GLAMOROUS ACCESSORIES: The Bata Shoes

So surprisingly, I've never had anything from Bata before (nor did my parents, I think, but I could be wrong), so I never used to see these in the house.

Having said that. I now have my very own Bata chappal shoes from a brand which is actually quite trendy, and has moved on from the cliche styles that we used to make fun of! I also like the fact that their designs are becoming in-line with high street and designer trends, so that they don't remind you of your parent's slippers!

I picked up this pair from, of all places, TK Makk (I believe it's know as TJ Maxx in America), in a pretty powder blue colour which really appealed to me because I though it was a lovely shade to have for summer. I also like the fact that they're slightly sandals-y, and have a slingback look which makes them feel more casual too.

I've already manage to try them on today and wander around up the street (to the nearby, teeny park with my DSLR for a few minutes, and then back!) and they're super comfy. One of my sisters said they're too pointy and that she didn't like them, but what does she know.

I'm already thinking of different outfits I can wear this with to work (or on a holiday!), and I'll be sure to post my results!

IN MY WARDROBE: A Coral Kurta

I'm sure you've seen a surge of kurtas hit the shops, which are more for casual wear, in the last year or two. I haven't really bought any kurtas so far (and the ones I've had in my childhood don't count!) because I don't tend to wear Asian clothes day-to-day as much as I used to, particularly as I work full time which means I mainly wear a lot of smart, Western wear.

I've seen a lot of people wearing various kurtas and long kameezes of all colours, prints, shapes and lengths, either with leggings or with trousers, and I think it makes a nice look for casual wear that can be dressed up as well.

I saw this kurta in Queen's Market, Green Street in a range of colours, which caught my eye because of the pretty coral colour and the shape of the kurta. I wanted to find something for the summer which would be comfortable, light and flattering, and this fit the bill exactly, so I decided to buy it and join the kurta-party. This is the one I bought, it's not amazing quality but the material feels gorgeous, the buttons look pretty, and best of all it only cost £10.

The best thing about this kurta is that it's an A-line dress shape with a lot of material, which is great as I've seen a lot of kurta designs which are not very flattering or which don't use a lot of fabric to keep the costs low. I loved the flow of this kurta, it was long, loose and still draped well, so I definitely think there was value for money. This is me wearing it for the first time with tapered black trousers, I was so pleased with it I kept it on all day and did little twirls around the house too!(excuse the random rubbish at the back, we were clearing the room out!)

It's not often I get a good bargain like this, and I'd definitely recommend you to have a look, especially if you're anywhere near Green Street and you want one of these (two of my sisters and a friend have already asked me to get them one!) The other great thing about this outfit is that it's very hijab-friendly, and doesn't feel too loose or fitted, so it's ideal for a lot of bodyshapes too. Definitely a staple for my wardrobe this summer, I'm sure it'll be very handy for any dholkis or BBQs too!