My Experience at Radhadesh: Can Fashion Mix With Spiritual Life?

If you’ve been keeping up a bit here and there with my social media posts you might have picked up that I’ve been on a bit of a journey recently… and no not one involving trekking to a mall. Instead I’ve been exploring spirituality and the Krishna Consciousness movement.

If you'd like to know the very basic meaning, I've found this on the web...

-       'Krishna consciousness, or bhakti-yoga, means how to act in harmony with ultimate reality—the Supreme Person. Bhakti—“devotional service”—is how the bhakta—“devotee”—and Bhagavan—“God, the possessor of all opulences”—relate.

We're all naturally Krishna conscious. In illusion, we think we’re the center of the universe, and our bodies are our real selves. Krishna consciousness means becoming free from that illusion, and experiencing our true blissful, eternal nature. It's a process that works. Anyone can do it.' (http://www.krishna.com/krishna-consciousness)

An image of the beautiful deities we had the pleasure of seeing every day

So as part of this exploration I was persuaded to attend a spiritual retreat in Radhadesh, Belgium for 10 days where I would be in the company of student devotees, participate in workshops, seminars and various activities. As the days began to dwindle down towards the departure time I began getting more and more anxious. I knew I’d have to share a room and I knew the whole point of a spiritual retreat is to get into the ways of simple and minimalist living.

I think it’s fair to say minimalism and me don’t tend to mix very well. It’s sort of like Jil Sander and Betsey Johnson collaborating. It just won’t mesh.

I literally dreamt about having limited wardrobe space, not having enough room for outfits, jewellery or beauty products. These thoughts flooded my mind over and over again. I knew I’d be pushed out my comfort zone and in a way this intrigued me because I’ve never tried to step outside of the sheltered, self-centred life I’ve built for myself. It was only until the pre-trip BBQ that these thoughts gradually starting fading away. 

Radha Krishna & Radha Rani

I was just so amazed at how nice everyone was. Like nobody knew me but they seemed so eager to help, ask me questions, relieve my stress about the trip. It was like I entered a different universe where everybody let their inhibitions go and just wanted to spread happiness and joy. No judgement, rudeness, snobbishness, nothing.

I started to compare the atmosphere there to the ones I’ve experienced at a couple of fashion events where I’ve entered alone and felt so nervous and unwelcomed because I was much younger than the professionals in the room or people just couldn’t suss me out properly.

Anyway, after a slugglish couch journey and ferry we eventually drove up to the castle we would be staying at and everyone suddenly awoke from their zombie-like states and gawked at this beauty awaiting in front of us. 

Castle

As soon as I saw my room I began to place all my things exactly the way I wanted them with all my pre-packed vanity cases with compartments ready so I could co-ordinate everything the way I’m used to. I even brought a light-up mirror. No wonder my suitcase looked pregnant…

As I gradually integrated myself into the schedule of the trip and learnt to offer service to Krishna through the means of serving and preparing food, cleaning dishes and utensils, painting and gardening, my material woes began to dwindle down to a point where I was even comfortable with being around everyone with a tad bit of BB cream and my glasses on. Can you imagine? By the end I was less boho and more hobo…

I started to care less and less about the little things. Granted I still worried about my appearance, mainly because I’m not used to wearing Indian outfits but overall I started realising how meaningless my daily anxieties back home are. Luckily I had some fab girls in my room to share my thoughts to and I began to realise that I wasn’t alone with some of the struggles I was facing. In such a materialistic society, isn’t it psychologically expected that people will succumb to mundane pressures? (Oh, and thank God there was someone to help me wear my gopi dresses… thanks Radhika!)

Bright gopi outfit

I actually had a lot of fun experimenting with bright fuchsias and royal purples in my gopi outfits and getting gopi dots drawn on my face on the coach. The trip taught me that spirituality, especially within Krishna Conciousness, is designed to be easy to follow and applicable to everyday life. It doesn’t force you to give up anything in life. Nothing at all actually. Everyone has a choice, they are only there to guide you in the right direction. So learning this has reassured me that I can live my life the way I instinctively want to whilst making an active effort to change things in the world in my own way.

At first it was a challenge to push myself to do things like cleaning up which I never usually do… but after a while I got stuck in, not caring less about my outfits getting dirty or what not. I think it really helps when you’re in a group environment and you see others performing duties which such enthusiasm and lack of pride. I’m so thankful I got the chance to attend as it really taught me so much about myself and that I can live without having GHDs on hand or a beautician on standby. More seriously it also made me question fashion a lot and whether it could be compatible with spirituality…

Playful Gopi dots

I’m still working this out but personally I think that within reason, whatever someone’s passion is, they can follow it successfully whilst incorporating some sort of ethical or positive elements. Now I’m not saying my blog is going to become spiritual or anything of the sort. I’m completely aware that everyone reading is coming from different backgrounds and believes in different things which is great, I think that’s one of the beauties of this Earth. However, I’m saying I’m more open to pushing more positive messages out there with my content, whether it be through raising awareness of sustainable fashion, body identity issues, child labour in the industry, or any such problem. I still have a long way to go and I know my mind will still think about getting new clothes and changing up my look but I want to give back more and if and when I find opportunities to do so I will take them. Anyone reading this with an idea or worthy organisation please do get in touch, I would love to hear from you!

I would encourage everyone, especially those working with the fashion industry or just diehard fashionistas to try out a spiritual retreat. If not, take a weekend break away somewhere rural or more on the remote side and allow yourself to adapt to a simpler lifestyle. Perhaps only take a few dresses instead of matching co-ords and a hundred statement necklaces. Maybe turn off your 4G so you can quit depop-ing your unworn Topshop jeans. 

We get so caught up with trends, new collections, and celebrity styles sometimes that it becomes information overload and at the end of the day it’s all temporary. That’s why I try (although I realise now it’s not clear) to tell people this blog is less about materialism and which brands to wear but more so about making people feel good, laugh and relax. So why not treat yourself to a getaway… take some time to think, breathe, relax, meditate and really reflect on yourself and the world around you. I assure you it will make a world of difference to your life.

A Woman is Nothing Without Her Perfume: My Collection

Since I was a little girl with Rapunzel-like hair & sequin dresses, I loved collecting perfumes… it was like a selection of little treasures with all the beautiful bottles lined up together. I may have grown up from my Barbie scent but I’m still as obsessed with finding new ones to excite my senses.

After moving house, I unfortunately lost all my perfumes in the moving process & I was devastated but there’s always a silver lining! I’ve actually been able to obtain some really gorgeous replacements to make up for it.

Summer’s by far the best season for exploring new fragrances & adding to your collection, especially if you’re planning on going on holiday. That being said, I’m going to give you a run-through of my new collection so hopefully you’ll get some perfume-buying inspiration! Buckle up & brace yourselves for the whiffs of neroli, jasmine, vanilla, honeysuckle & much, much more… 

   1)    Vera Wang: Princess

Aside from the beautiful bottle, I just had to buy a second dose of this because I find it to be such a versatile & perfectly feminine scent. It can take you from a daytime lunch to a night-time rendezvous in no time with its floral & vanilla notes.

   2)    YSL: Opium

This is a cult favourite in the beauty industry… some may say this is more of a winter scent because it’s warm & spicy but this could equally work for evenings out, especially for more elegant dinners or formal events.

   3)    Marc Jacobs: Daisy

As soon as I smelt this in a magazine, I just had to get my hands on it. It’s fresh & floral, making it an absolute staple scent for summer. You’ll be smelling like a flower in no time, just make sure the bees don’t come after you!

   4)    Marc Jacobs: Dot

After I got my hands on ‘Daisy’, ‘Dot’ was the natural follow-up purchase… this has a little more punch to it with berry & orange blossom notes so it’s better if you want more of a statement scent. Oh, and the bottle is quite possibly the most elaborate piece of perfume art you’ll ever find.

   5)    Coco Chanel: No. 5

Unsurprisingly, this was actually a hand-me-down from my mother. I think every woman should own a bottle of this because it’s just the most the signature scent ever created. It’s very strong & provocative… so a little goes a long way but it’s just one of those scents that will never ever be off-trend.

   6)    Lancôme: La Vie Est Belle     

We’ve seen all the adverts with Julia Roberts looking radiant as ever sporting this fragrance but it truly is a beautiful one. It’s flirty, it’s fruity, it literally smells like paradise in a bottle and I am so glad I have this. I will definitely be taking this on holiday to smell like a million bucks all day long.

   7)    Tommy Hilfiger: Tommy Girl           

I was lucky enough to receive this as a gift and I love wearing it in the day as it’s a perfect modern, energising scent that wears nicely for any occasion.

   8)    St Kitts Herbery: Mint

I worked with this amazing brand for my blog a little while ago & I chose to review their mint fragrance because as you can tell, my vibe tends to be girly & sweet so I wanted to step outside my comfort zone. I was definitely impressed… this is a lovely choice if you prefer clean & refreshing scents with a neutral tone.

   9)    Swarovski: Aura

If you’re on the hunt for a unique scent, this is for you. With a stunning silver bottle design & Swarovski crystal on top, not only will this look appealing on your dresser but it’s light & easy to wear too. Plus its staying power is phenomenal! A couple of spritzes & you’ll be set for the whole day.

   10)    Soap & Glory: Original Pink

For something super affordable, this is a good pick and would work equally well as a gift. It’s really girly & light but it’s quite sweet so make sure that’s what you’re into before purchasing.

   11)    Tory Burch: Eau de Parfum  

Capturing classic in an unexpected way, I love to use this for special occasions as it’s so glam, it’s almost like adding an accessory to an outfit. Whilst it does have floral notes, it’s certainly not overpowering & the citrus notes balance everything out. Definitely an all-time favourite of mine.

HUGE 15 Product Beauty Giveaway! Are You In?

So as you may or may not know.... it's GIVEAWAY time!

On my Instagram page I am hosting a huge beauty product giveaway, perfect for treating yourself this summer.

All you have to do is make sure you're following me on there & comment on the giveaway pic with an emoji to describe the products! Good luck :D xo

ENTER HERE!

Open to US/CA/EU/UK residents only. Only 1 entry per person allowed. Applicants must be 18 years or over. A significant attempt to contact the winner will be made however I reserve the right to choose another winner should this be necessary. 

Stitch Three Coffee Morning: How Your Fashion Cravings Can Save Orphans...

If you're like me, you often have moments of complete sadness thinking about the state of the world, especially when it comes to the welfare of children who are suffering in poverty. It's awful to come to terms with the idea that children can be born into a life of hardship without asking for it. I think sometimes it's easy to forget and more so easier to distract yourself from the real issues. I do it all the time... it saves the feelings of guilt....

However, we can't always run away from the issues at heart. I think all of us can be doing things to help out people in need, whether its donating to charities, volunteering every so often or setting up fundraising events. Not only is it rewarding but it actually makes a big, big difference as I've learnt with my experiences (although I could be doing a lot more too!)

Anyway, I thought I would share with you an exciting event coming up where you don't actually have to do much at all, aside from maybe purchasing a few beautiful pieces!

Nida Azwer Iznkik 

I know it's a little short notice but if you have the time, why not pop down? 10% of all proceeds will be donated so you can shop a little more guilt free!

South Asian, high fashion studio and retail concept, Stitch Three, will be hosting a Coffee Morning in association with NGO, SOS Children’s Villages Pakistan, where they will be presenting a seasonal curation of the latest collections from some of Pakistan’s most lauded fashion houses.

SOS Children's Villages Pakistan works for the welfare of orphaned children, providing them with loving care, security, higher education and job training. 

It's taking place on Wednesday 8^th July, 10am – 2pm at a South London location. Please RSVP to info@stitchthree.com for further details.

Opulence & Grandiose Luxury: Anjalee & Arjun Kapoor Take the UK by Storm!

Walking into the new Anjalee & Arjun Kapoor store at East Shopping Centre for the first time was absolutely jaw-dropping. I felt like I was in a dreamland... the space was elegant & an air of opulence lightened up the room, yet it didn't feel intimidating... more so welcoming and peaceful.

As I walked around, I noticed these fabulous designs all around me, fit for the crème de la crème of society. Each piece was unique in its own way, it was like looking at works of art. These weren't just clothes or garments, they were paintings.

Interestingly, as you walk around the shop you can definitely see the transitional themes that are going on within the collections. With concepts such as The Phantom of the Opera & Persian Fantasy, this is no ordinary designer... what I can assure everyone is that you will be getting exceptionally unique pieces that are created with out-of-the-box concepts in mind.

The space is open & airy with lots of room to view all the designs & chill out on the golden furniture. You could tell that everything was immaculate from the designs to the setting. It felt so regal, unlike any other store I've ever been to. 

Meeting the Brains Behind it All...

All thanks to Bliss PR, I had the pleasure of meeting Anjalee a few days before the big launch. She was bubbly & full of life, very on-the-ball, welcoming & ready to talk me through her collections. As soon as she spoke, I could feel the energy & passion that she has for her babies. As I walked around staring in awe at the vibrant colours & rich materials, Anjalee mentioned her love of using silks, lace & Swarovski crystals which is fairly unusual in the industry. Some were very heavily embellished with crystals but they still looked so classy & glamorous, designed to make any woman in them light up the room with her presence.

I also noticed her use of sheer materials & pieces that looked more like gowns. With such dazzly pieces, it reminded me a lot of the huge trend going on right now on all the red-carpets as we've seen the likes of Beyonce & Kim Kardashian rock these show-stopping dresses with crystals everywhere, fitted to hug their silhouettes which is a point that Anjalee really focuses on a lot. 

It was apparent that there weren't too many typical pieces here. The lenghas had a twist to them, many with very intricate details inspired by Persian themes including their carpet designs. The anarkalis were far from standard... more like red-carpet gowns. 

'Why make something standard when I have the capacity to do something different', said Anjalee. 

As we discussed her big break in the UK, Anjalee mentioned that she has had other international stores but with her UK branch, she wants to stress that she will adapt to all her clients individually and does make hybrid Western clothing as well to meet everybody's needs. It was apparent that Anjalee puts her pride & soul into her work, as demonstrated when I was wrapping up. A bride-to-be came in for a consultation and I managed to have a nosy glimpse at how interactive the whole experience was. It was like watching something out of a movie. Anjalee was there discussing all her needs & as the bride came out, everyone just watched her transform into a princess & her family were   completely taken aback.

As I'm 20, I think it's fair to say I'm far from the marriage stage but when that big day comes, I would 100% want to choose somewhere like this store where I feel like all my needs are being catered to. After all, every bride wants that special treatment.

Aside from the glamour of the store & consultations, I noticed that the Anjalee & Arjun Kapoor photoshoots were absolutely phenomenal.

'We recently shot in Mykonos, Greece alongside the crisp blue waters. It was a stunning location and I wanted to do something different to shooting in a studio', she mentioned. 

How gorg is the shot below?! I just had to bring up these photos because I felt like they really made the clothes come to life and I love the element of adventure & spontaneity within these shots.

Unexpectedly, I was in for another treat during my time at the store. I had the privilege of watching Anjalee sketch a design in front of my very eyes. It was absolutely incredible.

From someone who just sticks to the writing to save people's eyes from my horrors, it was so fascinating to see the beginning stages of a design. Just like that, she was able to devote herself to a new creation & immediately she was able to say which gradients of colours she would use, where she would place the embellishments, what type of draping... just wow. Just remember, we brought it you first! Who knows, this may well be a sneak peek of the hit new design to be seen on Bipasha ;)

If that wasn't enough, I then went on to be styled in one of her exquisite designs. Admittedly, coming in with my ever-so casual clothes, it was a bit daunting to try on something so grand but as soon as I put it on, I realised how much of a difference such luxurious clothes can make to your whole demeanour. A boost of confidence came over me & I was stunned to see myself in something so beautiful. This is one of her wrap-around sarees and I must say, I was expecting it to be a lot heavier than it was. 

Surprisingly, it was very light & easy to manoeuvre in which is an absolute must on your special day. You don't want to be worrying about being uncomfortable, you just want to shine & radiate confidence which is inevitable in something like this. 

As Anjalee & I both agreed, to see these designs on the rack is one thing but to experience wearing one is an entirely different experience. I found her designs to be very well-made. As intricate & delicate as they are, they are made for women to enjoy being in & to ooze power & boldness. 

Anjalee & Arjun Kapoor regularly dress A-list Bollywood celebs like Bipasha Basu, Anushka Sharma, Kangana Ranaut, Katrina Kaif, Hema Malini, Mallika Sherawat, Lara Dutta & lots more.  

'One thing in common with all the Bollywood actresses in our designs is that they have all had lots of experience walking on the ramp & modelling. They have the star factor & they all share grace in their poise', Anjalee pointed out. I think we can all agree on that one...

Bollywood actress Neha Dhupia

So before I left, I just had to get Anjalee's thoughts on the new digital age & advice for young people like me:

'Social media is very important, I take it very seriously. People just don't have the time to read newspapers or watch TV like they used to. They want fast information now with the likes of Instagram, Facebook & Twitter. Social media is a must for branding yourself & if you want to get into the industry, be sure to stay focused on the goal and you will succeed if you have the knack for it. Make sure to market yourself correctly as marketing is everything.'

It's Show Time!

I had a 10/10 experience with Anjalee & Arjun Kapoor and I would recommend their designs to anyone looking for outstanding pieces for special occasions, especially weddings. Just pop in & you'll understand the true meaning of luxury, I promise you won't be disappointed.

Now I'll stop yapping & let you enjoy some images from the launch...

East Shopping Centre: A mecca for all things high-end Asian in one well-maintained, spacious building.
PC: Monir Ali 

Posing with Anjalee herself, as she wears one of her flattering foam gowns.

One of the oh-so feminine fairytale gowns that caught my eye!

Model rocking a gorgeous aquamarine outfit with gold accents.

Model working this lavish piece that embodies couture to another level.

A room filled with press, bloggers, models & fabulous people.

Further Info:

Address:
East Shopping Centre, 232-236 Green Street, 
London, E7 8LE.

Anjalee & Arjun Kapoor Facebook
Anjalee & Arjun Kapoor Twitter
Anjalee & Arjun Kapoor Instagram

When Paid Promotion Goes Wrong...

If you're an Instagram junkie like me, you'll now be used to scrolling through your feed & spotting the usual celeb suspects sporting their new protein powders, waist trainers, cheap dresses in their name... the list goes on.

Yes, it can be seriously annoying but I can sort of understand it when it comes to reality stars or people who work on & off. Sometimes you just need a bit more income coming in or hell, maybe they're just greedy. Aside from the low-list celebs, there are definitely some of the bigger names in the celeb world who I've noticed are doing a terrible job at promotions...

As a blogger, I know my fair share about sponsorships, promotions, collaborations etc. but even for those who don't blog or work in PR, sometimes it's pretty damn obvious when someone is just pushing a product in your face that they don't use.

Lilly Ghalichi: Razor Gate

Here's a screenshot from Lilly Ghalichi who has absolutely blown up all over the internet. I feel bad for discussing her because I've had so many good things to say in the past & I actually remember when she wasn't so huge & acknowledged my blog post about her. Now that she's become an absolute living doll, I've noticed that some of her promotions are really off...

Basically she's promoting these cheap 99 cent razors & telling us how great they've been for her skin sensitivity. Okay, let me compose myself. She's a gorgeous Persian woman & I have an Indian background... basically if you're from the exotic side of the world, chances are you're going to be hairier than most. Just being real! There is no way in the hell that this woman is shaving. It's absolutely laughable. If you read the comments, people are outraged that she would try and convince us that she actually still shaves & uses these cheap-o razors. 

Pic via @Lillyghalichi on IG

(Sidenote: I love that she's having a full-on photo shoot with heels in the shower... girllllll). 

Lilly has openly discussed her experiences with laser hair removal in the past & this PR promotion is a huge, huge blunder. She is losing credibility left right & centre. I'm happy for her success and as I used to read her blog years ago, I really admire her for wanting to show the world that it's possible to have brains & beauty. Having huge hair & fake tan does not erase someone's law degree. I just hope that her PR team can do a better job of choosing their collaborations because if she pulls something else like this again, it's not going to be pretty. 

Kylie Jenner: Old & Wrinkly

This is fairly old news now but it came to mind when thinking about this topic. When Kylie was first spotted promoting Nip + Fab I was honestly bamboozled. All I could think about was 'wow, that figure must be reaching 6 digits'.

The girl is 17 years old.

Photo via www.organicsbymelvee.com

I'll admit I don't want to go in on her too harshly because in some ways I actually feel sorry for her. Let's be honest, she most likely had little say and was probably just told that some new brand wants to work with her & she would get a ton of money. Also, you have to sometimes think of the strange circumstances that she has had to grow up with. Aside from the Bruce-Caitlyn change, she also has to live with the pressures of comparing to her sisters who have made their fame through looks.

I wouldn't be surprised if she actually does use the stuff. It seems more & more evident that she is following in Kim's steps with her aesthetic.

The media is brutal and for someone younger than me to have to face that, I'm sure it's difficult... hence her self-esteem issues about her lips. Everyone has struggles & I think we should stop being so quick to attack her (even I'm guilty of it) and realise that being rich doesn't mean people aren't going through their internal struggles. Sorry for going off topic! I just felt the need to voice that message :)

Marnie Simpson: Lol.

Some of you are probably like... who? She's a reality TV star on Geordie Shore (yes, I watch it please leave me alone). I just thought I'd add this for comic effect. She's always promoting something or the other & this pic just kinda screamed 'right, I'm tired as shit... gonna hold up these hair pills & then I'm done, PR ain't paying me enough to write why I like 'em or 'nowt like that!'

Pic via @marniesimpson on IG