When you visit Pakistan, it’s not just about the people, the food and the shopping … it’s about the shopping! Yeah! If you’re not sure you agree, just walk into Khaadi (and no, this is not a paid post), this is my unrelenting love affair with Khaadi every time I walk through the doors, giving myself a silent nod of (disapproval) … Shazia, thou shalt NOT buy anything this time. You are only going to pick up something for a friend, but then you spot something, peaking through the hangers, you pause in mid-thought, your mind does a flip at the rate of perhaps, 1000 km per hour, the mind shouts NO, the heart runs the other way … the mind, now whispers silently, NO again, but the heart responds, just give it a look.
You pick up the piece and make your way to the changing rooms, hoping it doesn’t look good when you try it on, but sometimes, it does … and bang – you just bought yourself something you didn’t need, but … wanted? Throwback to Economics 101 yeah, needs vs wants – the eternal debate!
Oh well, if Khaadi hasn’t made you a shopaholic, count yourself lucky, or … the one who’s FOMO or JOMO – have it as you will, will resurface as I give you the 3 things I bought on my latest Pakistan visit that yes, brought out the shopaholic in me but yes, also showed me why shopping in Pakistan can be such a mood lifter!
Join me on my shopping escapades will you?
1. Khaadi Perfumes
I ran out of perfume, I really did, because I had bought a travel size for my 3-week trip to Pakistan. Sooo I decided to head to Khaadi since I recall skimming through a post that told me they are definitely worth a second look.
I have to say, I was not disappointed. I love flowery fragrances and Khaadi did not disappoint. While the lady at the counter proceeded to sell me the larger size marked down by 40% I actually proceeded to try out all the scents, some lingeringly heavy and others, innocently light. I have to say – they smelt good. My ultimate buy that I plan to take along with me because I absolutely loved the fragrance was – Patchouli Desire. The scent as described on their website:
The fragrance opens with citrusy union of Lemon and Bergamot that are complemented with floral notes of Ylang Ylang and Rose. The floral heart rests on a warm, rich and deep base with dominant scents of Patchouli and Leather. This opulent base gives the fragrance a subtle warmth.
Fragrance Family: Oriental
Scent Type: Oriental
Main Notes: Citrus, Ylang Ylang, Leather
Note to those who are not up for flowery scents – if you like ittar, this one’s for you, if not, yes, I did go for a non-ittar-flowery scent to keep it balanced. Sunrise Bliss might be your go-to scent. It’s floral yet doesn’t let off a strong ittar feel.
For those who are used to foreign perfumes, yes, I know the scents are irresistibly irresistible and oh so uniquely loveable but … I’d say, give these a chance, especially when on the go, so you don’t have to carry heavy perfume bottles that might leak in your suitcase and cause a scent explosion of sorts!
Case in point: many shoppers have since told me, the scent doesn’t stay long. To them, I say, … yes, probably, but for the price, it ain’t a bad deal at all!
2. Long Kurta – Olive Green
THIS from Khaadi Chapter 2 was a delight stitched in a piece of cloth. I love the fact that there are no rules on kurta lengths in the 2022 fashion world. Anything goes if it looks good! Wear it with a pair of white jeans or pyjama, it wears well for brunch, lunch, dinner or even breakfast, accessorize as you go to give it the feel you want! The long length adds a majestic feel to the silhouette because the cut is sleek, with high slits that again, end up adding height – wear this one with your favourite wedges in the evening and carry the look all day.
3. The Long Maxi Dress
Off-white is a color that wears well all day! Dresses were not on my list but you know what, a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do! This one has a boho chic look that adds the fun factor, holiday feel and gives a resounding Yes to summer!
What I loved most was the very fine cotton inner cotton lining that added defied any fear of transparency. At the same time, the extra layer does not make you feel hot, perhaps because the fiber is all natural and does only what its meant to do – not give away more than you’d like!
Wear it with flats or wedges – this one’s for keeps and your summer will feel breezier as you brave the heat in a dress that not only wears well but keeps you cool all day long!
