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

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

winter recipe chronicles: orange cran walnut cookies

It's a very good thing that pre-Christian festivals happened to be during winter, or Christmas might have been celebrated anytime else, and winter would be pretty dreary of a season. At least, for us, being from ancestral blood that probably only knew the milder of days. I do not celebrate Christmas, but I love the lights and I like the creative cookie recipes that are hauled out at the year's end. My little sisters and I baked two different types of cookies (and this will probably be all the baking for us). Baking is really not very fun to me. As a co-worker said to me, "baking is a science, cooking is an art". Well, I have a minor in fine art, and I failed science, so that's pretty definitive of my feelings on baking. Nonetheless, I like to get into the spirit of baking during snow days. Here I present my interpretation of an orange, cranberry, and walnut cookie.

Orange, cranberry, walnut cookie

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups of flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sugar (1 cup if you like it sickeningly sweet)
1 egg
1 tablespoon of orange zest
3 tablespoons of orange juice
1 cup of chopped walnuts
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 stick softened butter
1/4 cup oil (a bit less than that)

Directions:
1. Mix flour, baking soda, salt, cranberries, and walnuts in one bowl.
2. Mix sugar, oil, butter, egg, orange juice, and orange zest in another bowl.
3. Slowly add in the dry flour mixture into wet ingredients while mixing.
4. Make balls and place 2-3 inches apart on cookie sheet.
5. Place in preheated oven at 325 for 10-12 minutes or when edges are golden. Rotate halfway.
6. Lightly sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.

cranberries, walnuts, flour, salt, baking soda

orange juice, zest, butter, sugar, egg, oil

cookie dough balls

fresh out of the oven--enjoy!

-A

winter recipes with Aneela de el blog, "The Desi Knot"

How to Make the World’s Best Candied Yams!

Boo!! My name is (also) Aneela and I thought I’d come at y’all with a dramatic salutation as Anila has declared ‘Hello’ to be too tedious ;) I write a blog called The Desi Knot about Southasian weddings, design, and whatever else strikes my fancy at the current moment. Today, I thought I would share something we all hold dear to our hearts…food! This is my top-secret (not anymore) recipe for the world’s best candied yams! They were a huge hit at Thanksgiving dinner this year, so I thought I would share my gem-of-a-recipe with all of you! If you try it out, be sure to comment below this post and tell us how it turned out! Also, let us know if you would like to see Aneela and Anila swapping blogs more often! And, be sure to check out Anila’s post on The Desi Knot here. Phew, thank God we spell our names differently or you guys would have been in for a real treat!

Ingredients:

o   4 lbs. boiled and peeled sweet potatoes

o   ¼ cup salted butter (room temperature)

o   ¼ cup sugar

o   ¼ cup milk

o   1 large egg

o   ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For Topping:

o   1 ¼ cup crushed corn flakes

o   1/3 cup chopped pecans

o   1 tablespoon brown sugar (packed)

o   1 tablespoon salted butter (melted)

o   2 cups mini marshmallows

Directions:

1.      Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly butter a 9x13 casserole dish.

2.      Boil and peel sweet potatoes.

3.      To make the topping, combine cornflakes, pecans and brown sugar. Stir in the melted butter until evenly mixed. Set aside.

4.      Mash sweet potatoes and combine with butter, sugar, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until evenly mixed.

5.      Put sweet potato mixture in prepared casserole dish. 

6.      Cover evenly with topping mixture.

7.      Place into oven and bake until the topping is golden (about 20 minutes). Sprinkle marshmallows over entire dish and bake until lightly golden on top (about 5 minutes).

8. Serve immediately and watch the compliments pour in.

 -Aneela of The Desi Knot

#mipsterz

As varied as the reactions and opinions to this video may be, it is sure to spark a much-needed conversation about Muslim identity in the United States. Nonetheless, good exposure and interesting narrative about Muslim women in America. And that skateboarding talent? respect.

Let us know what you think! 

Sheikh Bake Productions

Come, come, whoever you are.

Wanderer, worshipper, lover of living, it doesn't matter

Ours is not a caravan of despair.

Come even if you have broken your vow a thousand times,

Come, yet again, come, come. - Rumi 

-S

Acacia Label: modest, elegant, quality gowns. Win.

Acacia Label most probably hates my procrastinating ways and have most likely lost all faith in humanity because of me. I meant to do a review for them in Spring and look where we are now. Hey, at least it has not snowed yet, right?

The Australian-based company (and I think Oman, too?)  has greatly expanded since I bought a dress from them, and their collection is even more beautiful. I have never been a very big fan of south Asian clothing (I don't understand the whole matching pants, both in material and pattern coupled with an awkward length dress concept), but long, sophisticated, ethnic gowns are right up my alley. The dress I bought is not even on the site anymore. It does not matter because I customized it so much that it was no longer relevant, regardless. The point is is that the quality of the dress is immaculate. The company takes your exact measurement of every part of your body into consideration and customizes your dress. They are very detail-oriented and make the dress look and feel like time was their closest companion.

I will be getting another dress from them soon, the "Cosmo Black" dress externalizes my romanticizing of the color black.

These dresses are very affordable and fair. They change colors, materials, lengths and are open to really anything to ask of them. The staff use your name and are very personable.

I wish I could model this dress for you guys, but it looks too good on me. Ironic modesty?

Pure chiffon scarf

Mint green paneling

Sleeves

 Hem of dress

Length of dress

Full length

Craftsmanship

Sleeves

Sleeves

Good quality custom gowns with a cheap flat rate shipping, ya'll, that's rare to find. www.acacialabel.com

-A

hijabi's fall: coats!

Yesterday morning, I ran outside to go to work at the crack of dawn and my heart audibly broke from the frozen slap I received. Yay. Now, I am snuggled in bed trying not to fall in love with/buy any more coats. If you have not bought a winter coat yet, may I live vicariously through you, s'il te plait et merci.

Here are a few coats I like. For some reason, Zara online does not show their complete collection. I died in one of their stores in DC, but many of the coats I languished after are not on the site.

As you all probably know, it's all about the masculine coat this winter. I normally dislike checkered or plaid, but this works for me.

I tried on this Zara coat but ended up not buying it because I prefer longer coats and I was looking for a coat with a looser silhouette (the coat is too structured for my liking). It was a hard decision because it is camel-colored and has a high composition of wool in it. You all know my fascination with wool/quality materials, right?

I've liked this Zara coat for awhile because it has everything I normally dislike in a coat. It has a belt AND a hood. However, when I tried it on in the store, I liked the carefree chic silhouette. I would contrast the casualness of the coat with leather pants and some heeled booties. I still would rather buy it on sale, though.

ASOS has a large selection of coats, but not many that I really like. This is one of the coats I do like. I love the patch pockets and the flowy, oversize cut. 

No one should spend $500 on a coat, but someone should, at least, kindly steal me this. DAY birger et Mikkelsen

(...and the less cute version)

Contrast Yoke Bouclé Coat by Kenneth Cole New York for $89

-A

beauty of shade

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