Current Wish List

Don't you always find yourself lusting over things and creating mental wish lists despite promising yourself that you're trying to save? Here, I have created a little (not so little price tag!) compilation of items that I have been absolutely lusting over, and somewhat drooling over online. 

Let's start with my personal favourite - the beautiful Gucci Dionysus bag (buy it here)
This bag has spiked in popularity recently, if you're a fashion addict you've definitely had a moment of desire for this bag! The Dionysus was introduced in the Fall/Winter 2015 collection and it has since blossomed in the fashion blogging world. Described as a 'structured top handle bag' this little beauty features a bold sliding silver chain and a centre buckle shaped as a tiger spur. For me, this metal design adds to its wearability! You can dress this item up or down and still look effortlessly chic.

Being a 'bootie' girl, I tend to wear ankle boots pretty much all year round! Seriously, you can find me in a little dress in the midst of London's Summer season, but I'd still pair my outfit with a pair of ankle boots and a fedora hat to add that little bit of edge. These Saint Laurent Babies 90 Suede Ankle Boots are gorgeous! They feature that gorgeous length that goes just above the ankles, which in my opinion, brings the illusion of extra length to your legs. (buy them here)


Now an exciting confession, I recently acquired my first pair Céline sunglasses (post pending) but as always this means that the flood gates of desire have opened and quite naturally, I want more. Oh a girl can dream! These Céline Audrey Sunglasses feature a beautiful grey toned tortoise shell which I think works quite nicely with the bold design - bringing it an element of softness once worn. (Buy them here)

I'm not really a watch kinda gal, in fact I can confirm that I have never really worn a watch more than a handful of times. I just feel my wrists are too small and anything looks too overpowering for arm candy. However, I have been recently lusting over rose gold, but also mesh metals! This Cluse watch might just be an exception! Gorgeous mesh watch from Cluse here 

I think it's fair to say I don't need any more lipsticks, especially no more nude coloured variations. However, I recently swatched a shade of Mac's Lipstensity colours and I loved the creamy texture. It definitely has more sheen to their normal range, however I would compare it to the 'Amplified' lipstick range - perhaps just slightly less opaque. Mac Liptensity here

What are you current want and needs?

Saina
xo

Pinstripe And Prada : OOTD

All black, even in the summertime - duh. Here's a recent outfit I put together for a very abrupt linner (lunch &/or dinner) and cocktails look. Pinstripe has been one of my favourite trends since A/W 14, and I'm still finding ways of incorporating it into my summer wardrobe.

Outfit Details 

Blazer: Vera Moda here

Tailored Trousers: Zara here

Leather Ankle boots: H&M here

Crop top: Topshop here

Handbag: Prada here

Saina 

xo

Shop The Trend: Cross Body Bags

For my fashion savvy readers, you will be aware that despite the various styles of handbags from totes to clutches - there is one style that is taking the fashion world by storm. The functional and hands-free cross body bag. If you read my last post then you'll know that I too have had a fashion-reality check. I'm moving away from my larger-than-life handbags, and appreciating the slung across style trend. Essentially a satchel with the ease of a fanny pack, though they maintain the cuteness of arm candy. In my last post (titled 'The Perfect Everyday Bag) I gave you a sneak peak at my Michael Kors Jet-set Safiano travel Cross-body, and although I'm still in love with that bag, I've found a few other similar styles that I'm just dying to get my paws on!

To help you get your sling on, I've tallied up some of my favourite and super chic cross body bags of this season. Consider this the perfect time to start drafting your Summer '15 wish list! 

*Remember* To be stylish does not mean you have to spend £££ on one item, all your eyes need are little inspiration. High street stores have great alternatives to these high end beauties.

Tory burch crossbody
£315 - toryburch.com




Michael michael kors handbag
selfridges.com




MARC BY MARC JACOBS black purse
selfridges.com




Kate spade crossbody
£175 - katespade.com




Alexander Wang black handbag
£505 - shopbop.com




3 1 Phillip Lim leather bag
harveynichols.com

Happy Styling! 

Saina xo

Fedora & Duster: OOTD

Back to black. If you've read my last style post, you would have seen that I attempted my chances in an almost all-white outfit - shock horror, I know. But, I'm going to have to raise my hands up and admit in saying I feel the most comfortable when I'm dressed in all black outfit. It's just more 'me'. You've seen this ASOS duster many times before, and a year on yet I'm still obsessed with it. It's an outfit transforming item!

I hope you aren't getting tired of these fedora's, because I'm absolutely obsessed - they're not going anywhere anytime soon! Admittedly, I'm not the most head-wear savvy person and I often steer away from overly accessorizing. Though the fedora has become my favourite wardrobe item of the moment. Any time that I am unsure of an outfit, or want to look chic without looking like I've tried too hard, I throw on a fedora. They are both functional and outfit transforming - an absolute win win. This black fedora is from Miss Selfridge.

This ribbed khaki vest is from Zara - I picked these up in every colour they came in because they are an absolute Summer essential. The dipped hem makes them appear 'more than just a vest' and the material used for these tops is perfect - super soft, and they fall on the frame in a flattering manner. They also look like something Alexander Wang would do, at £15.99 it's a win-win. I've paired this top with my structured Zara trousers, which also seem to be glued to my legs as of recent. Though, you'll be glad to know I picked these trousers up in grey and white too!

I've forever been on the hunt for a less 'over the top' body chain, and when I stumbled upon this silver piece in the Topshop sale, I couldn't pass it by. At £4, I was willing to take a risk that I didn't have to regret later. I'm glad I picked it up, and if I never wear it again (which I'm sure I will) at least the urge has been satisfied! This is an incredibly dainty piece, which works perfectly for those, who like me, don't like to step out their comfort zone too much when it comes to accessorizing. Although this particular one is no longer available from Topshop, this ASOS offering is practically identical.
As always on errand running days, I keep minimal with my Michael Kors 'no faff' cross body bag, and for those asking, I've attached a River Island pompom chain to the strap. On my feet, I'm wearing a pair of patent black loafers that I bought from Office last year - although they have very similar styles here.

What are your thoughts on the duster and fedora trend?

Saina
xo

The Perfect Everyday Bag

In the past, I was guilty of carrying a larger than average handbag containing a shopping list of (un)necessary items - from a spare toothbrush, to hairspray - you name it, I had it! Recently, I was introduced to the world of comfort and convenience. Hello ladies - there's really (really) no need to carry your whole life with you to the mall, and you certainly don't need all your toiletries and more just to go to work. Having received this little Michael Kors gem for my birthday only made me realise how much more suitable it is to my 'everyday needs' rather than the likes of massive totes and shoppers. Admittedly, this is a small bag, yes. Though realistically, it fits everything I need - sunglasses, purse, a couple of cosmetic items (lipstick & liner), chewing gum and my phone. I cannot begin to explain how much easier it is to rummage through sale racks, wonder through flea markets and enjoy days to the park without lugging around a bag that just *has* to sit on the crease of my arm.

I've had no issues in matching this bag to different outfits - in fact it's pretty much worked with everything I own in my wardrobe. So much so, that I've not reached for the likes of my Louis (Louis Vuitton Neverful MM) in months! Take what you will from this post, a short review of the Michael Kors Jet-Set Travel Safiano bag or perhaps the inspiration to ditch the larger than life bag trend. Don't get me wrong, I love my totes and shoppers, though this bag has grown to become my ideal everyday style addition.

Happy Styling!

Saina
xo

How to Make Your Wardrobe Work

 
Outfit planning, to me, sounds a little bit old school and reminds me of the old Sixth Form days where I’d panic over the freedom of not having to wear uniform. Failing that, it reminds me of my desperate attempts to quickly get an outfit together for a ‘night out’ after work. The reality of it is that, outfit planning rarely works – but if it’s done right it can make your life a hell of a lot easier. 

 

1)   Firstly I recommend a tidy workspace. Tidy your room to make it easier to look for that t-shirt you may have lying behind your bed, or that Pandora ring that’s fallen off the side of your bedside table. An organised room makes for a well-organised outfit! 

2)  Start with a more ‘important’ item, and go from there. Sometimes I buy a new scarf and I’m like ‘I want to wear this scarf today’ – that makes it much more difficult to base an outfit around as opposed to choosing a pair of shoes or trousers to plan an outfit around. I recommend starting with your bottoms. 

3)  Now it’s time to jazz up the basis of your outfit – find a top that is well suited to the weather and your trousers. Now that you have your top and bottoms sorted, you have found the main skeleton of your outfit. 

4)  The rest is basically accessories! Shoes, jewellery and jacket if needed. 

5)   Leave the smaller bits to last – scarves, hats, etc. 

 

       Hope this helps you organise your outfits with less faff and hassle. Remember: There are no real rules when it comes to           what you wear. As long as you feel comfortable &you feel great in what you wear, that’s all that matters! Happy styling.

   

      Saina xo

Today's Favourites

Sometimes you can really keep your outfits super minimal and just rely on the character of one or two items to do the fashion talking. Leather pointies with gold hardware paired with a Chanel Classic flap-bag just oozes fashuun, duh (insert sassy emoji here). I was lucky enough to get gifted the Chanel 2.55mm small classic bag from my family for graduating, and I'm surprised at just how much this bag is adaptable to different outfits. I wear this with baggy tees and ripped jeans one day, and then I match it with a gorgeous midi dress and heels the next. I'm not one for prints, or super crowded textures and patterns, therefore my style seems to fall under that 'monochrome & minimalistic' umbrella so I never have to justify a flashy bag or a pair of shoes.

I've mentioned these pointies a few times before, and that's because I'm genuinely in love with them. They look expensive, though I grabbed them for a mere £9.99 in the Zara sale! They're real leather, super sturdy and also surprisingly versatile. Although this particular shoe is no longer available, I listed my favourite high street styles on a previous post (here). One paired with a pair of ripped skinnies, a classic v-neck white t-shirt and the gorgeous Chanel bag, you have yourself a tamed, but uber stylish look.

Happy Styling!

Saina
xo

Morticia Addams Goes White: ootd

Judging by the title of this post, you've probably gathered that this is a Saina style post with a twist. Saina ditches the black clothing (for once, and once only) and goes out in head-toe white! Tragic, I know. Sarcasm aside, I actually don't mind delving into an all white closet every now and then; It's real colour I have a fear of - reds, yellows and oranges.. Today's simple ensemble was an effort to embrace the partial Sunday sun that we had here in London - the denim jacket is a great alternative to leather jackets and an ideal choice during Spring months.

My white jeans are a pair of Topshop Joni jeans that I bought last year, and I'm still making wear out of (yay for white jeans still being 'in'). Although this jeans are 'super' high waisted, I still wear them with loose tops over them. And on top I'm wearing an Urban Outfitters shoulder cutout top, find similar style here. Finally, I opted for my vintage Levis jacket - similar here. This breaks up a somewhat 'feminine' look and not only adds colour, but some 'texture' to the outfit. On my feet, I'm wearing the £4 Primark snake print sliders that I wrote about here.

On a normal day-day basis, I don't tend to opt for clutch bags as they're, let's face it, just an inconvenience to permanently hold, and sometimes give off a pretentious vibe (anyone else get that?). However, for a Sunday family brunch and coffee I deemed it worthy. It also is a great 'earthy' addition to my almost all white colour palette. I bought this leather clutch for £1 at a local charity shop - again, I highly recommend you give second hand buys a chance! You never know what unique pieces you can find. As always I stacked on an assortment of rings, refer back to my 'Magpies Picks' post (here) to find my favourite silver jewelery online stores. I'm also wearing my new love, this Topshop collar necklace featuring a marble like stone.

Favourite Juice Recipe

Following my one of my previous posts about my love for at home juicing and smoothie making, I felt it was about time I shared my favourite juicing recipe with you. Keep on reading to find the ingredients for this quick and easy, but incredibly tasty power pineapple juice!

Recipe: 
1/2 Pineapple (approx 1 cup)
1 Large Lemon
1 handful of mixed berries - I used blueberries, blackberries and rasperries (approx 1 cup)
Knob of ginger (a few slices would do)

The ingredients of this juice are super great for your body as they include a whole host of health benefits - ginger is great for soothing colds and flus, berries are filled with anti oxidants, lemon juice can support weight loss and aid digestion and pineapples (apart from being delicious) are a good source of Vitaminc C!

Happy juicing.

Saina
xo

Monochrome in Mornington Crescent

Here's another style post, featuring my beloved flared trousers that I've basically been living in at the moment. I found these trousers in New Look - a store I don't tend to shop or find things in, but I've been loving this bargain beauty! When I first showed my mum these trousers she had a moment of 'Oh God, how are you going to make these work?' but I think I've since proved her otherwise. These trousers are super versatile, making them the perfect wardrobe gamble. I've worn them on a night out with heels and a crop top, and I've also worn them looking uber casual with a printed tee and sandals.Today, I was going for dinner and decided to dress somewhere 'in between'.

To avoid looking overly dressed up, or too fancy shmancy, I paired the trousers with a very simple white crop top from Topshop's basics - find similar style here. As always, I relied on my faux leather jacket to give my outfit a little bit of that 'edgy' but 'effortless' oomph - find the jacket I'm wearing here.

Jewelery was kept pretty minimal, and I left the outfit accessories to do the talking - I wore my Miss Selfridge black fedora (this seems to be stuck to my head these days, honestly). As a lover of all things vintage, this cute little tan shoulder bag belonged to my grandmother and I adore its place in my wardrobe. I can't recommend enough taking a trip to your local vintage shops, charity shops and flea markets! You can find unique pieces that make your style stand out, and chances are no one will be rocking the same items. Finally, on my feet I'm wearing my recently bought Primark sliders, these seem to match everything I style so I've already made so much use out of the £3 (?!) price tag.

Saina
xo

Today's Fine Details: Magpies Picks

I'm a bit of a magpie when it comes to silver items, and although I won't be stealing your finest silver jewelery, I do have an ever growing collection of all things Sterling Silver. I don't usually tend to plan what necklace or rings I'm wearing, in fact the general rule goes that anything I can find that morning, I'll stack on! Certain rings have a tendency of disappearing on me, and then reappearing when I've almost given up on the idea of finding them again - perhaps there's another magpie lurking around!

When I was getting dressed this morning, I thought it would be a good idea to show you some of today's finer details, as opposed to focusing on my outfit. Most silver pieces that I have accumulated comes from my trips to the motherland (Iran), and although that's no good to you, unless you're planning a trip there, which I totally recommend you do (see my Tehran post here) - I thought I should share with you some of my favourite fashion jewelery brands where you can find similar pieces. Also, in case you were wondering what I've got on my nails at the moment, it's OPI's Coney Island Cotton - this is a soft 'mannequin' nail colour, perfect with ladies who have yellow undertoned skin! My Dior Addict Extreme in 'Mystic 369' has also been one of my recent go-to nude shades. This is a no faff lipstick that applies quite sheer and doesn't require much effort!

Favourite Jewelery Brands: 
Markkit
Alex + Ernest
Fashionology
Luv Aj

Saina
xo

Spring Style: OOTD

You know it's Spring, when you grab for your leather jacket without any hesitation or doubts in fear of the cold! London, infamously known for its temperamental weather, has been staying true to its reputation by giving a bucket load of mixed signals. Right now, I'm sat indoors with the heating on full blast and wooly slippers on, whilst a couple of days back I was frantically reaching for my sunnies and some ice cream! Last week, we were lucky enough to have a few Spring like days and with the sun making an appearance coats were no longer needed. Here's a look at one of my outfits featuring my trusty leather jacket.

Admittedly, these tailored trousers do nothing for my figure, but when Topshop has a sale and you found the last item in a couple of sizes up you either make it work, or spend the rest of the week regretting your choice. These linen trousers are super soft to the touch, making them the perfect pair of 'work' trousers. Spacious, but somewhat stylish. There's nothing worse than being uncomfortable in skinny jeans whilst you're sat at a desk with a mountain load of things to do! This black knitted jumper was a Zara A/W 14 purchase, and I just adore the side slits and the dipped hem style of it. The ribbed detailing and the structure of the upper arms makes it seem like something more than a 'baggy old jumper' - when essentially that's all it really is!

These trousers really have that 'Sport-Luxe' feel with the black side paneling, and I rolled them up ever so slightly just to make them appear a little more casual (also to make them slightly tighter at the ankles, seriously loose sizing). My shoes are my sturdy leather Zara pointies with gold hardware - you guys know how much I love these shoes and I've mentioned them a couple of times before. Although this exact style is no longer available, I listed my favourite similar styles that are still available from high street stores - check out that post here. 

Outfit Details 
Topshop Soft Piped Trousers: Similar here
Zara Knitted Side Split Jumper: Similar here
Zara Pointies: Similar here
Zara Faux Leather Jacket: here

Saina
xo

Beauty Food: Chia Seeds

When it comes to beauty and the thought of making ourselves 'pretty', we instantly think of makeup, clothing and accessories. But what's even more important is making ourselves beautiful from within - by incorporating some super-foods into our diet we can help detoxify our bodies, which in turn will have a positive effect on our complexion. 

What are chia seeds?

Tokhme Sharbati has a long history and high prestige value in Persian cuisine, with many different variations from basil seeds, mountain basil seeds and chia seeds. Tokhme sharbati, more commonly known in the Western world as Chia seeds, has an extensive list of benefits. Chia seeds are extracted from a flowering plant in the mint family, and when they are soaked in water, they form a gel that is known to hydrate. 

Health Benefits

As well as being packed with protein and fibre nutrients, chia seeds are a great source of antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the molecules in our body cells, and therefore prevent and fight contributing factors of ageing, and diseases like cancer. This little seed, which can be found in either a white or black colour, contains calcium, manganese and phosphorus. Like Flax seeds, Chia seeds are also very high in Omega-3 fatty acids and fortunately it’s an easy food to add to your diet! 

 An Aid in Dieting 

 Chia has a stabilizing effect on your body’s blood sugar, but also fights insulin resistance, which can be a factor to increase of belly fat. With very few calories, and their ability to increase the feeling of ‘fullness’, many health experts believe that chia seeds can help with weight loss. Fortunately, it’s extremely easy to include chia seeds in your diet. Remember, they can be eaten raw! Some of my favourite ways to consume chia are to sprinkle the seed on top of yoghurt, porridge, or cereal. There are many yummy recipes floating around on the internet and I highly recommend you give 'Chia Pudding' a go! 

What are your thoughts on chia seeds?

Saina

xo

Met Gala 2015: The Best Dressed

Cara Delavigne, Kendall Jenner, Miley Cyrus, Sarah Jessica Parker

The theme of the new exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute 2015 Gala was announced—“China: Through the Looking Glass”, an exploration of Chinese influence on Western fashion. And just as film fanatics count down to the Oscar's every year, us fashion folk wait eagerly for the yearly Costume Exhibit annual ball, the Met Gala.

Rihanna's 2015 Met Gala look

Arguably, one of the most stylish nights of the year, the Met Gala is the one time celebrities and influences take any real fashion risk. For the most part, it appeared that attendees did not adhere to the 'China' theme, and although dressed very elegantly and beautifully, they also brought the 'boring' to the 'fashion Superbowl'. Almost like turning up in your everyday uniform to non uniform day at school!

Kim Kardashian West, Jennifer Lopez and Beyoncé all showing off their best ass(ets)

We saw a lot of embellished gowns, floral motifs and touches of red. It appeared that the designers all translated the theme with a similar trend - deep, ruby reds, shimmery golds and other jewel tones dominated the colour scheme. Some of the most talked about dresses were that of Kim Kardashian West, Jennifer Lopez and Beyonce. All three fashionista's appeared in similar bejeweled, figure hugging gowns, with sheer panels baring a lot (a lot, a lot) of skin. Kim Kardashian's East motif gown was done by Peter Dundas, new creative director for Roberto Cavalli. Beyonce wore a custom Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisc. Jennifer Lopez wore a sequined and super sheer Versace number.  

Maggie Q in custom Tory Burch gown

That brings me to my favourite look of the evening - Maggie Q's custom Tory Burch gown absolutely won me over. Her sleek pantsuit aficionado fell beautifully and elegantly on her frame. Maggie Q's Met Gala costume featured a double-faced silk crepe tunic with crystal embellishments and detailing across the border of the tunic and the deep armhole side slits. Her custom Tory Burch piece also featured a deep V back — with wide double faced silk crepe pants. A daring look for the Met Ball — pants! — but one that's uniquely Chinese. I've fallen in love with this classically chic look.

Let me know what some of your favourite looks were.

Saina
xo

Calling All Coffee Addicts: London Coffee Festival

This year the UK's largest coffee and artisan food event returned back to Brick Lane's Old Truman Brewry to celebrate London's bustling and vibrant coffee scene. Being a massive coffee enthusiast and having never forgiven myself for missing out on the event last year, I left every virtual reminder possible in hopes of getting my hands on some tickets this year round - I have the likes of iPhone reminders and post-it notes to thank for this!
For those of you that are not so crazy about coffee, or are unaware of this exhibition, London Coffee Festival takes place just in time for the UK's Coffee Week (May 4th - 10th). Featuring over 250 artisan coffee and gourmet food stalls, live demonstrations, workshops, live music and art exhibitions, LCF is an unmissable event for coffee lovers and those working in the coffee scene.

Coffee Master Competition Finals

'Hyde Park' inside the exhibition where live music and DJs performed whilst coffee lovers sipped away

The festival kicked off to the public on Friday 1st May through to Sunday 3rd May with three 3-hour daily sessions - brunch (10am-1pm), lunch (1-4pm) and tea (4-7pm). Myself and a friend purchased tickets for the lunch slot on Sunday, so we took ourselves to Brick Lane and waited in line for the start of the exhibition. Upon scanning our tickets and arriving inside the Old Truman Brewery we were greeted by barrista's handing out official LCF tote bags filled with goodies - this, I was extremely excited about! We then proceeded from stand to stand, trying various coffee blends, teas and artisan bakery bits.

Obviously I made a friend from the Starbucks stand! I even bagged loads of goodies and had tasters

A few drinks stood out to me and one of them was a 20 hour steeped cold brew from Starbucks - only available in small batches at 20 UK Starbucks', this cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for hours on end. This slow method makes the drink far less acidic and more smoother, unlike the result of ordinary cafetiere/boiling water brew method. Another Starbucks favourite of the day was the 'Mintspresso' -  essentially a double espresso, a handful of fresh mint leaves mixed with sweetener and poured over ice. The mixture was then shaken in a cocktail shaker until the ingredients became a 'muddle', it was then poured into a glass and topped with sparkling water. If you like a cold brew, like myself, and a fan of mint then you should give this drink a go at home. The incredibly kind barista talked me through the whole process, and let me have a go at making my own. Very easy drink to make!

Waiting in line for my espresso martini!

Ladies and gents, may I introduce you to the Martini Espresso Bar where I tried quite possibly one of my favourite and most delicious alcoholic cocktails to date! Blended with coffee liquor, an espresso shot and topped with vodka that has been distilled in the Czech Republic. 

What's a day out without indulging in some mouth watering street food? I was surprised when I found out the exhibtion had a whole section dedicated to artisan gourmet food and pop-up food stalls. There was food courtesy of Arancini Bros, Herman ze German and St John Bakery. Being the bratwurst fan that I am, I had to opt for Herman ze German. Their menu had a range of bratwursts from pork, smoked pork, veal, beef and veggie options - I went for the 'chilli beef', which was served in a brioche roll with ketchup and mustard and topped with sauerkraut and crispy onions (totally wanting to relive this delicious moment).

I would totally recommend this festival for anyone debating to go next year, I'm sure I'll be paying the exhibition a visit every year from now. A very interesting, exciting and tasty day. Let me know what your thoughts were if you went this year, I'd love to hear of your experiences!

Saina
xo