Month: February 2018

February 23, 2018 SanaSakinah 2 comments

So, if you haven’t seen or heard about the movie Black Panther yet, I don’t know where you have exactly been?!? It is probably one of the biggest and top grossing blockbusters in recent history, and I am totally here for all the Black excellence it exudes!! As a movie goer who went last weekend to see this film I was in such awe of all the beautiful African clothing and attire from the traditional garbs, natural hair, head dresses and beautiful face paint. I loved how so many of us in the event of watching this movie came dressed for the occasion in the spirit of being true citizens of Wakanda. Although a fictitious place, in our hearts we could feel it and it felt like home, warm and familiar…beautiful and safe. It was a great way to escape some of our current and past harsh realities especially since so much of our stories have been about hurt, pain and oppression. It was truly refreshing to feel and imagine a place that was unscathed, prosperous and where black people were the actual kings, queens, princesses, heroes/ heroines and saviors. These are the images we so often don’t get to see on the big screen, and the stories we obviously showed we are yearning for more of.

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In the spirit of the movie I, of course, dressed for the occasion as well. I actually had this look planned out for a minute before it was going to be my actual movie outfit, but I thought it went perfectly with the theme so I went with it. This was more of an impromptu photo session literally right in the parking lot before we went into the theater (lol). I really wish I had the time to get a better variety of shots, but time was not on our side that day.

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I chose to wear this black dress from Kabayare fashion. I purchased this dress over a year ago and am finally wearing it. What I love about this dress is how light and airy it is. The A-line shape and empire waist are always pluses because those are usually flattering for all body types. The bodice is simple and buttoned up with long billowy sleeves while the skirt was just so flowy with a sheer overlay. I love how gracefully eloquent the skirt moves as you walk. Anything that makes me appear as if I’m gliding always gets a thumbs up in my book (lol)!! 

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So y’all know I love to mix things up in my outfits and especially with dresses. So, this time being no different, I chose this totally cute jean and faux leather motorcycle jacket by Forever 21. Let me just tell you, I love this jacket!! I thought it was so tough yet adorable, and I loved the contrast against my soft and romantic kind of dress.

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I chose to pair my outfit with a pair of of Enzo Angiolini peep toe pumps. I simply adore these shoes. I loved the mix of sheer mesh on the sides and back along with the stunning sparkling glitter all around them!! Sorry I couldn’t truly capture them in any of these pics. Check pic at bottom for up close shot.

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I chose a sparkling glitter clutch by Merona that matched my shoes perfectly. I love when I find  matching thrifted pieces like bags and shoes. Total Score!.

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Now you know we had to do thee absolute most with a finishing touch of fur, so I wore this purple faux fur collar I purchased off of Amazon. I loved the beautiful rich color of this piece, and how it picked up the purple sparkles in my shoes and clutch!!

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Last but not least, I chose my black jersey hijab along with my beaded iridescent peacock colored chandelier earrings. These shimmering beauties also matched my clutch and bag perfectly as well, might I add.

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Welp, that’s it for today you guys. I hope you enjoyed this Black Panther look of mine. If you haven’t already seen the movie yet, what are you waiting for?!? Go see it today!! Until next time, don’t forget to stay and slay on a budget!! And Oh Yeah…Wakanda FOREVER!!! *Waves*

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What I Wore:

Black Maxi Dress: @Kabayare Fashion $45

Forever 21 motorcycle jacket: $3 @Value Village

Enzo Angiolini heels: $4 @PAT

Merona clutch: $5 @Goodwill

Purple Faux Fur stole: $15 @Amazon

February 21, 2018 SanaSakinah No comments exist

I often cringe when people attempt to box themselves in or insist on coloring inside of the lines as to not offend or break any “fashion rules”. If we were all to abide by the same rules we would certainly be wearing nothing short of a standard uniform. And I’m absolutely not going back to the times of wearing a stuffy uniform akin to my private school days (lol)!! Fashion should be fun, exciting, and most importantly revolutionary. Time doesn’t stand still for anyone and neither does fashion. Constantly we are living in a world where it is constantly changing and evolving into something else. Trying to keep up with the changes will leave you out of breath but learning to adapt and sustain your own sense of style will never leave you out of date.

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While we’ve been having a crazy long stretch of cloudy and rainy weather here in Georgia it has also been steadily warming up so I’ve been digging a little deeper in my closet and pulling out some forgotten things I’ve thrifted in the past months. For this look I wanted to mix up a couple of my vintage finds with some of my more modern pieces for an updated and refreshed take on a retro/ vintage inspired look.

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So, my oversized vintage AKF New York jacket was the inspiration for this look today. I found this jacket some time ago and it instantly caught my eyes due to the lovely mix of exquisite prints and colors. I love how easy and light weight it was reminding me of a simple yet elegant robe. And I absolutely loved the mix of gold, burnt orange and turquoise colors on a solid black background.  Anything that can stand out amongst a crowded thrift store rack always gets my stamp of approval and this piece did just that.

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I decided to pair my jacket with a solid burnt orange tunic underneath. I loved how the rich color of this tunic brought out the sprinkles of color in my jacket as well. I wore a cute wide black lace belt to cinch at the waist and pull the jacket and top together. I thought the touch of lace was really feminine and added a slight shape to a boxy jacket. Belts are great staples to have for creating waistlines in oversized clothing with a lack of shape and structure.

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I went with a basic pair of simple light blue jeans for the bottom. I really wanted the other pieces to do all the talking while keeping my look casual as well. I just love how jeans have that ability to make an outfit look like you’re not trying the do thee most also while absolutely trying (lol).

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I chose these absolutely adorable black and leopard print stacked flats by Naturalizer. They were extremely comfortable and gave off such an old school feel with the two-toned shape and vintage inspired structure. As soon as I saw the jacket I knew I wanted to wear these two together!!

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For my bag, I went with this vintage leather Rosemary Classic handbag. You all probably know by now that I am a sucker for a good vintage bag, and this one surely didn’t disappoint!! I love the solid black leather and sturdy briefcase like structure of this handbag with the hint of gold hardware and single handle. This piece just screamed sophistication and girl boss chic as soon as I saw it (lol). I love vintage pieces like this that carry and orate history along with style so eloquently.

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Last but not least, I chose my black jersey hijab along with these earrings I bought from a street vendor some time ago. I just loved how my earrings matched some elements of my jacket perfectly picking up some of the colors as well as patterns precisely. They were like a match made in heaven (lol).

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Welp, that’s it for today you guys. I hope you enjoyed this updated retro/vintage inspired look of mine. Until next time, don’t forget to stay and slay on a budget!! *Waves*.

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What I Wore:

AKF New York jacket: $5

Tunic Top: $5 @Goodwill

Lee jeans: .25 PAT Outlet

Naturalizer shoes: $4 @Value Village

Rosemary Classic handbag: $4 PAT

Belt: $1 @Goodwill

February 8, 2018 SanaSakinah No comments exist

You ever look back laughing at old photos of yourself and question, “What was I thinking wearing this?”. It’s so hilarious looking back at old photos and reminiscing that at that particular point in time you thought you were the baddest thing walking lol. Honestly, I just knew some of my old Holiday outfits my mother made from her Butterick and McCall patterns were the bomb dot com (lol). Now I just shake my head thinking, “WoW, I wouldn’t be caught dead in that again” (lol)!! But what can I say (sigh)…I was born and raised in the 80s/ 90s and those weren’t my favorite fashion eras to be honest, Sorry millennials!! I know how much you love their clothing (lol).

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Now looking through my mom’s old pics would truly have me in awe. What I consider the golden era of fashion and style has always been the previous decades before my time, the 60s and 70s. Everybody looked so fly, polished and well put together. I love the clothing from those particular eras and the amount of pride in one’s appearance those photos would always evoke. Every look in the pictures would capture a sort of cool, easy and timeless glamour. For this blog I wanted to recreate that sense of old school charm and effortless style in this vintage inspired look.

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For this look I chose this vintage tweed houndstooth blazer by ILGWU. As soon as I saw this blazer I simply fell in love. I loved the exquisite construction of this blazer from the salmon satin lining to the corduroy collar and elbow patches to the multi-colored teal, tan, brown and burnt orange houndstooth pattern of the jacket. I loved every detail of this blazer including the cute wooden-like buttons on the sleeves and along the front. The sophisticated and casual combination in this blazer was a perfect fit for me.

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Next, I chose a simple cowl neck shift sweater dress to pair underneath the blazer. I thought the dark teal color was a great contrast against the lighter tan and picked up the teal in my blazer quite nicely

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I chose a pair of camel Coldwater Creek pants to wear with this outfit. I loved these particular pants because they are so comfortable and reminded me of crushed velvet. They were so light and easy also enhancing that old school relaxed sort of glamour I was aiming for.

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I chose my dark teal patent leather Steve Madden pumps. I thought these worked well with my outfit and matched my teal sweater nicely. These heels also paired well with my longer pants, giving me  just the extra height I needed in the legs (lol).

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I chose this vintage handbag by Naturalizer I picked up in Baltimore on my last visit. You all know how much I adore a cute vintage handbag, and this one didn’t disappoint. I love the beautiful rich camel color which paired nicely with my outfit. The briefcase-like handle and front metal closure are always favorites of mine in handbags. I thought this one was totally classy and chic.

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Last but not least, I chose my tan jersey hijab along with my refashioned fringe earrings. I wanted a plain neutral hijab to pair along with my jacket, and I loved how my earrings went nicely with my overall outfit.

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Welp, that’s it for today you guys. I hope you enjoyed this vintage inspired look of mine. Until next time, don’t forget to stay and slay on a budget!! *Waves*

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What I Wore:

Vintage ILGWU Tag Blazer: $4 @PAT

Sweater Dress: I can’t remember the price (Purchased on ebay I believe)

Coldwater Creek pants: $2 @Value Village

Steve Madden pumps; $15 @Goodwill

Vintage Naturalizer handbag: $5 @ Collins Ave Thrift Store

 

February 1, 2018 SanaSakinah No comments exist

Gone are the days for me when I buy some extravagant Eid (Holiday) outfit I wear for only one occasion and then sits in the back of my closet collecting the dust of Eid’s past. After finding myself wearing an outfit one time and simply not wearing it again, I decided I had to reconfigure my idea of special occasion outfits. Now don’t get me wrong, I love a good bedazzled/ bejeweled gown like any other girl, but my heart often longs for sweet simplicity. There’s nothing like a simple piece that is both buildable yet still stands alone quite nicely.

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I love an amazing dress in all it’s shimmering glory but I honestly have to ask myself, “How many times am I really going to wear this?”. And you know I like more bang for my buck, so if it’s not likely I will wear it again, I will simply pass. That’s why I’ve opted for more pieces that are easily both interchangeable as well as buildable giving me the versatility to change up a look and give a fresh new feel. The ability to accessorize is so important when it comes to building an awesome wardrobe or any outfit. This essentially can take your closet from a few options to a plethora of never ending possibilities. That’s why I chose a previous Eid dress to remix and restyle as my feature on the blog today.

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I chose this emerald green milk silk maxi dress I bought from Kabayare Fashion back in 2016. When I first bought this dress I absolutely loved the striking radiant green color. It is truly what caught my eye. This dress is simple in shape consisting of a basic bodice, a slightly gathered skirt and an empire waist. Yet, the fabric being so fluid and draping so beautifully combined with the gorgeous color makes it such a great candidate for simply building upon, which is why I initially chose it for an Eid outfit. This particular dress seems to be a pretty popular muslimah favorite, and I can totally understand why (lol)!!

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I chose to wear my brown faux fur vest along with my dress in light of the cooler winter weather. I must say I’m not the biggest fan of fur vests you guys, I’m Sorry. And I swear everyone else looks sooo good in them, but it’s really hard for me to find one that is flattering and doesn’t make me look like a grizzly bear (lol). And I absolutely abhor anything that makes me look bigger or broader than I am. This particular fur vest is the only one I’ve come across thus far that works well for me. I love the mixture of both dark and light brown fur along with the fact that it is also a stretchy sweater with a zippered front.

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I decided to pair my outfit with these cute brown boots by Miss Bisou I happened to get free of charge the day before. Yes, I said FREE!!! It totally pays to be one of the last people in the thrift store at the end of a looong day when the employees are tired and ready to go home. I love the comfort and ease of these boots, and adore the buckled straps up the sides and around the ankles. These felt and looked like classic riding boots and had an elevated edgy feel. I thought they worked well with my outfit.

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I chose my brown leather Dockers handbag to wear with this look. I happened to be wearing this bag when I found the boots and they matched perfectly so I was sold!!  Also, I loved the simplicity of the bag along with the distressed leather look.

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Last but not least I chose my matching emerald green milk silk jersey hijab that I also purchased along with my dress. Again I just loved the color and the way it draped in such elegance. I chose my refashioned brown spiked earrings and bracelet to accessorize this outfit. I loved how well they played into my overall look giving it more of that slight edge I was going for.

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Welp, that’s it for today you guys. I hope you enjoyed this remixed throwback look of mine. Until next time, don’t forget to stay and slay on a budget!!

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What I Wore:

Milk Silk Dress: $26 @Kabayare Fashion

Faux Fur Vest: $4 @PAT

Brown Boots: FREE!!!

Dockers Handbag: $5 @Goodwill