Houndstooth Is The Pattern of the Season

Houndstooth has often been the trend for Fall seasons. It goes and comes but it never goes away forever. Houndstooth is classy and eternal.

But this time, I am seeing it in a new way. It is everywhere. And by that I mean, really everywhere. On shoes, jackets (obviously), shopping bags, base of shoes (??). You go to a mall and everything is directing you to buy houndtsooth. Anything. It could even be a bed sheet or a coffee mug!

I have had this silk enlarged-houndstooth print Iora top since ages. It is very versatile and easy to wear. I throw it on when I do not know what else to wear. It just makes my life simple.

I added a pop of color to it this time. I obtained this blue-green silk scarf recently and am in total love with it. Its texture is so amazing. I like tying long scarves into a knot on the side of my neck. I think it looks really cute and sophisticated. Try it sometime, ladies.

Dotty

I stepped into my fourth semester at school 2 weeks ago and things have been crazy since then. As always, I am taking time to fall into a new schedule. I have been lost, to some extent, such that once I got days confused and ended up going to the gym on the wrong day for a class.

If classes and job search weren’t enough, I have taken up internships at a couple of places. Ok, 3 places. That’s a lot, no? I took up these opportunities because I was excited about the profiles and learning they had to offer; I couldn’t say no to any of them.

In the process, I have pretty much ignored my shop and my blog. Thank God for scheduling, my social media has been pretty active.

Talking about internships, I was pretty nervous about them. Initially, I had doubts about even getting through, forget surviving. To overcome this fear, I decided to face it. I just went for it. I applied at 3-4 places, gave interviews and to my surprise, got through all of them! Imagine my delight!

I have begun work on all of them and it is super-fun. I enjoy all the profiles. Sometimes, it is craft work (something I haven’t done since graduation days), sometimes styling and sometimes handling social media – all of which I enjoy. It is so much fun going back to what I really enjoy.

More about them later.

This post was long due. I really liked how the pictures came out and was reserving them for a ‘better time’. Well, there is no better time than now. So here they are.

Skirt: The Basic Closet

Top: Custom made

Shoes: Payless

Earrings: Fabindia (gifted)

Bangles: Street find, India

The Story of Block Prints

Block printing originated in China about 2000 years ago. In India, this art became popular in the 12^th century in Rajasthan (a western state of India). The royals wore rich costumes featuring intricate motifs. Textile printing later flowed into the neighbouring state of Gujarat (the state immediately south of Rajasthan and also my home state). Indigo seeds have been discovered at the ancient archaeological sites of Mohenjodaro and Harappa. Even today, indigo and white is the most common and popular color combination in block printed fabric.

Block printed fabric is very visible in Gujarat in the form of home decor products like table cloth, bedsheets, cushion covers, wall hangings as well as clothing like saris. A very typical motif used is paisley. It is known as ‘keri’ in India, which means raw mango. Indeed, paisley looks like raw mango and that’s how the motif originated. Other popular motifs were peacocks, horses, birds and flowers. Now, of course, prints have become wilder and quirkier. There are abstract prints, geometric designs and even pop art.

Block printing was originally done using wooden blocks. You will be amazed to know that in many parts of India, even now this method is used. It is what gives the print a rustic, ancient look.

Wooden block printing is a very time-consuming method and requires a lot of precision and skill. Motifs, patterns and border designs are manually printed on using wooden blocks. The colors cannot overlap, motifs cannot be unevenly placed and there cannot be strike-offs. One has to wait for a section to dry before the next one can be printed (to avoid overlap or rubbing off of colors). But this is what makes the art so unique and valuable.

Nowadays, chemical dyes are very common but originally vegetable and plant dyes were used. They were organic and very natural. Even today, most of Rajasthan and Gujarat printed textiles use organic colors. This is the reason why colors tend to run off when washed. But again, the beauty of these fabrics comes from use of earthy colors like indigo, dark green, rust, red and mustard. These are the colors of the royals of the past and Indian art.

I have been greatly smitten by the motifs and patterns of block printing because I have grown up seeing and wearing them. When I worked in Maharashtra (another western state of India) and was always decked up in pretty block print Indian wear, my female colleagues were all in awe. I used to take tons of stuff for them every time I returned from a vacation at home.

Block print may have shied away from the dynamic and modern fashion world but I feel it is evergreen. We do see it here and there; it stands out from the rest of the swarm.

My clothing line is all about printed cottons – some of them are very typical ethnic block prints and some are contemporary. You can totally wear them with today’s fashion pieces because I think blocks prints are here to stay.

Presenting my favourite printed skirt from my line. Hope you like it.

Available for sale on my Etsy shop or Facebook page.

Fringe Benefits

The first time I ever saw a fringed product was a black bag at Rocia. And I fell in love with it instantly. Some 3 years ago, it was a good enough steal at Rs. 1700. I didn’t buy it out of some pretentious, forced greatness and regretted later on. I never saw it again!

So when I saw this bag in Singapore a few months later, I grabbed it. Whatever the cost may be, I wanted it.

I love this bag so much that I keep it safely in my handbags box (yes, it is a big box) and don’t bring it out into the evil world.

When Fashionlivre put up a feature on fringe on Facebook a few days back, I instantly thought of this bag and dug it out.

I think it goes really well with shades-of-grey striped maxi. I also like the contrast of multicoloured feathered statement neckpiece and multicoloured pom-poms golden kada against the grey.

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Doing The Denim Trend

I love denims, especially jeans. My favourites are stone washed jeans – jeans that have a worn out look. Of course, ripped jeans are not to be left behind.

I am so glad denim is the texture of the season. Denim and chambray shirts have made a comeback, to be paired with other denims, dresses, skirts and all kinds of patterns and textures. Denim vests too are going to be very visible this season.

Pair well-worn jeans with a loose, sexy plain white shirt. Or wear straight leg denims with a cartoon tee and colored sneakers. Put on a denim vest on a floral dress. Or wear a chambray shift dress. Look laidback with denim & sneakers or sexy with skinny jeans and stilettos. Nothing is as handy denim.

I immediately rushed to find my denim vest-cum-shirt which is extremely cute and versatile. I have worn it in several ways and this is one of them.

Buy this neckpiece here!

The neckpiece is on sale on my shop! Place orders there or in the comments section below.

Share how you wear your denims!

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Good Things Have Happened

Moving countries can be difficult. Switching careers can be difficult. Leaving your comfort zone and walking into unknown can be difficult. Trying to establish yourself with all these constraints can be slow and frustrating. It requires lot of patience and perseverance.

This phase seems to be going on forever for me. I am always looking with a lot of remorse at what all I gave up. That said, I have seen so many new things, learnt so many new things and met different kinds of people who have widened my thinking horizon. This move has brought out my hidden wishes, desires and aspirations. I have done things I only imagined that I wanted to do but never did. And never thought I would ever be able to.

So today, on a very positive note, I list down all that I have gained from the Big
Move that happened 1.5 years back.

I learnt to bake

And cook. I have loved trying new dishes, searching for recipes and challenging myself. Ages ago, I had visualized myself as an expert cook but I had absolutely nil experience in the kitchen! This move brought out that side in me. I taught myself baking too! I have some signature cakes that I bake on friends’ birthdays and carry to gatherings as gift to the host. When I reached the stage when I was passing on recipes to others, I concluded I had reached my goal.

I dance every week

.. and became a fitness freak in the process. I was forever looking for Aerobics classes in gyms in India. Weights and machines have never appealed to me but dancing does. I always wanted to be very fit and have great stamina. I joined the nearest gym that has regular group classes like Yoga, Spinning, Zumba, Pilates, etc. Obviously, Zumba is my favourite. The group received me with welcoming hands and I feel a great sense of belonging there. I literally let my hair down and dance like I’m the only one dancing (I happen to be a good dancer. So it’s okay!). Once my stamina improved with Zumba and yoga, I moved on to other exercises and my own capacity amazes me. To enjoy the process more, I got myself some gorgeous workout clothes (again something I always wanted) that boost my morale even more.

I get to eat all kinds of food

I am a foodie. Apart from my huge appetite and weak willpower, I love eating different cuisines and types of food. America is food paradise. You name it and its here. I have indulged in Italian, Peruvian, Mexican, Pakistani, Thai, American, Persian, Cuban and Greek food eagerly and have loved every bit of the journey. There is a new variety at every corner and it is a wonderful opportunity for people who love to just eat.

I learnt to talk

I used to be an introvert. Put me in a group of people (even if they were known) and I didn’t have guts to open my mouth. I preferred hiding behind someone. Here, I learnt to open up. I learnt to get along with all kinds of people. I gained the confidence to face people and strike a conversation with them.

I got even more obsessed with music

I love music. The first thing I do in the morning is switch on music. I love different genres of music. Like, ghazals, 90’s Bollywood, dance, Sufi. Here, I was introduced to the world of world music. Now I listen to all kinds of music – Country, 70’s, Meditation, Middle Eastern, Soft Rock. FM Radio and Spotify changed my world. It is now way better than before in this aspect.

And there have been many more take-aways.

So… if I really count my blessings, I am indeed blessed.

Now to the outfit. Lately, I am loving printed pants (this is another one I have). Abstract to conversation print to floral. They can even be ethnic. You can go crazy with them. I got these ones from AND and have worn them for almost every outing for a month. They are comfortable and have a great fit. I also love their ethnic appeal.

Pants: AND

Top: Yishion

Leather flats: Westside

Neckpiece: Gifted (Also posted here)

Bag: Really old!

Sometimes Life Can Be A Scorpio

Coming to a new country after leaving a completely settled, content life can be daunting. It seems brave in the beginning but once you are deep into it, it is pure depressing and stressful.

I have spent almost a year in the US and have coped up well here – made friends, am doing well at college, am driving around and shopping on my own, pursuing my hobbies – and yet, I find myself in awkward situations every now and then.

Like the other day when I met a friend for lunch and realized I was very low on petrol (Yeah, I still say petrol). I asked my friend to help me because I had never filled petrol on my own before. And when we 2 ladies were frantically looking for the button to open the tank, I eyed a man looking at us. It was a Sheesh! moment.

And later at college, a classmate and I ended up talking about our Thanksgiving holiday plan. She said she was visiting Disneyland with family and I blabbered off on how wonderful it is and what they should be doing there only to know later that her husband has worked in the Art department of Disneyland for many years and it has been their regular holiday destination. Oh my gaad!

My first awkward moment actually happened 10 days after I landed in the US at one McDonald’s in LA. We finished off our food and while leaving, I spotted the illuminated Exit sign. For some reason I thought that is where you are supposed to exit from (and not from the entry way) and Whooooooooooooeeeee went the alarm. I saw a hundred eyes on me. I wanted to melt but I bravely walked back the same way, went up to the servers at the counter (who were going on with their work like nothing had happened) and told (rather, stuttered to) one of them that I had accidently let off the alarm. She looked really annoyed.

But the best thing here is no one really cares. No one gives you or your actions much thought. They are not judgemental. This is how I adjusted so well at college (with a totally new career) and find most happiness there.

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Going To Ram Leela

I had to watch this movie despite mediocre reviews and friends’ warnings. I had been waiting for this movie since months! For one, I am a Ranveer Singh fan. Second, this movie is based in Gujarat (where I belong). I had to watch it for all things Gujarat is associated with – the costumes, the language, the dance, the names, the locales.

So I did.

I was disappointed that with all the efforts that have been put in, the movie stands on such a feeble foundation. Feuding families. Which is ok but it is ridiculous to drag it for 3 hours. After a point, you don’t understand why they are fighting, in the first place. Raanjhar is a funny town, difficult to perceive. People shoot openly, women are raped and chased openly and the 2 rival groups get violent for no reason.

What things are delightful are the chemistry between the actors, the jewellery and dances (Garba in the song Lahu muh lag gaya is particularly breath-taking). All the songs are a visual treat to garba lovers and aural treat for Gujju folk music fans. Like me, for example. I go into a trance when I listen to garba music and my feet want to start dancing. So I just let the music envelop me in its magic.

Ranveer Singh plays a perfect daring, confident, Gujju casanova. His Gujarati is really cute and his killer looks are magnetic. Deepika is pretty, wears beautiful costumes and does her bit well. When the 2 of them – 2 fabulous dancers, dance together, the air crackles! Their chemistry is fiery. But the sad part is it kind of fizzles out after a point when the movie starts focusing on the local rivalry. And when you are already confused as to why they are fighting, you totally lose touch with the storyline.

The movie has a typical SLB look – lot of color, drama, gorgeous costumes, larger than life sets and swanky music. You will find lot of similarity to his earlier movies. Lahu Muh Lag Gaya begins just like Manmohini and looks quite like Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan. Dhoop has an uncanny resemblance to Silsila Yeh Chaahat Ka. Laal Ishq reminds you of Yun Shabnami. But still, I am quite addicted to Ram Leela’s songs and they have been rolling in my head since a couple of days.

All said and done, I don’t think much if I end up watching a mediocre movie at cinema. I enjoy the whole experience of dressing up (that’s the key) and going to a lively, colourful place like a multiplex. I also enjoy watching the trailers! For this whole experience, I miss M as my companion. In our single days, we used to watch every other movie, have a gala time dressing up and eating to our heart’s content, not giving a damn to our bank balance and work pressures.

Good days..

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Fuchsia Is My Second Love

Sometimes, I amuse myself thinking about how I have changed in the last decade. In school, I used to be a major extrovert and an outgoing person. I was extremely confident and was never afraid to talk (even if it was non-sense!). I didn’t think I would fail in anything; my (over)confidence was scary. Same thing continued for quite some time in college and my first job. When I look back at that phase of mine I can’t believe that was me. Today, I am a complete introvert. I am talkative and warm only once I have opened up and found comfort in people. Till then, I am closed. I am not all that confident; rather, I am over cautious and think a 100 times before plunging into anything.

Being introvert is why blogging suits me a lot. I think more, talk less. When I am out with so many strangers around me, I think – I build stories in my mind, I visualize the world operating as per my words. It’s a different kind of a world in my mind.

Good or bad? That debate is still on in my mind.

There is a little story of change behind this outfit too. Some years back, I used to love white. My wardrobe was full of white. Especially, white kurtas that I used to pair with colourful lehriyas or block print dupattas. But suddenly I find a lot of fuchsia in my closet . Even my lunch box carrier is fuchsia. And that’s why, the name of this post.

White is my first love.

Halloween Is Here

Halloween is celebrated in a big way throughout the world on October 31^st. This is my first Halloween ever and I have been excited about the festivities and got into the spirit soon. I gazed at all decorations with admiration and child-like enthusiasm. And got zealous when I got invited to a costume party.

I got my costume ready in one shopping visit. But before that, let’s talk a bit about why Halloween is celebrated in the first place (I really like getting into history of traditions).

This concept dates back to around 500 BC. Celtic tribes believed in spirits. While they worshipped over 300 Gods, their chief God was the Sun. One of the festivals they celebrated was Samhain to mark the start of winter. They believed that at the end of every summer, Samhain, the God of Death overpowers the Sun. On October 31, Samhain assembles all the evil spirits who had died the previous year and allows them to return home to visit the living. The priests would light great fires and offer sacrifices to Samhain to ensure that the sun returned after the winter. Villagers would try to appease goblins and demons with offerings of food and nuts. They would leave little treats that the household had to offer, to satisfy the hunger of these demons. If the demon was satisfied with the treat, it was believed it would not trick the person or cast an evil spell. Therein lays the origin of the present day trick or treat. Legend has it that people would also wear masks or other disguises and blacken their faces to try and pass unnoticed by the spirits.

Today, Halloween is celebrated by children and adults alike. Halloween today is not purely ghoulish; it is a fun event too. People don costumes of their favourite characters from movies or fairy tales.

That’s what I did. No blood, no ghastly sights. A very feminine, delicate, somewhat vintage attire, true to my style.

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