Person to look out for: Fazeela Isaac

Some time ago, I did an Outfit Of The Day (OOTD) featuring the adorable Maseeha Moola. In case you didn't know, she's the daughter of super mum, my good friend,  and this month's person to look out for: Fazeela Isaac.

Fazeela is a 28 year old BBA final year student; an Aalimah graduate; FAIS accredited broker and designer, who was born and bred in Chatsworth  Durban. She's this month's PTLOF because she is making her mark with every step she takes. If this interview were to take place over tea and samoosas, we wouldn't have got anything done.

What is the name of your collection and when did you start it?
The name of my collection is Maseeha Collection and I started it one year ago.

You're an accredited broker and BBA student, why did you decide to start a line of clothing?
I am a Jill of all trades (lol), so after trying out a few other businesses, I realised that my strength is in supplying products rather than services. And that coupled with the unpleasantness of unsuccessfully searching for abayas in stores that were unique to my individuality, brought me to the point of designing and sewing my own abayas and dresses. It is highly important for me to show our Muslimahs how elegantly beautiful, trendy, stylish and modern we can look whilst still pleasing our Creator.

When did you start designing?
I learnt how to design and sew around 2005 at the Institute where I completed my Aalimah course. I officially got back to designing in 2014.

How do you come up with the ideas?
Trial and error! I enjoy brainstorming with my cousin Haafizah. I usually play around with ideas and piece fabrics together and then pass the idea to her for a second opinion.

What type of fabrics do you use and are they easily accessible?
Bonbon and nida are my ultimate faves. I love the quality and texture of them as well as the versatility. I also add some chiffon pieces at times depending on the design. Cotton African prints are now being introduced to the collection and I'm loving it. The fabrics are easily accessible and available at almost all fabric shops.

Who is your target market?
Females of all ages and sizes. There are abayas for little girls from our 'Lil Princess' Collection, right up to teens and of course adult Muslimahs.

You're a mother as well as a teacher, how do you cope in all those roles?
By simply putting on my Superwoman abaya and hustling like a pro #HustlersParadise. It also helps to have a stupendously independent, brilliant and supportive daughter to add to the ease of trying to do it all. I might not have much time to breath between my students, my kid and my business, but the taste of success and independence makes it all worth it.

How do you define success and what motivates you to succeed?
Success for me is being able to smile at my bank account (just kidding) :-)
Having the ability to be financially, emotionally and personally independent is what defines success to me. My motivation for success is without a doubt my daughter Maseeha whom the brand is named after.

Where do you see yourself and Maseeha Collection in five years time?
Expanding my business by exploring other avenues like online stores and getting my abayas into boutiques with absolute brand awareness and brand recognition. As for myself, well, still pushing the hustle while growing my family in'sha Allah.

Here's a sneak peak of what you can expect from the Maseeha Collection:

Lil Princess Collection

Unique designs made to suit your style and personality

Maseeha has a lil something for everyone

If Le Mis Mimz were to have an awards ceremony to honour the women in my life, Fazeela would definitely win the award for Most Hardworking Person, because she does exactly that #HustlersParadise. You can view the Maseeha Collection here or follow her on Twitter: click here and Instagram: MaseehaM

I don't know about you, but I can't wait for a fashion show and to be dressed by Maseeha ;)

HD in your face

Being a t.v presenter for an Islamic magazine show, modesty is key and I'm fortunate enough to wear beautiful dresses made by some of Mzansi's most talented modest wear designers. One designer in particular that caught my attention was Zainab Khoele, the face behind HD or commonly known as Haya Designs.

Her style is a fusion of beautiful African prints from all over Africa with denim which is something that she loves. The designs are simple, yet elegant and can be worn for any occassion. Imagine wearing sneakers with a dress, well, with HD you can.

This is what I wore on the set of An- NUR, The Light on one lovely Friday morning :)

This print has all the earthy colours that many African women like and I must admit, it's my personal fave. Zainab will soon be featured on our 'Person to look out for', so make sure you look out for her. To view her collection Click here

Makeup by: Maureen

Hijab/scarf style: Me

Dress: Haya Designs

That's all from me for now. I'll be back soon with more awesomeness. 

Peace. Unity, Love Mwahugs

Outfit of the Day: Aatiyah Dineo Moyeni

Doing the OOTD ft. is always my favourite part of the blog, because I get to show you what modest African fashion is all about. Again, thanks to social media, I've come to know and become friends with many lovely fashionistas and showing you what they're capable of when it comes to fashion... is just an amazing feeling.

A couple of weeks ago I stumbled across this beaut and just fell in love with her style. 

I could say 'modesty' is her middle name, but wait until you see her chic African style. Allow me to introduce Aatiyah Dineo Moyeni, a fourth year B.Ed student from the University of Witwatersrand. Aatiyah fell in love with the hijab at the age of 16 and has been wearing it ever since, masha Allah. This has inspired her to write poetry as a means of communicating what Islam means to her. She loves accessories and is obsessed with long socks. :) 

Here's what she put together.

With this look, Aatiyah represents both her Islamic and African identities without compromising one. Now as you can see for yourself, these bright, bold colours are what caught my eye. 

 

High waist maxi skirts are a must-have item for all modest Muslimahs and if you don't think so, check out my OOTD ft. posts. Aatiyah got hers from downtown Jozi. She pairs the skirt with a royal blue top and a yellow hijab from her wardrobe. Accessories always completes a look and she accessorizes with a chunky bracelet and necklace which she found in her mom's car (cos mom's just know where to get the coolest stuff from). 

Skirt- downtown Jozi (Jhb CBD)

Scarf and top is from her closet

Bangle from her closet

Statement necklace- mom's rear view mirror :) 

Having your own style is what makes you 'YouNique', but you can always get some style tips from our stylish Modest Muslimahs. She has definitely inspired me to get in touch with my 'inner African Queen' and to not be afraid of colour. Good-bye blacks and navys, helloooo oranges and yellows.

That's all folks. Peace, Love and Unity, Mwahugs ;)

OOTD: Bulls baby... :D :D :D

Assalam alaykum my belles personnes (that's beautiful people in French).

It's been a while since I did a take on my OOTD... yeah I've been focusing more on my lovely and stylish friends, cos who needs to show what they're wearing when they've got friends for that right?! right! But for those of you who want to know what I wear and where I get them from, then this one is for you :D

Now I don't know about ya'll, but I'm such a sports fanatic, love watching soccer (or rather the players *wink*), basketball, athletics, swimming and wrestling. I also like sports merchandise and if I have the funds to buy myself some merch, I do. I also have this little Tomboy in me and I love my sneakers as much as I love my heels.

Someone once told me I've got 'hijabi swag' and I didn't believe it cos I didn't know what they were talking about. If I were going to watch a Bulls game, this is exactly what I would wear. Having 'swag' does not mean that you an attitude or you're this 'tough girl' or whatever. So this is me rocking that 'hijabi swag', you might wanna try it.

This is the Jordans look...

... now for the Air Max look

Found your fave? I like both looks, but the Air Max really does it for me. The Jordans makes me look bulky and short as opposed to the Maxs. Here's some more pics...

The sky is the limit

Hijabi swag

Jays on ma feet

Taking it to the top with Air Max

Le Mimz wears:

Black maxi hijab scarf

Black long sleeved vest (Lilys Fashion)

Indigo Jeans (Marco Polo)

Red Chicago Bulls jersey Number 3 (HHJ)

White Nike Air Max and White, Red and Black Jordans

Red (swagger cap)

Red framed sunglasses (Mr. Price)

Photographer: Luqman 'Luqstar Photography'. lol, just kidding, that's my lil brother, but he did a good job though.

So that's all for now and until my next blog: Peace, Love and Unity... MwaHugs :) 

Person to Look out for: Imaan Sokhela

We come across a lot of people in our lives daily. People who do amazing things, make amazing things and people who need to be exposed for who they are and what they do (in a good way of course ;-) ). One such person is Imaan Sokhela.

She is a beautiful 27 year old from sunny Kwazulu Natal. Imaan has an Honours Degree in Psychology and works for a company called Khulisa Social Solution and she hopes to get an MBA in Psychology soon in'sha Allah. I got an opportunity to interview her and this is how it went.


What is the name of your collection and when did you start?
The name of my brand is called Tapestry Accessories. I started making the accessories more than 14 years ago, but only started marketing the creations in March of 2014.

The name, Tapestry Accessories, where did you get it from?
I just understood that it's a special type of cloth... and I thought, well, why not use it?!

Why did you start making these accessories, I mean you could have done something else?Growing up as a child, I fell in love with fashion and the concept of designing things and making them from scratch. However, when it was time to choose a course to study, my mom felt that fashion or designing would never give me a steady income. While I was studying, I would make things and sell and whatever small thing I made, it would sell fast. When I make these items, I feel happy and relaxed. I don't know if I'm making sense, but designing for me is not a career, but I believe its my talent and something I'm very passionate about.

What type of resources (fabrics/materials) do you use and are they easily accessible?
For the jewelry, I use beads and wires a lot and some material. They are not easily accessible because I usually travel to cities to get material. For the bags, I use leather and it's also not easily accessible because there are very few people selling it and it's very expensive.

Seeing that you're resources are quite costly, are your pieces affordable? Who is your target market?
Yes, they are affordable. I'm targeting mostly middle class and anyone who thinks they can relate in anyway with my work.

Where do you see yourself and Tapestry Accessories in a year or two?
I see myself having accessed markets in African countries and also employing at least two people and supplying to shops. Most importantly, I see Tapestry Accessories running smoothly with a healthy cash flow in'sha Allah.

Now I know you can't wait to see some of her pieces, so... behold...

Need a funky belt to accentuate the waistline? Why not try these?

These neck pieces will turn any dull outfit into something extraordinary 

Now I don't know about you, but where have you been all my life?!
Every fashionista needs to rock African print and design.

Don't let anyone tell you that you'v got too much baggage. I need you in my life, Miss-Oh-so-stunning-smooth-leathery-chunky purse.

Well, that's all I have for you.. be sure to visit Tapestry Accessories for more of Imaan's creations. I really must get myself that body jewelry. Oh, I didn't show you? Click on the link NOW, if you want to see more.

Till my next post: peace , love and unity :) Mwahugs :)

Outfit Of The Day: Fatima Teigh Mathe

Social media has a way of bringing people of different backgrounds and from different walks of life together. One such social media platform is good ‘ol Facebook. I have to say, I’ve met many people on Facebook who either added value to my life or who just brought irritating pokes, constant Facebook calls, inbox proposals and the likes.

With all that I’ve experienced on Facebook, it’s the people that I’ve met, became friends with and shared life experiences with, that matter. One such person is the beautiful-kind-hearted-free-spirited-outspoken-stylish-muslimah, Fatima Teigh Mathe. Today’s edition of the OOTD features her and her killer modest street style. What better way to kick start the year other than with her.

This was her birthday look, inspired by the 80’s. Yeah, we looooove the 80’s fashion. The off-white vintage blouse belonged to her late aunt and so Fatima felt it was a good idea to have a piece of her memory on her special day.  Unfortunately, you can’t get that blouse, but there’s hope, you can make it.

To go with the blouse, she added an African print maxi skirt, because she (and I alike), love African print. Getting in touch with our African roots. The shoes are an heirloom, her mom strutted her stuff with these back in the 90’s and passed them on to her daughter. Again, adding a piece of family to the look. The look is completed with a cream coloured scarf and a statement necklace, cos’ who doesn’t want to make a statement on their special day.

Skirt is from town (Pretoria CBD)

Blouse (Late aunt’s wardrobe)

Shoes (Mom’s wardrobe)

Scarf (…Again, mom’s wardrobe)

Statement necklace (a flee market back in 2004)

You’ll be seeing a lot more of Fatima and her outfits on OOTD ft. so this is not the end. Hope you liked what you saw and will get an idea or two on what to wear to your special occasion. Don’t forget to check out your moms, aunts or even gran’s wardrobes, coz you never know what you might find.

Till my next blog, peace, love and unity: Mwahugs ;)

Outfit Of The Day: Maseeha Moola

I came across pics of this little cutie on my Whatsapp contacts list so I got permission from her mom to use them for todays take of 'OOTD ft'.

Her name is Maseeha Moola and believe or not, she's only 6 years old, but already making waves. She is the daughter of designer slash, cook slash, teacher slash, super mom, Fazeela Isaacs. Little Maseeha is known as the '1st Lady of Zee' to her mom. She loves talking, (so I've been told), has a keen interest in cellphones, tablets, laptops and other cool gadgets. She enjoys reading and creating her own stories.

Her look is from the 'Maseeha' range and it was inspired by her awesomeness and positive diva-like attitude. It was also an early birthday gift from her mom who slaved the night away to have it ready (Super Mom I tell you). I have never had the opportunity to meet this little miss Diva, but I will soon in'sha Allah and I know she will be everything I expect her to be and more :) (the pics tell 1000 words- so they say). Young Moola baby ;)

The colours compliments her skin tone. I must say, Mummy Zee sure knows her stuff. Ya'll can check out her work on facebook- Maseeha Clothing

That's all for now and until next time, Peace, Love and Happiness. By the way, like my facebook page, click here

MwaHugs ;)

 

My Makeup style & tips

I like makeup and for those of you who don't know me well enough, I love art/drawing/painting etc. My face is my canvas and I use to it to practice my makeup, unless I have a willing volunteer which is rarely the case. Oh sister, wherefore art thou?!

Makeup can turn an ugly duckling into a beautiful swan or a man into a woman. It can take you from drab to fab ,but if not done properly, it can make you look ghastly. I think everyone should develop their own style because what works for you, may not work for me and vice versa, but it also helps getting tips from the pros. I'm a huge fan of highlight and contour and I've watched a lot of videos tryna get tips and tricks to do it. I decided to get my gadgets and doohickeys together and practice the highlight contour on this little canvas of mine. Here are the results.

Oops, wrong pics... nope, those are supposed to be there. This is what I look like on a daily basis, face moisturizer, kajol and lipgloss and I'm good to go. If you see me walking down the road or driving around, this is the me you're gonna see, so let it sink in.

as you can see, a little, foundation, powder, eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara and lip colour goes a looong way.

Is this the same person in the first three pics? Yes it is. This is the highlight and contour I've been going on about. The tips to get a great highlight and contour are simple: get foundation in your shade, in a few shades lighter than your own and in a few shades darker than your own. It should look something like this (p.s. I'm not the person in the next pic ;))

see what I mean? :) The first and last pics tell a whole new story.
Apply the 3 different shades in the following areas (as per your face):

Follow these tips to get the highlight and contour to suit your face and play around a bit to get the look for you. I did and I'm still doing & having fun with it.
                                           Until my next post mwahugs :)