Reality vs. Filtered reality | Heart to Heart #1

Hey, everyone!

I know it's been like forever that I put up a new post. There have been drastic changes in my personal & professional life. So I wanted to start a new series which would be Heart to Heart, where I would share my personal & professional life with you guys & how things are in and out.

"One of the most sincere form of respect is actually listening to what another has to say" - Bryant H. McHill

So the first thing I want to talk to you guys about is CONFIDENCE, this is a tricky one because on social media, especially on Instagram, it has become the platform where you post your most beautiful & glamorous work. So it is easy to assume that whatever people post is a reflection of their lives. 

For example, people take a lot of time to curate their photos before they post them and it's easy for someone on the other side who's following them to assume that they live a 100% all day, every day super glamorous or super chic but it is actually .00001% of their life.

You can't judge a person on who they are and what they're doing based on a photo. Please remember guys, Instagram is not a way to measure your life. So, your life is perfect as it is and unique to your very own story and don't forget to keep that in your mind next time you're scrolling through these beautiful photos.


RESPECT OTHERS AROUND YOU. It is really important to be considerate and sensitive to the environment that you're in and the people around you with social media because there might some people that really want their own private time & life to be respected. For example, at my office I use my phone most of the times because it's a part of what I do and sometimes I end up capturing some Snapchat worthy moments but it is really important to ask everyone if they're okay with publishing that photo, I'm not very good at though, but you can't just assume that everyone will be okay with having you share their life with the rest of the world.

That is something to keep in mind, to respect other people and their environment.

BE PRESENT. When you see something amazing or if you're at an amazing location maybe it is on a vacation, it is so easy to get excited and wanting to document everything that you kind of forget to actually enjoy and once the vacation is over, you don't really remember seeing it with your own eyes except for Snapchatting it or Instagramming it.

I'm totally guilty of this at times but I have a tip for you guys which I apply to my life is GET IT OUT OF THE WAY IN THE BEGINNING. Get Instagram crazy, get all the photos you need and put your phone away and actually enjoy the food that you're eating or enjoy the vacation that you're on. I promise it will change your life.

CONNECTING OFFLINE. It is so important to connect with the people that you love, your closest friends & family members offline because it is so to assume that they know everything about you and your life since they follow you on Instagram & Facebook, but it is really important to have that real FACETIME and connecting with them. For example, some of my friends do follow me on social media and probably watch my Snapchat hundred times a day but I make it a point to call them as frequently as I can and just catch-up. So don't forget that, don't undervalue the importance of having a real conversation with someone. Don't let social media replace real conversations and true intimate moments with your closest.

 Okay, I guess that pretty much wraps my thoughts and tips on Social Media and really hope you found some encouraging ways to disconnect and actually connect with the people that you're truly close to and love. Let's keep this conversation flowing and I would love to hear your thoughts on how social media helped, hurt or hindered you. Make sure to leave a comment right below, would love to know what is going on in your head right now!

Hello, 2016!

Hello from the outside. I wasn’t on holiday but instead I took some days off from the blog and social channels so I could start the year fully rested and with lots of energy. During the week or so I was absent I had time to think about not only on my personal goals, but what I would like to achieve this 2016.

Warning, this is a long and personal post but I’d appreciate it if you read it and let me know your thoughts, as they’re very important to me.


1/ QUALITY > QUANTITY

With all honesty, I would love to publish everyday if I could, but with two jobs sometimes it’s hard to post three times per week as I intend to. Personally, I prefer to work on quality posts, good photography that’s worth your time and interesting topics, instead of just posting an outfit per day. So, you can trust I’ll keep on posting constantly although not daily.



2/ MORE BEAUTY  

If you could see my vanity desk you will think I’ve got enough beauty products for a whole family, when it’s actually just for me. This is why I believe it could be a great idea to talk about skin care products and beauty in general. If you have any suggestion for this kind of topics or what kind of posts you’ll like to see, let me know!


3/ #FOODPORN 



If you are interested in easy recipes, places to eat and the latest brunch spots in Mumbai (that aren’t necessary healthy but c’mon), raise your hand!




4/ KEEPING  THE BALANCE

As always and especially this year, I’ll keep a balance into what it’s featured in the blog. While you’ll still find some luxury brands, you’ll also encounter with the affordable Promod and Zara pieces I know you guys love.









5/ HONESTY COMES FIRST

I feel utterly happy and grateful to be able to work another year doing what I love, I’ve always been selective with the brands I work with to the point of declining offers that I believed where not suited for you, my readers, and the trust you provide me through your computer or phones.



So, you can be completely sure everything I show in here has been previously selected and supervised by me. I’ll never, ever work with a brand I don’t feel identified with.

If you made it all the way to here and are still reading, I deeply thank you for all your support, comments and likes during this time. Wish you a happy start of the year and I’ll see you around! ;)

Stay chic !

Reviews | Snob Box December 2015

Hi guys. I know I've been inactive for a month now but I've in store for you guys the new subscription box SNOB BOX.

SNOB BOX, is not actually a subscription service but you can schedule your boxes every month  or multiple times a month. It works in a similar way if you guys know about STITCH FIX.

Okay, so this is how SNOB BOX works,
1. You sign up and  then  you're taken through a series of questions about your measurements, likes and dislikes. You can even connect your Pinterest or social channels to help out your stylist with their choices.
2. You can also ask them to give you something in particular too.
3. Then you need to schedule your boxes and then wait for it. You might get a call fom your stylist if they need more information.
4. The budget of the boxes vary between 1500 - 15000.

You actually get a personal stylist for yourself, as cool as it sounds.

So, I did get my first SNOB BOX in the month of September  and to be honest, I was not impressed by it.
If you guys know me by now, I'm more on the simpler side and go for neutrals and delicate jewellery. But my first box had some really chunky jewellery and a blue shirt which I kept BTW. But also a black skirt which I returned immediately because I did not like the stitching and it was unraveling at various ends.

So I had high hopes from my second box. I got it today and I was kinda disappointed with it.
First, I got this really cool white shirt (Rs.1000) which had black lining on the sleeves and the button part. According to Snob box, this is a crisp white shirt but it was not. But I liked it. So I'm KEEPING it.

Then I go these cool earrings (Rs.345), they were multi coloured and geometrical and I LIKED it. So KEEPING it.

The item which I was most disappointed about was the peasant blouse (Rs.1095)  they had sent me. It did not look attractive and I did not like it. It looked very faded. SENDING it back.

 

 I also got a Lavender color sling bag (Rs.1190) which is so not me. Also I did not like the structure of the bag and decided to SEND it back.

 

The last item is a long layered delicate tasselled neckpiece (Rs.518). Honestly, I did not like it mostly because of the trouble it would cause when it gets entangled. But also I did not like the way the neckpiece look. Very tacky atleast for me. SENDING it back.

 


I personally did not like my SNOB BOX. The first box I had bought was with the budget 1500-2500, which turned out to be bad and I ended up keeping only one item from the whole box.
This time I went for an higher budget, 3500-4500, but the box was not great. I'm keeping only 2 items out of the 5.
VERDICT: Happy to have this concept in India, but I guess SNOB BOX has to improve on their stylists and also giving the best in the budget given by the customer. And also give more attention to the customer's preferences.

I might not schedule another SNOB BOX.


If you liked this review and want me to do more then share this post :)

Stay chic

Tips | How to update your look instantly ?

You don't have to always try the same routine for your everyday look, switching some things in and around can work wonders and give an instant chic update to your usual look.

Some of the tested-and-tried tricks are here for you,

#1 Button your blouse all the way up 

This tip quite simple but when you try it you will understand how getting those few buttons up gave an easy sharp look. it allows you to carry on a sophisticated and incredibly chic confidence. Pair this look with stilettos for a powerful outfit.

#2 Add a boxy vest to a casual outfit

Adding a structured element like a vest can sharpen the lines and also give a strong statement to the look.

#3 Add a thin belt to a shift/Tee dress

I've always spoken about how you should always look put together, so the next time in doubt how to do that, BELT IT !

This can tighten up the silhouette line and make you look more preppy.

#4 Add a belt to your blazer

Clinching your waist with a belt can definitely give you a feminine shape and make the look more put together.

#5 Wear a fitted skirt under a boxy fit top

Adding a fitted skirt to a boxy top and add an instant sophistication and elegance to the look. 

Tip: Try finding skirts with interesting hemlines.

Do try then and comment below what worked for you. 

Do share and, stay chic.

Dear Curvy ladies, break those rules.

"Know your curves, dress for them" not to hide them. The best thing about curves is that you have them so SHOW THEM.

All our life we have taught to hide our supposed "flaws" but let's face it, the only flaw that needs to be fixed is the stupid notion that our body is a problem that needs to be solved.
But little did we know that, there is lack of options for us even if we wanted to break the "rules".

So let's try to break some Fashion rules,

#1 Don't wear Horizontal stripes

Because they claim to make you look wider, which is completely wrong. Wear what you want, and don't forget that the black and white color palette adds sophistication to any ensemble.


#2 Crop tops are for flat abs

This is a photographic proof that soft and hard stomachs look chic in a crop.

The modern crop look essentially killer when paired with high waisted pants and skirts, exposing just that sexy silver of skin. PERFECT !

#3  Body con dresses are a NO-NO !

Tip: Choose a body-con dress that skims over your figure and not that could look as your second skin

While not sporting only solid colors but also some prints can boots some super killer curves.

#4 Models look perfect in a swimsuit

Okay, now plus-size swimsuits are not only giant prints but more stylish than before. Also it's a beautiful and liberating way of embracing your body.

They are your inspiration,

So next time you say," Oh, I can never pull that off". think again darling.

Share and make your friends break some fashion rules and, stay chic !

Outfits | Denim and florals never go wrong.

Having a denim shirt in my wardrobe is the best thing I have ever done to myself. It is such a timeless piece that can be thrown on almost everything.

I've worn a denim shirt in so many different ways, and can still style it in many different ways. It is comfortable and is so perfect with a floral skirt. You can wear it with merely every print.

Choose fabrics which lets you breathe. Skirts so light weight, it almost feels like it's not even there.

Tip: Tuck the shirt completely for more chic look.

Tie a knot to the shirt to just make sure that the look is effortless. Choose comfortable shoes if you're going to be walking all day long.

Tip: If you're pairing the shirt with a shorter skirt, make sure to wear a longer cross body to balance the length of the skirt.

For me it is not only about the outfit but also the way I accessorize it is important.

"Tip: Put your outfit together, never think only one part of your outfit is going to do all the talking. This mantra does not work for everyone so play safe, Always look put together."

---

Pictures courtesy: Pinterest

Outfits | Denim is for weekends and vice versa.

Weekends are the best part of the week and of course, the awesome during exams. Being comfortable in what I wear is the important criteria when I choose an outfit. During weekends, shopping all day and running around the city definitely demands a chic yet casual outfit.



Tip: Always, Yes Always wear something in which you're 100% comfortable not just because it's a trend. 

Light weight fabrics as well as neutral colors are best for summer and having good fit is equally essential. I have worn ripped jeans in a million different ways and you can too. Graphic tees, dressy top or just a tank top, it just blends with everything.




Tip: If you want to look put together during the week day and still wear this outfit, put on some fancy shoes.





Jeans are easy and breezy and so comfortable, like I can just live in them. It is also essential to have a jacket or an oversized shirt with you in case you feel chilly out at night. 

Tip: Tuck a little part of your tee to show off the waistline. 

Sometimes the most beautiful things come the simplest form. So don't shy away from neutrals, there is always a way to look chic in every outfit.




Pictures courtesy: Pinterest

Spring/Summer Trends 2015 | Moodboards

Summer starts with trends. Some last longer and some don't. But most most of them do a worthy comeback. This season saw some great comebacks and cool debuts.


Fringe-o-rama

The 1970's trend is back, This trend made it's way from last year to this and this time the trend is swinging harder than ever.
It is hard for a piece to feel sophisticated and genuinely fun to wear at the same time, that's why everyone is psyched about this trend which is currently everywhere and inescapable.
Don't try to outrun it but embrace it on the sides of pants, end of skirts and sleeves of jackets.

I know that it's quite daring but sometimes fashion risks have big rewards.  Are you ready to join the fringe group?

Culottes

There is a new silhouette in town on which everyone is obsessing, Culottes. Though being the season's biggest pants trend. some might be pretty intimidated by these pants shape.
In the early 2000s they were semi popular in the form of gauchos, but Culottes are back this Spring and better than ever! Culottes can be such bold pieces because wearing the wrong length can shorten your frame. But the right culottes piece can be as elegant as a maxi skirt, not to mention comfortable.

Gingham

This season I’m seeing a lot of Gingham on the runways. This is a bold and fun print, but it can easily be associated with your grandma’s gingham apron, kitchen curtains, or a picnic basket. Just like florals, this print will give you the seasonal update to your wardrobe.

Slides

First of all, not often that  a trendy shoe is this comfortable, secondly they're cool in the throwback of 90's-magazine kind of way. Third, they're very low buy-in trend.

Monochrome

What is black, white and ultra chic all over ? It is monochrome. Whether you’re wearing the look formally on an evening out or off duty on the weekend, the monochrome is the most favored and popular looks of this season.

Polka dots

 It's feminine, timeless, demure and quite easy to wear from day to night. What woman doesn't like that kind of versatility in her wardrobe right?  It is also one of the most popular print in the 2015 runways.

Androgynous tailoring

The Tux is no longer just for men. The trend is all about providing femininity to masculine silhouettes. Though it works from menswear to womenswear, it rarely works out reversely.( if it does, do tell the world about it!)

Head-to-Toe White 

This pristine palette is a hit on the runway and provides the best advantages for this season. Because I must say the White is the best choice you can make when the weather heats up. This trend is kept stylish and modern by adding layers and multiple textures.

Sneakers

Though this trend is fading, still it did stick around as one of the most comfortable shoes of this season. Now being a sporty chic is much easier. Pumped up sneakers where all over the LFW, India.

Sheer Fabrics

The most elegant and the effortlessly chic way to show some skin is sheer and it can be named the ultimate style armor if it is black.

So which of these trends made it to your wardrobe?

Don't forget to share, comment and, stay chic.

Swimsuits | Do you have the right one ?

If you guys have been following me for long, you must be knowing that I'm more on the plumpy side and that If I could I would never wear a swimsuit till I'm actually confident to pull one off. And it is hard to feel confident when all your mind can focus on is the flaws.

So this post is to help you get not only the perfect swimsuit that flatters your body but also confidence and grace to rock your body this summer,

#1 Straight Body type

If you ladies have a straight up and down body type, meaning the distance from your shoulders and the widest part of your hips are the same then you are probably a straight body type (or “rectangle/ruler.”) An underwire one piece is perfect in highlighting your body and giving you the curves you want. 

Tip: Contrasting colors can create an illusion of a smaller waist and a fuller bottom. 

#2 Athletic Body Type

If you the widest part of your body is your shoulders and you have a smaller bottom half you

most likely have an athletic body type. 

Sometimes, it is hard finding tops that fit since your shoulders are so much wider than your chest and waist. 

The triangle cut of a halter will work great in narrowing the shoulders and gathering attention to the

small midsection.

You girls can also opt for bikini tops that have the racerback shape in the front, 

where the arm holes create a C shape so that it highlights your shoulders!

Tip : Don't go for straight-across bandeaus, boy-cut briefs or shapeless full-pieces,

 as this will only enhance your athletic figure.

#3 Curvy Body Type

I feel like a lot of times curvy girls are afraid to show off their body when it comes to swimwear, 

but much like Beyonce and Kim Kardashian, the trend now is to highlight these features!

I love how the halter one piece highlights the curves and yet the print can also soften your curves. 

Also not to mention, the plunging neckline will look super sexy on you!

I know that it's quite nervous to strip down to a bathing suit for the beach but getting the perfect swimsuit

can make a whole lot of difference. I hope this helped you guys. 

But it all comes to how you rock your swimsuit.