Saima Says Style

Michael Jackson announced tour dates in London today (I was there!) so in his honour here are the best MJ picks from Etsy. 

1. Michael Jackson print – $20
2. Jacko T-shirt – $18
3. Recycled Vinyl Records Michael Jackson BAD Bowl Wall Art - $8
4. Zombeh – $50

This print from Yamen requires a special mention, I love the graphics! (Sorry, no longer available )

So I mentioned on Monday that I found a great lifestyle and fashion store during my time in Ireland. Avoca stocks a whole manner of things from tableware to t-shirts. I don’t think my photos do justice to exactly how magical the place was. Little shabby chic trinkets displayed in vintage cabinets, quirky clothes hung from racks and an old greenhouse storing Cath Kidson items. They even had a food hall and cafe! I fell in love with the place and dragged my husband there the following day. I wanted to move in

Speaking to one of the shop assistants, it seems that Avoca is a family run business which originated in the Republic of Ireland. The story starts on a family mill about 280 years ago. They now have eight stores altogether, including one in Maryland, USA.

There were so many items I wanted to purchase but since room in my suitcase was limited, I had to control myself. In the end, I bought myself a Tea Time book as I am obsessed with cookbooks recently. This is a great little book, beautifully illustrated with recipes to satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth.

So how about the giveaway competition I mentioned earlier? Well, I also picked up the same book and a very cute tote bag to give to one very lucky reader of this site. All you have to do to be eligible to win is comment on this post saying “Yes, please!” and also tell us which shops you wish you could spend the day in. Deadline to enter is Thursday 12th March and the winner will be chosen at random on Friday. Good luck!

Yesterday I attended a “Mehndi (Henna) Night” I was invited to. What’s one of those? Traditionally, in the run up to a Pakistani wedding, all the women get together and party! The events usually involve brightly coloured clothes, music, dancing and food…sounds like a good combination to me It’s also a time for women to have their hands decorated with pretty patterns in henna, ready for the upcoming wedding. Last night was no exception.

People were dressed in beautifully embroidered clothes. The traditional colours for such an event are green and yellow or anything “henna” coloured but nowadays anything goes. This outfit from Bargello is typical of the type of style and colours worn.

The women also gather to sing traditional Punjabi and Hindi songs, accompanied by a drum called the dholki. I prefer not to torment anyone with my awful singing voice so usually just clap along.

Last night we were lucky enough to have a professional henna artist in our midst who was hired to decorate our hands, feet and anything else you wanted adorned. I opted to have the henna on my left hand and left it on there for quite a while so that the colour transferred on to my hand would end up being quite dark. Pretty eh?

We fly out to Belfast this weekend for the wedding so I’ll be back blogging Monday. Hopefully I’ll have some more pretty pictures to share with you all.

The girls and I have been going crazy over the Modalu Heart Cross Body Bag this weekend. Ok, it’s £68 but it would go with so many outfits, you’d surely get your money’s worth, right? Umm, I’ll convince myself somehow! I put some ideas together for an outfit and I think this going out ensemble could easily be toned down for a daytime look too. More excuses to wear this fab bag! Of course, if the cost is offputting then the purse (£29.50) is a more affordable option and if you really feel like splashing out, go for the shoulder bag (£98)! 

1. Peking print ruffle one shoulder dress – £65
2. Modalu Heart Cross Body Bag - £68
3. Black Boston Skinny Jeans – £15
4. Irregular Choice Pointed Flat Shoe - £64.25
5. Mixed Bangle Set - £7

Given the amount of snow in London over the last week, I thought it’d be a good idea to hunt out some suitable snow boots; without sacrificing on style of course! I’ve seen a lot of people sporting wellington boots for the treacherous commute to and from work. Here are my top four choices of wellies to see you through not only winter but also the inevitable wet British springtime.

1. Crocs Georgie Boots (various colours) – £33.79
2. Wedge Heel Wellington Boots – £14.99
3. Pink Heart Wellies (with matching bag) – £24.99
4. Hunter Festival Lace Wellington Boots (various colous) – £49.99