A Cup of Shai

Hi :) After mulling over how I could downplay the jazzy element in my Indian outfits over the wedding gone, I thought I'd share my ideas with you! :) Don't get me wrong. I like glitter. I like embroidery. But in tasteful amounts. (And not as though a 5 year old's BLASTED my face and outfit with sequins.) Here are the following tips: 1. Tone down with a plain coloured scarf. This block of colour will downplay the entire *bling* aspect of your #ootd, as well as tying the whole look together. I would recommend using a matte scarf, with absolutely no gold/silver edging or glittery bits as I think this looks smarter. 2. Use your accessories to create blocks of colour as this will 'ground' your #ootd and reduce the sparkly element. 3.Use statement jewellery. Traditional Indian #ootd's are already heavily embroidered, with all the bells and whistles. I find that if your jewellery is really dangly and spangly, this can look rather over the top. Stick to one br

Hello readers :) Today I'm sharing a post on how to stay connected spiritually when Mother Nature's visiting, as Muslim women are excused from certain religious rituals during this time. The 5 daily prayers create a rhythm to my day, and I like to maintain this throughout the month. Also, with Ramadhan coming up, I thought this would be quite helpful! :)  1. Write in a Gratitude Journal. SO easy to do! Grab a notebook, and make a list of 5-10 things. It can be anything from the roof over your head, to the hot cup of coffee, to the job promotion you received! They say gratitude breeds happiness, and it also allows you to recollect everything you're blessed with. "Alhamdulillah." (Glory be to Allah.)  2. Bow your head in Sujood.   Prostrating to God humbles you. It also allows you to unplug from everything around you and focus on the Big Stuff.  Alternatively, you could have some time out to reflect about everything. 3. Z ikr (Remembrance) of A

Hi readers :) In my earlier post Wedding Preps:Pretty in Pink...Maybe? I'd mentioned that we'd been given a pink wedding colour scheme. After traipsing around the local Leicester shops, I finally settled on this interesting fabric. It's based on bright pink net, with threadwork roses and peals and diamonds set in each flower or leaf. Well. Here it is! Details Style: Anarkali. The top is plain maroon satin, finishing at my waist, and the pleated skirt is the same satin with the pink net overlaid. My skirt has a raw edge as this looked cool. Since the material isn't traditional, I opted to keep the jewellery, makeup and overall style of the dress minimal. Accessories: A statement pearl and diamond ring along, coordinating cream scarf. I finished off with a pearl clutch bag and nude shoes :) Since the scarf had a heavy string of pearls all the way around the edging with gold details, this contrasted quite well against the maroon satin top. Makeup: Matte foundatio