Republic of Chic

Anuj Sharma: Button Masala at The Verandah

2012-01-31T13:35:00.001+05:30

A wonderful evening spent at The Verandah with Neetu Gupta and friends for Anuj Sharma's workshop on draping and Button Masala

For there is no way I can say this better than Nisha Khatwani, a graphic designer and former student of Anuj Sharma's, here goes: "Anuj's take on fashion is easy, understated, free, and is potentially a lifestyle. Making a garment without any sowing is the purest form of making clothing. Draping dhotis or sarees comes naturally to us, so why not apply it to everything we desire? The natural, spontaneous flow of drapes has an endless scope to give shape to new silhouettes, giving us quantum possibilities to express our creativity. Ignoring rules and making clothing fun for all shapes, all seasons - above all, Button Masala 'makes you think and innovate'. So the next time you want to take your outfit from day to evening, just carry some extra buttons and rubberbands or buy it from the nearest haberdashery."

There is an old proverb that states "If I am told something I will forget, if I am shown something I will remember, but if I am involved I will understand." To me this embodies what should be at the center of the any experience and it illustrates the educational experience at Anuj's workshop that evening. And from my interaction with the designer, it also spells out his theories in 'design as an experience'. Armed with this more hands-on approach, I draped/made my first ever garment from scratch under Anuj's watchful eye and it was nothing less than a moment of intense fulfillment ;)

Some fascinating conversations with Anuj have helped me realize the importance of the practice of authenticity and inquiry - we may yet learn new and insightful ways to look at things, that we assume, due to its discovery and record, need no further inquiry. Look again. He also helped me understand the culture of upgrade and step movement in consumers today, rather than lifetime ownership and gradual movement. "The people who want quality and finery (ahem.. 'fashionistas') have garments that would last 40 washes but would probably wear it just once, while the people who need quality (say men and women engaged manual labour), need the garment to last 40 washes but will probably last just one." In a time of rampant consumerism and a quest to buy the planet to death, this is an important observation and a big lesson learnt. Thank you, Anuj.

"If someone looks at my work and says - Thats interesting, why didn't I think of that earlier? Thats good! If someone else says I could do that too.. then great! If another says Oh, I could never do that and lets just leave it to the designer.. then I have failed completely!" :) A man's creative struggle (his search for wisdom and truth), is a love story. And through his work, here is a man telling us his own story and doing so with utmost honesty :)
I hope there are a lot more of these workshops and he visits us at Bangalore much more often! :)

PS. The Verandah is Neetu Gupta's lovely lil boutique in Ulsoor that stocks a small selection of hand-picked few Indian designers and some of my all time favourites - Anuj Sharma, Kallol Dutta, Aneeth Arora to name a few and Neetu Gupta's namesake brand, of course. Worthwhile to check them out :)

Pastel Punk Princess

2012-01-20T12:57:00.002+05:30

(Wearing Denim Shirt from my Menswear Collection, Zara Pink Denims, Spike necklace from ROC Store, Chunky Pastel Ring from Local Store, HorseHair Crossbody Bag worn as clutch, Metallic Heels from ages ago)

Is neon gone? Is pastel the new neon? Are retina shocking hues being replaced by subtle, feminine shades? Are we all going to be ballerinas? Am I going off on a tangent? Ok then.. Before you answer those, lets look at how here I do both. Pastel jeans with neon accents. I've never been one for muted style, and so the spike necklace, horse hair clutch and neon lips do the talking ;)

Perhaps the strongest trend of this season, Pastel comes with a soft approach. Sugary shades on sweet pastel pieces are the order of the spring/summer day with everyone from Chanel and Louis Vuitton to 3.1 Phillip Lim, Jonathan Saunders and Alexander McQueen dipping in. We've been told pastel jeans in pinks, oranges, yellows and greens are going to be a huge hit for Spring/Summer 2012! I think it was the next step in colour for denim. Every other colour has been done. A departure from the neon trend of last year, none of the denim is as bright, so don’t worry, it’s more pastel shades and muted tones, but you can still tell it has a florescent inspiration!

I’ve been seeing a lot of the highlighter pen shades around in jewellery, accessories, shoes and bags and it looks great! I know neon is hard to wear and some of you have found it hard to venture into the coloured denim trend which blew up this past Spring/Summer, but I think now we are all accustomed to the bright shades, it wont be so hard to jump on the neon bandwagon :)

God-Faced

2012-01-13T20:06:00.001+05:30

Beetle Face

God Of Wine

F found this funky dude carved out of a root in Pondicherry. He reminds me of Jesus but she named him Moriarty and now he lives on a wall in her room. She wishes him a good night every night before falling asleep and says he watches over her. (Ermm.. she's a bit cuckoo, that one) He makes wonderful display for jewellery too. In picture one, he's wearing my favourite Gold Beetle Ring and in the next, my choicest Floral bracelet (wreath?) of the moment. Moriarty has pretty awesome taste in dressing up and loves accessorizing. He swears by the Republic Of Chic online store where you can buy both the Beetle ring and Floral Bracelet or simply mail me! ;)

1 Floral Shirt: 7 Ways

2012-01-10T22:50:00.002+05:30

Floral on Pastel ala Park and Cube

Floral on Tailored ala Fashionerdic

Floral on Floral ala Wheredidyougetthat

Floral on ermm.. lets call this 'Barely' Floral ala Fashion Toast

Floral on Leather ala Haute Pursuit

Floral on Burgundy

Aaand finally, the Botanical Biker ;)

I know Bryfling snagged one of these shirts too and I'm dying to see how see wears her's :)

Birthday Bouquet

2012-01-09T16:51:00.002+05:30

(Wearing Zara Shirt and Pants, Prashant Verma Jacket, Mirror wedges from ROC Store, Beetle ring and Tuxedo Bow chain from Republic Of Chic Online Store)

A year older. Not all that much wiser.

To begin with, I feel like a fool for breaking the bank for my Xmas and New Year's Eve indulgences and NOT waiting until the Zara sale which is on this whole month of January. In my defence, it was the first one Bangalore experienced and I don't enjoy being wrestled to the ground for a tweed jacket anyway.

On the other hand, I'm kicked that my first outfit post of the year is also that of my birthday. Thank you for all your wishes, I had the merriest day with friends and family!

Winter is still upon us but I'm already dreaming of gorgeous flowers in full bloom—sartorially speaking, that is! Erdem brought fancy frocks adorned with heavenly floral designs and applique lace and Celine did the same with stylish blazers and pants with Zara and ASOS quickly catching on - all this has inspired me to swap out my usual monochromatic outfits and minimalist colour schemes for a romantic (but always modern and intriguing) look that is hard to ignore.

Of course you can always address this floral fashion trend in a more edgy way if you prefer—which is what I did here with a Zara shirt and leather pants. A lil' treat to myself, this Prashant Verma jacket I had ordered weeks ago arrived pretty in a package exactly on my birthday :) The Bondage-like wedges by Jeffrey Campbell add that punk element making it an age-appropriate look (yes, I will dress in 'Fetish-ish' clothing throughout my twenties while I still can) (and I saw a sweet Anglo-Indian aunty bill this same floral shirt right after me, thats why the age references ok?) that is also chic.
And now for those of you who didn't raise their glass with me on Facebook, toast with me - To a year of fun and fashionable, crazy and colourful and ridiculously remarkable times ahead! :) CHEERS! :)

2012 = Move, Eat, Learn

2012-01-01T20:09:00.000+05:30

Happy 2012, peeps! Here's to wishing you have a smashingly stylish new year! My 2012? Must be filled with:

Move
Eat
Learn
That Guy

You're most welome to join me on this noble venture ;)3 guys, 44 days, 11 countries, 18 flights, 38 thousand miles, an exploding volcano, 2 cameras and almost a terabyte of footage… all to turn 3 ambitious linear concepts based on movement, learning and food ….into 3 beautiful and hopefully compelling short films…..= a trip of a lifetime. These have been very motivating for me and I hope the same for you! :)

The New Year's Eve 3 Way

2011-12-30T20:30:00.004+05:30

Tis' the season - skirts are short, our spirits and our heels are higher. In a sea of sequins, I'm wondering how not to look like the next girl on the dance floor tomorrow? As discussed on the FB page, in the battle of New Year's Eve dresses - Danni vs. Lucinda of French Connection India, the round went to.. drumroll.. The Danni!! - a pretty lil' Hervé Léger doppelgänger! :)

My biggest concerns with shopping party dresses in the holiday season is walking into my party to find 3 girls wearing the exact same dress! Eeep! And so my dresses have always been self-made, designer or vintage, NEVER high street! This year though, I made an exception with the Danni. She shimmered quietly in her corner of the FCUK store and even from a distance I was in bodycon love! Of course, even as I was getting mine, I had a mini tug of war with this beautiful girl for one in my size and I instantly knew I HAD to find a way to wear this differently!

Here I style it 3 ways. FCUK - 3 ways. Yes and once you've washed your dirty mind with some soap, lets move on ;)

Look 1: Danni + Statement Necklace From ROC Store + Zara Glitter Heels + Gold Metal Clutch + Stockings (I don't know bout you brave souls but I get really cold! )
Look 2: Danni + Statement Mirror Belt + Ring from ROC Store + Pencil Skirt from Mango + Black Pumps + Sequin Clutch
Look 3: Danni + Leather Leggings from Zara + Gold Collar Necklace and Cut-out Cuffs from ROC Store + Black Boots from Dior + Ameko Cross Body Bag

Now go ahead and tell me what you're wearing this New Year's Eve so I can turn up in the other! ;)

Happy Hollydaze!

2011-12-26T21:34:00.001+05:30

Did you also have a Merry Merry Christmahanukwanzakah yesterday?? F and I went to a wonderful turkey dinner last night with some of our favouritest people in the world and today, we spent all morning monitor shopping.. Ahem.. I love how 2011's wrapping up! :) 2012 is going to be a HUGE year for me - new projects, new partner ;) and I've never been more excited! :)

Its that time of the year and I'm feeling very inspired by GiGi which has led me to post a cute (and very necessary) lil' list of beauty resolutions, which is brilliant considering New Years Eve is quickly approaching and I've always ignored 'beauty regimes' like ugly step daughters.

So here goes - I vow to:

Find my signature scent. Its been Issey Miyake for years but I seem to have had a chemical shift, it no longer loves me.

Exfoliate my face and body at least once a week.

Wear SPF 30 every single day. And not forget to cover my ears, neck, décolleté and hands.

Always wash off my makeup before bed. Ugh, this should've been No.1 on the list!

Find the perfect red lipstick because it will give me an extra dose of sassiness.

Learn to apply my daytime makeup routine in 10 minutes or less.

Throw out all of my expired makeup. If I can’t remember when I bought it, it’s too old.

Clean my makeup brushes every week.

Experiment with styles (in the privacy of your bathroom) that I never thought I could pull off. Winged, Smoky, Cat et al.

Sleep on a satin pillowcase to protect my hair.

Sleep 6-8 hours a night.

Drink lots of water for a healthy body.

Take a multivitamin every day. They even make gummy vitamins for grownups so I have no excuse.

Have better posture. Breathe Deeper.

Donate my time and/or money to a charity I am passionate about.

Smile. More.

Tell myself that I am beautiful every. single. day.

What are some of yours??

The Paris-Bombay Preview

2011-12-23T21:17:00.001+05:30

Paris-Bombay collection was Karl’s nod to the amazing Indian embroidery houses recreated through Chanel's couture houses. In fact, Karl has never been to India but channelled the motifs through Coco and was able to have a poetic view of the culture. 'It's much more inspiring not to go to places than to go' says Karl Lagerfeld.. Umm, ok Karl. Its how I travel on a shoestring anyway! :P This collection inspires so many modern ideas to my bollywood bling bridal trousseau hating self! Its just my style - much less flesh and much more opulence. Dreadlocks with maang tikkas. Chain mail gloves with ornate embroidery. The plan is to recreate many of these outfits with whats available in local markets (I spy many fabrics that I've already bookmarked on Commercial street in Bangalore) with local embroiders so getting through this wedding/festive season will be a breeze. This is just a tiny preview to the collection - I highly recommend watching it in 1080p for the tiny details, so what if I couldn't be in the lavish Grand Palais among its hand picked guests, feasting and devouring the collection alongside Sonam Kapoor and Frieda Pinto? There is always HD. I'll be posting detail shots of the clothing and jewellery in the next couple of posts :)

Jodie of Dannijo by Covetuer

2011-12-16T20:39:00.001+05:30

Vintage furniture + Neon accessories!

The Dannijo Cleo necklace and the Dannijo Hixson neon collar. Wear it under a buttoned up collared shirt or over a vintage tee.

Perfect recipe for a proper Dannijo arm party- color, metal, cuffs, bangles, tons of color and touches of neon.

Dress by Timo Weiland and Alexander McQueen shoes. Every girl needs red shoes! Miu Miu velvet heels - I like my shoes to be as unique as my jewelry (not too simple). The bottom necklace is from our DANNIJO holiday collection - one part Cleopatra, two parts Holly Golightly (Breakfast at Tiffany’s). It’s about bold statement pieces that will take any ensemble to next level chic. The necklace on the lamp is vintage Larry Vrba.

The Dannijo Palmer necklace- the oxidized brass and iridescent Swarovski crystal disc spice up anything and everything. Another vintage Larry Vrba necklace with Topshop suede booties. Wearing them with dresses and jeans in a combo of the colored fur and the velvet booties.

Topshop dress - fun and a bit girly. The Dannijo Zander necklace is great layered.

And the Hudson collar. Minimalism in a big way. So is this is sleek clean collar!

Every girl needs pearls. I am just not into traditional pearls. The pearl necklace on the bodice is vintage. It is major! The gunmetal and pearl necklace is old skewl Dannijo. That vintage fur/pearl collar- is cool as shit! You could sew it on a jacket. The dress is Hunter Dixon. I love the print, it feels very Mad Men vintage. The necklace is the Dannijo Kalbarri bib. Color blocked bibs are fun and instantly add color to any look.

A unique bag land a bow-decorated lamp. Tres chic!

The oxidized brass andoxidized silver jewellery are classics. Wear one big cuff, or stack a few of the smaller ones for an arm party!

How precious is Jodie Synder's home (via Coveteur)? Perfect weekend inspiration! If you, like me, have too much jewelry and not enough space, why don't you keep lots of it out and decorate your apartment with it. It is great to have it out so you can always add some jewelry on your way out the door. Will be featuring Dannijo's other half Danielle Synder's home next week so stay tuned for jewellery organization and interior decoration tips in addition to glimpses of their incredible imitation/costume accessories collections!

Somebody Told Me: ROC for FCUK India

2011-12-14T15:40:00.002+05:30

F and I were invited to a preview of the Autumn Winter 2011 collection for French Connection India a couple of weeks ago. We had a really fun time (Thanks, Harini) trying on outfits, goofing around with 'striking poses' for the camera and shooting this video (for the first and very awkward time, so please be gentle).

You see me here in a moss green shimmery sweater (loads of deep autumnal hues with shots of green, purple and rich yellows to choose from this season) that highlights the blacks and greys that tend to take over our wardrobes come winter. Turned around, its a strip of bows playing peekaboo on your back, I hearted it! In other scenes you see me prancing around and err.. giggling shyly in a Pendragon dress that fit wonderfully but.. the one dress I had my heart set on was this Hervé Léger lookalike called Danni. Its a faceoff between Danni and a pretty lil sequinned playsuit number called Lucinda for my New Years' Eve party outfit. Subtle shimmer vs. all-out bling! What do you think? Which one should I get? :) Help a girl out! (and then come back to see how I finally wore it!)

Overall, I suppose what we enjoyed best were the ladylike accessories taking inspiration from one-off vintage finds - skinny tortoiseshell belts, faux crocodile skin cross body bags, large leather totes and velvet pill-box hats with netting. I'm buying more and more vintage clothing lately, these accessories seem to fit in just right with the retro phase my closet is going through. The holidays are here! Happy shopping, lovelies! :)

Splice Splice Crazy

2011-12-11T15:17:00.001+05:30

(Wearing Self-Made Dress, Lady Gaga Sunnies, Gold Collar Necklace 'Circlet', Serpent Nail Ring, Spine Harness Ring from The Republic Of Chic Online Store, Funny Face - Bright Fuschia by NARS)

A postlude to Circlets. A High Fashion How To, if you will.
Something that is here to stay in the fashion jewellery world is the idea of modern sculptural jewelry. I'm a big believer in individuality, its all about the experimental. I love extreme objects (translate to jewellery designs), bold and beautiful pieces of sculpture rather than jewellery per say that create breathtaking (simple) statements. Naturally this 'Collar Necklace' speaks to me. Loud.
I'm embracing costume jewellery's latest hot trend with this collar statement necklace inspired by Celine. These decadent riffs are the perfect way to transfer a bit of glitz to any ensemble and I realise they have fast become a fashion necessity. These necklaces will look particularly sassy tucked over a delicate blouse, cardigan or even a basic t-shirt. And the button-up, of course. Here, I kept it simple with a white dress and let it remain the focal point of my outfit. I could have mixed it up with a variety of bangles for an edgy and dramatic feel, but maybe a later post. Whether your collar necklace is futuristic fab, sleek and chic, or a throwback to Ancient Egyptian times, it’s always a showstopper, and the good news is, it’s a trend that anyone can try. Republic Of Chic is more than just an Indian fashion blog. It captures the essence of street style in India, bringing it online along with the latest trends in runway fashion, online shopping, stylish womens clothing and trendy accessories from fashion designers for fashionable ladies to view, share and comment. Also new is The Republic Of Chic Online Clothing and Jewellery Store selling costume jewellery, dresses, shoes, handbags and more. Republic Of Chic is a Bangalore blogger bringing the hottest in fashion for you.

Circlets

2011-11-29T19:51:00.003+05:30

I remember the first time I saw them in Celine's 2011 resort collection. The stood out like knock-outs against the clean, minimal dresses and I thought of them as non conformists, yes - bracelets for the neck. Thus began my love affair with metal collar necklaces. These collar-length rigid metal necklaces encircle the neck but don’t fit tight around the neck as a choker-length necklace would, nor do they conform to the shape of the neck; they stand away from the body and create their own space. They're everything I aspire to be ;)

Notice those gorgeous silver and gold cuff bracelets too? Right off the bat, I bought a warrior-like rose gold cuff from ASOS and a couple other hammered silver cuffs for the Republic Of Chic online store but I was always on the lookout for that fabulous (and elusive, mind you) collar necklace. I'm so thrilled to have finally found them and not just for me, for you too! :)

These dramatic eye-catching circlets have been interpreted by numerous designers and favored by loads of fashion editors this season. Circlets of all diameters and sizes, celine-like thick ones, thinner ones - 'supergalactic' comes to mind, doesn't it? All coming to ROC store soon.

I spotted clever variations of the cuffs being worn as anklets on Jak and Jil. Can't wait to try this! Meanwhile how much do I love these?!

Oh, do come back tomorrow to see how I wore mine today :)

Stacked

2011-11-28T19:13:00.001+05:30

Stacked Heavy-Duty Vintage Rings = Dreaming in Tones of Sepia.

Reflections and Symmetries

2011-11-15T21:42:00.002+05:30

One never tires of the graphic goodness in mixing spots and stripes!
Striped tee + Spotted pants = Seeing Red! :P An India Fashion Blog. Latest street style and Indian fashion trends. Bangalore Blogger.

My Dress Hangs There

2011-11-12T13:34:00.002+05:30

A fabulous fashion editorial bursting with colour in Vogue Mexico depicting Frida Kahlo (through fashion) in her many roles as a bohemian artist, a victim turned survivor, proto-feminist, sexual adventurer who challenged gender boundaries, and an embodiment of grace in a hybrid, postcolonial world. What makes this homage to Frida so special is that it was photographed in la Casa Azul, her private residence in Coyoacán, Mexico. The title of the editorial "La Fuerza de Frida" means the strength or force of Frida. She will always remain a global cult figure and her personal style will never cease to inspire me. Her work has the quality of unfailingly resonating with my soul from time to time. Fashion Inspired By Frida Kahlo: Folk Fashion Editorial. How to color block.

Model Morphosis

2011-11-11T13:39:00.001+05:30

I LOVE this game! It seems to me like those Dora The Explorer or Blues Clues games for kids on Nickelodeon- fun, interactive and all the while remaining educational! ;) (Click + drag the orange bar to see before and after)
I have spent way too much time with that orange bar.
Must.Stop.Transforming.

Photographer Greg Kessler captures the transformations of Paris Fashion Week (Spring 2011-2012). Here is model Iris Egbers before (left) and after (right), transformed. Beauty at Alexander McQueen.

Sigrid Agren for YSL

Zuzanna Bijoch at Givenchy

Frida Gustavsson at Jean Paul Gaultier

Kate King at Lanvin

Dempsey Stewart at Rick Owens

Jacquelyn Jablonski at Dries van Noten

Josephine Skriver at Emilio Pucci

Flavia Lucini at Emporio Armani

Bette Franke at D & G

Anabela Belikova at Gucci

See here for more Model-Morphosis features from older seasons.

Fallen Angel

2011-11-09T19:36:00.003+05:30

The Most Beautiful Suicide

On May Day, just after leaving her fiancé, 23-year-old Evelyn McHale wrote a note. ‘He is much better off without me … I wouldn’t make a good wife for anybody,’ … Then she crossed it out. She went to the observation platform of the Empire State Building. Through the mist she gazed at the street, 86 floors below. Then she jumped. In her desperate determination she leaped clear of the setbacks and hit a United Nations limousine parked at the curb. Across the street photography student Robert Wiles heard an explosive crash. Just four minutes after Evelyn McHale’s death Wiles got this picture of death’s violence and its composure. The serenity of McHale’s body amidst the crumpled wreckage it caused is astounding. Years later, Andy Warhol appropriated Wiles’ photography for a print called Suicide (Fallen Body).
-1st May 1947 Evelyn McHale jumped 86 floors from the top of the Empire State Building. She was 23 years old.

I was watching Stranger than Fiction last night (a good movie, by the way) and a character talks about suicide: “There’s a photograph in the book called The Leaper. It’s old, but it’s beautiful. From above the corpse of a woman who’d just leapt to her death. There’s blood around her head, like a halo… and her leg’s buckled underneath, her arm’s snapped like a twig, but her face is so serene, so at peace. And I think it’s because when she died, she could feel the wind against her face.”

This picture is sad, but it is simultaneously serene. It isn’t full of gore, and Evelyn looked as if she was sleeping. Her calm repose contrasted greatly from the grotesque wreckage of a bier she herself created beneath her.

The Warhol print isn't all its cracked to be (in his defence, maybe I haven't found a great copy online). He probably would have said in her Empire State Of Leap she had her Fifteen Minutes of Fame. But I see this photograph and I think of her walking the streets of Manhattan in the early, misty morning as if it were any other day, carrying her pocketbook with a few dollars, a make-up case. I see her, pure in her pearls, her white gloves. The jacket may have been her favorite, pink wool, and she probably wore it too often. It all seeps way inside me and I cannot shake it off. Right now, I'm sitting alone in my home - sullen, confused about that note and morbidly inspired to re-imagine a 'print' of my own, an ode to Evelyn if you will. Tonight it will be only my computer and me.

Lady Is A Tramp

2011-11-05T20:43:00.002+05:30

For once I can stop fixating on the fashion theatrics and honestly say I LOVE a Lady GaGa song. GaGa complements Tony’s voice and the era of the song perfectly. And who knew that underneath the feathers and puppets and horns she has a really good voice that I don’t think we hear in this manner in her own work. And notice that easy, fun rapport with Tony? Too cute!

While in a Weekend-Bennett mood, allow me to throw in some Amy Winehouse for good measure. She is being missed today.

Of course, its impossible to leave Norah Jones out of the line up! Enjoy my weekend mini-playlist :)

Sandcastles

2011-11-04T11:17:00.000+05:30

An evening in Chavakkad, Kerala properly spent building sandcastles ;)

Raven on a Treasure Chest

2011-11-02T12:02:00.001+05:30

On demand, here is the 7 day detox regime we followed in Kerala last week :)

6:00 am: 2 glasses of water with rising, warm preferably and with lemon and honey if you're looking to lose weight.

6:15 am: Cold or room temperature hip bath

Continue with Jal Neti and Oil Pulling with sesame oil (on an empty tummy)

6:30 am: Meditate if it pleases you - it has come to be a life force for me

7:00 am: A piping hot cup of yummy 'prakruti' coffee sweetened with jaggery or green tea

7:30 am: Start with Pranayama and proceed with your yoga routine

(Mine consists of 12 Suryanamaskars and rigorous Vrksasana series, Trikonasana series, Sirshasana series, Chakrasana series, Paschimottasana series, Ardha Matsyendrasana, Mayurasana, Vasisthasana, Sarvangasana series)

9:00 am: Breakfast - A nourishing big mug of fruit or veggie juice - Relish it and pray it sustains you until lunch. I am always hungriest (read crankiest) at 9!

10:00 am: Mud bath followed with a cold hip bath or full immersion

Follow with a cold shower

12:30 pm: Lunch - 2 chapatis + avial + porial/subji side + salad

3:00 pm: Steam Bath followed with a cold shower / abdominal pack

4:00 pm: If you, like me, enjoy the ritual of brewing yourself a cup of tea and relaxing with a book in your garden every evening, then go right ahead but substitute your tea/coffee with green tea

After 4 we took leisurely walks in the fields and around the country side, played with some neighbour Rottweiler puppies, watched fishermen bring in their catches and auction them, built sandcastles on the beach and spent loads of quality time chilling with the family. The key is to not only rest your body a lot but also relax you mind.

Oh and Sundays were (liquid) fasting days with juices for breakfast and lunch and if you're stark raving ravenous then fruit for dinner, else continue with juices. There was a sign in Malayalam that said on days of fast you're not even supposed to talk let alone getting spent on phones or laptops. Treat this day as you would sabbath.

If you're looking for a more rigorous overhaul, then detoxify your system completely by fasting for 2 - 4 days every three months with liquids, preferably fresh lemon water with honey 4- times daily or tender coconut water and follow it up with an all-fruit course for 5 to 7 days and then resort to normal diet cautiously and gradually. I cannot even begin to list out the benefits of the above, so just do it or google it first! :P

Bold Gold

2011-10-25T13:19:00.001+05:30

Big Bold Gold - What's inspiring me in statement jewellery right now.

A Street Style India Blog, - Republic Of Chic is a thrilling visual essay on fashion from India and around the world and occasionally, our daily personal style. How to wear Chunky Statement Jewelry. India Fashion blog. Indian Fashion Bloggers. India fashion trends 2011. Costume jewelry. Online jewelry shopping. India jewelry. Indian jewellery.

Some More Sabyasachi

2011-10-18T14:42:00.002+05:30

Granted, this is a bit outdated, but I was appalled when I noticed this post gathering dust in my drafts and I decided its just wrong not having shared this with you guys! This is a season old Sabyasachi Mukherjee from Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (Delhi), A/W 2011.

Trends to Wear: An armful of stacked bangles, severe stripes tamed with florals, high waisted pants and embroidered skirts, colour blocking, Peplums (short overskirt or ruffle attached at the waistline of a jacket, blouse, or dress), dazzling crystal embellished lehengas and bustiers, long gathered sleeves and to top it all - lots of mixing and matching unexpected colours and prints. An Indian Fashion Blog - Republic Of Chic is a thrilling visual essay on fashion from India and street style from around the world and occasionally, our daily personal style. India Fashion blog.Fashion Bloggers India.Indian Fashion Bloggers.Indian fashion trends.Indian fashion blogspot.Fashion 2011.Sarees by Sabyasachi. Sabyasachi Mukherji Bridal Collection.

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Goldilocks

2011-10-14T21:59:00.005+05:30

Via Lovestruckcow and Kettlelove in collaboration with Vogue.in

Mm.. Fashion shorts! Let me begin with how much I was NOT impressed with the Pernia Qureshi one being touted as India's first fashion film. Even with all the talent, money and hot people involved, it just flopped unbearably. It completely lacked focus in terms of storytelling and visually wasn't very captivating either.

This one on the other hand, even without a strong storyboard, sucks you in with its whimsical cinematography coupled with a gorgeous-dusky-leggy model in what is best described as 'narrative' styling by Tsundue. Pause the video anywhere and its a picture perfect (fashion) postcard. This is Surabhi and Tsundue's first attempt at a fashion film and I can tell there's so much more awesomeness where this came from! This is India's first fashion film. Kudos, you guys! :)

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Sabyasachi Mukherjee: LFW A/W 2011

2011-10-11T19:35:00.001+05:30

Seeing as I cannot say it better than the Lakme India Fashion Week peeps, here are excerpts from them:
For Lakme Fashion Week, A/W 2011, Sabyasachi Mukherjee used khadi, organza, net, silk and velvet and the beautiful thread work from Kashmir with Zardozi in shimmering silver with floral designs but restrained on bling; the show was an utterly satisfying experience of ethnic fashion that can be applauded anywhere in the world. He added touches of Kathak and Kathakali for the silhouettes and the music and presentation.

Colour blocking was seen in black, brown, khaki, red, orange, white. There were Sunderban floral prints, wide silhouettes, immaculate tailoring along with simple styles which could truly be considered basic yet so impressive.

The famed Kashmir embroidery appeared on boleros, waistcoats, and edges of swirling kurtas, bundis, tunics, cholis, cropped tops, sherwanis, and dupattas. The wide Patiala salwars, the elephant pants, the flowing palazzos and the cowled pants matched perfectly with the smocks, tunics, kurtas, and jackets. The gleaming velvet smocks with embellished bodices and Patiala salwars were my favourites.
The saris with ornate borders at times split into velvet and net with shimmering edges were teamed with long sleeved embroidered cholis.

Trends to wear: The austerity, simplicity and ethnicity of the outfits really made it for. There are so many basic elements of style - The neatly folded dupatta cinched at the waist with a bow, the shimmering headbands worn with our traditional oufits for a twist, colour blocking solid monotones with floral dupattas, accenting both traditional and modern outfits with embroidered collars and velvet embroidered shoes, switching up the dupatta for worked-on boleros or waistcoats, switching up our leggings (gah..its time!) with voluminous patialas and wide legged palazzo pants - that we can (so easily) recreate ourselves and work the Sabyasachi Mukherjee look without breaking the bank. An Indian Fashion Style Blog - Republic Of Chic is a thrilling visual essay on fashion from India and street fashion from around the world and occasionally, our daily personal outfits. Fashion blogs India. India Fashion blog. Fashion Bloggers India. Indian fashion trends 2011.Sabyasachi Mukherjee in fashion 2011. Fashion designers India.