title: Jennifer Kabir of Muslimah Mystique

Jennifer is an inspirational writer who is passionate about style, especially Muslim Womens Style! Read a bit about her and her blog Muslimah Mystique.

Asalamualekom Jennifer. Let’s start with an introduction, tell our readers a bit about yourself.

Wa’Alaykum Salam. My name is Jennifer Kabir and I am a Journalist, wife, and mother of two. I came to Islam a little over ten years ago alhomdulellah. I was raised in a very traditional American family and lived in Southern California all of my life up until two years ago when my husband and I moved to Michigan . I wrote an article for Speaking of Faith about my reversion here.

What is Muslimah Mystique and what makes it unique?

Muslimah Mystique is an aesthetic site for modest women infused with product reviews, industry trends, style, and periodical commentary. As the subtitle suggests it’s a modest style and beauty blog for the everyday Muslimah. The site is reflective of daily living in terms of personal style, inspiration, and our unique niche in the world of fashion as Muslim women. Muslimah Mystique aims to be a fun, informative, and enjoyable resource while at the same time challenging stereotypes about who we are as Muslim women.

As a revert to Islam, I write from the perspective of a woman who has learned to balance my deen and dunya inshallah! Striking a balance between my personal expression through style and creativity without sacrificing proper hijab defines a great deal of my daily style.

Your website is fairly new mashaAllah, tell us what inspired you to do this?

The inspiration for Muslimah Mystique is the result of my own collective experiences as a Muslim woman and as a creative thinker. Recently IslamiCity published an article I wrote about modest style and my own transformative experience.

Before founding Muslimah Mystique I was freelancing as a Public Relations Specialist. I wrote for my local Islamic Center, InFocus Newspaper, Muslim Bridges, and ghost writing services. Like many reverts to Islam, I had a strong desire to bring awareness and to propagate Islam.

The longer I wore hijab, the more beauty it held for me. At the same time, I was able to fully realize just how misunderstood the hijab is and the challenge this presents to Muslim women who observe it. It became clear to me that many individuals still view the hijab as an oppressive symbol. While in reality it is a choice and a symbol of faith. Furthermore, while the hijab is not fashion-many women who wear it are very fashionable.

Seeing this stark dichotomy and feeling passionate about “taking back” the image of hijab defines the passion behind my projects.

How did you come up with the name?

Mystique is something rare that only a few possess. When a Muslim woman walks by notice the unique silhouette of her flowing dress and hijab. There is something so transcendentally beautiful about a woman completely covered. It defies the laws of beauty set by Western standards yet few would deny that this dress is the ultimate in feminine beauty. And to me, this is the mystique of the Muslim woman.

What about the Logo, tell us a bit about it and what the idea is behind it.

The logo is symbolic of our hijab and our modest beauty. It’s a part of who we are and a fundamental part of our mystique.

Have you always been a lover of fashion or was it Hijab that got you into it?

I was raised around a great deal of creative energies. My Mother and Grandmother are both print artists. Fashion and writing are both art forms for me. Hijab inspired me on a spiritual and aesthetic level.

MashaAllah, what are your views on correct Hijab and the various ways sisters interpret it?

I follow the Qur’an and Sunnah in my observance of hijab. Allah told us to cover everything except our hands and face. I do believe that modesty is at the discretion of each person. I think a woman in a long jean skirt, tunic, and hijab is just as modest as a woman in an abaya. It’s a matter of personal style. Some women prefer a jilbab as their outer garment while some wear a trench coat. There are many creative ways to achieve modest coverage and I write about that in my column as the Muslim Women’s Style Examiner.

You asked me in my interview if I prefer square, shayla hijabs or both, what about you?

These days shaylas in a rayon fabric are my favorites. lol

Do you have a signature look?

I would describe my style as casual / classic. I like neutrals with jewel tones as accents. Mid-length jackets are must have’s for my wardrobe. My jewelry is something that does not change- two silver bracelets and silver ball stud earrings. I favor hobo style bags in natural fabrics because I love the way they compliment hijab in both the material and the decorative straps worn on the shoulder-close to the hijab. I think hijabies have the definitive edge on this look.

What’s unique about your style of Hijab?

My hijabs are purchased from stores like Nordstrom’s, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls. They are Shayla style, very breathable, and light without being transparent. I wear linen and rayon in the summer, and acrylic in the winter season. I would say that my hijab is very simple and classic. I normally only need one pin (at the chin) and often wrap the other end into the corner.

How has your style evolved over time?

When I first began wearing hijab it was abayas and square hijabs (mainly white) in polyester. Over time, I began finding various ways to cover and realized that I had a lot of options. When polyester hijabs became extremely uncomfortable for me, I learned that I needed to start wearing different fabrics like rayon and linen. Now when I see a dress I like I think in terms of hijabifing it.

What advice do you have for sisters who want to find their own sense of style without compromising their modesty?

It’s not difficult to find your own style. It should be enjoyable. I tell sisters to keep their everyday clothing classic. For example, a plain black abaya with clean lines will allow her to define her style with accessories that appeal to her. If she’s wearing a long dark skirt and a tunic she can change up her look from funky to romantic depending on her accessories. In this case, her hijab might define the look. Pink for soft and girlish or lace for romantic and Victorian. I tell sisters to go shopping and look at the accessory section. What catches her eye? This can be done on the internet as well.

Tell us some of your favorite stores to shop at and why.

I mentioned Nordstrom Rack, Marshalls, and TJ Maxx. These stores often have many designer items at marked down prices. I also adore Shukr because they have so many classic pieces that are well made from fabrics such as cotton, linen, and rayon. Boutiques are favorites as well. I will find unexpected items from resale stores that I would have never come across at retail outlets. I visited a boutique a few days ago and found a very cute cotton black jacket with puffed shoulders and buttons down the front. It was perfect with long sleeves and modest length for under ten dollars. There was no label on it. But, who cares! It works.

Any tips for finding a modest in the not-so-modest stores?

Size up for added modesty. Long Pencil skirts are classic and go with everything. There’s no law that says they must be worn tight. Try a pump instead of the spiked heel. Take the sheer top and layer it in with your more modest pieces. Purchase blazers and vests-wear them for coverage.

What can we expect from Muslimah Mystique in the future?

Muslimah Mystique plans to become more interactive with our readers in the future inshallah with giveaways, special features, news, and highlighting the special talents of designers and artists.

I am currently working on an outline for a book on Muslimah style so stay tuned for that inshallah!

MashaAllah looking forward to that! What do you want your readers to take away from your site?

I would like Muslimah Mystique to be a wide open resource for readers in terms of daily living. It’s personal style on all levels and exploring ideas and concepts that facilitate bringing that all together.

Finally, tell our readers how they can get involved and where they can find you?

We want to hear from our readers and look forward to their contributions. If you’re a sister who is an aspiring designer, a hijab stylist, if you work in fashion, if you have a story to share, if you want to share your personal style- we want to hear from you!

You can find Jennifer at: MuslimahMystique (at) yahoo (dot) com

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