Inorbit, Shilparamam Night Bazaar and meeting a fortune teller

Last evening i met Yamini for a spot of shopping.

First stop was Mark's and Spencers for innerwear.  Ever since i have discovered it, i have been in love with their range. Whether you want lacy or plain jane, they have the best range and the staff is pretty helpful. And if you are there, go check out their swimwear. A little expensive but so sexy! And with details like tummy control, just what a girl needs. And the linen pants too... perfect summer casuals.

We then headed to the terrace of Chilly's for some refreshments. We girls do like to drink in the afternoon / early evening. We discovered they have Happy Hours, where you get one plus one free, it turned out to be a good call. *Hic*

We then spotted a fortune teller and got our future revealed. The most memorable part of the evening was when he asked my age, he did a double take. Literally. He actually thought i was kidding him. Right now i am still so happy! Oh and he did reveal a lot about my personality and Y's too - both true. And a little about what the future holds.

After spending half an hour in the most insane traffic jam we headed to Shilparamam. Which was terribly disappointing. A ghost of its former shelf, it's no wonder the place was almost empty. And the Shilparamam Night Bazaar, it's a joke. I actually wanted to go ask for a refund for my Rs 10 entry ticket. It's really that sad. A few shops here and there, most are still doing their interiors and on top of that there is a huge Neeru's store. In the night bazaar at Shilparamam! I just got so mad... how is this helping any artisan? And why is the government hell bent on ruining every good thing that Hyderabad has?

So that was my shopping spree yesterday that ended rather badly... what with the insane traffic and the endless driving!

I am headed for some more shopping today and hope that the day does not disappoint me...

Oh, i am off to Mumbai tomorrow. I am looking forward to that :D

What's your plan for the weekend?

Skinny denims

I have just one pair of jeans. Ok, that's not really true. I wear only one of the several pairs i own. The rest just languish in the wardrobe and eat up valuable space.
(Am i the only one who does this?) 

So this one pair that i had been wearing / abusing were in a pretty dismal state and i needed at least one more that i love. Yamini needed to get a pair too. The pair of us headed to Levi's to try out their CurveId fit. And we were impressed.
(Go try! CurveId rocks. Or would you like to recommend something nicer to me?)

We both needed to get a size smaller than what we usually wear (what we usually wear is actually a size larger, perfect on the hips but loose on the waist).
(Do you face a similar problem with your chosen brand of denims as well?) 

While Yamini chose boot cuts, i chose skinny. I don't know what she got, but i needed Bold curve.
(i am loving the way it looks on me, making me look slimmer! Yay!! *GRIN* And yes, my denims look exactly like the one in the pic above!!)
(What style do you wear mostly - follow fashion trends and wear what's fashionable or do you have a specific jean fit that you almost always get?)

{Image courtesy}

PS: The best part of the shopping was that i did not have to pay anything! Thankies Yamu... I will think of you as often as i wear them which i know will be very often!

PPS: If you live in Hyderabad, then you must head to the Levi's store in Secunderabad, near Shopper's Stop. The girl there is extremely patient and super-helpful. 

And why i felt like a princess this Diwali

I did tell you about my no-sari Diwali. I think i did. With so much happening, i may have or not. So here goes....

The outfit break up:

Magenta bandhni skirt with big bold gold border from Westside. (Rs 1099 or 1199, am not sure). Very flared, a style i never usually wear but i gave it a shot this time. (And am so so so happy i did. It felt so awesome. I felt so awesome. Like a princess.)

Strappy top from my Vintage clothes collection. (Meaning it's new, it's mine, but i never wore it for like 5 years nor did i think of giving it way.) So its a plain gold raw silk top that i got stitched. (You should get a top done in gold raw silk. It works with so many colors and looks pretty grand.)

Kalamkari stole from Shilparamam. I think i got it for Rs 100 or Rs 200. Not sure, because again, i picked it up quite some time back.

Magenta and blue thread bangles from Delhi  that were a gift from Bagsi and some stone studded ones from Char Minar. (Char Minar is a bangle-haven. Seriously, you should go there if you haven't yet.)

Golden and cream beaded necklace. Again from Shilparamam. For less than Rs 200. A wardrobe must-have. Will go with so many outfits - saris, suits, even dresses.

Golden jhumkas, old, so don't know where i got it or for how much.

So yes, this year for Diwali, i junked the sari and the gold jewelry i would traditionally wear and opted for  something that i mixed and matched. In fact, the only thing 'new' was the skirt. What do you think? Works or not? (Honestly, i don't really care because i wore it and loved it, but still i'd like to hear what you have to say. So do leave your thoughts behind.. And please share a pic of your Diwali.)

PS: That's my darling Happy and i. Photo shot by the other A. Picture perfect, don't you think?

Chambor Lips

I have finally found the perfect pink lipstick. Most pinks just don't look good on my dusky skin color and i have been searching for quite some time for a shade that would be pink, yet natural.

It's a shade called Pink Rose / 252 from the Chambor Flowing Lipstick Range. Costs Rs. 475

You can see the shades on the Chambor site but you won't really get a good idea until you go try.

The lipstick feels light, almost like you have nothing on. I have long been a fan of Chambor's products and among the brands available here, their shades suit the Indian skin tone the best. Go try... it is fab.

The toys I got from Chennapatna

Basava, the painted cow

Toys that dance

The kissing pigs. You pull one away from the other and see her run back to him...

(PS: That's the last post from my Coorg holiday... I promise. It's just that I hate writing long posts and I have so much to share... )

Have a lovely day :)

Shopping In Coorg

On my recent trip to Coorg, I got too little. This of course, I realized only after I got back home. Here are some of the things you should buy (and buy lots).

Honey (it's the best honey I have ever tasted without the waxy taste that you get in branded honey available locally.)
Coffee (It's super fab according to the connoisseurs - me, I don't drink coffee but Aru says its great, so it must be)
Spices - Cardamom, Cinnamon, Pepper, Clove (The cardamom is very fragrant, unlike the stuff I get at the grocery stores in Hyderabad and the Cinnamon has a strong sharp taste. The other spices are yet to be tried.)
Papads
Green Tea
Lemongrass and eucalyptus oil
Hair oil and oil for aches and pains

*The last 3 things in the list I have yet to try, but going by the other things I have tried (and loved), I am sure to not get disappointed.

(And if you are wondering why I dint buy too much - the packaging made it look not-so-great and if you like me, get carried away with good packaging, then try to ignore the simple packs and just go for it. You will certainly not regret it, because down south, you will rarely find people out to con you.)

Hyderabad bans plastic bags

Life without plastic seems tough. Hyderabad recently banned plastic bags of a certain thickness or less. Most shops don't give you a plastic bag for your shopping these days. The ones who do use the thicker recyclable variety which means you only get these bags when your buying things that cost more money.

I saw these E-coexist bags cloth appliqued bags at Daram recently. But I resisted buying them even though they said buy me. (Oh, this picture from their site does absolutely no justice to their product which is so much prettier actually. There are sea-horses and flowers and lots of others pretty appliqued motifs.)

I heart cloth bags. Do you?

Pic from E-coexists

Splash and Splurge

Yamini and i had a date. As usual, i was not ready when she came home. I really bug her that way. But the sweetheart that she is, she waited till i finished what i was doing, bathed and got ready. 

We headed to Ten Downing Street, a watering hole in Hyderabad, famous for its cuisine, crowd and cocktails. But for the first time, except for the crowd, there was nothing good. The watermelon mojito was not quite up to the mark. Since we had already eaten a light lunch, we ordered only one caesar salad, which was super salty and too peppery. We asked for it be changed and it was no better. However, the cocktails worked their magic and after the drinking, 2 happy women set out to do what what they like the most...SHOP!

Splash.  

It was my first visit to the store and i was shocked to see what i had been missing. The clothes were fab. Super-stylish and trendy, as well. But the accessories section...ohmygod! Yes, i was in love. Again. Judge me, if you must.

i am totally in love with this golden wire pendant. it was love-at-first-glance. 

this one is even prettier when worn. it's a longer necklace with dull silver balls and flowers. we got two of 'em.

So what did we get? Yamini gifted me these two super-cool necklaces, and a smart black top that has an incredibly slimming effect as an anniversary gift. She buys herself a pair of stilettos, a black top with a plunging v-neck, the same silver necklace and some ear rings. 

Go visit Splash. And if you do see a short pink skirt with pockets on the side... think of me. 

PS: The staff at Splash are almost as helpful as the staff at Westside. We obviously went to Westside too since it is next door. I exercised restraint and just geot a Mr. Happy tee for the other A. Yamini got two tops - a navy blue kurti that is super slimming and another in bright parrot green that looks fabulous on her, a change from the usual black, grey and white that she usually sports.

Goa Chronicles

When you go to a sunny, colorful and fun place like Goa, it's difficult not to miss it when you are back home. I am still nursing a Goa hangover and was  going through my Goa purchases and realized I hadn't shared any details here. 

So yeah, we shopped every single day of the 4 days we were there. Or, at least window-shopped. So much so, I think Y got fed up of my incessant Oohs and Aahs and Wows.

I am currently in love with hair accessories. Despite a hair rebonding treatment that cost a small bomb, my hair is invariably tied up these days. In fact, the moment it grows a bit, I pull it back. So when I saw these felt hair bands… I picked em up. 

Also picked up some music CDs, a multi colored top, tea light lamps in baby pink, white and blue and a chocolate brown top that can be worn like a skirt or a dress. 

In love with, Treasure Chest

There are several fashion stores in the small lane opposite GVK One, Banjara Hills. There is Wundershop and United Designers Collection, which are owned by my friends from college, Kedar and Rajeev respectively. A few days ago, I went to pick up some passes from Kedar when I parked right in front of Treasure Chest. 

Obviously I stepped in, definitely not because I was feeling guilty about parking there. 

Treasure Chest has a good collection of silver jewelry, and some really fashionable and 'different' earring and necklace sets. There are some nice batuas too. The prices aren't bad either. I am glad I went in. I ended up buying  few nose studs and not much else. It's called exercising restraint that I am getting better at these days.


My only regret is I didn't find this shop when I was earning and did not feel guilty about my splurge spending. 

PS: For classy clothes with a lot of detailing head over to United Designers and for fun, colorful and funky clothes, meet Kedar @ Wundershop.

Material Girls Buys: A Camera

I have been coveting this since quite some time now. And I finally own it now. A friend’s friend got it from Hong Kong and it cost me Rs. 27000.


I did a lot of research before buying it, called friends, checked prices in various stores in Hyderabad and even Mumbai. 

I still need to get a camera bag and a SD card before I can begin using my camera. On hindsight, buying it from flipkart would have been better because it comes with a bag and a 4GB card too…

In love with a rat

Yes, ok, it's a mouse. But no! Actually, it is a USB hub. Isn't he cute?


Got him from Chenoy Trade Center, Secunderabad - THE place in Hyderabad to buy computers, peripherals, cartridges and all the other what-nots you might need.

Material Girl Buys: And finds Flipkart.com

I got two books from Odyssey yesterday. On my bro's casual inquiry of the bookshops I favor, I replied, it was usually Landmark or sometimes, Odyssey. He suggested I check flipkart. 

I have heard of flipkart, seen FB adverts and almost visited but never really browsed. WHAT WAS I THINKING? All of the books are fabulously discounted. The shipping's free too. And to think I have spent more that Rs. 20000 on books and movies in the past one year.

Ty, Vikas for showing me the way. You are the best, and just not for the awesome Google lunch date. 

PS: My purchases are mostly impulsive and I have also come to realize, my best shopping is when I don't decide to shop and pick up something on-the-spur. Yes, I am still going to be an impulsive buyer but for books, movies and electronics I will check out flipkart first!

PPS: And they also have the Nikon D3100 that I have been meaning to buy. For Rs 30000. Brick and mortar stores are selling it for Rs 32000.  

Material Girl Buys: From Fabindia

It's anniversary time here - my parent's got married on Mar 7, 35 years ago and my BIL on Mar 8, 7 years ago. As always the gifts were due. After watching 2 movies yesterday, I went gift-shopping to the Fabindia store, GVK One Mall on Banjara Hills. Though I find their stoles, dupattas and saris a bit over-priced, I love their soaps, condiments and home accessories.

Buys:

A toiletry gift pack that has 2 body washes and 2 body lotions for my parents. Rs 500.  The packaging of the products and the gift box is oh-so-gorgeous.

A multi-colored bead necklace for me. Rs 90

3 small cotton drawstring pouches for Rs. 5 each. Very useful and a must-buy :)

Spice and lemon soaps for the thinner half. Rs 58 and Rs 65.

A toiletry gift pack for my BIL that has a body lotion and a body wash. Rs 250

An ethnic thread necklace in pink and purple with triangular brass pendants and matching earrings. Rs 390

Have you been to Fabindia lately? 3 things you should check out, if you haven't already: 

* Their sauces and pickles. I have tried their salsa sauce, italian spice mix and raita mix. All yummy. And of course their organic haldi - a must-have especially if you use your spices as medicines too.

* Soaps and creams - a good range, good pricing and feel good to use. The lavender soap is my favorite, very soothing.

*Their newly launched accessory collection. Some really pretty trinkets available that will make your BFF / GF / wife very happy.

In love with 6 Yards of Silk

I had gone to Nalli’s a few days back and completely fell in love this multi-colored beauty. It costs about Rs 18000. Phew!

PS: The staff there is very helpful. On several occasions i have seen that they will show you saris never-endingly until you find the one you like. Their collection, though small, is excellent.

Material Girl Buys: Dramatic Eyes and Other Little Treats

Westside is one of my favorite places to indulge in Retail Therapy. I love their quality, pricing, styling and sizing. Since I have promised myself that I am not going to add more weight to my overflowing cupboards, I got myself just four things. 

Dramatic Eyes, a gel-based eye-liner from Maybelline, that is simply superb. For Rs 375. It did not smudge and I love that it is intensely black. You get the brush free with it. 

A scented candle with a spicy fragrance called Eastern Spice. For Rs 135

Shocking Pink Bands. 4 for Rs 49

Purple bands. 4 for Rs 69. The purple ones are really interesting... they are just elasticized cords that can be knotted and tied just like a ribbon. 

Material Girl Buys: Soap and Cream

I first saw Last Forest products almost a decade ago at Coorg, during our honeymoon. I remember buying Honey and Beeswax Candles and some other knick-knacks. A few months ago, I was happy and surprised to find Last Forest again at Daram – a Fabindia like store in Hyderabad that sells hand-woven / block-printed salwar-kurtas, saris, baskets, cermaics, furniture, and also Haathi Chaap products.

Buys:

Orange Lip Balm for Rs 38

Citronella Insect Repellant Cream for RS 70 (I have already started using it and the mosquitoes have so far stated away. A must-buy!

Basil Soap and Lemongrass Soap for Rs 37 each.

Happiness. Without the added guilt of damaging an already-damaged environment.

PS: There is no typo in the prices; they are really that low. Probably the same as when I saw them at Coorg! Go splurge without making a big hole in your wallet. 

Material Girl Buys: Silver Earrings n more

Ma and I went to General Bazaar today – the closest Hyderabad has gotten to street shopping. 

Ma 's purchases: 

Banarsi silk fabric in colorful stripes for Rs 120 a metre and leaf green with silver weave for Rs 250 a meter which she stitch for cushions that she has.

Raw silk fabric in leaf green for a cushion mattress that she does not. For Rs 120 a metre.

Lenin for shirts for dad – 5 instead of the 2 she had originally planned on. Rs 1500 

My purchases: 

Cotton doormat, handwoven, in faded pink for Rs. 25. 

Super-stylish silver earrings for Rs 1150. From a non-descript store that had mostly traditional gold jewelry. He has some other interesting silver ornaments. Enter General Bazaar, take the second right. It's the third or fourth silver / gold shop on your left hand side. 

Two silver nose pins, another unexpected surprise. From a shop selling traditional silver jewelry and other knick-knacks. (I have been looking for Silver nose pins since a long long time. Not found at Bangkok or Bikaner. A few at one shop in Bangalore. And in two shops in one week in Hyderabad!)  

A day full of happiness - read emails filled with love and encouragement, got some lovely things and stuffed my face with a lot of yummy chat (from the Marwari stand at the ParkLane corner). 

My ma always complains that I never wear any of my gold jewelry. How could I when my first love is and has always been silver? 

Fashion Files - Dressing up in a Green Sari

Bought this Mangalgiri sari as a birthday gift to myself. Only the blouse got ready about 3 weeks later, one day before I left for Calcutta. I consider myself lucky.

Sari from a store in Dilsukhnagar for Rs. 750. But lots of stores in Hyderabad will have it.

Blouse material, 2 different fabrics from Nalli’s in Begumpet for Rs. 150.

Hoop earrings from LifeStyle, Mumbai – Rs 199.

Diamond pendant and bangle from folks in Calcutta who deal in diamonds. (The best way to buy them, I think)

I love the Green and the way it looked against my skin and the Hoop earrings are now my favorite  glittering accessory. My simple clothes stood out in the plethora of silks, chiffons and nets during the maira ceremony and fetched me loads of compliments. Am happy I decided to dress the way I did.

Awesome Ikat

Ikat – a traditional weaving technique which requires that the yarn is pre-dyed according to the pattern and then woven. Just imagine how complicated that could be? Now multiply by atleast a million. Seriously.

I visited a master weavers home for a project I am working on and saw these lovelies. These are commonly known as pochampally saris coz they are woven in a place called pochampally. For more gyan you can click here and here.

In the shopping bag: A mangalgiri cotton sari from him for Rs 750 and kalamkari blouse material for Rs 150 from Nalli’s. Will post the pictures later, once it is all ready to wear. 

Ikat is quite fashionable right now and can be seen on the ramp pretty often. I had picked up a really smart top in various hues of pink from Westside sometime last year. It's quite easy to find!

via RunwayDaily