Drool-worthy sports shoes are here!

There’s been a sudden surge of sports shoes at home recently. Between S and me, we have five pairs of various brands. Throughout my 13 years of schooling, I only had one sports pair: white canvas with laces, which had to be polished with thick and gooey white polish. We called them “tennis shoes”.

The few times I did go shopping for sports shoes, we’d fix a budget in mind and make a trip to Vama at Peddar Road. I’d try on a few pairs and then the most comfortable and “sensible” white pair was selected.

And then, for many years, I didn’t really need to buy sports shoes (I’ve never been a sporty or running or jogging or walking person). The sports shoes came out of the cupboard for holidays, vacations, picnics etc. And the shoes remained white and nice (and boring) for a long time. And then last year my white Nike pair (with a blue sswoosh) gave in, after several years of faithful service and support, and it was time to go sports shoe shopping again. I had started walking and jogging a bit and wanted good, no, great shoes. But when I went to the mall to take a look, I was blown away. I saw a mind-boggling range of sports shoes- different colours, textures, designs, some with fancy names, some with cool technology… and with several different uses. Shoes to wear with jeans, shoes for running, for walking, for tennis, for football, for fancy clothes… I was spoilt for choice. I finally settled for Reebook’s ZPump shoes in pink. Yes, PINK. And they look great, fit wonderfully, and have been holding me up for very long walks and runs.

Meanwhile, S needed to replace his old Puma pair. Again, white shoes, red logo. He’d decided to take up running (completed his first half marathon last week, yay!). S has bought three pairs since last year, two black and one blue, and he’s already looking for the next pair.

The transformation of our shoe rack (and our fitness level) has been incredible. We now own a colourful shoe rack filled with awesome-looking sports shoes.

Here are some awesome sports shoes lining up the stores these days, each with something “new” to offer, guaranteed to make you stand out in a crowd.

Colour crazy: Boys, make a statement with these black and gold MetaRun shoes from ASICS.

Asics MetaRun

Texture play: The two-toned mesh of the Skechers GORun Vortex shoes look super dynamic on the field.

Skechers GoRUN Vortex

Sporty but feminine: Ladies, here’s the purple sports shoe we’ve all been dreaming of! From Power Shoes (available at Bata).

Power by Bata Trail Zion (3) - INR 3499

Stars and stripes: When textures and colours abound, can prints be far behind? These patterned sneakers from Vans’ Americana collection will go great with jeans.

Vans Americana sneakers collection

High on tech: You just can’t go wrong with Reebok’s ZPump Fusion shoes (I own a pair!). The shoe molds itself to my foot and use the pump for cushioning and no-pain running.

Reebok ZPump Fusion - Rs 10,999

Which sports shoes are you planning to buy?

Watch it. Get fit.

My Facebook feed these days is stuffed with friends, school mates, ex-colleagues, far-off cousins and random people achieving unbelievable fitness feats. They are running full marathons, cycling across the countryside, losing 60 pounds, climbing mountains and sculpting Hugh Jackman-like bods.

And so, the hubby and I have been bitten by the fitness bug too. It’s a good thing, of course, and discovering that the old jeans fit again is oh-so-satisfying. Mr S got into fitness mode first and August was his birthday month, so I went hunting online for a gift. On a whim, I googled “fitness watch” and that’s when I discovered THE PERFECT GIFT. The mind-boggling range of wearable fitness devices—watches, wrist bands and clip-ons—is enough to get any fitness enthusiast salivating.

These fitness devices are amazing—while the basic ones track how much you walked or ran, some of the advanced fitness wearables monitor heart rate, sleeping patterns and calories burnt.

And the good news for a fashionista like me is that they look stylish too. Designed as chic minimal pieces, fitness devices have plenty of features and colour options.

Anyways, if you’re looking to get fit and need just the right kick in the rear, investing your hard-earned salary in a fitness watch might just get you in the mood. Or you might just have found the perfect Diwali gift for a special someone, family member or friend.

Now that Mr S’s Fitbit Charge HR has become an indispensable part of his life, he’s promised to gift me a fitness watch for my happy budday this month. Now all I need to do is get on the treadmill. 😉

My picks:

Starter fitness wearable for newbies: Jawbone UP MOVE (Rs 4,999)

Jawbone UP MOVE

Great value for money, critics’ pick and my favourite: Fitbit Charge HR (Rs 12,990)

Fitbit Charge HR plum

Feature-packed pieces: Fitbit Surge (Rs 19,990) and Jawbone UP3 (Rs 14,999)

Fitbit Surge black

Jawbone UP3 Ruby Cross

For serious runners who want GPS: Garmin Vivoactive (Rs 17,660)

Garmin Vivoactive

My shoe story and new season wishlist

I have only two pairs of shoes right now, not counting my sports shoes. I’ve been living with just these two pairs since four months now (no kidding). Besides, autumn/ winter collections have hit the stores, so it’s time to invest in a new pair. Or two. Or several.

But I’m a fussy shoe buyer and there’s good reason for that. I have tiny feet with a difficult size, and so when I buy shoes, I have to buy a pair that looks great, fits wonderfully, and lasts me a long long time.

Sigh… here in Yangon, like almost everywhere else, size is THE main problem, but that doesn’t stop me from checking out shoes like my life depended on them. As they say, if you can’t wear them, admire them. Okay, I just made that up.

Anyways here are some droolworthy shoes I’d like to own. You are welcome to drool too.

I can see these slip-ons from Accessorize jazzing up all my casual outfits.

Accessorize slip-ons

Sexy pumps from Aftershock. Now all I need is a party invite…

Aftershock London pumps

… And a lunch invite to tote these gold loafers from Tresmode.

Tresmode  gold loafers

Every girl needs sensible ballerinas, and I like this pair from Lavie.

Lavie blue BALLERINA

Now this is what I call comfy, edgy chic from the Vanilla Moon stable.

Vanilla Moon  TANIA

Just one word: prints! Clarks X Orla Kiely is killin’ it.

Clarks Orla Bella Blue Floral shoes

A red-hot pair from Metro that will knock him over.

Metro red heels

Oh-so-versatile classy block heels in black from Marie Claire (available at Bata).

Bata block heels

SUMMER CHIC: 20 pretty pieces you will love

Pastels, pops, prints and pinks,

All these chic choices make me blink,

In wonder I look at these summer faves,

Twenty reasons to make me rave!

Enjoy these drool-worthy picks for summer. 🙂

Pretty Prints

Dress from French Connection, Peplum top from Trendy Divva, Sling bag from Toniq.

French Connection printed floral dress

Trendy Divva Black Printed peplum top

Printed sling bag from Toniq

Pretty Pinks

Tunic dress from Label by Ritu Kumar, Shorts from Elle, bra from Amante.

Tunic dress Ritu Kumar, LABEL

Elle pink shorts summer

amante Serenity Bra, Pink Sherbbet,Rs.1395

Pretty Palettes

T-shirt from Being Human, Dress from Superdry, Bag from Holii.

Being Human tshirt

Superdry TIE DYE MIDI DRESS

Holii Hyacinth white orange bag

Pretty Pops

T-shirt from Ed Hardy, Studs from Fida.

Ed Hardy printed tshirt

Studs from Fida accessories

Pretty Pastels

Polo from US Polo Association, Pencil skirt from Miss Selfridge, Shoulder bag from Viari.

Yellow USPA tshirt

Miss Selfridge yellow pencil skirt

Viari Santorini summer shoulder bag

Pretty Pairs

Heels from Clarks, Ballet shoe from Melissa, Sneakers from Superdry.

Clarks Coral heels

Melissa metallic ballet flat

Superdry sneakers

Pretty Purses

Tote from Hidesign, Tote from Accessorize, Cutwork bag from Lavie.

Hidesign orange tote bag

Accessorize mirror tote

Lavie cobalt blue cutwork bag

Which pretty piece are you buying on your next visit to the mall?

Chic Picks: Hot leather travel bags for a cool summer

Summer time is vacation time, people! And every summer I get on the hunt for cool travel accessories since I believe in travelling stylishly. This season, I’ve found some great bags that will last you many many trips.

For travel, I strongly recommend a spacious, sturdy, durable bag to stash all your stuff- whether for an overnight trip, a weekend getaway, a cruise, a flight or a very long vacation. These leather bags from Viari are roomy, good-looking and multi-purpose. They even come with a shoe bag, so you can later carry them to gym or work.

For women: Soho travel bag, Rs 11,900

Lots of colours to choose from, but the tan one is an all-season classic.

Viari Soho Travel Bag Tan

For men: Camper Bag, Rs 6000

Gotta love the rugged look.

Viari Camper bag small Khaki

Happy holidays!

WINTER TIME: 20-plus chic essentials for the ladies

Ahh, the lovely winter days. The mercury dips, you pile up on the layers and sip on hot chocolate. If you hate the cold weather, why not let these stylish choices perk you up? Indulge in one of these stylish knits, jackets, coats or accessories and look chic!

Knitwear- The basics

Long camel knit from Zara

Zara camel long cardigan

Round-neck sweater from Arrow

Arrow sweater for winter

Zipped white knit from Calvin Klein Jeans

Calvin Klein Jeans _womencardigan

Funky sweaters- for the teenager in you

Animal print sweater from French Connection

FCUK animal sweater

Christmas hoodie from B: Kind

B Kind hoodie

Jackets that spell C-h-i-c

Jacket from Splash

Splash winter jacket

Puffed jacket from Guess

Guess winter jacket

Statement coats- The real head-turners

Edith Wrap Coat from Forever New

Forever New- EDITH WRAP COAT

 

Greene Coat from American Swan

American Swan Greene Red Blazer

Furry styles- Faux, of course!

Animal print coat from French Connection

FCUK fur coat

Abstract print furry jacket from Guess

Guess winter fur jacket

Camouflage print fur coat from Splash

Splash- Winter special party wear- Fuzzy fur coat

Cool leather jackets- ‘Coz biker chicks rock!

Leather jacket from Calvin Klein Jeans

CKJ_women leather jacket

Boots to make your feet look sexy

Thigh-high boots from Clarks

Clarks Kendra Candy Black Leather

Fur-trim ankle-length boots from Clarks

Clark Lisette Blues Black Leater

Blue boots from Metro

Blue boots- Metro Shoes

Accessories- To complete your winter ensemble

Hats, gloves, scarves and snood from Accessorize

Winter accessories from Accessorize

SHOE STORY: A Day in Aerosoles

Like every woman on the planet, I’ve struggled with finding the right foot wear. Shoes are either too tight, too loose, too drab, too blingy. But mostly, they’re uncomfortable. And in my experience, the comfort of any pair of shoes is inversely proportional to how good-looking the shoes are. So the prettier the shoes, the less comfortable they will be. At least that’s what I thought before I got introduced to Aerosoles.

Aerosoles shoes India

Aerosoles are touted to be stylish and comfortable shoes (yep, both features in the same pair!!!). Given the dozens of shoe bites I’ve had, ill-fitting shoes I’ve worn and owned, and the horrible foot ache that shoes give me, I decided to put a pair of Aerosoles to test for its claims. The test was simple—I would wear a pair of Aerosoles for a day and blog about how my feet felt during and at the end of the day.

9 am: First impressions

These Aerosoles are a no-fuss pair with great texture and subtle metallic shine. Can’t wait to wear them. I’m already making a mental list of outfits I can pair my Aerosoles with, or where I can wear them. So far I’ve listed: shopping, errands, luncheons, meetings and parties. This covers a lot, doesn’t it?

Aerosoles shoes flats and heels

10 am: Meeting time, the first test

I slip into the shoes. First reaction: soft, natural, and great fit. Of course, that all means COMFORTABLE! But will they be just as comfy throughout the day? Too soon to say. Fingers crossed. I pair the Aerosoles with a shirt and black trousers for a meeting. The shoes go well with my formal attire and work bag.

12 noon: Shoe bite? Nah!

The meeting just got over and guess what, no shoe bites yet! The last time I wore a new pair of shoes on a Monday morning was a month ago, and I was in intense discomfort throughout the meeting and after- painful shoe bites! But in these Aerosoles I don’t even feel a slight pinch. Like I said, perhaps they were made for me? My phone buzzes, there’s a last-minute lunch plan with the ladies. I quickly rush home to change.

Comfortable Aerosoles shoes for shopping

1 pm: Lunch-time perfection

I changed into a peach light knit embroidered top (brand new!) and beige pants, but forgot to put on a matching pair of shoes, so I’m still in the Aerosoles. But as my mom points out, they look perfect with my outfit. Yay! Comfort level still high. (An aside: Little-known trivia- Aerosoles have been brought to India by Tata International. Yep, surprised me too!)

3 pm: Easy peasy driving in Aerosoles

After lunch, I’m headed to a fashion bloggers event at Infiniti Mall. It’s a long drive with some serious traffic, which can be very tough on my arms and feet. Driving in heels is usually a pain, but today I’m wearing my Aerosoles. When I get off, I feel like I wasn’t driving at all. 🙂 I guess it’s the patented diamond pattern technology with the tiny shock absorbers and the cushion comfort that have made my long drive easier.

Driving in Aerosoles shoes India

4.30 pm: No pain, no problem!

At the mall, I’m running between the store and the press conference, and again to the store, but no problem! It’s like a mini-marathon, except that my feet are cooperating despite the heel. In Aerosoles shoes, the heel rests on a platform so your calves won’t ache.

6 pm: Fresh as a daisy

I head back home after the fashion event. It’s been an action-packed day but my feet are loving the soft feel of the leather thanks to the fine fibre structure. Why can’t I have more such shoes?!

Aerosoles shoes at mall

7.30 pm: Romance in Aerosoles

The husband’s booked tickets for a play so we head to NCPA at Nariman Point. Since we’re early, he suggests we take a stroll on the Marine Drive promenade. On any other day, I would have said a firm NO on account of the shoes, but today I say “Let’s do it!” We enjoy the sunset and gentle breeze while we walk down the picturesque stretch. A truly romantic moment at the end of a super busy day, and it was possible because of the diamond flex soles in the Aerosoles.

10 pm: My feet thank me (I mean, errr… the Aerosoles)

We head home after the play and I get into into my home slippers. It occurs to me that the Aersoles were more comfy than this pair. I get into bed with my book after dinner and for a change, my feet and calves aren’t screaming in pain. Also, the leather Aerosoles don’t stink or smell. And that’s when I realize- the Aerosoles shoes are not just any pair of shoes. My feet didn’t feel them at all, these are shoes like they were meant to be made.

Aerosoles are available at select stores of Regal, Inc 5, Metro, Mochi and Westside across India. Price range from Rs 1900 to Rs 5500.

Shoes courtesy Aerosoles.

Just Jewellery: Indian accessories you need for the festive season

Diwali! The festival of lights heralds good fortune and the upcoming Great Indian Wedding Season. So when you shop this week, make it worthwhile and shop for those weddings as well.

I headed to the Just Jewellery store expecting for a one-stop shop to all jewellery needs for the season, and I wasn’t disappointed. This ethnic-inspired store has the answer to all your needs for Indian accessories to take you through the season and beyond. Located close to Mumbai’s famous Mahalakshmi temple, the store is a little haven for the ladies who love semi-precious Indian jewellery. It’s especially a hot favourite for brides-to-be and guests headed to destination weddings.

As I walked into the store, I spotted vibrant colours, quintessential Indian styles with contemporary design elements. The Just Jewellery store houses gorgeous pieces of jewellery such as necklaces, earrings, bracelets, kadas, and hair accessories.

Just Jewellery store Mumbai

While entrepreneur Jasmine Shah introduced me to the collection, I took in the statement necklaces, ornate earrings and super-cute rings. Keeping in line with current trends, there was plenty of play with colour and contrasting elements. For instance, bright orange with royal blue on a ring, or a Buddha motif with a wooden panel on earrings. Each piece has been made in Jaipur, using elements conceptualized or sourced by Jasmine and Sandhya Shah from across the globe (they are a daughter-in-law and mother-in-law duo). Jasmine was delighted to share that they don’t really visit Mumbai’s famous Zaveri Bazaar for their jewellery. I guess that’s what makes them stand apart in terms of design.

Jasmine also mentioned that they have private consultations for brides or anyone else who wants jewellery tailored to their specific needs.

While most of the jewellery is completely wearable and WOW, I’ve picked some pieces and styles from Just Jewellery that you could wear for Diwali and rest of the festive season.

An eye-catching necklace

The statement necklace could be multi-tiered, beaded or studded… all you need is the pizzazz to wear it. My favourites:

Just Jewellery necklaces

Just Jewellery statement necklaces

Traditional earrings

Kundan-style earrings are really popular right now and Just Jewellery has plenty of those. What I also also loved were traditional-looking earrings (with Indian-style beads or finishing) with a modern twist, such as a print or marble-textured pieces. Check out the ones I liked:

Just Jewellery kundan earrings

Just Jewellery cool earrings

Hair accessories

Clips, maang tikkas and even hair bands add a dash of luxury to any ensemble. If you don’t believe me, try one of them and you will feel like a royal. These are the choices of hair accessories… cool, huh?

Just Jewellery hair clips

Just Jewellery hair accessory

Hand ornaments

Bracelets, kadas and rings are easy to pair with any ethnic outfit, since they don’t need to be too matchy-matchy. I’d pick at least two of each for the festive season.

Just Jewellery bangles hand ornaments

Just Jewellery ethnic Indian rings

Some of the rings and bracelets from Just Jewellery could easily double up as accessories for Indo-western and boho-Indian looks. I’d easily wear this ring with a white shirt and skinny blue jeans!

Just Jewellery Ring

What jewellery are you looking to wear this festive season?

Winter accessories: My shopping list from Accessorize

There’s lots to love in accessories this season, with the revival of earlier trends and a contemporary spin on new accessory styles and designs.

Here are my top 5 trends for the season handpicked from the Accessorize AW 2014 collection. Enjoy!

Mini day bags

Now that our work is almost entirely on our smart phones, we can celebrate with smaller handbags! Accessorize has got plenty such compact handbags in a range of winter colours. My favourite hues from the bag collection are bordeaux and forest green.

Accessorize day bag- bordeaux

Accessorize day bag- green

Backpacks

If you think backpacks are for college kids, you’ve been living on another planet this year. Cool fashion backpacks are back, and how! (Pun unintended). At Accessorize, I loved the printed backpacks! They’re cool, easy to carry and hold a lot of stuff.

Accessorize backpacks- printed

Accessorize backpacks

Delicate jewellery for layering

No more chunky jewellery, please! If you’ve seen the “arm party” happening in Bollywood movies lately (check out Deepika Padukone in Cocktail and Sonam Kapoor in Khoobsurat), you know you need to stack up on bracelets. Or try out multiple chains and rings- all delicate pieces, of course!

Accesorize jewellery

Accesorize jewellery tip

Scarves and hats

As the cold season comes in next month, we’ll need to stock up on winter clothes and accessories. To start with, check out these scarves and hats from Accessorize to keep you warm. I particularly like the muted scarf prints- very stylish!

Accesorize hats

Accessorize scarves

Party accessories

Accessories you need for the upcoming party season: Embellished clutch + blingy jewellery. And Accessorize has plenty of options for each, so you can take your pick. These are best worn with a shimmery little dress to turn you into a party knockout.

Accessorize clutch

Accessorize party jewellery

Accessorize party jewellery pearls

 

What is your favourite accessory from Accessorize?

 

Aldo Shoes: Looking for my #PERFECTPAIR

For the shoe freaks out there, the Aldo store at High Street Phoenix is Paradise. This shoe store’s got hundreds of beautifully crafted shoes for men and women that are top quality, durable, and of course, very stylish! I set out looking for the #PERFECTPAIR for Hubby and me. Here’s what I found.

For the dapper gentlemen

The key trends of Aldo’s fall/ winter 2014 men’s collection include subtle vintage finishes (to resemble worn leather) and colour play. The colours this season reflect winter’s earthy and warm palette for winter.

Aldo men's shoes F/W 2014 DSC09494

These are my top picks from Aldo men’s shoes:

High-top shoes: These look cool, tend to be super comfy and can be worn with most casual and smart looks. Besides, the coloured laces and contrast inserts add a very modern-day touch.Aldo men's high-top shoes

“Non-sports” sneakers: Aldo’s new styles for the season mix up textures and colours for a fun take on sneakers! Additional detailing is in the form of contrast laces and prints lining the inner area of the shoe.

Aldo sneakers

Classic formal wear with contemporary twists: As long as white collar jobs exist, formal shoes for men will be around. This Aldo collection features classic shoes with 2014 twists like conspicuous stitch detailing, distinct panels and varying types of finishes.

Aldo formal shoes

Aldo men's formal shoes

Daily wear shoes: Slip-ons and heavy shoes are perfect for indoor and outdoor activities.

Aldo mens slip-ons FW2014

Mens shoes from Aldo FW 2014

Accessories to check out: Super cool backpacks!

Aldo backpacks winter 2014

Hubby’s #PERFECTPAIR: These low-top sneakers. He says: “I can wear them all the time.”

Aldo mens sneakers

For the trendy ladies

A touch of bling, a dash of colour, mix of classic and contemporary, metallic finishing… there’s something for every shoe-obsessed girl at Aldo.

Aldo womens collection FW 2014

My top picks from Aldo women’s shoe collection:

The sneaker shoe: It will take a very edgy fashionista to carry off this pair of shoes, but this high-top style is touted to be the must-have accessory for the season.

Aldo womens sneaker shoe

Party shoes: Shine, shimmer, killer heels and matching clutches… all I now need is an LBD! And luckily, the blingy shoes are in shorter heels (even flats!) as well. So we girls can dance the night away without the discomfort.

Aldo party shoes winter 2014

Winter boots: Though I own only a single pair of boots (blame it on Mumbai’s non-existent weather), but I love them! From Aldo’s wide selection, I particularly loved the embellished ones and this pair of textured boots. Very vibrant!

Aldo winter boots

Aldo blue winter boots

Daily wear: While Aldo has some great pumps for power dressing, the slip-ons and open-toed flats are just as tempting. I liked the little animal emblem, the chain-like strap and the studded shoes.

Aldo womens shoes 2014

Aldo flats for women

The Black Shoe: A girl just can’t have enough black shoes, right?

Aldo black shoes for women

Accessories to check out: The cute day bags.

Day bags from Aldo FW 2014

My #PERFECTPAIR: Not one pair, but three… because it’s hard to choose from these gorgeous party shoes. Some serious bling, seriously killer heels. (BTW, love that clutch too!).

Aldo party shoes FW 2014

The Aldo Fall/ Winter 2014 collection is available at Aldo stores in leading malls across India, and on the Aldo online store. Prices start from Rs 2499.