Greener Surprises

Howdy! I'm currently in Houston for professional development. Internet is crap and I'm utilizing my last life line (time amount undetermined) to post a blog.

My friend had a birthday a few weeks ago. Currently my wrapping paper is stored in the closet of eternal falling hazards. So, I was tempted to go my found-brown-paper-and-colorful-ribbon route, but a more convenient solution presented itself.



Observe how Mr. Panda and Barry are admiring my handy work. Now, I like purchasing scarves and handkerchiefs like nothing. Often times at thrift stores and estate sales, scarves and such are very inexpensive, hence, the development of my surplus.

Since I frequent allkpop, I recall coming across an article where YooNa was advertising for Innisfree handkerchiefs and their usefulness, one of the tips was using it to wrap presents. It's certainly a more green option and it reduces waste. I don't even have to support a specific brand and it's so easy to find different patterns. There are size limitations to the gifts, but packaging is all a part of the charm.

Scarve enterprise

So...I haven't abandoned my blog, nor am I slipping on the new years resolution or blogging regularly. Where have I been?

If the pictures don't make it more than obvious, the emergency stairways and the scene of a fairly modern looking suspension bridge contrasted with a mosque in the foreground should tell you there's no place like TURKEY. The above pictures are from Istanbul, a city that's crammed with more history than an encyclopedia.

During my ten day stay, one of the most prevailing feelings that Istanbul, in particular, left was that of a city that is trying to embrace modern times while maintaining it's rich history. It was a very odd contrast at times to see advertisements with Giselle Bundchen and then BOOM - a centuries old mosque. Maybe it's not so odd and I was just going through a foreigner phase.

History and modern times seem to be an odd compromise. It's awkward, like being a teenager that can't decide between two polar opposite styles...and then, of course I saw this

and this
Mentally, I saw this
and thought more about how I prefer this

While I can't conceive the wearing of a hijab to ever come into mainstream fashion, I was definitely impressed by how fashionable they were able to make the hijab. I'm particularly partial to the wrapping and gathering around the neck as I find it similar to the Kelly wrap pictured above.

Scarf culture was pretty extensive in Turkey. They were sold virtually everywhere. What surprised me was going into the Armine store and seeing the area dedicated to just scarves. Patterns are seasonal and I probably looked like an imbecile for not really noticing. Anything that offers a new creative outlet for women always becomes evident and prevalent: probably about 70% of the clothing stores in America mainly cater to women's clothing and in Turkey, scarves were everywhere. I was really amazed by the size of Armine's look book which seemed to be dedicated to mainly showing off the scarves.

What surprised me most was the new take on the hijab. If you could, imagine woman driving in a convertible with a scarf and sunglasses. The only difference here is that she never takes her scarf off. It's a nice retro take on things, and there's nothing wrong with reinventing and adapting classics.

Among other things, yes, I bought a bunch of scarves. More to come later.