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 :) 

I CHEATED!!!

I cheated on my diet!
I cheated on my workouts!
I cheated! That's what I did... I cheated!

So what if I cheated? We all do right?! well, maybe not all of us, but definitely most of us. Anyway, I fell off the bandwagon, but I'm getting back up and YOU'RE gonna join me :) cos we're all in this together.

So because I didn't complete the Burpee challenge, I'm going to do it again and this time, it will be done properly, come hell or high tides.

Click here to view the burpee challenge. Also make sure that you print it out and stick it behind your door or on your wall or wherever you will be able to see it and make use of it.
 In Bradley Martyn's wise words "Getting better together!"

Oh oops... what's that?! I just thought I'd share a pic (or two) of Bradley Martyn

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 ;)

Happy New year

This is my first post of 2015 ('',), yippeee

Assalamu alaykum/Peace be upon you
Hello again to all you awesome people. I'd like to start off by thanking everyone for the support shown last year. I started the blog mid-October and I've gained over 1000 views and it's all thanks to YOU. Writing has always been a passion of mine and hence, I have decided to use this passion to the best of my ability. Whether it will change your life for the better, or just add some finesse, I'm glad to be of help.

This new year will bring lots of new things to the world of Le Mimz and I want to share it all with you. In fact, the year got off to a good start when I found out I had been chosen to be a TV presenter for an Islamic Magazine show, An-NUR, The Light. The first episode of the new season will air on the 17/01/2015 so you better make sure you don't miss it.

I can't wait to share more fashion and beauty tips with ya'll and also more OOTD ft my oh-so-stylish friends. Oh yeah, ya'll need to eat too, so you can also expect more recipes... in fact, just expect more of everything.

I wish everyone a prosperous new year. Make it happen and make it big. Remember 2014 was and 2015 will be.

***till my next blog

mwahugs***

SUMMER: EXPECTATION vs REALITY

Summer starts when December starts, because before that, it's November and still spring. You know it's summer when you leave the windows open at night and have some rather 'expected' visitors (mosquitoes). You know it's summer, when you see short shorts on women... and men. You know it's summer, when it's officially no work or school =) and all play :D

With the promise of summer comes great expectations; sunshine, freedom, relaxation, and endless days to make lotsa memories. You and your bff's spend weeks (even months) planning out all your amazing summer plans, but let's face it, all those parties, outings and adventures, don't really go as planned. All is not lost, however because sometimes it's the unplanned events that make the best memories. With summer, comes great expectations, but also a painful reality. Behold:

EXPECTATION: Planning an awesome summer vacation

REALITY: Just chilling at home, complaining about how bored you are, how hot it is and what you gonna next summer.

How often does the above happen? I'll say almost ALL THE TIME. We plan and prepare, but when the time comes to execute the plan, things just never fall into place.

EXPECTATION: Chilling at the beach, basking in the sun, enjoying the cool drinks and light summer breeze.

REALITY: Binge watching those series you missed all year round in your hot room and a coupler snacks here and there. It's okay, but just don't overdo it, cos, I mean really?! Everyday and night? No!

EXPECTATION: Sleeping in summer has never been a breeze, especially if you don't have an aircon or fan. You expect to sleep like sleeping beauty, but...

REALITY: ... you end up sleeping like this...

EXPECTATION: You're finally gonna get to go to the beach, yaaaay totes exciting. You expect to find the beach like this... of course it will be right? I'm sure everyone else is going elsewhere?!

REALITY: ...no, everyone is NOT going elsewhere. Sadly, they're going where you're going and the beach is one place you have to share. Go early to find a nice chilling spot. Or perhaps you might find someone willing to share their space with you and you might just get a new bff, romance or bromance :)

Whatever you're planning on doing this summer or wherever you plan on going, do it safely.

• Tell someone that you are going out and what time you expect to return
• Try to vary your route and schedule as much as possible
• Avoid heading out at dusk or at night
• Avoid non-savoury areas
• It is advisable not to listen to music while out as you may not hear an approaching car, truck, suspect or even a dog
• Wear bright reflective clothing at all times – a simple reflector on your shoes will not suffice
• Carry some form of identification
• Carry your mobile phone with you
• Carry small change in case of an emergency 

Have a lovely summer vacation, stay safe and don't anything I wouldn't do :) ;)

Till my next blog... toodles :)