Not even sure where one ends and the other begins…

I have just returned from my European holiday, and what a holiday it was!

Not sure where to start. First, you will be happy to know I did NOT over-pack, although, contrary to popular belief,. I wore every outfit I took with me; at times, I had to change two or even three times a day. Yes, my daily schedule was packed with social engagements and business meetings. Even though my London/Paris trip was a much needed holiday, I did end up conducting some business. What can I say? I couldn’t help myself. Of course, I knew that would happen.

One of my business meetings took place at the Clairidges Hotel. I wanted to partake in so-called British Culture, so I scheduled a high tea meeting----so English, don’t you think. My meeting lasted about an hour, and included four associates. The major topic: How to take my business to the next level. After the meeting my very good friend, Damla, and I enjoyed the ambiance and formality of British tea-drinking culture. You know the deal: pastel colored bone china, scones neatly pilled up, tiny tea sandwiches delicately placed on a serving platter. I’m not ashamed to tell you I loved it.

Going in, I knew my entire trip was luxury to the max. But I knew I hit a new level when, dining at Massimo (members only), a waiter brought out an ottoman for my handbag [yes, my Gucci got its own seat, and we both got a kick out of it] Don’t we all-too-often wonder where to put our bag when we sit for dinner? On an ottoman, of course! Where else? When I’m old and gray – assuming I live that long – I will remember that moment, and a smile will cross my face.

Well a lot more happened during this trip, but some things left best unsaid :)

Oh, you know that old trite adage, ‘Never mix business with pleasure’, well clearly this saying was not meant for me. Because in my world business and pleasure go hand in hand; one oils the wheels of progress, the other moves the wheels forward. Actually, I’m not even sure where one ends and the other begins.

Aysha

8 days in 8 pairs of shoes

The fourth of July is around the corner and I needed to make plans for the long weekend.  During past Fourths, I mostly stayed local, spending time with family and friends, usually at a barbecue, enjoying steaks and fireworks.  But this year I wanted to leave NY, so last week I made the decision to take an eight-day trip to Europe; nothing too adventurous or new, just visiting some of my favorite stomping grounds, London and Paris.  Some stomping grounds, right?  I have friends in both cities, and seeing them sounded like a great idea.  To get things moving I made calls and sent a few emails to make sure my eight days would be fun-packed.  And, yes, this will certainly be a much needed vacation.

Like the true fashion lover that I am, even before I got my flights sorted out, I started to plan my wardrobe for the trip.   Below are photos of SOME of the things I will be taking with me.   

Luggage: It’s very important that I do not take too many luggage pieces (airline restrictions), yet I want to make sure I have enough room to take everything I need on this trip.  Daytime and evening attires, shoes, accessories, bags – all this and still leave room in case I shop while over there.  In CASE??

Traveling Attire: I know you might be thinking what in the world is she talking about?  Well, one of the most important outfits to decide upon is precisely what to wear on the plane.  The outfit, of course, must be comfortable, first and foremost, and, secondly, it must have layers (so you can take off certain articles, depending whether you feel too hot or cold on the plane).  And the outfit MUST be stylish and figure-flattering; you never know who you might meet at the airport or on the plane.  I think you get my point. J

So upon taking all these requirements into consideration, I set out to design my ideal ‘traveling’ outfit.  First comes the traveling Jacket.  I wanted to work with denim, so I chose an amazing lightweight cloth (a blend of linen and cotton with 3% stretch) - Italian, of course, what else?  As some of you may know, I am not a big fan of denim, so the jacket had to be done just right, so I would love it.  After much trial and error, I chose to design this jacket with couture workmanship in mind.  If you look closely, you will see all the details, including stitched down pleating, top stitching, and check out eight back panels, all put together to ensure an amazing fit.  Once the jacket was completed, I slipped it on - and how could I not love it?  It fit like a proverbial glove and felt like….well….soft to the touch.  What’s amazing about this jacket is that it looks as good on as it looks just holding it in my hand.  In case you are wondering, I will be wearing a silk top under the jacket. 

And to compliment the jacket, I designed pants to go along with it…yes, pants!!!  Ladies, you will be very happy to know I am starting to add pants in my collection.  Sorry no photos to share right now --- the pants are under making as we speak.  But my seamstress promised they will be ready for my trip. Thank God !!!

Maria Dress.  I LOVE this dress; so much so that I’m taking all three colors with me.  The fabric is 100% Italian linen.  So easy to wear whether I’m walking through the Louvre, or sipping a bellini at a Paris sidewalk café.   One can belt it to show off the waistline, or wear it loose, à la tunic dress.  

Shoes, let’s not forget them.  Gosh, which ones to bring?  With shoes, the minimalist’s ‘less is more’ does not apply.  The ‘more the better’ approach is more like it.  See below for the pairs I intend to take with me.  I think I have covered all the basics, from walking shoes, to sexy dinner heels, to ‘I just might need them’ shoes.

That’s it for now.  Be sure to stay tuned to hear more details of the actual trip when I come back.

And keep in mind, if it wasn’t for London and Paris, we would not have 4^th of July celebration.  An important coincidence I realized as I am planning my trip. 

So whether you plan to stay local or travel far, just be sure to celebrate our nation’s most important holiday in style…as I am with 8 days in 8 pairs of shoes. 

Aysha  

….on a mission to live life to the fullest and want to own a wardrobe that can keep up

Sorry readers, it’s been a while since I’ve posted a missive.  I am overwhelmed with the on-goings in my company – mostly good things to be sure, so I’m not complaining; we hope to have good news to share very soon.

Speaking of good things, last week I received a call from Joanne, a good friend and client of Aysha Saeed; she owns practically everything from our collection.  

Joanne called me in a frantic tone - most unusual for her; asking me to suggest a couple of outfits that she can take to her upcoming weekend trip to London.  ‘What’s on the itinerary?’ was my first question.  ‘Wimbledon’, she replied, ‘and drinks with an ex-boyfriend, a business dinner, and a casual lunch.’  ‘This is my kind of girl’, was my first thought, jam-packing it all in two-and-one-half days.  This is the kind of challenge I like.

What were my suggestions?

← Look 1: Eye Catching Chic: Miro skirt with a Jackson Pollock-inspired print with fuchsia racer back top with exposed metallic zipper to add some edge to this feminine look.  Perfect for viewing tennis matches at Wimbledon.  Fabric is pre-washed silk…very comfortable and airy, and a splash of fuchsia will standout in a crowd.  And with a quick accessory change, it’s also a perfect look to meet an ex-boyfriend for drinks.  Of course, one wears flats for a tennis match and then changes into super-sexy heels for a drink date.  The outfit is both sexy and colorful without trying too hard.  Heels make all the difference when phasing from day into an early evening look.  Remember, Joanne is meeting an ex boyfriend, so never look as though you’re trying to look good.  Keep it effortless.  

Look 2: Sophisticated Glamour: → 
An Audrey dress is ideal  for a business dinner, yet sports a great sense of grace and style.   It’s a fabulous fabric to travel with since it does not wrinkle in a suitcase, and the fit is amazing - it shows off all the feminine curves but is conservative enough for a business dinner.  My only suggestion is to add colorful accessories, and of course, heels.

Look 3: Casual Lunch:  A fuchsia racer back looks terrific with skinny jeans, which every girl has.  And after lunch, Joanne can pick up her bags from the hotel and head directly to the airport without having to change. 

When I presented these looks to Joanne she was thrilled.  What surprised her the most was how by buying just three new things she could both update her current wardrobe and add great outfits for her London trip.  Was I surprised?  Let’s just say it’s for women like Joanne that Aysha Saeed exists and prospers.  I want to design for women who are on a mission to live life to the fullest and want to own a wardrobe that can keep up 

Aysha    

Lights, Camera & Action...

Ernabel, my publicist and good friend, excitedly sent me a text this past Monday to inform me that she had booked a TV interview for me on The PBS Network that would take place that Wednesday. Of course I was excited, but talk about short notice – I had to juggle a couple of meetings and cancel a few appointments for Wednesday’s 2:15 pm taping. The show is called ‘Asian-Americans’ and subject matter, ‘Entrepreneurship’. I was honored to appear, and such an exposure never hurts. When Ernabel told me it was going to be a 27 minute long segment with no commercial, my first concern was , will I have enough interesting things to say to fill up this time? But I did not let this worry me too much! I was excited.