Project 365

Honestly, I’m not so much into fashion. I don’t follow the latest trends and all that. I buy clothes from "last season" because those are the ones that are on discounts. I don’t mind buying second-hand clothes (like my lovely red coat) on a number of occasions. So the views that I’m writing here isn’t exactly "fair", but since this is my blog, I have the right to write whatever the hell I want, correct? hehehe.

Here’s the thing, I have quite a few problems with the recent trend of a so-called Muslim fashion. In the beginning, it was nice, I totally agree. It was nice to see the fresh change. It was nice that we got the recognition. It was nice to see fashion designers, boutiques,… (or whatever) that can cater the needs of Muslim women. We do need those things. We feel good when we dress nicely, I have to admit. But somehow, I find it to be a bit TOO much!

Suddenly, the Muslim women in the whole country — if not, the whole SE Asian countries — are obsessed with fashion! Too obsessed that as if they were told and forced to dress up in a certain way! They all look exactly the same to me (read: their style). If I can be sarcastic a little bit, I’d probably ask: which god are you following, exactly? Will I be viewed as a social outcast for not following your god?

I’m already viewed as a social outcast for not owning a Blackberry. I’ll be viewed as such if I don’t follow this fashion trend. That’s fine for me. I’m already viewed as "lower" by the Saudi society for not regularly putting a makeup. I think I can deal with another one. What’s wrong with being different?! Plus, I’m NOT going to change my whole wardrobe to this fashion trend. Even if I can afford it, I wouldn’t be doing it. What’s the point? I have to change my whole wardrobe again when the next fashion trend comes up.

I have to agree that fashion is the number one thing that leads to consumerism. That bothers me so much. Gadgets have successfully done a good job on that one. We spend to impress. Isn’t it sad?

All these things boil to one thing: whoever would dress the nicest gets the nod or compliments from their peers. It seems like they’re in a heavy competition to win the Best-Dressed Award. (I’ll tell you what, take the award. I don’t want it, nor do I need it). Well, don’t get me wrong, I like to dress up too! But not the whole time. Definitely not everyday. And definitely not to make myself "better" than anyone else. It really depends on my mood.

I don’t agree with the arguments that "by creating this stylish and modern Muslim look, we can influence more Muslim women to wear a hijab." SERIOUSLY?! Why do we need to "influence" them to wear hijab through fashion? We’re missing the true meaning of hijab here, people!!! We’re doing this to please Allah SWT, not to please other human being. It’s revealed in the Qur’an that we need to lower our gaze. It’s definitely not because that today’s trend is wearing a hijab. Definitely not.

The good thing about the "rising" Muslim fashion is that I can find rectangular scarves easily now!!!! Last year when I was in Jakarta, I had to pay 100,000 rupiahs for a scarf (in Saudi Arabia, you can get it for at most 60,000 rupiahs). I was quite shocked! Ok, yes, everyone wore square scarves and no one was interested in rectangular scarves! Who would buy them?! Hence, the expensive price. But now I reckon the rectangular scarves can be found everywhere (due to the latest trend) and they’re probably cheaper. Awesomeness!

P.S. Do criticize me if I’m not consistent with my views here. I need a slap.

Eindhoven was raining all day today! It wasn’t the best weather, but I enjoyed it. I went to the city with Jessie and do some shopping. I finally got my purple jacket for a discounted price! I was so happy! 😀 I had been going to that shop for several times only to find that it was too pricey. But the jacket was on discount today so I was quite pleased.

The thing about living here (or anywhere in the world which has 4 different seasons), having coats or jackets for each of the 4 seasons (or in my case, 3 seasons, since I treat spring and fall to have the same weather), is really important. I didn’t know it until I was here. For the winter, I have one jacket designed for temperature below -2 degrees Celsius and a coat designed for temperature -2 degrees and up. I also have one coat for temperature between 8 to 15 degrees, which I usually wear during fall or spring, and one jacket for temperature above 15 degrees. The gloves and shawls also need to cater for different weather. I have 3 different gloves for extremely cold weather, mild weather, and raining season, and 2 different shawls for cold and mild weather.

One thing I don’t like about living here (uhm, not really lol) is that I don’t get to wear my flat shoes or sandals frequently. It’s too cold to wear it during all seasons except summer, which only lasts for few weeks (and it’s not always warm, by the way). So I wear closed shoes most of the times: boots and sneakers become really handy. I prefer to wear sandals though. Or even flip flops. They are comfortable.

Anyway, as I walked back home today (after a nice conversation with Jessie over an ice cream), I realized that the leaves of all the trees were visible now! That means, summer is approaching (uhm, okay, it’s still a long way to go). Spring remains my favorite season though, so I’m quite sad to see the tulips and all other flowers were beginning to die. See you next year, spring! Going to miss you 🙂