Summer Stories...

Summer is officially in full swing, fellas! And for some reason, this year, I'm hating it less than I usually do. It might have something to do with the evening breeze here in Mumbai or the weekend beach outings though. Humid as it is, there's no denying that Spring-Summer shouts out 'bright' and 'happy' loud while my favourite season Winter can't really escape the 'dark' and 'gloomy' tags. Given my obsession with layering, I try to find ways to layer even in this heat. Back home, Summer used to be about kaal-boishakhi(Nor'wester) followed by post-storm raw mango collection, shorbot (sorbet is close but not quite the same)made with gondhoraj lebu(a variety of lime available only in Bengal), himshagar aam( again, a variety of mango available only in Bengal), staring at the scorching sun during lazy Sunday afternoons while reading and wondering if life, too, is as unforgiving at times. Things of course, have changed quite a bit here but it has been a welcome change, to say the least. The clock is ticking and with every passing day, the dreadful moment of leaving Mumbai and going back to my least favourite place is approaching closer. But this time, I'm on a mission to be happy and enjoy myself till the doomsday arrives. On that note, say hello to my daylong semi-sexy tan and my current obsession with this denim shirt!

Over-sized denim shirt, eagle ring- Colaba Causeway, maxi dress(worn as a skirt)- Sudder Street, earcuff- Linking Road, jooti, cuff - New Market, lipstick- Arresting Pink by Colorbar

I'll be back with my third obsession stripes(denim and monochrome being the other two)hopefully before leaving. Till then, take care and like I always say, keep it stylish!

The City of Dreams

You know how some people say the entire concept of a place having its own distinct vibe is overrated? Well, let me tell you they are ABSOLUTELY WRONG and I'm a living example of that. If you are a regular reader or connected to me on social media, you'd know about the slow and dangerous depression that started taking over my life ever since I had moved to Indore. I tried embracing the place- exaggerating the quality of dahi at 'Joshi ke dahi vada' and extending the time in the gym but with its not-so-charming small town vibe, closed people living in an age where women are supposed to do all the household chores and keep quiet if they are harassed on the streets, banners and hoardings urging people to quit drinking and eating non-veg or be hanged if the non-veg happens to be beef...Indore just never worked out. I was slowly turning into a person I didn't know- introvert, pessimistic, cynical, irritable and snappy. I also kept falling sick often and the experience of going to a doctor and describing my problem in Indore had been so bad for me that I preferred gulping medicines down day in and day out and stay indoors instead.
                                                                                                As they say, after every dark phase, there is a silver lining. In my case, it was an intimation from the Management regarding my temporary posting in the Mumbai office. Even though I was still recovering, I was elated and couldn't wait to leave! And then came the much-awaited day when I could finally say goodbye to Indore even if for a few months. I woke up the next morning, somewhere near Sion, already feeling the infectious positivism I find Mumbai synonymous with. I could already smell the fish and seafood, see the bustling vada pav stalls, feel the sand and water under my feet, hear the Colaba hawkers calling out to me in my mind. The City of Dreams represents the undying, indomitable spirit of life to me. People do everything they can here to earn themselves a livelihood. And despite poverty, inflation and all other common problems(other than safety of women) Mumbai shares with the other Indian cities, the people in Mumbai just refuse to let these get to them and make them unhappy. Every person has different sides to their personality and each place uncovers one of these. I'm no exception either. The moment I arrived in Mumbai, gone were the depression, the urge to lock myself in a room and cry for hours, the withdrawal symptoms and everything else I had been struggling with. When I ordered my first vada pav in two months at a roadside stall near Chandivali, I was a happy soul and it hasn't changed since then. Small, small things make me happy in this city- a long walk all alone post 11 p.m. without the fear of getting groped, watching people rushing about in one of the local railway stations during the peak hours, looking at the street lights and the cars whooshing past them when I wake up after a rare nightmare(traces of Indore I'm slowly and methodically getting rid of), the city talking to me when I stick my head out of the auto to embrace the fresh morning air on my way to gym early in the morning, the vada pav wala near LnT crossing who never forgets to make my vada pav with extra green chutney and no sweet chutney...and all I feel coming out of my heart is gratitude. Gratitude towards life for giving me a chance to be happy again, to get my dreams back in exchange for the nightmares I had been dealing with for the past few months, to live...
                                                                                                                                         And since this city has healed me so soon and so perfectly, here goes an outfit as a tribute to my second favourite city(Kolkata would be Kolkata and hence, my favourite city always, no matter what)-

DIY distressed denims and crop top- Jabong, satchel bag, ring and spiked loafers- B.K.Market, waistcoat- Colaba Causeway, shades- Myntra, lipstick- Orange Punch by Colorbar

Ever since Debi distressed this pair of denims for me, I find myself reaching for it at least once every week. And since my love for layering refuses to die even in the humid Mumbai weather, the waistcoat had to find its way with the crop top. The serene beach, the wind in my hair and the sand under my feet took care of the rest. I'll be back with more florals, pastels and everything girlie and meanwhile, you take care and like I always say, keep it stylish.                                                                               

Pushing yourself too far?

Sorry for the absence on ze blog, people! After almost a month long sickness and a week long stay in the hospital, I'm slowly getting back to normal life. Well-wishers everywhere have been reproaching me for pushing myself too far, for continuing with my grilling schedule despite being very unwell. And that's when it struck me. We, the so called independent women today, often struggle with striking a balance between being tough and neglecting oneself. Managing everything from household chores to working for at least nine hours to sweating it out in the gym on my own taught me valuable lessons. It taught me to value my health. It taught me to be grateful for being strong enough to take care of myself. It made me nostalgic for the home-cooked meals I had grown up with, the smell of turmeric-cumin-coriander wafting from the aanchal of my mom's saree.
                                                                                                                Speaking of saree, I wore this beauty by Howrah Bridge for the grand wedding of the designer herself. The royal colours, the traditional atpoure drape, the heavy jewellery...everything added up to the grandeur of the evening otherwise known as my bestie's wedding. Those five days of eating like a starving soul, dancing like a drunkard on loose and crazy, crazy fun ensured I survive the coming dull months(thanks to my empty pocket)without a complaint.

Saree, blouse- Howrah Bridge, earrings, hand chain, bangles- Vardaan Market,bindi- local shop, lipstick- Passionate by Colorbar, wedges(not in picture)- Metro Plaza

With the groom

And with my favourite bride under the sun

Summer is officially here! So are the happy florals, pastels, shorts, maxis, evening breeze and delightful fruity concoctions. Go indulge into a few poolside parties flaunting your skimpy shorts or flowy maxis depending on your preference while I nurse myself back to health and hope to start working out soon. Till then, take care and like I always say, keep it stylish.

Angry Lover's Valentines' Day Look

With my Valentines' Day gone as unceremoniously as every year, my sincere apologies for not painting ze blog with all the red and pink fest most of the fellow bloggers have indulged into. I'm not much of a believer in this 'Day' culture whether it's Indian or Western. However, when Dailylook asked me to be a part of their ' Style your own LBD Look' initiative, I couldn't help lusting over their gorgeous collection to put up my LBD Look.
                                                                                                  Now, LBD or Little Black Dress is a must in every girl's wardrobe. Some prefer to go the feminine route with soft makeup and dreamy curls. Some prefer to go bold with red lips and some prefer to neon it up with a pop. I, however, chose to design what I call an Angry Lover's Valentines' Day Look. The fuss-free LBD with its edgy leather feel and pockets, the fringe purse and the intricate oxford make for a 'I am too tough to be broken by the heartache you caused me' vibe. The blingy blazer scream out 'I am perfectly capable of having a life of my own' and the oh-so-in marsala lips make for a bold statement without going the mainstream red way. The gun metal ring set and spiked earcuff add to the 'Do not mess with me' feel. This is an outfit I consider perfect for all those strong, independent women who have been struck in the face but refused to back down, those who have been left scarred again and again but never shattered. This is women power at its fashionable best!
                              So, what are you waiting for? Go shop this look here or put your favourite outfit together from here! Trust me not to exaggerate when I say you'd be spoilt for choices.

Angry Lover's Valentines' Day Look

I'll be back with bestie's wedding shenanigans and more. Till then, take care and like I always say, keep it stylish.

Shop till you drop with the latest Winter Fashion Trends(Guest Post)

Wondering what to wear in this cold weather? Shop and buy some of the best Fashion Trends this Winter. Catch all the latest Winter Fashion Trends and tips that would leave you in awe.

Is there any woman on earth who does not love playing dress up? Since the Winter season is here, searching for the hip Winter Fashion Trends for this weather could be quite a tedious task. There may be plenty of style statements and tips doing the rounds, but you to need to choose the best among all. Make this Winter merrier with Classic Winter Wear outfits, accessories and Fashion Trends inspired from all the Fashion Capitals in the world.
So before you get thinking, here are some of the best takeaways this season:

•Flaunting soft and peppy colors: ‘Tis the season to be jolly’ is the line hummed by all. So, in keeping up with a happy theme, bright and white pastel shades are dominating the Fashion front. Contrasting colors are not far behind when it comes to the buzzing Winter Fashion Trends. Undertones of gray and black have found a great spot in terms of party wear and red carpet outfits. Right from hues of olive, maroon to chocolate brown, all earthy shades seem to be the ideal colors you need to watch out for. Snowy shades too make for racy Fashion Trends this Winter.

•Maintaining that mane: Gorgeous tresses with stylish cuts and highlights are raging this year. Why should you be left behind with styles that have faded out? Opt for classic and bold celeb styles right from shoulder-length bob cuts, bangs, and layers. Even funky hairstyles like fishtail braids, waterfall braids, plaits, poker straight and soft wavy curls are among the top favorite fashion trends this Winter season. Another crisp look is tucking your tresses into your Winter clothes like tops and wrapping them with mufflers.

•Donning the right hat: All hat lovers are in for a pleasant surprise. One of the hottest trends in winter wear that have caught peoples’ attention is hats. Pair large knitted beanies or Moroccan hats and large hoods with your warm fuzzy outfits to keep you all warm. Choose from a selection of elegant French bow hats to classic mascots and ball caps that will work wonders and add class to your overall ensemble.

•Wearing coats that make the cut this winter: Soft and thick fur coats that with tousled sleeves and funneled collars are among the most sought after Winter Fashion Trends. Over-sized jackets and faux fur coats create a bold appeal for parties, work functions, and events. Lightweight wool or reworked cotton form the fundamental base for all trendy designs and Winter Wear creations.

•Wrapping scarves and mufflers: This style accessory is a worldwide favorite in Winter. Coordinate them with any outfit. Available in classic colors, animal prints, neon and earthy shades, these small and large sized mufflers and scarves protect you against the cold weather as well as create a chic look.

•Walking around in the best shoes: The classic high-heel boots are never going to fade away in the world of Fashion. Be it ankle-length or knee-length, boots are majorly responsible for stealing glances from passers by. The comfort and warmth that they provide make them a sure shot winner and get them scoring on the list of the most happening Fashion Trends this Winter. Transparent laced slippers and ballerinas lend a Cinderella effect. Be very sure to pick up the right size and color as per the length of your outfit. Dazzling pumps and sandals are soon catching up and creating a trend. Wear them with laced stockings and furry Winter clothes to create a retro look.

•Playing with makeup shades and sparkling chunky jewelry: Gold and silver shimmering hues of eye-shadow create a dramatic effect along with your Winter clothes. Colored eyeliners and cherry red lip glosses too create a mystified glamorous evening look. Sport some chunky imitation jewelry like cufflinks, colored nose rings, snowflake pendants, large broaches and dangling mistletoe earrings.

•Creating effects with fabric designs and textures: Layering outfits and pairing them up with denims bring about tangled effects. It is important to blend looks and not stick to one particular look the entire season. Be more versatile with cashmere wools and mohair fabrics that protect you against the strong winter breeze. Color shaded denims of different cuts and styles add a casual appeal to the pleasing bunch of winter fashion trends. Skinny jeans and high waist denims look adorable when teamed with funky tees and oversized coats. Try as much as possible to not stick to one color. Instead of matching everything in one single shade, experiment with your shoes, Winter clothes, and other accessories in a variety of primary and secondary color palettes.

So what are you waiting for? Pick up your shopping bags and head towards local stores or designer boutiques as per your budget and grab some of the best deals. Create unmatchable Winter Fashion Trends to be the most sought after Fashion Goddess in town.

P.S. Say 'hi' to Manisha- the first guest writer on ze blog! Other than being an avid follower of this space, she has also written articles for various brands. Read one of her very helpful articles here if you haven't chanced upon it already, that is.
                                                                    Meanwhile, I'll go give my wardrobe a much-needed Spring-Summer makeover.I'll be back with some Wedding Wows and more. Till then, you take care and like I always say, keep it stylish.

Winter Lookbook-2015

Winter happens to be my favourite season for more reasons than one. And for a layering lover like me, it's the ideal time to dress up. Even though I haven't been my dressy best this Winter, thanks to the work pressure and lack of occasions to dress up for, the collaboration with ebay made me go through my archive and these are the three Winter outfits from 2014 I chose for the Lookbook-
                                                     Girls' Day Out

Sheer shirt- Nuon, black peplum- thrifted, floral pants- B.K.Market, Jacket- Talking Threads, Metro Plaza, oxfords- Simpark Mall, beanie- local market in Gangtok, aviators and stacked up bracelets- borrowed from Anu, lipstick- Passionate by Colorbar
Picture Credits- Anu

I wore this outfit on a day trip to north Sikkim with two of my best friends. The abundance of grey and black in this outfit has been balanced with the happy pink and I chose to layer with my accessories too, thank God for friends who don't believe in travelling light. *Wink* This outfit is appropriate for a day look when the mercury has dipped significantly.

                                                     L(o)unge Forward

Palazzo, denim button down and metallic ring- borrowed from Anu, lace booties- B.K.Market, lipstick- Orange Punch by Colorbar
Picture Credits- Anu

This outfit is perfect for one of those less chilly evenings you want to go clubbing. The warm palazzos and the button down with a tank thrown inside take care of the nip in the air. The metallic ring gives you the edge and the happy yellow well, makes you happy!

                                                  All That Glitters Is Gold

Skirt, belt, pumps- B.K.Market, striped shirt, midi rings- Colaba, bag, red jacket, tights- New Market, pearl earrings- Chandrani Pearls, lipstick- MAT4 Bold Matte by Maybelline

This look is for your glam evening in Winter. I've been digging monochrome and metallic hues for quite some time now. Stripes happen to be my another favourite. The striped shirt added a little drama to the otherwise boring black skirt-shirt-tights look and the hint of gold in the midi rings and the pumps balanced it perfectly. A glam evening is synonymous with red lips.  But you could go adventurous with oxblood lips too.

2015 promises to be an exciting year for ze blog with a lot of travelling and collaborations coming up. Meanwhile, go take a look at the Fashion Blog of ebay because I can't seem to have enough of it! Also, the new year collection is live on ebay! Go shop to your heart's content before someone else buys that piece that you have been eyeing forever on a super discounted price! I'll be back with Indore Diaries and more. Till then, take care and like I always say, keep it stylish.

New beginning or the means to an end?

There can't be a better time to talk about new beginnings than December! Of course talking about new beginnings has special significance for me this December with the move to Indore. But then again, without taking any credit away from the new for all its positivism, why don't we talk about endings? How do we start something new if we don't end the old? This year has been a year of changes in more ways than one. I've changed so much throughout the year that I barely relate to the person I was when 2014 started. Most of the changes have come with heartbreaks in one way or the other but I learnt to be thankful for what I have instead of complaining about what I had to let go of. 2014 has been a year of disappointment, liberation, failure, self-realisation, loneliness, passion and of course, love. These are the things I'd always remember 2014 for-

• Girls' Week Out- I've never been much of a traveler. Most of the times, I didn't have money, I didn't have anyone to travel with, I was stuck in my monotonous and hectic schedule...excuses are aplenty but this year, I finally took a trip to Gangtok with two of my best friends. And it was so liberating! Three girls travelling together, facing challenges of every kind and getting over them all, it was an experience I'd never forget.

This trip in itself deserves a separate post and I promise I'd get back with it without further procrastination.

• First job- Well, it's over-hyped, it definitely is. Specially for someone who is working in an organisation that is far from her dream company , life can be pretty difficult. In addition to that, it doesn't even translate into a lot of money. But then, being able to pay your own bills gives you a sense of confidence that nothing else can match up to.

• Moving to a new city- For someone so blindly in love with Kolkata, moving to a new city, that too, a city I've hated during my week-long stay there was pretty much unimaginable for everyone who knew me. Even I've surprised myself the way I handled the entire relocation. Guess it's easy to be calm and realistic when one gets used to disappointment.

• Letting go of forever- My younger brother had shared a piece of wisdom with me long back. I was madly in love and since I wasn't in a relationship that had a so called destination, the love brought with it a lot of pain. It hurt him to see me in so much pain and still trying so desperately to hold on to it. So, he had told me that forever is ever changing. If this one feels right, it's not the last. It'd come again. I didn't want to believe him but this year taught me exactly that. Forever would keep coming even though it'd feel different every time. That doesn't make letting go any less painful but it's comforting to believe that this isn't the end of life.

Now that the end of 2014 is nearby, let me raise a toast to every beautiful moment this year has given me, the way it has broken me and put me back to shape...everything has made me stronger and braver. Thank you, 2014!

 And finally, it's time to unveil 'Sisters of the Travelling Pajamas'! It's a concept that one of my blogging idols Karishma had come up with. A group of bloggers from different cities formed a chain and each blogger had to send one piece of clothing/accessory to the next one in the chain and the one receiving it has to style it her way. I was lucky enough to receive her crop top and even though I had great plans to style it really high street with moccasins and oxblood lipstick, due to lack of resources, this is how I finally styled it-

Crop top- Karishma's, skirt, belt, shoes- B.K.Market, wristband- borrowed from Anu, bag- New Market, lipstick- Orange Punch by Colorbar

Picture Credits- Anu

I'll be back with the Gangtok post and the customary Indore guide post once I get a little time off all the cooking, cleaning, washing dishes and clothes, grocery shopping and all other side-effects of living alone. Till then, take care and keep it stylish.