Parisian Market Earrings

Paris is awash with open air and sometimes indoor markets. I love shopping there because there's always a sense of expectation - you never know what bargains are around the corner. In January I bought some pretty little earrings at the bargain price of only 3 Euro each. The pastel colours will be perfect for the summer so I'm saving them until the weather improves!

Beaded hoop earrings with multi-coloured beads that have a grainy, matt finish. 

These are my absolute favourites. Exquisite little plastic roses in a subtle turquoise and  pale pink.

Medium sized plastic turquoise beads with subtle gold marbling effect. 

I already have a large jewellery collection but with pieces like these available at such low prices, I think it will grow rapidly.

These items were all bought at a twice weekly, open-air market in the Parisian suburb of Goussainville.

Well, it's been a while.

I thought I'd drop you a line to let you know that I'm still around! For personal reasons I took a short break from the blogosphere but fear not, I'm planning a triumphant return with all things stylish yet modest!

New posts are in the pipeline and I have some lovely Parisian market finds to show you.

xx

Who doesn't love a bargain?

Charity/thrift shops are hit and miss. That doesn't put me off sneaking a peek inside one whenever I get a chance though. The trouble is that I simply don't have the "eye" for a hidden gem. Here are the goodies purchased by my sister, Nadia, in Stratford-Upon-Avon a couple of weeks ago. I defy anyone to out-shop her in a charity shop!

Floaty skirt with belt detail which just happens to go  beautifully with this summery printed hijab.

This skirt is ankle length and looks pretty and fresh teamed with this floral hijab.

Selection of handbags; top right: soft brown leather with short carry-handle and long shoulder strap, top left: printed satchel and centre bottom: large, print canvas tote.

I am in love with all three of these bags but especially the canvas tote which has soft leather trimmings in a lovely muted grey.

This set of matching faux wicker baskets came complete with tags. They are perfect for bedroom storage and the glossy black finish looks great against her plain white walls.

Suffice it to say that none of the items cost more than a few pounds. Her reign as Charity Shop Queen continues...

A little bit of luxury!

Having a generous husband with links to the fashion retail industry has it's benefits (who'd have though it!). Imagine my utter gobsmackedness when said husband presented me with a gorgeous snakeskin handbag and matching wallet from exclusive Italian brand Silvano Biagini.

Black lining with minimal silver hardware.

They are made from beautifully soft python skin and the bag is the Savana model. I have to admit that I was initially skeptical about carrying around such a large block of snakeskin, particularly as the pale grey/brown colouring and black clasp make it particularly eye-catching. It is undoubtedly a quality item however which I'm sure will make a stylish statement when teamed with the right outfit.

The wallet is a thing of beauty. The perfect size and with the usual plethora of pockets and compartments for cards and a full-length zipped pocket for loose change.

http://en.silvanobiagini.com/

Real Techniques Brushes

Yes, I know, I'm a little late to the party! I have been coveting the Real Techniques brushes for some time now. As a subscriber to Pixiwoo's Youtube channel I'm well aware of the work of their talented designer, Samantha Chapman. Having heard so many rave reviews about the quality of the brushes, I finally managed to find them in stock at a Boots store in the Birmingham Bullring (my parent's local shopping mall). Unfortunately I was only able to find the Core Collection and an individual Shading Brush. Nevermind, as these were both on my wish list in any event!

The brushes are super soft synthetics which means that they are perfect for use with both powder and cream products.  The Core Collection contains a Detailer Brush, Pointed Foundation Brush, Buffing Brush and Contouring Brush and comes complete with a handy case that transforms into a useful brush stand.

Samantha Chapman often uses the Buffing Brush to apply foundation in her online tutorials. I have always applied my foundation with my fingers and will use the Buffing Brush to apply my blush (that is until I buy the Real Techniques Blusher Brush!).

Pointed Foundation Brush

The Pointed Foundation Brush is small enough to use for concealer work (other than pin-point work). As a foundation brush it's on the smaller side but top make-up artist Lisa Eldridge is another who favours smaller foundation brushes as they allow for more precise application thus avoiding areas where foundation isn't needed.

Contouring Brush

The brushes are soft, dense and beautifully tapered. The Core Collection was priced at £21.99 which is a reasonable price for 4 good quality brushes. The Shading Brush usually retails for £7.99 but was on offer (buy two items and get the cheapest half-price) for only £3.99.

First impressions are definitely good with these brushes and I have high hopes that they will prove to be a sound investment.

http://www.pixiwoo.com/
http://realtechniques.com/

A day out in Stratford-Upon-Avon

Despite the summer in the UK being a almost a complete washout, we managed to find a sunny and relatively warm August day on which to enjoy a day trip to Stratford-Upon-Avon in Warwickshire. Situated close to my parents' house in South Birmingham, the picturesque market town is a only a short bus ride, train ride or drive away. We opted to take the scenic bus route along the Stratford Road and enjoyed the views from the top deck which include the pretty little town of Henley-in-Arden.

Stratford was heaving with both tourists and locals taking advantage of a rare glimpse of the sun. We enjoyed a leisurely stroll along the river Avon from the town centre to Holy Trinity Church (burial place of William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway) stopping for a picnic along the way. Although we'd chosen to bring a picnic lunch with us, as a popular tourist spot, Stratford is awash with pleasant eating places including plenty of vegetarian and halal options.

View along the river Avon - a perfect picnic spot. Boats are available to hire by the half hour and family deals are also available on 45 minute river tours.

In the afternoon, we enjoyed tea and cakes in the aptly named Hathaway Tea Rooms. Although the cafe was full to bursting, there was plenty of seating available in the pleasant little garden. Most of our party had already experienced the Shakespeare themed attractions on previous trips and given the sheer numbers out in force that day, we decided to stick to sightseeing.

Henley Street, Shakespeare's birthplace can just be seen on the far left of the picture.

As one of the members of our party was my sister Nadia, we couldn't have left without a trawl through the many charity shops. Stratford is a fairly upmarket town with names such as Laura Ashley, Kaliko and The White Company featuring prominently in the main shopping streets and to a charity shop connaisseur like Nadia, this held a lot of promise! I will save my purchases to show you in a haul at a later date but Nadia picked up this pretty little shell for a mere 75p and it looks perfect with this group of pink pots on the window sill next to her reading nook.

About Moi....

Asalam Alaikum

After spending countless hours perusing other people's blogs, I've finally decided to take the plunge - well dip my toes actually, into the world of blogging.

I love reading lifestyle and fashion blogs but as a Muslim woman living in Europe I find that I'm limited in what I can relate to in other blogs. I was never going to find a blog tailored specifically to my needs and lifestyle so decided to set up my own. I happen to know that there are thousands of young Muslim women out there who live a modest lifestyle yet take a keen interest in all things fashionable and stylish.

I'm certainly no fashion expert nor am I a writer but I do have a sense of what I like and ideas on how I can adapt fashion trends to suit a Muslim woman.

My final apology is that I am also a complete novice when it comes to technology! Please bear with me as I hope this Blog changes and evolves as and when I learn more about layout and design!

xx