How to fit everything into your Clutch.

Now that looks like a daunting task! But with a little sensible planning , you can actually be free of the heavy tote we all carry  around either on our shoulders or on our arms  like Arm-Hook Crook way adopted by the very fashionable Victoria Beckham.

But I refuse to be a fashion victim and am very particular about comfort. In my last post I spoke about my latest fixation, oversized clutches.

So here comes. My simple fixes for for fitting everything in your bag.

1) Buy a big oversized clutch with adequate compartments.

2) Buy smaller versions of all your essential makeup items.

Or even better …lip pencil in your favorite color. They are great for touch up and last more too. They also occupy less space!

3) Add to it a small hair brush,wet wipes and a miniature perfume bottle ( always ask for sample perfume bottles whenever you buy your perfume)

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4) I even carry small Cream Color Base from Mac which is versatile and multipurpose. It can act as a nose bridge / face highlighter and as an underlashline highlighter. Choose one matching your skin tone.

5) Car keys should be placed in an outside pocket so that you don’t have to dig deep to find them .

6) A small notebook and pen completes the list.

So dearies ….happy clutching:)

Clutch it!

I am majorly into big oversized clutches nowadays. They are chic,good looking and oh so comfortable. Add to it the health benefits. No  shoulder straps cutting into your shoulders.No backache.But what about the must haves a girl has to carry? I do have a remedy for that !!!! First the latest clutches in the market nowadays.
MORNING CLUTCHES
Yes girl,you heard me right. I have ditched the oversized tote for an oversized clutch. Day clutches have to be big, with multiple zipper pockets and  of a neutral color.They should have separate pockets for keys, specs, money and make up. For a working girl it is super comfy to just hold a bag under your arm and go in or out your workplace in a jiffy and inconspicuously.
Envelope clutches

http://www.rebecca-jane.com

http://www.purseblog.com

http://www.lyst.com

This nude Zara bag is my all time favorite.
Ooh I love them.They look awesome and  are so comfy. Always have a clutch with pockets.It helps in compartmentalizing your stuff.

Clutches with zippers

A very comfortable option. Compact and easy to carry, these clutches also don’t let your stuff slip out.

http://www.aliexpress.com

Dont miss the awesome compartments!

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This oversized travel clutch is a winner.

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Nude is the new black.

Always remember to have the clutches in  a soft material ….its all about comfortable fashion after all.

Quirky is in. So a dull plain outfit can be spruced up by a quirky printed clutch…

or a pop colored one.

EVENING CLUTCHES

Evening and night is definitely about a little glamour .So my lovelies here comes the bling. Silver, copper or gold , take your pick. You can also carry colored shimmery clutches for extra drama. Not to forget the jewelled ones for a more elaborate function.

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The boxy clutches are less roomy but look great when going for an elite dinner or cocktail.Stick to a basic black or gold.

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http://www.aliexpress.com

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A loud shimmery clutch can prep up an otherwise dull outfit.

So enough on clutches for now! Next I will post on how to fit your essentials into these wonderful,comfortable fashion accessories.

Till then…

xoxo

Slouchy is in.

Enough introspection. Today while I was indulging in my ”ME” time , of all the random thoughts crossing my mind , one thought was all pervading…CLOTHES AND FASHION. So I decided that this is where my heart lies and I am back on sharing my latest fashion fixation. Go slouchy.

It is all about being comfortable in what you wear.Slouchy fits are in because they fashionable and comfy.

SLOUCHY UPPERS 

The key is to wear the slouchy top with fitted lowers to balance out the look.

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Autumn /fall is the season to bring out your drapes and go on to stylish layering.

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http://www.fashionforwardtrends.com

These cape coats are classy, comfortable and also great in winters as they have great scope for layering.

BAGGY LOWERS

The reverse can also be worn. Wear a flared relaxed lower with a fitted top.

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Pyjama Pants are my latest fixation. I love the soft feel and the unstructured silhoutte. They can be worn both with short and long tops and  with our Indian kurtas.

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The prints are vivacious and there is a great variety to choose from.

http://www.glamasia.com

Their all elastic waistband is super comfy and ideal for a long day out.Opt for pyjama pants in a silky material to make them look formal. You can team it is blingy flats or nice pumps and some of your favorite accessories to look formal.

http://www.deshabille.com.au

http://www.anitadongre.com

With Indian kurtas you can also wear  Palazzos. Again a very feminine and relaxed look.

JUMPSUITS

Go for jumpsuits in a light fabric. They can either be plain or have funky prints.

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http://www.fashionsizzle.com

GO ALL SLOUCHY.

Both upper and lowers can be slouchy and unstructured.

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You can go all slouchy and yet rock the look.

SLOUCHY BEANIE CAP.

This is the ultimate trend. It keeps you warm and good for bad hair days.

http://www.aliexepress.com

Me to You.

There is so much in common yet different between all of us. As I sit and write my post , I can’t help but be fascinated by the the fact that we all are one big family. Whatever the country, caste or ethnicity , human nature doesn’t change. All mothers feel the same about the children, all women want to look attractive, all families want to remain close knit.So whatever you do , wherever you live, the one common need for all us mortals is to be at peace with oneself. So I am going to share with you what I do to keep calm.

”ME” TIME

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Yes , all of you should indulge in some ”ME” time.If you google this term you would come across several articles that suggest ”Me” time activities. They tell you to schedule your ”Me” time.WHAT? Activities for me time? I find it ridiculous! For me my Me time is about doing nothing, having no schedule or activities to follow. Every week take out a couple of hours where you go incognito. No cell phones, laptops , children, friends or family. Just connect with yourself.Doing nothing

So this weekend enjoy your own company .

Remember you don’t have to anything. Just be yourself with yourself.

Love you all. xoxo

Fashionista on the go!

I love to travel. As you all know I have a day job (I am a doctor,professor teaching in a medical college) and I have kids. So I am generally short of time.  Travelling for leisure frequently means besides clothes you also have to be neat , manicured and and so called maintained at all times. Here I am going to list a few items that I always have ready in a travelling kit. So here goes…

1. An eyebrow plucker.

2. Plain / magnifying  looking make up mirror.

It is a great help when plucking your brows or touching up your makeup.

3.Nail filer.

4.Foot scraper

To maintain your feet after those long walks.

5. A Razor.

Yes you got me right. It is really embarrassing to find out that you have hair on your arms , legs etc. especially like me if you      are practically blind without spectacles.It helps that they  in lovely colors especially for women.

6. Nasal hair trimmer.

One of the most useful gadget I have bought.

6. Walking shoes.

Though not a part of the grooming kit , it deserves a mention in your travelling must haves.

I think I don’t need to explain that. Walk your way to fitness after binging on the amazing food. If travelling by train I used to      get down at stations and walk up and down the platform in case the halt was for 10 minutes or more.

Add to this, quick fashion fixes ,as mentioned in my earlier post of the same  name and there you are.

Happy travelling.

So thats my list. Feel free to add to it.

Waiting for your inputs.

xoxo

Stretch and Breathe your way to Fitness.

Yes ,it is simple and invigorating. I am a regular with yoga but there are days it is difficult to go through the entire one and a half  hour routine. For those days I have a 15 minute yoga workout that energizes me and is so relaxing.

First and foremost switch off your mobile phone, television and laptop.Instruct household members not to disturb you for at least 20 minutes.

BREATHE RIGHT

We all breathe, but fail to  inhale and exhale fully. In yoga breathing techniques are called  it is called Pranayam.Even if you cant follow the the perfect method , just sit relaxed in a chair, close your eyes and just breathe. Feel the air going in and out of your lings.

Do this for 3- 4 minutes. This replenishes your oxygen levels.

NECK STRETCHES

Our necks and shoulders are in a constant state of strain. Hence it makes sense to do these neck exercises on a daily basis.

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These are deskercises actually i.e. something you can do sitting at your desk also.

To be done for 3 minutes.

LYING DOWN STRETCHES

1) Shavasana or the Corpse Pose.

Lie down still with your eyes closed and inhaling through your nose and  exhaling completely. Feel the body relaxing starting from the toes upwards.

Lie in this [position for 3-4 minutes.

2) Next is spine twisting while lying down supine.

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Do this 5 times each side.

3) Pawanmuktasana or the wind releasing pose.

Known as the wind releasing pose or the Pawanmuktasana. This pose is extremely good for stomach problems. Make sure to press down the bend knees onto your stomach and simultaneously exhale. It helps in reducing belly fat.

4) Bhujangasana or the Cobra Pose

The Cobra Pose helps in strengthening  the back and the spine.

Do 5 repetitions of this.

5) Makrasana or the Crocodile Pose.

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This pose is excellent for the spine. Rest in this position for another 2 – 3 minutes.

Do these exercise for a total of 15 to 20 minutes and see your physical and mental health improve.

So dearies breathe right and stretch for a healthy you.

xoxo

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Quick Fashion Fixes

Now that is such a necessity! Today, after work and after scrubbing my face off all the layers of makeup , as I was looking forward to my laid back evening, my son came up with an idea of walking down to the nearest Subway for dinner. One look at my disheveled hair and a tired drawn face ,I developed cold feet. But no ,I had to go along with him. Thankfully I have a list of quick fashion fixes that I am going to share with you all.

MORNING FIXES

A hurried morning is so common especially with us working mothers. Top that with an insane passion to look your best and there arises the need of these simple fashion fixes.

1. Keep a dry shampoo on your dressing table always.
2. A good face wash with a scrub that can be routinely used and should rest in bathroom cabinet.
3. You can skip the foundation if in a hurry and use just a quality compact powder to even out your skin tone.
4. Applying eye liner is time consuming so just go ahead with a nice kajal on inside of the lower lid to counter your dark circles.
5. Apply a lip gloss.
6. Tie a pony or a top knot if you don’t have time to style your hair.
7. Skip the earrings and just accessorize with a nice watch, a slip on cuff . I also have a slip on silver necklace always ready in my drawer which I put on in a jiffy. You can have golden accessories also but I am partial to silver as it is good both for mornings and evenings.
8. Nude slippers and a nude bag should always be handy . If you have nude ballerinas it even better as then you can hide untidy feet and chipped nail-paint. As for the bag I generally prefer a multicolored bag.

http://www.handbagrb.com

http://www.pinterest.com

http://www.mirraw.com

http://www.wiseshe.com

EVENING FIXES

Everything I talked about above holds good for the evening also except for the following.

1. Apply a bright orange or red lipstick.
2. The kajal should be darker.
3. Carry a black  or a silver clutch.

Remember these tips are not for parties and formal dinners.

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 www.thefrisky.com

I  sincerely hope that all this was useful to you all.

…AND YOU ARE READY IN A JIFFY!

Happy fixing! xo

 

Effortless Fashion.

Fashion should be effortless, comfortable and mind blowing. It should come naturally and easily to you. No stress , no worries , only simple pleasure.This was something I always wished for as a young girl. I always thought that it was impossible. Being born as a thin scraggly girl I always looked up to my mother who looked absolutely beautiful each and every day. It was then I started observing her and mentally formed a list of ”to do” things . Things that would help me metamorphose into someone people would complement and help me hold my own in the big beautiful world of fashion. So here goes.

KNOW YOURSELF

In the hearts of hearts  you know what suits you What color, fabric, style  brings out the best in your persona.Refer to my post titled I Me,Myself. This is of utmost importance if you don’t want to fill your wardrobe with clothes that don’t flatter you.

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TIMELESS PIECES

Invest in pieces that have been around for a long time and will stay for a long time to come. Refer to my post ”The must haves.” Anything in black , nude and white when put together generally is a safe bet. You can go adventurous with statement necklaces, cocktail rings ,bracelets and funky belts. Add to it  a classy bag , nice watch and you are good to go.

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LEARN MAKE-UP

This is something that has always held me in good stead. Imagine that you have to rush to a function at short notice and you are a mess after a sleepless  night and a long day at work. No time for the parlor and a blow dry. When I am faced with such a crisis I have a basic make up kit ready.   Invest in a good concealer, foundation, eye liner, mascara, blush on and highlighter. Make sure you take the help of a professional . As for me , I actually joined a self grooming class for about 15 days. It was just an hour a day and my my how it helped me!! Also buy  hairstyling products ( AGAIN TAKE PROFESSIONAL ADVICE) ,a good hair dryer and an  ironing rod .

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Will surely come up on a detailed post on this.

BE NEAT

Now that is something we generally undermine the importance of.

These famous words by Jane Austen are so true. How would you like unkempt nails,dry rough hair, unplucked brows,ill stitched clothes, torn shoes and a dry flaky skin. Fashion is not about clothes and make up only. It is always to see a man or a woman neatly turned out. Make this a habit. There should be no need for you to run for a parlor just before a party. At least the basic neatness and cleanliness should be a part of your daily routine. More on this later.

BE FIT

I have already talked about fitness and fashion in my last blog. A fit body is a fashionable body. So put on your running shoes and run on the road to fitness.

BE CONFIDENT

Need I say more!

Lastly smile and remember to be yourself.

So my lovely people ,incorporate all of this into your life and see how effortless fashion can be!

Remember you are unique.

Love you all!

 

Fitness and Fashion

Looking gorgeous is not always about clothes. Yes they are an important part of your whole personality but just imagine what good clothes would do if your health is not up to the mark. No it is not about weight. Here I am talking about physical and mental health. Don’t let beauty be just skin deep.

The thought about fashion and fitness came to my mind after my 12th blog. Especially because I am in my 40’s and I always feel better about myself when I am fit and healthy and I look better too. I have a chronic joint problem and that means I have to regularly work on my fitness. So yoga is an integral part of my life along with daily walks . I also have to ensure I don’t put on weight as that would otherwise put strain on my joints and spine. I also watch what I eat though I never starve myself. The other day one of my colleagues told me that I maintain myself  because of my chronic health problem . Though I was hurt but I realized she was right. I then thought of sharing this thought with you . Don’t let illness be the reason for you to be fit. Make sensible lifestyle choices so that you don’t fall ill, the rest will follow.

 

Yoga can be customized according to your needs. It is a great mood elevator and being a regular ensures glowing skin.

Incorporate exercise into your life and see it rock your life. You will enjoy wearing your fashionable clothes and  will be showered with compliments.

Then your diet! Eat whatever you want but in small portions. Eat frequently , say have about small six meals a day.

Imagine wearing a dress with your love handles showing.

 

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There are a lot of options while dressing that help us hide our unnecessary bulges. I shall discuss that later in a separate blog , but for now include exercise and a healthy diet into your lifestyle. It sure has huge benefits, both mental and physical. Set aside 30 minutes aside in a day for your exercise. While you walk,do gymming or yoga concentrate on the body part you are exercising to get the best results.  Don’t let your mind wander. I have experienced this. When you concentrate the results are better.

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All this combined with a healthy diet will ensure that you have many many years of looking gorgeous.

So enjoy your fitness routine.Have your ”me time”. It surely invigorates you.

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http://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/health. Check out this link . It gives awesome inputs on how diet can change the way you look.

So all you beautiful people out there ,have a blast with fitness and fashion.

Autumn Dressing

Lo behold! In no time the year has gone by and here we are into the best time of the year.AUTUMN…colorful, rich ,invigorating. As the the trees turn orange, rust , yellow and red ,it is time to rejoice with color in your wardrobe. As the dreary monsoon says goodbye look and feel upbeat in your bright colorful outfits. Red , orange are the new black. So all you beautiful ladies out there do add at least a hint of color to  your wardrobe and rock the look.

These are pictures of me and my sisters and daughter on vacation in Goa. Notice my red scarf (from Hong Kong) in the earlier pic and the bright pink bag my daughter is carrying . So pleasing to the eye! I am wearing a peach kaftan in the last picture with multicoloured edges to brighten the outfit.

These small additions are my way of beating the blues.  

   In this photograph my daughter has nicely teamed a a blue top , neon pink bag with black shorts. Though not a perfect  assembly for the chill this combination can be a winner if a shrug is added to the attire.

 

And the layering comes back too .Do look my post on” Playing with layers”.

More next time…xo.