mosaic

We met up in Philadelphia recently and decided to check out Philadelphia's Magic Gardens. It is a mosaic art environment in the South Street neighborhood by an artist named Isaiah Zagar. He includes glass bottles, mirrors, and many other colorful and unique objects in his work. It took fourteen years to complete.

Shrug: Zara

Long jean jacket: vintage (gift from cousin, taaanks)

Sandals: Lennon by Report (in nude)

Here are some more recent looks. I am obsessed with these sandals by Report. Can you tell?

Sweater: Forever 21

Loose pants: H&M

Chiffon kimono cardigan: Forever 21

(Philadelphia, outside an adorable coffee shop, "Chapterhouse". It has GAMES! Do you know how much we enjoy playing cards and drinking anything with espresso in it? Much more than most children.)

Faux fur: BB Dakota via 6pm.com (This stands out, wear at your own risk, it was complimented uncomfortably frequently)

Boots: Paris Hilton's Grey Martina

Oversize blouse: Express (old)

We are being incredible slackers/are unhealthily busy. A huge food post is to come soon, along with a shamefully neglected Acacia Label review of a beautiful dress from Spring. Yes, Spring. I shall return.

-A

bride-to-be hibachi & hijab DIY impatient couture

We went to a local hibachi restaurant because of the cheap entertainment (who isn't impressed by fire from a somewhat safe distance?) and the large seating in celebration for my cousin getting engaged. The food was pretty flippin' bland, I have to say, but it was an enjoyable night. For dessert, my little sisters and I had baked coconut cupcakes from scratch (and by that, I mean I sat on a chair in the kitchen and directed my sisters what to do). The party and I were thoroughly impressed with the results, and I certainly did continue to talk about it for another few days. I still think baking is the unskilled cook's territory. I joke, baking can be almost an equal of a skill as cooking, at times I suppose. 

Anyway, I wore an oversize mustard colored sweater, which apparently is a men's sweater at H&M. I wore some plaid-like gray pants from Forever 21 and random jewelry I got online, with green kitten heeled pumps.  I had gone to the fabric store and went on an old lady shopping spree with my baby sisters. I bought a polka dot print material and purchased light pink lace to add on to it. 

I love how simple but beautiful Inayah's hijab details are, and decided to cost-effectively replicate. I liked how my polka-dot hijab turned out and made a few more. Fabric and the details cost a total of no more than $10 each. I very impatiently hand sewed the trims, but you get the point. There are so many average patterns that look beautiful with some simple lace or bead trim. I think next I will make a hijab with sheer leopard print fabric with a hot pink lace. 

-A