Istanbul Trip: Day 2, Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Ayasofya, Topkapi Palace

Tippy tippy top, along the cobbled streets we hop!

Day 2 was the day for history. Walk along the Hippodrome, once used for chariot racing. We headed in morning to the Blue Mosque, as it closes for salah time, it is best advised to start before the daytime prayers. Inside the mosque females have to cover their head and all should be in conservative clothing. This is applicable for Turkey as I saw everybody fashionably dressed but no skin show at all.

Hippodrome

Blue Mosque

Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia)

Once a church, turned into a mosque and then a museum. You can tell from the angel's faces covered with large golden discs.

Topkapi Palace

The grand palace of the Ottoman rulers, surrounded by beautiful Turkish rose gardens and with a view of the Marmara Sea.

Kucukayasofya (Little Ayasofya)
A tiny mosque just in front of our hotel.

To be continued...

Istanbul Trip: Day 1, Sabiha - Taksim - Fatih, Bosphorus Cruise

On the meeting point of two worlds, the ornament of Turkish homeland, the treasure of Turkish history, the city cherished by the Turkish nation, İstanbul, has its place in the hearts of all citizens. ~Ataturk

Take a small break to the historic and magical city of Istanbul and come back with memories of a city etched in your heart and one that has more facets to explore. October end is a good time to visit with chill in air and thinning tourist numbers. The weather is unpredictable, it might turn the trip an absolute nightmare or memorable. I booked the flight (Pegasus) and hotel (in Kucukayasofya, Fatih) a month ahead. Visa was done in just 2 days, a week in advance. You might also strike a good deal with flight and hotels during this time. In morning, we arrived at the Sabiha Gokcen Airport, less busy of the two city airports and boarded the Havatas SG2 (just outside the arrival gates) to Taksim Square. Tickets are done while aboard or one can also book online. Sabiha being located on the Asian side of Istanbul, looking out the window one can feel the architectural, city planning and cultural difference while moving towards the European side of the city. The whole terrain is hilly and laden with flora. It was raining when we arrived and after sometime clear sun shone. The weather painted a picture so clear and green of Istanbul, with Ottoman-time minarets peaking out and surrounding modern structures. It took 1.5 hours to arrive at Taksim, from where we took a taxi to hotel (30 minutes) . Beware of the taxi drivers faltering with the meter, keep a watch.

Stepping on the streets of old city of Fatih, one could feel the history underneath with cobbled streets and walking through the Hippodrome. We booked our Bosphorus evening cruise near the hotel. Live music, magic shows, Turkish dances, old rituals, folk music and lots of Turkish food make this 3 hour cruise unforgettable. Glimmering city lights, the old palaces, rich Ottoman houses, mosques and forts along the Strait of Bosphorus take you back in history.

To be continued...

Trending Off-The-Shoulder Tops and Dresses

Never too late to share a hot trend, and its still warm and humid in Dubai. Off-the-shoulder look as seen during New York Fashion Week is a versatile choice for all body types, without being worried about loosing extra fat here and there. A great day-wear trend, with free-falling tiers, sometimes cinched on the waist or loose. Sheer, fine fabrics in mesh, net, cut-out and crochet styles enhance the feminine spirit. Off-the-shoulder can be adapted easily into heavy fabrics with more geometric and structured silhouette.

Amal Alamuddin in off-the-shoulder wedding dress by Oscar De La Renta

(1. Free People top 2. Zara distressed skinny denim 3. Free People woven chain handpiece 4. Vero Moda top by Namshi 5. Free People fringe necklace)

Recommendation - Wear the off shoulder trend now to hold onto these last summer days. This trend is about being delicate and bohemian, so just bring out your feminine self. 

image courtesy: vogue.com, namshi.com, freepeople.com, sites.google.com

Bonobos.com Fall 2014 Men's Suit Collection review

Still swooning over George Clooney? Stop! He’s married now. The tabloids all over the world were full with shots of Mr. Clooney dilly-dallying in Venice in sharp suits (of, course with his bride Ms. Amal Alamuddin). Here’s presenting the classic gentleman looks, all styled by New York’s menswear shopping website Bonobos.com

The Fall Winter 2014 Suit collection by Bonobos.com is tailor made for the leading men. “Suit up for Fall!” as the menswear e-commerce retailer says. The collection although true to its winter roots of Wool Foundation Suits, also heralds the season with new mix of Glenplaid, Windowpane, Herringbone and Honeycomb. What I would call a suit-utility upgrade, their Foundation suits include a more ergonomic interior pocket to grab that business card smoothly. Bonobos.com started with the idea of well fitted pants and seamless shopping experience. So its no surprise that their suits come in Standard and Slim fits, and Short, Regular and Tall sizes, just you’re your perfect fit.

Their Fall 2014 men's suit collection takes its inspiration from early British rock invasion style and Mick Jagger’s young days.

The “Mad Men”

Dress sharp for the competitive and creative world. Get your basics right and add some top coats.

The Urban Dapper

The modern man makes a statement in simple, sleek but well crafted suit.

“A Little Party Never Killed Nobody”

Be the lady-killer and cynosure of all eyes.

Blue Is Monochrome

Recommendation – I would say get a few crafted suits and go for the kill.

Note- This is not a paid post. Images courtesy Bonobos.com