Alya Designs - BLOG

Shawl Style with Tudung Structure

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 06:53:07 -0800

Here is a simple tutorial showing you how to style a shawl using the Tudung Structure, a signature product by Alya Designs.
Some of you may already know this shawl tying technique. I call the "One Long One Short" method.

The purpose of the video is to demonstrate a different way of using the Tudung Structure. Normally it is worn underneath a square hijab.

I have included the things you would need in this tutorial (under Style Stuff) as well as step-by-step guide for your easy reference. Enjoy the tutorial and happy styling! :)

Step 1: Start off by wearing an inner scarf to keep your hair in place.

Step 2: Wear a Tudung Structure. Place it upright near the hairline. Make sure the label is on your left when you put it on.

I am using a 14" Pink Tudung Structure.

Step 3: Take a long shawl.

Step 4: Place the shawl on your head with one side longer than the other. Make sure that shawl partially covers the Tudung Structure.

Step 5: Gather the two sides and pin them together with a small brooch under your chin.

Step 6: Take the longer side and bring it to the top of your head. You may you a dangling hijab pin. If not, a simple ball-head pin will do.

Step 7 (Optional): You can leave the excess bit of the shawl hanging.

Step 8 (Optional): If you want to keep it tidy, gently pull the excess and bring it to your cheek. Secure the end with a small brooch or clip.

Step 9: Don't forget about the shorter side of your shawl. Bring it up to your shoulder. The front side of your shawl should form a V shape and covers your chest.

Step 10: Secure it with a brooch or pin.

I am using a no-snag pin.

Style complete!

Enjoy the tutorial and happy styling! :)

Snapshot of hijab tutorial...

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 21:47:21 -0800

I spent yesterday afternoon doing new hijab tutorials. I initially wanted to do just one but I ended up with 4 videos! Talk about new year spirit and enthusiasm. Heee

A quick snapshot of one of the tutorials.

I'm in the midst of editing the first video. But I'm also expecting some design work to come in. Once I'm done with the work, yours truly will go back to editing and releasing the tutorial pronto. Promise!

Meanwhile, don't forget to subscribe to Alya Designs channel on Youtube! :)

How to wear hijab that makes your face look slimmer

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 00:21:16 -0800

The post-holiday pudge is here. I was putting on my inner scarf and shawl when I realised that my face looks slim no more. Sigh. Ok, not that it is slim in the face place. Heh

Blame it on good food, late nights with family and friends over supper and simply lack of exercising these past few days.

As a long-time victim of the chubby cheeks syndrome, I feel that wearing a hijab style that elongates my face would be the best.

No Tudung Syria style at the moment for me...

I'm going for a hijab with awning. First option is to go back to basics, which is wearing square tudung with the Tudung Structure supporting the peak.

The 2nd option is to show a bit of the Tudung Structure by wearing a shawl. The Tudung Structure comes in two lengths, 12" and 14". When wearing it with a shawl, it's better to use 14". That's me with Red Satin TS.

If you wish to try the Tudung Structure, you may purchase them online at Alya Designs website or visit any of these shops. Alya Designs is the one and only inventor of the Tudung Structure so you won't find the TS anywhere...except from our resellers. :D

Anyway, hope the hijab style tip helps!

Retail Happiness - Printed Georgette Shawls (part 2)

Fri, 24 Dec 2010 10:04:51 -0800

I didn't expect the Printed Georgette Shawls to be snapped up fast. They were uploaded just yesterday and most of them were gone in 10 mins! Wowsie!

So I've decided to quickly launch some other patterns we have. For shopping convenience, you can buy them online at www.alyadesigns.com. Payment can be made via fund transfer to our DBS account. If you are living outside Singapore, that's not a problem. You may make payment using Paypal. We deliver to almost anywhere in the world! :)

Just a sample of some of the new printed georgette shawls...

Orangy, yellowish and brownish shawl with patterns.

Printed shawl with all over black and blue prints.

Printed shawl featuring tiny spots and flower patterns.

These shawls are at $12 each. Get them online!

Retail Happiness - Printed Georgette Shawls

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 11:19:50 -0800

When I first saw these shawls, I couldn't take my eyes off them! The colours are so lively and lovely, they are enough to perk up your day! Made of super lightweight material, these shawls are extremely breathable too. What's there not to love? :)

Style tip: if you are just learning to use a shawl, get a georgette. A few of my tudung workshop participants have shared with me their shawl stories. They mentioned that when they first started trying out a shawl, they used those chiffon/polyester kind.

I love these materials too but they can be slippery and flimsy. Folding/styling them is quite a challenge especially if you are a hijab newbie. So, trust me on this and save yourself the frustration. Georgette is the great for styling! :)

Printed shawl that features art deco designs.

Printed shawl with all over red prints.

Green printed shawl with spots and yellow streaks.

These shawls are at $12 each. Haven't I mentioned that they are machine washable too? No need to handwash, yeay!

In these pics, I wore the Glam Inner Scarf in black with rectangle rhinestone shape. The colours and rhinestone designs were previously fixed depending on our production. This time round, I've decided to make online shopping more fun for you. When you buy any of these shawls, you have the option of buying the Glam Inner Scarf too.

Now here's the fun part.

You can have the inner customised according to your preference. If you want a black inner and swirl rhinestone shape, you'll get that. Want an off-white with rectangle rhinestone shape, no problemo! At an additional $10, choose the colour of inner and rhinestone shape. We'll deliver your customised inner together with your georgette shawl.

So, before any of the georgette shawls are snapped up, get yours online right here! :)

Winter Wonder Flea

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 14:53:14 -0800

Being cat lovers, we feel the need to take part in this charitable flea market.

Rental proceeds go to the Cat Welfare Society (CWS) and House Rabbit Society of Singapore (HRSS) to help stray animals. We gotta thank and support FLEA MANIA for their effort!

Just a sample of the items we are selling...
♥ Maxi dresses (finally some apparels by us! One of the range include this one here http://on.fb.me/eVMN1H. Note: VERY LIMITED PIECES!)
♥ Cotton shawls (who doesn't love lightweight cotton shawls? Perfect for our tropical climate)
♥ Pre-loved bags (good selection of our bags. No worries, they are still in good condition)
♥ Accessories (every girl gotta accessorise! Rings, hairbands, clips..perfect even for non-hijabis!)

EVENT DETAILS:
Date: 19 Dec 2010, Sunday
Time: 11am to 7pm
Venue: Home Club, The Riverwalk

HOW TO GET THERE:
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (3min walk) or Raffles Place

♥ From Clarke Quay MRT:
Exit gantry, turn left. Go up to street level.
Go to Underpass behind Cheers. The Riverwalk is at the other end of the underpass.
Walk through the underpass, after which, Jumbo Restaurant should be on your right.
Continue walking straight along the river, Home Club will be on your right.

♥ From Raffles Place MRT:
Exit gantry turn right. Exit for UOB Plaza.
Walk along the rivers of Boat Quay, where the pub Penny Black is.
Go towards the underpass where Coffee Bean is.
Pass through the underpass and it is Home Club on your left.
So, come down this weekend to our booth and shop for a charitable cause. Shop without feeling guilty!

Everyone knows you have to start early at the flea. The early bird catches the best bargains! :)

Not So Daily Outfits >> The Wedding Party

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 22:48:02 -0800

Last weekend, a good friend of mine got married. After the nikah and sanding ceremony, we proceeded to Woodlands Waterfront for a photoshoot. The idea was for us to join them for a casual group shot.

While waiting for the couple to be done with their videotaking in the park, the girls and I kept ourselves pretty busy...with our very own vogue shots. Girls!

Seeing that I was in a rah-rah maxi dress, the girls insisted that I sit on the grass as they adjusted my dress.

I had no choice but to (willingly) oblige. Heh.

With all the loud colours on my dress against the serenely green pasture, this shot feels very Hindustani, no?

Glam inner scarf in black
Stretchy shawl in hot pink: Alya Designs
Bangle: Gift from friend

Sleeveless maxi dress: my own
Black top: Dorothy Perkins
Wedges: Pedal Works

It's impossible not to feel happy in that cheerful dress.

And oh, do you know that I am supposed to sell this range of maxi dresses? Yep, the one I wore in the pictures above. But you see, this range is soooooo gorgeous that I ended up keeping most of them for myself. Bad!

But if you want me to bring this range back, gimme a shout out! :)

Not So Daily Outfits >> Green Girl

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 18:12:14 -0800

I wore my striped green skirt, plain top and a nice lacey shawl. The skirt on its own is already loud. Naturally I would want to go for a muted top by pairing black shawl with my black top.

However, colour coordinating a black top is tricky for me because I don't like to wear black hijab. The colour somehow doesn't seem to complement my face. The other option is using a green shawl. Hmm, I think that's good enough. :)

Black inner scarf
Accessories on inner: My own
Green shawl with lace trimming: Silk Studio

Wraparound skirt: This Fashion
Black top: Dorothy Perkins
Flats: Dorothy Perkins

Anyway, how can anyone not feel girlish in a skirt? :)

Glam it Up with our Glam Inner Scarves!

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 07:33:23 -0800

On days when I don't wear the TS (don't shoot me! Everyone needs to go through different fashion phase!), I put on an inner scarf, wrap a shawl around my head and I'm good to go.

But, as always, I tend to crave for something that's different. The plain inner is fine. I want it to be jazzier but nothing too loud though. KEY: there must be a subtle glam to it.

I've done that criss-crossing of the two-tone inner before. The technique can be quite a challenge. I am normally in a rush (ahem) so the style must be fuss-free.

I can't describe how elated I am with our glam inner scarf. It's chic and unique. The side-swept inner style doesn't look flat and round on my face. And I received comments that this look suits my face best. That's a score!

These Glam Inner Scarves are lovingly handmade and they come in limited pieces.

To get your hands on them, hurry get them online! :)

http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=&t=</div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Video Tutorial: Square Hijab Style #1</h1> <p>Mon, 23 Aug 2010 23:48:54 -0800</p> <div class="paragraph" style=" text-align: left; ">I am pleased to announce the release of Alya Designs' FIRST video tutorial!<br /><br />A lot of hard work went into the making of this tutorial. I wanted to make sure that the video is short, simple and easy for you to follow. <br /><br />In this tutorial, I am using a square hijab (tudung). The style uses easy techniques. Step-by-step instructions are included in some scenes. If you need elaborate explanation on some of the steps, simply scroll down for more info.<br /><br />If you are a hijab newbie or want to learn how to style your hijab properly, this tutorial is for you. :)<br /><br /></div><div class="paragraph" style=" text-align: left; "><strong><span style="font-size: small;">THE VIDEO</span></strong></div><div style=" margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; "><div style="text-align: left;"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5qsDQd4cp70"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="allownetworking" value="internal"></param></object></div></div><div ><div style="height: 10px; overflow: hidden; width: 0px;"></div><hr style="background-color:#777777; border:0pt none; color:#777777; height:1px; margin:0 auto; text-align: center; width:0px;"></hr><div style="height: 10px; overflow: hidden; width: 0px;"></div></div><div class="paragraph" style=" text-align: left; "><strong><span style="font-size: small;">STEP-BY-STEP TUTORIAL</span></strong></div><span style=" z-index: 10; float: left; position: relative; "><a></a><div style="display: block; font-size: 90%; margin-top: -10px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;"></div></span><div class="paragraph" style=" text-align: left; display: block; "><br /><br />1. Start off by wearing an inner scarf to keep your hair in place.</div><hr style=" width: 100%; visibility: hidden; clear: both; "></hr><span style=" position: relative; z-index: 10; float: left; "><a></a><div style="display: block; font-size: 90%; margin-top: -10px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;"></div></span><div class="paragraph" style=" text-align: left; display: block; "><br /><br />2. Wear a <a href="http://www.alyadesigns.com/online-shop.html#ecwid:category=187019&mode=category&offset=0&sort=normal" target="_blank">Tudung Structure</a> to make the peak of your hijab stay up. Place it upright near the hairline. Make sure the label is on your left when you put it on. <br /><br />I am using a 12" Dark Brown Tudung Structure to match the colour of the hijab.</div><hr style=" clear: both; width: 100%; visibility: hidden; "></hr><span style=" z-index: 10; float: left; position: relative; "><a></a><div style="display: block; font-size: 90%; margin-top: -10px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;"></div></span><div class="paragraph" style=" text-align: left; display: block; "><br /><br />3. Take a square hijab and fold it diagonally to form a triangle. </div><hr style=" visibility: hidden; width: 100%; clear: both; "></hr><span style=" float: left; z-index: 10; position: relative; "><a></a><div style="display: block; font-size: 90%; margin-top: -10px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;"></div></span><div class="paragraph" style=" text-align: left; display: block; "><br /><br />4. Place the hijab over the Tudung Structure. Make sure both ends are of the same length.<br /><br />The hijab used is made of chiffon. It's flimsy and can be difficult to style. Using the <a href="http://www.alyadesigns.com/online-shop.html#ecwid:category=187019&mode=category&offset=0&sort=normal" target="_blank">Tudung Structure</a> will help to keep hijab in place, and not to mention it gives an illusion of a slimmer face. :p</div><hr style=" width: 100%; clear: both; visibility: hidden; "></hr><span style=" z-index: 10; position: relative; float: left; "><a></a><div style="display: block; font-size: 90%; margin-top: -10px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;"></div></span><div class="paragraph" style=" text-align: left; display: block; "><br /><br />5. Fold the two sides.</div><hr style=" width: 100%; visibility: hidden; clear: both; "></hr><span style=" z-index: 10; position: relative; float: left; "><a></a><div style="display: block; font-size: 90%; margin-top: -10px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;"></div></span><div class="paragraph" style=" text-align: left; display: block; "><br /></div><hr style=" visibility: hidden; clear: both; width: 100%; "></hr><span style=" position: relative; z-index: 10; float: left; "><a></a><div style="display: block; font-size: 90%; margin-top: -10px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;"></div></span><div class="paragraph" style=" text-align: left; display: block; "><br /><br />6. Gather the two sides and pin them together with a small brooch around the neck area.<br /><br />I prefer <a href="http://www.alyadesigns.com/online-shop.html#ecwid:category=187510&mode=category&offset=0&sort=normal" target="_blank">rectangular shape brooches</a> since they are more secure. Fancy shapes like flowers are beautiful but they often scrape my chin and have the tendency to come off when I eat or even sneeze!</div><hr style=" visibility: hidden; width: 100%; clear: both; "></hr><span style=" z-index: 10; float: left; position: relative; "><a></a><div style="display: block; font-size: 90%; margin-top: -10px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;"></div></span><div class="paragraph" style=" text-align: left; display: block; "><br /><br />7. Take one side of the hijab and bring it up towards the top of your head. </div><hr style=" clear: both; visibility: hidden; width: 100%; "></hr><span style=" float: left; z-index: 10; position: relative; "><a></a><div style="display: block; font-size: 90%; margin-top: -10px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;"></div></span><div class="paragraph" style=" text-align: left; display: block; "><br /><br />8. Pin the edge of hijab with a ball head pin. Pin in downwards.</div><hr style=" clear: both; width: 100%; visibility: hidden; "></hr><span style=" float: left; z-index: 10; position: relative; "><a></a><div style="display: block; font-size: 90%; margin-top: -10px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;"></div></span><div class="paragraph" style=" text-align: left; display: block; "><br /><br />9. Pull the other side of hijab to the opposite shoulder. Pin it in place with a big brooch.</div><hr style=" width: 100%; clear: both; visibility: hidden; "></hr><span style=" z-index: 10; position: relative; float: left; "><a></a><div style="display: block; font-size: 90%; margin-top: -10px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;"></div></span><div class="paragraph" style=" text-align: left; display: block; "><br /><br />10. Style complete!</div><hr style=" width: 100%; visibility: hidden; clear: both; "></hr><div ><div style="height: 10px; overflow: hidden; width: 0px;"></div><hr style="background-color:#777777; border:0pt none; color:#777777; height:1px; margin:0 auto; text-align: center; width:0px;"></hr><div style="height: 10px; overflow: hidden; width: 0px;"></div></div><div class="paragraph" style=" text-align: left; "><strong><span style="font-size: small;">STYLE STUFF</span></strong></div><div ><div style="text-align: left;"><a></a><div style="display: block; font-size: 90%; margin-top: -10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"></div></div></div><div class="paragraph" style=" text-align: left; ">To make it easy for you to know what items are used for this style, I've compiled them in STYLE STUFF.<br /><br /><strong>Inner Scarf</strong><br /><br /><strong>Tudung Structure</strong> can be purchased <a href="http://www.alyadesigns.com/online-shop.html#ecwid:category=187019&mode=category&offset=0&sort=normal" target="_blank">online</a> or at these <a href="http://www.alyadesigns.com/stockists.html">2 shops</a> in Singapore. For purchase through our website, we accept international orders and payment by Paypal. <br /><br /><strong>Square Hijab in Dark Brown</strong><br />Material: Chiffon<br />Dimensions: 42" by 42"<br /><br /><strong>Big Brooch</strong><br />De Humairah Creations<br /><br /><strong>Small Brooch</strong> can be purchased <a href="http://www.alyadesigns.com/online-shop.html#ecwid:category=187510&mode=category&offset=0&sort=normal" target="_blank">online</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Ball Head Pin</strong><br />From a general store<br /><br /></div><div class="paragraph" style=" text-align: left; "><fontlucida><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><strong style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; padding-right: 0pt; padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-left: 0pt; "><span style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; padding-right: 0pt; padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-left: 0pt; font-weight: normal; "><span style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; padding-right: 0pt; padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-left: 0pt; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: verdana, georgia, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; ">If you have any tips or questions, please feel free to email me at info@alyadesigns.com. Tips and comments are much appreciated! Like the article? Forward it to your friends. Good things are meant to be shared! :)<br /><br />Love,<br /></span></span></strong><strong style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; padding-right: 0pt; padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-left: 0pt; "><span style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; padding-right: 0pt; padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-left: 0pt; font-weight: normal; "><span style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; padding-right: 0pt; padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-left: 0pt; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: verdana, georgia, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; ">Islianah</span></span></strong><br /><strong style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; padding-right: 0pt; padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-left: 0pt; "><span style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; padding-right: 0pt; padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-left: 0pt; font-weight: normal; "><span style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; padding-right: 0pt; padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-left: 0pt; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: verdana, georgia, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; ">www.alyadesigns.com</span></span></strong></span></span></fontlucida><br /><fontlucida><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "></span></span></fontlucida></div><div ><div id="734751797117304533" align="left" style="width: 100%; overflow-y: hidden;"></div></div><div ><div id="936962655942617847" align="left" style="width: 100%; overflow-y: hidden;"><a name='fb_share' type='button_count' share_url='http://www.alyadesigns.com/3/post/2010/08/video-tutorial-square-hijab-style-1.html' href='http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php'>Share</a><script src='http://static.ak.fbcdn.net/connect.php/js/FB.Share' type='text/javascript'></script></div></div> </article> </main></body></html>