Another Blog Award and Another Outfit!

Hello Again!
The lovely Christine of Beyoutiful Hope has nominated me for a Very Inspiring Blogger Award.I love Christine's posts and think she has a really big heart and beautiful inspiring posts.Both of us are members of BASI or Bloggers Against Social Injustice which is a platform which takes a very strong stand against Human Trafficking and many other social problems around the world.Please join in by visiting the button on the right if you are interested in helping make this world a better place!

THE RULES:
Very Inspiring Blogger Award
1)Display the award logo
2)Link back to the person that gave it to you
3)State 7 things about yourself
4)Nominate 15 bloggers for this award with their links.

7 Things About Me:

1)I am addicted to Coffee.Most people drink coffee to wake up.I drink coffee to sleep.

2)My brain somehow only starts functioning fully after sunset.I do all my accounts at night.

3)Some people think I'm snobbish but really I just find it hard to connect with new people.I take a lot of time to make friends but the ones I make are for life.

4)I sometimes stalk people on facebook.

5)I will have been dating my hubby-to-be for 8 years this October.

6)I love warn bright colours like yellows,pinks and reds.Especially Pink.

7)I sometimes start singing in the middle of conversations.

Very Inspiring Blog nominations:

These blogs have all inspired me in some way or the other and I love reading their posts.I may not comment a lot but I make it a point to regularly follow them!

1)Aditi-So Saree

2)Anupriya-Chappals Vs Stilletoes

3)Cee-Coco and Vera

4)Bhushavali-Fashion Panache

5)Christine-Beyoutiful Hope

6)Shubhi-Fairytale Style

7)Shreeja-Pineapple-ish

8)Shalini-Stylish by Nature

9)Tanvi-tanvii.com

10)Ritu-The Indian Beauty Blog.

11)Kendi-Kendi Everyday

12)Gia-Giasaysthat

13)Surbhi-The Fashion Flite

14)Rebecca-Winnipeg Style

15)Madhumitha-Cheese and Chic

Leaving you with some more pictures of my trip.It was a basic jeans and knit outfit I wore one day.It brightened up a slightly cloudy and windy boat trip from Lucerne.

Top-Zara(Gifted)

Tank Top-Mall Road,Nainital

Jeans-Sirens,Vancouver

Shoes-GK M-Block Street Stall,Delhi

Cuff-Forever 21

Sunglasses-Sisley

Bag-Some Accessory shop In Geneva,Switzerland(opposite the train station)

Makeup-Kohl Pencil,Lip balm

Burst of Color

Don't cha just love it when life decides it's time for a change and just bursts through like a storm and everything turns topsy turvy.I am approaching some major life changing decisions right now and even though am not sure where they will lead me to...am ready to welcome them with open arms.Sometimes we get too comfortable in our own space.Following the same eat.sleep.work.play routine is very easy to get used to but not as fulfilling. Every time I fall into a routine,I get this urge to leave it all behind and break free.It could be the smallest thing like what I eat for breakfast everyday.I tend to eat the same thing for months until I get bored and switch to something completely different.This is why change is good.It keeps us fresh and motivated and not have any expectations out of life.Like a whoosh of color through black and white.Always know that when we leave something behind...something better is on the way. :)

Shirt-Uniqlo

Pants-Zara

Jacket- Via Giasaysthat,now Paperlillie.com

Necklace-Mosaic FA

Shoes-Some GK Market Stall (New Delhi)

Earrings-Bangkok Ladies Market/Night Market

On my Lips-Nyx lousiana

Sunglasses-Sisley

French Reveries

I came back from my holiday in France and Switzerland completely relaxed but also thoroughly spent.Does that seem too contradictory? We went in a huge group of 12 to France which became even bigger by the time we reached Switzerland.The trip was fun yet chaotic and rushed which was not really the relaxed holiday I had been craving for.And we had a bit of tourist mishaps in France which I'd rather not write home about.But not to sound to whiny and ungrateful,I did see some stunning locales and monuments,ate a LOT of yummy food,sipped some delicious wine,shopped to my heart's content and checked The Eiffel off my bucket list which made me a very,very happy girl.

I wore the outfit below on a day trip to Eze and Monte Carlo.The two places were as different from the other as could be.Eze was a charming medieval style French Village with small lanes and quaint shops and cafes.There is a chapel near the top built in the 1300's with beautiful art and a very serene feel to it.The garden at the top is supposed to have stunning views but was already shut by the time we arrived.

On the other hand,Monte Carlo was glamorous and home to The Formula One Circuit and the famous Casino.Several James Bond movies have been filmed at the Casino and it gained popularity because of the royal family.The town breathes extravagance and luxury.Hence,it was very hard to dress for both at the same time.This dress and shoes are the most comfortable formal things I own.I can skip and hop in these without getting a shoe-bite and yet look pretty which is exactly what I needed.I also am in love with the tiny bow details along the back.This was the perfect day to evening look that I had hoped to achieve.:)

Dress- FCUK

Shoes-Charles and Keith

Shades-Sisley

Bracelet-Mosaic FA

On my lips-MAC Sheen Supreme-Full Speed

On my nails-Lakme Fast and Fabulous-Flaming Apricot

If it's Written in the Stars...

I have always had a love-hate relationship with horoscopes,sunsigns,numerology and all things mystical.There are days when it everything I read reminds me of myself and there are days when it all seems like a lot of rubbish.On most days the usual predictions are quite generic which could happen to anyone.And the tone more cautious and predictive...like be careful about your health or look after your finances(for some reason I get this almost always when I check my horoscope...hint much?).But more than horoscopes,I'm of a believer of sun-signs.And in most respects,I am an out and out Sagittarius if you minus the sporty part! .:p

Honest to the point of being blunt,positive thinker,philospical,an unquenchable wanderlust and extremely  independent.Maybe it's this independence that leads me to believe that we can carve our own destiny rather than leave it to the stars.

Coincidentally I was wearing this tee on a day I decided to click some pictures at the store and decided to have an impromptu shoot.Let me know what think!About sunsigns and about the outfit!

Top-Ole for Koton,Istanbul

Leggings and Cuff-Forever 21,New Delhi

Shoes-Street shops at Gk M-Block,New Delhi

Laptop Bag-Clocharde for India Kitsch

Iphone Cover-Gifted

Ring-Amalaan for India Kitsch

Tasssel Earrings-One of the local shops at Senado Square,Macau

A Spring Fling

When I think of spring,I think of florals (Sorry,Miranda Priestly).And this outfit is what my typical weekend Spring outfit would be like.Casual,Comfy and Colourful. Since Spring days are limited in Kolkata before the much dreaded summers begin,we try to make most of whatever little bit of decent weather is left.Soon,it will be too hot and humid to even want to go outdoors!
I wore this outfit for a relaxing afternoon out last Sunday  The floral pants cheer up the most boring days and about my obsession for pink you will soon find out with the upcoming posts. Everytime,I see something in the most in-your-face bright pink...I just have to pick it up.If you give me an option between any color and pink.It will always be pink!I had planned to put on pink nail paint also but didn't get the time and I really wanted to do another outfit post soon.The makeup is minimal with just a hint of Kohl and Lipbalm as I don't like too much of a fuss on weekends unless I'm going somewhere dressy.Do let me know what you think?

Top-Zara

Pants-India Kitsch

Necklace- Mosaic FA

Bangles- Here & There

Earrings-Forever 21

Heart Ring-Accessorize

Slippers -Tally Weijl

Sunglass Case(Used as Clutch)-Claire's

P.S.- Did you know about Bloggers Against Social Injustice(BASI)?It is a great initiative by a group of bloggers with a fashion for fashion and social change.If you want to make a difference but don't know how...Do join in!

Stories of Anarkalis

It's been a crazy hectic past few weeks with relatives down from all over the country,endless weddings and a busy office.Both me and the store have been doing quite well indeed but we are extremely tired and in need of a weekend off!
Coming to the outfit,We bought this stunning embroidered stole from Kashmir last year and I knew I just had to do something amazing with it.So since this year seems to be a year of weddings,I decided to use it as a yoke for this beautiful anarkali maxi (Anarkali is the Indian version of an empire waist dress).The colour and threadwork is beautiful and I had my cousin's engagement on Sunday so it was the perfect occasion to wear it as soon it will be too hot for silk.Since,It came out quite well,I decided to hop on to the terrace and click some pictures.And what better than a self-made outfit for my first outfit post!

Anarkali Maxi-Self Designed-Rs.12000 approx by India Kitsch

Bangles-Full Fataaka-Rs.1150 pair(Mumbai)

Earrings- Grand Bazaar in Istanbul-Rs.1000 approx

Ring-Kolkata Exhibition-Rs.500 approx

Shoes-Adaa (Mumbai)-Rs.2150

Clutch- Kali (Kolkata)-Rs 1650

How to De-Clutter and feel all Zen!

Don't we all have days when we can't find 'that-blue-top-I-bought-last-month' in my wardrobe?

I end up finding every piece of clothing that I never wear but the one which I need.Ultimately half the clothes end up in a very messy bundle on my floor which is stuffed in somehow in my closet as I rush to get ready.Always thinking that I'll sort it out once I come back.Which of course NEVER happens.

I just came back from a holiday from Bangkok last week and have unpacked bags lying in every corner of my room because I don't have any room for them.So this weekend I decided to take on the daunting task of cleaning my closet and making it my first post.It was all very philosophical in my head.New beginnings and all.So below are my 7 Steps to Cleaning your Closet:

1.Set aside a whole day or a few hours depending on how huge your closet is.If you have a sibling or friend who knows you well,ask them to help out.They will be able to give an unbiased opinion about what to get rid off.

2.Get two boxes.I use my big used shopping bags but get cartons if you have too many clothes.Label the first 'THROW' for the stuff that is torn and so ugly and out of style that noone would be caught dead in.Label the second 'DONATE' for the stuff which is slightly faded or which is good but just not right for you.If you have a tailor or can do your own mending,make an 'ALTER' bag too.

3.Empty everything out into the floor.Every single piece.Clean your wardrobe and replace the broken hangers.

4.This is the most important part and the one I have most trouble with.Throwing away my clothes.It needs steely determination and a heavy heart to get through this.WHAT TO GET RID OFF!

a)THROW away anything you have not worn in the last 2 years.It is NOT coming back in style.Even if it does,you will buy new ones anyway.It's ok to keep a couple of them which have memories attached to them but limit them to 3 or 4.Otherwise you end up making faux memories and excuses.Throw the 'I-don't-know-what-I-was-thinking-when-I-bought-this' clothes.Ask your friend to give you an honest opinion about what to toss out if you're confused.Throw the things which are there because they cost a bomb but you haven't worn or are going to wear ever.

b)DONATE the clothes you bought thinking you might wear someday or the ones which are too tight/loose.Do not hang on to them with the hope that you will wear them when you lose weight.If you do lose weight,you deserve new clothes.Give them to someone who will do them justice.

c)DONATE the slightly worn/faded ones and the ones which you never wear because it's too common or a little out to a charity.It's time for them to go to someone actually needs them.

d)THROW away old underwear.Just because no one can see them doesn't mean they have to be fugly.

e)Put away the ones which can be salvaged in the ALTER bag and vow to take them out the next day itself.Do not procrastinate or they will end back where they were.

5.Fold back and hang everything neatly.Iron the ones which are all scrunched up.You might also find a few happy lost treasures!Arrange your formal and casual wear separately.It will make it easier to find things.Put the off season clothes in storage bags and moth proof them.Fight the urge to stuff the remaining back in and be done with it.

6.Treat yourself to a hot cuppa once you're done with the mayhem and then maybe a new dress.You have plenty of empty space now.:)

7.The hard part is THE DAY AFTER.Take out 5 minutes every day to put back everything you take out properly.Maintain a laundry hamper in which you can dump your clothes which lose a button and such so that you can alter them whenever free.Keep throwing out the clothes which you keep trying but never wear because it just doesn't look right.

Don't you feel so Zen and Giving :)

P.S.- I've been thinking of finally doing an outfit post soon and now that my sister's in town...hopefully I can convince her to click some good pictures!So that one should be up next!

Of Holidays and Bliss

2012 was a year of holidays.I don't think I have ever been nor will be able to go in so many vacations in one year.Turkey-Greece-Mumbai-Delhi-Thailand-Hongkong-Macau-Kashmir-Shimla-It seemed like we were on a around the world trip this year!And each holiday was better than the last!It was also the year that I had my dlsr so that I could  thankfully document each blissful,happy moment.Out of all the most picturesque was definitely the Turkey-Greece trip.From the sandy white beaches to the nightclubs to the shopping,it was really the place to do everything in just one trip.The storybook villages of Greece and the picture perfect landscapes of Turkey made me feel like I was in a completely different world where nothing ever goes wrong.All cellphones off,I dreaded the days I had to call back home to check on work.

Just sharing some of my favorite snaps from the trip with the description below.

:)

1.On the Deck on the cruise 2.My quintissential Starbucks pic every trip 3.Matching Vogue bags we bought 4.At the sea 5.With my Baby Canon 550D 6.White Santorini-Greece 7.Istanbul 8.Slippers I bought in Greece 9.Cool drink after a long trek 10.Blue Mosque Istanbul 11.A Greek Cafe 12.At the sea again! 13.The Yumm food!(with sis) 14.Imagination Valley-Turkey(Every stone has a story) 15. Belly Dancing in Istanbul 16.My Floral shades and Sunlight!

a new NEW year.

With so much of negativity around us at the end of this year,It is important to be positive in order to bring a positive change in our society.Doomsday has come and gone and it is time to start afresh and cleanse our society of evil as in Indian Mythology.So instead of wishing for material things,why not bring in the new year with some good wishes.Here goes my wishlist for 2013.

Love has the power to change.It gives us a strength to carry which we didn't even know we had.It brings us happiness and tears and sometimes tears of happiness.I wish for lots of love this new year.Love to receive and love to give.For my family and friends and for humankind.

I hope we find both inner and outer peace.I wish we feel content in what we do and proud of what we have done.Hatred clouds our mind and muddles up everything.Find a way to get what we want through being proactive rather than fighting with anger.

Hope for a better tommorow. A better month.A better year.Teach our kids and siblings better so that we can be the change we want to see.

 Dream of a better year and follow that dream.Store it in a bottle.Write a note so that we don't forget it in the morning.Dream the impossible.A fleeting thought can change the way we live.If you have always wanted to do something.Do it now.Tomorrow you might not be able to.

Hope 2013 makes all your dreams come true!