PARTY LOOKS FOR NEW YEAR EVENING !!

Sparkle, sequins, glitter, and glam! New Year’s Eve 2021 is fast approaching, which means it’s finally time to start stirring up New Year’s Eve outfit ideas.

Pandemic made a lot of difference to our lives!!

We realized the importance of socializing. Even the introverts started feeling the heat of their lonely walls. This year may be different since we’re still living through a Pandemic. But, really anything that comes goes!! It’s almost two years and it’s worth suggesting that we might have become better as a person. So we definitely need a reason to celebrate. Let’s bring the glamour back and go out with a bang!

From metallic skirts an to sequins , there’s not one “right” way to dress for New Year’s Eve.

Here here are perfect party looks to inspire your style for the new year party

A glitter skirt ( Forever21 )+ a plain black shirt (hm)+ stockings and heels (hm)

A glitter skirt with stockings is something which is a descent and “ easy to carry” look I would suggest!! Pair it with a plain black top and heels. You don’t feel conscious while carrying it since this is something that wont do much skin show !!

A short leather skirt (SRstore09) + sequin top and heels ( Forever21) + black long coat and stockings (hm) + sequin bag ( a local store from mumbai)

If you already have a black skirt in your closet, just throw on a sequin top or some sparkly shoes and bam! You’ve got a party outfit! A sequinned bag is another option you can add but if you don’t want too much of it , a simple clutch would also work !!!

A dress with heels ( zara) + metallic belt ( amazon)+

Jewellery (hm)

If you don’t wish to go too much with sequin, then go simple with a dress but style it with a metallic belt and heels!!

LED shoes for those who love to dance !! This is something which will add up to your dancing energy. A metallic skirt with LED shoes is casual yet sexy party look !!

One shoulder tops are so versatile. Pair it with a PVC skirt and look like sexy doll all glammed up !!

Go all in and really shine with a sequin this New Year’s Eve. A party night classic, I am always in a good mood in a bit of sequin! It reminds me of the ’80s in only the best kind of way.

For anyone who lives where it’s colder, you could wear a cozy sweatshirt with a faux leather pants . It doesn’t get easier than this!

Whether you’ve got plans to party the night away at an elegant soiree or twerk in the New Year at the club, I have got you covered woman !!

TREK TO KATALDHAR WATERFALL

Lonavala has many trekking destinations of which Kataldhar is one of hidden gems. Offering a thrilling and challenging route through slippery stretches and dense forests, Kataldhar waterfall has a breathtaking view.

This trek came as a surprise to me as it was totally unplanned. There is a very famous RAJMACHI trekking/hiking place located near to KATALDHAR which was on the plan for us. But enroute Rajmachi we came to know that it is closed due to Covid. So we decided to take KATALDHAR instead.

BRIEF INTRODUCTION-

Location

The Kataldhar waterfall is located at Rajmachi Point, just 6.5 km from Lonavla proper. It is near Kune gaon enroute Rajmachi. By road , it is 85 Kms from Mumbai . One has to take Della resorts route, which leads to Rajmachi and Kataldhar is located on the way to it. From Pune it is 65 Kms and is reachable by train . Nearest station is Lonavla.

• Kataldhar Waterfall Trek Distance is 9 km

• Trek Difficulty Medium to Hard

. Trek time required 3 hours one way

MY EXPERIENCE-

Most Unique thing about this trek is that while going to the spot you have to climb down the hill for almost 2 kms and on return you have to climb up. So basically we have to get down to reach the destination.

Trek led me through some dense forest and slippery route. It is a tough task to reach the valley for those who have no previous trekking experience because the approach terrain is slippery and steep. The flow of this fall thunders down over the rocks, so you have to walk through the water at many places. Many times it was our instincts that helped us reach the spot as there was hardly anyone there. After walking for some distance, the sound of the water falling from the distance will get you there.

Frankly speaking go there only if you have a good trekking experience . The route to the waterfall is through jungle and there are chances of getting lost at many places . You need to follow the route which is indicated by the ribbons which are tied on the branches of the tree and arrow markings on the rocks. Trek should not be attempted without guide or experts as forest is dense and its easy to lose your way. I went there in the month of July. Weather was not so cool and we got exhausted by the time we reached the spot . We were half dead by the time we started climbing up. Then we had to rely totally on ground water on the way back.

But but .. I must say that Katardhal is a hidden gem. May be because of its difficultly level, not many people attempt to go there except trekkers. As soon you enter the forest, the sound of the chirping birds would thrill you, you will forget the city’s life and all the hustle and bustle that keeps you worrying about everything. The region gets unusually heavy rains which add to the spectacular sight the valleys unfurl at the peak of the monsoon season.

It is thrill, it is disappointing sometimes but it is fun experience. Something that you will remember for your life time. So I suggest you to take this experience once just to test your own physical fitness.

THE BEAUTY OF SHEER AND LACE DRESSES

Lockdown made me shop online all the time. Being a fashion freak, I am constantly looking for something eye catching . And this dress is no exception to it ! I instantly fell in love with this sheer and lace mix piece from Shein. The closed neck lined by beautiful lace ,embroidery all over , it’s honestly one of the most well made pieces I’ve ever owned .

I love how feminine and romantic sheer dresses look. I mean.. just have a look at it’s detailing! It speaks everything about it.It features an adorable fit, full length sleeves, delicate embroidery and a fun sheer mesh back. One cool thing about the dress is the back zipper , which goes down considerably low. You really don’t require anybody’s help to put on your dress.

The dress has an A-line flared cut and is perfect for birthdays, high end parties or weddings. For weddings, I love to let the dress shine and keep the accessories very simple!! It’s super crisp and I’d even go as far to say, you would be fine wearing it to an after party without wanting to change into a different outfit.

All things are good about this dress except one . I must admit that styling can be a real struggle. It made me think a lot about which inner-wear I should choose. Since the dress has sheer back , everything was a see through . I would suggest to go for a backless bra with transparent front straps or strapless backless bra available if any. Whatever design you choose , your inner-wear has to be white. Even if this dress has a satin lining on the panel still one can make out if you are wearing a panty in strikingly different colour other than white.


Whether you choose to go all sheer for a party or social event, it’s still all about how you carry yourself out. Fashion has no rules so it sets no bounds when it comes to the style of your choice. Lace or sheer are those fashionable ensembles that will perfectly flatter you!

Outfit details –

Sheer panel fit and flare mesh and lace dress-

https://m.shein.in/Sheer-Panel-Fit-Flare-Mesh-and-Lace-Dress-p-659292-cat-1727.html?ref=www&rep=dir&ret=m

Sandles –

https://www.forever21.in

RETURN OF 80’s DRAMATIC SLEEVES

I know many of us are not dressing up much these days … but I am hopeful that good fashionable days will be here soon. So when it’s safe to do so, I’ll try wearing the puff sleeve trend out for a night out and about. But for now, I’ll share my thoughts. It was return of classic old fashion and we can’t deny the fact of how Statement sleeves is the current season’s favourite trend. Dramatic tops and dresses are popular and flattering too.

To buy this mutton sleeve dress-
https://www.koovs.com/front-cut-out-cold-shoulder-dress-132492-148623.html

A trend from the Victorian ages has seen a comeback into the fashion cycle this year. Many celebrities including Deepika , Kangana, Sonam Kapoor carried this trend so well 👇🏼

I am up for experimenting. But one key thing to remember while styling is not to look overdone. The sleeves itself speak so much so we don’t need to add anything else at all. So strictly no no for heavy accessories.

Another point to remember while styling puff /voluminous sleeves is not to wear anything fluffy or lose fitting along with it. Also the focus should be on sleeves and the rest should be subtle. You can mix puff sleeves with body con dresses or jumpsuits. If you are on healthier side then net, georgette are the fabric choices and if you are on slimmer side then organza , silk are best for your body.

Sharing with you some of the amazing puff sleeves pieces I bought from Shein. Unfortunately this website got banned here in India following Indo- China conflicts 😔 . So it is difficult for me to put links of those outfits . But you can find similar pieces on Aliexpress , Amazon or some newly launched sites like wear.style etc.

It was fun to wear them last weekend – even if I wasn’t going anywhere!

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the puff sleeve trend . Once it’s safe to be out and about again, will you be rocking puff sleeves or not a chance?

Instagramworthy places in Mumbai

This post is close to my heart as I am writing about Mumbai. My city, the city of dreams , Mayanagari that never sleeps, Mumbai, is active round the clock. Being born and brought up here, Mumbai has witnessed important milestones of my life and in return I have seen Bombay changed to Mumbai over the years. Through my fashion blogging and photoshoots , I got to explore different aspect of the city . Mumbai gave me tremendous confidence for who I am and how I should look upon towards life. In the middle of chaotic life came the month of March 2020 , when Mumbai suddenly halted over the fear of deadly virus. I missed it’s noisy vibe . Those silent streets made me uncomfortable. Never in my life , I had seen such time where the entire world was going through a pandemic and we were simply clueless about how to tackle it. I wish things will get back to normal one day. Lockdown stopped me for a while and think about my city in a different way. I have penned down few of the iconic places of Mumbai which can make your Instagram feed look beautiful. Some of them are very well known but some are hidden gems .

1) GATE WAY OF INDIA

One of the most visited places in Mumbai, Gateway of India looks utmost beautiful when captured early in the morning. Right opposite this grandeur structure lies iconic building of The Taj Mahal Hotel. Don’t forget to pose against the backdrop of the Taj. The Gateway of India is one of the most grammed photos of Mumbai.

Nearest station- Churchgate, CST . You can take 10 minutes of taxi ride from station to reach there.

When not to go- During the months of July – September as Monsoon in Mumbai is on heavier side

2) MARINE DRIVE

It’s not so much what you learn about Mumbai, it’s what you learn about yourself. You get caught in a million traffic jams, and you spend time cooped in your car with all that mad cacophony around you. Still you enjoy first rain sitting here and forget everything. This is the beauty of Marine drive. Sitting at the queen’s necklace and watching birds fly over you is memorable experience. Getting clicked against the backdrop of beautiful skyline will definitely add more value to your photos.

Nearest station – Marine lines, Churchgate . Walkable 15 min distance from Churchgate station.

When not to go- During the months of July to September as Monsoon in Mumbai is on heavier side and there is generally high tide alert.

3) KALA GHODA/ FORT

FLORA FOUNTAIN
A BEAUTIFUL FLEMINGO GRAFFITI
ON P D’MELLO ROAD
KALA GHODA

When you stroll through lanes of Kala Ghoda you witness marvellous buildings with stunning architecture . Colourful walls in those lanes will make you stop for a moment to take a selfie. Pictures clicked with the backdrop of Flora fountain can easily give any European city vibe . Zara store located at the Fountain , Spread across a massive 51,300 square feet area in a five storeys british building and designed within the historic façade of the century-old heritage structre .

Nearest station- CST. 10 minutes distance from CST station. Ideal time to shoot is on the weekend.

When not to go – During kala Ghoda Art festival which takes place during the months of December- February. Its a week long festival where most of the area is sealed and occupied by installations with restricted entry.

ZARA STORES , FORT

4) HORNIMAN CIRCLE / ASIATIC LIBRARY

This is one of the prime locations for photoshoots where many magazine and ad shoots happen over the weekend . This particular place has a very uniquely designed British architecture which is still well maintained.

Right opposite to the Horniman circle lies Asiatic Library. The stairs of The Asiatic Library attract many photographers . It stands out as a perfect spot for photography as it has maintained the white look for quite some time. Head office of “MUMBAI SAMACHAR” located near Horniman circle is another popular point. This red building has been a beautiful backdrop for many fashion bloggers on Instagram.

Nearest station- Churchgate, CST.

When not to go – During weekdays. South Mumbai has many offices so it becomes difficult to shoot during the office timings and also all the locations are used by cars for parking due to shortage of parking space.

5) GRAND HOTEL

This is another unusually photogenic place located adjoining two lanes of Bellard Pier , Colaba . Lanes nearby to this hotel has Beautiful buildings, classic retro bus stop, European styled architecture which gives total London feeling .

Nearest station – CHURCHGATE, CST. Take a cab to Post office Colaba .

6) DHOBI GHAAT

Located close to Mahalaxmi station , this place Is world’s largest outdoor laundry, Dhobi Ghat. The similar colour clothes hanging on strings and rooftops create a vibrant layout which turn photographers crazy.

When not to go – During monsoon

7) CHOR BAZAAR

Also knows as thieves market, this market has shops full of vintage artefacts and showpieces. Located on the Mohammad Ali Road, It becomes a prime location for photography as it portrays some of the best antiques of India.

Ideal time to shoot there is early morning and on days except Friday. On Friday , generally all the vendors sit on the streets there and they don’t allow to click photos.

Nearest station- Mumbai Central Station. After getting down you can take a cab to Pydhoni.

When not to go – On Fridays

8) BANGANGA

This beautiful ghaat located at Walkeshwar Temple Complex, Malabar Hill, is Hindu sacred place. Being less popular, very few tourists are seen here. The steps located at the ghaat and flock of the cranes is addition to its Indian vibe. It looks extra beautiful on the days of Pooja.

Nearest station- Charni Road

9) KHOTACHI WADI, GIRGAON

Khotachiwadi is a small village located at the walking distance from Charni Road station . Beautiful colourful wooden homes totally give Goa vibes. Its beautiful Portuguese style architecture is definitely insta worthy.

10) KUMBHARWADA, DHARAVI

Located in the small gaps of the houses in Dharavi, is pottery industry . It is anarchic, vintage, rustic and Old Bombay Style. The photography here will add a story to your feed. Potters make clay pots and keep them in the line for drying which makes rustic display for the pictures. Overall look of the place is perfect for planning editorial shoots.

Nearest station- Sion

11) BANDRA WORLI SEA LINK

As significant as the Mayanagri, Bandra-Worli Sea link never fail to amaze people. It can be captured from different locations like Worli Fort, Bandra Fort. But it is best viewed from Bandra fort.

Nearest station- Bandra , take a rikshaw from Bandra west to bandstand or Bandra fort

12) BANDRA WEST

What attracts us to Bandra is unique graffiti all over the place . All tiny lanes of Ranvar villege has these unique graffiti walls . Also near Pali hill, many walls have huge paintings dedicated to Bollywood actors . Cozy cafes with beautiful colourful interiors are perfect for couples. Nearest station – Bandra .

13) TROMBAY

The only off beat place located on eastern suburb of Mumbai is Trombay. This place is mainly used for fishing . Hence is seen full of boats and fishing nets . Trombay is less discovered and hence very few people know about it . Best time to click is early morning during golden hour.

Nearest station – Trombay, Harbour line . Nearby landmark – BHABHA ATOMIC RESEARCH CENTRE (BARC)

When not to go- During Monsoon season the whole creek turns muddy

14) BANDRA KURLA COMPLEX

Bandra Kurla Complex has beautiful office buildings. Intelligently designed complex has smooth roads and is practically vendor free zone. This makes this whole space look like some high tech city .

Nearest station- Kurla west on central line, Bandra east on western line

When not to go – Though on weekdays photography is strictly prohibited, one can definitely try on weekends when all the offices are closed.

15) JEWEL OF NAVI MUMBAI, NERUL

This is a 2600 metre pathway created around one holding lake and a huge garden around it. It’s a very neat and clean garden with Champa trees lined along side the walking track.As you walk you see the glittering lights of moving vehicles on the palm Beach Road.The reflection of the tall buildings in the water looks beautiful.

Nearest station- Sea woods station on Harbour line. Its at walkable distance from Sea Woods Grand Central mall.

It is quite rare for a Mumbaikar to stop and look keenly at the art that’s portrayed on the streets on a weekday. But on weekends, it is definitely a different experience as Mumbai has a bit of everything. It’s a unique mix of Culture,nature, architecture and technology which is rarest combination found in any other city in India.

DAZZLING TRADITIONAL LOOKS IN IVORY

Sonam Kapoor gave us major fashion goals when at her own Mehendi, she wore an ivory and gold chikankari lehenga designed by Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla.

Known as one of the most pristine colors in the color palette, Ivory is one such hue that undeniably makes for a great pick for weddings and festivals. It looks effervescent, clean and classy. That is why many women are looking for simple ivory hue not just for their wedding day but also their pre-wedding ceremonies too.

Ditching the traditional colourful dresses with heavy embellishments and opting for a simple plain ivory dress with an elaborately designed jewellery is my elegant way of dressing up for weddings.If you are looking for something traditional yet unconventional, something striking yet subtle, then an ivory anarkali with striking jewellery should be your number one choice without a doubt!! There is not one woman who has ever said that an anarkali does not suit her! This long salwar suit always gives off a very chic and formal vibe. So, if you’re ever confused about what to wear for a formal or semi-formal occasion, you know what to pick.

Jewellery- a local jewellery store in Mumbai .
You can shop similar pieces here –
https://www.ajio.com/zaveri-pearls-kundan-pearl-earrings-maangtikka-set/p/460605562_gold?

What do you wear if the bride is taking the minimal and pastel route? You select one from the pastel family and make sure it’s detailing speaks volumes. Most of my Ivory outfits make jewellery the queen of the whole ensemble. I was so excited to add those heavy pieces of maharani style jewellery while styling.

Ivory sharara suit designed by me and stitched out of an old saree.
Buy similar piece here –
https://m.mirraw.com/designers/zilova-2968/designs/off-white-sequins-net-salwar-sharara?

If you don’t want to look too dolled up in the pre-wedding parties, this cream coloured silk suit is a perfect outfit for you. Here, the colour of the suit imparts an overall subtleness, pearl earrings adds a glam look. @ajio.com has come up with super gorgeous plain silk kurtis

To shop this kurta –
https://www.ajio.com/swadesh-embroidered-tunics-with-slit/p/440822724_beige?utm_source=share&utm_medium=share

Jewellery- Currently unavailable . But you can buy similar piece here 👇🏼

https://www.ajio.com/zaveri-pearls-pearl-embellished-ethnic-chandbali-earrings-zpfk6517/p/460605234_gold?

Angarakha kurti
To shop this kurti 👇🏼
https://www.ajio.com/ajio-anarkali-kurta-with-cutouts/p/460210375_offwhite?utm_source=share&utm_medium=share

The angrakha kurti was originally worn by the men in Rajasthan, it has only recently made its way into women’s fashion. This kurti design is so versatile; you can wear it to the Indian wedding and even for a casual outing with your friends.

Jewellery- currently unavailable but you can buy similar design here 👇🏼
https://www.amazon.in/dp/B076CP293M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_QFdaFbSJHWJPW


There are oodles of options available on @ajio.com if you want to ditch those fussy heavy outfits and go for something plain , rich and elegant. I am sure you will simply fall in love with their ethnic festive wear collection.

Understanding the scuba / Neoprene fabric

Classic clothing outfits rarely show everything off. The fabric game itself is so strong that you dont need any other fancy embellishment or embroidery. There is one such fabric which fit and flatter without being matronly, skimming the body while making it feel rich.

SCUBA

Scuba material is a double knit fabric that is made of fine polyester fibers. One of the features of the fabric is that it creates a smooth full bodied drape. Also it is a stretchable fabric which allows perfect fit. The smooth finish and full bodied detail of the scuba makes it a great option for dresses , skirts, and details such as ruffles.

To shop this scuba skirt –
https://srstore.in

These types of outfits never go out of fashion, no matter what trends come and go throughout the decades. They’re built on a foundation of quality fabrics, expert fit and really beautiful colors. No need for heavy accessories.Instead I opted for a statement sling bag. If you really wanna include anything more then I suggest you to go for a simple string of pearls in the neck.

To shop this dress –
http://palanquine.com

If you are in a hurry to make a dress for a special occasion, scuba is a brilliant fabric to choose as you do not always need to hem it. In fact, if you are a sewer that is short on time, you can more often than not get away with no hemming as the fabric doesn’t fray.

This classic tailor made mint green scuba dress is inspired from a top designers work

I have been going on about neoprene and scuba pieces for a while and if you are into them as well… it’s high time you invest in such pieces .

Shopping for a classic clothing wardrobe isn’t so bad! Best of all, once you fill your closet with these staples, you’ll never have to worry about being out of style !!!

Formal yet sexy outfit- Co-ords

Almost every brand has a their own “matching sets” and they come in shorts, pants, skirts, crop tops, and blazers with cool prints.

I personally love co-ords. They do dual job for me. Though together they look so classy , I can even wear both top and bottom separately with other clothes .

This “formal looking” co ord set is from @shein.in . You can find similar pieces even on Zara.

This set is my perfect choice for office parties. One shoulder top gives such a sexy look. Formal checks print makes it look more subtle at the same time. There is a small tie knot to make it look girly. I have paired it with a beautiful metallic silver pumps from @luluandskyofficial . This whole ensemble is a fresh and alternative way in dressing all day long.

Co ords set – https://api-shein.shein.com/h5/sharejump/appsharejump

Pumps – https://www.luluandsky.com/grow-on-me-silver-pumps.html

Soft and almost irresistibly pretty spring summer trend- Organza

Fabrics like chiffon, cotton, and linen are some of the popular picks of women when it comes to summer fashion.But if you’ve been keeping an eye on 2020 fashion trends, you’ll have noticed that the organza trend is everywhere! Organza – the fabric with a dreamy feel is one the prettiest silks with a strong feminine appeal.
The fabric which breathes air and looks refreshing like no other is Organza! A paper- thin sheer, plain weave fabric made from silk which feels almost weightless.

For those who never shy away from a statement, there are several organza blouses which are guaranteed to give you a high octane look. Elegant sheer silk organza blouses are worn with either a bra, bikini or delicate camisole underneath.It is a norm for the warmer seasons to include lots of skin-baring offerings, which meant that all of the sheer design elements were a natural part of the spring/ summer 2020 fashion trends.

Shein has come up with a number of beautiful see-through blouses in candy pink ,soft lilac and many eye pleasing colours . Those sheer, billowing sleeves with striking hue look romantic and timeless.

Not only street style favourite this summer, but organza blouses are an even bigger trend for party season due to the fabric’s sheer finish and iridescent sheen. Worn with kick-flare trousers this number is my summer favourite party piece.

Many organza puff sleeve blouses can be tricky to style for an everyday look either because they are see through or the sleeves are really puffy, which make them look more than normal. All you can do is to avoid wearing any competitive clothing while pairing such tops in order to balance the whole look and to make the top remain the main focus.

Shop this Printed blue Top-

https://api-shein.shein.com/h5/sharejump/appsharejump?currency=INR&lan=en&id=788284&share_type=goods&site=iosshin

This gorgeous heart printed top looks especially pretty when paired with a shorts and sneakers. Your summer fashion wardrobe definitely needs such beautiful refreshing colours for those unplanned occasions.

ORGANZA SAREE-

An organza sari is more than just an outfit. It is a tale of luxury, grace and the unparalleled finesse of a simple silk weave!

With its upscale European look, it is a symbol of elegance, truly fascinating for a nation that has always taken fashion inspiration from the western countries. So that partly explains the popularity of these contemporary looking sarees. But overall, it is their unmatched sophistication and affluence that makes such saris so endearing !

Shop this Pastel pink organza saree –
https://www.labelkanupriya.com

Summery saree with a feeling of lightness and breathability is a delight of every saree wearer!This sari is a simple and elegant choice for summer parties, brunches, and family occasions. Pair with some bangles and a bejeweled clutch to make you look more formal.

Now looking traditional as well as glamourous is a piece of cake – all you need to do is own some organza and wear it like a fashionista.