Into the World of Kate Spade

Hello My Lovelies,
 I know its been sometime since my last post, but we can blame graduate school for that! In late September, after a long hiatus, I decided to go back and obtain my Masters of Nursing in Public Health and Health Education i.e. a glorified term for a MPH, reducing my time to blog and going to the gym to zero! For those who do know me, know I am obsessed with two things when it comes to my wardrobe: Kate Spade and the color black! Since Kate Spade opened its doors in Germantown, TN, I have been a forever loyalist. My friend, who managed the Memphis flagship store, would often invite me to private company events, and ask I try out products. Or, in marketing terms, ask if I would buy it, and should I reply, " yes" convince me to buy it! And so, my obsession began! Here are few of many outfits that are made by no other than the fabulous Kate Spade!

Scottsdale Fashion Week 2016
Scarf: Kinza scarvesDress: Kate Spade New York
Leggings: French Connection
Boots; Jimmy Choo
Dress: Chanel
Bracelet: Hermes
Purse: Chanel

Vegas December 2015
Scarf: Kinza Scarves
Sweater: Kate Spade New York
Jeans: 7 For All Mankind
Boots: Tory Burch
Purse: Prada 

Meeting Real House Gretchen Rossi 
Scarf: Kinza Scarves
Dress: Kate Spade New York
Jeans: Blank NYC
Purse: Chanel
Bracelet: Hermes 

Japan Summer 2016
Scarf: Kinza Scarves
Sunglasses: Marc Jacobs
Tunic: Tory Burch
Jeans: J Brand
Purse: Kate Spade New York

New Hampshire Fall 2016
Scarf: Kinza Scarves
Jacket & Gloves: Kate Spade New York
Jeans: J Brand
Boots: Tory Burch 

Rhode Island Fall 2016
 Scarf: Kinza Scarves
Sunglasses: Marc Jacobs
Blazer and Tunic: Leith
Jeans: 7 For All Mankind
Shoes: Kate Spade New York
Purse: Tory Burch

Herve Leger, and the Wedding!!

Hello Everyone!!!

I know its been months since my last post, but with the plethora of bloggers out there, mine seems so dated and uninteresting to read anymore. This coming from someone, who refuses to buy electronic books, and still insists upon buying a hardcopy of a book. I've always dreamed of having a library much like that in Disney's," Beauty and the Beast," so I need to acquire as many books as I can. Anyway, back to fashion, this event called for a blog post of its own, Nadine's wedding; otherwise known as "The Wedding." I did not take much thought into my dress as I have with previous family weddings, because I knew I would eventually find one. And, I did! It was a Marchesa hi-low embroidered ball gown. Now, the challenge was to find it in my size...after incessant searching, my mother found it online at Saks.com. The wedding was in two weeks,  I had secured my dress, everything was set. When I decided to venture into Neiman Marcus days before the wedding, and found an Herve Leger that was just calling my name. In love with the dress, I was determined to make it mine, even if it was two sizes too small. Or so, I thought. I guess all those days spent working out paid off, since it fit like a glove when I tried it on. For years, I've admired Herve Leger's signature bondage dresses, and now, one made its way into my closet, and in my signature color, black, nonetheless. Now that I knew what I was wearing, it was time to make sure my boys were just as dapper..And, to Nordstrom we went. For Jude, it would be next to impossible to have him wear a jacket, so when I saw a four piece vest suit, I was set.  Layth, on other the hand, I felt was old enough to wear a "real suit" making it a bit difficult to secure his outfit. I wanted a suit that made him look like a gentlemen, but not to where it would appear he was playing dress up. Not much luck, when I decided to make my way to the formal section, and found suits galore. Call me old fashioned, but when I laid my eyes upon this five piece suit set, I had to get it. Hating the shirt that went with it, feeling it made it him look too old, we  choose to add our own touch with a checkered Gap shirt, and Pumas! So, without further ado, here are the pictures of my cousin's long anticipated wedding!

The Outfit

Dress: Herve Leger
Jacket: BCBG
Scarf: Kinza Scarves
Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Purse: Jimmy Choo

The Look 

My Dates
Layth: Nordstrom
Jude: Van Heusen
Shoes: Puma

The Stage

The Family Table 

Loved the Chandelier Centerpieces 

The Dessert Table 
( This picture doesn't do the table justice, I just couldn't fit it all in the photo. But, I promise it was amazing!)

At the Wedding!

Springin In Yellow

Hello My Lovelies,
Can you believe Spring is here? And, what better way to celebrate spring than deviating away from my signature color of black and adding some color into my wardrobe?! I decided to go with a stereotypical spring color and dared to wear yellow. I am not quite sure I pulled it off considering I spent hours in the pool prior to getting dressed. Those around me insisted it brought out my tanned skin prompting a few to ask if I had just come from a tanning bed, and were shocked to believe it was my natural color. Note to self, when Spring feels more like Summer with a high of 91 degrees, SPF 35 just won't cut it here in the desert. Even my littlest lion, Jude, found himself with some color and rosy cheeks. Nonetheless, not the smartest move when trying out a new color,  especially one as eye catching as yellow! Why yellow, you might ask?! Well, a couple of years ago, I was in Tory Burch and found this cardigan/jacket, whatever you like to call it, for a steal. I purchased it without thinking twice where it made its permanent home onto a hanger in my closet..until now, when I choose to wear it off for an evening in Scottsdale celebrating my aunt's birthday! Whether or not I pulled it off, I will admit to feeling nice and cool without having the heat directed toward me as commonly experienced when in my signature black.

Photographed By Layth
Outfit Details:
Cardigan, Wedges, Sunglasses: Tory Burch
Tunic: BCBG by Max Azria
Jeans: 7 For All Mankind
Purse: Chanel

My Little GAP model
Jeans/Top: GAPKids
Shoes: Polo by Ralph Lauren

Out To Lunch in Peplum

Hello Everyone,
 It's been some time since my last post, I agree, but in the last couple of months, my life has been on fast forward and only now has the pause button been pushed. Since putting the little lion, Jude, in school part time, I don't find myself home anymore let alone time to type. This " Domestic Goddess" has returned to the work force, and has hung up her title to dry. Between us readers, I don't believe I could properly call myself one, in fact, " domestic goddesses" everywhere would gladly see I gave up my title. And so, begins my post chronicling my last luncheon.  For those who know me, or haven't guessed yet, I have a never ending love affair with the color black.  Every person has their color, mine is black. It's chic, classic and elegant, and the slimming factor is always an added bonus. So it comes to no surprise, I implemented black into my ensemble on my latest rendezvous. Two years ago, my girl, Kate Spade launched a more hip, modern brand by the name of Saturday. It was intended to market a younger market, and make Kate Spade more of a mainstream brand. Sadly, Kate and her loyalists never caught on to the trend, and Saturday had to go. I, on the other hand, loved the brand and its theme making it a part of my everyday wardrobe. One piece, a pair of black peplum pants still remains my favorite Saturday piece, making it a perfect to wear out with my girlfriends. Since the pants stand alone as a statement, I had to keep my outfit simple, pairing them with a crisp white button shirt, and monochromatic scarf. But for the sake of avoiding being boring, I had to make sure I paired my outfit with the right accessories to make it pop. A pink Chanel, and purple snake skin Brian Atwood stilettos were called in to make the perfect outfit without looking like a fashion wreck trying too hard. Despite my love for how the outfit turned out, my older lion, Layth made sure to make a very loud public statement at school referring my peplum pants to "funny looking fanny pack' pants. I blame it not on his lack of fashion sense, but simply on him being a boy! Hope you will all disagree :)

(Photo Taken By Layth)

 Details:
Top: Gap
Pants: Saturday by Kate Spade
Heels: Brian Atwood
Sunglasses: Marc Jacobs
Purse: Chanel
Scarf: Kinza Scarves 

( Photo taken by Layth)

Its all in the details
Belt: Michael Kors 

So happy I found an opportunity to wear them
Heels: Brian Atwood

My makeup was also on point that day. 

Ready to walk into the lunch. Still very much in love with this outfit. 

Phoenix Fashion Week

Hello Everyone,
 I am deviating away just a bit from blogging about my adventures in motherhood to blog about my other favorite, Fashion! Not many of you know this about me, but I was briefly enrolled in fashion school, before declining and choosing to pursue my English degree. It was a dream that was never fulfilled, but do not regret. As the fashion industry is a very cut throat business that does not just require all of your time and effort, but a significant financial backing. And so, I have learned to appreciate it from the other side, the consumer side! Since moving to Phoenix, I have had to downscale my style and my love for designer items quite a bit, as I have found it to be under appreciated in Phoenix. It is also too hot and too casual of an environment to always leave the house with a full face of make up and heels. And, I won't lie, I have learned to appreciate being a "basic girl" where my everyday wardrobe consists of jeans, a t-shirt and flip flops ( I have to stay true to myself, and opt for Tory Burch choose flip-flops).  However, this past weekend, it seems the jeans and flip-flops disappeared when I attended the runway final for Phoenix Fashion Week. Having fallen on the same week as Paris Fashion Week, it made it that more exciting to want to attend the event. I knew being able to attend all days of the events would be next to impossible as the Mr. still does not quite understand my love for fashion. It would also imply that for three full days, my days would consist of attending shopping events, lectures and runway shoes, who would not want that? Maybe, in my past life before motherhood defined me. So I knew I had to wisely choose which event I wanted to attend, and the runway finale it became. I also knew two designers I had kept in touch with from the previous Phoenix fashion event would be debuting that evening and wanted to go and show my support. One designer, Azmara Asefa, created this sack dress which she debuted at the last even that I just could not get out of my mind. Needless to say, I purchased it before making my way to my seat to watch the show. As I was sitting, taking each designers' pieces with awe, I see Kym Gold, the co-founder of True Religion wearing the same dress with a pair of Christian Louboutins I knew there was something special about that dress. Even though she did not win " Best New Emerging Designer" as I  had hoped for, it was inspiring to learn 10% of each garment she sells goes as donation toward refugees.  The winner, Hues of Ego, another designer, I purchased from  had on of best runway shows I have yet to witness.Not that I have gone  to many, but opening up the runway show with a ballerina and a slow alternative version to Beyonce and Jay-Z's " Crazy in Love" is always a brilliant idea. Immediately, I knew we were in for a delight. Each piece had an avant garde aspect to them, but still retained this sense of sophistication and elegance. A couple of weeks back, I saw she had a leather skirt as part of her collection, and through collaborating with her, we were able to create a longer skirt with a zipper slit, should I choose to wear the skirt with or without it. Excited as I was to receive it, I no longer fit into it, as my measurements have changed. Although I do not see the numbers on the scales changing, this skirt is prove the weight is disappearing somewhere. Once the winners were announced for "Best Emerging Designer", the show continued with the couture shows, and one designer I fell in love was with Kuwaiti designer Design ME. The silhouettes of each garnet reminded me of Sex and the City meets the 80's. I loved how he structurally architected each piece for the sophisticated modern woman. It would be such an honor to get my hands on one of those pieces. And with that concludes my Phoenix Fashion Week experience, and I am happy I acquired two runway pieces that now make my closet home. I am definitely looking forward to what next year has to bring!

Day 1 of the three day event!

Necklace: Beltshazzar of St Louis ( official accessory designer for Phoenix Fashion Week)
Top: BCBG by Max Azria
Jeggings: BCBG by Max Azure
Scarf: Kinza Scarves
Purse: Tory Burch

The show is about to begin 

A preview of Desin ME's collection

With the designer Azmara Asefa herself wearing her prototype sack dress design 

Kym Gold, the co-founder of True Religion, in Azmara's sack dress awarding  Natasha Duran-Lynch, the founder of Hues of Ego, with Best New Emerging Designer 

It was quite the treat to see Natasha open up her Hues of Ego show with a ballerina

Catching in the finale show
Outfit Details:
Dress: BCBG by Max Azria
Scarf: Kinza Scarves 

Eid Al Audha Outfits

Hello Everyone,
 Not many of you may know this, but as Muslims, our holiday Eid falls twice a year: once after the end of Ramadan, and another after the completion of Hajj ( the pilgrimage Muslims are required to complete once in their life as long as they are both financially and physically able to do so).  This Eid, which came it a bittersweet time,  was a great day for some, but tragic for the 700+ Muslims who died as they were completing their final stages of the pilgrimage caused by a stampede. On the upside of things, it was nice to hear that a Chechan leader treated 1000+ refugees in Germany to Eid dinner at various restaurants so that they too could partake in celebrating Eid. As I previously mentioned, it fell at bittersweet time: happy to welcome it, but marked with tragedy. It also did not help that fell on a working day, leaving the Mister stuck in surgery as he was unable to reschedule and take off. So it was just the boys and I at Eid prayers, as we celebrated with other Phoenicians. The only downfall having to leave the house by 7 am to get to service on time at 8 am, and the mosque itself is 45 minutes away. And as a true Domestic Goddess, I was not going to allow time and distance deter me from looking my best. The solution: I got up at 5:30, only to have the boys soon follow me at 6 am. I knew donuts would be served at Eid prayer, so I did not bother serving them a full breakfast and had bathed them the previous night before bed. What I thought would take me forever, ended up being the simplest task that morning:getting the kids' in their suits. Instead of battling me, they greeted their suits with excitement feeling like real men wearing suit jackets and bow ties. Then came myself, I was deliberating between three different BCBG outfits. One thing you should know about me, most of my clothing is made by them, as I find their trademark silhouettes and draping elegant and very hijab friendly.  Between deliberating for what seemed forever, I decided to wear this long tunic dress with a shirt and leggings underneath, making it resemble an Indian style outfit. I am glad I did not go with one of my other choices as one of my friends was wearing the same outfit at prayer, and later saw another friend of mine wearing it too, on social media. The boys excited about their suits, allowed me to get ready with ease. It was just getting out of the house that was a bit chaotic, the boys let out our indoor kittens into the garage, so mom had to take ofd her heels and calmly search for them in the garage, as the cats were running out, they broke two glasses, leaving me a mess of charred glass to clean up. Then as I thought we were ready to leave with still some time to spare, both boys insisted upon needing to use the bathroom, in which they did. By some chance, the shuttles transporting people from the parking lot to the mosque were all running late, we were able to make it to prayer; otherwise, we would have missed it as we arrived at 8:25! Despite it all, I did not allow waking up at 5:30 or the drama surrounding leaving the house deter me from not looking my best and making it to prayer.

Eid Outfit Details:
Tunic: BCBG by Max Azria
Leggings: French Connection
Scarf: Kinza Scarves
Bracelet: Hermes
Bag: Kate Spade

My Handsome Boys
Suit Details:
Mom purchased them from Dillards
Shoes on Layth: Vans
Shoes on Jude: Polo by Ralph Lauren

Enjoying the child care after Eid prayer. When I picked them up they each already had two donuts and two lollipops in hand.

Waiting for prayer to start.