Shop at Home!

by Musleha Munir

No, I don’t mean shop online or peruse the Home Shopping Network, I mean shop in your own closet! Or your mother’s, sister’s or even brother’s! We all know the current economic situation facing us, the headlines don’t let us forget about the increasing rate of unemployment and business closures. This all makes for very guilty shopping expeditions with many “I don’t really need this…”.  However, I have the perfect solution: shop in your closet and those of your loved ones! Summer is here and for of those who are still in school, this means lots of free time! So pick a day, a closet to “clean” and go shopping! Examine everything you find with lots of thought and how it can be used to accessorize or if it can be fixed up a little into something that you can wear. I have done this over the years and cherish all my finds. Below are some examples of my own shopping-at-home finds.

These three fun clutches are from my mom’s closet and area a good 10-20 years old! They’re genuine leather and are great way to add a bit of color to any drab outfit.

Exhibit A: Bright and Fun Clutches

Exhibit B: Silk Tunic

This was actually a qameez from my mom’s old shalwar qameez from the 80′s (can’t you tell?) But I fell in love the colors, billowy sleeves and interesting neckline. All I did was shorten it a little and I had a fun tunic on my hands! Since the print is so loud and the shirt billowy, this looks best with a solid black belt and a pair of leggings.

Exhibit C: Pretty Jewelry

This ring and bangle are my mom’s from Pakistan. I absolutely love them and feel so elegeant whenever I wear them. My favorite pastime is rummaging around my mom’s jewelry boxes because I always find something great to take! Fun jewelry pieces are a great way to look more “put together”.

Exhibit D: Peep-Toe Suede Heels

I absolutely love these shoes because they give off such a strong vintage feel! Whenever I wear these, I always feel super glamorous and like I’m in 1940′s (although the shoes aren’t this old!). A great pair of heels always makes a girl look fabulous!

Exhibit E: Kohlapuris

Ever since Slumdog Millionaire, all things Desi are hot right now! So what’s a better way to stay cool this summer than a great pair of authentic Kohlapuris from the motherland? Throw these on instead of flip-flops with your t-shirt and jeans combo and add a bit of quirkiness to your outfit!