I bought a couple of new abayas a few weeks ago but only was able to pick them up today. This one -- shot in a strong wind -- is for everyday use, despite the lace sleeves and very fancy back. (Some of the supermarkets are like fashion shows, so it should fit right in.) The other one has to be seen to be believed as it has rhinestones on it and is so sheer they had to put a lining in it to make it usable. I’m not sure if that one is ready to be photographed yet because I have to figure out how to wear it first (it’s more like a V-shaped caftan with little holes that your wrists go through and a complicated hood that I don’t quite understand yet).

This brings my abaya collection to 16, three of which are cheap and for use in the desert, and five of which are so dressy, they call for a special occasion or an exclusive restaurant, especially in Riyadh, which is far more conservative than Jeddah, where those fancy abayas would pose no problem.

The front view: