Islamic clothes for women bring out the elegance and dignity of the wearer, while remaining modest. Although Islamic clothes for women might be based on dresses from older times, they can be found in a number of styles that help to enhance the personality and elegance of Muslim women. There are number of new designs that combine contemporary fashion with traditional values. Today, Muslim women have a wide range of options to choose from when it comes to innovative designs that focus more on elegance and dignity, while being in touch with modern fashion.

The Various Types of Islamic Clothes for Women
Islamic clothes for women are diverse in nature and combine a variety of colors and styles. Here are some of the common Islamic clothes for women:

1.The Hijab: This is usually a square or rectangular piece of cloth folded and placed over the head. It is fastened under the chin and covers the head and the hair, while leaving the face open. Depending on the different types of hijab, it may even fall to just above the waist and even cover the hands. Based on the location of the person who wears it, hijabs may also be known as tarhah or shaylah.

2.The Abaya: This refers to a cloak which is worn by women over their clothing, when they are out in public, and is quite common in the Gulf countries. Generally, the abaya is made of synthetic black fiber, and is sometimes decorated with sequins or colored embroidery. It might be worn from the top of the woman’s head to the ground or worn over the shoulders. It may also be combined with a face veil or head scarf and fastened close.

3.The Jilbab: The jilbab refers to a cloak or an over garment that Muslim women wear when they are in public. In some cases, the jilbab shares some similarity with the abaya, although it is more fitted and available in a wide variety of colors and fabrics. Overall, it is quite similar in look to an overcoat.

Islamic Clothes for Women: Where to Find Them?
Usually Muslims buy their clothes from stores that cater to Islamic clothing or sew the clothes themselves or get them sewed by trusted tailors. However, the internet has now enabled Muslim women from all over the globe to shop for their clothes online. With the number of online shops for Islamic clothes for women growing, Muslim women get access to a wide range of Islamic women’s wear.

By: Alice M Shown

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Autumn’s coming up and it’s for all of us to start updating our wardrobe with some new clothes for the upcoming winter. Browsing around all the latest trends for the upcoming season and there are some really good style tips for all the women out there!

The big fashion statement for this season is the long coat trench coat or duffel coat! Last winter saw the military jacket fashion statement back in and the response saw major retailers add women’s military jackets to their Autumn Winter lines.

This fashion trend started when a lot for celebrities like Rihanna started wearing military jackets as a tribute to Michael Jackson and setup a huge following as everybody flocked to buy a military jacket. As with all fads and fashions, Military jackets are still in this season and a few more lines have been added as everybody is going for the long formal dressy trench coat/duffel coat look.

Boot cut jeans are also going to be big this season, major campaigns are including the boot cut look in their main lines; it is interesting to consider who inspired that look?

Military, ’50s and ’70s, minimalist, and androgynous are some of the styles that best characterize this season’s trends, reflecting that woman wear them for versatility.. As for women’s dresses, it would appear that the 50′s look is back in fashion. Longer tailed skirts and polka dot cute women’s dresses are going to be big this season! But it’s not only about the dresses; it’s about experimenting with different layers. Chunky knits have made a comeback this season and in some campaigns you can see these knits combined with polka dot dresses and duffel coats. It’s an odd combination but it works.

This winter is going to be all about the 1950′s /1970′s inspired look. Long trenchcoats, 50′s dresses, high waisted trousers, bootcut jeans, flare trousers and the military androgynous look. With London fashion week fast approaching, there are some previews from specific designers and the collections look amazing. The military look is going to be a big thing in winter 2010/2011. If you remember last year we had the Michael Jackson tribute military jacket going on however this year it’s more about long military trench coats. Over Knee boots are another major fashion trend for this season that can be combined with boot cut skinny fir jeans and the trench coat.

The dresses this season are influenced by the 1950s, the anticipation of all those luxury long dresses and the high waited polka dot dresses coming back is keeping fashionistas up at night. In terms of 50s fashions, the dresses back then have influenced our styles and how we dress today. Celebrities like Zooey Deschanel have helped expose the 50′s look as she always went for a 50′s / 60′s look with all the vintage outfits and dresses she wears. The fifties decade of dresses met the minimalism of the 70′s with all the long trench coats and duffle coats which are always a good combination with vintage dresses adding elegance to the overall look. It is worth keeping an eye out for London fashion week and you will notice all these trends by the best designers out there just now.

By: Sam Pollard

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Handbags are one of the most powerful accessories which help you to perk up your personality. They are not only a necessary fashion item but are very functional as well. Available in endless designs and styles, every woman ought to have a good collection of handbags which she can make use of on different occasions. Since these accessories are required on all formal and informal occasions, having a number of handbags is important for all. Although bags are available in many materials such as denim, jute etc., but the handbags in leather makes the most popular choice.

The handbags which are made from high quality leather add a very luxurious touch to your personality. Since has a very classy look, they are certainly more luring than others. Owing to this attribute of leather, designers love to experiment and come up with great leather bags of all kinds. They have an endless variety of colors and styles. You can find them in all shapes and sizes which makes them suitable for women with diverse needs.

As the choice of accessory depends on the liking and need of an individual, it is must to have lots of choices to select from. For handbags as well, one must have a number of options to choose from so that every person can find the perfect bag according to her preference and requirement. Working women need a different kind of bags while college going girls look for a different genre of handbags. In the same way, you need to have a different kind of bag for every occasion as for example, for a wedding party, you can go for a small formal purse while if you have to go a official dinner, something more elegant will be suitable.

As leather bags are available in all designs and styles, you can simply opt from this variety of bags and grab the one according to your own choice. You can get small, big or medium sized handbags in leather. Likewise, in terms of colors, they are available in all shades and hues. Each shade of leather has a look of its own kind. They are suitable for all occasions and cater for the needs of women with different requirements.

One of the major attributes of leather is its durability. Once you get a good quality leather handbag, it will prove to be faithful to you forever. It can with stand wear and tear and yet remains elegant and appealing.

By: Hamza Ejaz

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Sherwani is a symbol of rich traditional fashion with royal elegance and style. Considered a regal outfit sherwanis have always been dream attire for its admirers.

Traditionally, sherwani is a long, knee length, coat-like tunic similar to Achkan or doublet with tight-fitting collar fastened with hooks. Sherwani usually has close-fitting in the upper body and a bit flaring in its lower half. Sherwani coat is fastened in front with the help of buttons, often removable and ornamented ones.

Sherwani is generally made of heavier suiting fabrics, silk or wool with lining. It is worn over the kurta accompanied with churidar, pajama or dhoti.

The royal look of sherwani is enhanced with fine embroidery work of various embellishments like beads, sequins, stones, zari, resham, swarowski crystals work etc. on it. None other outfit can represent the manly charm with such an excellent blend of trends and tradition both when accessorized with matching stole, juti etc.

Sherwani is one of the most preferred outfits for men when it comes to show rich tradition with stylish appearance. It suits any semi-formal event and festive occasion like engagement, sangeet, wedding etc.

With changing fashion, there is a wide range of sherwani fabrics, designs and colors representing the fusion of modernity and ethnicity. There are various styles available in the market suiting to one’s budget, choice and the need of the occasion.

Most common and heard names or types of sherwanis are as below:

Wedding sherwani – Apart from groom sherwani, various styles and designs are available that suiting the needs of best men, family member or friends who are looking for stunning outfit for wedding.

Groom sherwani – The colors, fabrics, designs etc. of groom sherwani are selected very carefully suiting the dignity of the occasion. Most popular colors are red, maroon and golden as far as Indian groom sherwanis are concerned. Different types of silk and poly-silk are main fabrics for groom sherwanis.

Designer sherwani – These designer sherwanis are beautified with innovative cuts and excellent embroidery work to craft an amazing fusion of trends and tradition. The essence remains the same in these designer sherwanis just the outer appear becomes modernized.

Some facts about sherwanis

• Sherwanis for men can be categorized according to the embroidery work done on them e.g. all over embroidered or moderate embroidery work on the neck, placket and cuffs etc.

• There are various kinds of embroidery work done on sherwanis for men like kasab work, cut work, chikan work, jaal work, kantha, kashmiri work etc.

• Key embellishments include resham, zari, zardosi, gota patti, beads, stones swaroski crystals, sequins, stone, jewels work etc.
• Floral and abstract designs give a trendy look to the sherwanis for men.

• When teamed with right accessories sherwanis for men become the most appropriate outfit that one can wear at any semi-formal or festive occasions.

Definitely a well-chosen sherwani is a sure way to look stunning, stand apart, ethnic and stylish at the same time.

By: Rajni Satankar

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Prada is a name in fashion world synonymous with luxury, top fashion, elegance and nobility. Prada’s fashion journey began nearly one century ago. Insisting on the creative spirit as well as the commitment to design top fashion product, the house of Prada has become a world-renowned brand.

In 1913, Mario Prada, the founder of Prada, started his first boutique in Milan to design and sell handbags, trunks and suitcases. The products won great popularity among royal family and upper class. Thus Prada earned its high reputation and prestige soon. So Mario was dedicated to design exquisite leather accessories and waterproof handbags.

In 1978, Mario’s granddaughter, Miuccia Prada graduated from Milan’s Teatro Piccolo to take over this company. Though she hadn’t received professional training of design, we had to admit her instinct and talent in fashion design. Led by her, Prada overcame the financial problems and steered towards the world of haute couture.

After she married Patrizio Berteli, her husband began to take on the role of business manager and Miuccia concentrated on designing and perfecting the new Prada look. Prada began to widen its product range. In 1982, Prada released first women shoes; in 1988, its women’s clothes series was born while in 1993, its men’s shoes and clothing series were launched in succession. At the same time, Miuccia presented the more affordable Miu Miu line, which targeted younger costumers.

Nowadays, Prada has opened its boutiques in a great many cities and countries throughout the world. Its extraordinary fashion products have become staples for fashion aficionados and celebrities. Miuccia has been named as one of the thirty most powerful women in Europe by American Financial Newspaper and The Wall Street Journal. She changed her family business from luggage to luxury and created a fashion empire in the world.

By: Nevin Tracy

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