A Garden Of My Own

"When you increase the number of gardens, you increase the number of heavens too"

                                                                               -Mehmet Murat Ildan

I'm a taurean, an earth sign.. and thus, i find joy in all things earthy and beautiful. Being a city girl, i yearn for greenery..greenery that is diminishing by the hour. I still remember watching Gossip Girl and being jealous of the people of Manhattan for having the Central Park. In India, no such luck.. sob sob!!

So today i was sitting in my balcony and enjoying the rain and the smell of the earth and i thought, why cant i have a garden of my own? why cant i have a place i can nurture and beautify and cocoon myself in, when i want to separate myself from city life? 

Such musings lead to an idea of landscaping.. on the terrace, in the backyard(if you have any) and on any patch of extra space that can be converted into a green haven.

Have a look at some ideas that you can incorporate to have a heaven of your own:

An outdoor corner turned into a barbeque

Outdoor dining, anyone?

Stone,wood and rustic furniture,whats not to love?

landscaping the backyard

A green haven on the terrace with wood flooring!!

The end of the driveway or beside the entrance

Add color to a dull space with potted plants

Romantic Dinner

Stone pathways and potted plants-Chic!

Perfect place for a Sunday brunch

Sitting option on the terrace

Sunroom with lots of greenery

bougainvilleas- easiest and cheapest way to add color

Add privacy by making an enclosure with trellis

And if you're one of those lucky ones who has open space, here's how you can take it to the next level:

Adding steps filled with pebbles and lined by small plants

Pebbled pathway with lanterns

A faux brook and a bridge over it adds so much charm to a garden

Hope you got some ideas for the next time you want to take up a green project.

Till next time,
xoxo!
                                            All images- Pinterest

                      

India's "IT" Girl..Sonam Kapoor

    "I don't do fashion, i AM Fashion"- Coco Chanel

If this holds true for any one person, it is none other than India's fashion icon and my favorite- Sonam Kapoor. This girl knows style, has a keen sense of fashion and attention to detail like no other.. She's a regular at international fashion weeks and is a darling of fashion designers in India and abroad alike ( No surprises there!!)

Be it Indian wear, western wear, vintage, quirky.. she can carry off every look with a class that's sadly rare in most of Bollywood. It's so difficult to pick up a handful of my favorite looks of her's as almost everything she wear is oh so swoon-worthy..After months of going through everything she's worn, i have finally narrowed it down to the 15 looks that i loved the best. So here goes:

15. In Sonakshi Raaj: 

I love this lime green saree gown from Sonakshi Raaj. The elegant drape and the sheer paneling gives it the look of a saree while the sleekness gives it that gown feel.

14. In Payal Pratap:  

This fun multi-colored anarkali from Payal Pratap brings out the quirky side of Sonam's fashion personality and she keeps it casual, quirky yet chic with the accessories and the soft feminine updo.

      

13. In Paule Ka:       

This outfit reminds me so much of Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl..in a good way!! The light powdery blue dress with the matching jacket, paired with leopard print ballet shoes and a pop colored clutch bag gives this look a fun, playful yet classy feel. Love!

12. In Masaba:

Masaba Gupta is the queen of quirk.. yet this monochrome saree has a touch of elegance apart from being really young and flirty. The rid lipstick, the winged liner and the soft updo takes this look to another level of vintage chic.

11. In Dolce & Gabbana:

Sonam Kapoor and the house of D&G seems to have a symbiotic relationship..they make her look good and she makes their designs look even better. This red lace dress is vibrant and veryy girly. 

10. In Alexander McQueen:

At the recent Vogue beauty awards, Sonam Kapoor wore a fitted black belted floor skimming gown with golden detailing at the shoulder and neck. The fash forward hairdo and smoky eyes completed the look and made her the best dressed at the event.

9. In Tarun Tahiliani:

A fiery orange Tarun Tahiliani saree paired with a chikankari blouse made Sonam look elegant and grown up,in a good way. She shows us that you do not need a heavily embellished saree to stand out and make a statement.. classic minimalism at it's best!    

  

8.   In Atsu:

Black lace and red and black floral print knee length skirt with a train.. what's not to love? The chic updo and strappy stilettos complete the look.

 

7. In Elie Saab:

This floor length black gown with the criss-cross detailing at the neck and gold belt is sexy without showing skin..the smokey eyes and nude lips complete the look.

          

6. In Anamika Khanna:      

The much talked about cannes outfit..i personally am a big fan of this. Pairing a heavily embellished jacket with a simple lace saree.. Genius! The berry lips, winged liner and oversized nath completed this look.. Kudos to Sonam for wearing a traditional outfit at Cannes Red carpet and giving it such a modern and unusual twist.

5. In Elie Saab:

Red lace fitted dress with slick, straight hair.. accessorized with a sequined box clutch..the peekaboo lace takes this from demure to sexy!

4.  In Barbara Casasola:

This bi-color structured gown by Barbara Casasola styled with purple smokey eyes and slicked back hair is the epitome of powerful gowns that exude grace and elegance without being typically feminine.

 

3. In Dolce & Gabbana:

This voluminous floral printed gown was love at first sight for me. The print, the bodice, the voluminous skirt, the soft,romantic hair.. this was pure perfection!

2. In Elie Saab:

I've died and gone to heaven.. this dress from Elie Saab is SO angelic, SO dreamy & SO very beautiful. 

1. In Dolce & Gabbana:

This shimmery silver belted dress is my favorite.. mostly because apart from being breathtakingly gorgeous, it's young, chic and very wearable.

Hope you got some ideas you want to incorporate..and had as much fun reading this as i had writing it.

Till next time,

xoxo!

 

    

What to wear IF....

Let's face it.. We all have some things we do not like about our bodies and would prefer it to remain invisible. I,for one, have a long list of flaws which i want fixed but i'm too lazy to hit the gym.. or go under the knife :) Hence, i turn to clothes to camouflage my problem areas and highlight the not so bad ones.. This, is the easiest way to look thinner, taller, shapely and simply, gorgeous!

Whatever be your concerns, trust me, we can all relate..we have been there at some point of our lives & instead of getting depressed about how fat our arms are or how much tummy we have, i say, let's take on the world head on and shine.. cuz all of us are beautiful.. we just have to know where to shop.. and what to wear!

“There is nothing more rare, nor more beautiful, than a woman being unapologetically herself; comfortable in her perfect imperfection. To me, that is the true essence of beauty.”

If you are short:

Not all of us are blessed with the gift of a good height, and instead of blaming our genes, we should use what we have & look fabulous. The trick here is to "Appear" taller and for that, the Rule of thumb is to not split your body into half..instead, create a flattering silhouette. Here's How:

• Get clothes that fit right. Ill-fitted clothes will add bulk and make you look shorter
• Stick to monochromes or outfits with little accents in strategic places.. Avoid too many colors
• V necks tops helps elongate your look
• Wear vertical stripes to give the illusion of length. Horizontal stripes are best avoided.
• Your tops should end at your hips or above.. Longer tops will make your legs look shorter
• Short. fitted dresses are great for creating a flattering silhouette and making yo look taller.
• Say NO to over-sized & bold accessories- you don't want to be overwhelmed.
• Meet your new BFF- High waisted pants
• Avoid Wedges, wear stilettos & shoes with pointed toes.
• Take cue from these celebs who are 5 ft 4 inches or below.. and know how to work it!!!

Sarah Jessica Parker-5'3"

Megan Fox-5'4"

Mila Kunis-5'4''

Rachel Bilson-5'1"

And these ladies are regulars in the "best dressed" and  "world's sexiest women" lists!!

If You are Thin/Skinny:

I envy you!! You are lucky to have the body every girl wants nowadays..However, you still need to dress right in order to avoid looking anorexic or unhealthy thin. Here's how:

• Avoid showing skin..and avoid clingy outfits
• Sharp necklines are to be avoided. Instead, go for softer lines like boat necks and off shoulder.
• Add layers- a shirt over a vest, a shrug, a summer jacket- the options are endless
• Avoid monochromes- look for patterns in bigger prints to make you look fuller.
• Go for loose pants like palazzos and denims with flares- avoid the skinny jeans.
• Maxi skirts and dresses in soft feminine prints should be good for your body type
• Avoid delicate,strappy shoes..Go for boots or platforms.
• Accessorize right- Add scarves and stoles. Avoid belts!!

If you are Bottom-Heavy:

It's not the end of the world. Relax! Take a deep breath.. and read on!

•  Create the illusion of a long line by choosing pieces in a single color and slim cuts
• Wear fitted jackets that ends at least an inch over your widest point.
• Add volume on top to balance the heavy bottom part of your body- add ruffles or puffs to yor sleeves or go for structured shoulders
• Your bottom wear, be it skirts, trousers or denims, should be well-fitted but never too tight. Remember- NO clingy fabrics
• When wearing dresses and skirts, remember the cardinal rule of "fit & flare"- it should fit you on top, have a defined waist and flare below the waist to conceal the hips.
• Draw attention away from your hips- wear interesting tops with a sweetheart neckline or a halter neck to draw attention towards your face.
• Vertical stripes, polka dots,floral prints all look great on the top- for the bottoms, stick to darker shades in solid colors- a lighter top and darker bottom works like a charm!
• Bootcut denims are your new BFFs- the longer, the better.

 

 

If you have fat/flabby arms:

Everyone has a little flab here and there. As long as you camouflage it well, there's nothing to worry. Here's how:

• Wear shirts and dresses with long sleeves- full or three quarter or elbow length work well at hiding the flabby arms
• Tops in dark colors like black and navy will instantly provide a slimming effect.However, make sure the fabric is not shiny or clingy as that will highlight your problem areas.
• Jackets, shawls, cardigans and shrugs- take your pick. Choose the one that will complement the rest of your outfit.

If you have a tummy/Belly fat:

I think this is by far the most common problem that girls face.. i know i do. And this the worst to get rid of. One word- Shapewear!! Works like a charm..though a little uncomfortable.I consider myself a pro at hiding tummy..and when people call me skinny, i consider it an achievement (pats self). Here's how you too can hide your tummy without being boring or last season:

• Avoid body hugging clothes- instead choose tops that are well-fitted but not tight on the tummy area
• Wear leggings with long, loose tops-leggings will tuck in your belly and draw attention to your legs rather than your belly
• Create vertical lines with the help of stylish, well fitted jackets, cardigans and vertical stripes.
• Avoid belts- they will draw attention to your belly
• Do NOT tuck your tops. Leave it open.
• Balloon tops are great for hiding tummy
• Skinny jeans with regular waist(no low waist) and a loose shirt looks casual yet chic and hides the flab effectively.

Last but not the least, don't be lazy.. eat healthy, work out! If you are too busy(or lazy) to hit the gym, try doing some basic yoga or cardio at home. If you feel good, you'll look good.

Hope this post helped. Do let me know your thoughts. 

Till next time,
xoxo!

Oh Girl you smell so Fine..

I'm a self confessed fragrance-holic (is that a term??) & it's been through a long,painstaking process of self control(Read- Broke) that i have been able to control my urge to buy each and every new perfume that i like. Trust me, i bought so many of em that now when i use them, there are at least 3-4 which i cant tell apart.. because they smell exactly the same. That's how hopeless an addict i was.. 

Well, Past is past and now that i've turned into a more mature person who takes educated  & informed decisions where perfumes are concerned (Yet to mature myself in the shopping front), i'm here to give you a lowdown on the best scents to try this season.

Though my liking is more towards the fruity/gourmand category of perfumes, i have tried to be as unbiased as possible in my search for the perfect perfumes that'll ensure you end up smelling good..and delicious in some cases, no matter what the time or the occasion.. Yes..Finally a post on Fragrances!!

“You are never fully dressed without perfume!”

                                                                  ― C. JoyBell C.

Day Fragrances:

Clinique Happy in Bloom 2013-

First off, i love the bottle.. it practically screams summer!!

Top Notes- Apricot & assorted fruits
Middle Notes- Freesia, Mimose & incense
Base Notes- Woody

This one is a perfect fragrance to wear all day.. be it at work or brunch or at home.. It's beautiful mixture of fruits and flowers, held together by a woody base.. Pure perfection. It's a light, happy scent that lasts all day and has moderate sillage.. i wear this when i need instant mood upliftment.

This one truly is "Happiness" in a bottle.. LOVE IT!

 L'Eau d'Issey Summer-

Top Notes- Pink Grapefruit & Litchi

Middle Notes- Guava. Passion fruit & Flowers

Base Notes- Vanilla & Exotic woods

This latest offering from Issey Miyake is in short, A Fruit Salad.. In a good way!! It's citrusy(you get the hint of sour grapefruit), fresh and very summery.. It's also the perfect smell for a climate like India's. 

The beautiful blue bottle gives an impression of a freshly sliced fruit being splashed in a pool of cool water.. REFRESHING!!

Lanvin Oxygene- 

Top Notes- Indian White pepper & Bergamot
Middle Notes-Gardenia, Milk & Rose
Base Notes- Iris, White Sandalwood & Musk

Smelling this perfume is like breathing clean air.. An absolute delight!! I cannot express just how much i love this perfume... It's a clean and fresh scent but not cold.. It's a warm, milky, creamy floral with bursts of aquatic freshness here and there.

There is nothing run of the mill about this bottle of juice.. It's a feminine spicy scent with sublime floral woods to give it an edge of clean sexy!

The longevity is pretty good..it lasts me the 8 and half hours in office.. and the sillage is soft to moderate. However, i am not a fan of the bottle- i find it too clean cut and futuristic.. the juice inside however, makes it up for it. This one is a keeper!

Night Fragrances:

Lancome Tresor Midnight Rose- 

This is by far the most romantic perfume i've smelt..It's a floral fruity fragrance with a hint of woody virginian cedar and sensual musk.

Top notes: Raspberry Rose absolute

Heart notes: Jasmine, Peony, Currant buds, Pink Pepper

Base notes: Virginian cedar, Musk and Vanilla

This is a delicious smelling fragrance that is sweet without being cloyingly so and has a decent lasting power without being overpowering. It stays pretty close to the skin so if you are looking for a fragrance with great sillage, this isn't the one. This is only for your nose or for close encounters with someone special..Hence, date night :)

Dior Hypnotic Poison-

This one is a classic. Launched in 1998, it still remains my go-to fragrance for nights when i want everyone i pass by to take a deep breath of this gorgeous heady fragrance.

Top notes: Plum, Apricot,Coconut

Heart notes: Jasmine, Tuberose, Lily of the Valley,Rose, Brazilian Rosewood & Caraway

Base notes: Cedarwood,Almond, Musk and Vanilla

Everytime i wear this, i get tons of compliments..and it just takes my confidence to a whole new level. This perfume exudes feminity and sensuality although you gotta be careful to not overspray it as too much of it may become overpowering and too strong for the wearer (it gave me a migraine once when i got too spray happy).

A beautiful, sexy fragrance with an Amazing Lasting Power and equally good sillage ( i could still smell it on my skin the next day). Although it's a bit heavy on the pocket, i wouldn't mind investing on this one over and over again.

Chanel Coco Noir-

Just one word- Gorgeous... In fact, Beyond Gorgeous!! 

This one is a scent that bridges the gap between the original Coco and the lighter Coco Mademoiselle.. And HOW! It's an elegant scent- deeper than the Coco Mademoiselle and lighter than Coco..with a really good longevity and Sillage.

Top notes: Grapefruit & Bergamot

Heart: Rose, narcissus, Rose geranium leaf and Jasmine.

Base Notes: Tonka bean, Sandalwood, Vanilla, Patchouli and White musk

The beauty of this fragrance is that you can change the way it smells by controlling your application. For example, if you are wearing it on a casual date, just spray the air and walk into it..and if it's a special dinner at a special restaurant, Spray it directly on your skin-the pulse points that is.

This spicy, heady, sexed-up bottle of juice doesn't just turn Heads....It makes men want to inch closer to you to breathe you in! Go get yourself a bottle...Enough Said!

Alright Girls, That's it for today.. Do let me know if you have tried any of these beauties..and if not, i'd love to hear your favorites for the summer. Stay stylish, stay fresh!

Till Next Time,
xoxo!