My Flamingos and Music Loops

Do you know when you're listening to the radio and an absolutely mind-capturing, soul-reaching, booty-moving song comes on and you have no idea what the name of the song is? From then on ensues the quest to find it and download it. A feeling of absolute need envelopes you and you can now only hear that song on repeat in your head. The struggle is real. I am in this battle right now, and I am losing it. I guess Google can't do everything. I guess I'll have to be satisfied with its homework capabilities. Not that I'm complaining. Our almost seemingly infinite range of information is baffling, and what is fascinating is that it's only growing. So much for librarian as a career choice. That was a popular choice back in the time of The Mummy.

I was cruising along the edge of wanderlust and general fashion lust while scrolling through Vogue's instagram feed. Since Lakme Fashion Week just took happenstance, my feed is overflowing with inspiration and beauty. In particular, the collections of Sva are  inspired by Morocco and its rich culture and there were silhouettes that I know are my niche. Easy flowing, printed and asymmetric in all the right places. I think my next outfit is going to be Sva-spired.

Yes, not a pun-queen, I know.

For now you can scroll through my flamingo printed outfit, because really. Who can resist those animal printed pieces that speak so strongly with their colors and adorable graphics. These cut out brogues are a new find, and I am wearing them left, right and center. They go with everything and are crazily comfortable. I'll put a link down below to where you can find them. It was right after this shoot that I went in, and cheated on my flamingo with shorts in lion manes and roaring faces. It's okay though. Flamingos and I are on great terms these days.

Brown cut out Brogues

http://www.closet37.com/office-wear/191-breaking-free-brown.html

Those Hot Days and Warm Colors

Many times as a blogger, I find that the whole act of blogging is very hard. Not so much in terms of content, but more so looking at how competitive this has become. There are so many of us out there that its humbling and destructive each in its own way. Being a blogger is so much more than just putting some words out there or snapping some pictures and posting them. In a world where we're all trying so hard to be unique and bring something different to the table, its not surprising that being just the average is increasingly impossible. It's frequent that a fellow blogger starts to do better than you, or is getting more opportunities even though they may have started off slow or later than you. And this can be difficult to digest or deal with. It may feel like there's really no point in blogging anymore if there isn't enough reach or anything tangible coming out of it. I guess this is a basic human flaw. Comparison. We compare every aspect of our lives. Fitness, finance, career. Even personal dreams and aspirations. And although its healthy to compare, its unhealthy to compare with others. You can try and be better than your past self, but as soon as Jane Doe or John Hancock come into the picture, all hell breaks loose. Its mayhem in your head and you can't seem to laugh at that cat meme as easily anymore. 

Why do we do this? Instead of relishing our lives and other's lives, we reduce it to a point system and try and stay above each other. We resent anyone doing something better than us, or getting ahead of us. It itches and pricks. I realized this very hard truth through two things - Fitness and Blogging. Both are competitive in their own way. I love challenges, but ever since I was a little kid, I've hated the idea of competition. The vibes it gives is so negative and decaying. Self belief decays. 

I love my blog and whatever I put here is from my soul. Its a part of who I am. This isn't simply just a personal style blog, although technically it is. I wish I could find an appropriate word to describe what this is. Until my vocabulary catches up with my train of thought, let's just say that it's an intangible thing. A thing that I believe is bigger than a blog and a page of words. You are a part of this, "thing". A big part of it. And with that, I give you my OOTP. 

A fire orange ikat blouse styled with a dhoti, peacock embroidered flats from my recent trip to Jaipur and, surprise surprise, a bindi. I've used a lot of warm colors in this outfit. Seemed only fitting, given the weather and all. I have to admit though, I'm dreading June and July. Whatever will happen to us then?

*slyly takes out bikini and lemonade*

|| Dhoti - Aakriti
Motif Dupatta - Mom's Closet
Ikat blouse - Commercial Street ||

Khadi and Bugs

Happy Women's day to all the strong, confident and feminine souls out there!

If you've been following my blog for a while, you'd know by now that I have a certain affinity with the illustrious khadi material. Everything from its origin to its incredibly wide range of use and statements. And then making a statement is another topic all together. I love making a statement, clothing or otherwise. What I love about this word, is its assertiveness and its ambiguity. Making a statement needn't be loud. It could be a subtle hint of a statement hidden very smartly. It could be something that everyone sees, but they don't realize they've seen it. Like a subliminal message. It encodes itself deep within but mysteriously. Seriously though, have you seen Josie and the Pussycats? Subliminal messages in movies? *shudder*

I picked up this shirt this weekend actually, from the men's section. I simply loved the biology throwback I experienced when I saw it. The familiar bug drawings, with the anatomical name as well. I could quite literally visualize this outfit while paying. I paired it with tan trousers and my beige heeled brogues. I could go on and on about the refinery brogues and oxfords bring to an ensemble. Correlating to that, the bag was designed by me, and its this structured, mustard colored khadi delight. It plays on the sophisticated side, giving a rather street look a touch of top class snobbery. More details on this piece soon.

Trousers -  Westsport
Tshirt - The Jeanswear Company
Bag designed by me

Sufi and Sufi

Sufi music has always rang a deeper bell inside me. The spirituality behind its melody and words is like poetry for the Gods. And the truly relatable part is that the interpretation of Sufi music is left up to the listener. As a family, we've always listened to genres like Jazz, Classical and Sufi. The kind of music that reaches inside you and pulls out emotions and reactions. The mehfil or aura these genres bring out are ones that generate genius and even prodigies in its wake.

I styled this outfit with this aura in mind and channeled the spiritual warrior. Its a comfortable outfit, despite the uncomfortable heat we're still experiencing. But I shouldn't complain. I'm getting to wear all my summery dresses for much longer. The turban and the dhoti are Indian or Asian influenced and the crop top with the digital print adds a Western touch of defined silhouette. I've drawn the flowing sounds of Sufi into the drapery in the dhoti. I haven't included footwear in this shoot, simply because I felt for the shoot, going shoe less was giving a good layout. But I would pair this outfit with flat sole brogues in probably a deep tan. Also, I'm loving these earrings I picked up from Charming Charlie. I am a sucker for anything filigree. I've actually been told many times that my outfits always seem to have a feel or vibe to themselves. Some story they try to tell, more than an IndoWestern look. It was while shooting this that I realized I couldn't disagree. And that's credit to a group of various people who continue to inspire me everyday. 

Dhoti - Aakriti
Crop Top - F21
Filigree earrings - Charming Charlie
Laakh or iron Bangles - Jaipur

What's in a Bag?

Lately most of my assignments and endeavors have had me running all over the city. I've been crazy busy, but loving this change from the usual rut of college lectures. And just as fate would have it, the temperatures in Bangalore have never seen the heights they are at now. I kid you not, I'm tempted to jump into a cold shower every few hours. I'd be squeaky clean too, considering all the dirt and muck I've been picking up.

It seemed appropriate to commemorate this traveler's thirst quenched, with a What's in my Bag. These are essential tools, apart from the obvious phone and keys, that I always have with me when I'm out, and that have proved their worth on several occasions.






Water & healthy snacks - I prefer metal bottles to plastic ones. Better for the environment and you. Be sure to wash this bottle twice a week at least, Hygiene is utmost when in India. Being a FitFoodie is not easy. Therefore, I also keep a zip lock of nuts or an apple, to make sure I don't ever get hangry.

Charging port - This piece of technology has saved me from oh so many troubles. Being a person who travels by buses for the better part, I rely on Google maps whenever I'm in a new area or need directions to the nearest bus top. This takes up battery real fast, and these ports are small and can hold a few days worth of charge. Keeping one of these will never prove worthless.


Pick-Me-Up - This is a personal preference. I would say keep whatever can pick up your mood instantly. Maybe koehl or mascara. Or even a perfume. Whatever would make you feel like Queen bae, you keep that. For me its a lipstick. Currently favoring StreetWear's Pink Pirouette.

Wallet and ID - Wallet = money. No explanations there. Valid ID can save you, give you entry and justify your presence in so-many-situations-that-I-cant-seem-to-put-them-on-my-fingers. Its a plastic card of 4x2 inches citizens. Not that heavy. No excuses then.

Sketch book - This is the center of all activity for me. I write, I sketch, I record. If you are the kind of person that draws inspiration from travelling, this is a good thing to keep. Whenever you're craving some inspiration, just a flip through these pages will exceed Pinterest and Tumblr.

Earphones - Good music and the wind in your face. Complimentary things that just make walking or spending time at waiting areas that much better.

Face wipes - Yes, those insignificant face wipes they give in floods on flights. This is worth stashing in your purse for later use, like when you have sweat dripping down your face or when you couldn't resist petting that dog just before lunch.



I hope this was helpful. I'd love to know what your bags look like. Comment below, and happy travels. :)

All Tied Up

Been super busy between college assignments and event planning for our fest. I never realized how much I like event planning until I was knee deep in it though. All the talking, promotions, running around, planning every last detail and making it look exactly the way you imagine it. Although with all this work on my plate, and craving any sleep I can get, I am so glad I am doing it. And to top it all off, I have restarted my dance classes. I'm sure you'll see dancer like poses in today's shots. Guilty.

Along those lines, I recently met a guy at the bus stop. He asked me directions and that, smoothly, got a conversation going. There was a point when I asked him whether what he does at work is something he truly enjoys. Putting aside the late meetings and overworked weekends. I simply want to know whether the work you do, do you do it for results, or for the enjoyment of the mere work itself? For me personally, enjoyment of the work is crucial. If I don't long for what I'm doing, I find it hard to put my all into it. I'll try and try and burn myself out trying. But the ease with which I would be able to do the task I'm passionate about, is what I feel would propel me to move forward. And that's why I'm in design and not in engineering. Its just not my thing.

I read in the Gita once, that true sacrifice could be anywhere from giving up worldly lust to having a feeling of gratitude for everything by giving up your work as sacrifice to the universe. Look at it like this. Imagine you are a screwdriver. Now, without the hand putting in the effort, the screwdriver would be useless. However, if the hand keeps making the effort, without the screwdriver, nothing would be accomplished. Now, how can the screwdriver think that HE is the one doing all the work, and that any failure or accomplishment is HIS to own? Its his part to simply do his job, and feel content within it. Its only when the screwdriver is in this state of mind, that he can be the best screwdriver around. As a student of the spiritual journey, I have found that only when I have left the results of my work up to the Force, that I have performed better than ever. Its a step on the soul's journey forward, and man has been known to love moving forward. I only hope to keep growing.

As for my OOTP, I tried something new with a relatively new, black maxi skirt I had lying around. The real news is that - I got brogues! I've been saving up for these for a few months and I can't wait to style it in every way possible. Being petite, heels were a better way to go I felt, since it really adds that extra dimension. I paired them with visible white ankle socks, to bring that quirkiness in. And this khaadi printed jacket is such an Indian twist to the outfit, that I absolutely had to finish it off with a big black bindi. 

Nude brogues - Myntra
Black maxi - Forever 21
Khaadi printed vest - Fab India

Septum-sempra

A decision that I've been struggling with for the past month or so has now become an everyday routine. Its always at the back of my mind, you know, behind what is the meaning of life and what is God. Yeah, that far back. You'd think that after I've introduced you to this focus-threatening decision, it would be about what university I'm going to join, or something along those mature lines.

Its a decision about whether or not I should spend money on the entire collection of Harry Potter music, as played by the Philharmonic.Yeah. Priorities.

Its not about the need for it because believe me, its needed for intensified focus and motivation. A lot of reminiscence of course. But mostly just love for that wizarding world. But should I spend that much money for it? What if I find something else that I need more a few minutes later? Its that damned extensive menu all over again. 

So I guess that's where this OOTD stemmed from. Like I told you, its been at the back of my mind for the longest time. I guess it was only a matter of time before that inspiration surfaced and showed itself. The brogues though, I've had my eye on for the longest time. And when I finally found the right size and enough money saved up, I took great pleasure in ordering them. Be ready for a long stream of brogue donned posts.

Plaid dress -  Levis
Brogues - Myntra
Rings - Travel finds

And no, I haven't actually pierced my septum. I like change and experimentation, and piercing just seems so.. permanent. So there's a reason to design some rings of my own. I'm starting to think they might just be my new favorite accessory. Not to mention Ranveer Singh sporting it on a magazine cover is any less beautiful. That man can pull off anything.

Geometric danglers - Charming Charlie
Septum ring - Handmade

Until my next post.

Stay true.

Hymn

Very recently, I was asked what I would pick as my best accomplishment so far. In the (almost) two decades that I've been alive, I have been lucky to have a bucket load of memories and experiences to have been able to find a quick answer to that question. But I found myself reaching for a decision instead. One I've made quite recently, and one that's changed a lot for me. My perspective, my aspirations and my reasons.

The Bhagavad Gita.  

The Gita is indifferent to religions, mode of belief and whether or not you believe in a God. It simply guides you through the battle that rages inside of us, everyday. The battle between Good and Evil. Our Yin and Yang. Our ethics, beliefs and morals, and the temptation to go against that. To eat that plump red apple, so to say. Each of us struggle with this, and the question - what is my purpose? Gita gave me clarity. I no longer fumble with answers.Its very hard to explain it. Its like when I put on my glasses every morning. The world seems clearer, I am content and at ease. I can now figure out how to rise above this matrix and begin my soul's true journey. The Gita only makes me prouder of my heritage. The key is to not get caught up in the story. What matters is you understand the whole point - The Internal Battle.

I am not perfect, but then again, we can only strive to be good. And what else is God, if not pure good? The learning I acquired from this guide to life is something I'll keep deriving from all my life. Its a rule book I'm going to have at my side. And I really, truly and deeply believe it has the answers to what is the path to Him. That energy we are made of. The energy that is everywhere, nowhere and within the tangible and intangible.

|| OOTP ||

Leather pants - Forever 21
Slit maxi top designed by me
Bajubaand (Armlet) - Thrifted

The Bushirt

I've always laughed at the silliness of this word. Bushirt. In Hindi, it refers to a man's shirt. Specifically a man's. So what did I do? I took that shirt and wound my outfit around it. The print and fabric is gorgeous enough so why not add an androgynous feel to this whole fiasco. Oh and for added benefit, I flipped through my newest Vogue issue, and yes. According to a poll they conducted, women are, on an average, unsure of the whole non-fitting way of dressing. Being one for flaunting curves, I have my boxy moments.

And this OOTD has a very special moment linked with it. On this day, we had the Tool Tech Expo at BIEC. Yes,a day filled with industry level machines who's names where beyond comprehension but functions were easy enough to discuss and prices unfathomable. Although the machines aren't what made the moment, they are well worth mention. The moment was at twilight. The perfect balance of light and darkness. Now, buses in India have places to sit on top.  A kind of platform with low railings. Its a long done custom of every Indian, to sit on top of a bus with buddies and gaze at the seemingly never ending horizon of their youth. Well, we did something like that. And I have to tell you, the wind to sun ratio was perfect, the company even better, and the music we played ( It was chaiyya chaiyya from Dil Se.. I know. I cried too.)

For all those who've watched Inside Out - I created a core memory you guys.

Buchart - Fab India
Pants - WestSide
Thrifted footwear from the highly acclaimed streets of Mumbai
Rhinestone earrings - Charming Charlie
Rings - Collected over years

Fly my Caterpillar.

That day. The one every student fears and is excited by at the same time. It can become what you let it, that day. You can either hear nuclear bombs explode in the distance, or hear Chain smokers new track Roses ( as I did ). This day, will pass like every other one. The same number of hours. The same house you return to. And the days after that will pass in the same way too. But what makes this day so two faced?

The day results come out. You either look at those numbers or letters with a determination and hope to do even better next time, or you look at them down a proud high nose, making them seem smaller than they are. They are numbers. Just as we don't define ourselves by the numbers we see on the scale, we shouldn't measure our worth by these numbers. Look at them instead as a challenge. A healthy one. One to make life more of a ride than it is. To add a few extra twists and turns in it. One that you can enjoy because you know - no wait - you BELIEVE that you can do it. That's what propels you forward, to take that extra class on Sunday morning. To do those extra laps in the pool even though your muscles are quite literally tearing up and you feel like you cant breath. My friends, live life like you don't care about the results. Live it quite simply to enjoy it for the beauty it has, because it has been made for us to learn from. And what beauty is it, if it doesn't dare? Challenge yourself because what is life if not for the perils and strain after which it blooms and flowers? Remember that caterpillar that made its little home? It went through the hardest phase, only to come out stronger. Then it tries further, and flies. But no one really looks at its life after that. It dodges spider webs, human cars and frogs. It never sits back on that branch it left behind it. it isn't defined by how long it was in that pupa. Its defined by how beautifully it flies, how it makes its surroundings brighter just by doing its thing, by living, without so much as worrying about what will come out of its each beat of its wings.

I got my semester results tonight. And you know what? I cant wait for the next semester, because I now know where I can challenge myself further. We usually toast to success and an easy life. I want to toast this night to a life full of falls and no expectations. And you know why?

Its only when you fall, that you can jump higher than ever, especially if you've left all that expectation behind. Jump my loves, jump like the sky is the ground you must touch. Jump, without worrying about where you'll end up. Swing like that's all you have to do in this moment. 

The Bindi

That red dot. The one on her forehead. Yes, that one. Is she hurt? Is that supposed to be there? Why does she wear that? Is it a religious thing? 

Being an Indian living in a foreign country, these questions were asked, wondered and whispered. And we'd always explain it best we could. However, its baffling how many of us red dot wearers do not really know why we don this adornment. What it symbolizes and how many years of history and philosophy it imbibes. Of course, as the decades have advanced, the practical  use of this has changed. Its been stylized, rendered and accessorized. I will not talk about whether I think this is right or wrong, but I will show you how I personally style this iconic Indian.. well, icon. But first, a brief glimpse into its meaning. 

To understand the Bindi, you need to know about the six chakras in our body. Each signifies a function and seeks to achieve something. Our sixth and primary chakra - The Ajna chakra - is located in the center of our head, or the pineal gland and symbolically where our third eye resides. Its the final stage of self realization, of losing the sense of individuality and seeing the universe as one. Wearing this Bindu on our forehead reminds us of this ulterior motive to life. To achieve this enlightenment. Of course,the modern use of this has extended to various colors and shapes and sizes. But ultimately, Hindu or not Hindu, if you apply this dot to the are between your eyebrows, you are marking your highest chakra and acknowledging the presence of a higher meaning to existence.  

I like styling my Bindis, either with other meaningful symbols, or with decorative enhancers. Maybe a few smaller black dots, or a line thrown in here and there. Pairing it with serendipitous outfits helps make its spiritual meaning more prominent. For me at least.

This androgynous Bindi is full of spirituality, history and culture. My only request is this. Treat it well.  

Green kurta - Aakriti
Linen pants - Westside
Patterned chappal - Thrifted
Bag - Max

Necklace - Handmade
Jhumke (Earrings) - Jaipur 

Denim on Denim.

The ever classic trend of wearing denim on denim has prevailed over the years. It was all the rage in the 90s and made a surprising comeback. With Justin Timberlake and GiGi Hadid taking this trend by storm, it was hard for me to resist giving my own personal spin to this. It was also during this time that I was interning with Koovs as their Style Ambassador. So I think the vibes from working with a fashion company were getting to me. Being on fleek with trends and whats the what was essential for the tasks we had to do. Although I'm not the kind of fashion enthusiast who religiously follows trends and makes sure her wardrobe in full with the said trendy clothes, it doesn't hurt to be in touch with whats moving on runways. After all, being dismissive has never worked out well for anyone.

Moving on to my outfit, I added a bit of indie vibes to this outfit with my accessories because by now I'm sure you all have figured that its my thing to indo western-ize everything. Traditional jaipuri earrings that were inspired by the Ramleela movie and lip colors that were reminiscent of the colors used in almost every Sanjay Leela Bansali directed film ever. An open denim long coat over a black tank and boyfriend jeans were comfortable and versatile with weather. I couldn't believe my blue tinged luck when I found these blue pumps, and I remember thinking to myself - if I'm going blue, lets go all the way. And all the way I went.

Earrings - Thrifted
Denim jacket - Australian Thrift
Tank top - Forever 21
Boyfriend Jeans - Benetton
Blue Pumps - Metro

This trend is so adaptable. I'm sure every one of us has a few denim pieces hanging around, waiting to be shown the light. It really just requires you to experiment and have fun with it. It really isn't something you should be afraid of messing up either. You never know. You may unknowingly start a new trend yourself!