I would have spent more time outside if not for my husband’s busy schedule. Who would have thought that an educator’s life is always so busy.

But the holidays are here FINALLY! The first thing we did as a couple after a long time is to catch a movie. A movie date means an opportunity for me to dress up. And that means, this is a fashion post.

So this was what I wore to our movie date.

Hijab from Geylang Serai Market | Long-sleeve tee from Uniqlo | Printed blouse from Cineleisure | Pants from Bangkok | Platform heels from Staccato | Belt from Uniqlo | Louis Vuitton (LV) Multicolore Speedy

We caught the movie in town and I’ve been noticing that many young Muslimahs now are dressing up more. They don the hijab and make it fashionable. Long gone are days when hijabs are known as a piece of cloth to cover a woman’s head. Now  it’s part of a fashionable Muslimah (Muslim woman) attire too. But some of you may not agree with me here.

Yes, the Hijab is an obligation for Muslim women so that their modesty is protected. But that doesn’t mean you can’t dress fashionably and make your hijab part of your fashion statement. Islam is never about restriction. And thus, you should never see the Hijab as an obstruction to fashion. With it, you can still dress modestly and be fashionable.

Speaking of being fashionable, I am working on a big project right now and I hope it falls through. InsyaAllah. And when it does, please do support me.

Earlier this month Fai and I were invited to the Harajuku Street Style Launch Party at Tangs. We were expecting an exclusive party (by invitation only) but boy, were we wrong.

The party was huge and since it was on Level 4 at Tangs, it was also open to the public, especially since they were having a 10 percent off on everything sale until 11pm that night. Thus, we were definitely not expecting the crowd. In fact, we were like lost lambs. That changed when the models started strutting down the runway.

The party featured 15 different fashion labels from Japan, such as KBF, Dip Drops, Coen, and  Mystic. Honestly, I’ve not heard of these brands before. Gasp! I know!

But I definitely know tiny bits about the Harajuku world. In fact, when I heard of Harajuku Street Style, I was expecting bolder and quirkier fashion. I didn’t expect fashion from the Japanese capital to turn out so mellow. Haha. I can definitely see someone like me – a Hijab/Tudung Girl, wearing some of those clothes.

The clothes on the runway definitely caught my eyes.

I was so in love with the top outfit that I ended buying the pants/jumper. Can you imagine that I got the last piece?

But the most memorable part of the event was a photo with MTV VJ Utt.

But awards aside, we’re more interested in what our favourite celebrities are wearing right? Did you see the gorgeous dresses? If not, continue reading and feast your eyes on what’s hot at this year’s Oscars.

Mandy Moore in Monique Lhuillier

This dress was the first thing that caught my eyes. Look at her. She looks like she has just stepped out of a fairytale (pun intended). Our dearest Rapunzel is looking really stunning in this original Monique Lhuillier.

Hailee Steinfeld in Marchesa

This 14-year-old girl has got some potential to be a fashionista. In fact, I think she is already one. Just look at her. The full tulle skirt is oh-so-girly. Yet, the pinkish-nude dress is all about sophistication. And she looks like she’s being doing this forever.

Cate Blanchett in Givenchy

Cate Blanchett’s dress received a lot of loving. It was all over Twitter even before I could I check it out. That got me and true enough, this one of a kind Givenchy dress is to die for. OMG! Look at the details on this dress.

Mila Kunis in Elie Saab

Can everyone say S-E-X-A-Y! Mila Kunis is looking stunning in this see-through Elie Saab lilac dress. I didn’t even know it was see-through until I read it online. Very gorgeous!

Sandra Bullock in Vera Wang

When I saw Sandra Bullock in this stunning Vera Wang gown, I thought to myself, ‘this definitely has to go to my Best Dressed list’. I love how the colour red stands out on her luminous white skin. Just beautiful!

So, that’s my list. What about yours?

As usual, Fai and I celebrated our Valentine’s a day late. This is because we’re USUALLY working on Feb 14 (if it falls on a weekday). Not this year though. Fai ended work early while I was given off-in-lieu.

However, we still decided to celebrate V’day as planned, which was a day late. Our first Valentine’s as husband and wife. A lot of firsts this year.

So this was what I wore to our date.

Hijab shawl from Magnifique Closet | Long-sleeve tee from Dorothy Perkins | Off-shoulder blouse from River Island | Jeggings from Uniqlo | Platform heels from Staccato | Louis Vuitton (LV) Multicolore Speedy

How did you spend your Valentine’s?

Hope you’ve had a wonderful long weekend. I wished I was more productive during the entire weekend. Don’t we all. The thing is, I’ve a full-time job that involves a lot of writing, and when I get back home, all I want to do is just slack around. Besides, out of the four days of break, I had to work on two designated days. On top of that, I was down with fever and we had a family gathering in Johor – which I didn’t enjoy much because I was sick. Yeah… tough luck.

Had I stayed in Singapore, I would have the time to blog more even though I was down with fever. Then I wouldn’t constantly feel like I’m neglecting this blog. I like my work and I love this blog. But it’s impossible to write all the time and I realise that when I do force myself to blog without any inspiration, my blog entries tend to be a bit dry. Okay okay, so they are very boring sometimes. I apologise.

I had thought a career in writing will be fun, I’ll be able to write about whatever I want but that is unfortunately not true. And then, I have this blog, it gives me ample opportunities to write about what I want – beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. But when I sit in front of the computer to start on a new blog post, my mind goes blank. All the creative juices have been drained by those nine hours spent sitting in front of two computer screens – yes, two of them – at work.

Right now, I’ve two writing assignments that needs to be completed asap, hundreds of pending blog entries, swatches and reviews. Not forgetting, I am also a wife right now which means half of my time is meant for the husband as well as running around the house doing the laundry, washing the toilet and some ironing. Phew!

Isn’t it a wonder my blog posts are soooo BLAH sometimes. Hahaahaaa…

But you know what makes me happy? Shopping! I love getting up in the morning knowing that I’ve an entire day to spend with my husband. The process of getting ready, putting on makeup and picking out clothes that will be worthy enough to end up on this blog.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter if I’ve bought anything or not. Like the time we went to the museum.

Long-sleeve tee from Dorothy Perkins | Heart print dress from Topshop KL | Leggings from Topshop | Hijab shawl from Cotton On | Agnes B leather tote | Ferragamo heels | Ankle guard :p

Are your lives this crazy too?

A satchel also known as a male purse, was hard to come by. I didn’t like the bags out in the market as it reminded me of a sleazy old man with a small bag by his side. I eyed a few from Timberland, Bally and Prada but none fit the look. Well, as always, you can thank Nur for surprising me for my birthday with the perfect satchel from Mulberry.

The bag was perfect. It was stylish, looked manly, spacious and ultimately I was able to pull it off. I was able to fit my keys, camera, phone, wallet and my Monopoly Deal. All snugly fit well. Indeed, it feels good to walk around without any baggage in my pockets.

It certainly felt good to carry a designer bag that simply didn’t screamed the clique LV bag. Unfortunately though, most guys don’t recognise the brand but still, I got to capture a few girls’ eyes. All in all guys, if you are looking for some freedom and style, then certainly you may consider a Mulberry satchel for yourself.

You will be able to get it online for BP301 at Mulberry.

I didn’t even realise that I’ve been wearing the same dress each time I went out – spot the tie-dye dress from Cotton On.

Shawl from Renata by Dirs Gallery | Long-sleeve tee from Cotton On | Tie-dye dress from Cotton On | Jeggings from Uniqlo | Belt from Cotton On | Wedge platforms from Staccato | YSL Large Muse

Hijab from Tanjong Katong Complex | Long cardigan from Miss Selfridge | Tie-dye dress from Cotton On | Wide leg pants from Mango | Belt from Cotton On | Wedge platforms from Staccato | YSL Large Muse

Hijab from Tanjong Katong Complex | Long-sleeve tee from Dorothy Perkins | Tie-dye dress from Cotton On | Floral shirt from Cotton On | Levi’s Jeans | Belt from Cotton On | Platform heels from New Look | Agnes B tote

I’m kinda getting the hang of mixing, matching and layering my outfits. If I keep this up, I will probably spend less on shopping for clothes. Heh. Yeah right!

Last Friday (Jan 14, 2011), was the Zee Cine Awards and it was held at the Grand Ballroom in Marina Bay Sands. When we heard that the Zee Cine Awards (Bollywood’s version of a Golden Globe), is coming to Singapore, my husband and I didn’t want to miss out on it.

So, we had to get tickets for ourselves and we brought along my third sister, Nabilah, who is also a big fan of the Bollywood industry.

The awards show called for a new outfit and it was the perfect opportunity for me to get a new Indian suit – a Churidar to be exact.

Churidar from Rang Fab | Dior Saddle Shoulder Bag | Salvatore Ferragamo Carla Pumps | Black onyx ring from Moshi Moshi

Meanwhile, Fai went for a smart casual look.

Yes, my younger sister, Nabilah, is waaaaaayyy taller than me.

I used the Churidar’s dupatta as my hijab.

A picture with the event’s poster is always a MUST.

Yes, my first new year with my dearest husband. We had a lovely dinner at an Italian restaurant in Orchard Central. However, food was mediocre. Nevertheless, it was a lovely night. 

Tie-dye dress from Cotton On | Cardigan from Miss Selfridge | Hijab from Tanjong Katong Complex | Wide-legged pants from Mango | Invincible platform wedges from Staccato | Belt from Cotton On | YSL Large Muse in Pink 

And here is a picture with a new feature I discovered using our Canon Powershot S90. It’s called colour accent – everything is black and white except for the colour you want to stand out. 

Next is Fai looking zombie-like from the same effect. 

Forever 21 Long-sleeve patch shirt | Guess Jeans | Mulberry Antony  satchel messenger bag | Aldo sneakers

Lastly, what is a new year’s celebration without any fireworks? Behold, the grand fireworks of Marina Bay Sands taken from Orchard Central. 

All those years we’ve been together, we didn’t have any opportunity to spend the new year together. Sad, but true.

Anyways, just before the end of December, there were plenty of crazy sales going on, and I couldn’t resist not jumping on the bandwagon. So I went shopping! I bought tons of clothes from Dorothy Perkins and Cotton On.

Hijab from Tanjong Katong Complex | Long-sleeve Tee from Dorothy Perkins | Floral blouse from Cotton On | Tie-dye dress from Cotton On | Belt from Cotton On | Levi’s Jeans | Strappy platform heels from New Look | Agnes B tote

All the tops for this outfit post were bought just before the New Year. They were going for as cheap as $10 each. I could not resist.

And after that, I was dead broke. Haha.