Category: Features

Soho House Mumbai – Our Exclusive Review of One of Mumbai’s Hottest New Hangout

I had the pleasure of staying at the Soho House Mumbai during my recent travels to the financial hub of India. For those unfamiliar with the concept of these estates dotted about the cosmopolitans of the world, Soho House was founded in London in 1995 for people working in creative industries. Each House is designed for the city and neighbourhood it is located in, but all share the same ethos; “to create a comfortable home away from home for a community of like-minded creative people, wherever they are.”

Soho House Mumbai gives you a taste of this coastal cosmopolitan in India, as it is located at the shore of the famous Juhu Beach. It is surrounded by the animated cityscape on one side and the vast stretch of the Arabian Sea on the other. The 11-storey building houses six types of 38 bedrooms, welcoming single travellers and larger groups. I was travelling with a friend and had booked the Medium Sea View Room – and what a beauty it is! Approximately 45 square metres of space is elegantly decorated with vintage furniture, a nod to English colonial India, and features a king-size bed. However, my favourite bit has to be the elegantly long balcony that overlooks Juhu Beach and the limitless sea. The coffee table seating with vintage chairs by the balcony made it a perfect spot to sip a cup of coffee, catch on work, cosy up with a book or just unwind after a long day in the bustle of Mumbai city.

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There is a plethora of dining options at the Soho House, starting with in-room service ‘The House’ that is open to members and hotel guests only, and caters to all needs and moods at any and every hour. It offers classics found in Soho Houses across the world, as well as favourites from the local Indian cuisine. Breakfast for me, however, was an enjoyable meal every morning at ‘The Allis’, which offers quite a variety with options of Continental, English or Indian style breakfasts, and an array of energising beverages, coffees and teas to choose from. It is a relaxed space to socialise and entertain guests from outside, a concept borrowed from the original concept at Soho House Chicago. Soho House Mumbai’s speciality restaurant ‘Cecconi’s’ is located at the lobby level and is open to non-members as well. The restaurant offers authentic Italian cuisine in a modern setting, in an indoor dining room, or the al-fresco outdoor seating facing the sea. It is truly a sophisticated place to impress your guests or your date.

The rooftop of this sophisticated edifice features an outdoor swimming pool and also offers a wide selection of food and beverage options. It is the perfect setting to sip on cocktails on balmy summer evenings, whilst one enjoys panoramic views of the cityside on the East and the Arabian Sea on the West.

The hotel’s gymnasium is equipped with the latest gear and machines, and also offers users time with personal trainers. Other features of Soho House Mumbai include ‘The Eva Room’ to host private and intimate events. It is also where Soho House hosts memorable events for its members on a number of occasions, with a myriad of events being hosted on a weekly basis. The structure also boasts a luxurious 32-seat cinema, with daily screenings for guests or private hire, for the ultimate cinematic experience, a unique offering in the capital of Bollywood. Both these spaces are open to members and non-members.

Soho House Mumbai is definitely one of the more happening places in the suburbs of Mumbai, with the crème-de-la-crème of the city visiting often. If you’re lucky enough, you may even spot your favourite Bollywood star sipping a glass of wine and enjoying a pleasant evening here. The charm of Soho House is brought about by its exclusivity and that there are very few to match it’s reputed hospitality and personalized service in Mumbai. And it is perhaps for this reason that photography here is restricted, to safeguard the privacy of its guests. Soho House offers a number of membership-plans that one can avail of, and after my visit, I think I may just take one up myself and explore more of these estates across the globe.

A Weekend at Hawkstone Hall & Gardens

I had the pleasure of taking a short getaway over the summer at Hawkstone Hall & Gardens, in Shrewsbury. A charming 18th-century Georgian mansion, the estate stretches across 88 acres of land and overlooks the Shropshire countryside and Welsh Valleys. Recently renovated and converted into a boutique hotel, the structure has been in existence for nearly 550 years and offers a romanticized old-world charm with modern and contemporary features and services. The main building is located about a mile’s drive away along a gravelled road, and we were captivated by the naturally beautiful and lush surroundings. Majestic double doors, grand staircases, high sculpted ceilings, rich drapes and antique furniture give the interiors add Hawkstone’s sheer opulence.

The hotel has 37 guest rooms, which each have distinct features, yet share a soft colour palette of duck-egg blue and calamine pink. The hotel is also pet-friendly, with some rooms welcoming our furry friends as guests. There is also another room with interconnecting chambers for larger families. Some of the suites, located in the main hall are named after famous authors, and we had the pleasure of staying in the well-appointed room Byron. Each of the rooms, however, is immaculate featuring opulent chandeliers, four-poster beds, luxurious Elemis bathroom essentials, a vintage radio, cocktail trays, Nespresso coffee, vintage radio and other elements of vintage décor. The bathrooms are as spacious as the chambers themselves, with far off views of the estate and the Valleys – a heavenly corner for relaxation. Their in-house mascot Hector, a fluffy stuffed bear, gave us a warm welcome and was our companion throughout the weekend.

In proper English style, we stepped into one of the main parlours of the manor that overlooks the Hawkstone garden – The Saloon. There is a variety of menus to choose from, namely the ‘Traditional’, Gentlemen’s’ and ‘Guilt-Free’ menus. Whilst enjoying the view of the expansive gardens, we opted for the offerings in the ‘Traditional’ tea menu, which was a symphony of delicious finger sandwiches, scones, homemade cakes, tarts and pastries, and tea made with fresh leaves.

After tea, we decided to explore the property and came across the library that still houses books dating back to centuries. If you’re a bookworm, you will never want to leave this room. The halls of the mansion are dotted with antique paintings and have nuances of the original architecture. I was really amazed at how immaculately the current management has been able to preserve these authentic and key factors, even after all these years. its features at different nooks of the grounds. The estate is dotted with picturesque and delicate landscaping including a rose garden, croquet lawn, apple orchard, ancient cemetery, walled garden, a rivulet with a quaint stoned bridge crossing over, forested areas, cobbled paths, the romantic ‘secret garden’ and many others. My favourite, however, was the 18th-century original lily pond, where we relaxed for a fair bit of time on that summer’s evening.

Dinner was a quiet, yet luxurious affair, at the Saloon, again. We began our meal with a serving of fresh and juicy Heritage Tomatoes, with goat’s cheese mousse, tomato consommé and basil, a real treat in summer. The non-vegetarian started we opted for was the Duck Liver Parfait served with burnt leek, pear and pea emulsion. The meat parfait seemed delightfully light and airy, yet filling, with perfect vegetable accompaniments.

The vegetarian main course was a unique offering of Salt Baked Celeriac served with an oozy risotto of seasonal vegetables and tarragon cream. For meat lovers, you may enjoy the flavour-packed Garlic and Herb Cannon of Lamb with fondant potatoes, peas, broad beans and garlic puree. One can also visit The Saloon for dinner, available six days a week from Mondays to Saturdays, based on prior reservations. Although, the vegetarian options are quite limited, it is definitely a haven of gourmet delicacies!

The property is also accessible for retreats, for when your body, mind and soul need a break from the constant hustle of city life. With a yoga centre, wellness workshops, hikes, massages, nutritious meals and cookery demos, Hawkstone Hall’s 2-Day Escape and Energise Retreat is one for all the busy bees. The manor also makes for a great location for hosting corporate groups and team building activities. But most of all, this majestic Georgian manor is a dream wedding destination!

The extravagant Bronte Bridal Suite boasts 15 large sash windows with far-reaching views, a private entry corridor, huge bathroom suite, private dressing area, ‘emperor’ 7ft bed, banquette seating and a relaxation area. Every bride and groom is sure to feel pampered and well looked-after for the big day at Hawkstone Halls & Gardens. The imposing structure has its very own historic chapel, with working bells and an organ, where a couple can ceremoniously make their vows to each other in the presence of their family and close friends.

In addition to the Chapel, there are five other equally splendid rooms where once can celebrate their special occasion. The Wintergarden and the Refectory can accommodate between 150 to 250 people for a reception, and while the Ball Room is a setting for a more intimate affair, it is every bit as impressive as, if not more than, the others. One can also make use of the delicately designed Tapestry Room for a civil marriage ceremony or a small gathering of 100 people. And of course, on a balmy summer evening such as the weekend we had there, once can also take advantage of the expansive grounds to host a special celebration.   

Hawkstone Hall & Gardens, with manicured lawns, floor-to-ceiling windows with natural light flooding through them, Georgian architecture and antique furnishings, is out of a period-drama and a great place for people of all ages. And whether it be a weekend away with your family or a loved one, or festivities, this estate is definitely one to keep in mind for a rejuvenating weekend.

Searcys at the Gherkin – London Restaurant Review

In the heart of London lies one of the city’s most well-appointed and contemporary landmarks of modern gastronomy, Searcys at The Gherkin. Across the United Kingdom, Searcys’ various restaurants and bars are known for their carefully curated menus and lavish collection of hand-picked champagne vintages from various notable houses, as well as small, independent growers, to give guests a taste of the perfect food and beverage melange, with every fine dining experience.

The Helix restaurant and Iris Bar at The Gherkin, London, offer most scrumptious dishes and the finest concoctions with a vista of London’s expansive cityscape. It makes for a romantic spot for dates and my husband and I recently celebrated our anniversary at the Helix restaurant. The name of the restaurant is in fact, inspired by the helix-like structure of the skyscraper and offers a sleek ambiance with artistic and floral nuances. The Iris Bar is situated on the highest level of the Gherkin edifice and is a nod to the iris-like shape of the peak of the iconic London building.

While the ambiance is an epitome of chic and the vista simply breath-taking, the food and cocktails are outstanding, and the service is impeccable. I am a vegetarian, and the restaurant’s offerings more than exceeded my expectations. Picking bits and pieces from an elaborate menu, our first course of starters were servings of Whipped goat’s cheese, pickled heritage carrots with summer leaves and Portland Crab, celery, grapes, topped with candied walnuts. The goat’s cheese was silky and the crunch from the carrots and freshness of the leaves offered the perfect balance to the tang from the whipped cheese. My husband thoroughly seemed to enjoy the flaky crab meat and its mixture with the caramelized nuts and grassy celery.

The vegetarian main was unique – a serving of Confit leeks, Evesham broad beans, and herb dumplings, a taste of Britain’s freshest seasonal produce with flavours that meld together perfectly. The succulent and juicy meat from my husband’s choice of the Braised shoulder of Herdwick lamb, heritage carrots, spring greens, and buckwheat seemed completely irresistible, and I barely managed to escape the temptation.

The desserts, though, topped this gastronomic escapade. The Chocolate ale cake with cherry compote and vanilla ice-cream are a match made in culinary heaven, and the combination of Tart with strawberry ice-cream is divine and sweet ending to any meal.  

Although, going here at any time of the year feels like a luxurious treat, this summer is an especially great time, thanks to a unique pop-up called “The Glasshouse at the Gherkin”, in partnership with Perrier-Jouët Champagne, until 1st September 2019. The pop-up is a homage to fresh and natural products and ingredients and welcomes guests for indulgent dining experiences featuring delicacies made with seasonal produce paired with exquisite Champagne vintages and gin concoctions, and masterclasses held by expert mixologists. Searcys at Gherkin is also a great venue to host team lunches and makes for a stunning location for special occasions such as weddings and celebrations or corporate events, a space that is bound to impress guests with its delectable cuisine, fine cocktails and beverages, sophisticated ambiance and panoramic view of the city of London.

Remedies to Hair Fall, I have tried and tested.

Hair fall is everyone’s nightmare and its effects tend to creep up and make us feel low. I have suffered from this too, and fortunately, there are plenty of remedies – DIY and store-bought, that have helped me overcome this stressful phase. Here are some steps that helped me to get stronger, luscious locks.

1. Aloe Vera Pulp and Coconut Oil Mask:

This emulsification of aloe vera and coconut oil is a wonder for all hair problems. Aloe vera has similar composites to those of keratin, that coax damaged hair cells to rejuvenate, gain elasticity and prevent breakage. Coconut oil stimulates hair growth and is a natural conditioner.

2. Hot Oil Massage:

This age-old and easy home remedy provides remarkable results. Massaging hot oil into your scalp increases blood flow, hair growth,  strength and elasticity, and prevents hair fall. And there are many options if you are less inclined to using popular coconut oil. For instance, vitamin E in almond oil is great to make your locks strong and shiny and olive oil is known to repair and nourish every strand of damaged hair. 

3. Hair Masks: L’Oréal Paris Deep Nourishing Creambath Hair Spa

Hair fall can often be predicted by deteriorating finer and lifeless tresses. The L’Oréal Paris Deep Nourishing Creambath Hair Spa comes highly recommended for dry and damaged hair. A generous smear of this water lily induced mask once a week produced visibly nourished, shinier and healthier results for my hair. 

L’Oréal Paris Deep Nourishing Creambath Hair Spa
Price: £29.99
Click here to buy

Kérastase Paris Masquintense Fine Hair

Another mask great for repairing hair damage from pollution, treatments, styling and other stresses of life is the Kérastase Paris Masquintense Fine Hair.

Kérastase Paris Masquintense Fine Hair
Price: £32.99
Click here to buy

4. Back to Basics: Maria Nila Head & Hair Heal Shampoo and Conditioner

Maria Nila Head & Hair Heal

When my problem with hair fall became almost uncontrollable, I turned to this champion duo of shampoo and conditioner. In addition to healthy ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E, it also contains oleanolic acid, a botanical extract which fights free radicals that kill growth cells and stimulates healthy growth.

Maria Nila Head & Hair Heal Range

Maria Nila Head & Hair Heal Shampoo 1 Litre
Price: £60
Click here to buy

Maria Nila Head & Hair Heal Conditioner 1 Litre
Price: £63
Click here to buy

5. Moroccanoil Treatment:

Moroccanoil treatment

This product has been on the market for years and is a favourite of hairdressers, stylists, and advisers. The key ingredient, argan oil conditions the scalp for healthier hair growth, reduces breakage by giving elasticity and strength to hair strands and reduces frizz for more manageable and soft hair.

Moroccanoil Treatment 100 ml
Price: £32.85
Click here to buy

6. Sugar Bear Gummies:

Hair Vitamins

I was equally skeptical and intrigued by these vitamin supplements. But the chewy, sweet, berry flavoured, candy-like vitamin gummies are a delight to eat and a boost for hair growth. The main ingredients include biotin, folic acid and Vitamin D that help to thicken hair, grow healthier hair cells and create new follicles, respectively.

Sugar Bear Vitamins for Hair

Sugar Bear Hair Vitamins – 1 Month
Price: $29.99
Click here to buy

7. A Healthier Lifestyle:

Stating quite the obvious, but I realised that there is no product or treatment in the world – natural or otherwise, that could substitute for a well-balanced diet including my daily five, minimum intake of two liters of water, and eight hours of good sleep, because they equally affect hair as they do other vital organs of the body. I’ve also learned that I do not need to style or put my hair through treatments as often as I have in the past. And even if I do, I always make sure to use treatment protection to curb the damage as much as possible.

healthy eating concept

My hair feels stronger and shinier and definitely less damaged and lifeless. But everyone has different experiences, so please feel free to share your remedies so we can all learn from each other.

Best 5 Foundations – Tested & Tried

Flawless finish has always been my mantra with makeup and nothing matters more than the choice of the right foundation. But since there is so much that goes into choosing the right one, I never take it frivolously. Here is the checklist I follow- it should be the right shade to match my skin tone, give me an awesome coverage and flawless finish, and be good to my skin too.

Well, this makes the choice tricky and so does the fact that there are some amazing options from my favorite brands out there.

With a lot of hit and trial, I have arrived at this list of my hot favorite foundations this season. Let’s check them out.

Pro Longwear Foundation by Mac

I have been using this product for over six years now, which is enough to prove how much I love this one. A creamy foundation, it gives me full coverage and lasts as long as 15 hours, which makes it just perfect for weddings and photo shoots. And the best thing is that it is oil-free and sweat and humidity-resistant as well. For my skin tone, I use NC 40 for winters and NC 42 for summers.

Pro Longwear Foundation by Mac
Price: £28.00
Click here to buy

Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF 15 by Bobbi Brown

While Mac has been in my makeup box for years now, Bobbi Brown is one is my latest favorite. As it claims, this longwear weightless lasts really, really long but feels totally natural…like weightless! It is great for every day long stay looks and I can vouch that because I have worn this from 6 am to 12 o clock at night with no touch-ups and still looking flawless. You can build it from medium to full coverage. My shades are natural tan and warm natural.

Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF 15 by Bobbi Brown
Price: £ 32.00
Click here to buy

Faux Filter Foundation Milkshake 100B by Huda Beauty

This one became a huge rave right from the day it hit the shelves and I could not just resist the temptation to try it. And I am glad that I did because it blends seamlessly with my skin to offer me great coverage for special occasions. It gives heavy coverage but the consistency is really good.

Baklava is the shade that works for me and as with all other Huda products I’ve used till date, this one too does not disappoint.

Faux Filter Foundation Baklava 340G by Huda Beauty
Price: £32.00
Click here to buy

Tient Idole Ultra Wear Foundation by Lancome

My beauty fundamental is never to compromise with quality; if you want to get good results, you should not think twice about investing in good skin products.

Lancome is a brand that I absolutely trust and Tient Idole Ultra Wear Foundation from this brand makes it to the list of my favorites. The long stay foundation gives a perfectly natural look that is ideal for work, events and shopping.

There are 40 shades to choose from and I’m sure you’d find one that is a perfect match for yours, my shade is 038. The bottle lasts long and I love its consistency.

Tient Idole Ultra Wear Foundation by Lancome
Price: £ 32.00
Click here to buy

Power Play Foundation by Cover FX

This is a brand I’ve tried recently and I’d say that I am pretty impressed by the products. The Power Play Foundation offers medium coverage which you can build to get a natural finish. In fact, this is the reason that I have started using it as one of my everyday foundations currently. My shade is G50. Interestingly, their website has a quiz that helps you find the right shade based on the brand shade of foundation that you are using currently. This feature saves time for busy bees like us as we need not test on the counter and can find the right one with just a few clicks.

Power Play Foundation by Cover FX
Price: £44.00
Click here to buy

Go ahead and try out these incredible products. I’m sure you’d love them as much as I do!

Cover FX Beauty Haul and Review

Amongst hundred beauty brands that surface every few months, there has emerged a victor with a focus on customized beauty over a large range of foundation shades, promising a fit for everyone. Cover FX is a vegan brand that lets users be stress free about the repercussions of parabens, gluten, talc and other nasties of the like, and is born from careful formulations for every skin type. It’s focus on creating a family of multiple foundation textures, and colour and radiance enhancing products are what make this brand unique. Here is my review on some of the wonderful products I have laid my hands on.

1. Blurring Primer

This is pre-base product with balm-like consistency. I dabbed and blended it onto targeted areas which blurred and minimized the appearance of enlarged pores on my cheeks and soft focused fine lines to reveal seamless and smooth skin. I did use a large dollop, at first, and found that my foundation did not sit well on it. However, when I used a lesser amount the next times I realised a little goes a long way with this product and a pea-size squirt was just right.

Blurring Primer
Price: £30
Click here to buy

2. Cream Concealer

This water based, highly elastic and blendable concealer is an all-rounder covering my under-eye circles, spots and redness. Again, a little goes a really long way, so my only worry is squeezing too much out of the tube. While the formula added a little glisten to the targeted areas, I was easily able to remedy and mattify that with a light dusting of powder.

Cream Concealer
Price: £24
Click here to buy

3. Power Play Concealer

This product is the light weight yet long-wearing relative of the cream concealer. And it is this consistency that also makes it fabulous for multi-use as a concealer, contour and highlighter. The range offers 30 diverse shades to choose from. My perfect match was shade N50. The doe-foot wand made for precise application on targeted areas and is simple and effective. With a promise of crease-proof, transfer-proof and pollution-defence coverage for all skin types, this is my preferred product between the two high-performance concealers.

Power Play Concealer
Price: £24
Click here to buy

4. Contour Kit

This clever quad contains four cream products for contouring, highlighting and strobing but I have also used one of the shades closest to my skin colour as a full-coverage foundation or spot concealer. Because of its heavy formula, I build it up with light and sheer layers using the brush that comes with the kit, till I get the desired result. It is also important to set this product well with powder because of the heavy cream texture.

Contour Kit
Price: £18
Click here to buy

5. Shimmer Veil

A sheer liquid with specks of luminescent glitter particles evenly distributed. While these multi-purpose products can be used anywhere on the skin, my favourite use of them is as eye shadow.

It comes with an easy brush applicator without the fuss or worry of any fall-out. The luminosity gives a very angelic halo effect on the lids. It is definitely the stand-out product for me.

Shimmer Veil
Price: £22
Click here to buy

6. Matte-Finish Bronzer

I used the shade “Suntan” for a bronzed look. The colour is neither too orange nor too grey, making every swipe perfect for a sun-kissed effect and the talc free formula guarantees that my skin will not look dry or cakey. While this is a great buy for those with a more oily skin, this may not be the most ideal product for those who prefer a bit of sheen with their bronzer.

Matte-Finish Bronzer
Price: £25
Click here to buy

7. Illuminating Setting Powder (Travel-size)

This loose setting powder in shade Medium set the cream products, giving longevity to my makeup without adding any extra coverage or colour. The mica in the powder gives a boost of radiance and a soft luminosity. What sets this powder apart from others on the market is the talc-free property which prevents skin and makeup from looking dry or cakey.

Illuminating Setting Powder (Travel-size)
Price: Approximately £10
Click here to buy

8. Mini Perfect Light Highlighting Powder

Available in a mini size, this pressed powder highlighter has an almost creamy texture making it a dream to apply and blend. The finely milled silver pearls ensure a subtle radiance instead of a chunky sparkle and look beautiful even on my shoulders and decolléte.

Mini Perfect Light Highlighting Powder
Price: Approximately £10
Click here to buy

9. Correct Click – Redness

This is a great layering product beneath foundation or concealer, to correct any redness caused from skin irritation or bad weather. The shade yellow, is perfect for my wheatish complexion with olive undertones to correct mild redness. I swipe a light layer on my problem areas, namely around my nose, on my forehead and on my chin where I have some irritated skin.

Correct Click
Price: £15
Click here to buy

10. Correct Click – Undereye Circles

My biggest area of concern, when it comes to discolouration, is under my eyes. The blue and purple peek  very easily through my skin and this corrector in the shade Peach has really helped to even the tone under my eyes. After adding a bit of concealer on top, my under eyes look much brighter and awake. Packaged in a stick form, this is an easy and portable product.

Correct Click
Price: £15
Click here to buy

11. Cover Click

The Cover Click Stick is a high performance and high coverage, long-wearing base product. It’s dual performance as a foundation and concealer make it the ideal companion for those on the go. It is also extremely versatile and an arsenal of a few shades make for a sculpted and strobed face. I use shades N35 as my base and N40 to sculpt.

Cover Click
Price: Approximately £9 – £10
Click here to buy

12. Enhance Click

This has been my solo power product for a lit-from-within glow. This cream highlighter glides on like butter on the skin and a swipe on the eyelids also gives a luminous monochromatic look. While I use the shade Gold Dust on an everyday basis, because of my cooler undertones, the peachy pink iridescence of the shade Golden Peach has worked well for my skin tone during those vacations by the sea. These two shades are now a hand bag staple for me.

Enhance Click
Price: £15
Click here to buy

13. Custom Cover Drops

This product is not your average foundation, but actually is what the name suggests – a way for you to custom match your favourite foundation to best match your skin tone. I have enjoyed mixing shades G40 and N50 for a perfect match with my moisturiser for a light weight tinted moisturiser coverage. These products blend in seamlessly for buttery smooth skin.

Custom Cover Drops
Price: £36
Click here to buy

14. High Performance Setting Spray

A few sprits of this after makeup application promises increased longevity for up to 24 hours while also protecting your skin from pollution, without feeling dry or dehydrating.

It left a natural finish without looking too matte or too dewy and was sweat-proof even in humid environments.

High Performance Setting Spray
Price: £23
Click here to buy

15. Mattifying Setting Spray

As the name suggests, this is the mattifying counterpart of the Cover FX setting spray family, specially created for normal to oily skin types. While I prefer the High Performance Setting Spray myself, I can tell that this mattifier will deliver the same results for those whose skin is more suitable to this formulation.

Mattifying Setting Spray
Price: £23
Click here to buy

16. Custom Enhancer Drops

This award-winning product comes in my top 3 products from Cover FX. These concentrated metallic liquid drops are a great way to add the exact amount of glow that you want to add to your complexion.

While you can use them on their own as a liquid highlighter, I have enjoyed layering peachy blushes over the shade Blossom for a lit-from-within flush.

Custom Enhancer Drops
Price: £34
Click here to buy

So this has been my experience with Cover FX thus far, and I can safely say I am more than satisfied with the products. Are you going to equip your makeup kit with any of them?

Pastels, Waves, Romance and Spring with H&M

Spring brings the shedding off of the last layers of winter blues and also the layers of clothes that come with it. And while there still is a certain chill lingering, there is also pleasantness and the spirit of romance filling the air. H&M seems to have caught on with the nuances of fresh blooms and pastels to tell the tale of Spring 2019 through their latest collection. Let’s sneak a peek at some fashion and beauty looks to welcome the season of blossoms.

Look 1: Monochromatic Minimalism

A pair of slim-fit ankle length jeans with a loosely knit pastel sweater top emanate a cosy yet stylish vibe that is a perfect transition from winter to spring. The contrast of the blue of the denim against the pastel of the sweater top feels just right and the almost off-the-shoulder slouch of the sweater brings a touch of oomph to the whole look. Paired with pastel pumps and a half-up-half-down hairdo, this minimal yet chic ensemble is perfect for dewy spring brunches or crisp evenings sipping some exquisite wine, al-fresco. The classic black or even brown liner and natural lips complete this look with style.

Outfit Details:
Knitted Jumper, Price: £19.99 – Click here to buy

Look 2: Colour Pop!

You can glide through winter into spring with pops of colour too. Although pastels take centre stage this season, don’t be afraid to experiment with bright colours for statement eyes or lips. Add a ray of sunshine by packing your lids with a chrome yellow shadow and a swipe of moss green on the lower lashes, that make walnut eyes stand out. Apply lashings of mascara for the perfect flutter. The nude lip adds balance to make the eyes the defining statement of this make-up look. The half-up-half-down hairstyle frames the face beautifully, while also revealing the dewy high-points.

Outfit Details:
Knitted jumper, Price: £19.99 – Click here to buy

Look 3: Vision in Lilac

Nothing embodies romance better than some lace and soft curls. This lilac V-neck spaghetti dress is a bit flirtatious and the pastel hue adds innocence to the entire look. Perfect for date night, this piece is sure to make heads turn as you twirl in this fitted waist and flared skirt dress. The pastel pumps elevate the silhouette, even with the monochromatic theme. The intricacy of the lace throughout the dress and the frayed detail at the hem are what make this outfit unique. The ivory pearls on the collar necklace, which emulate the dew drops of springtime, and the matching bracelet, bring elegance to the look. The romance continues with a pop of brightness in the form of a stained, yet, saturated rose pout and nails to match. They mimic the freshness and blooms of spring. Add a little bit of mascara to frame the eyes and a highlighter on the high points for that glow. Hair flips with open soft curl tresses are bound to draw the attention of everyone who beholds this look that exudes romantic, angelic and spring vibes.

Outfit Details:
Lace Dress, Price: £59.99 – Click here to buy

Spring is the time to leave your worries and the greys of winter behind. So get inspired by some charming knit wear or lace and up the ante with your spring wardrobe in 2019.

Thank you to the team:

Styling @fashionforroyals
Hair & Makeup @veerdeep_hair_and_makeup
Photography @chloeelyphotography


My OOTD Looks For The Season

As we step into the New Year, my mantra for the season is looking good and feeling good. And there’s nothing better than layering when it comes to flaunting my best OOTD looks in the freezing London winters. I have some serious outfit inspirations for my followers, with some mix and match ideas from my current wardrobe to create the most amazing outfits without a lot of effort. Here are some of the best OOTD looks that I would recommend for the season!

Jumper scarf with belt

With this OOTD, I simply experimented with my scarf’s drape and wow….I was surprised with my own creativity! I draped a bright orange tasseled scarf over my jumper and secured it with a broad black leather belt for an absolutely novel style. An ordinary outfit taken to the next level, isn’t it? And the best thing is that it accentuates your waistline.

Outfit Details:

Scarf – Franchetti Bond
Jumper – Whistles
Belt – Other Stories

Dress with jacket

My next OOTD is a quintessential LBD teamed with a gorgeous green puffer jacket, an outfit that you can carry as effortlessly at work as on a casual outing. Just hunt your wardrobe and I’m sure that you’ll find these pieces without much work. I paired the outfit with a pair of ankle-length boots and a black hat to keep me extra cozy.

Outfit Details:
Dress – Oliver Bonas
Jacket – Jack Wills

Summer dress with jumper

This is the time of the year when I yearn to dress up in my favorite summer dresses but they still have to wait for a few months. Or don’t they….with this OOTD, I decided that I’ll not wait for the sunny days to be back as I layered my favorite, bright red summer dress with a warm boxy jumper. So fashionistas, let’s get inspired by this OOTD and find those flowing summer dresses in our closets!

Outfit Details:
Jumper – Reiss
Dress – Hush

Sleeveless dress with high turtleneck

And this one, I would say, is my favorite as it carried me with all the grace and glamour that is needed for a formal event. And creating this ultra-chic evening attire was as easy as slipping on a sleeveless black dress over a blue high turtleneck. The OOTD kept me super-warm and fetched some incredible complements as well.

Outfit Details:
Dress – Oliver Bonas
Jumper – Whistles

So gals, these are some of the best outfits that you must try to look fabulous these season. Just get creative with all that you have and go on to try these wonderful looks!!

My Favourite Indian Festive Looks

Now that the Indian wedding season is in full fervor, it’s time to get your wardrobe ready for the celebration. This is one time of the year when every Indian woman wants to look her “traditional” best, with stunning outfits and jewelry that define the exuberance and gaiety that the grand Indian festivals are so well-known for.

Like all the divas out there, this is perhaps the most awaited season for me as it gives me the opportunity to shine in my traditional avatar. Every look is a celebration for me, as I get to be creative with my zaris and gotas and heavy, ethnic jewelry as well. This year, I have styled some amazing looks that I can flaunt during the festivities. Each of these looks has a distinct vibe as versatility is my mantra for the Festive Look

Sophistication Personified

This ivory and gold lehenga from House of Masaba is pure bliss as it personifies sophistication in subtleness. This stunning outfit stands out without craving for attention. The checkered Chanderi dupatta in gold gives it just the right dose of shine. What I really love about this lehenga is that its color, which is so different from the vibrant hues that hallmark the Indian festivities. It is right for the bride who wants to steal the show on mehendi or reception party

I’ve teamed it with a pearl choker and earrings from Esfir Jewels. These pieces are a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, making them just right to complete this look. For hair and makeup, I’ve kept the look natural, with loose curls and just a hint of gloss on the lips.

Regal in Pink

Ace the festive look with this regal pink Anarkali from Reeth designer collection. A lovely refreshing shade of pink combined with royal blue makes a perfect pairing for the festive season. This charming attire is my favorite for the day look because it is bright yet soothing. And Anarkali has always been my favorite style because it is so feminine and flowy. Just the attire to wear as a wedding guest or for the sister-of-the-bride look for smaller functions!

For jewelry, I’ve picked these gorgeous contemporary pearl earrings by Esfir Jewels. The pair has just a hint of light blue color that contrasts yet complements the pink of the outfit. I’ve chosen to carry soft curls with this look. For makeup, it’s a pretty pink shade on the lips teamed with a blue eye shadow that creates some drama.

A Fashionable Fusion

This gorgeous green and gold lehenga skirt and sensuous blouse from Reeth makes a stunning pick for an engagement party or a dinner look. Further, I just went creative and paired the skirt with a plain white shirt for creating a less formal ensemble. The simplicity of the collared shirt sets off the richness of the lehenga to perfection.

For the formal look, I wore it with a pretty kundan necklace and earrings. With the semi-formal look, I wanted a statement jewelry piece and this heavy long kundan necklace served as the right choice to glamorize the look. Loose hair and soft makeup were my pick for this fusion festive look.

Go ahead and try one of these looks this festive season and I’m sure that you’ll love them as much as I do.

Dressing this Winter season- Here are the 3 best looks!

As the seemingly endless summer came to an end. It’s time to dress up and flaunt the best we have in our pre-winter wardrobes. And I suggest some creative mix-and-match looks that can be ideated by combining different pieces that you have and creating versatile outfits for work and party. Here are three stellar looks that I want to share for autumn 2018.

The office look – straight skirt with or without jacket

Ribbed Turtleneck Top
Price: £16.95

Sassy Pleats Skirt
Price: £39.95

Let’s start with this stylish office look that I’ve created by wearing a grey pencil skirt with a red turtleneck. The Sassy Pleats Skirt in grey and red check is simple yet elegant and is embellished with decorative buttons to the back. It is teamed with a red ribbed turtleneck that offers warmth and complements it to perfection.

Coat from New Look

For jewelry, I chose to wear simple pearls with the outfit. And you can throw over the Red Check Bouclé Coat for extra layering and formal vibe. The ensemble is just right for the office and can carry you to the evening drinks as well!

The evening look-Jeans with sequin jumper

Sequin Embellished Jumper – Purple
Price: £45

Overdye Blue Jeggings
Price: £45

Taking the Chelsea Boot to new heights
Price: £75.00

The next is the stunning evening look, with a pair of skinny jeans and a delicate sequin jumper. The dark blue skinny jeans offer awesome comfort, while the gorgeous sequins provide just the right dose of glitz and glamour to make heads turn as you step into the pub. I chose to wear ankle-length boots with the outfit.

Eye-catching without going over the top-that’s how I would define this amazing evening look.

The casual look- Green puffer jacket with jeans

Cartmell Lightweight Down Jacket Detail
Price: £80.00 

Overdye Blue Jeggings
Price: £45

Taking the Chelsea Boot to new heights
Price: £75.00

Now that I talked about the office and evening-out looks, I would next talk about this swanky day-out look. This one is again with my dark blue jeans, this time teamed with a chic green puffer jacket.

The best thing about the jacket is that it is ultra-lightweight yet offers plenty of warmth because it is lightly down-filled. And I absolutely love this shade of green. Once again, I have finished the look with my black ankle-length boots.

So that sums up my three autumn styles for this season. Hope you’ll love them as much as I do!

Most Talked About Weddings 2018 – Top Trends

2018 will be remembered as the year of celeb weddings, with several big names having walked the aisle. While some couples took us by surprise with an announcement popping out of nowhere, others had us anticipating their big day with a bated breath. Apart from some biggies in Bollywood, we witnessed two royal weddings as well and each one was an extravaganza in its own right. Here’s a throwback to the most talked-about celeb weddings of 2018.

Sonam Kapoor-Anand Ahuja

The couple highlighted trends like fusion looks, with sneakers worn by the groom and a unique Indo-western style worn by the bride at the reception.

2018’s celeb wedding season started with the big fat Punjabi wedding of Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja that was held in May. After two-day revelry with a lavish mehendi and sangeet that was attended by Bollywood whos-who, Sonam and Anand tied the knot in a traditional Anand Karaj ceremony. Sonam looked eclectic in a ravishing red Anuradha Vakil lehenga with regal jewelry, Anand looked dapper in a sherwani.


Sonam Kapoor looked breathtaking in a subtle Chikankari lehenga by Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla Couture which she wore for her mehendi and sangeet ceremony.

For the reception, she picked a unique, graphic lehenga by Anamika Khanna, but it was Anand who stole the thunder by pairing sneakers with a bandhgala.

Kareena and cousin sisters Jhanvi and Khushi were the most talked about celebrity guests.

Meghan Markle-Prince Harry

Meghan brought her glamour and style into the wedding but made sure that it blended with the elegance and class that the royals are so well known for.

May witnessed the biggest wedding of Britain as well, with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle took the vows at Windsor Castle. Meghan is a former American actress and her celebrity status reflects in her sartorial choices as well. Her wedding dress was designed by the British designer Clare Waight Keller from the House of Givenchy. The diamond bandeau tiara was the statement piece that was the highlight of the entire look. For styling, she wore subtle makeup with a face-framing fringe that was tucked behind her ears.

The celebrity guests who made waves were Kate Middleton and Priyanka Chopra.

Princess Eugenie- Jack Brooksbank

The trend that was spotted at this wedding was about celebrating your imperfections as the bride chose to flaunt them rather than hide them.

Another royal wedding that made it to the headlines this year was the autumn wedding of Princess Eugenie, who said yes to her long-time boyfriend Jack Brooksbank in October. The venue was the same where Meghan and Harry were married in May. The princess settled for a stunning outfit by Peter Pilotto for her wedding dress. It was designed with a corseted silhouette that teamed perfectly with full pleated skirt. She chose to flaunt the surgery scar on her back by wearing a low neckline. Like Meghan, Eugenie wore a headpiece lent by the Queen, this time a Greville emerald Kokoshnik tiara.

 

As expected, it was the both royal daughter-in-laws who were the most searched celebs at this wedding.

Deepika Padukone- Ranveer Singh

The couple has been a trendsetter in their own right and once again they chose to show that brides and grooms should be comfortable in their skin.

Coming back to Bollywood, it’s time to talk about the wedding of the two most successful stars if the industry- Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh. The couple that has been setting relationship goals for years decided to put a ring on it with a private affair at Italy’s exotic Lake Como on 14 and 15 November. It was a Mangalorean wedding ceremony, followed a traditional Sindhi wedding ceremony. DeepVeer opted for Sabysachi designs for most of the ceremonies.

The couple threw three reception parties, one at Bangalore and two at Mumbai, and carried each of their looks with aplomb.

Priyanka Chopra-Nick Jonas

The couple and their families set family goals and set a new trend with an extraordinary fusion between the East and the West to create a wedding to remember.

Perhaps the most-talked-about wedding of the year is the cross-continent extravaganza which had the Desi Girl Priyanka Chopra saying “I Do” to the American-singer Nick Jonas. A grand event at the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, it was back-to-back Christian ceremony and a Hindu ceremony that had the guests and the public going gaga. The couple, as well as their families, chose bespoke Ralph Lauren outfits for the Christian wedding, while Priyanka picked a pure red bridal Sabyasachi lehenga for the Hindu wedding. The couple looked ravishing in Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla designs for mehendi and sangeet ceremonies.

A reception at Delhi was followed by two bashes in Mumbai. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi graced the Delhi reception, the two parties at Mumbai had all the big names in Bollywood in attendance.

Lavish was the go word for the celeb wedding trends this year, whether it was with private affairs or the one in public eye. Wishing all these celebs years of togetherness and happiness ahead!

Christmas Gift Ideas for 2018

Holiday season is finally here, and while it brings with it the promise of all things fun – parties, presents and playful time – it can also bring some stress when it comes to finding the perfect gifts for the ones we love and care for.

But don’t worry – if you’re stuck in a rut when it comes to finding the right presents this Christmas, I’ve got you covered!

Everyone knows that a girl can never have enough makeup, and cosmetics are a good place to start when it comes to gifts for the lovely ladies in your life. You can’t go wrong with a good, multi-purpose eyeshadow palette like the classic Naked 3 by Urban Decay, or the Rosy Nudes Eye Palette by Esteé Lauder.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Palette, Naked 3
Price: £ 33.57
Click here to buy

Estée Lauder Pure Colour Eye Palette, Rosy Nudes
Price: £ 32.30
Click here to buy

Alternatively, a good makeup brush set always comes in handy, and the Pro Essential Teddy Bear set by Too Faced is perfect for the festive season, with its gorgeous pink and gold tones, and makeup case to match! A gift card for a subscription service like Glossybox is always a failproof gift as well – I know I would absolutely love to receive on.

Too Faced Pro-Essential Teddy Bear Hair Brush Set
Price: £ 44.10
Click here to buy

For ladies (and gentlemen) who are looking to spruce up their skincare routine, a great, high-quality tool will always be appreciated. The Foreo Luna cleanser is a keeper, and the mini version is great for people who travel regularly.

Foreo Luna Cleanser
Price: $199
Click here to buy

And if it’s haircare that is top-of-mind for this friend or family member, you can’t go wrong with the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer (loved by men and women alike!) or the Dyson Airwrap for those gorgeous, luscious curls.

Dyson Supersonic™ Hair Dryer, Iron/Fuchsia
Price: £ 299.99
Click here to buy

Dyson Airwrap Smooth + Control Styler
Price: £ 399.99
Click here to buy

Ladies who love accessories will always appreciate a beautiful jewellery box to go on their dresser, like the stunning Blush Pink one by Stackers, which comes with handy compartments as well, or a handy jewellery stand to organise their day-to-day baubles – again, Stackers has a fantastic rose gold option which can be used for necklaces, bracelets and earrings – what’s not to love? Better yet, why not gift your loved one a unique piece of jewellery – if you can personalise it with their name or something that is meaningful to your relationship with them, even better!

Stackers Jewellery Box Lid, Blush Pink
Price: £ 25.00
Click here to buy

Stackers Rose T-Bar Jewellery Stand
Price: £ 30.00
Click here to buy

The Louison Crystal Stud earrings by Swarovski make an excellent gift for a girlfriend or sister, as do any of the minimalistic piece by modern brand Missoma. If jewellery isn’t what you’re looking for, a gorgeous scarf is always a thoughtful gift, and a valuable accessory in every woman’s wardrobe.

Cashmere scarfs come in handy for the cold winter weather, while bolder ones like Cobalt/Orange piece from Chesca can be used to spruce up a dull outfit, tied to a handbag for some extra oomph and doubled up as a wrap and coverup when on vacation. A girl can never have too many!

Swarovski Louison Crystal Stud Earrings, Silver/Clear
Price: £ 69.00
Click here to buy

Missoma
Click here to buy

Chesca Tartan Print Wool Silk Scarf, Cobalt/Orange
Price: £ 75.00
Click here to buy

If you’re looking for the right gift for your favourite homebody, or simply someone who appreciates a good scent, candles are always a safe bet. Jo Malone is top-of-mind when it comes to heavenly candles that are delightful to look at as well – I’m currently loving the citrusy Lime, Basil and Mandarin one, while The Pomegranate Noir scented candle makes a great unisex option.

Jo Malone London Lime Basil & Mandarin Home Candle, 200g
Price: £ 47.00
Click here to buy

Jo Malone London Pomegranate Noir Home Candle, 200g
Price: £ 47.00
Click here to buy

Kitchen tools and accessories are great options as well – a pair of statement shot glasses like the lovely copper ones by Tom Dixon, a nice cheeseboard for the perfect spread or bold, stand-out crockery are gifts that will be loved and well-used.

Tom Dixon Plum Shot Glasses With Alcohol Measure Gift Set, Set of 4
Price: £ 70.00
Click here to buy

Books are always a thoughtful gift. If you don’t know which title is next on their reading list, opt for a universally-loved piece of literature.

Popular titles like Sapiens: A Brief History of Human Kind by Yuval Noah Harari (excellent choice for non-fiction lovers!), or Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert (a sure-fire favourite for anyone who has a creative bone in their body) are definitely the way to go. Try to list out the topics, people and activities that your friend or family member is interested in, and find the best titles in categories that are relevant to them.

Sapiens: A Brief History of Human Kind by Yuval Noah Harari
Price: INR 99.0 (Kindle Edition)
Click here to buy

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Price: INR 234.65 (Kindle Edition)
Click here to buy

If you have a slightly higher budget, tech products are always an excellent choice! The Apple watch is a gift that almost anyone would love to receive, and if you have a health fanatic in your life, a Fitbit is definitely the way to go. These are gifts that they will use every day, and will last them for seasons to come as well.

Apple watch
Click here to buy

Fitbit watch 
Click here to buy

And finally, for those people who just “have everything” – gift them an experience that they will remember for life. Websites like Tinggly.com allow you to find and gift the perfect experience to your loved one – everything from canyon jumping to romantic horse rides on the beach, and so much more. They have something for every budget and every type of person, so you are bound to find something for the loved ones in your life – give it a go!

Christmas trinkets like baubles make excellent stocking stuffers, or gifts in their own right – if you can get them personalised, even better! Alternatively, you can even fill the baubles with small gifts, making for a delightful and fun surprise when they are opened.

Above all, ensure that you make quality time for your family, friends and loved ones this season – gifts will come and go, but memories will last a lifetime. Merry Christmas!

A Brilliant Breakfast Brunch at The Ivy, Birmingham

The Ivy, Birmingham opened its doors to food fanatics in April 2018 and has been delighting diners with its delicious fare ever since. Elegant, enticing, and exciting, the Ivy promises you a memorable dining experience, and in my opinion, it delivers far more than is expected.

I had been wanting to visit The Ivy Birmingham for a while, when last month, I was finally able to make it to Temple Row in the City Center where it’s located. We’d heard great reviews about the place and were looking forward to our first brunch meal here.

When we entered the restaurant, our first impression was of plush sophistication. Hues of orange and green are dominant in the décor, with beautiful Art Deco glass, muted lights, and interesting artwork adorning the walls. The 3-floors of The Ivy Birmingham are as much a tribute to great artistry as they are to gastronomy. Simply sitting in the pleasant ambiance was very invigorating; the sumptuous food, a big, big bonus.

We started our meal with a coffee since that’s the elixir that gets me up and going every day. My cappuccino was rich and satisfying, with the Ivy logo floating on the froth. We then moved on to the interesting offerings of the brunch menu which are served till 11.30 am Mon-Fri, and till 11 am on the weekend.

Here’s what we ordered: two juices, Beet It and Green Juice, one portion of Avocado, tomato, and sesame, which comes with poached hen’s eggs on toasted granary with sesame dressing and also the breakfast classic Eggs Benedict.


Beet It was a flavorsome concoction of beetroot, apple, lemon & ginger, while Green Juice had avocado, mint, celery, spinach, apple, and parsley. The juices were super-healthy and very refreshing, and if I’d had any more space left, I would’ve tried a few more juices from their enticing selection of fresh beverages.

The Avocado preparation had chopped avocado topped with roast plum tomatoes, a poached hen’s eggs and sesame dressing. The combination was complimentary and the preparation light, which made it a perfect brunch dish.

The Eggs Benedict came with pulled honey roast ham on toasted English muffins, two poached hen’s eggs with hollandaise sauce, and some watercress. I love this preparation since the eggs were cooked to perfection and the hollandaise sauce was flavoured just right.

To sum up the experience, I’d say it was fabulous beyond words. The selection of food at The Ivy Birmingham is a flawless balance of British classics and world cuisine. The ambiance and décor are spectacular, to say the least. The open, wide-spaced seating makes it a great place to host parties or enjoy a night out with friends or family. The staff is courteous and well-informed of the menu’s specifics. All these positives make me want to visit again, sometime soon.

I’ll probably head to The Ivy Birmingham again for another brunch with friends, or maybe even on date night!

 

Autumn Winter 2018 – 5 Fashion Looks to Try this Season

It seems like just yesterday I was posting about Spring trends and now here we are, smack in the middle of Autumn-Winter fashion buzz. I personally love both times of the year since there’s much room to experiment in both seasons.

Here, I have curated some Autumn Winter looks for you all, which are inspired by current runway trends and my personal sense of style. Read on and do share how you feel about them!

The Dress-Boots-Jacket Look


As the days get shorter and the weather becomes more chilly, you’ll need outfits that suit both day and night time outings. I’ve created a chic day-to-night look by teaming a floral midi by Hush, with a grey-green military jacket and calf-length boots from the same brand. The layering gives depth to the otherwise casual dress and makes the ensemble suitable for casual and semi-formal events. With an outfit this versatile, you can easily pull off a day-to-night transition by simply redoing your makeup. Sounds good, right?


Pro Tip – Style your hair into soft waves or long curls which look good in ponytails as well as when left open.

Outfit Details:


The Embroidered-Skirt Sassiness

My second favourite look would be suitable for brunch dates or daytime outings where you need to look casually stylish with minimal effort. Here, I’ve worn an elegant embroidered skirt with a semi-sheer white, full-sleeves blouse, and short blue boots. Everything I’m wearing is by Monsoon, and I love the graceful femininity all their clothes promise.

I have not accessorized much with this outfit to let the statement skirt shine. Keeping it simple yet sassy!

Pro Tip – Wear a bold lip-colour or eye-shadow with this look to make sure that your outfit does not draw attention away from the face.

Outfit Details:

The Sweater-Culottes Combo

What do you wear when there’s a definitive nip in the air but you still need to look boho chic? Pull out a sweater with culottes to match. For my sweater-culottes combo, I wore a colour-block John Lewis turtleneck with matching orange wide-leg culottes.
This outfit is great for any casual outing where you want to look effortlessly stylish and remain toasty warm. I wore open-toed clogs for an added touch of boho jazz.

Pro Tip – This look is sharp and edgy; you can carry a statement bag if you’re headed someplace fancy in this outfit.

Outfit Details:



The Autumn Staple Skinny Jeans

Nothing is as autumny as skinny jeans paired with a classic pair of boots. This is a no-fuss look that works every time and can be customized per occasion. I wore a pair of Monsoon denim with brouges to accentuate my legs. I love this minimalist look since it is very versatile – you can team the denim with different kinds of tops, blouses, and sweaters, based on where you’re headed. You can even experiment with accessories and makeup to make this staple look more interesting!

Working with a bold colour jumper is a great way to work a look with jeans

Pro Tip – Try layering in top-wear with this outfit. You can go in for long jackets, windcheaters, or sheer pull-overs even.

Outfit Details:

The Blazer-Scarf Jazz

One of my favourite Autumn Winter look in semi-formal outfits is the blazer-scarf pairing which is always a head-turner. I wore a plum jersey blazer by Joules with straight jeans and brogues. I added on a knitted scarf with a cute star pattern which adds oodles of oomph to it, and also because I love star print.

Though I wore it with jeans, you can experiment with more formal clothing like skirts, dresses, and trousers.  I’d advise against accessorizing heavily with such an outfit or it can get too much.

Pro Tip – Look up interesting ways to style your scarf – that can really up the style quotient of this ensemble.

Outfit Details:

So now you are all ready to experiment and add that extra style and colour to your Autumn Winter Wardrobe.
Leave a comment on what are your thoughts!

Review Brocket Hall and Auberge Du Lac

One of the finest stately venues in England, Brocket Hall has been the much loved weekend getaway destination for the elite. Located 22 miles away from Central London over a sprawling area of 540 acres in the lovely Hertfordshire countryside, it is one of the preferred locations for grand events hosted by the rich and the famous from the political, business and social circles. It is also home to the Melbourne Club, one of the most exclusive golf venues in the UK.

The place has an amazing history as well, which adds to its attraction manifold. With its earliest evidence dating back to 1239 and the association with the famous names like Lady Caroline Lamb (who had a scandalous affair with Lord Byron) and Lord Palmerston (the Prime Minister who died while making out with a chambermaid on the billiard table), Brocket Hall offers a slice intrigue for history lovers. Not only was it home two Prime Ministers but was also frequented by the royals like Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Victoria and Edward VII centuries ago.

I had the opportunity to explore all that this lovely location offers during a weekend stay here. And trust me, it does have a lot to offer- beautiful surroundings, sumptuous food, comfortable stay and of course, an interesting history. We stayed at the elegant Melbourne Lodge which is the lodging part of Brocket Hall, located right amidst its tranquil grounds. The lodge offers splendid views of Brocket Hall, Melbourne golf course and the Broadwater Lake.

Originally a coach house, the Melbourne Lodge now has 16 rooms, each of which is named after a racehorse. This has been done as a tribute to the history of the place, which used to be a race course once. Our room was named the Sun Chariot and I loved its decor. It was spacious, bright and airy, in addition to being well-aligned with the classic appearance of the rest of the estate. The vintage décor, with rich velvet drapings, squashy armchairs, illuminated oil paintings and china lamps, deserves a special mention. The bed in our room was crafted with a massive feature back to represent the regal era. The bathroom too had a vintage touch with deep bath and double sinks.

While the rooms at the Melbourne Lodge still replicate the rich heritage that the place is so well-known for, they also have all the modern amenities that you may want for a comfortable stay. with complimentary breakfast in the lakeside Clubhouse as a part of the package. Besides enjoying the luxurious experience here, I took immense pleasure in the refreshing views of the lovely lush green golf course from the huge sash windows of my room.

The peace and tranquility of the place impressed me the most, but amazingly that is not all! Brocket Hall is a serene and calm location that offers a relaxing break, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Still, there is something for everyone here. My little one loved the greens, golf course walks and rides in the golf cart. There was something incredible about the drive around the golf course; a massive lake in the center, the myriad ancient trees, and the impressive architecture all around, together made a feast for the eyes.

Now let me talk about the things that you can see and do at the Brocket Hall Estate. As a guest at Melbourne Lodge, you can’t get inside the Hall but wander around the parkland and also enjoy a guest membership at the golf club. I loved the lazy long walks by the Broadwater Lake and the mouth-watering breakfasts in the clubhouse.

But the most favorite part of my stay here was the sumptuous meals at the Auberge du Lac, the restaurant located in the Hall’s former hunting lodge.

Auberge du Lac has a charming lakeside setting the overlooks the sprawling country estate as well as the Brocket Hall itself. It has a beautiful lounge though I personally recommend that you relish your meals on the picturesque terrace if the weather permits. If you are looking for a private dining experience, the place has some tastefully decorated rooms that can accommodate 2 to 16 guests at a time. I found the service as well as the ambience of the place to be absolutely commendable.


Coming to food, the first thing I would want to say that you can expect a lot from Auberge du Lac because it has an AA rosette and the Michelin-starred chef, Matt Edmonds, cooking for you. What more, they will be celebrating their 20 years this November, So the bar is expected to be really high and they meet the standards as well. We went to have the famed 7-course tasting menu with wine pairing; they have both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options and even their main menu has lots of great options for veggie options as well and I tried the former as I am a vegetarian.

Comprising of unusual dishes such as Heritage Beetroot, B low Torch Smoked Eeel (for the non-vegetarian meal) and Miso Caramel Mousse, it was an absolute gastric delight. The wine list was equally impressive, with the likes of Pouilly Fuisse, Uruolat Jurancon and Chateau Montelena served as a part of the menu. The seven-course meal cost £ 85 per person with tasting wines at £ 135 per person, which can be considered whopping but were worth the price considering the dining experience we had. And one thing that I cannot forget about Auberge du Lac is that we were taken to the restaurant from the lodge in the golf cart which was as amazing as the food itself.

The weekend trip to Brocket Hall was a complete getaway for me as it had everything a looked for, the tranquility of the countryside, a luxurious stay, wonderful ambience, excellent dining experiences and views to die for. I will definitely make it a point to visit the place soon.

Top 5 Perfumes for this season

I’m an avid lover of all things fashion and makeup because I love to dress well and look fresh – and to my mind, perfume completes the trio, because it’s important to smell as good as you look. Plus, I believe that you can tell a lot about an individual and their personality from their scent of choice. I’m always on the hunt for unique scents that catch my eye (well, my nose, if you must), and in this post, I’d like to share five new perfume launches that I am absolutely living for!

Floral by Coach

To my mind, this feminine scent captures summer in a bottle. It’s a feel-good, uplifting scent, with notes of fragrant flowers like jasmine sambac, rose tea and gardenia, as well as other distinctive notes such as creamy wood, patchouli essence, and musk. The gorgeous pink bottle, featuring a Tea Rose charm, is modern while paying homage to unique Coach characteristics. For example, the turnlock-shaped cap is inspired by the closure that one would find on Coach bags in 1954! Priced at £35 for 30mL, £49 for 50mL and £69 for 90mL, this relatively affordable perfume is a great addition to your collection, and perfect for warm summer afternoons and beach-side holidays.

Click Here to Buy

Girl of Now by Elie Saab

Just like the bold statements that the fashion house’s gowns make, this perfume is full of seduction, femininity, and boldness, in the best way possible. Featuring notes such as pineapple, pistachio, ylang-ylang, jasmine, mandarin orange, almond and orange blossom – to name a few – this scent is perfect for power women who love to embrace their individuality and femininity, and wear it proudly. The bottle is simple and feels rich, with a flower motif around the neck that is inspired by those that are found on the label’s clutches. The smallest bottle is 30mL and priced at £38, while the largest, 90mL version comes with a £74 price tag. There is also an in-between 50mL bottle priced at £58. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind scent, this is the one for you. Plus, the gorgeous bottle will make a stunning feature on your dressing table!

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Udaipur by Etro

This scent is inspired by Udaipur, which is fondly known as the ‘white city’ of India, because of the palaces dotted around the lake, and the infamous stunning palace made of white marble, that stands tall and proud in the centre of it. With notes of Indian jasmine, gardenia, lotus leaves, bergamot, pink pepper, magnolia petals, patchouli, cachemire wood and musk, this fragrance is as deep, intriguing and full of stories as the city that inspired it. It’s feminine, floral and fruity, in the best possible way. It’s priced at £140 for 100mL – a little bit pricey, but definitely worth it, as this perfume, was launched in celebration of the brand’s 50 year anniversary and is likely to be a limited edition.

  

Festival Vibes by Hollister

As the name suggests, this perfume is easy-breezy, ultra fresh and forever cool, inspired by clear blue skies, memorable moments, celebration, music, and life itself. It’s a duo, coming in both a ‘his’ and ‘hers’ version, making it a great gift for both couples and individuals. The ‘her’ scent’ features notes of bergamot, quince, goji berries, pink peony, oasmanthus, vanilla orchid, coral hibiscus, cashmere woods, creamy tonka and soft musk. It comes in a gorgeous, coral-coloured bottle with a bright pop of yellow – paying homage to the carefree festival goer with a floral crown in her hair and music on her mind. The ‘his’ scent features notes of fresh pineapple, birch leaves, crisp marine air, woody accord, ginger root, bay leaves, oakmoss, tonka bean, and ambergris. The bottle is blue like the perfect festival sky, and the perfume speaks to the guy who lives in the moment and loves making memories. Both versions start at £22 for the 30mL bottles, going up to £39 for the 100mL bottle.
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Narciso Eau De Parfum Rouge by Narciso Rodriguez

The brand describes this scent as “sublimely seductive” and the description couldn’t be more accurate. Bursting with notes of musk, Bulgarian rose, iris, tonka, vetiver and cedar, this perfume oozes femininity and seduction. The name and the packaging, which is red in colour, is apt, because fiery red is the colour of attraction, seduction and all things sexy. The signature bottle is instantly recognisable for its simplicity and bold colour statement and makes for a standout piece on the dressing table as well. Priced at £41 for the 30mL version, £62 for 50mL and £74 for 90mL, this is definitely a timeless, must-have scent that you can wear all year round, and for many years to come.

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10 Things To Do in Bath, Weekend Getaway

When wanderlust strikes, we typically flock to far off exotic locations which promise novel experiences and ample scope of digital cataloging. This summer I decided to break the pattern and visit someplace close by; you never realize how little you know about your home turf until you vacation there and explore it like a tourist.

About 150 km west of London, Bath, Somerset is a well-frequented tourist destination, which I had never yet visited. We decided to head there for our annual summer break and we did not regret our decision! Bath is a melting pot of diverse histo-cultural influences; discovering its many wonders was a very exciting prospect indeed.

We spent a considerable amount of time at Bath and tried to explore all its nooks and crannies. Here’s my take on the top 10 things to do in Bath when vacationing:

Below is also the Travel Vlog from our Bath Staycation – Hope you enjoy watching it.

Visit the Roman Baths

The Roman Baths complex is arguably the most popular tourist attraction of the city. It ranks high amongst the best-preserved Roman remains in the world. At present, the site has four features of interest; the Sacred Spring, the Temple of Sulis Minerva, the Roman Bath House, and the Museum.

As historic records go, the Temple of Sulis Minerva was created sometime in 60 – 70 AD, followed by construction of the baths in the subsequent 300 years. The hot springs of the bathing complex were presumably a site of recreation and relaxation for the Romans, and interestingly, serve a similar purpose in contemporary times.

When you visit the Roman Baths, you get to explore the bathing complex, with its fascinating features like ancient changing rooms and tepid water plunge pools. But for me, the highlight was tasting the spa water here which is touted as being therapeutic in nature, enriched with the goodness of 43 minerals! You can taste the water from a spa fountain stationed in the west baths or a traditional fountain maintained in the Pump Room here.

A bonus treat is the wide range of archeological finds and ancient relics displayed in the museum. Do explore the museum if you’re interested in the historic significance of this site.

Relax at the Thermae Bath Spa

The epitome of historic confluence with present-day reality, the Thermae Bath Spa proffers a unique experience to visitors. It combines the authenticity of ancient spa water with a modern, luxuriant exterior, which is quite honestly, the best of both worlds.

The New Royal Bath is at the heart of the Thermal Bath Spa, enveloped in glass with fine aesthetics. It encloses two natural thermal baths which are fed by hot springs in the same vein as ancient Roman practice. But that’s not all. The Spa also has a separate open-air, roof-top pool, another indoor pool, two steam rooms, an Infrared Sauna, several relaxation arenas, spa treatments rooms and a few other surprises.

It’s safe to say that the Thermae Bath Spa promises an unforgettable experience of rejuvenation that is relaxing and glamorous in equal measure. In my opinion, this is a great place of a girl’s day out!

Explore Bath Abbey

Bath Abbey is a beautiful Cathedral with imposing Gothic architecture and an a curiously, alluring history. Though it was founded in the 7th century as a site of Christian prayer and worship, it’s current form can be attributed to major restoration work pioneered by Sir George Gilbert Scott in the late 19th century. The vast expanse of the Cathedral is able to house 1200 people with secular ceremonies, lectures, and concerts taking held here regularly. You can drop by here for spiritual pursuit or merely to explore this historic, architectural gem.

Go Boating on River Avon

River Avon is a stunning example of nature’s beauty and boating across its waters is incredibly soothing. You can hop on a boat form the Bath Boating Station and enjoy the gently lapping waters in the navigable section of the river. You can watch the lovely scenery passing by and spot kingfishers, herons, moorhens, mallards, and other beautiful wildlife on the way. If you plan accordingly, you can boat up to the Bathampton Mill for a meal or snack.

Stroll Through the Royal Crescent

The Royal Crescent is emblematic of the opulent lifestyle of the rich and famous in Georgian times. A marvelous example of post-medieval British architecture, the Royal Crescent comprises a series of 30 terraced houses, poised in a semi-circular arrangement, which accords it this name. Having been constructed over 240 years ago, the stone façade is as was over two centuries ago. If you want to delve deeper into the history of the Royal Crescent, you can visit the No.1 Royal Crescent Museum which is a shrine to its past.


Enjoy a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Hot air balloon rides are a popular tourist activity in Bath. There are several service providers that offer such rides, which all begin from the Royal Victoria Park. The direction of your flight is determined by the wind pattern but rest assured that the view is going to be spectacular in any case. Hot air balloon rides are great romantic or family recreation, and if you have young kids, they will surely have a memorable time.

Visit the Jane Austen Center

The famous English woman writer – Jane Austen – is immortalized in the permanent exhibition set up at the Jane Austen Center, Bath. For avid readers and Austen fans, this place provides interesting insights into her life and her writing, especially how life at Bath, her place of residence, is reflected in her work. The most fascinating of all is a life-size wax statue of the author on display, which is presumed to be the closest likeness to the celebrated novelist.

Explore the Bath Botanical Gardens

Bath’s Botanical Gardens were established in 1887 and remain to be a delightful expanse of nature’s many wonders. There is a vast plethora of trees, bushes, herbs, insects, birds, and wildlife here. The added bonus of a picturesque stream, a rock garden, a pool, a scented walk, and an aerial walkway make the Bath Botanical Gardens a mini wonderland for nature buffs.

Discover the Delights of the Parade Gardens

If your lust for natural beauty is not satiated by the Botanical Gardens, the Parade Gardens will get the job done. This garden area, in the heart of the city, is a tranquil spot from which the surrounding architecture, which in invariably extraordinary in any part of Bath, may be observed without distraction. This park has had many historic figures walk through it, has hosted many concerts and events, and even been a wedding location for many. Revel in the richness of the manicured greens and groomed flower beds.

Sign Up for the Open Bus Bath Tour

Bath has an extensive network of Hop-On-Hop-Off open bus tours which are lovely way to explore the city. These tours take you across all tourist attractions, allowing you to explore them at your own pace. Best part is, the panoramic views you are privy to from an open bus give you a different perspective and appreciation for the city. If you are visiting Bath with family, open bus tours are a great way to sightsee!

So, these were my top picks for things to do at Bath. Do let us know if you enjoyed visiting them too!

Better Beauty Sleep with my New Leesa Mattress!

It is a modern proverb that your happiest hello and worst goodbye is to your bed. Now, I too share a similar relationship with my bed, but only since I’ve got myself a new Leesa Mattress. Before I started using this, I used to sleep fairly peacefully but didn’t always feel rested enough. Now, however, it’s a different story.

Let me walk you through my experience with Leesa.

First and foremost, Leesa operates mostly online, which makes buying a mattress a matter of few clicks, no more. The delivery arrived promptly and I was surprised at the small dimensions of the box in which the Leesa mattress was delivered. For a moment, I even thought that I’d ordered the wrong size of the mattress. But upon opening the package and reading the instructions, I realized that it was vacuum packed for compression during transit. All I had to do to set it up was place it on my bed-frame, remove the plastic wrap, and watch it expand to its full size.

The Leesa mattress filled my bed in about an hour but interestingly, it seems like it reached the highest level of comfort a day after unpacking. Or maybe you just keep feeling better and better as you lounge on it! Sleeping on it is a whole different world of pampered sleeping. When I woke up the first morning after sleeping on this mattress, I felt so much more rested and fresh than any other day. I was able to forgo my morning coffee which generally kickstarts any ordinary day for me. But having slept the same amount of time, Leesa-induced sleep was so rejuvenating that I did not need a caffeine hit to get me started.

The brilliant design of the Leesa mattress is what makes it a wonderful angel of sleep. It is created with three-layered support. At the very bottom is the Dense Core Support which is a 15 cm foam layer that provides structure and durability; it helps support sleepers of all shapes and sizes to enjoy a premium sleeping experience. The next layer is Pressure Relieving Memory Foam. This 5 cm of cushy goodness delivers fine body contouring and pressure-relief which ensures a good night’s sleep. The upper-most layer is the Cooling Avena Foam which allows optimal airflow for cooler sleep and just enough bounce for ease of movement during sleep.

Having experienced its wonders first hand, I have to say that this three-layered engineering works like a charm! I’ve been getting quality sleep since I got my Leesa mattress and everyone in the family echoed this experience. I feel like I’m dreaming more in every nap and feel better rested with shorter sleep durations. This is great because, with my hectic schedule, beauty sleep gets compromised every now and then. But Leesa ensures that I’m refreshed with every nap, feeling rested and energetic.

I would recommend this to anyone who suffers from poor and restless sleep. A Leesa Mattress may just be the solution to all your nightly woes! Whats more is that the brand gives 100 nights risk-free trial making it a safe option in case you don’t feel convinced that this is the right mattress for you.

You can also use our Offer Code FASHIONFORROYALS to get £100 off your own Leesa mattress! Click HERE to find out more about the Leesa mattress and obtain your £100 discount