Nice 'n White PLUS Update on my Weightloss Progress

'Twas a beautiful day left over from summer today. I wonder if there will be more in the next month or so? (hoping....) I did wake up quite late today since I was cleaning till almost morning, so I couldn't really make the most of the amazing weather.

Since I don't ever like being stuck at home during such weather (we have winter for that!), I thought I should go to the movies. More about that in aother post! :)

Oh and since I did extensive cleaning, my wardrobe is in immaculate condition now - I can see everything I own LOL and choose quickly to get ready in a jiffy.

My sis bought me a nice white cardi last week, and I thought I should utilise today's sunshine to wear it for the first time. :) I didn't want to darken it, so I thought lemme try it with my white jeans. :) But I did have to break it up a little, so I added a touch of soft pink instead of something bright/dark which would just scream against the white.

I definitely recommend soft pink and/or nudes with white as they mesh together very well in harmony. Very elegant colours together...

I will give you the photos before part II of my post (weightloss progress):

White Cardi: Target (gifted from sis)

Soft Pink Tank: Sussan

White Jeans: Katies

LV Scarf: Replica from edb Collection

Nude Wedges: Novo

Handbag: Gifted from sis (she sells these and I can't believe this wasn't sold!) :)

Bow Belt: City Chic

I know there are a lot of you who are fairly new to my blog, but if you want to read a brief account on my battle with the bulge, click away... So it's been 14 months since I have had my lapband surgery. After so long, I have to honestly say that I do not think it is for everybody. It is really really tough... even though some may think it's a magical tool that helps us cheat. If you think that is so, trust me, you need to think again... I have been sick many times... Not because of the lapband, but because of other illnesses (think flu, cold, etc.) which caused my band to be tighter during the period of my illness... which then in turn cause other illnesses such as heartburn, reflux, etc...

However, for me, it is worth it! I am so happy and proud to have finally gotten rid of 45+ kilograms (mashaallah, alhamdulillah). I do have some more to lose obviously, and pyschologically I still need to wrap my head around the fact that I am smaller than I used to be. When I look at the photos, I think "oooh nice, a skinny shot!". I never ever remember looking at a photo and thinking that BECAUSE I actually look as I see myself in the photo. BUT NO! To me, still, that is a "skinny shot", not the real me.

So yeah, I just wanted to share that with you also, because I gave some info some 5-6 months ago. :) Let's see how far I can go.. I think another year and a half... and I should be where I want to be inshaallah... the last 15-20 kgs are going to be the hardest and slowest. Wish me the best, okay? Because the fear of gaining the weight back is the biggest! I need your support... :)

Thank you lovelies.

Mwah!

Posted on 3:09 AM / 0 comments / Read More

Weddings Make Me Go Ga Ga

It's weddings and babies... They just make you go ga ga... I don't think it does anything to men. It's probably just us women and our idea of marriage.

It is true, most of us do imagine the fairytale marriage, the happily ever after. Otherwise why would you ever get married?... Other than the fact that it is sunnah (tradition of the Propher (PBUH) for Muslims?...

To us women, marriage is sacred, and the wedding is the door that opens to that fairytale(!?). However, a couple days later, you do realise that there is no such thing as the fairytale, and accept the reality and move on with married life. Sometimes it takes a while to adapt, sometimes one just accepts it without any problems at all... However, are we (married women) ever content with our marriages?

Yes, we may have lovely partners, beautiful children, a family to come home to... but did you ever really get what you imagined you would?

Anyways... I think this is probably why women tend to get emotional at wedding ceremonies. I saw that glitter in almost every woman's eyes on my table and the next (I can't observe everyone you know!)... It's probably because we, without noticing or subconsciously remember the feelings, the thoughts we had on our wedding day...

Hmm... Well, Z got married today. She was absolutely stunning mashaallah. The wedding ceremony was also a beautiful one which included some beautiful speeches by the fathers of the bride and the groom, a lovely sermon by an imaam/teacher... and for a change, reception food was good (thank you Serenity Reception over at Hume Hwy, Somerton). The meat/chicken was cooked well, the rice tasted like rice thank you! The baklava (Turkish sweet) was yummy, and the wedding cake was irressitable even on top of the baklava! :)) May Allah bless their marriage, their family, and bless them with a blissful marriage where they try to understand one another instead of trying to be right. :)

I know, too much text.. no good! :))

However, I have to note, I sat next to K.T. (you know who you are), who excitedly said, "oooh I read your blog". LOL That was cute. I mean, she was cute and it was a delight to meet her in person. She's the second reader I met in person this week. :) So I would like to use this opportunity to say: I sincerely love you all for the sake of Allah. I may not know many of you in person, but you are all truly special, each and every one of you. So the more you comment, the more I will get to know you. :) There are some of you who I have never met at all whether it be in reality, through FB, or through blog comments. So do drop a line one way or another. :)

Back to the wedding... :) All the guests looked amazing mashaallah. The young girls were all dolled up. I couldn't take my eyes off them all night mashaallah. However, I couldn't ask if I could take their photos. I knew 90% would have immediately said no. LOL

So here you have my outfit :)

The dress, as I mentioned in my previous post is the "something old" (even though it isn't lol but you've seen it on the blog), and my lovely frill blazer is the "something new". Oh and I've never worn this plain hijab before either. It was in my cupboard waiting to be worn with something navy... which I still need to do. :)))

The frills on the back of the blazer... I think it's real cute :)

I had to go with this colour.. because even though I initially wanted to wear a nude colour hijab, the colour just does not suit my skin tone. I look sick in it, so I went for this colour instead. I think I did well. What do you think?

Oh and last but not least, can you share what you had thought about marriage/weddings... and after the wedding, was it any different? Did you get what you expected? How did you adapt? I would love to read about it!

Mwah

Posted on 5:37 AM / 0 comments / Read More

Relaxed... Turkish Style

It's very common to see the ladies in Turkey wearing thin/light and very bright coloured tunic tops over jeans in the summer.

I have had this bright green top hanging in my cupboard for 1 year now. You can instantly tell it's wog-style. :)) Nonetheless, I wanted to wear it one way or another. I couldn't wear it until now because it was too small, but I just love this green and knew that one day I will be able to fit into it. Alhamdulillah it happened. However, now I feel it doesn't really suit my body shape (after seeing the photos). I am a square/rectangle, which means I dont really have much of a waist. Therefore, shapeless tops make me look a little more bigger than what I really am.

Other than that, I was going to team the top with my white jeans, but they seemed too dressy or too much, because the weather isn't as sunny as it was yesterday, and I'm only going to the post office and supermarket.

After that was all done, the hijab was the last problem in the equation. I don't have any hijabs with green in it. I tried different colours but they looked funny. Then I remembered the set I made on Polyvore back in August 2009 (Click to see). I had used white, green, and brown together. Yep! Brainstorms were going off now. :)) I decided to wear a plain light brown hijab and to add tan shoes and bag to solve the problem. :) I think I did well for a casual look without making the bright green look trashy.

Whay do you think?

xoxo

Posted on 6:49 PM / 0 comments / Read More

Long Time No See

I missed you all! :(( Had so much to do and been so tired.. Also this stupidha Blogger didn't allow me to upload photos for a week which was the icing on the cake. So yeah, I'm sorry for being so negligent.

What I wore today isn't anything special or crash hot, but it reminded me of an Armine dress from the current season. Obviously it's not the same, but the frill in the front looks almost identical. That is the only reason I purchased it, and also because it was only $19 at K-mart. LOL

Everything else I have on are from before and you have seen them before too. :) Oh, except for my scarf. It's an oldie, but I really love it. It's another silk Armine scarf, but from their 2009 Autumn-Winter collection.

That's about it for now, but I am going to start blogging about First Ladies around the world and their style. I plan to start with Turkey first.. not that I'm subjective or biased or anything lol...

xoxo

Sorry about the 'love handles' popping out lol I swear it's cos of the jeans --not cos I have extra meat haha

Posted on 10:11 PM / 0 comments / Read More

Wardrobe Staples

The past two weeks have been very unorganised and very tiring for me. Moving, settling in (still not 100%!), looking to buy a car and still not know what we are looking for? Thankfully (NOT) my hubby changes his mind a couple of times a day. By the time I agree with his idea, he has moved onto another idea and is totally against the first idea which takes me a day or so to accept... This means that we never end up seeing eye-to-eye on anything. LOL I'm not exaggerating, seriously! :))

So, I have had my sister look after my shop and haven't had the time to take photos. Today I was at home, did no go out to look for a car, did not do much settling in our newly rented home. I had some little errands, did them and took the time to rest a little. Anyhow, I needed to go out somewhere so I thought I will put together a little outfit. I ended up using wardrobe staple items for the main part of my outfit. It didn't take too long to put together, because you can't really go with these staple items as long as the cut/fit is good. I am not too happy with the cut/fit of my top and jacket. They look too messy and I shall try to utilise them differently next time.

Love
xoxo

P.S. I thank you all for your lovely comments and feedback on my previous post. I shall repond to all comments and emails shortly.

I love my bag... Can you tell? :)

After seeing these photos I noticed that the top is too short for ME to wear with jeans/pants. However, I was rushed out of home without being able to see in a full-length mirror. And yeah the jacket looks sloppy and messy. So when I say "staple items" I actually mean a black jacket/blazer, pair of jeans, and a white top. :)

A closer look at my scarf/hijab. I really like this, but I think I am getting over the colour. It is a nice soft blue colour, but I dunno I think I just got too used to seeing it. :)

Black Jacket: Autograph Fashions

White Top: Autograph Fashions

Jeans: City Chic

Peep Toe Wedge Shoes: Novo (I swear I'm not working for them LOL)

Stripey Bow Bag: Forever New

Scarf/Hijab: Armine 2010 S/S Collection (from edb Collection)

Black Sleeves: edb Collection

Posted on 4:14 AM / 0 comments / Read More

Upfront and Very Personal: My Life-Long Battle with the Bulge

Warning: This is probably going to be a very long post with lots of text in it. I know most of you just like browsing through the photos, so I would like to warn you in advance. :)

Since I began the "what I wore" posts, I have been receiving many positive responses... but I have also been receiving the few negative ones. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and everyone has their own tastesand likes. Therefore it's not really an issue whether or not some like what I wear, how I look. The main reason behind me doing these posts is to show that you can put an effort and look decent with hijab -no matter what your size-! Receiving comments and personal messages that I have been an inspiration to them via these posts is means the world to me.

Anyhow, let's get to the point! I have also been receiving messages where people who know me personally have started to notice changes in my body. Some have mentioned this via the comments board, and I had a very very sweet sister who tried to defend me (however the comment was not offensive, it was actually a compliment cos I know who wrote it lol). I have people say "you don't need to lose weight or be a certain weight to be accepted".

Believe you me, I am doing nothing to be accepted by anyone. Whatever I do, I try to do first for Allah, then myself. This blog does not advocate being overweight. I have never been at peace with my love handles. :) I am not happy with my body, but alhamdulillah, I am happy with what Allah has given me. Other than my weight, alhamdulillah I am healthy so far... I always have health checks done, and so far so good mashaallah. However, genetically I have a very high risk of diebetes. I am the only one in my family not to have it yet... but if I ever decide (if Allah wills for me) to conceive a child, 99% I will have it. This is only one of the main reasons I want to get down to a healthy weight.

So... As some may have noticed, yes, I have been losing weight. Alhamdulillah. It is a slow but steady journey... and alhamdulillah a journey that I have no regrets about... well, yes, I just regret starting so late. The purpose behind this post is to provide some info and maybe some inspiration/motivation to those who may be interested. Please continue to read if interested. :)

I, like many others who have had weight troubles have been dieting all my life. I was a chubby baby and continued to have a chubby childhood. I look back at some infantile photos and sadly notice that I was never as big as I was made to think. My family thought they were doing the right thing by telling me I am huge. My eating habits were always an issue. I never ate too much, but I always ate the wrong amount of wrong things at the wrong times. My eating disorder stuck by me all my life. Changing one's eating habits is seriously like changing one's life style. It isn't easy.

To cut a very long story short, after researching (on and off) for over 5 years, I decided to go ahead with the lap-band surgery. Most of you would have heard of this procedure as it has been quite popular in the last few years.

I did a lot of reading on the matter, researched online forums, read people's experiences and looked around for a surgeon. I first decided that I wanted to have my surgery done by one of the doctors at The Centre for Bariatric Surgery. It was founded by Professor O'Brien who was the first doctor to implement the surgery in Australia.

They are very professional. Before you can get an appointment you need to call and book yourself for a free info seminar that is held once or twice a month. On the night you receive a book about lap-band surgery, also written by Professor O'Brien. If you are still interested after the seminar, you then call the centre to make an appointment for your first consultation. However, you must read the book before your appointment.

Okay, so I did all that. However, I couldn't affort to pay outright for the surgery. Therefore I needed to get health cover for 12 months, and at the end of the 12 months I would be eligible to undergo the surgery at a fraction of the full fee. I paid $3500 AUD (I've been told the centre has upped its price to $4000 AUD this year) for the surgery plus my health cover for 12 months. So all up it cost me approx. $5500 AUD instead of the full fee which is between $15,000-$20,000 AUD.

Beware and do your research well if you are looking into this, because different surgeons charge different fees for the same procedure. Some people go on a waiting list to have the procedure done publicly, but they usually wait anywhere between 2-5 years. My sis waited 6 years. Oh, and after the surgery, all follow-up appointments (once every 2-4 weeks) will cost you anywhere between $60-$200 AUD every time you go. However, I pay nothing more since I went through private health insurance.

I was banded (had the surgery) on the 22nd of January 2010 (exactly 13 months after the seminar). So it has just been 8 months. I didn't lose much in the first few months, but I continued to see my doctor every fortnight. This is what has the most impact -- you must keep in regular contact with your doctor!!! If you stop seeing them even though it seems like the surgery isn't helping you, you will lose all motivation, feel like a failure, and you wont achieve the expected results.

It has been 8 months, yes, but I still have a long way to go. I have not yet reached my goal, because I have a lot to lose, but I have since lost over 30 kg plus 5 kg lost pre-op. So in total I have lost a little over 35 kg. It has made a difference. It may not be a huge difference when you look at the photos, but it feels different. My dress size has dropped from 26-28 Australian sizes to 18-20 Australian sizes.

Having said all that, the lap-band surgery is not for everyone. According to research, it works for most, but there are some people it just doesn't agree with. I am very thankful that I have gone ahead with the surgery, and I know that if I stick to the rules I will continue to lose the weight. The best thing about the band is that you control/decide when you want to stop losing the weight. It is adjustable and has no side-effects for/during pregnancy.

Oh, and for those who may think that the lap-band is the cheat's/easy way out, you better stop and think again. It is a challenge! It is tough! Your mind has to be ready for it before anything else. You need to be ready to discipline yourself/your eating habits. Your life style will undergo some changes. The lap-band is just like a personal cook-trainer who tells you when you need to stop eating and it will definitely stop you from eating certain foods which you shouldn't. So it really isn't a piece of cake, but the results... the results are what keep you going.

Lastly: It wont happen overnight, but it will happen :)

If you have any queries regarding the procedure, you can email me at edbdesigns@gmail.com

Me in Grade 5, 1988 if I remember correctly. I'm in the 2nd row from bottom, and Im the 2nd one from right wearing the horrific blue 2-piece dress lol

Me in Grade 6, 1989. I was in the school volleyball team. I was definitely good enough to play in the A-team, but I was always put in the B-team because of my weight. No, I'm not paranoid, I was told so! I am the one in the 2nd row from bottom, 1st one on the right.

Age 1, 1979. I was told that I was always a very fat baby and child. I think I look cute rather than gigantic :) Okay I know I was chubby, I'm not in denial lol

This photo was taken in December 2008, when I reached my peak weight. This is the biggest I have ever been and I can't believe I posed with an ice-cream cone! Gasp! I usually destroy such photos, but I had been keeping some like this since 2008. I knew I had to do something about my weight, so I wanted to keep such photos to look back and see the difference.

This one was taken on a short business trip to Istanbul, Turkey in November 2009. Almost 1 year since then...

December 2009 at a friend's wedding...

22 January 2010, with mummy dearest... just a few hours after the surgery. Don't mind the stars around my wrists lol

Taken in June 2010 from my recent Turkey trip. 4-5 month after surgery and approx. 18 kg lighter.

Now, just a comparison of before and a little bit after...

As you know, the photo on the right is from last week, so it is very recent. 8 months after surgery and over 30 kg lighter than the photo on the left. My husband (he is sometimes a d**k) says he can't see any difference between the 2 photos (although I must admit he has never said anything about my weight and that he has always held my hand proudly in public... and I also know he likes some meat on his woman lol). It might not be as obvious to the eye, but I can now comfortably go to many stores and purchase off the rack... even in Turkey!

As I mentioned before... I still have a very long way to go, but the steady weight-loss is keeping me motivated alhamdulillah.

Thank you for your time and apologies for any boredom! :))

Posted on 8:34 AM / 0 comments / Read More

And You Say Horizontal Stripes Make A Person Look Bigger!

I have steered away from horizontal stripes for too long... it's a shame because I absolutely luuurve them :)

Anyhow, I just wanted to say that if you dress 'em up properly, you can get away with horizontal stripes no matter how much extra meat you have on your bones! :)

Most of you probably know by now that I love the nautical look, but I don't want to go nautical all the time, so I added tan accessories to give it a different look.

Dress horizontal stripes with cardis, long or short... vests... and they seriously look good! Well... I think so anyway. :)) What do you think? :)

Oh, and I know I should have worn a different colour skirt, but I am still moving house, so everything is everywhere. I need to say though, I really missed dressing up the past few days, so today I feel a little better since I put in a little extra effort. :)

Mwahhh

Cowl Neck Stripe Top: Katies
Navy Cardigan: Katies
Long Black Skirt: Gift from mummy dearest
Tan Belt: Katies
Tan Bag: Forever New
Tan Shoes: Airflex (from Betts)
Bow Ring: Forever New
Silk Scarf: Armine (from edb Collection)

Posted on 9:00 PM / 0 comments / Read More

Maxi Dresses Do It For Me :)

Isn't life just that much more easier with maxis in trend? You just pop it on.. no need to layer for extra length/coverage, and voila! You're ready to go. :)

I was actually looking for my niece's black cardi to wear on this (grey would be even better), but as you can see I was unsuccessful. :)

I wasn't going to wear this scarf, but my youngest nephew told me that red looks good with black and grey (and he's only 10 mashaallah!), so I thought what the heck, I can't be bothered with ironing today. :) It didn't turn out too bad, but I definitely need the black/grey cardi and gladiator flats! :))

Have a wonderful weekend inshaallah while I move house. :)

xoxo

Maxi Dress: City Chic
Denim Jacket: Sara
Scarf: Armine 2010-2011 A/W (from edb Collection)

Ring: Lovisa
Clutch/Purse: Guess

Posted on 10:48 PM / 0 comments / Read More

I Need New Jackets in Different Colours!

Because I have added black to an outfit that was meant to be neutral... only because I didn't have any other colour jacket/blazer to wear. :( Sooo I'm going to be looking for some gorgeous buys in the upcoming weeks inshaallah.

The main clothing item for today's outfit is the natural coloured dress/tunic I wore here. The black jacket is a part of the eid outfit I never really had the chance to wear. The scarf is from my old shop stock (from exactly 1 year ago), and I got excited when I found it in storage the other day because I thought it would be a perfect match to this dress. The tone is slightly different, but I don't think it matters so much. Now, if only I had a nice jacket in sort of like a taupe colour, this outfit would have looked much better.

I'm still tired lovelies... too tired... and it shows on my face! My shop neighbour just looked at me in shock today and exclaimed, "what happened!" That sure made me feel good wouldn't say? :))

Anyhoooow, love and kisses to ya all.

Sorry about the creases in the dress... just noticed :(

The matching of the hijab colour to the dress/tunic colour isn't as bad as it seems in the photo. :)

Black Jacket: Autograph (I paid full price, but you can now find the same jacket at $20... that's a 70% discount! Oh well, you win some and you lose some)

Twill Silk Nautical Scarf: Armine 2009-2010 A/W Collection (from edb Collection)

Posted on 7:15 PM / 0 comments / Read More

When Comfort is Priority...

...I prefer to go for long tops with a pair of jeans. I actually prefer trackies, but since I was going to be at the shop, I thought it would be a little more appropriate than trackies :)

The weekend was a full on drainer due to working at the festival. I had 2 jobs; manning my own stall with the help of my amazing abs (sis), and helping out my landlord with his flight centre stall. It's not actually the work that drains all the energy, it's the packing-unpacking to/at the festival grounds and packing-unpacking from the festival grounds and at the shop. It's taken me Monday and Tuesday to unpack and set up back at the shop and I still have some more things to do to say it's all done. To top it off, I still haven't recovered... the flu virus that I acquired during the festa isn't making it any easier.

I guess I don't have to tell you I couldn't take any photos at the festival. :( I had the cam with me, but had no time. :( The only photo from the festival is a family portrait (of the hubster and I) taken by a couple ladies from the immigration museum. I will post the photo up once I receive it in a few weeks.

Sooooo I thought I should take photos today even though I wasn't happy with the scarf I matched to my outfit. It should have been a plain scarf or one with a more sporty print. Oh well, it was the best I could do with 15 minutes to dress as I woke up late.... it was the only ready ironed scarf... had no option. :)

Take care peeps :)

Mwaaahhhhhh

You can actually tie the front of this top... I've actually been wearing it tied until now. Just before taking the photos I thought it looks good untied too, so I let it loose :) Oh and if anyone is interested, I have a couple sizes left in this top in this colour and only one left in a gorgeous purple! You may enquire if interested. :)

One-Piece Long Jersey Top: Tekbir's 2010-2011 Collection (from edb Collection)

Indigo Bootleg Jeans: City Chic

Grey Suede Heels: Novo

Leopard Print Pure Silk Scarf: Armine's 2010-2011 Collection (from edb Collection)

 My bargain heels from Novo. I have been eyeing this pair for a couple months now. They were $79.99 and now reduced to $25! Now that's a bargain!!! :) I only wish they had half sizes... it's a tad tight, but I will try this trick and see if it actually works! :)

P.S. I seriously think Novo needs to sponsor me! :)))

Posted on 3:23 AM / 0 comments / Read More

All Black with a Splash of Purple

I didn't have too much time to get dressed today, so I tried to go for the basics and achieve effortless chic with the time that was available... oh and let's not forget that I had to use pre-ironed clothing! I'm a freak when it comes to ironing... I can't wear anything that has not been ironed! Noooo waaaay! Even if I am going to be late to an appointment!

Okay, since that's out of the way, let's get to business. :)

Black Long Cardi: Tekbir (from edb Collection) -- this is the exact same cardi to the one I wore here

Indigo Sandblast Jeans: City Chic (From their latest range)

White Belt: Katies

Canvas Vogue Bag: Freebie from Vogue Magazine :)

Scarf: Armine 2010-2011 A/W Collection (from edb Collection)

 

See you after on/after Eid... most likely :))

I love the stiching detail just below the knees with these jeans. I also love the sandblast effect down the centre of each leg... They definitely make the legs look slimmer!

I know I can never be a hand model LOL but here is my simple but convenient ring :) I like wearing rings around the knuckle :)

Eid Mubarak Lovelies!

Posted on 9:04 PM / 0 comments / Read More

Tie-Dyed on the Weekend

Been busy busy busy beautifuls! Which means I was also too tired... and guess what? Even more tired today! And guess what? Will be even more and more tired this weekend. :) Ahhh but what is life if it's easy every day ha? You need challenges, difficulties so that you enjoy the triumph of overcoming all the hurdles you come accross. Anyways, I guess that sums up why I haven't really been in touch of late.

So... about my outfit... on the weekend (cause I couldn't photograph anything the last few days)... :)

I saw this dress at Crossroads early this week, but walked out without buying... ONLY because I forgot! Then, while taking my daily dose of Houda's blog over at Love My Hijab, I saw that she purchased the same dress! Guess what? I remembered that I forgot to buy it!

So what do you think happened next? :)

I went and purchased it. LOL I'm a sicko sometimes. I'm fussy, can't like everything... I absolutely love something when I see it or hate it. So don't ask me what I think of something you tried on and if EVEN you are not sure about it. There are no "not sures" with me. It's love or hate at first sight with me. :)

You will recognise the scarf from this week's "Hijab of the Week". :) I don't think it went too well with the dress, but I really tried to steer away from plain black which I think would be perfect with the dress... but that's too easy and I do it all the time. LOL Anyhow, I matched my ring and shoes to the scarf. :))

What do you think? Should I stick to using plain black with this dress? Don't say grey cause it simply doesn't suit my complexion. :))

Actually, I have another scarf that might go really well with it... red/grey/black in colour... so the red might give it a bit of a pop, what do you think? :)

Tie-Dye Maxi Dress: Crossroads (also available in purple... I considered buying, but I already have a plain purple maxi, so I didn't bother) :)

xoxo

Posted on 9:45 PM / 0 comments / Read More

1... 2... 3... Smile!

Today I took part in a photo shoot for a community paper. The Hume Leader. So if you live in the Hume region, you will receive the paper in your mailbox next Wednesday. :)

The shoot had nothing to do with me or my business. It was for a little feature article regarding the Eid Festival (12-13 September, 2010) organized by MEF (Melbourne Eid Festival).

We used some hijabs from my shop... Outside... On a road between the council and a major shopping centre in the area... For approximately half an hour we were posing... With passers by standing around and/or turning back to see what was going on. LOL It was embarrassing. :) Anyways, I thought I would dress smart casual for the occasion. I was actually going to wear white/cream coloured trousers, but I thought it would stand out too much, so to tone it down I went for my dark jeans instead. :)

Well, I will be sharing the article once I receive the paper next week... Only 1 of 50-60 photos will be selected.. I hope it's a good one LOL The photographer took shots from down below, so I'm worried about my nostrils haha! Anyways, we shall see... :)

Here is what I wore...

My sister was watching and laughing while I was posing today... which is why I have that "I'm about to laugh but need to refrain" look on my face. :) You would think she'd offer to take the photos for me yeah? :)) Instead she enjoyed mocking me. :)) Ahhhh gotta love sisters :)

I definitely believe that lighter coloured trousers (white/cream) would have made this outfit pop, but preferred the toned down look for the reasons I mentioned above. Also, I normally try not to do print on print looks, but thought that this scarf which I wore in a previous post would help avoid a 'boring' look. However, after seeing the photos, it feels to me as though I look like a department store worker. Not that it's a bad thing... but it just wasn't what I was going for LOL It was probably the cardi-like jacket? :)

I thought I would share the full design of my scarf... am certainly loving this one :))

Sleeveless Navy/White Polka Dress: Metro (from K-mart)

Navy Cardi-like Jacket: Autograph

White Belt: City Chic

Silk Scarf: Armine 2010-2011 A/W (from edb Collection)

That's all for today my beautiful peeps! :)

xoxo

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