Hey my lovely readers. Hope everyone is doing good. There’s a lovely news that I’m waiting to share with you. I have crossed 15k hits on my blog and want to thank all of you for your love and support. I am profoundly grateful to this blogging community.
Yesterday being the Valentine’s Day, I guess all of you must have spent good times with your dear ones in special ways. I too went for a drive with my family and close friends to the beachside followed by a cozy dinner date. And yes I had an amazing time, especially after the very discerning 2020 owing to the pandemic. The one thing that I really loved was my Valentine outfit. Yeah, I wore this cute white silk shirt with little hearts all over and teamed it up with blue denim jeans and silver hoops. The gorgeous shirt available at VivanyaFashion – India’sFashionDestinationtotally stole my heart the moment I spotted it and I knew I had to buy it for Valentine’s Day. Secretly, I was overjoyed with all the admiration I was receiving. Also, because I was happily collaborating with the brand – being a blogger.
So, here’s presenting you a glimpse of my V-Day outfit. Vivanya Fashion is a lovely fashion destination for smart wear across all ages and I’m sure you would love it too. Try it to believe it!
Love what I’m wearing? Then quickly log on to Vivanya Fashion and shop for your favourite outfit using my coupon code ANJALIVIRDI to get a 40% discount on it.
Enjoyed my Post? Then don’t forget to like, share, comment, follow and subcribe to my blog. Also do let me know in the comments below, how did you celebrate the day of love?
Hoping that you guys have read my previous post on the virtual launch of Lakme Fashion Week 2020 Digital Season First-Fluid Edition. I must say that I’ve had a fabulous time witnessing the digital launch of the biggest fashion event of the year – in the capacity of a guest blogger. In continuation of my previous post, today I present the highlights of the remaining shows of my favourite designers straight from the fashion runway. Take a look and enjoy the larger-than-life show!
DAY 3
After the lovely collections showcased in the first two days of LFW 2020, Day 3 started with a Podcast by Nonita Kalra – the renowned writer, journalist, and former Editor in Chief of popular magazines like Bazaar India and Elle, to discuss on topics like Sustainable Fashion, Biodiversity and Humanity. The other panelists present for the podcast were: Dia Mirza, Bollywood actress, UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador and Advocate-UN Secretary General’s Sustainable Development Goals; Indian Lawyer Afroz Shah, best known for organising the world’s largest beach clean-up project; and last but not the least, UN Resident Co-ordinator in India Renata Lok-Dassallien. Listening to the podcast was great fun.
Moving ahead with Day 3, Designer Amit Aggarwal gave an ode to the glowing star and the never-ending light that illuminates in each of us with his Tresemme presented collection First Light inspired by traditional basket weave. The collection showcased a blend of organic Indian Chanderi and Matka silk. It was an ideal look that balances fashion and styles on the crowing glory from top to toe. Check it out here.
DAY 4
Day of LFW 2020 comprised some of the best designers and their shows were worth viewing (on the laptop screen!). The first in the line comes Designer Disha Patil who in her collection The Labyrinth not only created a sensational fashion offering for brides but allowed her personal style statement to shine though.
Star attraction: Bollywood Actress Diana Penty was the showstopper for this collection.
Then came designer Masumi Mewawala with her collection The Adorn, which brought luxurious looks that are ideal for high fashion ensembles. The collection recreated the romance and vintage appeal of the Elizabeth Era with lavish splashes of contemporary twists. To complete the glamorous theme of the collection, the designer also created hair ties and buns. This bridal collection will thrill the bride-to-be as she takes her Saat Pheras. Here’s a sneak peek into the collection.
The next collection Neo Phulkari by designer-duo Sukriti and Aakriti originated from Punjab, was inspired by phulkari or flower-work with delicate embroidery details, which makes the perfect contemporary Indian wear silhouette.
Check out Bollywood actors Radhika Madan and Aparshakti Khurana gracing the lovely collection here.
Moving a little ahead with Day 4, another amazing collection that left a mark was Anushree Reddy’s bridal collection Nazira, which was full of 3D handcrafted crystal embroidery, zardozi, katdana and delicate thread work. Her demi couture collection consisted of everything that the trousseau shoppers can dreamt of. Take a preview of the collection here.
The last show of Day 4 was Designer Kunal Rawal’s Uber Cool collection presented by NEXA. Inspired by the colours of NEXA, the collection was spread over a military shade card of black, off white, and grey. A definite stylish fashion statement that not only offered interesting shapes and silhouettes but also brought together a line of versatile formal separates that had distinct mix and match possibilities.
Star attraction: Bollywood’s favourite ‘suitable boy’ Ishaan Khattar along with the spirited Sonakshi Sinha walked the ramp as showstoppers.
DAY 5
The last day of Lakme Fashion Week 2020 had the stunning and out-of-the-world grand finale show by Designers Rimzim Dadu and Saaksha & Kinni. Inspired by Lakme’s beauty theme Spotlight Ready, the ramp witnessed Lakme ambassador and beautiful actress Mrunal Thakur flaunting their collections. Following her tradition of using the ramp as her artistic canvas, Rimzim Dadu immersed in the concept of kinetic art with tech for a live virtual experience. The ultra-glam look for her collection was all about kohl-rimmed eyes in the boldest shades from the Lakme Absolute Spotlight Collection. Have a look here!
The final showcase of the day by Saaksha & Kinni presented an impeccable display of vibrant colours, prints and textures with every single piece designed to celebrate the Banjara tribe and resilience of women. The look that was fresh with slight sheer on the lips and bright hues on the eyes came straight from the Lakme Absolute Spotlight Collection. Take a sneak peek.
The Lakme Fashion Week-Fluid Edition has started with a bang! Interestingly, the biggest fashion week event of India has turned digital this year due to the ongoing pandemic. And I’m thrilled to have been a witness to the gigantic show live as a guest blogger!
Being the first virtual launch, the experience is different but unique, and the show is surely keeping the energy and spirits of the audience high with live streaming, BTS videos and some webinars. To give you a sneak peek into the show, I bring you the highlights of my favourite designer collections here.
The opening premier show for the digital edition of LFW 2020 was Designer Manish Malhotra’s Ruhaaniyat Collection in collaboration with the Mijwan Foundation. For the unawares: he supports the women chikankari artists from the Mijwan Welfare Society. His collection paid tribute to the diverse heritage of Indian craftsmen and depicted the story of people, their beliefs, and sentiments with a celebration of the occasion called ‘Life’. Adding more opulence to the collection was the designer’s jewellery line, which reflected the art and designs of Punjab and Awadh. A very impressive old-world charm was visible in the collection. An exclusive glimpse of the collection:
Star attraction: Bollywood’s favourite Kartik Aaryan featured as a muse for the couture film. The highlight of show was the beautiful Punjabi Folk song “Baage Vich”. Highly recommended!
DAY 1
After the inaugural show, the first day of LFW2020 began with the theme Sustainable Fashion Day. There were a number of stunning designers that portrayed their amazing work. It started with the artfully curated INIFD Corporate that presented #GenNext, a blend of designers who made conscious fashion choices by choosing the art of sustainable fashion, followed by the Moomal collection by Raw Mango, a perfect blend of traditional folk aesthetics with textiles, silhouettes and bold colours.
Some creations of INIFD that blew my mind from were #GenNext Mishe The Label’s designs by mother-daughter duo Bhumika and Minakshi Ahluwalia, aimed at the contemporary fashion forward women. The collection Shuwa (meaning sign language in Japanese) was classic and intriguing. Here’s a sneak peak into it.
Another show by INIFD Corporate was The Loom Art’s collection Between the Lines by designer Aarushi Khilawat. It represented a creative depiction of a world surrounded by uncertainties. It presented a mélange of fabrics, embellishments, and designs.
The highlight: Aarashi Shibori Techinque which was enhanced with Soojni and Kantha work was seen on the base of all fabrics.
Then comes my favourite designer Gaurang Shah who with his magical collection Taramati paid an ode to Taramati, the legendary courtesan during the era of Golconda. From the traditional weaves of India, an imaginative blend of fabrics with intricate crafts on anarkalis, a rainbow of hues, his collection moved to pastel tonal saris with embellishments in rich shades. For the lovers of heritage weaves and timeless possessions, this collection by Gaurang Shah will always be treasured. Here’s an exclusive glimpse of the wonderful collection.
The final last show of Day 1 was the About India Showcase where several designers came forward to depict their work. Suket Dhir paid homage to the glorious brocades and gorgeous weaves with a fashion dimension to festive wear in vibrant hues and motifs. Celebrating the Nature Within concept, Suket introduced a mélange of varied animal prints. Here’s a preview of the collection.
The next in line is designer Anavila Mishra’s Dhanak Collection – a joyous offering in signature linen and jewel tones – that seemed like a coveted choice for the festive season. Take a sneak peak.
DAY 2
Moving on to Day 2 of Lakme Fashion Week and carrying on with Sustainable Fashion theme, designer Hemant Agarwal presented Tattva collection. It represented the harmony between 12 elements of the universe, displaying rich brocades made in Benaras, and using bemberg yarns. The designer’s glamourous, glittering festive wear for men and women was a breathtaking addition to fashionable dressing in the form of garments and innovative textiles. Check it out here.
The last but not the least, the Locked in Love collection by designer Aneeth Arora was inspired by the Kawai Japanese Street culture of Harajuku fashion. This adorable collection brought in fun touches with bows, ribbons, flowers and was a representation of our lives in confined spaces when we were all locked in. This lovely range takes us down the memory lane. Sharing a preview here. Take a look and enjoy.
Hello lovely readers! How are you all? So today I have some fun stuff in store for you! The Co-Ord. When it comes to clothes, I prefer opting for outfits that can be slipped on in the morning without much ado or giving too much thought. The last thing I would ever want to do is to sit around looking for shirts/tops to team up with bottoms. Many a time, we hate wearing matching tops and bottoms, unless we are lounging in our pjs. Very often, we don’t even have the luxury of time to do this.
Looks like someone in the fashion world sensed the trouble and came up with a perfect solution. Coordinates or popularly called as co-ord sets add a give a fun millennial spin to our fashion mood. Co-ord sets are colour and style coordinated clothing sets that don’t need to be matched with other individual clothes to make the outfit look perfect – they are already the perfect outfit.
So, no more wasting time trying on dozens of combinations to find a good look. All you have to do is – buy ready co-ords off the fashion shelves. A lot of fashion brands have introduced quirky co-ords to amp up your style statement and make it a cool ensemble.
I present an artistic take on fashion brand Gulabo Jaipur’s conventional and fuss-free co-ords:
Beating #WorkFromHome Blues
Working-from-home does mean you’re your own boss, but it also means losing track of days which is not always the best! But it can be – when you play dress up in block printed, languid co-ord sets! Modern, comfortable silhouettes with a stroke of Indian block-printed aesthetics which transform your look from casual to meeting-ready in just a few seconds.
Photo Courtesy : Gulabo Jaipur
Lounging in Lockdown
Whether you’re working-from-home or spending your time indulging in self-care, these lounge sets are super comfy and can take you from day to night. They even help to uplift your mood. Spin your own distinct style around the conventional matched set with cool co-ord sets. Modern with the touch of Indian aesthetics, ditsy block-printed floral motifs and relaxed comfy silhouettes are perfect for all your moods through the day.
Photo Courtesy: Gulabo Jaipur
Festive Feels
And finally, with the onset of festive season, we all have those moments when we feel extra traditional and dressing up in ethnic wear suddenly becomes the need of the hour. Why not try this quirky co-ord set! Add a much-needed touch of conventional embroidery with a dainty chiffon dupatta or style your look with a leheriya, bandhani dupatta to give you the festive feels you need this season.
Hey my lovely readers. How are you all? Well, for today instead of a regular blog post, I decided to play a fun “Would You Rather” game with my fashion-inspired readers out there. It is an entertainment game that makes you to choose between two options – whether good or bad. Basically, this will help me get to know you better. So, all you fashionistas out there, gear up to answer my list of 10 questions. FYI, I’ve also answered them all, so you all get to know me! Similarly, I would love for you all to put your answers below in the comments section.
The only rule here is that you cannot answer with “neither” or “both”.
Wear the Same Outfit Every Day OR Only Be Allowed to Wear Neutrals for Life?
My Answer: Only Be Allowed to Wear Neutrals for Life
Be Underdressed for An Event OR Be Overdressed for An Event?
My Answer: Be overdressed for an event
Have an Unlimited Supply of The Perfect White T-Shirts OR Have an Unlimited Supply of The Perfect Little Black Dresses?
My Answer: Have an unlimited supply of the perfect white t- shirts
Only Be Able to Wear Futuristic Clothing OR Only Be Able to Wear an Old-Timey Clothing?
My Answer: Only be able to wear futuristic clothing
Have A Closet Filled Only with Prints and Bright Colours OR Have A Closet Filled Only with Black Clothes?
My Answer: Have a closet filled only with prints and bright colours (though I’m a huge fan of black too!)
Wear Leather Jackets for The Rest of Your Life OR Wear Denim Jackets for The Rest of Your Life?
My Answer: Wear denim jackets for the rest of my life
Wear Chanel Or Louis Vuitton?
My Answer: Wear Louis Vuitton
Wear Only Dresses OR Only Coordinating Suits to All Formal Events?
My Answer: Wear Only Coordinating Suits to all formal events
Wear Heels That Are Ugly and Old but Super Comfortable OR Wear Gorgeous Heels That Everyone Loves but Torture Your Feet and Give You Blisters?
My Answer: Wear heels that are ugly and old but super comfortable
Shop More and Pay Less OR Shop Less and Live More!
My Answer: Shop Less and Live More
Well there you have it. Hope you enjoyed my answers to all those 10 questions. It’s your turn now! Got for it!
(If you don’t wanna comment, you can also put your answers as your blog post but do tag me)
The word “myth” may bring to your mind silly adolescent misconceptions such as – a watermelon growing in your stomach if you eat the seeds, perhaps or if you sneeze with your eyes open your eyeballs will pop out. But when it comes to the subject fashion, I think that women still subscribe to certain myths about how to dress that we simply think are false.
Though these may be bit less dramatic than growing a large fruit in your stomach, they’re still important to us because we dress ourselves every single day and so letting go of falsehoods about certain colours or accessories can make a difference.
Scroll to find out if you’re holding on to these fashion myths and see why I think it’s time to let them go once and for all.
#Myth 1: Mixing Prints is a No-No
We all have heard the ‘you can’t wear more than one print’ warnings, but no one ever explained it Why? Let me tell you people that sometimes in life, you must take risks. So, bust this myth now and looks for prints with complementary shades and rock that killer mixing. Just remember to take color into account.
#Myth 2: Keep Gold and Silver separate
We are in a time where fashion and style are so limitless that mixing silver and gold has now developed into an incredible trend. So, don’t be afraid to mix up gold and silver bangles or rings together because if the style matches, there’s no reason to not wear them together to build up a dual metallic look.
#Myth 3: Sequins are too Dressy for the day
Sparkle doesn’t have to be OTT, yet so many people reserve it exclusively for evening wear. I absolutely find no logic behind it. You can easily wear sequins during the day too. Just try to make the look more casual and always wear it with a tee. It can be your statement piece without being too much if you make sure to balance it out.
#Myth 4: You should wear a dress to look Feminine
Why limiting your style? A top and a pair of pants can still look as sophisticated. If you’re in the market for a more feminine wardrobe, look for form-fitting, colorful outfits with stylish, playful designs. You don’t need that girly makeover that includes accessories such as a pair of ballet or a headband.
#Myth 5: Newer means Better
Just because the shops are lined with shiny brand-new collections, doesn’t mean that these are better than the clothes already in your wardrobe. Trends will come and go, so don’t go crazy spending loads of money on one particular new style. Shop for fit, not for trend and nail the classics that you’ll be wearing for years.
We all know about Money Heist, one of the recent OTT shows that made a huge impact globally. The original crime show La Casa De Papel was not a popular series in Spain. However, it gained worldwide popularity after being released on Netflix. And like everyone else, I too was addicted bigtime to the show and binge-watched it. Somehow, I was way too impressed by everything about the show – the direction, the casting, the storyline, and found it truly phenomenal. A special mention to the theme song Bella Ciao that had a lingering effect. What added to the spark were the inimitable characters and their looks in the show. Here, I have tried to recreate some of the looks in my own way. Take a look, and do leave a note if you like my experimentation.
PROFESSOR – The Mastermind Behind Heist
RAQUEL- The Crime Investigating Officer
TOKYO- The Unreliable Narrator and A Runaway Robber
DENVER – The Unpredictable Member of the Heist
NAIROBI– The Powerhouse of Energy
That’s it. Do let me know which is your favourite character from the show? And which look do you like the best?
How’s the lockdown treating you all? Back here, the pandemic situation is still grim but what’s adding a little ray of excitement is the advent of festive season that starts tomorrow.
I’m sure you all know how festivals are a vital part of the Indian culture as they add structure to our social lives. Though I love all the festivals being celebrated across India, the one that I truly enjoy is Ganesh Chaturthi that is celebrated in honour of Lord Ganesha’s birth. Ganesha is considered as the god of intellect and wisdom and the remover of obstacles.
Just a little information to those who are not aware, this 10-day long festival starts by bringing home the idol of Ganesha and worshipping it. On the last day, the idol is immersed in a water body. What I love the most about this occasion is the fact that it brings people together. Although this year, the festival will be celebrated on a low-key and done with appropriate social distancing. I’m also looking forward to dressing up for the festival the traditional way.
I am very excited about the festive season and happily share some tips on how to dress festive and slay the occasion. I decode these celeb-inspired looks for you to help you choose the right style with a touch of glam.
Actress Kriti Sanon’s Badla Saree Look
Take a cue from Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon’s shimmery Badla Saree look designed by the Manish Malhotra. She completes the look with traditional earrings, bracelet and a floral adornment in her hair. However, what is most attractive is her mega-glam eye make-up. Her kohl-rimmed eyes, bold brows and mascara-coated lashes look equally elegant. You should try this beautiful ethnic look some time.
The SOTY-2 film actress Tara Sutaria looks mesmerizing in this Brocade Kurti Set designed by Raw Mango. One thing that draws our attention towards the outfit is the way she has teamed it with chunky silver jewellery by Amrapali. Her kohl-rimmed eyes and mauve-pink lips complete the look. I recommend this as a perfect ensemble to wear as you welcome Ganpati. So, get inspired and steal the look quick.
TV Actress Krystle D’Souza’s Crop Top with Dhoti Pants Look
Last but not the least is this pretty yellow crop top and dhoti pants teamed with a pastel blue jacket by the popular Tv actress Krystle D’Souza. To give the look an Indian touch, she has teamed it up with dressy jhumkas. The one thing that captures our attention is her natural dewy make-up with that lovely nude lip tint. The gold high heels make a perfect combination with the outfit. Personally, this look is my favourite.
Hey my lovely readers. How was your weekend? Well, I had an exciting weekend as I went on a quarantine holiday to a weekend getaway after a long time. If you are following me on my Instagram, then you may be having a little idea about this. I would also like to share with you that I have achieved my next milestone by gaining 200+ followers on my blog and I am incredibly happy. I wanna thank each and everyone who reads Chasing the Maximum Life! It would have not been possible without your kind support.
So, let’s begin with today’s thoughts. Here, I am sharing a few fun and interesting ways to wear a scarf – the ultimate fashion accessory in our wardrobe.
Tying a scarf around your neck can make your outfit look more polished and can also help you to stay warm on a cold day. But just tossing it around your neck can get boring, and it isn’t very visually enticing too. A scarf is so versatile, there are almost endless ways you can wear it. So why not choose a different one for each day. With the following scarf-tying ways, I promise you will never run out of style and ideas to choose from.
The Belted Drape
A great way to accentuate your waist.
Steps 1:
Drape the scarf evenly around your neck and let it hang.
Step 2:
Fasten a skinny belt over your scarf at the waist.
2. The Basic Loop
This is my personal favourite one.
Step 1:
Drape the scarf around your neck.
Step 2:
Loop the one end of the scarf around your neck once before letting it hand.
3. The Neckerchief
This is the perfect finishing accent to your outfit.
Step 1:
Half the scarf twice to convert it into a rectangle.
Step 2:
Fold the square diagonally for a triangular shape.
Step 3:
And finally, take the two ends located on the longest side of the triangle and tie it around your neck.
4. The Faux Infinity
Perfect to keep you warm and cosy.
Step 1:
Place the scarf around your neck.
Step 2:
Tie a knot at the end of the scarf.
Step 3:
Tie the knot again.
Step 4:
Twist the scarf.
Step 5:
Loop it around your neck:
Step 6:
Adjust it.
5. The Pretzel
If you wanna wear something stylish, then don’t miss this.
Need a break from your monotonous routine? Let’s escape into the glitz and glam world of the tinsel town. Talking about movies, they’re not only about the storyline, dialogues, sound and production. There are many underlying threads that combine to make a movie loved by the masses.
One of those is the style and fashion that form the essence of movies. In fact, there have been movies that essentially revolve around fashion as its core subject. I can recall some of my favourite ones that have certainly left a mark on viewer’s mind. The styling and costumes depicted in them not only made them loved by all but also iconic over the years.
While it would take forever to make a list of all the noteworthy fashion styles in films, here are few significant examples that come to my mind now. Read and I’m sure you would want to watch them too:
Devil Wears Prada
A cult-classic fashion movie that tops the list. The Devil Wears Prada is about Andy (Anne Hathaway), a smart but sensible new graduate who lands in a job as an assistant to Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), the demanding editor-in-chief of a high fashion magazine. The real drama begins is when Andy discovers about the strange and crazy world of fashion. Andy’s Chanel looks and Miranda Priestley’s collection of crazy trench coats and bags still inspire us even after 14 years of it’s release. If you count yourself as a true fashion lover, I highly recommend you this movie. It’s one of my favourites too.
Phantom Thread
A beautiful piece of art as I would term it. In his final film before retirement, Daniel Day-Lewis plays an obsessive-compulsive dressmaker for the wealthy in 1950s London. The story continues with a drastic change in Reynolds’ meticulous lifestyle when he falls in love with Alma (Vicky Krieps). Phantom Thread is a film that gives us a direct insight into how much work goes into creating couture garments. For all the fashion lovers out there, watching this will be an emotional experience.
Confessions of a Shopaholic
A rare gem that’s worth the guilty swipe of a maximised credit card. Confessions of a Shopaholic is about a young woman, Rebecca Bloomwood (Isla Fisher) who is a shopping addict and someone who thinks buying is always the key to happiness. She lands a job in a finance magazine and realises there is more to life than just shopping. Also, how can we forget that signature green chiffon scarf that’s the highlight of the movie. From what I hear, when the moment got released, it pushed thousands of women into wearing oversized belts, designer tweed trench coats and vibrant colours. People still love the movie and are taking fashion cues from it.
P.S – A must watch.
The Great Gatsby
Last but not the least, a movie all that’s about glamour. Beautiful, Marvellous, Amazing! Words are not enough to describe how perfectly articulated this movie is. For those with a love of the glitzy side of the 1920s, this film would not disappoint you. It tells the tragic story of Jay Gatsby (Leonardo Di Caprio), a self-made millionaire, and his pursuit of Daisy Buchanan (Carry Mulligan), a wealthy young woman whom he loved in his youth. If you haven’t given much thought to style in the 20s, this film will quickly take you back to the retro styles you so love to watch. Watch it, as I promise it will make you a huge fan of the amazing styles and would want to have them in your current closet.
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