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

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

french damask & leather gloves

"Give me books, French wine, fruit, fine weather and a little music played out of doors by somebody I do not know." - John Keats 

Hello, near-perfect afternoon. I would, of course, prefer a fine french cappuccino myself but you do you, Keats. Anila and I quite literally have spent hours talking about fruit and warm weather. As in sitting down and discussing our favorite fruits in all their glory. It's not strange- we just feel very strongly about good coffee, good fruit, and warmth. Especially during days of dismal weather, like that we've been having for the past too many months. Seriously- these cold temperatures have long lost their charm and appeal for me. Anila & Tas came to visit me in my current Southern residence a few weekends ago. I'm sure they were hoping for slightly warmer temperatures but unfortunately, we have never been so lucky with weather anytime we meet. Anila brings the rain and the cold, I'm convinced.

We did however, get a chance to visit the Maymont Mansion - once owned by Richmond royalty and beautifully decorated with furniture and tastes from all over the world. I was particularly fond of the ladies tea room, wallpapered with original french damask fabric in a subtle, dusty pink color. The room was accented with furniture characteristic of the French Regence style in deep oaks and gold.

STUNNING, omg.

Dining room

Library- very Italian

We also visited the Maymont gardens at the estate which are absolutely stunning and doesn't even feel like you're in a city. Unfortunately, it was ridiculously cold that day and we were barely able to stand outside fore more than a few minutes. Lucky for us, just enough to get these pics. 

Pink Oversized coat: "Lofty"
Loafers: Jones New York

Orange-Red Coat: Old Navy 

Black leather bag: Aldo
Black Leather gloves: Dillard's

Camel Coat: H&M
Red leather gloves:

  Other Winter Outfits

Beige blouse: H&M
Mint Bubble necklace: Forever21
Faux Fur vest: Marshall's
Brown Leather Boots: Macy's

Hopefully warm weather soon! 

-S