Living as a foreigner in a different country can never be easy (particularly if you’ve been living in a country as exasperating as Pakistan). Difficulties in getting around, language barriers, cultural and traditional identities all come into play to heighten a sense of alienation one might feel when living away from home.
CultureBeat
Looking for traditional, ethnic items to take back home as souvenirs? We’ve got you covered.
Living as a foreigner in a different country can never be easy (particularly if you’ve been living in a country as exasperating as Pakistan). Difficulties in getting around, language barriers, cultural and traditional identities all come into play to heighten a sense of alienation one might feel when living away from home. Even shopping becomes a hassle. As it turns out, if you’re a foreign national living in Pakistan, today is your lucky day! We here at Instep scoured the Internet for hours (so you wouldn’t have to) and created a comprehensive guide to shopping in the country. Apparel, accessories, footwear, interior decorations – whatever you might be looking for, we’ve found you the perfect e-store for it.
Odd and Eve
One of our favourite local brands to surface this year, Odd and Eve provides gorgeous hand-painted footwear but in traditional Pakistani style. You can choose between Peshawari chappals or khussas (the local answer to ballet flats) and even customise the paint job. Priced between PKR 3500 and PKR 5500 they’re definitely more expensive than your usual khussas and kheiris, and it takes about 3 weeks after you order for the shoes to arrive but they’re definitely worth the wait.
Penguin Pop
Another super cool store that features hand-painted craft, Penguin Pop is different because you can get anything you want painted on practically anything. Want to customise your bag pack? Can do. Want Van Gogh’s Starry Night painted on your Tom’s? You bet! How about a fashion illustration on a pair of heels? Done. Obviously the coolest thing about these shoes is that they’re one of a kind, given that you choose what goes on them but we’ve included some of our favourite designs that have been ordered by people to give you a better idea of the product and scope.
Turbooz.com
Turbooz is an extensive retail website that you can peruse for hours on end or you could just search for the items we’ve curated for you and avoid the lengthy hassle. Our favourite products on the website are a series of incredible, ethnic clutches that stand out from everything else available in the market. Pakistan is famed for its truck art but wearing it on your clothes can be an over kill. A truck art clutch though is really one of the coolest gifts you can take back home. The recipient will literally be walking around with a piece of Pakistani culture in their hands.
Ayesha Accessories
Don’t let the name fool you. This isn’t some tacky jewellery store, it’s a curated collection of amazing Afghani and Nepalese tribal jewellery that really had us drooling. We love the dramatic choker necklaces, chunky bracelets and even anklets but the earrings are a no go because of their weight. They’re cool to own but so heavy that you won’t get past your bedroom door before your ear lobe feels like it’s about to come off.
Shubinak
An eco-friendly brand that promotes sustainable fashion, Shubinak can be a one stop shop. You’ll find a ton of local handicraft and clothing that is artisanal made in Chitral, Kalash and other northern area cities with a rich heritage. Explore at length, at peril to your wallet!
Karachi Candle Company
Like scented candles? So do we! Till a year ago if you wanted to buy a decent set you’d probably have to go abroad and lug one back but no longer! Karachi Candle Company has a wide array of fabulously scented candles that are reasonably priced and last for ages. We highly recommend their Motia (Jasmine flower, favourite ever!) Noir for a smell that transports us to balmy summer evenings out in the garden with the air pregnant with the sweet, heady scent of the miniature white roses.
All the above mentioned stores deliver to your doorstep with cash on delivery. Most have easy exchange policies at least in case the article ordered is defective or doesn’t fit. Happy shopping!
