May 4th is a big day! Why? It’s 3abaya.com‘s 2nd birthday!

We’re so happy and blessed to be here, and we’d like to thank you for all of your support! And for our birthday, once again, it’s you who gets the birthday gift!

We have a really fun contest going on for you to have a chance at winning one of 3abaya.com‘s most coveted Abayas. All you have to do is use one of the Abayas to create a birthday set (see example above). All the sets will be put into a Facebook Album where people can “like” their favorites. The set with the most likes, wins the Abaya!

Here’s how to officially enter:

1. Choose one these three Abayas to create a birthday look set on Polyvore.
• Taara Couture
• Effa
• Zenj

2. Email the link to your set to info@3abaya.com with the subject line: Birthday Set! (Don’t forget to add your name and mailing address to the email in case you win.)

3. Check the 3abaya.com Facebook Page to see your photo.

4. Have your friends and family vote for your photo on Facebook from May 4th- May 12th . Then come back to see if you won!

In stark contrast to her last collection for Autumn/Winter her focus for Spring/Summer was far from the glamorous Hollywood of years past. This collection was focused not on the past, but far from it, and into the future. This summer’s abaya-wearing girl isn’t all about the frills you would normally associate with the warmer temperatures. Oh no, not only is she adventurous, but she has a taste for the fun, almost experimental side of glamour. Summer always seems to hold the most weddings and wedding parties, and these stunning new pieces are sure to surprise and excite all the guests.

Bold shoulders are the name of the game this season. These, however, are most definitely not to be confused with harsh lines or unforgiving cuts. As is evidenced in her previous collections, Effa knows how to design, and the abayas with sharp lines are softly contrasted with delicately draped fabric. It’s still a distinctly summer collection in that she uses pops of bright colors against the rich black fabric. These abayas have a very couture-like feel to them. Strong shoulders are the main feature of this collection, whether glittery black, or covered in gold rosettes. From her attention to detail to her knowledge of current trends, Effa brings a bit of the future into our present.
And don’t forget, you can shop any of these abayas from Effa’s Spring/Summer ’12 collection right here on 3abaya.com!

Some of the latest pieces to hit 3abaya.com are from the Effa Collection. For the designer herself, the focus for this particular collection was the glamorous 40′s. Her subtly colorful designs are reminiscent of the old Hollywood style. Effa, a Saudi designer who studied in London launched her first collection of abayas in 2007.

Effa’s design aesthetic is always elegant and this collection was no exception. A simple black abaya comes to life with an asymmetrical hem, royal blue piping and a few subtle ruffles. A waterfall of colorful, satiny fabrics fall beautifully down the front of a couple of the abayas.

This luxurious line of abayas features bold jewel tones in sapphire and amethyst. Gorgeous gold details and silky pleats work magic for a women’s figure. Effa knows how to make a woman look good, and she does it well.

Come back next week for more on Effa’s latest Spring/Summer Collection!

One of the coolest trends this spring is the whole bright on bright look. Celebs, who tend to dress in trends before we do, have been working this look for a while. Jennifer Lopez has been rocking this looks so well as you can see above. Although this trend is very simple to wear, it’s most definitely not for the faint of heart. J.Lo makes the look work for her by keeping the color solid and the dress fitted. A loose, flowy shirt or dress in a shocking neon color would just be too much.

If you’ve been eyeing this trend for a while, now is the time to go for it! You can easily start with a white base, skirt, pants, top, whatever, and just add on a bright accent. A simple belt or wraparound watch in a neon bright color will really freshen up your whole look. Now I know black and bright is also popular, but it just doesn’t seem as new. If you’re using this bright color as an accent by wearing it in a belt, shoe, or bag, then keep accessories to minimum. I really don’t suggest pairing more than two or three colors together, with three being the absolute maximum. What do you think of this trend, would you wear it?

You might have caught the Academy Awards last Sunday, one of the biggest fashion events of the year, and watched it all the way through… or you might have done what I did, and just switched on the TV for some fashion! And then turned off the TV and went online to dissect said fashion for the rest of the night.

It seems that there were a few distinct color categories that most of the women wore for the night. Solids ruled, except for in the case of Natalie Portman who wore vintage Dior and looked stunning in it. There were some who loved her dress, and others who thought she looked like she was going to prom in 1994. I for one thought she looked great, c’mon, it’s vintage. It’s Dior. What’s not to love? Dazzling whites and bold blacks made quite a statement on the red carpet as well. I loved Giuliana Rancic’s white gown (far right), it was one of my favorites of the night.

As for the black gowns, I wasn’t really feeling the liquidy looking, sequin black dresses but absolutely adored Tina Fey’s Peplum Carolina Herrera number! Blush and gold were also worn by a number of stars. Although most gowns were one color without prints, the embroidery, beading and detailing really made them shine.

The one-shoulder effect was in full force that night and I thought Milla Jovovich really sparked in her white dress. The loose, low drape effect was also done so prettily on Kate Mara and Stacy Keibler. Although many of the dresses were pretty, some gorgeous, and others strange, overall there really wasn’t anything very over the top. I suppose it is the Oscars after all, not the Grammys! Oh, and one last thing- Angelina Jolie’s leg. Am I the only one who thought she had the strangest pose with her leg sticking out like that? And did you know her leg even has it’s own twitter? Oh yes, it’s true.
Regardless, give me your top two favorites from the Awards! Mine were Guiliana Rancic and Tina Fey. Wait, no, Guiliana and Michelle Williams. Final answer.