Pink balloon hearts greet one at the entrance; crepes and clothing stores abound down that hill!

In honor of our Budget Travel article being featured in the August/ September issue of the magazine, we decided it would be fitting to share a most memorable travel story. It’s the story of where we re-found our love for fashion and the start of what we call Nyla Noor today.  A year ago today I was hopping off a plane and once again stepping back onto US soil. I had just had the most life changing experience in my life to date. I spent a month traveling through Asia. I made stops in Tokyo, Japan; Bangkok, Thailand; Hong Kong and Macao, SAR; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Singapore, Singapore; and Bali, Indonesia. The trip was magical. Not only was the trip a huge break from life in general, but it re-ignited my very strong love and adoration for fashion. Everywhere I went, I was in visual heaven- the clothes, the bags, the hair, the makeup- it all made me want to people watch all day. Tokyo, in particular, tugged at my heart strings in a way that I had never felt before. I had always dreamed of going to Tokyo, so I had high expectations of what it would be like once I arrived. As far as fashion goes, the best way that I could describe Tokyo was a never ending catwalk. I never saw two people wear the same outfit! It was amazing to see that a society that is largely deemed collective, was so incredibly individualistic when it came to their sense of style. Throw in the fact that hello kitty is a national icon and the sushi is better than that of Nobu (one word for you- Toro!) and I was happier than a little girl in Dylan’s Candy Bar!

How cool is this- people crossing the street at a red light! People cross diagonally too!

In order to help you understand the amazingness (yes, I did just make up that word) that is Tokyo, I have posted some pictures of my journey.

In case you’re wondering, it was upon my return from this trip that Saifra and I decided it was time to follow our bliss. And with that, Nyla Noor was a reality. We hope you enjoy reading about our travels, as they usually are the source of our design inspiration. What inspires you? Is it food, music, art, something else? We wanna know!

Hugs and Handbags,

Nyla Noor

Mini shoes made of chocolate, I think we may have found heaven!