fashion

I’m excited that I am double vaccinated, and maybe, just maybe I could step out to meet a friend or two (who are also vaccinated).

I haven’t shopped anything for myself in a long long time and any social event needs good clothes. So I will definitely need a mini wardrobe update. Here are three fashion pieces I want to add to my wardrobe.

A crisp smart shirt

A shirt that will work for me well for formal social occasions. I will pair it with my favourite M&S beige treggings or black trousers and kitten heels (can’t remember when I last wore heels, can my calves and ankles bear the pain again?). I’m looking for a shirt with minimal print and colour, but with a sharp cut to enhance my curves.

Dressberry shirt from Myntra

An ethnic print dress

I love dresses and I think I’m lucky that in Mumbai you can wear cute dresses all year round. But what I do want is a smart knee or midi length dress with an ethnic print. They would be great for a lunch or even to work from home (super comfy!). When it gets cooler, I just wrap a little stole around, and I’m set!

Indigo dress from Biba

A relaxed tshirt

We’ve been carrying the relaxed vibes with us for most of 2020 and 2021. So what’s the harm in wearing one now as well? Worn with a pair of skinny jeans, it’s the vibe I’m feeling now.

Breathe tshirt from Pause

How are you updating your wardrobe this season?

In Bollywood Fashion, Fashion, Uncategorized

Indian fashion with a modern twist in Family Man Season 2

Speaking ChicJuly 15, 2021July 15, 2021Leave a comment

Priyamani as Suchitra (Suchi) Iyer

In both seasons of Family Man, Priyamani (playing Suchitra) has stayed close to the style that would best be referred to as Indian chic.

In the second season, her wardrobe ranges from long kurtas to chic tops, and each look has an unmistakeable Indian element. It could be the silhouette (long buttoned dress resembling a flowy kurta) or the makeup (thin eye liner on the upper and lower lids).

Priyamani in Family Man S2 — Photo courtesy: Amazon Prime Video

Despite the popularity of the Indian chic style on actors across the board (Deepika Padukone in Piku and Kangana Ranaut in Tanu Weds Manu Returns), Priyamani’s look is unique in its own way. For starters, the colour palette is not typically Indian. She goes for subtle colours instead of rani pink or crimson red. Her eyeliner is visible yet thin, not thick and bold.

How do you personalise the Indian chic look?

Get Priyamani’s look

Dress from Fab India

Kurta from Libas

Lakme Eyeconic Kajal available on Amazon

Seema Biswas as Prime Minister Basu

As the Indian prime minister, Seema Biswas plays a no-nonsense, authoritative role. She’s a woman in a world of men. Men are always telling her what to do, advising her on everything from external affairs to international defence. But with a single-minded focus and mincing no words, she tells them to do their job and she will focus on hers.

As a representative of India on the global platform and the most powerful woman in the room (and in the country), Seema Biswas has dressed modestly, keeping in mind Indian sensibilities.

This means no pant suits or skirts, or even salwar kameez or churidars. She sticks to the sari with a sharp silhouette, stiff fabrics, ethnic motifs and elbow-length blouses that cover up most of the back and the upper arm. Loose, open hair is a huge no-no in formal Indian settings, no matter how well styled, so Biswas’s hair is tightly tied back in a bun.

Seema Biswas in Family Man S2 — Photo courtesy: Amazon Prime Video

And since Indians generally don’t trust “fancy” women with makeup or glamour, Seema Biswas doesn’t wear any visible makeup.

But there’s one aspect of her wardrobe where PM Basu experiments. No, it’s not a sari with her name printed all over it, but a unique blouse cum jacket.

What’s that, you ask?

If you look closely at Seema Biswas, she is wearing a standard-styled sari blouse. It fits perfectly well on the arm and the sleeves end in a simple border. Her pallu is perfectly draped on her left shoulder over the blouse. But on the right side, the blouse fits OVER the sari, like a jacket. And if you will take a close look at the back, it’s not a regular sari blouse. It’s longer and covers the pallu at the back too.

Say hello to the sari blouse-jacket!

Now sari jackets are not new, they’ve been spotted on and off the ramp since years. But Seema Biswas’s blouse is quite a new concept.

I’m a little surprised with this design choice, but it was nonetheless refreshing to watch something new on screen!

Get Seema Biswas’s look

Handweave Maheshwari sari from Okhai

Sari blouse from Fab Dadu, available on Myntra

Nude lipstick from Faces Canada, available on Nykaa

In Fashion, Films

Crazy fashion in Crazy Rich Asians

Speaking ChicOctober 17, 2018October 16, 2018Leave a comment

You just can’t miss the crazy-stylish clothes in Crazy Rich Asians, can you?

In his book Crazy Rich Asians, author Kevin Kwan doesn’t leave a single detail spared when it comes to the wealth and opulence of the Singaporeans. He describes palatial homes, decadent interiors, ethereal weddings, and, of course, fashion, down to the minutest sparkle. No, really. Take a look:

Rachel couldn’t help but notice the enormous canary diamond flashing on her hand like a translucent egg yolk, and the pair of three-carat solitaires in her earlobes, identical to Peik Lin’s. Like mother, like daughter—maybe they got a two-for-one deal….Rachel quickly registered two versions of the Venus de Milo, one in white marble, another in gold, of course. There was a huge round dining table that seated eighteen comfortably covered with a heavy Battenberg lace tablecloth and high-backed Louis Quatorze chairs that were, thankfully, upholstered in a royal blue brocade.

So naturally, an avid reader and cinema fan like me would expect the film adaptation of Crazy Rich Asians to feature striking fashion that brings Kevin Kwan’s vision to life.

The fashion scene in Crazy Rich Asians
Set amidst the ultra-glam world of uber rich Singaporeans (the kind who spend $40 million on weddings), Crazy Rich Asians features classy settings, and lots of high fashion and haute couture clothes, but with a strong Asian touch.

Costume designer for Crazy Rich Asians Mary Vogt along with Andrea Wong (consultant and senior costume buyer) sourced clothing from a range of designers, such as Ralph Lauren, Elie Saab, Dolce & Gabbana, Stella McCartney, Valentino and Dior, along with several Asian designers.

The actors in the film wear clothes suited to the Asian sensibility, and style themselves according to Asian standards of style and beauty.

Which means you will be delighted and surprised to see fashion choices most Hollywood actors would not make on-screen. In most of Asia (including India), fashion, accessories, jewellery and makeup choices are as much about aesthetics as they are about showing your wealth.

In most western cultures including Hollywood, less is generally more, but in Asia, the rule is “less is too less, go for more”. Hence you will see multiple accessories in a single look, splash of colours and embellishment, and daring prints.

My favourite fashion looks from Crazy Rich Asians
Awkwafina as Peik Lin Goh

Peik Lin is quirky and funny, she knows it, and she dresses for it. In a sea of Singaporean Asians with long, dark hair, she chooses to go short and blonde. This spunky gal also dresses like she doesn’t care. Her outfits feature quirky prints, bold colours and mix-and-match separates that seem to be just thrown together in the morning.

But that doesn’t take away from the fact that Peik Lin is a fashionista in her own way. She has a closetful of pricey designer dresses, and she carries multiple outfit and accessory options in the trunk of her car for fashion emergencies like a sudden cocktail party invitation.

Constance Wu As Rachel Chu
Rachel Chu is a New Yorker, so her signature style is laidback and casual. As an economics professor and humble upbringing, she doesn’t care much for high fashion. Even when thrust into the world of crazy rich Singaporeans, Rachel maintains her style sensibilities and sticks to her simple aesthetic style. Meeting with her boyfriend’s mother and grandmother? An “auspicious” red dress. All-expenses-paid shopping spree? An understated cotton outfit.

But her dear friend Peik Lin helps her up her fashion game when it’s time for Rachel to show she can be classy too. Peik Lin chooses a multi-hued shimmering gown for the first meeting with the formidable mother, and a baby blue tulle Marchesa dress with a tiara for a grand wedding.

In a critical moment in the film, Rachel opts for a game of mah jong with her boyfriend’s mother Aunty Eleanor. In this scene, Rachel shows Aunty Eleanor what a New York gal can really do. Dressed in a flattering floral print dress paired with subtle makeup, Rachel stuns Eleanor with her grace and class in terms of style and as a human being.

Michelle Yeoh as Eleanor Young
As one of the richest women in Asia, Eleanor Young (played by Michelle Yeoh) epitomizes elegance in every frame. As a woman with impeccable manners and taste, her fashion choices are always accurate and her looks are perfect down to the finest detail.

My favourite Aunty Eleanor look is the cocktail party at her mother-in-law’s home. She wears a pleated burgundy floor-length Valentino gown with a gorgeous brooch and matching earrings. Her hair is in a classic updo and her makeup is just right. Perfection!

Gemma Chan as Astrid Young Teo
Astrid is an heiress with a passion for all things rare and beautiful. She has an eye for vintage, a big heart and a contemporary outlook. On ordinary days, she wears silk blouses with high-waist trousers, form-fitting dresses and loads of oomph.

My favourite Astrid look is her introductory scene- a stylish Dior dress with a high draped collar, oversized sunglasses and a cute designer handbag.

Which is your favourite look from Crazy Rich Asians?

All pictures courtesy Warner Bros (from Crazy Rich Asians official Facebook page).

In Fashion, Food

Friday Films: Chutney and La La Land for food and fashion

Speaking ChicJanuary 20, 2017January 18, 2017Leave a comment

Food Film: Chutney

An extra marital affair, small town gossip, an annoyed domestic help and a seemingly-innocent housewife are blended expertly to create the intriguing story of Chutney. As the special chutney recipe is revealed, the home-grown green chillies are not the only secret ingredient we discover. Tisca Chopra’s performance is stellar as she shares her recipe and narrates a sinister tale. Meanwhile, I’m craving samosas with spicy chutney.

Watch Chutney here if you haven’t seen it already.

Fashion film: La La Land

La La Land is a delightful musical journey. Even several days after watching the film I couldn’t get City of Stars out of my head. Aside from the breath-taking view of Griffith Observatory and the Hermosa Beach pier, I was taking mental notes on the costumes. There was none of the sloppy-but-standard jeans and tee combos for the sweethearts. Emma Stone’s chic and flattering dresses in solid yellow, blue, peach and green have given me major fashion goals, while Ryan Gosling’s always-dapper look should hopefully inspire gentlemanly dressing.

In Fashion, Food, Shopping, Travel, travel

Earth-friendly fashion, food and travel

Speaking ChicApril 29, 2016April 28, 2016Leave a comment

Last week was Earth Day. I usually don’t pay much attention to such “days” because most of them are mere eyewash, but Earth Day got me thinking. Can I really make a difference in building a better future for a greener planet?

I assessed my passions (fashion, food and travel) and I figured- sure, I can make an impact, and quickly sat down to make a rough list. At the end of an hour, I re-read the list and scratched out a few unfeasible ideas. But a handful of practical and pragmatic earth-friendly ideas survived. An inner voice said, “Hey, this can work!” So I decided to take the list public and share it with you all.

Here goes:

Fashion

Shop within a limit. And I don’t mean your credit card limit. Plan your shopping and decide what you need to buy before you head to the mall. Even with just a dozen tops and half a dozen pants, you can be trendy and stylish. Sure, end of season sales are tempting and a wonderful excuse to buy the orange top or pink dress on your wishlist, but do you really need Blouse No. 52 in your wardrobe? Instead, do a thorough wardrobe cleanse over a long weekend, then only add new clothes and accessories to replace an older one that’s worn out.

Recycle and reuse. I’ve been hearing this mantra for years now, but never followed it. Late 2014, I reused my mom’s wedding dupatta with a new ensemble and made a modern-looking blouse to match her traditional sari, I realized that this formula works. You can transform a large silk scarf into a top or stitch neutral-coloured sari blouses to wear with well-preserved saris. Besides, you get bragging rights to declare, “I’m wearing vintage!”

Buy locally-made clothes. Here’s how the supply chain of most fast fashion brands (like Zara) usually work: Clothes are manufactured in Country A, then sent to home country and dispatched around the world. Or the garments are shipped directly to warehouses or stores in Countries B, C, D and so on. Working on tight deadlines and short turnaround times, manufacturers often dispatch the merchandise via air. With hundreds of manufacturers and dozens of countries, you can imagine the amount of emissions a single brand’s business could generate. A simple thumb rule (broad generalization): the shorter the distance a garment travels, the more planet-friendly it is likely to be in terms of emissions. Buying clothes made in another part of the world may often be the easier (read: cheaper) option, but do try to opt for a local brand when possible. India has dozens of clothing and accessories brands that source and manufacture locally. “Made in India” seems appealing, doesn’t it?

Buy good quality clothes and accessories. You bought a cute pair of chappals from Linking Road and a stylish cotton kurta from Lajpat market for a steal. Both get worn out in a few months. And so you want to buy new chappals and another cotton kurta. Instead, how about you pay a bit more and buy chappals and a kurta that last longer? This way you generate less waste and save money in the long run. Think of each purchase as an investment of sorts, and calculate the returns in terms of how long it will make you happy. True, better quality may often mean more strain on your wallet, but when you’re buying fewer clothes and shopping less often, the extra bucks you spend are actually working to save you money in the future.

Food

Eat local produce as much as you can. Of course, that’s not always possible. You don’t get great India-made feta or miso paste, but local fruits and vegetables are always the freshest and have travelled much shorter distances to reach you. Besides, seasonal fruits and vegetables are often delicious. So, if you have a choice, buy local.

Carry your own shopping bag. A cloth or jute bag or locally made basket is super handy in the market. My granny had gifted my mom couple of hand-woven baskets several years ago which she still uses. Myanmar has some lovely woven baskets as well, and I’ve bought not one, but two of them!

Use cloth instead of plastic and paper. Replace kitchen tissue with cloth towels to dry pots, pans and plates in the kitchen, or wipe your hands. There are some “highly absorbent” options which you can use for several days before throwing them for a wash. (Yes, I use just such a towel!). And oh, I prefer to use a handkerchief instead of paper tissue.

Reuse (yes, again!). I saw bamboo straws in Cambodia, and regret not buying them. They were reusable and very cute! Conscious foodies often carry reusable cutlery such as forks and chopsticks instead of using the disposable ones found in takeaway joints or fast food restaurants.

Travel

Use public transport. This one’s a no-brainer. And besides, if you’re using a local bus or public ferry you’ll get a better feel of local life. Better still, cycle around town.

Carry a reusable water bottle. Invest in a sturdy good-sized water bottle. In several countries, you can fill up your bottle with tap water (especially across Europe) or from a water dispenser in airports or malls. I carry my reusable water bottle all the time- when I’m going shopping or to a movie, so I’m not tempted to buy water or cold drinks, usually sold in paper cups, tin cans or plastic bottles. Besides reducing possible wastage, I avoid the extra calories in cold drinks. 🙂

Avoid takeaway. Takeaway meals are usually packed in plastic bags and cutlery, thermocol boxes and disposable plastic boxes for sauces etc. Instead, try to relax and enjoy your meal at the restaurant. You’ll savour the food experience a lot more.

Book online. And don’t print your ticket, if it isn’t required. Save it on your phone or tablet instead. There are several museums, airlines, theatres, trains and other touristy places that don’t need a paper ticket. We once travelled in an overnight train from Rome to Palermo with the ticket on our iPad without a problem. And when I booked a ticket on the IRCTC website from Vapi to Mumbai, all the TT asked for was my ID proof. Most hotels are fine with electronic booking vouchers as well.

Carry e-copies. When my mother and I first travelled abroad in the late 1990s, we were advised to carry multiple copies of our passports, visas and tickets in case something went wrong. Now we save the scanned copies of our documents on email and in our phone’s photo gallery, so it’s accessible even without an internet connection. Do the same. Save paper and ink!

Stay earth-friendly and chic!

In Accessories, Fashion, trends

Drool-worthy sports shoes are here!

Speaking ChicJanuary 23, 2016January 27, 2016Leave a comment

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Which sports shoes are you planning to buy?

In Beauty, Fashion, Shopping, Travel, travel

My favourite shopping streets in Europe

Speaking ChicJanuary 8, 2016January 8, 2016Leave a comment

Also read: Awesome shopping streets in Asia.

Strøget, Copenhagen (Denmark)

A gorgeous street in Copenhagen, but alas, the shops close by 7 pm and the prices are outrageous for tourists on non-European salaries. Strøget is one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe, and is lined with popular high street stores like Topshop, Zara, H&M and some local brands. There’s also a giant Lego store (yay!). The summer of 2014, Strøget was buzzing with tourists and locals enjoying the atmosphere, sipping coffee at outdoor cafes, and just strolling about. I especially enjoyed the walk on cobblestoned streets and checking out the heritage buildings, still in excellent condition.

Taksim Square, Istanbul (Turkey)

Back in 2010 when I visited Turkey, the famous Taksim Square was THE PLACE to be on a Saturday night. Crowded even in the day, the place came alive on weekend evenings, with thousands of people partying, shopping and grabbing a bite well past midnight. The streets off the square became a no-car zone, dozens of food and souvenir vendors set up shop and the “party” began. The atmosphere was pulsating with high energy, and I felt like I’d just had two Red Bulls. After a quick pizza, I made my way through the packed streets to go shopping, spending at least an hour at the multi-storeyed Mango store. The best part—shops were open till midnight!

PS- Due to the changing political situation in Turkey, I’m not sure if the late-night shopping continues.

Kurfürstendamm, Berlin (Germany)

Who would’ve thought that the staid German capital would have such wonderful shopping! Kurfürstendamm (quite a mouthful no?) is the center of most tourist activities in Berlin and a great place to shop. The street has all the high street brands you could name- Zara, Diesel, Uniqlo, H&M, Pull & Bear… you get the idea. I shopped till I dropped at Pull & Bear, and got a great leopard print backpack from Zara for just €10. I also bought kitchen appliances at the German department store KaDeWe, which was stocked with unbelievable appliances in the German aesthetic: clean design and high-tech precision. Also the souvenir shops are worth checking out for cool tees, shot glasses and Berlin messenger bags that look great and are easy on the pocket.

La Rambla, Barcelona (Spain)

Being in Spain, you expect to see local fashion brands at every corner. And well, they are! In and around the 1.2 kilometre-long La Rambla, you have the choice of the world’s best-known fashion and beauty brands, and you will never want to stop. I shopped at Zara, Mango, H&M, Bershka, The Body Shop, Shana… This was in 2011, and the Euro was not as frightfully expensive as it is today. At the Plaza Catalunya end of the street (north end), there’s the Spanish department store El Corte Inglés, where I bought Bobbi Brown makeup and tons of accessories. El Corte Inglés is a quintessential part of the Spanish life and each store is different from the others. It’s a must-visit anywhere in the country.

In Bollywood Fashion, Fashion, Men

5 hot fashion lessons from Shahrukh Khan & Kajol

Speaking ChicDecember 29, 2015December 28, 2015Leave a comment

I’m an SRK fan, so despite the wonderful reviews (heh!) by critics and FB friends, I headed to downtown Yangon to watch Dilwale last weekend. The show was housefull and ticket scalpers were making good money. I was mostly interested in the Kajol-SRK on-screen romance, and their crackling chemistry and emotive eyes are the only bits of the film that I liked, even though it was shoddily scripted and directed. Anyways, somewhere amidst the plot twists, overtly-comical characters and extreme suspension of disbelief, I picked up some fashion tips from Shahrukh Khan and Kajol (or Kaali/ Raj and Meera).

Even if you abhorred the film or won’t watch it for a million dollars, these style lessons will hopefully inspire a tiny style upgrade or whole new look.

BTW, there is not one, not two but FOUR costume designers credited in the film so I have no idea who did the clothes for Shahrukh Khan and Kajol. If you do, let me know!

Lesson 1: Match your jacket with your shirt

Jackets that match your shirt are the ultimate cool in men’s fashion. Just like what SRK’s wearing in the Bulgaria flashback. I say it’s the “ultimate cool” because it looks oh-so-mature and contrasts is so college-boyish (remember Kuch Kuch Hota Hai?). SRK sticks to black, grey and other muted colours, portraying a very chic European look.

Lesson 2: Skip the skinny

So skinny jeans are all about showing off your shapely legs and there’s no doubt that SRK is superfit. But he’s dunked skinny jeans and chosen to wear straight fits instead. Why? Here’s a secret: skinny jeans are on their way out the trend door, especially since everyone and their grandma is wearing them. Meanwhile, jean legs are getting wider for both men and women and straight-fit denims or a slightly-flared bootcut is what you should wear like, right now, if you want to be fashion-forward.

Lesson 3: Go long if you’re a pear

What do you do when you’re heavy in the lower half, but still want to look great on screen? One, you create the illusion of a waistline, and two, you go for longer lengths. So Kajol’s worn some gorgeous printed midi skirts- they cut off at just the right section of the waist, and they draw attention away from the bottom. Paired with blouses and sky-high heels, Kajol is rocking these skirts. And oh, she wears a printed maxi dress in a Goa scene. Fabulous!

Lesson 4: Smart blouses should be your daytime LBD

I’ve always thought smart buttoned blouses to be a highly underrated garment. It makes anyone, and I mean anyone, look feminine, sophisticated and classy. If the blouse is a solid pastel, even more so. I especially loved Kajol’s gold-smuggling accident outfit- jeans, light peach blouse and matching open cardigan. Paired with a strong lip colour and pulled-back hair, it’s an easy peasy way to elegant style.

Lesson 5: Neutrals are nice

When in Europe, dress as the Europeans. Their colour palette may seem more restricted than ours, but even neutral tones can translate to great clothes if you pick the right garments and style your ensemble well. While SRK sticks to black and greys, Kajol opts for light pastels and blues, though she also adds some colour with her printed skirts.

BONUS: A lesson in colour: Less is more

Alas, the colour scheme changes drastically when they move to India (including the set design!) and the tad bit of tastefulness disappears as dozens of bright colours pop everywhere, even in SRK’s garage. Too many colours. Sigh! And then one day SRK heads to church in a parrot green shirt with matching jacket. Urghhh…. Why, why, why?!

In Fashion, trends

7 fashionable Diwali inspirations

Speaking ChicNovember 4, 2015November 3, 2015Leave a comment

Come Diwali every year, and I’m usually digging into my wardrobe for a newish Indian ensemble. And it’s usually a safe style, very me, but also very, very typical of me. This Diwali, I’m trying to be a bit different, drawing inspiration from some new looks. So I’ve put together a lookbook of sorts to get me going on the ideas. There’s still a week to Diwali (and this weekend I will be in India, yay!), and all of these ideas are easily doable. 😀

Of course I can’t try all of these ideas, but a girl can dream, can’t she?

Don a jacket

It can be short like a waistcoast or long like an anarkali, it could be embroidered or block printed… “A plain kurta paired with a printed or embroidered short jacket is the perfect alternative to a dupatta,” says Rahuul Jashnani, managing director of Jashn. “Button it or just let it loose, or wear it on your sari for a bold and edgy and daring look.” I agree.

(Looks from Jashn)

Go long, long, long

If you’re a vertically-challenged like me, then long silhouettes can be quite exciting. Plus longer the length, the grander you look, and the more elegant you feel.

(Kurta set from Anju Modi, long kaftan from Hemant & Nandita)

Or go very traditional

Gota, bandhini, leheriya—our cultural heritage has plenty of fabric, print, texture and embellishment options to choose from.

(Looks featuring gota and shibori techniques from Rangriti)

Wrap a gorgeous dupatta

I’m moving on from mere contrast dupattas. I’d rather wrap a stunning dupatta around me to draw the attention. I’m in love with these ones from Gaurang, or something embellished-border like this one below.

(Look from Sahiba)

Try a shirt-like blouse with a sari

It may seem that only Sonam Kapoor can pull off a shirt with a sari. Maybe yes, maybe no. Well, we won’t know till we try it, right?

(Sonam Kapoor wearing Anupama Dayal)

Sport a bindi

I’m not even talking about Gwen Stefani here. It’s Indian, so why not place a cute bindi on the forehead? So feminine!

(Bindis from Bookmybindi.com)

Mix shades in jewellery

Gold and white are a classic combo, but well, it’s a little safe. I love admiring jewellery with coloured stones- blue, pink, green…. “A mix of diamond, polki and jadau jewellery with bright colourful gemstones in innovative ways and eclectic styles add appeal to any outfit,” says Aakas Barmecha of Yoube Jewellery.

(Earrings from Yoube Jewellery, Pendant-earrings set from Swarovski)

Which stylish idea or trend inspires you most this Diwali?

In Fashion, Shopping, Travel

Awesome shopping streets in South East Asia

Speaking ChicOctober 31, 2015January 8, 2016Leave a comment

Shopping (and window shopping) is one of my favourite things to do when I travel to a new city or country. It gives me a feel of the local fashion, an opportunity to discover ideas for new looks and a sense of how the people there like to dress.

I particularly enjoy walking through shopping streets because they’re so much more fun than malls. You get to the see the neighbourhood, the city’s architecture and of course, street life. In this two-part series, I’m listing my favourite shopping streets. The first part covers my favourite shopping streets in Asia.

Hang Gai, Hanoi (Vietnam)

Hanoi’s Hang Gai has everything a fashionista would want: cute boutiques, chic souvenir stores, French-style cafes, local art stores and even a tshirt-only store. I shopped all of these on Hang Gai and in the neighbourhood, stepping into side streets to discover embroidery stores, handcrafted goods and lots of silk! My top buys: A tongue-in-cheek Hanoi tshirt from Ginkgo (local fashion brand) and hand-embroidered pouches. Browsing at local boutiques in Hang Gai and Hang Trong for clothes and accessories is highly recommended! You may just stumble across some unique finds.

Orchard Road, Singapore

Orchard Street is anyone’s dream destination to shop in Singapore, and the craziness begins when you step off the MRT. I bought two pairs of shoes right at the station even before I hit the shopping street above. 😛 The good news is that Orchard Street has a range of malls to suit different shopping budgets. The bad news is, you want to go everywhere. After a lot of disappointments at Orchard Street stores (international brands were cheaper in India and H&M was a disaster), I finally discovered a store at 313 Somerset called Valleygirl that had trendy dresses and tops at moderate prices.

Bugis Street, Singapore

Yep, two places in Singapore! Bugis Street is a delight if you want to hog while you shop! I shopped there late evening, and bagged cool bargains on tops, lingerie, nightwear and souvenirs. Then we had a very Singaporean snack right on the street- the icecream sandwich. The restaurants on Bugis Street serve good local fare as well. I didn’t venture deep inside the market, which is where the best deals are to be found, but the street-facing and ground floor shops have some great deals!

Showing all posts tagged fashion

3 fashion updates for your post-vax wardrobe