Floral Print Standing Strong

I'm always hesitant towards wearing prints, especially floral print. Most of my clothes don't consist of any, but I do like to step out of my comfort zone, so here's one of my favorite prints that worked out really well. 

Top: I got this versatile high-low floral top from The Liverpool Boutique. It's really comfortable and can be casually worn over jeans or make it dressy, and rock it over tights. Be sure to mention MARIAMSHIBLY15 for 15% off your purchase! 

Bottom: Because the print has so much going on and New Zealand isn’t too big on fashion unless it’s active wear, I stuck with the basics and wore my ripped at the knee dark Zara jeans. I went conservative on my style for the top just so that I wouldn’t looked too decked out to the locals, however, I would love to pair this top with some cool printed tights. I’ll try it out some day and show you guys! 

Shoes: I got these blush pink suede shoes from Forever 21. It only took me one look to fall in love with them. It’s really the color and the unique style that drew me in. Yay for Forever 21! 

Goodbye Winter

Although winter is not officially over yet, I am ready to say goodbye. After being snowed in, I really felt imprisoned. All plans were canceled and we were cooped up in the house for just two days. Yes only two days and it felt like ages. On that note Saturday was the first day out for many and it looked like rush hour everywhere, how exciting. So here is my au revoir for winter and my last winter look for this season. Anyone else with me? 

Top: I recently bought this grey sweater top on sale from Zara. I love the rugged look and nothing looks more badass in the winter than fringes in cuts in a nice warm sweater. I added a skinny belt to give a better silhouette. With the top, if you’re looking for a more casual and good girl vibe— anything will go with it. White pants, jeans, or make it more fun and do ripped jeans. I love how versatile it is.  

Bottoms: I got these black faux leather leggings from Forever 21 ages ago. They give the look of leather, but aren’t actually. They’re a lighter material and quite frankly, much cheaper. I wanted to complete the bad ass look with the top and felt this would put the cherry on top. 

Jewelry: I love these quilted button studs from Zara and just got it recently so they should still be in store. They’re so cute and sophisticated. They are the trendy and modern version of my grandma’s earrings, which I’m totally feeling this winter. 

Shoes: I’m rocking my usual reliable pointy trendy boots by BCBG Generation. They make every look so chic.  

Purse: One of my ultimate investments, single flap caviar leather Chanel bag. It’s durable, effortless and timeless, why wouldn’t you get one?  

The Tourist Outfit in New Zealand

Vacations are when my favorite looks come out. Since New Zealand was adventure packed for us, I spent most of my time wearing active wear (cute active wear of course) and there were a few days I actually dressed up. This was the first day, as soon as we landed I got all cute in my tourist outfit ready to explore Auckland. You know that feeling I'm talking about, all that built up energy excited to wander?

Outfit: I got this amazing grey heavy cotton jumpsuit outfit from Zara on sale. It's super comfortable and I actually got pretty hot in it seeing that its New Zealand summers, so I'm assuming it'll be awesome to wear in the fall. This jumper hangs off whatever it can find, so I wouldn't say it's the most flattering jumpsuit, but it's very easy to dress up.

Hat: I got this cute top hat from H&M a while ago. It really makes my casual outfit spiffy and was the perfect way to block out that Auckland sun. 

Sandals: I got these bright red sandals by Report from Nordstrom Rack. Adding color in your accessories to any sober outfit will really help bring in your outfit together so you don't look washed out. 

The Modest Dress - The Noor Couture x Rouge by Rooj Amir Sponsored

I love time off -- whether we celebrate the actual holiday or not, just the fact that we get time off it puts everyone in such a good mood, and we all look forward to spending time with family and friends. Cherish these moments together, let go of your grudges and enjoy the time together because you never know who will be taken away from you at any moment. It's sad, but it's the truth--this life is temporary. So eat up, love each other and have fun!

Photo taken by Sara Attar

Top: I am wearing the new modest and professional dress elegantly made by Noor Couture. Ladies, it's tough finding a modest dress that you could wear to work without compromising your boundaries and this dress is perfect. It comes in many colors and the fabric is perfect (the Spring line dress will be available in March). I love the way it sits on the right parts about you to create a flattering look. Mention MARIAMSHIBLY15 for 15% off your order. The designer, Noor, is such a sweetheart and takes time to travel around the world to find the perfect fabric to ensure our professional women look great everyday in their careers. 

Jewelry: I am wearing multi-colored druzy turkish jewelry made by the sweet Rouge by Rooj Amir. These gems sparkle at every angle and perfectly glam your outfit without overdoing it. The earrings are my personal favorite--they're so cute and are perfect to wear on a daily basis or for special occasions.  Be sure to mention MARIAMSHIBLY10 for 10% off your purchase. I have to add, working with Rooj by Rooj Amir has been such a great pleasure, she truly works very hard and does what she can to make her clients happy. 

Photo taken by Sara Attar

Photo taken by Sara Attar

Photo taken by Sara Attar

Chicago Creators 2018

It’s one thing to stick to what you’re good at and continue improving, but what really helps you grow is stepping out of your comfort zone. Sure as a blogger, I have a million things I am constantly working on, but it’s even better to be well rounded. I had the pleasure to be a part of Chicago Creators and to finally learn how to use my dad’s old camera on MANUAL mode, yes not those presets that just make the shot look alright—I can actually manipulate the settings. It’s so exciting! I learned from the best, all thanks to the mad talented group of Chicago Creators. By no means did I take the shots below of myself, but if you are interested to see what I learned that day, scroll to the bottom. 

Shot by iKhan Photography

Coat: I got this badass yellow jacket from none other the European version of Target—Tesco! In Ireland, I had to do some emergency winter coat shopping and that’s when I picked this baby up. It was only 70 Euros too. I love this coat, not only does it look great, but it’s functional. It has warm fur in the perfect spots to keep me cozy. Thank you Tesco for coming through. 

Top: I got the white knit turtleneck from H&M. You’ve already seen this top from the The Classic Coat post and as you can see it’s quite versatile. I pray that it lasts forever in my closet. 

Jeans: I love my high waisted skinny jeans from Forever 21. Especially the silver buttons right at the waist band, it brings a classic retro look, which I’m all about these days.

Specs:  These round yellow shades are my favorite pickup from Asos. They're spiffy with every look and not to mention, it's so much fun seeing the world in a brighter perspective. 

Shoes: This was my first time wearing my olive suede Blondos and I absolutely loveeeed them. I walked all over the city in these for about four hours and they stayed comfortable. The suede is already treated and water-proof, which is exactly what you need if you live in Chicago.   

Photography by Ahmed Amodi

Shot by iKhan Photography

First off, thanks for scrolling to the bottom— it means a lot. Second off, this is my first time trying to shoot on manual setting so please be kind. Enjoy! 

NYE 2018

Happy New Years! I know we’re all still recovering from the holidays and trying to buy time to implement our New Years resolution... but 2018 is here! We have to conscientiously think about our resolutions and actually implement them. Research says it takes about 3 weeks for a habit to kick in, so keep at it and good luck! (I know I’ll need it ).  

Top: Pearls are the stone of the season. I got this versatile top from my shopping trip in Pakistan by Cross Stitch. The gentle tulle sleeves and pearls all over are my favorite parts about this top. You’ll be seeing me wearing this top sometime again, because it'll look great with Western clothes too. 

Bottom: I got the cigarette black pants with light fringes at the bottom by Cross Stitch from Pakistan as well. Every girl needs a pair of the latest pants in basic colors so that you can pair them with any top--it comes in clutch.

Clutch: This is one of my favorite purses. I love the fact that there’s different sizes of pearls beaded all over it and it makes every outfit cuter. Unfortunately there is no brand name; I bought it off of a pop up shop on a cruise. 

Shoes: Pointy toed black suede shoes laced up by the one and only Aquazzura. Comfortable and they always make look stunning.  

Rock and Roll in the Windy City

Happy Friday! I’d like to enhance my blog a little bit by helping you and I become better people.  The act of giving awakens your spirituality and allows you to just let go. Even with baby steps we’ll head towards developing good habits. It doesn’t have to be something of monetary value, it can be as little as making other feels happy by smiling. So for today, I hope you can donate as many as smiles as you can. Cheers xx

Top: I love being cozy especially in the winter. You know the soft and comfy material you can just fall asleep in? Well that’s my uniform for this season. I got this awesome sweater dress (a while back) from Forever 21 and it keeps me verrry warm. To make it seem like I’m not going out in my pjs, I added my favorite leather jacket from Zara.  

Bottoms: in Chicago you need to learn how to be out and not be disguised as an Eskimo. It’s quite a challenge to be honest, but by layering on my tops and with my fleece leggings from Amazon. I am set for a night out in the city.

Shoes: Wearing heels in the winter AND in the city, can be a bit of a joke. I love dressing warm and being able to walk comfortably for an endless amount of time. I got my leather black high tops by Prada a couple years ago and they’re still in impeccable condition. 

The Black Top

I wore this beauty at my first ever charitable fashion show for Chicago’s Muslim community, A Blessed Wardrobe for Syria. You know how everyone tries not to wear a unique top more than once? I don’t follow that rule often, furthermore, I like to break the rules for my favorites. 

Photography by Ashton Alexander

Top: I love this elegant black top made by SubeenaZ. It has the perfect amount of silver embellishments and a graceful high-low cut to flatter your figure. Clearly it is too beautiful to be worn once, so here I am showing it off again. I love working with SubeenaZ, she is so kind and generous, and the best part is that she is a designer that gives you her best.

Bottom: Straight pants with a little funk are the current trend in Pakistan and although I’m all for class, I’m totally having fun with this trend. I bought these pants from a no name shop in the Gulf Bazaar. It has beautiful black embroidery and black thread tassels outlining the top of all the work. It’s fun to wear and spices up your outfit.  

Jewelry: I am wearing the sparkling silver Zirconia hand ring with rhodium vermeil by Mahrukh Akuly Jewelry. This ring is so captivating and brings the ultimate elegance all the way to your fingertips. I’m obsessed with it. Mahrukh Akuly Jewelry has been around ever since I grew up, she's such a sweetheart and you can always count on her to find you quality jewels. 

Shoes: A personal luxury investment into Christian Louboutins Debout Clear Heels. These aren’t the most comfortable shoes, but they absolutely look amazing on your feet.  

Purse: My favorite personal luxury investment that I non-stop use, single flap caviar leather Chanel purse.  

Photography by Ashton Alexander

Photography by Ashton Alexander

The Classic Coat

I love floor length cardigans and coats. It's impossible to have enough. With that being said, you'll be seeing plenty more in my posts for this season because this is my favorite look!

Top: I love my oversized white turtle neck from H&M. I used to dread wearing these as a child because of how they stuck to you, but as an adult I've grown to really like them. Ever since I became a mom, wearing super fitted clothes are my least favorite. This turtle neck is loose fitting, yet it has the right cuts to not make you look like an oversized giant. On top of my turtle neck, I'm wearing this amazing beige floor length coat that I bought at ISNA. Unfortunately there is no tag for me to refer to, but they're a fashion group in Indiana so if anyone knows who I might be referring to please comment in the below. I would appreciate it--and just to reiterate, I love this coat so much; it creates a very professional look. 

Bottom: I'm wearing my favorite dark ripped jeans from Zara. I wear them too much, but they're stretch fit so very comfortable to wear and ripped jeans are always trending for me. 

Watch: I'm wearing my new favorite Cluse watch, which was designed by my favorite vlogger Negin Mirsalehi. It is such an adorable watch and comes with two straps - one rose gold steel strap that goes with any outfit and an old Italian leather in my favorite tone of pink!

Shoes: BCBG Generation black suede booties that I bought a couple years back (I found some similar ones here). I love short heels in boots, you never know when that random patch of ice can pop up and you can go flying. 

Purse: Chanel single flap caviar leather purse -- my favorite luxury investment. 

The Mustard Sweater Staple

I love mustard yellow and I feel like most people don’t give it a chance. This fall though, a mustard yellow is definitely a staple so if you don’t have one yet, go grab one! 

Top: I got this amazing mustard yellow sweater from *drumroll please* Amazon! I believe Amazon is definitely working it’s way up to nice wardrobe options. This sweater’s so comfortable I accidentally slept in it .  

Bottoms: I love high waisted pencil skirt and this is a purchase from my corporate career days. I got it from Banana Republic couple years back. If you ever want to make your waist look flattering, the secret is to get high waisted!  

Purse: Chanel cavier leather single flap. My best personal investment in luxury brands yet.  

Shoes: I love these combat boot heels from Aldo, but not many people do. Often I’ve been told (by dudes) that they look dyke boots, but I feel differently and they make any outfit look so punk casual. 

The Peshawari Kurti Trend

I love that the Western brands are now rockin' the Peshawari kurtis. The best part is that I just get to wear what I bought from Pakistan. Don't you love it when that happens?

Top: This white Peshawari kurti top is straight from Pakistan. I got it from a nameless shop inside the Gulf Bazaar in Karachi. Not only are these kurtis trending in Pakistan, but also here in the states too. *ANNOUNCEMENT* I am selling brand new authentic Peshwari kurtis here. If you're not fortunate enough to get your hands on an authentic kurti yourself - not too worry, Asos and Forever21 will be loading up on these tops. I also combined it with my navy blue cardigan from Urban Outfitters to make the look more casual and Western. 

Bottoms: I wore nude tights from Nordstrom Rack to keep the top look casual. When I want to make the outfit more Pakistani, you’ll see me wear it with embroidered Beige cigarette pants. 

Watch: I got this blue leather strap from Daniel Wellington and I love the fact that it's so easy to wear since most of my wardrobe almost always has blue in it. 

Shoes: I’m wearing these red suede chuck heel boots from Steve Madden. They’re comfortable and great for casual looks.

The Modern Pakistani - The Nacre x DC by Asra Sponsored

If you haven't heard me rave about Pakistani fashion, then you won't get sick of this post (haha I'm just kidding, you better not exit out of this). So as I was saying, I love our fashion just because it's so chic it's constantly beating the Western world. The fashion itself is pretty hard to keep up with considering it changes every few months, but I'm head over heels for our trends. 

Photography by Adam Miguest

Jewelry: I loved working with Hira from The Nacre on this collaboration. The silver kundun earrings were my favorite earrings that I've come across so far! They're traditional, yet they make any modern outfit so chic. I really love The Nacre's bold statement pieces -- so I want to share the love and got you a discount code, mention MARIAMSHIBLY15 for 15% off any jewelry!  

Top: I love this cold shoulder silk top by Farah Talib Aziz. It is extremely flattering for anyone and so trendy. Best part that it's available here, in Chicago by Designer Consignment by Asra. Asra has truly found a niche in our community. She is the definite go-to for any of your designer choices and at such great pricing too. Asides from stunning suits, subscribe to her site to see blogger take overs and more insight into the fashion industry. 

-UPDATE- The top is sold out at DC x ASRA.  

Eastern Beauty - The Nacre x DC by Asra Sponsored

In my opinion everyone always looks best in their ethnic clothes. As much as the world tries to be universal and mostly westernized, when we dress to our roots it brings out our true beauty. I'm proud of my Pakistani heritage for always being on top of their fashion and jewelry game. You guys are killin' it!

Photography by Adam Miguest

Jewelry: I had such a great time collaborating with Hira from The Nacre on this project. She has the most amazing pieces to choose from--such as bold statements to the trendy earrings you need for your outfit.  For the complete Pakistani look, I really admire the the white Akberi hand piece from the Zay collection, its absolutely my favorite and make your hands look so elegant. I want you guys to have the best so if you say MARIAMSHIBLY15 you'll get 15% off! Did I mention the quality? Being a mom, everything I wear needs to be able to handle the little one year old who can really catch me off guard. The Nacre's jewelry are pretty heavy duty and the stones won't fall off.

Outfit: Designer Consignment x Asra just got this brand new elegant suit by Mesh. It's stunning isn't it? Perfect for lunch or a day event. She only has one of these in stock, so definitely hurry if you're in love. While you're checking out her scene, follow her Instagram and you'll soon see the Instagram story take-over by me and showing you my shopping trip when I am abroad.