Sudanese-American beauty blogger Shahd Batal has teamed up with online retailer Asos to create an edit of her favourite pieces, just in time for Ramadan.
Given access to Asos's 85,000 products, Batal has somehow managed to whittle that down to a small, but well-put-together and thought-out collection that best embodies her personal style.
It is not a surprise that the self-titled "queen of sweatpants" has included some sportswear, including soft hoodies and jersey tracksuit pants, but also mixes in cropped jumpers (perfect for matching with too-big shirts) and oversized tailoring including a rather fabulous dual-tone dad jacket.
Scroll through the gallery above to see more from Shahd Batal's edit for Asos.
More tailoring creeps in via a slick all-white suit that looka great with a hijab, as well as 1980s-cut, pleat-front trousers and even a roomy, washed denim shirt. With casual layering very much in mind, this selection seems clearly designed to mix and match, giving multiple styling options – a shrewd move in an age when customers are beginning to question the ethics of fast fashion.
Despite claiming to spend most of her time in sweatpants, Batal does pick some very glam looks. Starting with silk maxi skirts in clashing florals, she moves on to slinky bias-cut satin dresses in autumnal tones, and even a super chic full-length jersey knit dress with shaped sleeves.
Also included are lots of accessories, including stacking jewellery in Candy Crush colours, and head scarves.
Aimed at twenty-something shoppers, Asos is known for its huge range of items, but with so many options, it can be tricky knowing where to start. This makes this tie up even smarter as Batel gets to show off her fashion chops and connect with a wider audience, while shoppers can lean on her inspiration without getting overwhelmed.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
more from Janine di Giovanni
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
'How To Build A Boat'
Jonathan Gornall, Simon & Schuster
Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
if you go
The flights
The closest international airport to the TMB trail is Geneva (just over an hour’s drive from the French ski town of Chamonix where most people start and end the walk). Direct flights from the UAE to Geneva are available with Etihad and Emirates from about Dh2,790 including taxes.
The trek
The Tour du Mont Blanc takes about 10 to 14 days to complete if walked in its entirety, but by using the services of a tour operator such as Raw Travel, a shorter “highlights” version allows you to complete the best of the route in a week, from Dh6,750 per person. The trails are blocked by snow from about late October to early May. Most people walk in July and August, but be warned that trails are often uncomfortably busy at this time and it can be very hot. The prime months are June and September.
MATCH INFO
World Cup 2022 qualifier
UAE v Indonesia, Thursday, 8pm
Venue: Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai
UAE squad
Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh.
UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – First ODI
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
