Pakistani Designer: Elan by Khadija Shah~

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your brand, Elan?

I acquired my love for designing from my mother who used to design for family and friends for as long as I can remember. My sister’s and I hardly ever went to designers to shop for clothes; Ela as we call our mother, would take us around get whatever materials and embellishments we liked and put together our outfits herself and they were always better than anything available at the boutiques. I think that’s how I got the design bug. After graduating from college in London I came back to Pakistan and initially started off by helping my mother with her work. My mother however only did it as a hobby as she was busy with a lot of other work and I wanted to do this on a much larger scale. I had a dream of bringing about a fashion revolution at least in Lahore (ha ha I though people dressed really badly here, but lahorites have come a long way since then) and so I parted ways with Ela and set up Élan as a formal part of the fashion industry.

2. What does Elan stand for, what’s your design philosophy?

Élan is a French word and is synonymous with style, confidence and elegance. My design philosophy can also be defined by these three words. An Élan outfit can be traditional or modern, heavily worked or lightly embellished but it will always be pleasing to the eye, a standard which I feel most local designers find very hard to achieve. I never design anything that I would not wear myself and I think that’s a large part of why my clothes are appreciated so much. Also, I research my designs quite thoroughly, in terms of colour, international trends, patterns and motifs. For example my prêt line showcases a lot of prints which is an influence from the international catwalks as most local designers hardly ever use the beautiful prints available.

3. What is the driving force behind your success and respected status?

 I think the fact that I am dependable. Apart from the very rare unavoidable instance, I always deliver on time and my clients always get exactly the same product as the sample. The outfit has to satisfy me before it is even presented to the client, so I pretty much go out of my way for each customer regardless of what the price constraints might be because I want all élan clothes to look and feel great.

Below are some AMAZING designs of Elan's runway collection:

Gorgeous, aren't they? 

xoxo,

Naila~

Celebrity Fashionista: Blake Lively

When I heard of Blake Lively and Leonardo DiCaprio as a couple, I thought; "Great! They seem to be made for each other". I had seen a short interview of Blake Lively on the Today Show promoting her newest gig with Ryan Reynold's for 'Green Lantern' while standing outside at Rockefeller Plaza being interviewed by Matt and Ann Courie. I couldn't help but notice how friendly her face looked. Her hair was given the messy back-combing look which suits her face in a very laid back free spirited way. Apart from her looks, I loved how she was interacting with the interviewers who are much and much older than her. I was impressed by how articulate and down-to-earth she was. I thoroughly enjoyed her answers and it felt refreshing to me that a girl like her who is on top of the world right now, still gives off a vibe of normalcy. See video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5V1cuHJYrk&feature=player_embedded


Her style has always suited her to perfection on Gossip Girl, but her red carpet appearances have made me give her a second glance as well.
I am an occasional watcher of Gossip Girl and many a times have I tuned into Gossip Girl just to see their immaculate and gorgeous dresses, hair and make-up. Blake Lively definitely stands out in the crowd as her very own unique fashionista-self. She seems to be very comfortable in her skin. For a 23 year old Californian girl, I find that quite remarkable.

Blake Lively's photo shoot for Glamour magazine. Here she is passionately talking about fashion...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uFiRNmVGKs&NR=1
"I love decorating myself. I love fashion so much."

The beautiful Chanel Couture dress Blake wore on the premiere of Green Lantern looked absolutely stunning on her. 

 BLAKE LIVELY has been chosen as the new face of Chanel's Mademoiselle handbag line. California-born Lively said she grew up admiring Chanel and what it represents to her: “It is timeless, chic, graceful, intelligent, iconic and ever relevant.”
Lively has quickly catapulted to fame, and the leggy blonde is a front-row favorite at New York fashion shows.

 Here's Blake at the Green Lantern Premiere walking with her nephews as her cute little accessories. :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVEMdl5q6Qc&feature=player_embedded

She's apparently got her fashion sense from her mom who is a former model and has always  taken pride in dressing her up.

"How did Cinderella feel when she slipped on the glass slipper? How did Snow White feel when she met her Prince Charming?" Lively says. "A dream come true is an understatement. I can say that I feel like the happiest, luckiest girl around."

You see, with a positive & pleasant attitude like hers, no wonder she's got Leo [mr. dream guy!] whirlwind romancing in Europe! :) The girl can bake, cook (she completed a cooking course with Le Cordon Bleu in Paris) and she can speak French!

xoxo,

Naila~

Beauty Insider: "Exercise"

I've been looking forward to writing this Blog post - my only drawback was 'time' which I happen to seem have much of, but in actuality I don't. All my time is dedicated to my happy and jolly baby girl Mehreen who is an active crawler and always demands my attention. I love her to bits. Just her smile alone makes my heart overflow with love. :)


Lately my exercise regimen consists of going to the YMCA, four to five times a week and per my brother Nabeel's suggestion, I am using the Stairmaster at the gym. I must say, I am seeing results and I'm quite happy with my progress. I just need to be more regular to achieve my goal and for that, I've given myself a deadline till Mehreen's birthday - October 22nd. Translation of Naila's goal setting strategy : "Mehreen turns 1 ---> Mommy must look hot!"

The glorified Stairmaster that I've fallen in love with:

This segment is a continuation and a part of the series ' Beauty Inside and Out'. I have divided beauty pursuits into four categories: skin care, food, oral health and exercise. In order to maintain yourself and to stay fit & ever beautiful, one needs to master all these categories and live a full and happy life. Nourishing your body by taking care of its skin, its nutrition, its digestive system and all bodily functions - only shows that we as humans are grateful for what we've been blessed with. Deliberate laziness only adds to the fact that we don't care and have taken life for granted. 

While the Stairmaster takes care of my 25 minute workout of the day, I am also thinking on starting yoga at home. I have everything to my convenience; a laptop, netflix subscription, a stay-at-home lifestyle, an active baby who loves to climb on mommy and now since I'm seeing results and feeling good about myself, I have also gained the spirit to actually do it! I am so happy to be focusing on all the good things in life. It's easy to fall into the trap of self-pity and complain, but it's much harder [at first!] to courage up the motivation and have a result driven attitude. I love seeing results. Whether it's the very basic day-to-day house chores or a plain day of being 'mommy' - it's all good. As long as the result of my efforts pays off and I know I've done a good job at the end of the day.


So yes, beautiful people who are skinny biatches, lol...happen to stay skinny & fit because it's their motivation/lifestyle/need to feel and look desirable. And yes, DESIRABLE is definitely what a woman wants to feel, especially after having a baby. Do not lose your zest for life, ladies. You can do anything and nothing is impossible. Even when the day seems to be such a drag and everything moves in slow-motion around you [believe me, today I felt like a sleep deprived zombie], I'll tell you; it's okay to indulge. 

Today, I didn't do anything. I just didn't feel like it. I put Mehreen in her car seat and made my way to the Mall where I felt like spending a little on highly discounted [60-70% off] baby sale items. I did however walk throughout the entire Mall and considered today's mall visit my workout. Note to self: I should refrain from getting mouthwatering coffee drinks and just stick to my bottle of water. Oops.


Perfect bodies ain't happenin', but the pursuit of looking our best and FEELING fantastic even at gloomy days like today as the weather clearly screamed for a Mc Donalds Mocha Frappe while the rain was generously pouring on Houston, making the air feel like a soft blanket. You just wanna shop, eat and sleep. 

How can something look THIS good and be SOOO bad? Argh.

I managed to accomplish the first two mindless and lazy tasks on my nothing-to-do-list, but as a mom of an 8 month old [Mehreen turned 8 months yesterday - woohoo!], I am in constant battle in wanting to sleep and trying to stay productive all at the same time. I have noticed the correlation of sleep deprivation vs. mindless munching on snacks -- oh yes, it's definitely there! Today, I reached for cookies in the farthest end corner of my kitchen pantry and ate half a bag of baked pita chips with hummus. Also, a tall order of Mocha Frappe seemed such a delight since the timing was so PERFECT; raindrops started falling out of the sky as I listened to my sinful-icious craving and eventually gave in. "It's OKAY", I said.


I may be fat today, but tomorrow I'll be a skinny biatch. 


Let. me. live.

xoxo,

Naila~

Beauty Insider: "Oral Health"

"Researchers know there's a synergic relationship between oral health and overall wellness. Gum disease is linked to a host of illnesses including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. By combing through 1,000-plus medical histories, researchers at the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry found that people with gum disease were twice as likely as others to die from a heart attack and three times as likely to have a stroke."


When we judge 'beauty' by its face, we often see beautiful facial features that appeal to us and we are immediately drawn by the attractiveness....until the mouth opens...

Ha! The smile that is hidden behind this beautiful face, is quickly covered by a manicured hand. However, the picture of Aishwarya above, is only used to show how politely she is to cover her laugh which is not needed for her beautiful set of teeth. Yes, the woman is gorgeous.  
A beautiful smile requires good teeth that don't mislead your personality into thinking that you are improperly groomed or less beautiful INSIDE and OUT. Therefore, taking care of your oral health is utmost important. 


- Brush thrice a day [morning, after lunch, and before going to bed]
- Floss
- Use a mouth wash, like Listerine.
- Don't eat too much sugary food - such as candy.
- Old remedy from Grandma: mix mustard oil with salt and brush your teeth. It will make your teeth shine.


Studies have shown that oral health is related to the overall health and can lead to heart diseases if not taken proper care. 
Here's some beneficial info:
According to World Dental, these are the top ten beneficial foods for teeth.

1. Green tea contains polyphenol antioxidant plant compounds that reduce plaque and help reduce cavities and gum disease. Tea may help reduce bad breath. Tooth enamel is strengthened because green tea contains fluoride which promotes healthy teeth.
2. Milk and yogurt are good for teeth because they contain low acidity, which means that wearing of teeth is less. They are also low in decay-inducing sugar. Milk is a good source of calcium, the main component of teeth and bones.
3. Cheese contains calcium and phosphate, which helps balance pH in the mouth,preserves (and rebuilds) tooth enamel, produces saliva, and kills bacteria that cause cavities and disease.
4. Fruits such as apples, strawberries and kiwis contain Vitamin C. This vitamin is considered the element that holds cells together. If this vitamin is neglected, gum cells can break down, making gums tender and susceptible to disease.
5. Vegetables: Vitamin A, found in pumpkins, carrots, sweet potatoes and broccoli, is necessary for the formation of tooth enamel. Crunchy vegetables may also help clean gums.
6. Onions contain antibacterial sulfur compounds. Tests show that onions kill various types of bacteria, especially when eaten raw.
7. Celery protects teeth by producing saliva which neutralizes bacteria that cause cavities. It also massages the teeth and gums.
8. Sesame seeds reduce plaque and help build tooth enamel. They are also very high in calcium.
9. Animal food: beef, chicken, turkey, and eggs contain phosphorus which, with calcium, is one of the two most vital minerals of teeth and bone.
10. Water cleans the mouth and produces saliva that deposits essential minerals into the teeth. It keeps teeth hydrated and washes away particles from the teeth.

Now, SMILE! :)

Here's how beautiful people show off their smiles:

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes:

Julianne Hough:

Oprah Winfrey:

Imaan Ali:

Hilary Duff:

Madhuri Dixit:

... & Smiley!

xoxo,

Naila~

Beauty Insider: "Food"

Dear readers,


As a continuation to my previous post 'Beauty Inside and Out', I will now cover our next segment pertaining the secret to a beautiful YOU, starting with a beautiful life.
To look beautiful and radiant, one needs to take into consideration what is put into their body and always opt for healthier choices. Of course, everything should come in moderation - a nice treat so now and then does not hurt - but the main motive should remain to eat healthy and adopt an active lifestyle. 


From what I have been experiencing, healthy options aren't only good for your body but they taste good too! Below is my take on 'Shami Tortillas' as I call them. I took whole wheat tortillas, toasted them a little in a frying pan with no usage of oil. I then smeared the tortilla with prego sauce which is a red tomato sauce [can be found in any grocery store: see pic] and on top of the tomato sauce - which by the way can be home made if you have the time on your hands - I then put a couple of slices of jack pepper cheese, made it melt all together.

In the frying pan: red tomato sauce, slices of cheese and one shami kabab flattened.

The name of the recipe 'Shami Tortillas' derives from Shami Kababs which are made of soaked lentils and ground beef mixed together with masalas. I always have a pack of shami kababs ready in my freezer for hubby's lunches. It is MUCHO easy to make shami kababs at home. I just get Shan's Shami Kabab Mix and marinate it in the ground beef to leave it overnight. The next day, I cook my lentils and mix it all together until it sits well with the rest of the masalas and added herbs, such as cilantro. The end process is to grind this mixture into a fine paste, but not too fine so that you can easily form this paste into round kababs. To make it firmer, I also add a little bit of breadcrumbs. I then freeze it in a large ziplock bag and whenever the need arises, I take out a kabab, dip it into whisked egg yolk and then fry it in olive oil over medium heat. Only takes about a minute to fry them on both sides and VIOLA!
Your shami kababs are all done, ready to be served. Every Indian/Pakistani grocery store carries an entire aisle/collection of Shan's masalas. Look for Shami Kababs and even read the recipe on the back. Here's a pic for your visualization:

As for the filling, I take half of a red onion, slice it very thinly and also cut 2 sprouts of green onions which are also finely cut. Slice 1/3 of a cucumber, one tomato and a little bit of cilantro. I like to add a little bit of sweet and sour sauce to make it taste good:

It should look like this:

As for the end result...TADA! See the pic below. I also added baked pita chips with store bought hummus to the menu. And home-made avocado dip with rice on the side for those who want variety. :)

Food is like art to me, just as Fashion is. The preparation may be hard work, but once I achieve the overall presentation, taste and quality, I then sit back, relax and pride myself with culinary satisfaction. My kitchen is my lab where I create, where I cut all my ingredients with much love and care as I know that soon these freshly cut edibles will make my family happy and healthy.

Take joy in everything you do and see for yourself how life will greet you smilingly...each and every day.

Enjoy your food and live beautifully!

xoxo,

Naila~

Beauty Inside and Out

When it comes to looking beautiful, we often ignore to see skin deep, because the surface of 'beauty' deceives us into thinking that beauty is what we see. However, beauty is NOT only what we perceive in literal formation, it is what we consume. Therefore, beautiful people -- and I mean beautiful people from head to toe, not only characteristic wise - take measures to stay young, fit and glowy...


In this post, I will break BEAUTY down to 4 categories: 


- Skin care
- Food
- Oral Health
- Exercise

SKIN CARE

One needs to prioritize when it comes to taking good care of skin. Drink plenty of water, sleep well and do not damage your skin by exposing it to too much in the sun. I love quality skincare products and I like to try different kinds. Perhaps, because as a teenager I have suffered from acne and it took away my self-confidence. Now that I am much more comfortable in my skin and my face has cleared up, I feel happy and confident. However, I do take my skin as a priority and try to pamper it whenever I can.

First off, a good cleanser that washes away all the built up dirt from your pores, is highly necessary. I personally like Aveeno's Brightening Daily Scrub which comes with a scrub like texture when you rub it in the palm of your hand and feels very refreshing on the face.

Always make sure to wash your face in circular motion and upwards. By doing this, you give your face a mini massage every single day.

I've been a regular user of this daily scrub since many many years now and I've only got great things to say about it. Try it for yourself. Aveeno products are very effective in my book. Also, for a night time cleanser, I use a more milk based cleanser that I purchased awhile back from the people in the mall who sell mineral make-up [similar product can be purchased in any drug store]. This milky based cream leaves my face make-up free and I feel relaxed for the night. I choose this cleanser for the night as I believe that this cleanser nourishes my skin; my skin is essentially washed in milk. The lightness of this milky cream makes me want to go to sleep as opposed to Aveeno's scrub that makes me want to embrace the day.

:)

 

Along with the cleanser, this product also comes with a pore refining toner which I am loving very much at the moment. I like how light it feels on my skin, but its effectiveness is immediately visible. Bella Terra is a high-end cosmetic line that makes mineral make-up.  I had gotten a great deal a while back on this skincare line as I was buying face powder. The girl was generous enough to throw in the skincare products or maybe I was smart enough to bargain. Nevertheless, I am a happy customer.

After dabbing toner with a cotton ball, the skin dries and needs moisturizing. The key to good healthy looking vital skin is a GOOD moisturizer. You MUST invest in a good moisturizer if you are wary of wrinkles and fine lines like every woman out there. I started off using Aveeno moisturizer which worked great, but after a while, the cream felt too thick on my face. I use Aveeno for at home and apply it on my arms, legs and feet. Recently, I invested a good sixty bucks in buying a Shiseido skincare product for the first time. Being a new mommy, I knew I deserved it as I had been waiting to nourish my skin after all those sleepless nights. 

I purchased Shiseido's White Lucent Brightening Moisturizing Gel. Notice how my skincare products contain the name "brightening". It just so happens that I buy them, but I like the fact that the product fulfills its purpose and as bonus, tones out my complexion all at the same time! The result: a suppler and healthier looking skin. Feed your skin with a good moisturizer at night and you WILL notice the difference in the morning after. 

As an ex-Proactive user for acne skin, I am happy to experience that my skin is able to withstand regular products that are far better than the addicting line of Proactive. Also, a great alternative to fighting acne without side effects is to buy Nature's Cure which comes with am/pm homeopathic tablets to fight acne internally. The topical cream prevents outbreak and contains 5 % Benzoyl Peroxide.

" Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask has a breakthrough dermatologist-tested, acne-fighting formula that can be used two waysas a daily cleanser or as a mask. This lightly-scented, clean-rinsing formula has the pore-penetrating, acne-fighting power of Benzoyl Peroxide to kill bacteria and treat existing breakouts. Use as a daily cleanser to kill bacteria or use as an intensive mask for deep cleansing and extra oil control."

LOVE IT!!!

This cleanser/mask can be used for dual purposes. I use it to dry out any blemishes and it works really well. Also, St. Ives Naturally Clear Apricot Scrub is very famous for gently exfoliating dull surface cells to instantly reveal smooth, radiant skin. (see below)

So here it is. I have revealed all my skincare products for your benefit and I hope you will take good care of your skin. Let your skin breathe and do not wear too much make-up. This post has gotten longer than I expected. The remaining three beauty categories will be continued in future postings. Stay tuned for more reviews, tips and tricks from Fashion Sheikhsters! Learn from our personal experience as I love to share. I think every single person is made beautiful but it depends on our willingness to nurture natural beauty into RADIANT AND BEAUTIFUL skin for as long as we live.

You are beautiful.

xoxo,

Naila~

Polo Men

Have you noticed the polo wearing men? Don't they look more distinguished, more sophisticated, put together and suddenly all attractive? I must say, they do! It's not just the ads in which these handsome models easily pull off wearing their polo shirts on the beach, at the golf club, during a party or a family dinner...


Oh my. Yes, I happen to swoon over polo shirts. I think it defines a man's physique (if he has a good one, of course) like a saree for instance, is the epitome of elegant female wear. A saree defines femininity and sexiness showing off the right womanly curves all draped in one piece of fabric. A polo shirt (on men) not only makes them look manlier, but it gives away for a boyish yet masculine look that can look great at any age.

Ralph Lauren - the leading brand in polo shirts is my ultimate favorite as well as Lacoste. Who can resist that adorable little crocodile sown onto high quality fabric that screams: BUY ME! WEAR ME! I've also got my eyes set on Lacoste shoes that I'd love to wear for myself. Lacoste is a bit on the pricier side, but I will one day own my pair of Lacoste shoes. I may be sounding name brand crazy here, but the reality is that I really do not look at the brand as much as I look at the overall quality. Yes, if the brand happens to be in the same league as my  taste and needs, suffice to say, I'm NOT shy to fall in love ... even if it's just admiration from afar. 

Now, let's feast our eyes on the must have wardrobe polos every man should own, including mine.

Classic-Fit Neon Big Pony Polo

Price: $98.00

Custom-Fit Tartan Big Pony

Price: $98.00

                                                                                                   Jeffrey Men's Short Sleeve Striped Pique Polo - $128.00

Whether a man plays golf or not and even if he isn't much of a looker, make him wear a polo and he'll instantly transform into mr. decent. It's all in the polos ladies! ;)

xoxo,

Naila~

Price$128.00