Monday 28 October 2013

FABRIC LOVE!


I am a huge fan of fabrics. Exploring markets for some exquisite, unique and fancy prints is what I do, whenever I have enough time. I like to get my button down shirts and dresses to be custom stitched. The idea of giving your own cuts, designs and fits has it's own charm. The advantage is, they are quite different from the crowd and it fits you beautifully. But there also is disadvantage to the same, explaining tailors and patiently supporting their tantrums is quite a pain. Also, there are chances the end result is not what you dreamt of.  
Similarly, the cotton dress I am wearing below was stitched 3 years back. Initially I felt it's ill fitted and makes me look more skinnier. Also, I identified that the colour gave a very pale look to my skin tone. Hence, the dress was stuffed under the pile of clothes.
While I was sorting one of my left over suitcase here in kolkata today, I found this piece and decided to give it a chance. And, this is what was then created. 






Ever since, this gorgeous Pink Blazer has happened to me, it has been my soulmate and my wardrobe staple. The blazer perfectly blends with my casual tees and dresses giving it an edgy look, while helps cut down too much Bling. I can now give rest to my grey's and brown's for the fall, and incorporate the blazer with warm turtle necks and thin pullovers.
Apart than the Blazer and Dress the Story is: 
I am away for a mini vacation to my favorite city - Kolkata. The city that awakens the child in me.  Beach trips were organized and those cute shorts and crop tops were packed, looks like the weather is not in my favor. It's been pouring cats and dogs. The entire city is filled with water, leading to cancellation of trip. Nevertheless, to keep the mood enlightened and vacation spirits high, I decided to slip in my relaxed cotton dress and make the house a lounger with decking chair. 
Yes, it's Kolkata and fall is yet to come in this part of the world.

So what do you guys think of the Dress? Share your thoughts and have a lovely week ahead.



Thursday 3 October 2013

Travel Dairies - Part 1



I know it took me a long time, but as promised I am here with a fun post. The post will be in 3parts.I promise it wouldn't be boring.
The post is about the recent holiday I had. Holiday that has changed me as a person and has rejuvenated my soul. A holiday to Valley of Gods. With the backpacks ready a group of 5, started from Delhi without a clue of the agenda and itenary. The initial plan was to reach Ladakh but due to time constrains and a few unusual activities we could not reach our desired destination. Hence, we decided to cover most of non - commercialized places that falls in Manali Ladakh Highway.
 Our first destination was Manali .We took a Volvo from Delhi on 08th September evening and reached  Manali on 09th Morning. The journey overall was quite an adventure and full of insanity amongst the group of 5. On arrival, Manali was not what be expected, it was strangely warm and the view was not very fascinating. Well, I am making that statement because I myself belong to one of the most pretty hill stations "Sikkim". Manali is said to be an ancient trade route of Ladakh, what we noticed later in the trip was Manali not only was a trade route to Ladakh but every small, big town, village around was dependent on Manali for every little thing, be it grocery, medicines, clothes, poultry, vessels etc. 
Being born in Himalayas we have been surrounded by Valleys, monasteries, mountains hence we refused to go for local sightseeing and agreed on doing some recreational activities and adventure sport like Biking, Paragliding etc. 
We did that stupidity of not visiting places thinking all hill stations are same, but you should not miss any bit of local sightseeing. There are beautiful structured ancient Tibetan monasteries, mountaineering institutes, valleys, temples and o’course the famous mall road. 

Travel & Distance - From Delhi Approximately 540 kms. Talking in terms of time it takes 10 – 14 hours depending upon the road conditions, stopovers and breaks.
You could also take a flight to Kullu, Manali is 40 kms away. Or train to Kalka or Chandigarh followed by booking a taxi incase you suffer from Motion Sickness.

Must Visit Places – Solang Valley – Activities like skiing, paragliding, and ropeway takes place.
Old Manali – Great place to Shop.
Eateries – Don’t miss the famous German Bakery, Freedom CafĂ© and Drifter’s Inn.
Vashisst hot spring, Club house, various temples and monasteries.

Have a look at a few pictures from Manali. 



I am in AIR!
View from the Cafe - Freedom Cafe.
View from Ropeway in Solang Valley
On the way
Water from Nehru Kund - Another must visit place. Mountain water at it's best.

This was all about Manali. Fascinating? Don't worry the trip has just begun.

TO BE CONTINUED.........