The Freshman Class : AIISHA

Like most girls I love browsing magazines and pinterest looking at the latest collection that designers have released.  Call me crazy, but I like to challenge myself to guess the designer before looking to see who it is.  Does anyone else do that?  A lot of designers have a certain vibe or characteristic that makes their clothes unique and personal.  I love it when I'm thrown for a loop though!  It's fun to see designers switch it up and go for a different vibe than they usually go for.  Am I making sense any more?  ha!

Anyways,  as much as I love going through experienced and established designers I LOVE discovering new up-and-coming designers.  I think they're so refreshing and are willing to take risks.  I like that!   I'm going to start a new series called " The Freshman Class" that will show case new (or new to me) designers. I've already shared a few of my favorites with you :  Noon by Noor, Rami Al-Ali, and Zayan the Label amongst a few others.  Now, let's add AIISHA to that list.

Going through AIISHA's previous collections I noticed a good balance of very intricately beaded designs mixed with a lot dresses that were simpler with a classic cut, but definitely not boring.  Either way, you could tell there was a ton of attention to detail.

via AIISHA facebook page

via AIISHA

via AIISHA facebook page

as seen on Christina Aguilera

I wish I could find a good picture of Kristin Chenoweth in that blue dress.  It has a row of buttons down the back that gives it enough detail yet keeps the classic vibe going.  Ugh, so pretty.  Here's a peak of Keri Hilson wearing a black version.

AIISHA is scheduled to showcase at NYFW in a few weeks under the Dubai Design block.  I cannot wait to see what she's got up her sleeve.  Definitely a designer to look out for!

Noon by Noor RTW Spring 2014

I've already proclaimed my love for the Noon by Noor label before, so it goes without saying that I was super excited to see their latest collection during the Spring 14 NYFW lineup.  Unsurprisingly, the girls did not disappoint.  I loved every single bit of it and the only part that I didn't like?  The fact that I had to watch it via livestream - can you imagine how much more beautiful the collection would be in real life?!

all images via WWD

Apparently, Noor and Haya ,the designers behind Noon by Noor, turned to their home country of Bahrain for the inspiration behind the collection.  I love the floral hues and embellishments.  That white midi dress is so up  my alley.  The pattern play was super fun too.  I can see a lot of younger, hip celebrities wearing this collection.  Solange Knowles is big fan too! And that last dress?  Breathtaking isn't it?! Overall, the whole collection felt clean yet feminine.  I'll take one of everything please!

Savoring Summer

Am I the only one who is trying to soak up every last bit of sun summer has to offer?  Summer has finally slowed down a bit and the temperatures are perfect for catching up on some last minute bronzing.  So while pinterest is egging me on with gorgeous autumn clothes, I'm turning to the fun label"All Things Mochi" to give summer one last nod before it goes.

all images via All Things Mochi Facebook Page

Isn't the crop top + flared mini skirt absolute perfection?  You guys know I'm an absolute sucker for embroidery and ATM is spot on.  Such a fun brand, don't you think?

She wears many hats

It's no surprise that I'm a hat girl.  Bad hair day or good hair day- hats are so my jam.  So when I discovered new-to-me brand Anya Caliendo I knew I had to share her with you.  Anya is so a girl after my own heart!  Her hats range from classic chanel-esque to incredibly avant garde.  

all images via

I hope you guys are just as in love with Anya's collections as I am.  How fun would it be to prance around in one of these?  Are you more of the classic, everyday hat girl or the eccentric, head-turning kind?  I've got to say, I'm a bit of both...but I am always a cheerleader for the "only she can pull that off" style.

Sunday Spotlight : Rami Al Ali

I've only recently come across Rami Al Ali and his breath taking designs, but it's like we've been friends for a long time.  His collections are the perfect harmony of art and style that leaving you begging for more. To me, it's very Art Deco inspired and since I'm still on a Great Gatsby craze, I couldn't ask for anything more alluring. The majority of these photos are from Ali's recent Autumn-Winter '13/14 campaign during Paris Couture Fashion Week, but trust me when I say that his previous seasons have been just as lovely.  The AW '13/14 collection was held at Le Meurice, which was the perfect backdrop to play off  the gorgeous metallics Ali incorporated into his designs.  With a background in art, it's no wonder that he is able to use fabric to incorporate such eye catching structural elements into his designs.

Now, all I need is a way to get my hands on one of these.  

#iwish

and just in case you wanted to be even more in love with the collection, check out this short clip where you can see the dresses from a different perspective

Image Credits : 1, 2-7, 8, 9, 10

Zayan The Label

Guys I think I'm in love.  I just discovered Zayan the Label - a flirty, fun, and unbelievably romantic line created by Lebanese designer Zayan Ghandour.  Based in Dubai, Zayan created her line and had her first showing at Paris Fashion Week 2011 and has been kicking major butt ever since.  If there's one thing I love more than the collection itself it's the styling of the collection.  Man am I a sucker for good styling and story telling.  Let me tell you, Zayan's  SS13 " Electric Wonderland" and AW 12- 13 "Let Them Wear Roses" collections do not disappoint my friends.

That sheer dress just slays me.  The tulle lined cropped blazer gives me heart palpitations.   I suddenly want to go grocery shopping and then swim in a pool of flowers.

ohhh my gerddddd

Tell me you're not in love.  My heart is about to ex-plode.  

Oh, and it doesn't hurt that Zayan is the genius behind the popular UAE shop S*UCE

#obsessed

{all images via Zayan }

Giveaway : Brittany Fuson

A few weeks ago I posted about a this Brittany Fuson giveaway - and then never did anything about it.  Whoops!  Can we blame it on being pregnant and having the flu?  Not a fun thing.  But these Brittany Fuson prints - they are the fun.  

The bees knee's  in fact!

So to make up for my slacking Brittany is generously giving away two prints - meaning two winners!  And even better she's added more prettiness to her shop.

"Rok"

"Sketch"

"Shannon"

and here's the one I own - "Girlfriends" 

Unfortunately, it looks like "Girlfriends" isn't available anymore - but trust me there's a ton of other good stuff.  Sheer prettiness I tell you.

To enter:

1.) Go to Brittany Fuson Paper and come back leaving a comment saying which print you'd like to win.

2.) Pin one of the above photos with the title #giveaway

For extra entries (leave a separate comment for each) :

1.) Tweet the giveaway

 {Enter to win your favorite Brittany Fuson illustration @nuhasofiyan and @BrittanyFuson  http://nuhasofiyan.blogspot.com/2013/01/giveaway-brittany-fuson-art.html}

2.) Follow me on Twitter {@nuhasofiyan }

3.) Follow Brittany on Twitter {@BrittanyFuson }

4.) Like the Brittany Fuson Facebook Page