Features Archives - Page 6 of 8

Your Must Have Holiday Outfit

Shorts are a staple when it comes to summer. Whether your style is casual or glamorous shorts are meant for everyone. When it comes to pairing shorts with other pieces in your wardrobe, you can go for a basic tee, crop top, silk blouse, a spaghetti top with sequins, short blouse and the list goes on.

But there are some classic combinations that you can never go wrong with. I am talking about one of my all time favourite combos, the denim shorts and a white shirt. It’s a cool, casual and classy outfit. A must have in your wardrobe. It’s a versatile combination which you can sport any time of the year, any season.

There are so many ways you can team up this outfit. For a laidback look pair distressed short and a baggy shirt with rolled up sleeves, bunched up bracelets and a tote bag with flip flops or slip on shoes. For a chic look, pair a crew neck blouse with acid washed shorts and designer sneakers. You can even play around with your accessories to create different looks. Pair a sleeveless shirt and denim shorts with your sarong or a lightweight printed long jacket for a bohemian beach look. There are millions of ways to style this classic combo.

What’s more, it helps you pack light and keep your travel luggage weight in check, when you are just dashing away for a quick getaway.

Since this is a holiday essential, I packed a pair of my favourite shorts and a white blouse for my trip this summer. A white blouse is less formal than a shirt. It’s breezier and lightweight which makes it a comfortable option for the summers. I love the thread work on this white shirt and pairing it with my dark blue washed denim shorts made it look so cool and yet casual at the same time.

Outfit Details:

Jenny Broderie Popover – White Blouse Shirt – FatFace
Dark Wash Jeans Shorts – FatFace
Grey Sneakers – FatFace
Bag – Harriet Sanders

I have paired the combo with grey sneakers. When travelling, I prefer wearing shoes and flats as I enjoy walking and exploring a new city. I kept my look very basic and casual and went for minimal accessories, backpack and low bun to style my outfit. This is more of comfortable clothing or look I prefer when travelling. If I want to dress up, I can always add a boho necklace to this outfit and style my hair in beachy waves with some hair accessories and a statement bag.

How do you like to pair your denim shorts? Share your style tips below.

Tunic Dress– Your Easy Breezy Outfit for Summer Vacation

A beach is a perfect getaway for the summer. The sea, sand and the sun are just the things one needs. When it comes to a holiday wardrobe and getting out of your winter sweaters it’s time to slip into something light and comfortable. A breezy maxi, bikini, shorts or a slip-on dress in vibrant colours and patterns are all perfect for summer. A new trend on the block is the kurta dress or a tunic because having 2 outfits in one is always better, isn’t it?

Kurta and tunic styles are great for a beach look. They are easy to wear, flowy and come in all different types of prints and styles. Most kurta’s or tunics are made from light fabrics like cotton, linen or silk which makes them a perfect choice for summer.

You can pair a pastel coloured kurta with lace or happy print on a day out with the girls or a brunch, whereas you can go for an embroidered kurta for a date or dinner by the beach. There is a huge choice of different patterns, and an A-line kurta can be formal whereas a high-low piece is more contemporary and relaxed. You can even dress up or down your outfit with key accessories to create different looks.

In this look, I have featured a royal blue silk printed tunic dress from NoLogo. This tunic dress has a soft shaped collar which opens into a small v-neck with silver embroidered buttons. The dress is cut to flow freely over the body. The tunic also has contrasting embroidery which delicately decorates the hem.

NoLogo is a brand started by Tina Malhame who has journeyed far and wide from Italy to India and beyond during her career. She has worked alongside some talented and inspiring craftsmen and believes in keeping traditions and art alive by working with craftsmen who continue to use block print, embroidery and tie and dye techniques to weave magic into their looms. Each piece has a story to tell. All these handcrafted pieces are available to buy from all over the world from Tina’s online store NoLoGo Chic. Tina designs clothes for real women by going beyond the traditional fashion.

I styled the royal blue silk kurta for a beach evening look with a handmade jute bag, a chunky boho necklace and brown ghungroo sandals. I wanted to keep my look simple and relaxed since I’m on a vacation. You can even pair this kurta with jeans, leggings or plazzo pants if you aren’t comfortable wearing it as a dress or want versatility from the same outfit.

It’s a beautiful garment of understated luxury and looks great even on its own. This is not just a summer wear outfit. You can also style these kurtas with leggings or leg warmers and boots in winter. They are a great addition to your wardrobe.

London AM to PM – Long & Fun Days in the City

When it comes to your daily routine one needs to plan your wardrobe. Especially now that it’s summer and we can all make plans post work. The pleasant weather is a perfect opportunity to go out meet friends, go to a movie or spend some time with your family. I love these spring summer evenings. So you need to be ready to go from work wear to party wear in simple words, Plan for a day to night outfit.

Also at times we all have long work days, where you don’t have a traditional 9 to 5 job and don’t know if you would get time to go back home and change or if you are doing late night and then want to grab a drink post work with your friends then you need to be ready for the after party. Also, it not just about your work timings, but a lot of people live away from central London and travel to work and the busy metro life can suck the energy out of you. So make sure your social life doesn’t go down the drain because you don’t feel dressed up for the occasion.Generally, to tackle the fast pacing city life and avoid traffic I tend to follow a few hacks when I have a plan post work and can’t go back home to change. I generally prefer carrying a big bag like a tote to work where I can haul up all that I need to go through the day. It’s pretty spacious and you can carry a lot of things with you on the go. I carry my makeup, a small coverup, iPad, as well as flats as a change when I plan to walk miles around or get tired of wearing my heels. You can also carry a fancy top to wear on top of your trousers or a simple dress. If you don’t want to carry extra outfits you can carry some accessories to jazz up your outfit like chunky bracelets or a statement necklace.

My current favourite tote bag is from Cocosa and you can find me carrying this bag to work day in day out. I love this bag, what’s not to love, it’s Moschino and I bagged it at a great affordable price from Cocosa.

Cocosa is a virtual designer outlet shopping village which adds new lines and products daily to its collection. From apparel to footwear, perfumes to accessories, their collection includes all the top brands like Versace, Escada, Furla, Radley, Louis Vuitton and more. Cocosa has captured the luxury market with a fashionable selection of coveted brands on sale at incredible discounts. I have been a member of this site for many months now and love their sales and offers. The best part is that they have a handy phone app which lets you cruise their collection on the go.I paired the bag with an off-shoulder blue dress with ruffled sleeves by Bardot, from Top Shop. Off-shoulders are in this season plus you can take them from day wear to night wear with simple accessories like a necklace or footwear and a cover up. I teamed up the dress with black peep-toe sandals from French Connection and a black choker. I kept my accessories to a minimum by wearing a watch since flashy jewellery isn’t appropriate for work. But for an evening look, you can always add some accessories like rings, necklace and bracelet.

Outfit Details:

What’s your day to night outfit style? Let me know in the comments below

What Makes a Blogger?

The internet is bursting with new bloggers every day. There are blogs about everything from food, fashion, travel, photography and technology. But what makes a blogger successful? What distinguishes a popular blog from the others? I am sure every blogger out there is talented. But it’s not just the writings or the photos that makes a successful blogger, especially when it comes to being a fashion blogger. You need something apart from your clothes and writing. It’s the tools and sense of style which makes you a better blogger.

Every blogger worth a penny out there has some tips and advice on how to get started, how to become successful. But I believe that whichever niche you are blogging about you need 3 basic things with you at all times.

Mobile Phone with a Good Camera: iPhone and many brands have a phone with a great camera and some really amazing features. If I am travelling and can’t carry a DSLR my iPhone becomes my go to camera, and sometimes when you are starting out it is hard to invest in a Pro Camera, as they are so expensive

Tablet: This helps if you are mobile. A phone is great but you can’t always do everything on a phone. Sometimes you wish you had a bigger screen or other features, and that’s where a tablet comes in handy.
Laptop: Go for something powerful but compact. If you carry your laptop at all times a lighter version would be a great investment.

I depend on my tools greatly. I love them so much that I never travel without them. I always carry my phone along with my iPad or laptop. If I am away for a few days then I carry all three.

A bloggers life seems a lot of fun from far. But in reality, you need to spend a lot of time to become successful. Half the time you will see us in cafes with our laptops typing away. So a boring monotonous laptop or phone makes the work even harder. Hence, I invested in my own personalised iPad cover and iPhone cover with Egosketch.

I love the brand and their seamless ordering process. Professionally I am a digital marketing expert so when I say they have a seamless process on the website, it truly must be. I got both the covers printed with a picture of my son and husband so that I can have them with me all day. The covers remind me of happy memories and some special moments that I have spent with them. The brand lets you customise as you wish. You can get a beautiful poster or a family picture or even quote; the possibilities are endless.

So what are you waiting for?

Lucknowi Chikankari Suits – A perfect outfit for Summer Day Out

As Indians we all love dressing up in our traditional clothes, it’s a part of our culture. From Lehengas, to the elegant 6 yard Sari to a simple Suits we have so many options to choose from. Since summers are upon us, I love wearing light cotton kurti’s and traditional outfits when attending a function. Family events are the best time to adorn colourful Indian outfits.

A kurta is one of the most versatile outfits one can have in the wardrobe. You can style it in multiple ways and pair it with leggings, churidars, salwar, palazzo pants and more. Mix it up with the right accessories and you can take your outfit from formal work wear to an evening wear for an occasion.

For the summer I prefer light summery fabrics like cotton or georgette. One of my favourite styles of Kutras is ‘Chikankari’ Kurtas. Chikankari is a traditional art of embroidery from Lucknow, the City of Nawabs. The embroidery style uses delicate threads to weave detailed patterns with great finesse.

This work is done on an array of materials like cotton, silk, muslin, georgette, chiffon and organza. If you are a fan of all things handcrafted then a Chikankari kurta or a Lucknowi kurta is a must have in your ethnic wardrobe. From floral motifs to the epics and myths surrounding the Indian culture, one can find intricately embroidered details on a Chikankari kurta.

I love the thread work and the detailing of this work. These kurtas are very popular and can be worn for any event. One can even find this work on other ethnic outfits like Lehengas, Anarkalis, Tunics, Dresses and more apart from kurtas. What’s better is that they are available in beautiful sorbet colours and pastel shades like blue, off-white, pink, peach and more.

I wore a red Chikankari kurta for a small family gathering. You can dress yourself up in cotton kurtas or kurtis adorned with this beautiful art. I teamed up my kurta with black leggings and a wrinkled cotton dupatta. Pairing this with high black heels, a tribal neckpiece and a small embroidered bag, gave it an effortless look for a small family gathering.

The black bag adds an element of freshness in the entire outfit and perfectly colour blocks with the red kurta. You can even pair the kurta with palazzo’s or cigarette pants if you want a modern touch to your overall look. But if you are a true traditionalist then you can pair this combo with colourful juttis or flat sandals which are extremely comfortable.

Outfit Details: Rust Colour Chikankari Kurta from Ada Chikan

Which is your favourite Indian outfit? Let me know how you like to style it in the comments below.

Hair & Makeup by Verdeep Dhillon

5 years Celebration and Mother’s day Outfit Post

Spring is all about sunny days, ice creams, breeze and flowy dresses. I love a good sunny day in the UK, and like most UK people I got excited when it happened and got out my favourite dress. I love wearing light flowy fabrics for spring and summer. They look elegant, feel comfortable and let your skin enjoy the weather and breathe.

When it’s a sunny day in the UK one must enjoy it. The best way is to put on a summery dress and go for a walk in the park. I love spending some quality time in the park with my family, soaking up some sun and watching my son play and run around. Believe me; it’s a great break from the screens. But the best part of the day wasn’t just the weather. It was a double celebration weekend for me. First, my blog turned 5, and I would love to thank you, readers, for sharing this incredible journey with me. Second, it was mother’s day, and the most apt way to celebrate both these things would be with some style.

I love how you get pampered on mother’s day. And it’s something every mother needs and deserves. I started my day by visiting the lamington spa for some much-needed pampering and love. I went and treated myself at Zou Bisou Café known for their cakes, shakes and frozen yoghurt.

A great way to idle away on the weekend is a trip to Jephson’s Garden in Leamington. It’s a great place for a family day. We did boating, walked around in the greenhouse, watched the spring blooms, the ducks and played in the sensory garden.

Outfit Details:

Dress – JoytheStore
Black Choker – Next
Bag – Zara
Sandals – Dorothy Perkins
Sunglasses – JoytheStore

The dress I wore on the day is from Joy. It’s a perfect day out outfit with deep red rose prints. The Solange rose print slip dress comes with spaghetti straps and black lace detailing on the side slits. The detailing of the dress is very feminine and romantic with a subtle style. It’s a great dress for a romantic summer vacation to the beaches as well. I paired the dress with a choker necktie, black heels and a small black handbag. If you aren’t comfortable with strappy dresses, then you can always team it up with a light black jacket or a scarf. But go for a simple cover up and let the dress be the hero. A printed jacket or scarf may clash with the printed on the dress, so team up the dress with a solid coloured jacket or scarf.

And hey, don’t forget that when out in the sun – Always carry your sunnies and apply sunscreen.

Hair & Makeup by Verdeep Dhillon

A post shared by A R C H A N A D H A N K A R (@fashionforroyals) on Mar 27, 2017 at 1:37am PDT

5 Years and Counting….

Wow! Didn’t realise how fast time flies, my blog turned 5 this week.

It has been a great journey, a self-discovery. Blogging in these last five years has changed me as a person, and for better. I have made new friends all over the world and learnt a lot. It has been fun and tiring at times, with its ups and downs, but the passion I had for this blog when I started it in 2012 has only grown ever since.

I don’t want to bore you all to death but wanted to say Thank You to everyone who has supported me and to all of you who have encouraged me. I love to chat so don’t hesitate to drop me a comment or an email and share your thoughts.

Here I am sharing with you some of the celebration pics of my 5-year long journey!

Spring Style Alert- Boho Jacket

Spring is here, and it means that it is now the time to replace those oversized jackets, body warmers and layers with light, colourful and fun jackets which keep you warm in this weather.

This season is all about having fun and getting ready for the sun-kissed summer. It’s more than just sporting colourful outfits, skirts and floral patterns. This season is all about having fun and experimenting and enjoying just as nature is enjoying and blooming after the winters.
You can go for so many trends from bohemian to sporty chic. For me, spring is one of the fav. Seasons and experimenting with colours. Last weekend, on a day out I opted for a blue fringe trim tribal jacket with embroidered tape from Shein.com. I have styled this jacket with a dark t-shirt, chunky boho necklace and distressed crop jeans.

The weather in the UK is still slightly cold, for the next month or so. The best part about this outfit is that it’s perfect for a chilly or breezy evening in the city. It’s a light jacket which is very handy as it keeps you warm and wrapped up fashionable in the evenings. It instantly transforms the regular t-shirt and jeans combo to something you would spot in the street style section of a magazine. The jacket is colourful and fun with all the details and prints, and it’s a beautiful way to welcome the spring and bring out that boho chic style of yours. It’s a perfect outfit for a walk in the park or even on vacation or just shopping out with family. If styled well it can even be a showstopper in a casual airport look.

There are so many effortless ways of styling this jacket. One thing to remember with these statement jackets is that let the jacket be the focal point of the outfit. Don’t mix too many prints, colours or textures when wearing such quirky or colourful jackets.

You can team this jacket with a plain white maxi with colourful beads or with shorts and a blouse if you are stepping out for brunch with your friends to a café. You can also play around with the accessories; team up a floral headband with your outfit for a boho look or wear a short dress and mid-length gladiator sandals with the jacket for a casual look.

Go all white with your outfit by teaming this jacket with white jeans and a top with ear cuffs to make the jacket stand out. You can mix and match different accessories and outfits to create new looks with this jacket. The possibilities are endless which is why investing in a statement jacket is a must.

Outfit Details:

How do you style your spring jackets? Let me know in the comments below.

Spring Sneaker Trend Alert

The Spring Season brings in new trends which we are dying to try and explore once the winter ends and the spring starts. The weather is finally getting warmer and more enjoyable. Now that we are heading into spring, we need some transition in our wardrobe too. Luckily it’s going to be a comfortable season for our feet. Sneaker is the ultimate shoe for your wardrobe this spring.

Plus what’s not to love about this trend. Sneakers are comfortable, versatile, practical, stylish and you can never have too many of them. I have always been someone who loves flat sandals, sneakers, or low block heels over stilettos which kills me by the end of the day.

From the midi dress to the classic t-shirt and jeans combo, sneakers look good with everything. Team them up your white low top sneakers with a floral maxi dress for a quick boho look. You can play around with your outfit by adding a few chunky bracelets or a belt around the waist. Give the traditional sneaker a twist by getting sneakers with a little glitter, emojis, embellishments, leopard print, logo or satin updates to effortlessly dress up an outfit.

Pair up your statement sneakers with ripped cropped jeans and an oversized knit jumper for a stylish look. Go for an all-white look by teaming a white turtle neck top with cropped white pants and low top white sneakers to make a statement this season. You can even pair the classic slip on shoes with playful prints with a maxi skirt and a neutral shade silk blouse for a coffee date with friends. Sneakers can also be worn at work. Team up a turtle neck sweater with a high-waisted pencil skirt and a suede jacket with sneakers in a neutral shade.

I also love to pair sneakers with baggy knit jumpers. It’s the ultimate cosy combination. You can tuck in an oversized knitted jumper with a pleated midi skirt or keep it casual with a high waisted pencil skirt and a pair of sandals for a classy street style look.

I teamed my Yellow Ribbed Lantern Sleeve Loose Knitwear from Romwe with a pair of washed jeans and low top white sneakers for a casual yet chic look. I added a chunky beaded necklace to my outfit to take it up a notch. The colours in my outfit are pretty basic and neutral, so I wore red lips to add some fun to my final look.If you have a long baggy knit jumper, then you can even pair it with tights and metallic sneaker for a night out in town with your girls. For a classic look, pair a knit sweat over a plaid shirt and jeans with low top sneakers and a tote bag. Now that you know how to get comfy this spring, its time to go out and experiment with casual and stylish looks this season.

Outfit Details:
Yellow Ribbed Lantern Sleeve Top – Romwe
Skinny Jeggings – Fatface
Lace Up Trainer – Fatface

How do you like to team up your baggy knit sweater and sneakers? Let me know in the comments below.

Romance is in the air – Valentine’s Day Fun and Jacket Styling Tips

Whether in Love or out of Love, most of us have a love or hate relationship with Valentine’s Day. The true notion for those few days in run up to Valentine’s day is literally “Romance is in the air” with the window displays, the malls and all the markets being over the top decorated with Romantic gifts or symbols that represent Romance.

For me this day is special too and I treat this day as an opportunity to thank God for all the “Love” he has blessed me with in this life and here is a post to share my own created outfit for a wintery romantic date – to keep up with the spirits of Feb & coming season of Spring.

When it comes to winter fashion it always ends up being choosing between staying warm or fashionable. But you can stay fashionable and warm by playing with your winter wardrobe.

The main ingredient for a super chic look is a warm jacket. A jacket can make or break any outfit. Jackets are super comfortable and great for layering too. So if you are looking for some inspiration on how to mix it up with jackets or give your boring jackets a new life then look no further. Check out these winter styling outfits which are perfect and cute for the cold weather and would keep you winter ready.

Jackets and scarves are great for winter. You can create so many fun looks with them. Invest in a statement jacket to stand out this season. Ditch the neutrals for a vibrant red coat or a textured faux fur jacket. Mix and match different textures in your outfit by pairing an oversized scarf with a mid length faux fur jacket, knee length boots, jeans and a plain white tee for a day out with your friends or Friday wear at work.

Brighten up a gloomy day with a vibrant jacket. I have paired my Color Block Collarless Hidden Button Coat from Shein with a pair of jeans a casual light blue top and a burgundy sling bag. I kept my accessories to a bare minimum as I wanted the jacket to be the hero of the outfit. Hats can also enhance your look plus it keeps you warm and is your best friend if you are having a bad hair day.

Jackets are also great for office wear. On your day off go for a casual denim on denim look by pairing your favourite denim jacket with a cosy white tee, ripped denim and slip on shoes.

Outfit Details:

Blouse – Sisley
Stratus Jeggings – Fatface
Coat – Shein
Black Sandals – Aldo Shoes
Hat – Marks & Spencer

How do you dress up your outfit with a jacket? Looking for more styling tips and advice this season then drop us a comment below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Warp ‘n Weft- Where Modernity Blends with Tradition

Benarasi, the rich fabric that defines the grandeur of the ancient city of Varanasi, truly captures the essence of Indian tradition. Indeed, Benarasi deserves to be called the “Fabric of Antiquity” as it epitomises the culture and heritage of the country. And what I love the most about this textile is that it effortlessly blends with contemporary dressing, making a timeless synergy of modernity with tradition.

Today, Benarasi is making fashion headlines as designers across the globe are taking it to the fore. It is my favourite too and I love to play with these rich weaves. I find it perfect for creating stunning fusion ensembles. The vibrant colours and distinctive weaves of this luscious and rich fabric make an extraordinary combination with the simplicity of western attire making it elegant and chic.

When it comes to Benarasis, Warp ‘n Weft is the brand name that comes to mind. I picked some exquisite Benarasi weaves from this brand to create a unique look with the famed ‘brocade’ and ‘khinkhab’ marrying our Indian cultural heritage with western.

Benarasi Shorts with Jumper

This glamorous ensemble combines a pair of stylish shorts from Warp ‘n Weft in Silk ‘Khinkhab’ with a mustard coloured full-sleeved jumper. Crafted in rich burgundy Benarasi fabric with floral weave, the cute hot pants are the highlight of the ensemble. And the knee-high boots complete the look to perfection. The entire look is a statement; bold and confident style and can make one standout no matter what the occasion speaking of the adaptability of this vintage pure weave to suit the look of the discerning woman.

Benarasi Lehenga with Leather Jacket

The second look that I have put together brings together the magic and timelessness of Benarasi and the sassiness of leather. This one is an unexpected combination which has an elegant Benarasi Lehenga in bronzy metallic hues, choli in deep wine not red, teamed with a stylish black leather jacket. The vibrant choli features the traditional Benarasi butti weave. The lehengas which has panels in the subdued shades of bronze and gold, is woven like poetry in thread with the ‘Sunflower Buta’ in design. And the funky leather jacket adds the oomph factor to the look. The ensemble is creatively accessorized with a lovely Kundan neckpiece to enhance the eclectic touch. What’s more it keeps me warm in this chilly English weather. A great alternative to make sure I get to wear my favourite Indian Skirts no matter what the weather. Gives the whole outfit that grunge look. **wink** **wink**

Warp ‘n Weft is a revolution in itself when it comes to Benarasi weaves. The brand has been catering to a global clientele since 1997 showcasing the rich culture and provenance of the master craftsmen weavers of Varanasi. The brand understands the desires of the emerging trends and burgeoning demands of buyers who appreciate the beauty of the significant hand-crafted Benarasi fabric and would settle for nothing but the best.

The flagship store of Warp ‘n Weft is in Mumbai. The brand also enjoys an international presence, as it collaborates with Este Couture in the UK and soon would be exploring new tie-ups too. Additionally, it offers an amazing bespoke online styling service “Warp ‘n Weft Personal”, which brings customised fashion to the doorstep of Benarasi lovers. From colour detail to yarn detail and weave detail, the brand customises the fabric according to the customer’s desire. Buyers can have a unique and personalised look designed just for them by availing this exclusive service.

Benarasi is the fabric that has a global appeal and Warp ‘n Weft continues in their endeavour to get it all the recognition that it deserves. The brand endorses Benarasi, not as a fashion fabric but as a legacy that is to be carried forth to the next generations.

Scarves the Best Accessory to Style Outfits – Spring Season Outfit Post

Winter is finally coming down to its pleasantness, and in the fashion world, we are all geared up with the spring trends for 2017. Spring Summer Runway trends are bold and confident this year with metallic effects, bold lines and bright colours. Winter wear can get boring with the grey’s, blacks and blues. But you can break the monotony in your wardrobe by adding some vibrant accessories like a scarf, clutch, chunky bracelets, layered chains and more.

During this season when it’s chilly outside, I prefer adding a colourful or textured scarf to make the outfit fun. They are soft, warm and extremely cosy. Scarves are so versatile, and one can get them in all types of prints, colours and lengths. And the best bit is that there are endless ways one can wear them as. Replace it for a necklace or wear it as a headgear, a scarf is one of those things which can change your entire look.

You can layer it with your favourite jacket by tucking it inside the jacket and pairing it with your super skinny jeans and boots. If you are feeling lazy, then you can just toss it around your neck for a casual look. You can add contrasting colours by pairing a blue jacket with a vibrant red scarf, or you can play around with prints by adding a floral scarf over a solid-colored jumpsuit.

I created two looks from the scarves I got from Fatface. I love their scarves; they are great quality, soft and pretty. I paired a cable jumper in Ganache colour with dark blue jeggings also from Fatface with a brushed stripe mid-weight scarf. I draped the scarf around my shoulders for a casual look. This look is great when it’s cold outside. It’s oversized and thick, so it keeps me warm plus it’s super soft, so it feels great around your neck. I wore day-time smokey eyes with a lot of khol and a muted lipstick. You can even pair this scarf with a maxi dress. For a structured look wear a belt around your waist and drape the scarf around your shoulders for a day out.For my second look, I paired my two part floral spot snood scarf with my jumper and skinny jeans. This is a lightweight scarf which is stylish and perfect for spring. I wrapped the scarf around my neck in a double loop and kept it mid-length. In the double loop style, you loop the scarf twice around your neck and tie the loose ends under the loop for a structured look. You can see both the prints when you loop it like this; it keeps your hands free, it looks stylish plus it’s super easy.

I have intentionally kept the outfit the same, but you can see each scarf has made my outfit look different. Scarves can instantly change ones outfit and you don’t have to worry about wearing the same look again and again, as you play with textures and prints in scarves

Outfit Details :

How do you style your outfit with a scarf? Let me know in the comments below.

Bold and Beautiful – Runway Makeup Inspiration

“Creativity is your best makeup skill, don’t be afraid to experiment”, words of the most influential makeup artist Pat McGrath are words every makeup artist must live by.

Known for her creativity, army of assistants and experimental bold looks, she is someone who has been creating the most iconic over the past decades. She is someone who has given the makeup world most ingenious makeup tricks like adding a white curve to the cupid’s bow to make your lips look fuller, applying lip liner before a lipstick and blotting lips with a tissue and dusting translucent powder for long lasting wear and more.

Inspired by the looks she has created over the years I collaborated with some experienced talents in London like Aarti Kumar, Arthy Really, Desiree By Natasha, Sejal Anujah Shah and Aarsim Official to create some experimental looks that are going to be trending this season.

I wanted to get bold this New Year with my look and get out of my comfort zone. You know the whole New Year New Me kind of a feeling. So I decided so get bold with my makeup with some products from Pat Mcgrath Labs. I was really happy with the bold and beautiful look created by Aarti Kumar. Aarti is a vibrant and talented makeup artist based in London who loves to play around and create unique looks for her clients. She specialises in Bridal makeup and enjoys experimenting with new products and techniques. The first look she created focused on the glitter red lips. I was looking for a playful red tint to match my embellished skirt and crop top. For the second outfit, I wanted a fierce and feisty look, hence, the golden eye shadow and the funky lines on the eyes. The makeup made me look like a lioness and the sleek high ponytail made the whole look more intense.

The makeup did justice to the elegant handcrafted outfits by Sejal Anujah Shah. This clothing brand brings the best of both the worlds with its contemporary designs. The sleeveless white crop top adds structure to the high waisted skirt with intricate zardozi work. It is an outfit which can be worn for a sangeet or a fancy work event, party, or any other celebration. The skirt and the top can easily be matched with other outfits in your closet to create everyday styles.

Cold shoulders are really in this season. The second outfit is a twist from the regular off-shoulder or cold shoulder trend. The asymmetrical one-shoulder top is a great addition to the party wardrobe. I paired the top with skinny black pants and black shoes. I let my top and the makeup be the hero of the entire look. You can even layer up the top with a funky jacket for evenings.

No outfit is complete without the right kind of accessories. My accessories were styled by DesireebyNatasha. The brand is known for its exquisite collection of jewellery and watches made from semi-precious stones and pearls. They are elegant, modern and make any outfit pop instantly. They are also a great gifting option for someone who loves to accessorise.

I love statement bags which are fun, like the one I have incorporated in my look. The bags by Aarsim is just perfect for me since I have decided that this year I am going to focus on being happy and content with my life.

But a picture is only as good as its model….Hahaha, just kidding.. a picture is only as good as the photographer, and I love the picture play that’s been created with my look.

Thanks to my lovely photographer Arthy Really. From travel to editorial photo shoots, Arthy has the talent to capture the essence of the subject strikingly in her images.

I had a great time collaborating with some young and vibrant talent in the city to create my experimental bold looks. Let me know in the comments below if you enjoyed this fun outfit and challenge yourself to go bold and beautiful this year!

Hotel Du Vin, York – Yorkshire Hotel Review and Travel Diary

One would think that staying at manor houses and mansions was only possible in a setting of an Agatha Christie’s book; Mysterious Affair at Styles. But I was in for a breath-taking surprise when I was invited to the Hotel Du Vin York to visit their property that was tucked away in the Mount Area, very close to the city centre of Yorkshire.

We reached the property around 2 p.m.; as soon as I entered the hotel building, it gave me a feeling of an old world charm of high ceilings that is typical of the classical 19th-century architecture and some contemporary soothing decor of leather upholstery. After checking in, we wandered out to the quaint village outlet for shopping and then to the Christmas market to simply absorb all the Christmas cheer.

We came back to our extremely spacious rooms which had sprawling custom made beds, complete with hand-sprung mattresses, soft Egyptian cotton duvets and fluffy pillows that were inviting meyou to roll all over them like a kid simply! But, there was more room to explore in the room.

The room had an open plan tub, big enough to sleep in and comfortable enough to have your meal in. There was an option of a monsoon shower as well, for those of us who do not like to wallow in a bubble bath. To my utter delight, the little toiletries were from the house of Ren, which only use 100% plant and mineral derived actives. After a relaxing bath, I snugged into one of their soft Egyptian cotton bath robes that are as fluffy as cotton candy and if in mood for a quick snack or drink, I could just head over to the mini bar which is stocked with different liquor brands and yummy snacks. The best part is that the room has a unique decor, which makes me look forward to the whole experience so different to the bigger hotel chains where the décor in the rooms is sometimes too impersonal to make one feel relaxed or at home.
Later in the evening, we headed over to their in-house bar for a drink, to relax. For dinner, we headed to their Bistro which had a very earthy warm decor of dark wooden floors, restored fireplaces, paintings and soft lighting making it a perfect setting for a relaxing evening. Now comes my favourite part of food and drinks.
I was very impressed with their selection of wines, and we were recommended a perfect wine to go with your meal. To my surprise, the a-la carte was equally delightful for a vegetarian like me and a non-vegetarian like my husband. My husband ordered some seafood which had combined the taste of some freshly caught fish cooked slowly with some of their homemade mayonnaise, shallot vinegar sauces and condiments. Vegetarians like me did not have to fret because they had fresh green Super food kale salads, Tomato Consommé for starters and baked sweet corn and courgette cakes in the main course. All their food was cooked in a beautiful French home-style cooking enhanced with some traditional British flavours. Coupled with beautiful presentation and perfect wine, the meal was most satisfying for all the senses.
Next day, was beautiful in every aspect.Starting with breakfast which was simply out of the world. I was felt spoilt for choice with a wide range of fresh yummy goodies laid out on the country table that included freshly squeezed juices in cute small bottles, quirky mini jars of natural yoghurt porridges, baked pastries, and homemade granolas. After digging into some continental bits, we ordered the traditional cooked breakfast and a serving of poached eggs and avocado. As they say, breakfast should be fit for a King and it was fit for so many Kings!

We checked out of the hotel and headed out to the city of York to enjoy the rest of the beautiful day that included a visit to the York Minister which is Northern Europe’s largest Gothic Cathedral, a medieval castle that took us back to the Roman and Viking era, the old railway museum and last but not the least some little street shopping that always comes in handy to make us merry with Christmas round the corner.

Even though we stayed only for one night, we were blown away by the old manor charm coupled with modern luxuries and the outstanding service that Du Vin had to offer. If you are looking for a comfort, style and a bit of old school romance head to Du Vin York, I am sure you would not be disappointed.

Outfit Inspiration For Office During Winters

Mornings are the toughest, especially winter mornings. You don’t want to get out of your warm, cosy blanket and let alone decide what you need to wear to work in the freezing temperature. Choosing between fashion and warmth gets a little difficult and then you just end up wearing the same jacket for most of the season and hating your work wear which makes getting up in the morning even less motivating.If you want to know how not to dress boring for work, then check out my outfit inspiration for office wear this winter. These styles and tips will keep you looking chic and confident to handle any situation fashionably this season.

I have created a classic professional look with a jacquard blazer and a silk blend top. I got the Kate Ponte Jacquard Blazer from Boden for my work wear wardrobe. It is a classic single-breasted jacket in navy blue with double pockets and a back split. The jacket is comfortable, stylish and has a good fabric. Plus navy blue is a basic colour which almost goes on everything, and since the fabric is thick, it is suitable for cold weather. This jacket is great for casual wear or work wear, depending on how to team it up. I teamed it up with a Ravello top from Boden as well. With pleated neckline and cap sleeves, this top is a relaxed and feminine piece. It works well with a tucked in look. I paired the top and the coat with skinny jeans and platform courts. You can also wear boots or heels. But I personally prefer platform shoes since they are more comfortable without comprising on the heel. For a formal look, you can even pair the coat and the top with a dark blue pencil skirt and heels.

Outfit Details:

Blouse – Boden
Jacquard Blazer – Boden
Cropped Jeans – Hollister
Blue Shoes – Marks & Spencer
Accessories – Wrist Watch – Kartel
Handbag – Radley

Apart from this look, you can also think about blazers in warm fabrics like leather, velvet, or jacquard. Make your trousers more fun by going for jacquard or wool pants. They are warm, comfortable and stylish. Team them with your favourite cashmere sweater or a regular shirt and a long coat, and you are good to go. You don’t have to wear trousers or pants you can also go for a jacquard or knit dress and team it with leg warmers or slim pants. Shirt dresses or jumpers also look great with slim trousers. You can switch from your heels to ankle boots for more comfort during the harsh winters. If you want to dress up like a girl boss, then team up a silk blouse with a pencil skirt, knee high boots in suede with a knit scarf. Stick to sharp styles and mix and match different pieces in your wardrobe like a midi dress with a turtleneck sweater for a fashionable look. If you are going for a basic look in neutral shades, then you can add some statement accessories like a hat, bag or jewellery to make your outfit pop.

Picture Credits – PearBearPhotography

Winter Outfit Inspiration – to get You Season Ready

With the temperatures dropping, it’s time to remove your warm fuzzy winter wear like coats, sweaters, and mufflers. There are so many textures you can play with and looks you can create by layering up pieces in winter.One of the most essential items in every wardrobe is a statement long coat. They are extremely comfortable, warm and stylish. A statement coat can be textured, colorful, or printed. There are also different lengths, cuts and styles available. So you have a lot of options to pick from. Step out of your comfort zone and invest in a non-black coat. They are magnificent and extremely versatile.One of the most essential items in every wardrobe is a statement long coat. They are extremely comfortable, warm and stylish. A statement coat can be textured, colorful, or printed. There are also different lengths, cuts and styles available. So you have a lot of options to pick from. Step out of your comfort zone and invest in a non-black coat. They are magnificent and extremely versatile.

I own a beautiful textured coat in a steel grey colour thanks to Fatface!

Long coats look great in pastel shades, earthy tones like maroon and camel or vibrant hues like pink or red. I added some color in my outfit by pairing the neutral shade coat with a pastel pink top. I wanted a casual everyday look so I didn’t tuck in my top. For a formal look you can even pair the coat with a tucked in blouse.

Since my coat is oversized I paired it with skinny jeans. Peep-toe ankle boots are in this season. On warmers days they are a great option instead of peep-toe pumps. For my look I created soft waves and kept my makeup more natural looking with pink lips to match my outfit. If it is an extremely oversized coat then you can also clasp a belt around your waist to make it more form fitting.

But long coats should not be restricted to skinny jeans and shirt. You can also style a long coat in vibrant colors with a midi dress in black, leg warmers and heels or boots. You can also team up a pencil skirt and a blouse with a long coat. This outfit is great for office, meetings, and formal events. If your outfit is bold and colorful you can match it with a neutral colored long coat to balance out the shades. You can also play a little with your outfit by wearing cropped jeans, shirt and a long coat with block pumps. You can also layer up the coat with a turtle neck top, ripped jeans and a beanie cap with loafers for a chic look.

If your outfit is bold and colorful you can match it with a neutral colored long coat to balance out the shades. You can also play a little with your outfit by wearing cropped jeans, shirt and a long coat with block pumps. You can also layer up the coat with a turtle neck top, ripped jeans and a beanie cap with loafers for a chic look.

Outfit Details:

Blouse – French Connection
Coat – FatFace
Skinny Jeans – Fatface
Peep Toe Sandals – French Connection

How do you style your long coat with? Comment and let me know.

Festive Season Inspiration with Indian Hanger

I am an Indian at heart who calls London her home, and festive season is definitely when I miss my friends, family and
country more than any other time in the year.During the festival of LIGHTS, I love the buzz of shopping and meeting my friends. The auspicious occasions call for celebrations in Indian ethnic outfits.

This post is dedicated to all the expats from India, who miss India just as much and would like to be a part of the rich culture and heritage even when they are not in India. Interestingly, I revisited the site www.indianhanger.com, which I had used a couple of years ago to reconnect with my roots back home in India.I have been a regular customer to this online portal and I have noticed how they have paid close attention to the finer details. They have been able to represent India’s ethnic and traditionally rich culture in their unique designer collections available across the globe. What I love about them the most is their ‘Custom Fit’ ideology. Will it fit me? That is always my biggest challenge (and I am sure that it is the first question that comes to any Indian woman’s mind who wants to wear Indian ethnic wear too!) with Indian clothes. The comfort of knowing that the product you have ordered is as per your exact measurements saves you the nightmare of wondering if it will fit you when it arrives, or if you may have to return it. Fact: More than 60% of the outfits are returned due to their FIT issues across the e-commerce industry. Personally for me, this is the BIG WINNER when you choose Indian Hanger as your option for Indian Wear.Their collections have moved from clothing lines to human characterisation. They aim to curate unique yet relatable collections that appeal to every kind of woman. They are introducing a range of products for the Tradition Lovers, The Wedding Crazy Bridesmaids, The Avid Traveller, The Enthusiastic Entrepreneur & The Culture Lover in you, to name a few.

My pick was a light outfit leaning towards an Indo- Western look from Indian Hanger, keeping in mind that affordability plays a key role. Being able to buy customised designer pieces at great prices allows you to choose several outfits, which is why I love them so much. Their low and flat international shipping cost makes them an even more obvious choice for me. The comfort of receiving a made to measure product at your doorstep is unparalleled!The outfit I have selected is by the Designer Aartiza & Divya Kanakia. A navy blue Anarkali style gown with 40 beautiful kalis! It has a chic sheer effect, which makes it easy to wear for almost any wedding related function. I decided to accessorise the outfit with a pair of statement uncut stone earrings, a traditional crystal stone bracelet and a clutch.

Indian Hanger has many more designers collections featured on their website, featuring a selection of both Indian and contemporary outfits. To complete your ethnic look, they also have a variety of statement jewellery pieces and accessories. It definitely saves you the hassle of having to worry about quality or having to look elsewhere for matching accessories.

More Outfit Details Below:

Outfit – Aartiza & Divya Kanakia
Bracelet – Shillpa Purii
Earrings – Shillpa Purii

Some statement accessories that you should add to your collection to add that oomph to your outfits are: Maangtikkas (pair them with lighter earrings or a neckpiece), Statement Earrings, Paayals (anklets), Statement Clutches, Ethnic Bangles or Cocktail Rings.

As for the outfits and styles that are going to be a really big hit this season, look out for: Embellished Capes, Dhoti Pants, Velvet fabric outfits and Long Sleeve Blouses. One of the biggest trends that is making a comeback is mixing and matching multiple outfits to recreate new looks from your existing wardrobe!

Don’t forget- Festive Season or Occasion Dressing is all about having fun and being creative! Reinvent your style this festive season with www.indianhanger.com

Menswear as Womenswear – Style Edit

Autumn is the season to try new clothes and mix and match styles with different layers. One of my favorite styles this season is trying some menswear as womenswear in outfits. I love this style because you can create multiple looks without investing a dime in your wardrobe. 😛 Over time such outfits have become a staple in my wardrobe. If you want to experiment with menswear then read on. Here are a few tips on how you can style an outfit from the male wardrobe in your house (be that from your dad’s, brother or partner’s.

I tried a casual look with my hubby’s office shirt (sorry dear hubby for that, but I haven’t spoiled it ;)). I knotted the shirt around my jeans, so that it doesn’t look oversized and I also rolled the cuff for a casual look. It is a structured outfit, for a more glamorous look you can even pair the outfit with statement heels. I prefer wearing flats whenever possible since they are more comfortable. But that’s just me.You can even style this outfit with skinny or crop jeans too, but I have put together this look by going for ripped jeans as I wanted a more casual Friday or a weekend look. If you want you can also button up and tuck in the shirt instead of knotting it up.

I am also planning on trying this look with a white shirt or a pair of shorts for a more relaxed look. Sometimes you can steal a jacket: P. You can also have an unbuttoned shirt with a solid colored t-shirt inside.

Here are other ways you can style menswear:

Work Wear: A basic tee or a v-neck tee from your boyfriends wardrobe can be used to style a formal outfit. Tuck in the t-shirt in a pair of skinny jeans or a pencil skirt and team it with a structured blazer and heels. For a more glamorous look you can also add a statement piece of accessory like a necklace or bracelet with a bold lipstick or nail colour.

Layer it up: You can also use a shirt as a light jacket on a dress. For a more form fitting look you can add a belt to your outfit. The shirt can help dress down an outfit to create a totally different look.

Dress Shirt: Dress shirts are in this season. Button up a solid colored shirt with a pair of boots or casual shoes. Add a little oomph to your outfit by putting on a belt around the waist or jacket. For autumn you can also team up the shirt with a scarf and a fun hat.

Lounge Wear: There is nothing more comfortable than your large size t-shirt for night wear. It is loose, comfortable and looks super cute. Team up a graphic tee with your favorite pjs or shorts for a lazy weekend in bed.For all those girls who are single, don’t worry, you can try this style by raiding your dads or brothers cupboards too. But don’t tell them that you got these ideas from me or they might try to kill me …ha ha ha.

Outfit Details:

Ripped Jeans – Hollister
Fred Perry Shirt – Scotts Mens Wear
Shoes – White Stuff