warm winters & sinking ships

"Admiring the temperature outside is like being in a sinking ship and admiring the coral reef" 

K'naan

K'naan, understandably, puts a wet blanket on any celebratory vibes of having above freezing temperatures this winter so far. Nevertheless, here are some snaps of how this alternative fall/winter has been dressing me.

Long Cardigan: Old Navy
Denim Shirt: Similar

Shoes: Lace-up ballet flats from Gap

I'm loving mini crossbody bags this season. There's so much selection out, but here's mine: Nordstrom

Wool Scarf: Streets of Chiapas, Mexico (so warm!)

Shoes: Rebels Alberta Leather Mules

Amrita Singh Half-Moon Necklace: Similar

Deux Lux Maggie Fringed Crossbody Bag: Similar
Scarf: Guatemala
Jacket: vintage

-AB

indígena & color

Strangely, I rarely buy things when I come to Guatemala, a country popular with markets filled with skilled local handicraft. I do always go to the markets, mostly to bring new people to shop, but I just enjoy looking. I've bought the odd thing here and there (a light-blue and white wool blanket, a hammock, a purple cloth notebook, etc) but nothing related to personal style. Then, this last trip in March, a dear friend bought this lovely handmade bag for me from one of the markets in Antigua. The leather is a very soft higher-quality leather and the body of the bag is a typical material and design that many indigenous women have on their shirts. As a person that generally is wary of too much color, I loved this instantly. It is a piece that is not abundantly versatile, but when it works, I think it works well. I also receive more compliments on this bag then anything I have ever worn in my life, so basically, it gives me an excuse to talk about Guatemala all of the time.

Comfortable mohair mix sweater: boohoo.com cage leather flats: Steve Madden "Ditaa"

Also, I love much of what this writer writes. I really value this thought, because it is difficult for me to understand why people use the idea of destiny as an excuse to not take charge of one's life. We have the ability to make decisions for a reason and we have the opportunity to control the outcome of our lives with our way to pray, our way to see, our way to treat others, our way to carry ourselves, our way to speak, and our way to love.

I can control my destiny, but not my fate. Destiny means there are opportunities to turn right or left, but fate is a one-way street. I believe we all have the choice as to whether we fulfill our destiny, but our fate is sealed.

P. Coelho 

-AB

pray...love

Winter is back, how...I have already suffered the first snow of the season, and had a minor car accident within ten minutes of being in it, as only most fitting. Here is how I keep warm. Feather down, fleece lined leggings, and need I say, layers.

Puffer coat- London Fog via Macy's Bag- Zara

Sweater- boohoo.com

That's all for now, keeping it simple and practical. Keep praying, keep loving. Peace.

-AB

“People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that's what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that is holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life.

A true soul mate is probably the most important person you'll ever meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake. But to live with a soul mate forever? Nah. Too painful. Soul mates, they come into your life just to reveal another layer of yourself to you, and then leave. 

A soul mate's purpose is to shake you up, tear apart your ego a little bit, show you your obstacles and addictions, break your heart open so new light can get in, make you so desperate and out of control that you have to transform your life, then introduce you to [God]”

dirty snow & silk

This winter is so overly aged now, I think it is even tired of its own wrinkly face. The snow is finally melting, in all its dirty glory. However, in the meanwhile, I have ferociously entered an area of apparel that is made to protect oneself from the extremest elements, should one be abandoned at the summit of the Himalayas. I purchased two main lifesaver articles of outerwear: Sorel boots (mine are Sorel 1964) and a thick, hand-knit, half wool scarf. I looked everywhere online for a long, over-sized, fringless, and chunky wool scarf to no avail. Then, a wonderful lady on Etsy knitted it for me. It is beyond cozy and lovely. As for the boots, I saw a pair like them on a girl in New York and thought to myself, "those are so ugly, they're cute, I want them". They are a heavy duty boot company from Canada and (of course, those snow-hoarders). I now purposely walk through snow pile-ups like a boss.

I have too much amour for this wool, silk, and mohair Zara coat with lapels and belt, which is now out of stock, but can be found on Ebay.

Last week was Philly Fashion Week. There were different runway shows and event all week for all genres of fashion. I have a somewhat odd infatuation for menswear (Hey, my future man, please be quite ready to not entirely choose your own wardrobe, shukran) but my friend and I decided that a ladies Muslimah fashion show was probably more relevant, and it would be nice to support my sisters in their small businesses of promoting modest clothing, hijabs, and formal accessories for weddings, Eids, etc. Therefore, we happily attended the International Modesty Runway Show. There is so much talent among my sisters. I am fairly certain I could not sew entire collections of dresses so superbly. My friend bought a very pretty black dress from Nyala of www.nylii.com. She sells modest, modern, American pieces. We really enjoyed ourselves. I am so excited to attend the International Muslimah Fashion show in Hershey on March 20-23!

                                               

Our favorite part of the event was just to see the diversity of our Ummah. There were so many beautiful Muslim sisters from all backgrounds, let us always support each other, protect each other, serve our fellow human beings together, and actually become a unified Ummah. Ameen.

-A

clotted cream & snow

My AWOL co-writer, Sheerin, briefly resurfaced from her medical books for the winter break, Alhamdolillah (praise to God), so we spent some time in NYC: staying with our newly married best friend, eating Arabic food in Brooklyn, eating God-sent scones in Manhattan, drinking velvety cappuccinos, eating--eh, I won't continue, lest I may seem gluttonous. We did not take many photos, but beauty was everywhere. We were sure to identify every view that was worth becoming still forever, yet too lazy to actually carry a camera. Essentially, the only photos taken in NYC were of these scones...naturally.

                         

I got a glorious mixed berry scone and Sheerin got a chocolate chip one. It comes with clotted cream and raspberry jam. The clotted cream is just fantastic. I will put the mixed berry scone recipe up after I make them myself, God willing. My heart can hardly wait.

I also had not seen another beloved friend in awhile, so we grazed in DC last weekend. I went back to one of my favorite French restaurants there (mostly because of how quaintly romantic it is), Petit Plats, for dessert. 

rainy Georgetown

Coat: Zara

Heels: MK (old)

Clutch: New Look (old)

Until next time,

-A

flat white & dusty pink

Autumn has arrived. It is getting cold, and it is just not my probable anemic state. The only gleam of light in this seasonal situation (besides it being a gift from God, thanks God, for real, I'm sure there is a very wise point to colder months) is that it results in a few coats, boots, and some semi-closed heels here and there. I have a few coats that I will share here this season. The one I have been wearing the most so far is the "Lofty" wool coat by Tildon. I love the oversized look, whether it be in the shape of the swinger style, cocoon, or A-line. I prefer collarless, though giant masculine collars are everywhere right now. As far as colors go, dusty pink and camel are my favorite colors in coats. Camel is fiendishly popular on runway, but I am finding it slow to appear in the average American store, especially at reasonable prices.

Coat: "Lofty" by Tildon

Heels: "Karlie" by Michael Kors in genuine leather (sold out)

Suede version here (personally, not a fan of suede)

Dusty pink leather version here

Wiser alternative here, here, and here

Lipstick: Dior Addict 545, it is a lovely, sheer, and feminine orange (discovered it two years ago in the department stores of London, that shade still has not made its way to the USA yet...but you can hunt it down online)

On our way to NYC, my gas ran out in the middle of nowhere. It sucks to be a procrastinator sometimes.

A delicious Flat White from Culture Espresso Bar, midtown NYC. (so smooth, even my little sisters LOVED it)

 Downtown B-more 

(Checkout Dooby's Coffee shop's new location on N. Charles street...GREAT cappuccinos, I know I seem to say that a lot, but really, very good)

And last but not least, this past weekend Sheerin and I met up in DC with a couple of other girls. I packed light because I am lazy, but I did not forget to throw these heels in the bag. These are called  Majisty by Steve Madden and come in different colors (I love it in "Blush Leather"). I switched into these in the evening, but a passerby was sure to inform me to wear sneakers to save my feet. Ma'am, I wear sneakers 43 hours of the week at work, so I do think I will take any opportunity to not wear them in any other setting ever in my life, thank you.

We of course stopped at Baked & Wired in Georgetown. They have really very spectacular cupcakes. There is always a line lately, for good reason.



Here are Sheerin's weekend outfits:

Denim on denim, love.

Watch: Tangerine boutique in Adams Morgan neighborhood, DC

It is FotoWeek in DC. We stopped at FotoNoma for the opening.


We finished the weekend with Sunday morning brunch. We ended up randomly selecting the absolute cutest French restaurant, Petits Plats. Two of the waiters were French and the other two were randomly Spanish-speaking (charming nonetheless). To be honest, we are highly uneducated in the beautiful French language, despite me having visited France and being somewhat preoccupied with the desire to marry one (I'm sorry, but who can resist a man with impeccable shoes and facial hair?). Our waiter had such a heavy accent on his English that it almost seemed fake, however, upon further examination we found that it was, in fact, not an act. Well, personally, I cannot deny that my accent is always genuine at any given point, but hey.


Mmm, poached eggs with smoked salmon.

Leather pants: H&M (love these because they are paneled and not entirely leather)

Sweater (pure wool): vintage

Thanks for visiting :)

Peace,

-A

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

steamed milk, scholars

Many of my free summer days have been spent arm in arm with a cliche of a story: reading books beyond my full understanding in local eclectic coffee shops. Either I am excessively enjoying my solitude to a hermit's level, or I am with another and speaking without a pause, until my drink sits lukewarm and enfeebled. 

There are lots of ways to express my feelings on the ending of this season. The following is the most accurate. 

SUMMER, DON'T GO. PLEASE. LOVE ME.

Sweater: Forever 21, buy HERE. It's only 47 inches (awkward), I stretched it to be more maxi-length. 

Bag: Aldo (old) 

Jeans: New Look 

Flats: similar HERE

Ring: Boscov's 

Shoes: similar HERE 

Mustache Hijab: Ross 

Clutch: Newlook.com

Aztec-print rayon pants/long knitted cardigan: anywhere, mine are from Ross (love you, Ross) 

Bag: Ann Klein "Petal Pushers" via Boscov's

Shirt: H&M

Flats: similar HERE

“Summer afternoon—summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.”  -Henry James

that familiar conviction

“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” 

― F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

Lunch at Café L'Aube, Philadelphia (great coffee, fresh, delicious food)

Sheerin- pants: NY&Co flats: Express jacket: H&M

Me- clutch: MMS via Marshalls shoes: Michael Antonio via 6pm.com, shirt dress/jewelry: Forever 21