I went through Libas Boutique for my wedding in the summer of 2012. A close family friend regularly ordered clothes from them and said she was always pleased with the results. My cousin's friend had just ordered her wedding outfits from them as well, thus based on those two recommendations; I decided to visit the store.
I entered a modest shop with racks of beautiful Pakistani party wear. The owner, Shaista Aunty, showed me some bridal outfits that she had made for a costumer. I was pleased with the quality and style and thus I asked her to show me more. Shaista Aunty showed me recent pictures of outfits that she had made for brides. I noticed that one of the pictures that she showed me was similar to the type of outfit that I wanted. I had seen a beautiful outfit on the runway but I wanted to make minor changes to it. I showed Shaista Aunty several pictures on my laptop of what components I wanted to use in my outfit. She did not complain or get overwhelmed or confused; rather, she listened attentively and drew a sketch and took notes on what I wanted. I made her review with me what I wanted and she repeated everything; understanding that I wanted to be careful and make sure we understood one another. I wanted two outfits made, one for my shaadi (wedding event) and one for my valima (reception event). Shaista Aunty gave me nice suggestions as to how to ensure that both outfits were different from one another to ensure a unique look for both of my wedding events.
I am a very cautious individual and given the importance of wedding dresses and that they are a big purchase, I sent Shaista Aunty detailed emails as to what I wanted in each outfit and I included pictures as well. Shaista Aunty informed me that since pictures can be interpreted differently by different individuals, she wanted me to get a piece of fabric with the exact colors that I wanted in the outfits. I liked that she told me to do this because it meant that she was thinking ahead and making sure we did everything necessary to get the outfit exactly as I wanted it. She took my measurements and I patiently waited for my outfits.
I really wanted for the groom to match with my shaadi outfit thus, even though Shaista Aunty usually does not take sherwani orders for men, she made an exception and agreed to make my husband a sherwani and pagar. My husband's outfit turned out to be a little loose and wide, but otherwise, it looked perfect.
Lucky for me, Shaista Aunty was going to Pakistan and thus was able to over-see the making of my outfits. Shaista Aunty was very good at picking up my phone calls, answering my emails, and contacting me as well. She was considerate enough to call me several times from Pakistan to update me on the progress of the outfits. I was unable to pick up the first few times because, as a teacher, I was teaching in class. But Shaista Aunty continued to try to contact me (her husband even called me from the store to relay the message) and I was able to get in touch with her. She let me know that the two colors I picked did not look right together and asked me if I wanted to go with a deeper red. Trusting her instinct, I told her that she could go ahead and die the color darker. It turned out to be a beautiful color combination, so I'm glad I listened to her recommendation.
As a hijabi (person who covers her hair and wears modest clothing), I requested that she make me a bonnet type cap to cover my hair. I also told her that I wanted for my neck to be covered. Although Shaista Aunty had never made extra pieces before she was up for the challenge and assured me that I would be covered. In the end, for each outfit, I had a beautiful bandana type small scarf that I tied and wore under my dupatta (larger ornate scarf). I also had a beautiful removable piece to wear around my neck. This beautiful piece had an ornate choker that I clasped around my neck and then fabric draped over which I tucked into my neckline. I was so pleased to be completely covered! I received multiple compliments from people, not only on the ornate work that was all over my outfits, but also on the fact that I was covered. Everyone claimed that they had never seen someone pull off a hijab (head covering) and be covered up in such an elegant manner.
Since these outfits are being made in Pakistan, I recommend that anyone ordering the outfits ask to have them done a month in advance from when they need them (to leave cushion time for them to arrive). I am pleased that Shaista Aunty took my thoughts into great consideration and made two stunning outfits for me. I highly recommend Libas boutique to anyone who wants a high quality outfit. The owner is very calm, polite, honest, and diligent. She has been running this business for years and you can tell that she is good at what she does. Alhmadullilah (praise God), I am pleased with getting my wedding outfits from Libas! read more
