TRADITIONAL STYLE SAUDI ACCESSORIES

These shiny gold jewelry fringes can be worn on veils, around the waist, or as necklaces

These cute necklace pendants are tiny niqabs

For little boys, the belted khanjar - traditional curved Saudi daggers

Sorry I haven't been visiting blogs - I'm busy packing to leave by the end of this month. I'll no longer be living here in Saudi Arabia and will just return in the future for short visits. So I'll be discontinuing my regular blogging soon.  

I've really enjoyed making friends all over the world through blogging and would like to thank you for your interest and questions about the country I have called home for the past 15 years.  It's been quite an adventure!  Much love and best wishes to you all! 

Jeddah Souk Rainbow of Scarves

LINKING TO - 

TUESDAY'S TREASURES   

September 23rd is Saudi National Day!

On September 23, 2020, Saudi Arabia celebrates its 90th birthday!  For many years there were only two official holidays here in Saudi Arabia - and both of them were religion based.  It was only a few short years ago when September 23rd was officially recognized in the Kingdom as Saudi Arabian National Day, as it was on this day in 1932 when the country was unified by King Abdulaziz.  Think of it as the 4th of July of Saudi Arabia.  

The unification means that all the nomadic tribes  and regions finally stopped fighting with each other and came together under one umbrella - the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  With each passing year that I have spent here, National Day has of course become more commercialized and with more and more festivities.  

Since the Saudi flag is green and white, these colors are seen everywhere in decorations, clothing, accessories, and foods. There are usually big fireworks displays in cities across the country, but I'm not sure if that will the case this year because of the virus.  Shops are decorated with balloons, flags, and streamers - and many businesses offer big sales.   

 

Jeddah"s High End Designers #JDP

Prada. Chanel. Gucci. And many more.  Most world renowned high end designers have outlets in Saudi Arabia.  Many Saudi women - and Saudi men too - are extremely fashion forward.  

 This post links to - SKYWATCH  

Koran Stands #JDP

I saw these Koran stands in a stationary store here in Jeddah.  I've seen them before but not such a wonderful selection of them.  They come in a variety of sizes. The taller floor stands above are very similar to the music stands I remember using when I was in the band in high school.  They also are adjustable to higher or lower heights.

The shorter Koran stands are used while sitting on the floor or can also be used for reading at a table.  The small carved wooden stands in the middle photo can be folded up flat.  Some stands are quite plain and others are decorated with Arabic script from the Koran or other Middle Eastern designs.

 This post links to - 

OUR WORLD TUESDAY 

MY CORNER OF THE WORLD 

Saudi Special Event Bling

Bling bling! Here are some more fancy clutch purses and an elegant rhinestone embellished evening dress that would be worn to a Saudi wedding event.

I'm pretty sure most of these items are imported to Saudi Arabia from either India or Pakistan.  Perfect for the holidays too!

Saudi Arabia Fancy Purses

These purses won't hold much more than a lipstick and keys, and a few might even fit in a mobile phone, but they are intended to be mere accessories to complete an outfit. 

They are perfect accessories for a fancy wedding here in Saudi Arabia - lots of over the top bling, large gawdy stones and rhinestones. 

I believe most of these clutches are from India or Pakistan.

Jeddah: Saudi Purses

From Kalimah Brand, these niqabi purses come in either black or white.

Our World: Saudi Style Phone Covers

I dig the variety of phone covers designs that are available in Saudi Arabia, especially the ones that depict aspects of life here.  The hennaed hand is a very common sight at Saudi weddings, for the brides and attendees.

 I got one of these veiled women covers for my phone - and it cost less than $10 US.

There are also variations on the black veiled woman phone covers, like this one in stripes or florals, or in other colors like the pink one in the top photo.




Be sure to visit OUR WORLD TUESDAY, where family-friendly bloggers share a unique glimpse into what life is like all around our ever-amazing planet.

Our World: Saudi Sandals

Saudi men's traditional leather sandals are quite distinctive in their style.  The outer edge of the toes and the heel part are open, but almost every other surface is covered.  The big toe loop covers the entire toe except for the tip.  Many of these sandals are still handmade by artisans in various South Asian countries.  The sandals are available in a wide variety of colors, designs, and price ranges.

Below is a great little short video that shows some of the artisans at work making these special sandals.  If it doesn't display correctly, try CLICKING HERE.

 


Be sure to visit OUR WORLD TUESDAY, where family-friendly bloggers share a unique glimpse into what life is like all around our ever-amazing planet.

Our World: Swords and Scarves

Accessorize!  Traditional men's clothing stores in Saudi Arabia usually always also sell the swords which are part of the total look for formal occasions, like weddings.

 


Be sure to visit OUR WORLD TUESDAY, where family-friendly bloggers share a unique glimpse into what life is like all around our ever-amazing planet.

Arabic Calligraphy Jewelry

Arabic script is often incorporated into designs here, through artwork or jewelry.  These pendants caught my eye for their intricate details and appealing style.  

Fancy Pearl High Heels

I am always amazed at the fancy fashionable styles available here in Saudi Arabia.  The weddings I have attended here are always over the top with glitz and glamour.  I used to wear heels as high as these back in my younger days, but no more!  It's comfort all the way for me now, baby!

Ladies Shoes and Bags in Saudi Arabia

Since women are required to wear the usually black abaya and scarf when out in public, many women choose to distinguish themselves with their accessories, like shoes and handbags. I enjoyed the coincidence of capturing this street scene of ladies with their colorful accessories walking by an even more colorful shoe shop.

Saudi Arabia: Decorative Teapots

I'd love to start a collection of these charming teapots I saw at the local Turkish-Afghani souk.  I love the shapes, colors and pattern designs of the teapots.  CLICK HERE FOR A MAP to this souk where you can find baskets, carpets, furniture, clothing, handicrafts, jewelry, and many other traditional handicrafts.

Gorgeous Necklace

Jewelry shops abound here in Jeddah.  The gold souks are amazing, but there are plenty of costume jewelry shops too.  Saudi women dress to the nines for weddings and a necklace like the one shown here is very typical of the type of jewelry that might be worn to such an event.  Sorry I wasn't able to check the price of this beauty, as the shop was closed for prayers at the time. 

Typical Saudi Teacup Set

Saudis are very gracious hosts and delight in serving drinks and sweets to house guests.  Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in Saudi Arabia, so drinks served range from the largest variety of fruit juices one could imagine to tea or gahwa (Arabic coffee).  Hot drinks would be served in tiny glasses like shown here.  This teacup set cost 302 SR, or about $ 80 US. 

White Camel Table Base

I saw this ceramic table base in a gift shop here in Jeddah and I thought it was cute.  It is a white decorated camel and would make a nice end table if equipped with a piece of glass on top.  I'm not sure if the glass is included or not, but the price on the camel is 1195 SR, which is about $ 320 US.

Bracelets in Mall Shop

Like everywhere in the world, jewelry is very popular with Saudi women.  These bracelets caught my eye recently at a local mall.