ABW Fashion Blog | 2021 New Year's Resolutions

By: A Blessed Wardrobe Team

Photography by Maha Studios

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A Reflection on 2020

The most historic year to take place. Our lives have been drastically changed from being isolated over months at a time, to the lack of socializing during important events and even the inability to eat indoors at a restaurant. We’ve learned a lot from 2020, but the message we've been taught the most is to appreciate what you already have, not just your dreams. It’s all about the finer details of life.

Going forward, 2021 Outlook:

1.   How has your sense of fashion changed?

Afrah: My pivotal point in fashion happened during college. Before then, I was used to wearing a uniform to school. I have experimented with colors, patterns, and textures. Some days I looked great and then there were days where I looked like a hot mess. From this, I learned that I seek comfort in any fashion trend. I love how fashion can be customized to your liking and style. Today, I lean towards a minimal and neutral color palette with texture. I love earrings, hence, accessories are an important part of my wardrobe.

Hiba: Over the years my fashion sense has changed as I hit different milestones in life from college life to entering a professional work environment. The one thing that was constant throughout those years was that the more was better but in 2020 my fashion sense took a 180 turn. Now my mindset is the less the better, where I choose basics and dress it up rather than going all out. Instead of wearing flashy colors & bold makeup, I wear neutrals and stick with minimal makeup.

Mariam: I’ve always had my eye on timeless pieces, but I was very engaged with fast fashion as well. 2020 has enabled me to witness trendy purchases go to waste just within months, simply because I did not get the opportunity to wear them. I’m now fond of fashion pieces that are flattering for any body type. My weight has drastically changed from a small bump to full delivery, and now postpartum. I find it difficult and unsustainable to keep up with a wardrobe that only flatters a specific body type. Today, I like wearing minimal fitting pieces that are quality, sustainable, and more fashionable for daily wear.

2.    If you knew 2020 was coming, what would you have done differently?

Afrah: From a personal standpoint, I would’ve done a self-audit. Meaning, reflect on who I really am versus how the world perceives me. The pandemic has taught me to think consciously and mindfully. In addition, I would’ve spent more time connecting emotionally with the people who are close to me. I can’t verbalize how much joy a simple text from a loved one can bring who you haven’t seen in months and the sadness/ pain of passed one loved ones during covid-19. In addition, leave higher tips at restaurants, spend less on things that serve no purpose, and actively look for ways to help those around us. Lastly, invest in virtual learning. Meaning, there are so many courses, platforms, certifications, podcasts, and more that can enhance or add to your skillset.

Hiba: If I knew 2020 was coming and affect us the way it has, I would have traveled instead of postponing it to this year. I would have visited my only living grandparent in Pakistan if I knew how coronavirus would take over our lives and confine us in our own personal bubble. I would spend more time with my close friends & family.

Mariam: I would’ve thrown a party! I didn’t appreciate the beauty in gatherings and socializing at events, as much as I do now. I miss the laughter, sarcasm, moreover facial expressions that you can only truly understand in person. As well as I would have taken my family more often to more resourceful places such as museums, aquariums, and of course travel. The experience and education we gain cannot be learned anywhere else.

3.    Going forward in 2021, what will you do differently?

Afrah: Be more grateful. This pandemic has shown the impact of teamwork, togetherness, and humanity. Also, I rediscovered my passion for art. I used to crochet (I know I am a millennial grandma lol) occasionally but now I have made it an ongoing habit of taking small breaks throughout the day to practice the craft. Some days are better than others. I’ve also started to experiment with other art forms like drawing mandalas (a work in progress). Lastly, I’ve reconnected with my interest in reading books. Nothing like disconnecting from the world and getting lost in a good book.

Hiba: This year has given us all a lot to think about and reevaluate our lives. During this time, I started to spend a chunk of my time carrying out my passion in art. I have been kept busy with other responsibilities and plans but going forward I will be sure to make time for my passion. Art is my get away from the rest of the world, where I get to focus on just doing what I enjoy doing which brings peace to my mind.

Mariam: Be more present. Being isolated for so long and looking to screens for our sense of entertainment or socialization, I appreciate every moment I can get by interacting with others in person and I put my phone away. I’ll be picky with what consumes my time. We were on a busy schedule prior to the pandemic, it basically felt like we were working non-stop like machines rather than taking the time to enjoy what matters most. Most importantly, I’ll prioritize myself. It’s not about pleasing others or concerned about how it may appear, it’s about doing what makes you happy and if it’s good for you, the rest will fall into place.

What are your New Year’s resolutions? How have you changed for the better? What are you looking forward to?

ABW Fashion Blog | 5 Takeaways of Virtual Fashion Shows

BY: AFRAH HUSSAIN

Photography by Maha Studios

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Virtual Fashion Shows

There is no doubt that our reality today is mostly spent indoors, limited time outdoors, and not to mention….no mask breaks. Our new normal has pushed our creative abilities to another level. Within the fashion realm, fashion shows are not canceled or postponed this year. They are very much so happening but virtually. We have heard of virtual conferences but a virtual fashion show? Our curiosity led us to an expedition of learning more about this. Here are our X takeaways in hosting a virtual fashion show.

5 Takeaways:

1.    Invest in a virtual platform

Think of the event as a big, virtual conference call. You’ll need a platform, such as Zoom, to broadcast your event. Our recommendation is to make sure your membership plan with the platform has the desired attendance capacity of your guests. The goal is to utilize a platform where screens can be shared and participants can communicate with one another. Even doing a trial run a couple of days prior to the event with your planning committee will keep the nerves low and ensure a successful event.

2.    Pre-record the runway

Quality guaranteed. Conducting a live virtual fashion show could be tricky because the quality of the outfits, accessories, etc. can look skewed/ blurry on a computer screen. Designers invest a lot of energy, hard work, creativity, and passion into creating their collections and they deserve the spotlight to be seen. Hence, we learned that a viable option is to record the whole fashion show beforehand into a 50 to 90 min video, almost like a movie. Then play that movie on your virtual platform. The quality will be there thus promoting your and the designers’ brand awareness.

Personalized vision. During an in-person fashion show, the general format is done by announcing the designer and then showcasing the collection. The same could be done for the recorded video by editing the designers’ names before their collection. Another idea is to organize the runway by themes like Street Smart, Night in Paris, Everyday Wear, etc. The sky is the limit!

 Convenience. An added bonus is that you don’t need an actual venue for a runway, it could even be filmed anywhere outdoors/ indoors. Bouncing off ideas with your videography team is key here.

3.    Auctions

Live and silent auctions are eye-catchers at any fashion show. It is another opportunity for an artist or business to showcase their talents. A pandemic alternative is to upload a gallery of pictures (with details) of the items onto your event page about a week before the event. By doing so, guests will have a chance to have a look beforehand so that they’re not side tracked on the day of the show.

4.    Project Management tools

Changes are happening constantly around us. Along with the many moving parts in organizing a fashion, it is important to stay on top of things like customer management and vendor communications. There are a plethora of project management tools available, choose one that works best with your team. It could even be an excel sheet with multiple tabs. Always remember, teamwork makes dreams work.

5. Building a green future

Lastly, a virtual fashion show has an environmental impact as well. Apart from slowing the spread of covid-19, it is also helping in creating a sustainable environment. The amount of waste, paper, and plastic used, fuel consumption is being saved. You can still watch a great show from the comfort of your own home.

What else would you add to our list? Let us know in the comments below! We’re curious.

ABW Blog | 5 Ways to Empower Women

BY: MARIAM SHIBLY

Photography by Maha Studios

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Women Empowerment

The beauty of our individuality lies within our strengths and weaknesses. They define us. Who we were, who we’d like to become, makes who we are. There is so much to us that you can’t find a single soul that’s identical inside and out. It is our unique individuality that can transform visions into desired actions and outcomes. This is why there is so much power within women empowerment.

There are many ways to interpret women empowerment. To us, empowerment is a process. Patriarchal society has ingrained that there can be only one woman who is the prettiest, the smartest, the sweetest, essentially the best at everything. And we know this is not true. We strive for a false reality and compete with each other for perfection. The truth is we’re stronger in numbers. The more we support each other, the more we’ll thrive. The less pressure we place on ourselves on being perfect or “the best”, the more we’ll be able to focus on what actually makes us happy, and happiness is the key to life.

5 ways TO Empower Women:

1.    Compliment One Another

We can often let ourselves grow and be free of the pressure, by praising each other’s strengths rather than calling out our weaknesses. Rather than tearing each other apart as society has taught us, we can be stronger through sharing our strengths. Complimenting one does not make you any less, it makes you both more than what you are now—it encourages confidence and growth.

2.    Support Each Other

Women-owned businesses and women-operated businesses, prove to the world and our patriarchal society that we are equals and we can all be successful. Be a part of this movement by supporting each other’s businesses, hobbies, and actions whether it’s through purchasing products, engaging, or spreading the word. We want to see each other succeed, we want women to succeed. Success enhances our power.

3.    Give Credit

We strive to be innovative and creative, as each individual does on earth allowing there to be plenty of room for inspiration. Rather than wanting to be the source of inspo, we should allow ourselves to credit the sources as well. No one owns anything in this world, every idea is another idea bouncing off from conversations, concepts, products, books, blogs, and more. It’s okay to credit the inspiration, whether it’s one source or many, it allows us to be creative freely without the unnecessary concern or threat of  “stealing” but more of “inspiring”.

4.    Have Her Back

As we grow stronger together, traditional mindsets and patriarchal society standards may try to deteriorate our efforts by posing us against one another. Whether it’s intentional or unintentional, stand by each other because standing up for one another is essentially standing up for yourself and for the future of women. Don’t allow them to tear us apart. Hide each other’s flaws and shine through each other’s strengths. Through numbers, we become united as one.

5. Tell the Women in Your Life You Care

We often assume our love explains itself and fail to communicate how much we mean to each other. A simple gesture can make a meaningful path in one another’s relationships. It can open, mend and encourage more in a relationship. It is an everlasting effect.

What’s amazing about uplifting one another, supporting each other, and having each other’s backs— not only does it make each other stronger, but also enables your growth. 

Be happy for yourself and each other. Practice and implement these methods to free yourself from needing to be “the only one” and empower women in being stronger and better together. 

ABW Fashion Blog | 5 Socially Distant Ways to Spread Fashion

BY: AFRAH HUSSAIN

Photography by Maha Studios

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Being Realistic:

Collectively, we all can agree that the pandemic has affected us to some degree. Spending a copious amount of time indoors and practicing precautionary measures outdoors is exhausting. The silver lining amidst the “new norm” is that we can all still be fashionably forward. A simple rule of thumb to a fierce outfit is to go shopping in your closet! A dash of inspiration, sprinkle of creativity along with the pieces (clothing and accessories) you currently own is an ideal foundation. In addition, below are 5 ways to jazz up your style that are sustainable and preserve ecological integrity

5 Sustainable and Preservative Ways to Spread Fashion:

1.    Slow Fashion

We encourage in Investing in a piece that will last a while. Think quality over quantity. When browsing for pieces (clothing, accessories, etc.) take some time and visualize at least 3 outfits of yourself wearing it with the items you already have. If you can’t come up with an outfit, don’t buy it. In stores (post-covid19), try on the piece, take pictures. Light hits differently in pictures versus in real life. A certain color palette that looks good to the eye may look atrocious in pictures (A big no-no).

2.    Go Vintage

By vintage, we mean pieces from previous eras not pre-COVID. We all have the creative ability in putting pieces together. It depends on what you like. There is no right or wrong in styling vintage pieces. If you have never explored vintage, invest in something small, like a purse or bracelet, and play around with that.  A classic vintage piece can be pricey but there less expensive pieces available that can be a dealbreaker. We recommend doing a little bit of research to find stores within your area. They do exist!

3.    Upcycle

To the extent the life of your existing clothing, a possible idea is to upcycle; transforming existing products to cut down on waste. Perhaps a maxi dress that you’ve had for years can be cut down to a midi dress or a skirt. To our South Asian readers, swap your flats for khussas to add a unique touch. Another creative idea is to tailor your existing pieces for a fresh facelift.

4.    Know Yourself

Before making any purchase, ask yourself “Am I really going to wear this piece worthy enough to buy?”  We are all human after all and are attracted to a sale or a new collection drop. There’s nothing wrong with that. It is important, to make a conscious effort in following your intuition not what others are doing. Comfort over everything. Set your own fashion trend!

5. Minimalism

Simplicity is the key word here. Less is more. An innovative approach to a conscious closet is to try minimalism. You’d be surprised how much you can work with a small closet.

 Have any other ideas to add to our list? Let us know! We’d love to hear from you!

ABW Fashion Blog | Sponsor Feature: Sayran

We are honored to have the best sponsors be apart of A Blessed Wardrobe (ABW) productions.

Why did we choose Sayran to be our sponsor? Here’s what you need to know about Sayran:

Q) What does your company do? How has your journey been thus far?

SAYRAN is a jewelry line designed to create pieces tied to cultural roots, specifically from the SWANA region. I am a Kurdish woman, born and raised in the diaspora, and growing up I didn’t have imagery and tangible pieces to buy in a western market that made me feel seen. So far my journey has been something I am grateful for, I have been able to grow and heal through my work and have met so many inspiring women from the black and brown communities who appreciate my work for the reasons why I had initially started my line to begin with.

Q) What inspired you? What is your “why”?

My Kurdish roots are my number one inspiration. My jewelry is symbolic of those roots on top of drawing inspiration from many cultures and countries in the entire SWANA region. There is so much beauty and history in the region of my roots and I strive to highlight that beauty and bring positive awareness to that part of the world.

Q) What differentiates you from your competitors? What are some challenges that your consumers are facing right now and that you can help with?

To be honest I am trying to eliminate the concept of competing with other brands/companies. I find it to be unhealthy more than anything else. I only compete with myself, in regards to coming up with new concepts and ideas for my brand’s growth. You also eventually come to the realization that although people may be doing the same things, the vision is always unique if it’s true. There’s only one of each brain on the planet and so your ideas and the execution of those ideas is uniquely your own.

Q) How was your experience collaborating with ABW? How else do you practice charity?

I was beyond thrilled to collaborate with ABW and be a little part of the good work they are doing, much love and respect for them, and everything that they do. Practicing charity and giving back to important causes is a part of my brand and I try to do it as often as possible. A few months ago, for example, I was able to raise a good amount of money in a short amount of time to send to the Kurdish Red Crescent on the ground in Rojava (Northern Syria). I created a limited run of earrings and 100% of the sales went directly to the charity. In March I will also be vending at The Arab Conference at Harvard and will be donating 100% of proceeds to Drop Earrings Not Bombs, A Syrian refugee group of women making jewelry as well as to SEEFAR, the Kurdish Migrant Project. It’s both important and necessary to give back to our communities however we can, and will always be an important aspect of what I am doing.

Q) Who is your current favorite accessory?

Hardest question ever (haha). I have loved accessories since I was a little kid. I tell people that if you ever catch me out and about and have no jewelry on then I must be going through something/or having a bad day. Currently, I am back to being obsessed with chain layering around my neck and I love, love a good sunglasses chain.

Sayran, Founder & Designer of SAYRAN

The SAYRAN Collection

ABW Fashion Blog | How to Be: Fashionably Confident

BY: HIBA CHAUDHRY

Photography by Maha Studios

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What is Self-Confidence?

Self-confidence is one’s trust in themselves, one’s abilities, one’s judgment, one’s identity. Self-confidence can be built with positive comments or damaged with negative comments. If one is confident in their own abilities and judgment, they will turn the negative comments into a critique. On the other hand, if one is doubting their own abilities and judgment, then one may take personal offense to the negative comment, which can lead to damaging their confidence and self-esteem. Self-confidence is simultaneously your shield and your drive.

5 Ways to Boost Self-Confidence:

1.    Do not compare yourself to others

Whether comparing your career, status, your social media following, or even your physical appearance, a comparison is not healthy. Once you start comparing yourself to others you ultimately start to envy them which starts to make you feel worse about yourself. When you do not compare yourself to others you inevitably feel better about yourself in every aspect.   The only comparison should be to yourself. By focusing on yourself, you will improve yourself and ultimately become the person you want to be.

2.    Take care of your health

It is very important to take care of your body by staying hydrated, getting the proper amount of sleep, eating a balanced meal, and staying active. There have been several studies showing a direct correlation between self-care and self-confidence, the more we take care of ourselves the more our self-confidence boosts. When we start to make our bodies happy, we start loving the efforts as well and continuously strive to make ourselves happy. 

3.    Exercise self-compassion

Often when we fail to accomplish something, make a mistake, or experience a setback we tend to blame ourselves. As it has been said we are our harshest critics which is not good for our self-confidence. Everyone makes mistakes and has setbacks, but we need to cut some slack on ourselves. We should not use negativity when we fail because no one is perfect, the best that we can do is learn from our mistakes and build from positive feedback so that we can accomplish our goals.

4.    Accept self-doubt

We tend to believe that we need to be 100% confident in order to complete a task. Confidence is gained by doing the exact thing we may think we are unable to do, thus challenging ourselves and promoting self-growth. The key to growing is believing in yourself by making the effort and stepping out of your comfort zone. A familiar example we’ve all experienced is studying for our exams. Countless hours spent learning the material,  yet we review until we are about to start the exam. We doubt ourselves that we haven’t studied enough (although we have) and go the extra step in wanting to learn more. Knowledge is power. In conclusion, the more we push ourselves the more we can grow.

5. Dress to impress—yourself

The way we dress is very important.  If we fail to make the effort in dressing ourselves, it’ll be less likely that we will make the effort in achieving our tasks. Whereas, if you dress up in clothes you feel comfortable and confidant in, it will boost your self-confidence. Do not dress to impress others because it may not be your style. Dress to impress YOURSELF. Fashion is what works for you, not what works for everyone else. Everyone has their own trend, their own outfits, and styles that work for them. Only you know what pieces empower you! When you embrace that, it elevates your self-confidence.

Inhale Positive, Exhale Negative

Self-Confidence is to trust yourself, to know that only you can build it and only you can let it break. It is crucial to focus on yourself to be able to build self-confidence and no one else can do it for you. Yes, others can impact it, but only if you allow them to. Embrace the positive comments and transform the negative. Boost your self-confidence, be at peace of mind, and make yourself happy.

ABW Fashion Blog | How to Be: Fashionably Charitable

BY: AFRAH HUSSAIN

Photography by Maha Studios

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Charity - A Purpose

Charity is a means to lend a hand in need, support those around you, and spread humanity in general. Charity is a humble act of kindness. We usually associate a monetary value to the word ‘charity’, on the contrary, it is also the actions taken to help those around you. Paying for coffee for the car behind you at a coffee shop, smiling at someone, donating your time, sharing words of positivity – all of these are act of kindness. This sounds great and in reality looks good but what is the purpose? Why do we do charity?

4 Reasons To Practice Giving 

Any effort we put into our lives is an investment for our future. Meaning, if today we help someone then one day that help will come around to us when we need it. When you choose to give, you may not even realize how much of an impact you’ve had on the person/project. 4 reasons to give:

1. Gratitude – A thankful heart 

Giving gives you an opportunity to be thankful for the things you have now. Life is busy and it is good reminder to always be thankful regardless of the situation. Your act would also inspire others in doing the same and promote happiness.  

2.    Empowerment – Creating a change 

This is a two way benefit for the giver and the receiver. We’ve mentioned that giving can be done with finances, time, and actions. It is also empowering to feel that your contribution (doesn’t matter big or small) is making someone else’s life better. The receiver, on the other hand, rests assured that they are not alone in this big yet small world. We all here for each other, we are humans. 

3.    Paying it forward – A Cycle 

Charity is a concept of ‘paying it forward’, meaning delivering a helpful gesture to  someone and in return they help someone else – the cycle continues. The important idea is to keep the cycle going while modeling the way for our future generation. Be an inspiration. Create a legacy.  

4.    Teamwork - #DreamTeam 

Charity doesn’t have to be a one man show. A collective effort of contributing towards a project or cause yields big results, thus, providing the opportunity to experience and be inspired. Teamwork makes dream work, why not make it creative?

Lights! Camera! Action!

Welcome to the world of fashion. A platform to experiment different styles, be inspired by others styles, all while having fun with it and discovering your unique fashion sense along the way. Fashion is fluid. It’s a representation of your personality and comfort. Fashion shows such as New York Fashion Week are productions that are looked forward to by fashion enthusiasts. Similar to a charity project, fashion shows involve: collaborative teamwork, hard work, extensive communication, passion, and drive to deliver a splendid show.

Fashion x Charity

People get bored easily. To keep the cycle of giving going, creativity is key. One way to give back to our communities is via fashion. A commonality between charity and fashion is the teamwork involved working for a common goal. Fashion shows, like A Blessed Wardrobe, attract many individuals that not only like fashion but their presence is a contribution towards helping those in need. Hosting a production doesn’t have to be on a large scale. The idea is to help. Every contribution, every effort, every participation helps in making the lives of the less fortunate brighter.

Local Involvement = Big Change

A Blessed Wardrobe hosts a smaller fashion production working with local vendors providing an opportunity to for them to expand their businesses and for all of us to practice charity. Under one roof, individuals get to experience:

• The immense growing talent in our communities.

Ethnic and fusion fashion brands for both males and females, delicious indulgences by our food vendors, the latest in jewelry, and modest fashion. We are always on the hunt for discovering more brands.

• A full fashion runway

Voluntary models from our community helping designers showcase their latest collections.

• Silent Auction 

Generous donations from various vendors to help towards our charitable cause. 

• Entertainment 

Putting the spotlight on local artists showcasing their unique talent.

Charity starts from within our inner core, caring about those around us. A spark to make a change along with a little creativity, dynamite team, and a dash of patience are the keys in making a difference.