Street Style

I wouldn't say Turkey was known for its amazing style and sense of fashion but come to Bagdat Caddesi and you'll see how stylish the Turks can be.  Apparently if you see a beautifully made up woman dressed very elegantly around Istanbul, you might call her a Bagdat Avenue Girl.  This is where we now live.  All around us are designer shops - Cerruti, Tommy Hilfiger, Burberry, Longchamp, Louis Vuitton, Vakko to name a few, mixed with your usual Zara, Mango, Marks and Spencer, Gap.  Fashion and style are everywhere.  Women are beautifully made up with perfectly shaped eyebrows, flawless make up and delightfully accessorized.  They may not all be dressed to the nines but they have put thought into what they are wearing.  This week its the annual Istanbul Shopping Fest.  I think it is to coincide with the "sales" and it kicked off yesterday with a parade along Bagdat Cad. Shops are offering increased discounts and promotions as part of the festival.

When Mum was packing to come out here she pulled out her "summer" suitcase full of vest tops and skirts, which had seen every holiday since she'd met my Dad nearly 12 years ago.  On my Dad and Nanny's advice she binned quite a bit and packed the rest.  I think it took all of 2 days for Mum to realise perhaps shorts and vests were not quite a la mode on this avenue.  Its more cropped trousers and fine knits....a few bits of lace and elegant shift dresses.  For men its fitted shirts and trousers with pointed shoes and a leather brief case and smart phone to accessorize.

With that in mind Mum has decided its time to up the ante and get with it in terms of fashion.  Off to Zara we went and out we came with what Mum told me was the first of a few new purchases.  She's got her eye on a few more; some for her and some for me and Findlay.  Well when in Rome and all that, and certainly while living on Bagdat Cad. you can't be walking about in shorts and flip flops!

My Sunday outfit - perfect for a stroll along our avenue.