeTaban (Hijabi and the City)

Posted on 8:58 AM / 0 comments / Read More

Pretty in Tekbir

There was this dress I wanted... A Tekbir dress from my own store. It's from their 2010 S/S collection. I knew I wouldn't fit into it, but I tried the largest size anyway! I couldn't get it down my arms. I was stuck with a dress half way down my arms, with my arms held above my head. It wouldn't budge down. LOL

Mum and sis told me to put it back up at the shop so that someone else who can fit into it buy it. I said, "I don't care, I want it and inshaallah there will come a time when I will fit into it."

You know, it's not a crash hot, mouth watering dress. Nothing like that at all. I guess I've never had such a pretty dress (it is summer pretty with flower appliques all over it), and it was a matter of pride (or a challenge) to fit into it. I also remember a lovely lady wearing it during my 2010 holiday in Turkey. I guess I wanted to look like her. :P

Now, I fit into the dress, and in fact it is a size too big at the moment. It's still good to wear, because originally it is a fitted dress up top. Right now, it is perfect in terms of modesty up top if you know what I mean. :) So it's not sloshy and sloppy...

Anyways, yes, I am thrilled to fit into the dress... more thrilled that it is even a size big... but it no longer charms me... it's a bit too pretty for me... probably the word I'm looking for is "young". Yes, it's a little too young for me, I just don't feel it's my style. But is it comfy? Sure it! One piece. Pop it on and add hijab, and don't worry about any other layer if you are not an abaya kinda gal.

I don't know? I really like it, but not on me... and probably not in (almost) winter in Australia. Woggy a bit? Whateveeerrrr :) I'm a little bit of a wog. I think I'm overthinking it LOL

So here is a detail shot of my pretty dress. :)

Posted on 7:24 AM / 0 comments / Read More

To the max(i)!

Hi dee hoooo :) Has been a while, but been busy with stuffs and nothings... you know how it is.. sometimes you get sooo busy with doing nothings that you can't find it in yourself to do somethings! :)

I've been really into the maxis lately... dresses... cardis... all maxis. :)

So here's another maxi maxi outfit... We went out to din din with mum tonight... no special occasion, but just felt like it. :))) Anyways... I have purchased maxi cardigans and maxi dresses in sooo many colours that I'm loving it. :) Me recommends to all! :) Asos has one of the best range of maxi dresses and cardigans I have ever seen. They also have a large variety of prices and regular sale items. They also have an Asos Curve section on the page that caters for us plus sized women. Awesome I say! Give it a looksie I say! The only thing you might regret is not buying! :) They have FREE shipping... I am broke at the moment, but I look forward to buying moooore and mooooore in the future (dunno how soon that will be though LOL).

Oh and my maxi dresses! I found such a bargain at Glassons a few weeks ago. The one I'm wearing in this post is also from Glassons. I bought like 4 different colours. I bought this camel one and a light grey for $12 (reduced from $60), and a black and navy in the same style for $20 (reduced from $60). I saw some more last week, so if you need/want some, go check out Glassons soon! :)

Heaps of love and kisses to y'all!

Maxi Dress: Asos, Maxi Cardi: Asos, Square Hijab: Armine (from edb Collection), Peeptoe Booties: Novo

Oh yes, I got my nose pierced for the 4th time. I always seem to want to change the nose ring, but I can never get the other nose ring in before the hole closes up. It's been over 5 years since my last one and I had been wanting it for a while. So when I saw a place that does it I didn't think twice about it. Just went in and got it done LOL It's very tiny and not too obvious, which is just the way I like it... What do you think?

Posted on 5:14 AM / 0 comments / Read More

I HEART BURBERRY

Fake or not, I love Burberry designs. I love especially their accessories, only because their trenches are way more expensive and far beyond even my dreams. LOL

Need I say more?

xoxo

Burberry Scarf + Bag: Burberry replica (from edb Collection)

Long Line Cardi: Tekbir (from edb Collection)

LBD: Supre Outlet ($5 only! It has full lace on the back, but doesn't matter cos I cover it)

Indigo Jeans: City Chic

Belt: City Chic

Shoes: K-mart

Posted on 11:46 PM / 0 comments / Read More

A full weekend

The 2nd Annual Anatolian Arts & Culture Festival (organised by the Istanbul Culture & Arts Centre) took place at Docklands this weekend. I wasn't really able to enjoy it to the fullest, because I had a stall at the event and was working.

I don't know what I would have done if I didn't have help. It was sooooo tiring. I would like to use this opportunity to thank my mother, husband, sister, and niece for helping me this past weekend. I seriously think I would have left early as I caught a cold and yeah, I mentioned it was very tiring, did I not? LOL

The weather was a little problematic, but hey, this is Melbourne! However, it did not ruin the event. Maybe the turnup would have been higher had the weather been like last year, but it was still packed on Sunday night for the band that came from Turkey.

I actually think there were a lot more Anglo Aussies during the day than Turks and/or Muslims... and they seemed so nice and appreciative...

Apart from a few ups and downs on behalf of the organisation, the set-up and event was an awesome one. I can't wait for next year's event! :)))

Since I was working, I couldn't really take photos, so I will share a couple from others' cams. Oh and of course photos of what I wore... I'm only putting up Sunday's outfit, I will post Saturday's in another post.

Love & Kisses! :)

The Ottoman Band, Mehter

Folk Dancing

Ayna (meaning "Mirror") - A popular band from Turkey

Photo by Seval Furgan

That is only half the crowd!

My husband and I working :)

I was so cold in the morning that I just wanted to wrap myself in layers and layers of clothing. To finalise my outfit, I wrapped around my navy shawl and wore my belt to hold the front together. It actually looks like a jacket/cardi, and so I like the look. :) I think I will be doing this with many of my shawls during the cooler seasons. :)

Silk Scarf: from edb Collection

Pashmina Shawl: from edb Collection

Navy Skirt: edb Collection

Belt: Katies

Shoes: Novo

Gold Ring: Lovisa

LV Watch and Prada Bag: replicas :)

Oh, and this baby is a gift from my husband. He bought it from the silver stall at the festival. I love it. The photo DOES NOT do justice to it. It is sterling silver even though it looks gold in the photo. The design is inspired by old Ottoman designs which is why I love it so much :)

Posted on 7:13 AM / 0 comments / Read More

edb Collection Presents...

The edb Essential... The 'Almost Pencil Skirt' in navy.

As the name suggests, it's an essential! A full length pencil skirt. Well, because it is full length with no splits, it's 'almost pencil'. :)

I have used a good quality, slightly thicker than normal jersey fabric. I wanted the first one to be a little thicker so you can wear it without having to wear anything underneath. I have having to wear underskirts/petticoats under every skirt/dress I own. I also wanted it to be a little thicker so it doesn't put the entire silhouette and our celulite OUT THERE.

So it skims down nicely... But the slight thickness of the fabric also makes it convenient for night time if you need! So it will not look out of place for a day or night event.

This is my sample. It's ready to be sent for manufacturing. I drew up the pattern myself in accordance with what I thought we as hijabis need. However, I think this style skirt should be a staple item for everyone's wardrobe whether hijabi or not. No, I'm not just trying to market it cos I made it :P Seriously! But we really need(ed) things like this.

The fabric, the perfect length, the cut, the waist/comfort... the stitch quality... these are all important factors. I used elastic on the waist to make it comfortable, but I didn't want it to look like those cheap skirts, so I used a technique that makes it comfortable thanks to the elastic, but does not look like it's an elastic waisted skirt from the outside.

I will be including belts with these skirts, and there will be a good range of colours ranging from the neutrals to the classic dark ones.

Sizing is going to be as follows:

XS / 6-8

S / 10-12

M / 14-16

L / 18-20

XL / 22-24

Pricing is estimated to be $49.99 (including belt). And you get the designer fashion label in for free LOL

Now, the photo of me wearing the skirt is a crappy one, but I will get some nice ones taken later on. This is just to share with you for the time being. :))))

So, now you tell me?

Does the price sound reasonable?

Would you purchase such a skirt online and/or at shops?

Help me :)

Every comment is appreciate. :)

Your opinion means a lot! :)

Posted on 11:49 PM / 0 comments / Read More

edb Collection clothing tags

Yes! Yes! Yes! Happy to say that my clothing tags are on their way! :)))

Do you girls know what this means? :) It means the collection, my collection! is on its way. We will be making our release in 2011 inshaallah. So so so soooooo you gotta stay tuned. You have to stay tuned! :))) Please? heheh

Are you excited? I am! So please, be excited for me! :))))))))))

xoxo

My lovely tag... will be sewn into clothing by... well.. me. :)))

Posted on 8:42 PM / 0 comments / Read More

Brand Watch: The NEW Armine - 2011 Spring Summer Catalogue is Out!

As you all know... well, those of you who do not will find out now (LOL), I have a small boutique from which I sell clothing and hijabs imported from Turkey. Well... I used to! Until the shop I was renting was sold to someone else and we could not reach an agreement with the new landlord... Ahhh and my contract just did not cover me the way it should have. :( Anyway, khayr inshaallah! Soooo I moved my stock back to my garage... I set it up and everything... So now I continue to sell from my home shop (garage) and online via Facebook.

Ok, to cut a long story short, due to my job, I like others in thsi industry receive catalogues before anyone else gets to see them (especially if you are not in Turkey!). Can you imagine my excitement when the courier delivered the upcoming Armine season catalogue?! The products are meant to be released by March-April 2011...

Anyhow, the first thing I did once I received the catalogue was to study it. LOL I received it last week and have been going through it for the past week. Then I went through what I may bring down... Then I scanned the catalogue since there are only 2 images going around. Boy did it take long! Two days I say! It took me two days! Now, there were approximately 80 images, but I can't upload all of them. Obviously! :) So I am uploading 30 that I really like for you to feast your eyes. :)))

I hope you enjoy them! Mwahhhh

I love this! The button-ribbon detail just kills me!

I really like this hijab and its colours, but I soooo can't wear it!

It would be so wrong on my skin tone. :)

How cute. How pretty. :)

I really like the colour combo they've used here.

I am quite fond of this hijab :)

This style is very different to the Armine designs we have become familiar with...

I am liking it very much so. What do you think?

Oh! The shoulder-arm details are to die for!

This is a very classic hijab design... Despite this fact, I am very very VERY drawn to it!

I am wondering if it's the colours that make it so appealing to me?

I think I'm gonna buy it. :P

I think this is going to be a really nice casual dress. I can't say much without seeing the rest.

Most likely it is sligghtly A-line down the bottom and plain. If so, it gets a A from me! :)

Any favourites ladies?

Oh and I repeat, these designs will not be released before March-April 2011... So if you are interested in making a purchase, you will not be able to buy them from me before that time. :)

Posted on 10:57 PM / 0 comments / Read More