Happy New Year

Sorry for the blog absence the last few days, I was taking some time off with my boyfriend in London (long distance relationships are hard!) and now I'm in Jerusalem with my parents for New Year's Eve! I just want to wish you all the best for 2014, lots of love, happiness and fashion of course ;) See you next year! XO

Christmas wishings

Balmain suede boots | Mango pinstripe coat | Dorothy Perkins slip dress / T By Alexander Wang jumper |  Smythson leather notebook | Pixiemarket star jewelry | Mango faux fur handbag | Philosophy shower gel | Topshop earrings | NARS Lipstick

I'm off to London tomorrow, celebrating Christmas in my favourite city in the world with my favourite person in the world! I'll surely be wearing a variation on this outfit when I'm there, I got the coat covered (thrifted for 8euros, ka-ching!), same goes for the sweater (seriously, forget NY or London when it comes to vintage shopping, Amman is the place to be), dress and handbag (thank you Santa), now all I need is a pair of (*cough* affordable) overknee boots, which is definitely on my London shopping list. Who says you can't get yourself a Christmas present?

Hope you have an amazing Christmas with your loved ones! XO

NSFA

After two days without electricity and after experiencing the worst snow storm in the Middle East in ages, I can say one thing: I will never take central heating for granted anymore. Obviously these pictures were taking a while ago, when the weather still allowed for ripped jeans and light knit tops. Oh those days! These jeans are what I call NSFA - Not Suitable For Amman. I've only worn them twice since I've been here: in Petra (where this could be considered modest dressing compared to the other tourists in tiny shorts and tank tops) and in my apartment, since walking around in Amman showing leg like this would not be a pleasant experience - for me at least, since the shabaab (Jordanian youth) would go even crazier than usual if they saw me in these jeans. Totally not bragging btw, this is just what women experience every day when walking down the Amman streets.
I'm glad to have moved to a more liberal-minded neighbourhood, where ripped jeans and 'fashionable' outfits are less frowned upon, but with the current weather situation, I don't see bare knees in the near future...

Hello winter

 Vika Gazinskaya coat | COS sweater | Bruuns Bazaar leather trousers | Alexander Wang booties | ASOS purse | Givenchy leather gloves | Rituals body moisturizer

All of a sudden winter has arrived in Amman, which has urged me to finally get out the coats, scarfs and gloves. I'm glad to have found two excellent winter coats at the local vintage market, cause I didn't really bring any - who expects cold weather in the Middle East? I can only dream of the boots though, as Amman's pavements aren't really heel-friendly. I've almost reached the bottom of my favourite moisturizer jar from Rituals, as cold temperatures equal dry skin for life. And now if you'll excuse me, I'll go bundle up under my blanket...

Jerusalem

After having spent 3 days in Jerusalem I dare to say it has instantly become one of my favourite cities in the world. It's amazing to walk around this Holy City that holds so much history and where you can feel the religious vibe everywhere, not to mention the cultural melting pot that has really stolen my heart. I've convinced my parents to go back when they're coming to visit me around New Year's Eve - I can't wait! My favourite thing about Jerusalem has to be the food though: I've had one of the best meals I've had in years at a small but very hip bar/restaurant downtown, as well as amazing falafel and hummus (topped with pine nuts, need I say more?). Also, I've totally taken over the Jewish Shabbat ritual by not doing anything today, while I actually have to study for my final exam tomorrow. Inshallah, as Arabs would say!

Leopard

Can you believe I didn't have anything leopard in my closet? Enter Persunmall, who let me choose something from their website (and even have it delivered in Jordan, way to go!) I've been wearing this blouse and this outfit in particular all the time lately, it's just so easy to throw on when you overslept and have to get ready for class in 10 minutes (story of my life). These are also one of the last pictures I took on my rooftop, as I'm moving apartments tomorrow! So excited.

Cosy winter & conscious shopping

COS silk back sweater | STELLA McCARTNEY silk trousers | COS underwire bra | PIECES leather clutch | H&M earrings | REPOSSI ear cuff | VERO MODA cashmere beanie | ASOS slip-ons

So blogging hasn't been my biggest priority lately.. Sorry for that. It seems that our teachers decided to kill us with homework, papers and presentations this week... Don't worry, I'm still alive, but it could be a bit more quiet around here for the next week too. 

As I told you before, shopping in Jordan hasn't been much to write home about. After browsing through the endless racks of clothes at the several malls in Amman I realised shopping for the sake of having something new, and buying something just because it was 'cheap' doesn't interest me anymore. I discussed this topic briefly on my facebook page last week, but cheap stores like Primark, Forever21 & co. are no longer on my to-do list, as most of their clothes are made in sweatshops in Asia (we all remember the Bangladesh clothing factory drama...) and I just don't think it's right. I've always been raised in an eco-conscious family and since we've been talking about sustainability and environment issues in class this week, I've started questioning my living and shopping habits. I try to live and eat healthy, buy organic and fairtrade products, save energy etc. and now it's time to adapt my shopping habits. I'd rather save up a bit more to get something with great quality than buy crappy pieces that have been produced by people for less than $1 a day. It's so easy to just give in and get that Primark sweater because its so damn cheap, but RESIST. I. WILL.

Also, thanks mom for chipping in and buying me that awesome Cos sweater!

What is your opinion on conscious fashion?

PS: I know some of the items in this collage aren't considered conscious shopping (or affordable for that matter - $1000 silk trousers, anyone?), but you can't go cold turkey from one day to another, right? ;)