Goa Beach Vacation: Carefree & Chic Feat. Guess x Louis Vuitton

Sunglasses, Distressed Shorts & Hat: River Island
Blouse: Guess
Sandals: Office
Cross-body Bag: Louis Vuitton Bronze Monogram Vernis

Lakme Fashion Week Winter Festive '15: What I Wore

'Manita, she'd never hurt a fly...'

Dress: Forever 21 (India)

Jewelled Sandals: River Island

Necklace: Debenhams

Hair & Nails: Belissimo Salon in Pune

'It's ethnic Barbie bitch'

Blouse: Anita Dongre

Shorts: H&M

Shoes: Ritu Kumar

Ganesh Ring: Shop on Colaba Causeway

'Ugh, talk to the cape'

Jewelled Cape: Krimson Designs in Pune

Treggings: M&S India

Sandals: Office UK

Makeup: Dior Edition Voyage palette

Lakme Fashion Week Winter Festive 2015: Highlights

Well what to say about Lakme Fashion Week... first of all I am so happy I actually had a chance to attend! It's always been a goal of mine to see first hand what the fashion shows are like here in India and experience the buzzing atmosphere of fashion week. Now I've ticked that off the list! I don't think I can count the time I was like 8 years old where they served me chicken nuggets and chips...

Fashion week was just... everything I thought it would be. There was an air of opulence and pretentiousness... it seemed so exclusive and chic. It was situated in the Palladium Hotel which is known to be one of the absolute best luxury hotels in Mumbai. Plus it's right next to the Palladium Mall which has your whole stretch of Gucci, Chanel, Louis... everything. So basically every day I would roll up and exit the car eagerly awaiting to see the first outfits of the attendees.

Slightly surprisingly but also not, everyone was in Western wear. You could definitely see the Chanel flap bags, retro Fendi ones and obviously some Céline. More than the upscale dressy types, I loved seeing the bold edgy ones, most likely Instagram bloggers who turned up with blue and pink hair rocking mesh, huge flatforms and that kinda thing. So all in all, it's similar to London Fashion Week.

Even as a blogger I was extremely lucky to even get in thanks to everyone helping me out and getting in touch with their contacts (thank you Delna, Ria, Nandini, Denzil, Jeanine!) The official blogger accreditation process was closed so I couldn't go through with that and even so, I doubt they would accept me as I don't have a million views per month like some of these crazy famous ones.

To sum it up it was hectic, tiring, amazing, and simply stunning. I loved that I got to attend very popular high-end shows and young break-through designers too. The first show I was super anxious because I got turned away at the door but eventually people did their thang and just about got me inside. I went from standing right at the back to sitting 2nd row behind actresses and models towards the end. I just felt so alive there, I love to get inspired and see things that make me nostalgic, intrigued or in love.

So anyway I've decided instead of doing a million separate posts, I would sum up the highlights of the shows I saw. I apologise if quality isn't too great with some pics. Admittedly I do now have a professional DSLR but I am pretty useless with it and only just realised I don't have a zoom lens. So until then, it's iPhone 6 and digital cam quality for now... sorry peoples don't send me death threats kthanksbye xo

Namrita Joshipura 

Incredible LED lighting at the start of Namrita's show which wow-ed the whole audience.

Avatar-inspired ear-pieces teamed with futuristic vibe dresses and shimmery gowns.

Pella

Unexpectedly conservative headscarfs and fully-covered pieces which open up at the back to skimpy shorts. A take on women's freedom and right to choose, perhaps?

Airy and light rocker-chic skull dress... very wearable.

Rouka

In-your-face double pattern dress with monochrome contrast.

Lots of Asian-inspired looks with a casual vibe and loud slogans like 'RSVP' and 'Yours Truly'.

Aartivijay Gupta

Power model couple strut their stuff in quirky fruit prints and vintage style gingham.

Super doll-like girly tie-up cape with a picnic-blanket type pattern... adorbs!

AM:PM

Very feminine and effortless cream fit-to-flare gown.

Pops of colour as fuchsias and black appeared out of nowhere with lovely white naturist details.

Ritu Kumar

Glamorous in gold- a mix of a traditional female armlet with a masculine head-dress.

Show-stopping pink number... very elegant and regal.

Flowing trail turned the audience's heads as the gold shimmer caught the light.

A jaw-dropping collection using traditional Baranasi weave techniques.

Very rich fabrics with hues of purple, gold and royal blue.

The beautiful Aditi Rao Hydari who closed the show in a two-piece with a gold metal belt.

 Sonaakshi Raaj

Detailed beadwork on a neutral canvas and layered fabric to add volume.

Very intricate purple bodycon dress with a mesh neck and jewelled bodice.

Gorgeous two-tone metallic fringe details on the back of a minidress.

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.