How I sorted out my Wardrobe Gaps

In any wardrobe, there are those gaps that we all tend to have. We sometimes don't know what they are. But once you've worn the same formal pants to work around fifteen times, or only have that one pair of heels for sarees - you know you need to do something about it.

I decided that I needed alternatives to the same old, safe colors/items that I was going for again, and again, So I bit the bullet and started looking beyond what I wanted, and looked to what I needed. #deep

Here are some of the wardrobe 'gaps' I've had for the past few years and what I have now replaced them with. I hope this helps some of you guys break away from the buying patterns that you have, allowing you to try something new.

1. Smart shoes (brogues or moccasins) and dull metallic ballerinas - an alternative to strappy flats for work
 Instead of wearing your usual strappy sandals to work, get yourself a couple of pairs of smart shoes. I got these blue suede brogues from Forever21. They look super formal with any outfit, and the color adds interest (step away from the blacks and browns, ladies!). I needed a pair of ballet flats that weren't any specific color, so this dull gold pair from Westside REALLY hit the damn spot.

2. An ink-blue or wine work dress - an alternative to a black work dresses
Step aside blacks,whites, greys and navys. I work front-end at work, so it's essential that I don't look like something the cat dragged in even if I feel that way. And bright blue/purple is a great alternative for anyone looking to switch up their darker basics with some color, be it for a dress, pants, a skirt ot a blazer.


3. Chiffon plaid shirt (still can't believe I found this) - an alternative to my worn out black cardigan 

In Chennai especially, I tend to start off my day with a tank, and will step into some godawfully cold restaurant or movie theater that feels like that damn Arctic. I used to have a black sweater to throw on, but it was getting really old and fugly. I wanted something thin, but that still gave me coverage and looked like it was a thought out part of my outfit. Behold, my chiffon plaid shirt.

4. A formal maxi dress (for weddings, marginally fancy events, grown up parties) - an alternative to the LBD for formal events
I have wanted a maxi dress for the longest time. So when my best friend got married, I knew exactly what I'd wear to the ceremony. I have way too many short dresses that really don't do it for the really dressy events. So I got myself a red (didn't want black) halter for just those purposes where it'd really suck to look under-dressed.

5. Wine colored pants - an alternative to all my black ones
I started my colored pant collection this year with a dark blue and a pair of wine ones. Not much of an explanation needed here other than the fact that I was stepping out of my black box.

6. Designer looking grown-up bag - an alternative to cheaper ones that LOOKED their price
Have done a whole post here. I needed something that I could carry around and look marginally superior. This did the job nicely.

Anyway, I must get back to work.
Happy Monday!

The Revlon Ruby that Wooed

I love a good lipstick.

And a red, can never go amiss. Recently, I rediscovered this gem that I've had for a while, because of my best friend's wedding. It's got a bit of sheen, a bit of gloss, and a LOT of character.
I'm a matte lipstick girl through and through, but I will make an exception for this one. Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in Ruby (610 INR). 
It's that perfect 'Indian wear' lipstick, and I tend to pull it out when I wear more traditional outfits.

Cons? It's pretty slippery, and application is a bit tricky. Lipliner will go a long way here (need to get me one of those).

So if you're looking for a do-it-all dressy red - this one is it.

Pre Sangeet selfie :P

Little (?) Black Bag

So I've been on the lookout for a nice black handbag that looks designer but in terms of cost, lets me keep my kidneys.

This little number from New Look (retailed on Myntra) was everything I was looking for and more.

I love the feel of the bag. It's soft, and matte.And the imitation of snakeskin done by quilting? Genius.

I am terrified of owning patent-esque bags because I always feel like I'm going to scratch them. 

I am not a careful person.

It's a brilliant size, large without looking tote-y. And I'm a small person, big bags tend to drown me.

Buying bags online is always a toss up. I know New Look's quality, so I went with it.  More often than not, there will be a picture of the bag on a model, but if not, check the size chart. Or the 'sling shoulder bag' you wanted for work will be able to fit a tissue and one housekey. At most.

I'm really glad these e-comm sites are stocking more and more international brands now, so that till H&M and New Look finally come to our shores in the form of B&M stores, we can spend the better part of our salaries on these pretty imports that we probably don't need, online.
You can still get it here on an even bigger discount than I did :D

Street Finds: The White Edition

Once in a while I succumb to the temptation that is Commercial Street. You find some really good export reject stock and I got pretty lucky.
I've been on the hunt for white pieces for my wardrobe for a while now. And these two hit the spot.
I'm over the whole sheer-chiffon-buttondown craze that hit the streets a few seasons ago and I'm looking for more interesting textures. The white blouse had permanent pleat crepe and lace applique and the dress was lace and tulle (the ballerina in me was very excited).

Priced (I kid you not) at 200 INR for the white sleeveless blouse and 400 INR for the dress - I think you all can fully appreciate why I love nosing out export reject stock. They're good quality and have the tiniest defects (trust me, Zara has defected pieces in-store at times), and I couldn't find anything wrong with either of these pieces. Thank you to Nisha for helping me with these shots. And strategically blurring out the garbage in the background :P

                        

Have a great Sunday!
x

Skin Saviors

In a nutshell, I feel like I'm getting old and need to start taking care of my skin.
I think post 21, you need to start taking that extra time in the morning/at night and actually do stuff like use a night moisturizer, or actually taking your make up off after that 4am night out.

These are all budget buys, I think I'll start investing more once I test the waters a little and understand how my skin reacts.
I have normal-dry skin, which suffers from the occasional zit when I'm really stressed out. Used to be on the oily side during high school, but then my skin kinda changed as I got older ( I hear this is called a skin cycle).

1. Loreal Paris Skin Perfect 20+
 One hell of a day cream. It smells like rich old lady, but also like litchi. Or coconut. I can't tell. It's very matte, not oily at all on your skin. And I've been using the smaller sized 99 INR one to test out, and I can noticeably see my skin turn a lot clearer and a lot more even toned.

2. Fab India Aloe Vera under eye gel
 So, so soothing. I use this twice a day. Has reduced the lovely bags I sometimes wake up with.

3. Lakme Clean Up Mask 
 A real budget clay mask - I'm not sure about the 'salon-like'glow' that they go on about, but my skin feels pretty smooth after use. For the price, I guess this is a good-un.

4. Garnier Pure Active Extra Strong Pimple Control Pen
Zaps those zits in two days flat. It leaves a bit of residue (kind of like a peel off mask) but you can just wipe that off once it's dried and absorbed into your skin.

So I'm not going to get any LaMer or Shiseido any time soon, but from college-routine to work-routine, I think this a big step up!

Valentine's Day Face

It's that time of year again when we go through a week of cutesy hallmark reasons to buy your S.O a rose or a teddy or diamond jewelry. Or if you want to make a lasting impression, propose.

But for me, if I don't have anywhere to be, or anyone to be with </endpity>, I dress up anyway, make plans and go out anyway.
So, again, I am no makeup artist. But these are a few products that you can use on your face that will get you in the Valentines spirit.
Advantage? You need all of one brush and a couple of clean fingers. No fancy technique required.

So, I'd also like to call this a real no-makeup look. These colors look fine without base makeup, which is what I did. But if your skin isn't behaving this month (I promptly woke up with one of those im-almost-a-pimple-but-not-a-pimple bumps). The lipstick isn't too hoochie and the eye makeup isn't too hooker. If you want to put some base on, you can do that too.

Red because Valentines day

Swatches of Fuchsia Crystal and Bad to the Bronze

Also, I think this is the perfect pink lipstick - you can build it up, or stain it down.

Yes, I'm wearing a tee.

Products Used:

1. Maybelline Color Tattoo Eye Studio in Bad to the Bronze
2. Maybelline Color Sensational in Fuchsia Crystal
3. Loreal Volume Million Lashes Mascara
4. Bella Pierre Mineral Blush in Suede
5. Revlon Color Stay liquid liner in Black beauty
6. NYX eye liner in Black

Happy V-Day!

Stepping out of the black box.

The best thing about fall sales is the amazing deals you can get on dark colored pieces. Pants, sweaters, tops, blouses - if you're like me, and live in your little black box, fall sales are the time to stock up on colors that you will branch out to (without paying full price) before the pastels come in. Don't get me wrong. I think pastels are gorgeous. But I'm a girl who loves her darker neutrals. Sigh.

I went to the mall once four times, and found some really nice pieces. I was in the market for some nice pants that weren't black, and a couple of new pairs of shoes.

I was determined to get some color.

When I'm not wearing black, I'm wearing grey or white. I needed to branch out.

A good way to do this is to look at dark jewel tones. Those colors are exactly what they say they are - colors that you find in well, jewels. Dark blue, emerald, purple. All really rich colors, all good alternate to black in terms of basics like blouses and trousers.

These.

Then this happened. I do have other pieces, but they're at my parent's house. And I wanted you guys to take advantage of the sale that is fizzling out!

1. Blue brogues - Forever 21 - 1699 INR
2. Fuscia Leggings - Promod - 990 INR (sale)
3. Navy cropped trousers - Mango -1490 INR (sale)
4. Black and gold flats - Westside - 1099 INR
5. Stripey socks - Forever 21 - 89 INR