Hijabi's Do It Best...

This video here just gave me life. I haven't really been motivated into getting super dressed up lately. It's been more about attempting to wear something clean. That is why you have not seen my beautiful face in so long. But I'm at the home stretch. 5 pm on Saturday, I'll officially be done with all my undergrad duties, with the exception of 2 grad school applications. Alhamdulillah, I cannot wait.

Watching this video really made me giddy inside. There are so many different styles and ideas that I have wanted to try, but I simply haven't. I think I have graduated from the bow tie phase of my life. They might make an appearance here or there, but they aren't going to be a staple in my wardrobe any more.

I love watching hijabi's do things that people don't expect of them. Just watch and see what I'm talking about. And thank you for creating this video. It really did just give me life this sad Monday morning before finals.

Blogs...

Is it just me, or do you love reading different blogs too? I love reading peoples opinions on different things, see what they are up to, and peeping all the latest trends in fashion. I always seem to have a new favorite blog. I keep my old rotation, but I love to throw some new one's in the mix here and there. So let's see what's new to the rotation.

Just My Type- When you want a little insight on different things that make you go "Ah ha", this is the perfect blog. It states the obvious, but most of us wouldn't even think of it. If you ever have free time, this is a good read.

No, I'm Not Talking To Myself- My favorite professor has a blog. It's funny to read about things that go on in her head or in her life. It's great to know a professor in a different capacity. It makes them seem way more human.

Hey Fran Hey- For anything and everything natural. From hair to food to exercise, this girl has it going on. She can give you a natural remedy for pretty much anything. I mainly love her natural hair advise and recipe suggestions. I made a mean spaghetti squash from one of her recipes.

Chic Street Style- I am in love with this girl's style. I would gladly trade for her closet any day(in my size of course). She talks about fashion, styles, and now she's started a series called The budget Breakdown. I'm definitely going to need that in the near future.

Individualism-  Last but not least, my favorite blog so far. A lot of the blog talks about men's fashion, which I am obsessed with. But it's really about expressing yourself and being comfortable in who you are to wear what ever you please. As long as you're comfortable and confident, no one can say anything. And if they do, you can tell them to go suck it.

Eid Mubarak...

Even though I celebrated Eid on Thursday, Eid Mubarak! Eid day was hectic and crazy as usual. But I had an amazing day overall. For those of you who do not know what Eid-ul-Fitr is, it is a 3 day holiday celebrating the end of Ramadan (What is Ramadan?). While the holiday is technically 3 days, we only have Eid prayer on the first day.

I spent the day with my family for the most part. It started off with my sister surprising my dad at the door at 7am, then surprising my mom as she walked through the door from work. Then my brother surprised my dad at the door around 7:30 am. It was exciting to see my parents faces as their children walked through the door. I'm glad I was able to convince them both to come home and surprise my parents. That was the best Eid gift in itself.

We all rode to Eid prayer together, then took silly pictures before Eid prayer, then even more after Eid prayer, went to breakfast with the entire Abioye clan, went home to take a nap, I went and made my mom the cake I promised her, watched a movie about the last prophet, visited one of my dads sick friends, went on a shopping spree thanks to my lovely cousin, and finally went home. I was sad to see my siblings go that night, but I was happy they came at all.

You see where I get it from?

My uncle thought he was fresh with his shoes on.
I'm not going to lie. They were pretty fly. 

My dad finally learned what a selfie was. 

Then he kinda went crazy.

hijab via saudi
dress via ???
blazer via forever 21
shoes via ross

Grown and Sexy...

So as you may or may not know, I have an obsession with men's fashion. It really influences my wardrobe. That is part of the reason why I started the Man Of the Month feature. I love a well dressed man. I don't care what your style is, as long as you can pull it off and feel comfortable doing it. I don't care for guys who call themselves sneaker heads. I would choose a man in beat up loafers over a sneaker head any day, but that's just me. While I say this, I would like to just throw out a few tips to help some of you struggling brothers out there. It's time to step your game up. I find it sad when I dress better than some of you men.

Rule number 1: Fit is everything...

• Button ups: Get a slim fit in your size. Not a size up or size down…get one that fits your body! You’ll look better, trust me.
• Tees: They should cut a little above your elbow, and sit right at your hips. Unless you’re The Rock, there is no need to wear under armor as tees. Anything smaller and we'll think you're shopping at Baby Gap, and anything too big, we'll know you hit up the big and tall section. 
• Dress pants/jeans: If it's hanging off your hip, you need to quit. Measure yourself and get a pair of slim/straight leg dress pants. They will go a long way and the look is timeless.
• Blazers/sports coat: It can dress up or dress down a look. But make sure it is well structured. If not, then get it tailored. When you have tailored pieces that look well on you, you're more likely to reach for that item. 

Rule number 2: Invest in quality items...

• Crispy white button up: Easily the most versatile piece in your arsenal. You should always have one on stand by. You never know what occasion might suddenly arise. 
• Dark blue denim jeans: Invest in a solid dark blue slim/ straight-leg pair of jeans. Again... they will go a long way.
• Shoes: Sweetie, they say everything about you. A nice pair of shoes will do you justice. And I'm talking about oxfords, loafers, sneakers, everything. Better to have them for the long run, rather than cheap shoes that will break on you in a month. 
• Topcoat: During those winter months, this will be the first thing, and sometimes the only thing people will see when they see you. You want it to look good, but you also want it to do it's job. Invest accordingly please.

Rule number 3: Accessories...

• I don't care what it is, if you throw on an accessory, we will notice. It's all in the details. I always emphasize this when I am doing my interviews each month. It shows that you have character. 
• Shoe laces, bow ties, rings, pins, bracelets, socks (cashmere is worth the money), cuff links, ties, pocket squares, EVERYTHING!
• However: Less is more. Accessories should be accessories. Do it tastefully, and in moderation. If you don't have the ability to pull off the rainbow, then don't try.

Rule number 4: Wrist Game...

• To me, a watch is extremely sexy. How a man wears his watch speaks volumes to me. People invest in a nice time piece. It's like the equivalent to a designer bag. You don't have to spend a long of money on it, it just needs to look nice. Check out etsy.com if you want a high end one for a decent price.  

Rule number 5: You better own a suit...

• A NICE navy or gray suit: I would go for a navy over gray first, but it's up to you. But make sure to get it tailored to fit you. You don't want to walk around looking like you borrowed your dads suit for the interview. And every man should have at least 2 good suits. 
• Black is for when you've already gotten the job or for dinner. It is more formal. Unless you want to be cocky at an interview... 

I hope this helps because your woman cannot keep up her appearances while you walk around in basketball shorts everyday. In the end, these are just suggestions.

Something about a well dressed man...