It’s time for ShopBop Sale again, the most awaited sale of the year! You get
20% off orders under $500
25% off orders of $500 or more
and it’s valid on all New Launches and Sale items too! I usually use this sale period to get items already on sale, so it’s like Sale on Sale and you get some fabulous deals!
Promotion Code: STOCKUP18
You have to use the code ‘STOCKUP18’ during checkout and it’s valid on both ShopBop and East Dane. The sale starts today, till Sept 29.
I mostly get all my bags and shoes from ShopBop, I have also started buying clothes since some months, fit is always a guess because the size charts are standard where as fit varies brand to brand and internationally returns are difficult. Hence I stuck to bags and shoes for the longest time, but I am liking the outfits a lot too. I usually size up, so most of them are a little big for me but at least I can alter them a bit and wear them.
I recommend Michael Kors, Steven by Steve Madden, Dolce Vita, Levi’s, Sam Edelman, Kendall & Kylie in bags and shoes.
Free People, BB Dakota, Endless Rose, Stylekeepers, etc. in clothes.
I have already placed my order 🙂 What are you planning to get?
Random Rambles : Shy Influencer? Overcoming it? ‘Reality’ of Blogging?
Hi guys,
This post is totally different from what I have done till now, I always stick to makeup/outfits and very rarely I do post about my personal life. I did when I got engaged, married and had met with an accident. Life has been routine pretty much, but I was just wondering how much I have grown and just wanted to share some random personal thoughts on my mind.
It’s difficult for people to believe that you are a shy/introvert person when you are a social media influencer/blogger/YouTuber as in most cases, it’s the opposite 😀
I saw Jordynn from Colourpop mention once on how all the international Youtubers they meet for the first time, are very shy. So it’s a usual phenomena because sitting in one room and recording alone is very different than going out and actually meeting people. The same goes for bloggers, as they just sit and write about their experience. Though it’s different for the new age influencers who start with Instagram/Musical.ly and likes, as they are young millenials and love interacting and meeting new people. It’s all about videos these days, and most of them are outgoing extroverts.
I am a very shy person and quiet in general, I don’t talk much even with family and friends. I have always been quiet, and when I was studying alone whole day for CA exams, etc., I was just with my books for 80-85% of my day. Even now I am pretty much all alone through the day, except when hubby or house help at home, or I am talking on the phone (which again hardly lasts 1-2 mins). Maybe it all added up and I became quieter in life.
Now how difficult is it to become an influencer if you are an introvert? It is surely difficult, you have to overcome your shyness and do many things out of your comfort zone almost on a daily basis. You attend events, meet people, network and socialize, even that is difficult when you are just shy in general. It’s all awkward initially, I remember my first 2-3 events and it was difficult even conversing with people and I used to hardly talk. I am more of a spectator at events, though I have improved a lot and overcome most of my shyness in the past few years. I still only talk more with people I am comfortable with and know since a long time. I still can’t talk to new people 😀
Certain campaigns require you to do certain things, and if you are not this over the top happy and goofy/excited person all the time (totally not me), it’s difficult to act like that and your work won’t get approved till you show that enthusiasm, especially for video campaigns. It requires multiple takes and approvals in that case!
Also if you have met me during meet and greets or even generally, you must have noticed that I don’t talk much or am not that ‘excited all the time’ person. I am not snobbish, but I just can’t talk and take forever to open up.
I have grown so much and overcome a lot of my fears/shyness. I experiment with shoots, outfits, and feel like doing so much more. I used to only work with Sneha from Rhythmic Focus and was very comfortable with her, even she has seen me grow and the change in me from what I was 2-3 years ago. I couldn’t even pose back then, and I still feel awkward in public places but I really admire the young influencers I see around and get inspired by them. I am open to learning and change, and improve things. I have also started working with other photographers who wanted to collaborate with me, as it was a good opportunity to break out of my comfort zone. It also helped me understand what angles/poses work for me.
The more work you do, the more you experiment, the more confident you become. I started YouTube around 3-4 years ago and even though I am far from pro at it, I have come a long way and can face cameras confidently now. My initial few videos I was very shy and conscious, I was awkward at events where they required video bytes. Now I am always ready for any video bytes and don’t think twice 😀 Blogging, Reading, YouTube and making videos has also helped me a lot in the way I write, speak and converse, I have become so confident overall and I can see my growth from 2010 to now.
I was quite naive initially and even till 2-3 years ago I was gullible and people have used me at many instances. I have worked for free, have adjusted and compromised many times, shared my own pictures and work with people, covered events for someone else, have helped people with hashtags, handles and what not because they are too dumb to remember or even know the spellings, even after sharing multiple times!
I have gone out of my way to help people and continued doing it almost 6-7 years. I have learned to say ‘NO’ now, there comes a point when you realize it’s enough and you have to take a stand for yourself. You don’t want to be used anymore! The very same people vanished after that 😀 Haha, isn’t that obvious? Because they don’t have any benefit being friends with you now!
I have met so many new bloggers who are very warm and friendly. You can find out how a person is when you meet them often and talk to them, see how they behave and how they are online. Of course there are many living a dual life and fake it online, they don’t want people to know their reality! I have seen so much in these 8-8.5 years, people are completely different online or once when you shoot/record and offline once the recording stops. Some are here just for the money and there is so much jealousy and negativity, it gets on you at times.
There are Instagram pods where a group of bloggers like and comment on each other’s pictures. There are many such pods in India too, but I never participated in them. I have seen the very same bloggers who write amazing things on each other’s pictures bitch about them behind! I can’t handle this hypocrisy or being dual faced, it’s my pet peeve. I like and comment when I feel like or I genuinely love the picture/person.
There is this thing about liking and commenting on each other’s pictures, even without a pod. Like bloggers would like and comment only if you do the same on their pictures. It’s like ‘you scratch my back, I scratch yours’ funda and I don’t really get it. I like so many pictures on a daily, not just bloggers, but so many followers and random accounts too. If I like the picture, I heart it. Why the unnecessary drama?!
You may have ‘friends’ in this blogging world, but you are truly on your own, like in every industry! Some people are friends with each other, only because they like each other’s pictures or shoot for each other. No one is friends here without any benefit. Some are on and off friends and make fun of the so called ‘friend’ and bitch about them, when off. Until they are friends again! Some try to spread negativity about you, or want to take advantage of the situation. Everyone knows everything, but they just don’t talk about it, like in any glamour industry. I would just say ‘Don’t be fooled by what you see online’ and ‘Don’t follow anyone blindly’. Take everything with a pinch of salt. Nothing surprises me anymore in this blogging world, as I have literally seen it all. And from what I have heard, it’s not restricted to beauty and fashion blogging, but in all genres.
I have always believed in ‘Live and Let Live’ and ‘To Each His Own’, so whatever works for you. I stay away from all of this and just do my own work. I wanted to write down my thoughts as my mind was cluttered with many things.
Coming to the pics, I had this bath tub theme in my mind since a long time and when I finally got this opportunity, we decided to shoot it. It feels amazing when you think of a concept, and the outcome is very similar to how you imagined it.
I am pretty happy with how it turned out, let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Location: Sahara Star Shot by: Sneha (Rhythmic Focus)
So this is what I wore for Lakme Fashion Week Day 2. I had a mini meet and greet with 3 of you lovely girls and then had a Tresemme shoot, so I planned to shoot this outfit too as my photographer Sneha was anyway coming for the video shoot.
What to wear for fashion week is always confusing, since it is Winter/Festive season but still we are in monsoons and just transitioned from summer, you can utilize both the seasons’ trends in this mid period.
Summer is all about bright colours, cotton/linen, flowy fabrics. I love yellow/orange and more so in summers. And winters is always about layering, blazers, dark colours, etc.
Now here I wore this white and yellow summery outfit and paired it with a linen grid blazer, combining both the seasons’ trends and elements.
Both this yellow skirt and the linen blazer are my recent purchases from ShopBop. I got this bright yellow skirt at a very good sale deal and this blazer is from JOA x Chriselle Lim Collection which is exclusive to ShopBop and is also on sale now, as I believe they would be having last few pieces now. I also got a crop top from this same collection, which is the same print and colour as this blazer.
I absolutely loved this blazer, the colour, the grid and it’s linen, so very comfortable. Love the button detailing on the sleeves too.
I picked two tees in white and black the previous day from Reliance Trends just like that, as I always stock up on good basics as they work with a lot of things.
I always plan my outfits in my head a day prior to an event/occasion and I instantly brought out all three of this new purchases and tried them together and absolutely loved the outcome. It looked exactly like I thought it would in my head 😀
For the bag, I was confused about this orange jute one or my white DVF one. I chose the jute one and for the shoes, went with basic black brogues.
I love how this outfit is also androgynous i.e. a combination of feminine and masculine elements along with seasons.
For makeup also, I went with yellow/orange/gold tones and it complimented the outfit so well. And we shot after my Tresemme video shoot, so got my hair done too in nice curls (which didn’t stay long on my hair unfortunately as I have super straight hair :p)
We shot at different places at St. Regis where the Lakme Fashion Week is held in Winter/Festive season. It’s a beautiful hotel with amazing backdrops and we got some very good shots. I loved how this outfit and shoot came about.
Tee: Trends Skirt: Endless Rose Blazer: JOA x Chriselle Lim Bag: Kaanas Shoes Shoes: Vero Moda Clicked by: Sneha Sedani/Ravishing Focus On my Lips: Wet N Wild Catsuit Liquid Lip Flame of the Game
I hope you liked the look, do let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
I recently shopped for a few things on Tata Cliq as it had this amazing sale going on. You won’t believe at what price I scored this dress (Guess and comment below 😀 Let’s see if you get this right). I ordered for two dresses and two tees but unfortunately they cancelled one dress and one tee as it was out of stock. I don’t understand how they list it for sale, charge money from customer and then cancel it saying it’s not in stock, then why list at the first place?! I was so pissed, because I really liked that other dress too.
But nonetheless when I tried this dress, I think I cooled down a bit because I loved it! I love stripes if you don’t know already 😀 And this outfit was simple black and white stripes off shoulder dress, I knew I wanted to add a pop of colour to this monochrome outfit. More so, it has vertical stripes which gives the illusion of an elongated body compared to horizontal stripes. I also like the shirring on the top which gives some shape and definition.
Now I could add a pop through accessories i.e. bags and shoes. I chose a colourful bag and bright pink sunnies this time, hence kept shoes black too. I added a colourful beaded choker as it was off shoulder and needed something around the neck.
I wore suede black tie back mules and this colourful pink Loeffler Randall bag with bright floral pom poms. I love how this bag instantly pops up any outfit, one of my favourite slings for that reason.
I bought this pink tinted rose gold sunglasses from Aldo quite some time back and never wore them somehow. I was finding accessories for this outfit and I found these and thought should try them. They looked perfect and I wonder why I never wore them. Actually I am not a sunglasses person because I feel most of them don’t look that good on me because I have a round face. Though I like aviators like this one, as aviators work best for my face and something angular too. I guess I will experiment more when it comes to sunglasses now, because I have so many and don’t end up wearing them.
We shot at Lady Baga in Lower Parel which is a goan themed restaurant and everything is so bright and colourful. I loved how the pictures turned out because of the whole colourful vibe and backgrounds.
Dress: Tata Cliq (If you haven’t guessed the price yet, I got it for Rs.349/- post 50% discount :D) Shoes: Truffle Collection Bag: Loeffler Randall Sunnies: Aldo Choker: Ajio Watch: Daniel Wellington
Location: Lady Baga
Pics Courtesy: Yash Bhatwal
I hope you liked this outfit, do let me know your thoughts 🙂
P.S.: These are unedited pictures and on Instagram, I am trying a warm teal and orange theme, hence the colours are different. But I also really liked these original pictures as they were bright and nice. Hence I chose to share the original pictures on the blog, as anyway only 2-3 pictures out of all make it on the gram.
8 Things You Must Do while You Spend Your Vacation in Barbados
Barbados. The name itself takes us to some images filled up with of turquoise water, white sands, calypso, cricket, a bottle of rum and variety of fish delicacies. Let us look over some facts and funs of this little country, measuring 166 square miles in total, before you plan for your next vacation over there.
The indigenous people of this region, Kalinago, were lost to the Spanish in the 15th century. Then the British came and started sugar cane plantation and industry. Back then, they brought the African slaves to do the plantations works. British rule ended in 1966 and the people, mostly with African origin, got their independence.
British has left the power of this country more than 50 years ago. But still, more than 50% of tourists occupying the streets and cafes and restaurants and villas on the beach in Barbados are Britishers only. No wonder, why the country is called as ‘Little England’ affectionately.
Now Barbados has secured its place as the most developed island in this region. It welcomes the tourists worldwide to indulge themselves into some cracking fun with all its natural subtropical climates, beaches, colonial history, mouth-watering menus and festivals.
Time to check out 8 real points that would count in your itinerary.
1. Hit the Beaches
Though the area of this country doesn’t compare to the most ones in mainland, it has a real pride for its number of beaches along the sea among them the Crane Beach, Bottom Bay, Rockley Beach, Paynes Bay, Pebbles Beach, Mount Standfast Beach, Bathsheba Beach, Dover Beach and Carlisle Bay are most famous. Some of them are popular for their rocky facades, while the others are adorned for the white sands. Whatever it is, no one can ignore to explore by the sea when in Barbados.
2. Swimming with the Turtles
This one adds a totally new perspective when visiting a place. There is a wide range of cruises and tours that make it possible to swim with the turtles. Most turtle tours are conducted on catamarans which provide lunch, masks and snorkels. It is a great outing – sailing down the magnificent coastline, a delicious lunch, some rum and of course, seeing the beautiful turtles and snorkelling in the Caribbean Sea. Some tours include stops at the beach and snorkelling over shipwrecks.
3. Explore the Harrison’s Cave
At the heart of Barbados lies one of its greatest wonders – the magnificent Harrison’s Cave. Located in the central uplands of the island, this crystallized, limestone cave is characterized by flowing streams, deep pool of crystal clear water and towering columns. Gaze in wonder at the white flowstones and in awe at the beauty of the speleothems which adorn the cave. Harrison’s cave is a gem of an experience, so be sure to visit and unearth the adventure.
4. St. Nicholas Abbey
No, it is not a church or has no connection with religion at all. St. Nicholas Abbey is a former sugar plantation and now turned into a museum and a rum distillery. Visitors get a glimpse of the plantation life of the past centuries in the museum. There is a 1930 film also depicting many sides of the plantation. Sugar plantation here was closed down in 1947 but still one can see the mill working. There is also a rum distillery that produces St. Nicholas Abbey rum which can accompany the tourists while going through the pages of history in the museum.
5. Take a Sip of Rum at its Homeland
We already have come across rum at the previous destination and who can think of a tour in the Caribbean without rum and when in Barbados, the homeland of rum, it will be a crime to not have it at least a little bit. It is believed that rum was first produced in Barbados. And the culture of this country, or even in the Caribbean as a whole, has always been touched up with rum since then. You will find some of the oldest distilled rums here to make the spirit high while touring.
6. Flying Fish Cutter
Here comes one of the most special attractions of the country. One can never ignore seafood and fish while visiting in this region. And flying fish cutter is a speciality of Barbados as to say that flying fish are a big part of the cultural identity of the island is a bit of understatement. So never forget to have a taste of the indigenous form of sandwich which looks like a burger though.
7. Nidhe Israel Synagogue
The only synagogue in Barbados, Nidhe Israel Synagogue, is one of the oldest synagogues in the western hemisphere. Built in the 17th century, this establishment has lots of stories to be revealed to the tourists as it has turned a part of it as a museum that traces Jewish history in Barbados dating back to the arrival of the earliest Jews in 1628 and highlights their contribution to the Barbadian society. So do not miss this cluster of history.
8. Crop Over
Crop Over is the premiere summer festival of Barbados. Not only that, arguably the most colourful festival of the Caribbean is considered as the identity of the country’s people. This attracts tourists worldwide. Even the Bajans who live off the island also get back to the country in this festival season to celebrate with the family and friends. The main festival is held by the government itself but there are many other small Crop Overs take place with no government undertaking.
Marbella Travel Guide: Places to Visit, Things to Do
Puerto Banús, Photo by M. Pilar Fernández, CC0
The city of Marbella is one of glitz and glamour, dreams and dancing. It’s a favorite with tourists seeking sunshine along the Costa del Sol and with the rich and famous looking to holiday in style. With perfect summer weather almost year-round, and miles of white sandy beaches to enjoy, it’s the ideal place to kick back and relax in a lavish, indulgent atmosphere.
The Old Town by Michael Vadon, CC BY 2.0
The Old Town
Marbella’s Old Town or Casco Antiguo is a charming area filled with colorful buildings, romantic balconies and an abundance of vibrant flowers. Its maze-like alleyways and hotchpotch of different buildings lend it a unique eccentric air that will have you wandering through the streets, marveling at the magic buzz all around. It’s a wonderful place to take a leisurely morning stroll among the boutique shops and tiny, jewel-like cafes. Or alternatively, you could partake in a sophisticated evening drink as the Old Town comes to life at sundown.
Puerto Banús
Just a 15-minute drive down the coast from the center of Marbella is the small town and marina of Puerto Banús. It’s the place to be if you want to be entertained, with its wealth of high-end shops, bars, restaurants, casinos and sports venues. Marbella has long had a reputation for being a glamorous party town with its love for all things bling, and the range of exclusive bars and clubs. The city attracts glitzy events every summer like the Global Gift Gala and Poker Stars Festival Marbella, attracting plenty of A-listers who you might just catch a glimpse of while you’re in town. It’s the perfect area to host such events as it values so highly luxury, beauty and extravagance.
Marbella by night. by José Sáez, CC BY-SA 2.0
Check out the Nightlife
The nightlife in Marbella is one of its most talked about features. Whether you prefer a quiet glass of wine overlooking the sparkling sea or an all-night party in one of the city’s hottest clubs, there is something for every taste here. Places like La Suite, Mask Marbella and Olivia Valere offer an elegant clubbing experience in the city center whereas favorites like Aqua Mist, Pangea and Scream dominate the party scene in Puerto Banús. Wherever you choose to go, you are guaranteed the night of your life as Marbella knows how to put on a good time! A-list celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Paris Hilton have been known to stylishly jet in whereas Antonio Banderas and Simon Cowell have even made their home here.
Tour the Historical Sights
Marbella has a varied history harking back to the Romans. You can explore the city’s roots by finding surviving landmarks, such as the Roman baths, ruins and bridges, that are still (mostly) standing today. Also, there are still structures built during the Moorish rule of the town, evident in the architecture of many houses, towers and plazas dotted around the city. Planning a treasure hunt of these historical sites not only opens more of the city to any visitor but is also a fun way to learn more about how the city’s way of life developed in accordance to those who lived and loved here.
Located in the shadow of the impressive Sierra Blanca Mountains, this beautiful Spanish coastal town has so much more to offer than the obvious sun, sea and sand. It’s a hot spot for outstanding cuisine, sophisticated soirees and fascinating local history. A trip to Marbella will leave you feeling rested and refreshed, yes, but it will also feed your mind with its captivating clash of cultures and enchanting high society.
5 Times International Celebs Wore Sarees in India and Floored Us All!
From #iwearhandloom to #100sareepact and #protestsaree, a saree has come a long way and is definitely not at all sorry! Saree has come a long way. Not just Indian, but international celebrities too have put the saree on a pedestal. Be it for a saree as a symbol of diversity on international borders or an all-inclusive customary attempt to honour and compliment Indian traditions on a maiden voyage. A saree has arrived on the world stage and how! The world has opened up to the Indian traditional outfit and here we bring you 5-sightings of international celebrities in a saree!
Sophie Trudeau
The Canadian family won hearts and accolades for its down to earth manners and transparency on its India trip. While all of them looked amazing in Indian attire but it was Sophie who looked so graceful and elegant in a pearl white south Indian saree. She pulled the look of ethnic diva effortlessly and looked unbelievably charming.
Serena and Venus Williams
These ladies can kick some serious ass on a tennis court. Though, here you can take some lessons on how bad styling can ruin your looks even if you are a celebrity of an international repute. That velvet-y blouse is downright tacky and a big no. However, on other occasions, we know that this power duo knows how to rock a dress or two. This one certainly is going down in the fashion books as a disaster that could have been averted with little attention.
Oprah
Besides, learning a trick or two of draping a saree from Aishwarya Rai at her own show, she wears an Indian handloom saree when she is in the country. Though, it will be delightful to see her in a handloom saree made by local craftsman and artists than a designer’s.
Stacy Jacobs
It is often seen that international celebrities wear sarees as an honorary act and we would certainly like that to change! Not many of us know Stacy Jacobs. She is one woman who is single- handedly leading protests against the Trump government for the border along the Mexican border. She doesn’t hold any banners and believes that borders look beautiful only on sarees. Her stint with sarees started during her India visit in 2015. She deducted sarees has one impossibly beautiful outfit. She wears handloom sarees woven by tribes and local artisans in India.
Kim Kardashian
It was so refreshing to see Kim Kardashian in a saree. She brought her signature oomph and sensuality to the six-yard stunner. The sequins and shimmers look ethereal on her. She keeps accessories minimal to draw attention to her sculpted jawline and collar bones. The pleats on pallu are folded for a stylised look.
These beautiful and prominent international celebrities are wearing sarees and marking India’s presence on a global map. What’s your excuse for not wearing a saree to your office and rock it just like they do?
I have been shooting and creating a lot of content and looks both for my blog and Instagram (@bhumika_t)
One of the outfits is this perfect red dress, I came across this on Everstylish.com
As soon as I saw this outfit, I knew I wanted to try it. It’s the perfect evening glam dress which is formal, not revealing, looks elegant and is not black. Black is the most common colour for formal evening dresses, followed by wine/burgundy and similar dark colours. This even, one though, bright red is perfect for a formal evening.
It has retro glam vibes and the off shoulder cross over silhouette, pencil fit with little flare at the bottom looks beautiful. I kept the jewellery minimum with just one gold choker and a tan leather watch.
For hair, I did overnight no heat curls for which I have recorded a video and will be uploading soon 🙂 I absolutely loved the results.
Makeup wise, a soft pink shadow on eyes and bright red lips complimented the outfit and hair well.
I didn’t want black shoes, could have gone for nude heels but I felt this rose gold pair looked perfect.
I hope you like this outfit, do let me know your thoughts in the comments below 🙂
Dress: Everstylish Shoes: Steve Madden Watch: Daniel Wellington Choker: Vintage
On my Lips: Lakme Absolute Matte Melt Liquid Lipstick Fire Starter Red (Buy HERE)
