Bridal Diary: Nikkah

Hi all,

Sorry to have been missing in action for so long, but a lot has happened since 2013. For starters, I became the fashion and beauty editor for OK! Pakistan, which has just recently launched in the market. That alongside planning my wedding really took up all my time, but now that I am married and am in England for the summer, I have a lot more time to update my blog.

Speaking of OK! magazine, check out the May 2014 issue (with Scarlett Johansson on the cover) to see some society diaries pictures of my wedding and a feature in which I have discussed my looks and wedding planning in depth. I will also be posting up that page when the June issue is released, so keep a look out here!!)

Back to BFB, let me share with you all exclusive pictures of my nikkah ceremony. We had this at my grandmothers house, since all my cousins who have gotten married have had their ceremony there, so it's kind of like a tradition. I had an Iranian nikkah, which basically consists of a spread called the Sofre-ye-Aghd, the items on this spread symbolise life, marriage, love, fertility, health and so on. So it's really a very beautiful ceremony. For my ceremony we picked a white, gold and silver theme. I wore a lace dress that was designed by Maheen Karim, she gave me this amazingly dramatic trail which I adored. This was a very traditional Iranian nikkah in every sense, I was dressed as an Iranian bride as well. The decor was done by Batool Haji who did a phenomenal set up. My make up was done by Ayesha from Nabilas.

 These scrolls were filled with information about the nikkah spread (Sofre-ye-Aghd), and described why each item was on the spread.

The cake!

 Sofre-ye-Aghd

That's all for the nikkah, folks!! Check back tomorrow for the dholki pictures ;) :)
xxx A

Ensemble Du Jour: Crop Tops and Sweaters

Hello lovelies,

Two back to back 'EDJ' posts! In these pictures I am wearing a piece of clothing by Bonanza, can you guess what piece it is exactly? (Answer revealed towards the end of the post)

 Some more pictures of me at the Judith Leiber exhibition at Labels:

What I am wearing: lace crop top by River Island, pants from Asos, Gucci bag, Asos shoes, neclace by Aldo, Jeepers Peepers sunglasses... and if you didn't already guess a Bonanza sweater. Isn't the sweater fabulous? (In the last two images I am pictured with Judith Leiber bags)

Speaking of Bonanza, Maha and Nadir from NFK photography have worked their magic again by publishing the most fabulous Bonanza Satrangi winter collection shoot, changing not only the face of fashion campaigns in Pakistan but also the perception of Bonanza clothing. I am soo tempted to buy some jackets and coats! If you missed the shoot in Sunday Times, I suggest you check it out on the NFK Photography page. Do stay tuned for the TVC teaser which shall be released tomorrow!

Here are some behind the scenes pictures of Amna Baber wearing the same sweater:

Maha styling the outfit, trying to pick between the pumps and the boots (She ended 

up picking the boots ;))

What do you ladies think of all this fab winter clothing?
xxx A

Ensemble Du Jour: Mina Hasan: Pop Art Audrey

Hello lovelies,

I am posting an EDJ after ages.. It is a super fun silk printed kameez by Mina Hasan. Creative genius, Natasha Khalid from Natasha Salon is the face of this line as she embodies exactly what it stands for (see below)

The neckline piping has Marilyn Monroe's face on it.. love the detailing.

 On the back there is Audrey Hepburn in black and white.. very pop artsy.

What I have paired the kameez with: a chain and pearl belt from Sana Safinaz, Miu Miu Heels and some enamel spiked bangles from New Look.

Below is Natasha looking glamorous as ever modelling the collection:

What do you girlies think?
xxx A

Halloween Over The Years!!

Hello lovelies,

I thought I'd share with you my Halloween looks over the past couple of years... as for this year, I'll share my look over the weekend :)

My modern day Queen/Audrey Hepburn look:

 This has always been one of my favourite looks to recreate.. Josie and the Pussycats/tigress:

 And again (This pic is from last year):

 Little Red Riding Hood:

Can anyone guess what I'm going to be this year?
xxx A

October Style Picks: Labels

Hi all,

I come bearing pictures of some of the lovely pieces available at Labels, Karachi. Since I am their official e-Stylist, I will be bringing you exclusive fashion finds from the store..

 Love this Tena Durrani suit, in one of my favourite colours, perfect for the upcoming wedding season. Click to purchase/browse more Tena Durrani pieces.

 Ayesha Yousaf is a relatively new designer on the block, but I really like her designs. She does both evening and casual really well. This colour/style is also very pretty for a night out. Click here to purchase this and/or view more Ayesha Yousaf pieces.

This Aarai cut work kameez is gorgeous. Lovely colour too. Click here to browse/purchase.

 Stunning coat by Shazia Faisal... absolutely exquisite. 

Click here to purchase/browse more pieces by Shazia.

 Hot pink/gold combination on a chicken kari kameez. Such a fun and festive piece by Labels. Click here to buy/browse more pieces.

Wanted to add a Western piece in the mix.. in one of my favourite colours!!! Adore this MIRI top. This is available in store.

 Such a different take to a jumpsuit, perfect for a mehndi. Trust Sanam to come up with something so innovative and fresh. Click here to browse/buy Sanam Chaudhri pieces.

 The detailing on these Farida Hasan kameezes is breath taking, so ethereal and feminine. Click here to view Farida Hasan's collection.

 This cream applique/cut work short kameez by Elan is fab. Click here to purchase.

 Wanted to end it on a fun note, love this money-haar silk screen printed kameez by Pashmina. So fun!! Love when designers push the boundaries like this. She even had a super Pakola kameez which is now sold out. Very pop-arty! Click here to browse her collection.

More for later, hope you enjoyed my style picks!!
xxx A

Event: Labels and Fashion ComPassion BagFest!

Tomorrow is the LABELS and Fashion ComPassion BagFest, 2013. Ayesha Mustafa returns to Karachi, after the successful launch of Fashion ComPassion's Palestyle collection. This year at the BagFest, there will be a brand new limited edition collection for Eid. This collection consists of wallets, bags and other accessories made from some of the best materials on earth with the signature arabic calligraphy!

What I like most about Fashion ComPassion is that they are a business with a conscience; Ayesha Mustafa has created a platform that supports brands with a social mission. These Palestyle bags are made in a small workshop that employs Palestinian refugees - a percentage of sales from each bag goes to support projects in the camps!

The exhibition tomorrow will be very exciting as after the immense success of the BlogFest, Zahir Rahimtoola has come up with the concept of the "BagFest" - focusing purely on accessories by Fashion ComPassion. There will be a lot of surprises, including a really fun photobooth where you can dress up with your friends and take pictures with the accessories and bags. See the preview below where Ayesha Mustafa and I are posing with some of the bags from the new limited edition collection!! So very exciting. I'm loving the collars we're wearing btw, they are a must have!!

Hope to see you ladies tomorrow? #LabelsFCBagFest
xxx A

PS - Those of you who won't be able to make it can buy the bags online on the labelsestore: