Technology and Me

I was reading Shweta’s blog post earlier today about how technology can seize you and burn you down eventually. She recommends that one cuts off from social networking on all devices for some time everyday and do more meaningful things in life.

While I have always considered technology a blessing to mankind, I agree that technology (excessive, unnecessary social networking, rather) is just a waste of time and is tiring. We can now access all mails, chat options, social networking sites – everything – from our cell phones. And so, we are hooked on.

I am, for sure. I access mail, Watsapp, Hangout, WordPress, Facebook, etc, on my cell phone. My hand automatically picks up my phone every few minutes to check for notifications. Even though I know nothing would have come in, I still tend to check. I just end up with a headache by the time half the day is over.

When I switch on my laptop, I actually have nothing specific to check. Because I have seen and accessed everything already.

Sometimes, I feel like uninstalling apps like FB and WordPress from my cell phone. It makes no sense checking them 20 times a day. Moreover, there is no surprise element left when I start my laptop at the end of the day! I’d rather have the joy of checking lot of notifications and mails at the end of the day rather than browsing through apps aimlessly and getting frustrated.

But, I will not uninstall the apps completely because sometimes you really need to update or share something with your readers or friends and family at a moment and you need to do so right then. Delaying would dissolve the essence. This is one of the reasons why I love technology. Well, why I love technology calls for another blog post.

What do you think? Technology is really a blessing?

This is what I wore for errands running. What do you think of errands, by the way? Another debate, huh?

Tank top: Clothes Rack

Skirt: Bangkok

Flats: Target

Bangles: Fabindia

Necklace: Gifted

Tote: Need I say??

Be Stylishly Different

Fashion is extremely dynamic. Trends change every other week. Users are exploded with pictures and information through all kinds of media. There are fashion bloggers in every street who give you outfit ideas. Pinterest amazes with stunning pictures. Global brands are available anywhere at the click of a button. In such a scenario, how does one maintain their individuality? It is very tempting and easy to reproduce latest looks and get lost in the crowd. It also brings about monotony and is hard on your bank account.

Here’s how you can dress differently from others and yet be stylish.

1. Sometimes classy is trendy

White shirt and light denims. Printed maxi skirt and tank top. Skinny jeans and high heels. Pleated plaid skirts and tee. These are some classic eternal combinations that have not and will never go out of fashion. It is always good to have some classic pieces in your wardrobe that you can turn to when you don’t want to be a part of the crowd and yet look fashionable.

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2. Mix textures and patterns

You will find a variety of patterns and textures in your collection – lace, stripes, plaid, abstract, jacquard, suede, boucle, floral. Mix them randomly. Lace with plaid or floral with stripes. Try unconventional color and pattern combinations.

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3. Bring in ethnic accents

India has abundance of ethnic designs – block prints, tie-dye, unique silks & embroidery. We probably take them for granted because they have been around since forever. We are also used to seeing them in Indian wear. Look at them differently and you will find that they can be incorporated in western casual wear. Add at least one of those elements into your outfit. Use a block print dupatta as a scarf. Wear a gota border skirt with a tank top.

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Read the full article on Fashionlivre.com. Join the community to share ideas and style trends & stay connected with fashion bloggers.

Find My Way

(Play music while you read!)

At times, do you have a problem with the way you are? I do, with one particular trait of mine. I am an introvert. I can go on talking to people I know and am close with but otherwise, I talk less. Not just that, I think a lot in my mind but I won’t speak out my thoughts.

This trait posed a great deal of problems for me after I moved to the US. I was meeting so many new people and I started going to school. And I knew no one. So, I had to open my mouth and make friends. But I wouldn’t. Or, couldn’t. I was too nervous. Often, I would try. But I would speak in such a meek voice that the person sitting beside me would not hear. And that would create more embarrassment for me.

I was otherwise confident. I have been asking questions in class and actively participate. I have been doing well in this totally new subject. This has given me oodles of confidence and boosted my self-esteem but still, its going to be a while when I start feeling like I belong here.

It took me a year to accept and get comfortable to a particular friend circle. A year of meeting them twice a month brought out the comfort level.

I know, I am no different than others. Just because they have been living here for so long does not mean they are better in any way. It’s just my anxious mind that muddled up my basic concepts.

Around a couple of months after I came here, I was picked up to participate in a webcast on Huffington Post. There were 5 other women in the webcast. It was a disaster. For one, I was at school, sitting in a corridor during break trying to interact on the webcam on my tablet. I could not hear a thing. I am not one to butt in a conversation. I could not participate even when they asked me to speak – because they could not hear me. I felt so ashamed.

I consoled myself saying I think better than I speak. I write better than I interact in a group. And perhaps, it is completely okay.

When I went to India this time, I surprised myself by chatting with people I barely knew and actively participating in groups. Of course, one year in US has brought about changes in me. I am more open than ever. But I was more free in India because I still consider India my home; I still find comfort there.

Aaaanyway, I enjoy window shopping and shopping here as I enjoy roaming around my college campus, going to the cafeteria and library. I have got used to certain malls, stores and of course my college and actually feel at home there.

So I guess things are improving.

Coming to the outfit post. I wore this on Sunday. I went to a car mela, a temple to attend a function and a social visit. I got this beautiful woollen vest from Janpath at the cost of peanuts. It is in lovely tweed – brown with pink dots. It goes with just about everything. it gives a 90’s look, maybe, but I think it is an evergreen, classic, smart Indo-western look. I accessories with a big metal pendant, wood-n-metal drop earrings, oxidized nose-ring, leopard print flats and a jhola bag.

Interview With Bangalore Designer, Babita Jaishankar

I was so lucky M mentioned her designer friend Babita Jaishankar when I visited her in Bangalore last month. Meeting Babita was a refreshing experience. She is vivacious, positive and warm. Her optimism rubbed off on me. She is a passionate designer who wears multiple hats. Her story is inspiring to an aspiring fashion designer like me.

If you are in Bangalore, you must check out her collection. Her designs have contemporary silhouettes and yet a vintage feel. They are perfect for women who wish to dress up in a modern but modest way.

Here are some of her designs from her FB page.

 

Babita is a well known name in Bangalore. She regularly gives workshops in Corporate and Institutes and has also judged Miss Bangalore contest in the past. No points for guessing, she is always sighted in her own designs. A busy woman, Babita is, apart from being a loving wife and mother, CEO, Founder of Wsol Fashion & Image Makeovers and Create Designer of BAJA and yet, she was gracious enough to give time to my questions. Read more about her and her work in the following interview..

1. Please tell us something about BAJA & WSol.

BAJA The New You’ is a new age women’s clothing brand, headed by me and Amrutha John. BAJA is all about dressing up the contemporary Indian woman.  Our clothing range is as versatile as today’s woman, with the right mix of traditional and western wear. We have the perfect outfits for you, whether you are a high flying corporate executive or an entrepreneur, a bride or a mom to be.

We are unlike any other brand. We are unique, creating remarkable outfits for women of substance. Our western wear is designed with today’s Indian woman in mind, flattering and complementing Indian body types. Our traditional wear has a modern yet classic look, which is achieved by using indigenous textiles and prints with modern cuts and drapes.   At BAJA,  we help you to get a outfit that suits your color and style profile keeping in mind your lifestyle . 

WSol (Wardrobe solutions) is all about transformations; from head to toe and inside out. We offer a comprehensive suite of fashion and image makeover solutions, with an emphasis on customizing packages to individual style, preferences and life goals. We conduct individual consultations and workshops, all aimed at enhancing your self-confidence, with the help of the right image, grooming and attitude. Our goal is to help you reach your highest possible potential, personally and professionally.  

Our services are beneficial to institutions and individuals alike. On one hand, we work with prestigious management schools, corporate organizations and other formal and informal groups. On the other, we work with individuals – men and women, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, authors and artists, brides and moms. There’s no organization or individual who couldn’t possibly benefit from our services. Whether the client is an individual or an organization, we are committed to offering highly customized solutions that are on par with international standards. Our plans and suggestions are always formulated after a thorough analysis of client needs and preferences.

Organizations like Infosys, Wellingkar Management School, CMR School of Management, ITM Business School, Gyms, Ireboot, IWEN and the Rotary Club have engaged our services and reaped the benefits. It’s time you did, too!

2. How did you decide to get into fashion designing?

Designing was always a part of my life, as a child I would never wear any dress without adding personal touch to it. Started designing and stitching by the time I was a teenager. Don’t know exactly when I wanted to be a fashion designer. Guess it was always there in me.

3. What was the inspiration behind your collection?

Inspiration behind my collection is ‘today’s ‘women. Who is pretty confident, plays different roles and knows what she wants .

4. What does a normal day in your life look like?

Normal day – Nah there is nothing like that J

5. What do you enjoy most about designing?

For me it is to play with colors and fabrics and together the stories it creates.

6. What challenges do you face in your work / industry?

The skilled laborer .

7. Anything you wish you had done differently?

Nothing, it is perfect the way it is .

8. What is your favorite brand?

BAJA, ha ha

9. How would you describe your own personal style?

Very unpredictable, no rules and to be a part of a big story …

10. What was the first article of clothing you ever designed?

It was a dress for my doll that I hand stitched .

11. If you weren’t a fashion designer what would you do instead?

A story teller..

12. What advice do you have for aspiring fashion designers?

Follow your heart

13. Where can readers buy your clothes?

www.bajathenewu.com or https://www.facebook.com/bajathenewu

Do not miss checking out her blog (http://babitajaishankar.com) where she writes about style tips, developing your own fashion sense and little tit-bits about her life. (Do read this post. You will be amazed at the results. It is an eye opener)

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High Heel Talk

Ever had anyone mock women who dress up well? Met men who think women who spend time on their looks are plain dumb? I get really disturbed when anyone has this thinking. My husband often teases me when I wear heels. The walk heels generate on a woman and the sound that heels make are clichéd in a certain way. I get upset when I hear such remarks. High heels do not mean dumb or cheap. They just mean classy or sexy. Spending time on looks is not stupid. It is a reflector of confidence, attitude and zest for life.

This is 2013. I still find so many old, traditional thoughts floating around that it scares me. If we haven’t opened up our minds yet, then when? Women are still targeted and are the ones justifying or fighting back. So, so unfair.

On a positive note, I read about so many women entrepreneurs on Women’s Web, it is greatly inspiring. I want to be one of them, some day. It is a big dream. And given that I am starting afresh, mid-life, into a totally new career, is a little nerve-wracking. I had started off with fashion studies with a lot of optimism and enthusiasm. But as I get deeper into the field and it is time for me to start attempting things on my own, I am shaky. I wonder if I would be able to do it. There are so many talented people out there; it’s going to be a lot of challenge and hard work.

But hey, you see obstacles only when you take your eyes off your goal. And that’s what I need to do. I could do with fewer distractions like baking, cooking and cleaning. And focus.

Flea Market, Country Music, Summer.

Summer is such a wonderful season. Summer has everything cheery and colourful related to it – floral prints, flowy materials, cheery music, fruity drinks and lots of color in every way everywhere. I tried to enjoy those precious few months of summer to my fullest. Holidays at school made summer feel all the more special – relaxed, happy and joyous. I tried something new every other day – some new outfit combination, new cake recipe, different types of music (have lately loved country music). Of course, I preferred to just drift and not to stick to my grand plans of practicing patternmaking and stitching and blogging more. Which is sad, actually. When my 3 month long break ended, I was shocked how those months just flew by without me doing much productive work.

Come to think of it, I have difficulty sticking to one thing. I keep drifting between ‘hobbies’. If I am doing something, I tend to think of some other activity that is more appealing. When I was working in Corporate, I tried finding as much time as I could for blogging. And now, when I have all the time in the world to blog (and topics too), I rarely blog. Earlier, fashion was my biggest passion. I dreamt of having my own venture and saying goodbye to Corporate life forever. And now, when I am already into the fashion line (studying, of course), I think of everything from baking to cooking to socializing to home decoration!

The worst part is, at the end of the day, I find nothing achieved! My whole day has flown but except a clean house (that gets messy by the end of day anyway) and food (that gets over in hours too), I haven’t got anything done. That makes me feel reeeaaallly lousy and inefficient. Where does my time go? More thinking than doing? I guess so.

Coming to the outfit post, this is what I wore to the flea market on a very warm Sunday afternoon. The biggest San Jose flea market is minutes away from my place and I decided to walk (hence, the sneakers). It was a brilliant day. Lovely weather (I love warm weather), good live country music and the most amazing cool Melon fresh juice. Sluurrrrp. This makes me want to run to the flea market asap!

It’s Sari Day (Finally!!)

I love saris. When I was shopping for my wedding, despite knowing that I would be moving out of India where I would not find many opportunities to wear sari, I was so driven towards them. I wanted to buy the whole shop (Asopalav, Ahmedabad). I did end up buying a few new ones, stole some of Mum’s and brought some 7 saris to US with me (along with fancy, sexy blouses).

And what happened after coming here? Never got an opportunity to wear one until 5 months later. Yes! I saw my chance when a friend invited us to her son’s Annaparashram function at a temple. The moment I got the invite, my mind was thinking which sari to wear.

And I zeroed on this one because the blouse was most decent!

Some day, I had loved chiffon, georgette and net. Now I love non-shiny silks (like khaadi or jute). This particular sari is from my favourite store (didn’t I mention.. Asopalav, Ahmedabad) and is a sticky kind of silk. If I remember correctly, it is jute silk. I love the bold, vibrant combination of colours. Suited the warm California weather just right!

Style Resolutions for 2013

After going through fashion blogs a lot lately, and because fashion is going to be my focus for the coming year, I have zeroed on some resolutions for this year. I have realized that my dressing style is very standard and similar. I do not create bold mixes. I usually put on a pair of shorts, a chiffon top and funky sandals. To add more funk, I would wear metal bangles and a nose ring. But the many pieces of scarves and tops in my wardrobe are mostly under utilized. So this year, I have to get rid of this ‘playing safe’ habit of mine. The inspiration behind this resolution is Tanvii’s style.

Another thing I tend to do is bend more towards greys and tans. Earlier pieces of clothing have a lot of pink and white but nowadays it is only grey, tan and dull green. I would pair these colours with everything. And there will be tan / grey pullovers, shoes and bags. Uh. So this year, I am going to expand my span of colours.

 

When I was in India, I was a compulsive shopper. There, the brands were similar, prices were standard and if I spotted anything different, I wouldn’t think twice and just pick it up. This doesn’t work here. The choices are too many and prices vary big-time. I know I cannot STOP shopping (why should I? I am not going to stay young forever!). I can only resolve to spend only on great bargains / deals and make the best of what I already own.

When I was making these sets, I realized I already own similar pieces of clothing. Its time I experiment!

This year the biggest change that is coming into my life (apart from marriage of course. But I guess, that’s stale news now!) is fashion studies that I am beginning from this month end! I am shifting gears. After 7+ years in Human Resources, I am starting afresh in a totally new field. A field I am really passionate about and is damn challenging. I know I will have to struggle. I will be a student again, totally novice and unaware. Its like going back 10 years – back to when I was a MBA student and didn’t know what Corporate was all about. But then, I learnt and grew. I am so looking forward to this new life, this new chapter.

Violet Flowers

Its been 10 days into the new year and I have not made any resolutions. Resolutions never work for me. Something pushes me into action and then it fizzles out. And anyway, there is the new marriage to cope up with. That makes resolutions look very small and menial in front of it.

The only resolve I can think of is getting back in shape. After leaving my job and sitting at home hence, pre and post marriage food and pampering has made me lousy and lazy. Its time to put on my tracks and running shoes again.

Fashion bloggers are resolving to save money and ban shopping for some weeks/months. Hhmm, I wonder if I can do that. Most probably naaah!

Striped

I definitely hate winters. I love my shorts, chiffon tops and gladiator sandals too much to be dressed from head to toe in winter wear. But now I am in the US and I cannot avoid winter! I might as well enjoy it.

Being a great Salman Khan fan, it was blasphemy that I watched Dabangg 2 in the second week but well, I am married now and marriage changes so many things.

So, the first time I watched a movie in a US cinema hall full of loud, over excited NRIs. Hhmm, quite an experience. As for the movie, of course I loved it!