She put the phone down and plopped on the bed.
This would be the second year in a row she had declined her friends' requests to go to the Dubai World Cup - an event screaming for fashionistas to dress up or die trying.
And it wasn't because Wafa Jamaal didn't have dresses to wear or lacked fashion sense. She had it all.
In fact, as a young hijabi, she would often have her friends turn to her for fashion advice - on what they could do to mix conservative with chic, to simply blend with the crowd.
But when it came to the races, Jamaal often struggled to do just that - she was too afraid to stand out.
Jamaal is not alone. When I set out to speak to hijabis who were regulars at the races, finding even a few was an uphill task. Most complained that it was difficult to dress modestly and "still fit in".
tabloid! decided to take up the challenge and sought the advice of acclaimed fashion designer Rabia Zargarpur - of fashion label Rabia Z. fame - to create three looks that could help women like Jamaal shed their inhibitions while staying true to their roots.
Here's what tabloid! came up with:
Colour me ready (top right)
Vibrant jewel-toned colours complement one another to create this very young, summery look.
Rabia says: "Effortlessly chic! Don't be afraid to play with your favourite jewel-coloured dresses and tops. Be sure to use colours that complement one another. This look is ideal for abaya wearers to jazz up their black shaylas."
Items used:
Rabia Z. cowl-neck hijab: Dh200.
Hat: Dh215, Accessorize.
Orange top: Dh175, Zara
Black and White (top centre)
Love the beautiful top but won't buy it because it is sleeveless? Rabia uses a shawl to tastefully cover up without giving the feel of layering. For the "race" look, jazz up the exaggerated hat with a floral headband.
Rabia says: "Uber, feminine chic. This is a look that works for all ages and was inspired by my mother who would dress up in this manner in the early '80s during her UK vacations. This look was a rage after the launch of my 2007 collection."
Tip: To stay cool and avoid layering, use small pins to tuck a couple of important areas such as the sleeve hole and elbow. Use edges of the shawl to tie a knot or bow and to give the impression of draped sleeves for the top.
Items used:
- Ruby by Rabia Z. fitted sports jersey hijab: Dh75 (available on Facebook)
- Large black hat: Dh175, Zara
- Top: Dh500, Coast
- Hat: Dh300, Coast
- Shawl: Dh195, Coast
- Necklace: Dh210, Coast
- Ring: Dh80, Accessorize
Hat trick
The headband works well for women who shy away from wearing hats. A vintage-coloured, long sleeveless dress - styled with a classic fitted tuxedo jacket and a big belt worn around the waist - helps create an empire cut look. This look is timeless, elegant and very comfortable.
Rabia says: "The accessories inspired me to include the headbands in my already completed autumn-winter 2011 collection - as I simply love the effect they create - something which I had previously done in 2008 too."
Items used:
- Rabia Z. signature gathered-top hijab: Dh240
- Beaded necklace: Dh100, Accessorize
- Dress: Dh395, Zara
- Jacket: Dh475, Zara
- Belt: Dh70, Zara
- Hat: Dh270, Accessorize.
Rabia's quick style tips:
- 1 Go all out accessorising your head-gear. The more you exaggerate, the more you stand out or rather fit in.
- 2 As far as colours are concerned, experiment. Anything goes.
- 3 Try something new, you may pleasantly surprise yourself!
- 4 Dress up, as it is one of the few events where you can dress up in the daytime without having people stare at you.
For more tips and advice join Rabia's Facebook page atfacebook.com/RabiaZ.Brand
