I Heart Summer Sales

As you all know by now, I'm a pretty regular online shopper and have shopped from pretty much every well known e-commerce portal there is. Anyways, as always, the summer sales have started and I have started my hunt for something fabulous. My current already ordered items include this gorgeous Alexander McQueen Small Padlock Tote in snakeskin (what a fabulous deal I got on that one from the McQueen website), a pair of Kenneth Jay Lane earrings and a Moschino bracelet. I'm still not done looking for some great discounts online. Here are my top picks in handbags (as always)from the current sales.

Everyday Bags

If you've been looking for an everyday bag that won't hurt your budget too much but is stylish, durable and luxurious at the same time, then these three bags are just right for you.

1. Rochas East West Bi-Colour Tote - For a few seasons now, I have seen various colours of this Rochas tote and am still wondering why I haven't bought it yet. I love the simplicity of this model and the colour blocking. The attached leather pouch, the beige leather lining and the fact that it's made in Italy make this bag very luxurious. The best part is, the price. At 37,540 Rupees, I don't think you'll find a better investment. Click here to purchase.

2. Alexander Wang Rocco Leather Bag - Another one of my favourite bags (and a celebrity darling too) is this Alexander Wang bag especially in this minty green colour. How perfect for the summer right?! The best part about this bag is the very cool studded base. However, for a bag made in China I never felt like paying full retail for it. But if it's on sale for under 50,000 Rupees, I think it's worth every penny! The bag is repeated almost every season in various colours so it will last you a while. Click here to purchase.

3. Tod's D-Cube Small Soft Leather Tote - Tod's D-Cube series has been quite the rage this Spring. I love how the brand has totally revamped their style. I used to always think Tod's bags were quite the aunty type bags but with their Spring bags, they've completely changed my impression. This cute duffel bag is very functional and packs plenty despite its small size. It comes with minimal hardware which is perfect because the bag isn't too heavy and of course the optional shoulder strap. I've always had trouble finding the perfect bag when I'm on vacation because all my bags are so big. This one is just right. It will fit all my essentials without overwhelming me! A real must have. Click here to purchase.

Fun Clutches

Most of you know by now that I am quite the classics gal. Most of my bags and clutches are usually classic models. However, off late, I've started stepping out of my comfort zone and experimenting a little more with fun accessories. It's good to dedicate a part of your closet to accessories that are playful and eye-catching. Here are three clutches I'm currently crushing on.

1. Dolce & Gabbana Floral Brocade Cross-Body Bag - This Italian duo's prints just never tire us. Lemons, ancient pillars or the almond blossoms as seen on this clutch; I just love their prints every season. This particular round bag is just so cute. I love the luxurious brocade fabric and the gold metal chain. You can wear it with a casual outfit during the day or with your dancing shoes on at night and be hands free both times. And for 29,120 I couldn't think of a better deal! Click here to purchase.

2. Charlotte Olympia Juke Box Patent Leather Clutch - Queen of quirk Charlotte Olympia gets it right season after season. Her accessories are just so fun! I love this Archie comic inspired juke box clutch in patent leather. It's an instant conversation starter don't you think? Although it's a little flat so don't try and stuff too much inside it. Click here to purchase.

3. Burberry Polka Dot Leather & Canvas Clutch - I never thought a polka dotted clutch could have such a high impact until I saw this monochrome one from Burberry. Totally loving it. Click here to purchase.

Exotic Skin

I always feel that if you want to buy exotic skin bags, it's best to wait for the sales. Most of the bags end up going on discount unless of course they're the classic models like a Chanel 2.55, Hermes bags or the Celine amongst others. As mentioned above, I got a really good deal on my McQueen tote and there are some great discounts on various e-commerce portals. These two are the ones I really liked. Also, what I've noticed is that the best deals on exotic skin bags are from upcoming designers.

1. Sophie Hulme Spear Tab Python Cross-Body Bag - This Sophie Hulme bag features colourful python skin with 24 Carat gold plated hardware. Talk about luxury all over! The cool colours are definitely attention seeking and I'm really liking its super boxy shape. Plus the price for this exotic skinned baby is to die for. INR 40,410. Talk about fabulous. A word of caution, this bag may have shipping restrictions so either order it to a friend within the EU/UK or speak to someone online at MatchesFashion.com to assist you further.

2. Gucci Ostrich Cross-Body Satchel - Okay so I know this one isn't really a "budget" designer bag, but if you were to splurge once a year, I suggest it be on this Gucci. This beautiful ostrich skin bag in tan leather with gorgeous horsebit hardware is bound to be with you for many years to come because of the brand's impeccable craftsmanship and I speak from experience. If I hadn't already splurged, I would definitely be buying this bag right now. Click here to purchase.
 

Omega Baselworld 2014, and the Co-Axial Technology

Recently, Hanadi and I were invited by Omega for an experiential that provided an insight into movement details of their watches alongside a presentation of their star pieces -- including the Basel 2014 beauties. Before this, we haven't really written much about watches on the blog, and this seemed like an exciting start to do so. Although I do dabble in the technicalities of horology from time to time for my features at work, I have never really seen the inside of one firsthand. So off we went one Saturday afternoon to the Swatch Group service centre in Saket, all set to discover what exactly is involved in their co-axial technology.

Founded in mid 19th century, this Swiss watch brand introduced the co-axial technology in 1999, a landmark achievement in its history, and introduced the proprietary co-axial calibres in 2007. Below is a video showcasing the Omega escapement -- the delicate technical bit that gives life to a watch's movement.

At the workshop, we had to don lab coats and dust protectors on our shoes -- a sort of hospital scrub like preparation, and each of us were assigned our own watch movement to play with (albeit carefully). In the first picture below, I have placed some of the dismantled components from the co-axial against a coin for size comparison. These miniature parts are like a puzzle, that fit into one another and interact to provide oscillation that is friction-free to a great degree compared to other escapements, and provide greater timekeeping precision. It may sound highly technical, but once I myself worked on the movement, I started understanding that it is simply a matter of genius physics at work -- and each craftsman at Omega treats every movement service like a surgery. 

Here is another video that takes you step-by-step on the actual mechanics of the Omega Co-Axial calibre 9301:

Post this -- armed with fascinating insider's knowledge -- we headed for the watch showcase at Sheraton nearby. First up are these two his watches from the Speedmaster and Seamaster ranges. The Omega Speedmaster is one of their most legendary watch lines. Also called the 'Moonwatch', timekeepers from this collection have been worn by astronauts on many missions; it is also the first watch to be worn on the moon in 1969. Shown here is the 42 mm Steel on Steel model with a black dial covered by a hesalite crystal.

The Omega Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial Chronometer shown here is a reinterpretation of their classic watch, introduced at Basel 2014. It is is equipped with the new Omega Master Co-Axial calibre 8400 and would be available for purchase in November.

Top: OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch 42 mm. Below: OMEGA Seamaster 300 Co-Axial Chronometer

Next are these dainty Seamaster trio for women with the calibre 8520 movement. The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Master Co-Axial is available in 34, 38.5, and 41.5 mm dials with strap options of steel or dual-metal. The two 34 mm watches on left and right below feature steel and 18-k gold and rose gold on the bracelet, with the inside of mother-of-pearl on the dial which makes each watch one-of-a-kind. The indices feature 12 diamonds, and the bezel is completely set in diamonds. The watch in the centre is accentuated with a classic, simple bezel.

 The skeleton back of the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Master Co-Axial 34 mm rose gold version:

The other stars of Basel 2014 were the Constellation Pluma watches for him and her. The stylised dial of the ladies version has soft, wavy patterns reminiscent of a feather--on a base of  mother-of-pearl dials available in natural white, champagne, gold or blue. 

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Next are the gorgeous De Villes -- so exquisitely feminine. The Omega De Ville Prestige Butterfly is available in sizes of 27.4 and 32.7 mm. These young, delicate designs showcases the contemporary side of the brand perfectly. The dials are presented in white pearled, mother-of-pearl, silver or champagne. On top is the 32.7 mm version that has a calibre 4061 and diamonds on eight of the indexes. The timepiece also features scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment inside. The second watch features Omega calibre 2500, and is accentuated with diamonds on the bezel as well.

The look of the De Villes on your wrist -- leather and steel-yellow gold bracelet:

Me and Hanadi received a Seamaster and De ville to review personally. What would I pair the Seamaster with?

An evening soiree paired with vintage Givenchy disc earrings:

Against stylish sailor epaulettes on a black tailor-made jacket:

Along with a pair of silver, diamonds, and South Sea pearl drop earrings:

With the Chanel perfume iphone case:

Or with a beauty look featuring summer shades by Shiseido and Estee Lauder:

Or simply with a string of South Sea pearls:

Or a diamond tennis bracelet, and the stunning De Ville on the same wrist:

Watch courtesy: Omega

Louis Vuitton - The Icon & The Iconoclasts

As the house of Louis Vuitton turns 160 years old this year, the brand chose to celebrate it in a very special way. The Icon and The Iconoclasts is a project initiated by Delphine Arnault and Nicholas Ghesqière where six very renowned artists have been commissioned to create a bag/luggage with their own reinterpretation of the iconic monogram.  For many years now, Louis Vuitton has collaborated with various creative geniuses such a Stephen Sprouse, Takashi Murakami, Yayoi Kusuma and more to create one of a kind designs that have resulted in some of the most coveted handbags of their time.

I remember when the Stephen Sprouse collection came out, I was madly in love with each and every one of the handbags. The graffiti logo bags was all I could think about. Unfortunately I was “too young” according to my parents to own a designer bag so I had to make do with just staring at them every time I crossed the boutique. It is so interesting to see how each and every artist interprets the monogram in their own special way and I can’t wait to see what’s in store this time. Another series of bags and luggage that is bound to sell out in days I’ll bet!

Louis Vuitton only picks artists that are the best in their respective fields so it comes as no surprise that they chose Karl Lagerfeld (creative director of Chanel), Christian Louboutin (shoe designer), Cindy Sherman (photographer & film director), Frank Gehry (architect) , Marc Newson (industrial designer) and Rei Kawakubo (founder of Comme des Garçons) to design the bags. The coolest part is that the artists have such diverse backgrounds so we know that the end result is going to be something truly unique.

Although the brand hasn’t released too many details about who is creating what, according to The Telegraph, Arnault was quoted saying “Lagerfeld’s designs include a "punching bag" complete with a secret compartment; “the name alone is amazing”; and that Gehry’s design was “like a small sculpture”, with a mirror, hand-drawn LV initials and angular hardware. “None of the lines are straight. They went through a lot of research to produce it to Louis Vuitton’s high quality standards.”

Aren’t you already excited? The very exclusive and limited edition Iconoclast collection will be available in selected LOUIS VUITTON stores worldwide from mid-October 2014.

 

Also, the project has its own dedicated page on the Louis Vuitton website, icon.louisvuitton.com and of course its very own hashtag, #CelebratingMonogram.

Image Courtesy: Louis Vuitton

The Flat Shoe Movement

In 2009 I discovered the Gucci Brits and from then on I was loyal to the brand's flats. I ditched my heels for the days (and sometimes at night too) to wear my very comfortable flat sandals. At 26, it was a pretty young age to get off heels for the daytime but for some reason I just couldn’t tolerate it. Wearing heels during the day just seemed like too much of a task, especially if you’re running errands, or if you decide to go shopping at the mall. I just cannot walk for five hours in heels. My feet end up aching and eventually I start walking funny. So that was it. Heels were to be worn pretty much at night or at the occasional day time function where there was more sitting involved. However, now things have changed. Flat shoes have made quite the comeback!

Flats were seen at quite a few of the Spring Summer 14 shows last year and created a bit of a spark. However, after the SS Haute Couture shows, there was only thing the fashion fraternity could talk about. It was the couture sneaker as seen in Dior and Chanel or flat loafer type sandals with plumes that models wore at the Schiaparelli show. Flats in haute couture? Had hell frozen over? Anyways, not too long after the couture shows were the FW 14 shows. And what seemed to be the topic of discussion then too? Flat shoes! It was official, they were deemed fashionable.

Hallelujah for me! Now I can wear mine without looking like the odd one out! Honestly, not that I give much of a hoot whether or not they had the official stamp of approval from fashion folks, I would have still continued to wear them like I used to. Life is too short to spend It walking in discomfort. But think about it, there are so many women out there who almost NEVER flats because it would be too much of a fashion faux pas to be seen in anything but heels. Yes, agreed, high heels bring in a certain sexiness and heightened sense of confidence. But it is okay to give your feet a much deserved break every now and then. This new flat shoe movement surely takes a lot of the pressure off.

So what kind of flat shoes are trending currently? First there are those pool slider/ Birkenstock types. Remember those Birkenstock sandals? Any fashion victim would rather be found dead than be seen in those? Well, funnily enough, they’re having a major moment. Celine had these crazy pool sliders a few seasons ago that were fur lined and Givenchy has those signature floral Birkenstock types that are quite the rage. Then there is Prada’s version of the ugly floater sandal. Why must Prada keep coming back to the whole ugly aesthetic thing? These floaters are just weird looking but are apparently quite the must have for the summer. Me, well I can live without those!

Celine

Givenchy

Prada

 

Moving on from the whole swimming pool inspired footwear, there’s the fashion sneaker which is like ( I roll my eyes and add a bimbo tone as I say this ) SO HOT! Apart from the Isabel Marant sneaker wedges, various designers have launched their version of sneakers (currently crushing on the Valentino Rockstud trainer). Dior will be launching theirs in India sometime in the near future. Personally, I love the sneaker (not the wedged one, the simple flat one). It’s quite versatile and can be paired with boyfriend jeans, cute summer dresses, mini-skirts and long skirts. I plan on investing in a pair in the summer sales.

Valentino

 

Finally, for the Fall, keeping in line with the menswear trend that influenced the fall shows, masculine shoes were all over the place. Victoria Beckham, Costume Nationale, Antonia Marras and many more designers had their version of formal men's shoes for women.  

Of course we have the classics you know, like the ballerina and pointed toe flats that are given a million updates season after season. Spiked, studded, bejewelled, embroidered and printed; the options are plenty. Then we have the ever so loved espadrille sandals (a personal favourite) and loafers like the Tod's Gommino series that again are evergreen and are available in a myriad of choices. The only difference is that now, flats are trending!

It’s really nice to finally be free from the chains of having to wear heels all the time. And I love the fact that I have so much more variety to choose from. Even though I couldn’t care less about the trend, sometimes it would feel weird when I would be the only person standing in flats (current season Gucci Horsebits that too)  and everyone else is in sky high heels.  I’m going to relish this trend for a long time to come and so should you!

 

Gym Behaviour - Strange or Normal

Although this isn't my usual fashion type post, for a while now, I've been wanting to talk about the strange people I see at my gym (Fitness First, Select City Walk). I am usually the type who doesn't talk to anyone at the gym. I sort of come, sweat it out like a pig, and then go home. My gym gear includes mainly Nike Dry Fit clothes paired with a pair of Nike shoes. Relatively simple. I don't wear any make up unless I'm going in the evening and I'm hitting the gym straight from wherever I've been or something and that too is pretty much kohl/eye liner.

But in the last year or two, I regularly see women, who come to the gym close to noon, and are working out will full make up. I'm talking foundation and lipstick (bright red lipstick to be more specific). Is that normal? Am I some sort of mutant from outer space (sweaty hair sticking to my face, sweat dripping down my nose)? Or are these women completely bonkers for clogging their pores during their workouts? It is something I am really trying to understand. Even if you're heading for your workout straight from work, it is never advisable to have make-up on during your workout because your skin can't breathe. It's always good to keep gentle wet wipes in your purse so you can just wipe your face off before breaking into a sweat.

Make up aside, Sometimes people workout in the strangest of shoes. I once saw a woman at the weight training area, wearing a really nice gym suit paired with Tory Burch flats! I was a bit shocked. There she was in her Tory Burch flats, leisurely lifting dumbells and chatting with her personal trainer. How extremely bizarre.

Another weird thing I've noticed. The use of cell phones whilst working out. Again, the geek that I am, I usually put my phone in the locker unless it's an iPhone and I have my running music on it. You see the point of working out is to focus on what you're doing. You cant be distracted. For one, if you're running at 10kmph you might fall down, and really I mean when you're training, how can you focus on your posture if you're yapping. I've seen women stroll on the treadmill whilst gossiping away and talk about evening plans in the midst of a lame attempt to weight train. 

Also, I often wonder how long can you actually be at the gym for. Sometimes I end up being at the gym for about an hour and a half if I have a training session post my 6k run. However, I've seen people who are chatting with some friends in the coffee area when I'm about to start my workout, all dressed up (my guess is they're done with their workout) who are still hanging around after I'm done! So lets say they worked out for about an hour, took twenty minutes to get ready, then chilling for an hour and a half if not more (they're still hanging after I've left). In total, three hours spent at the gym. I seriously have better things to do in life than to sit and socialise at the gym for that long!

So, what do you think about this? Strange or Normal?

Until the next time,
XOXO

Design Your Very Own Fendi Baguette With The MyBaguette App

I was supposed to be working yesterday. Instead I started designing Fendi Baguette bags on my ipad through Fendi's latest launch. An app called MyBaguette (available for Ipad and Android) where you can design your very own baguette bag. It's so fun and addictive so I should add a warning, please don't take your ipad to work because you'll be doing this all day long!

The app comes with a bunch of tools like paint brushes, colours and filters so it's got this whole DIY thing going on. You can even upload images from your photo library if you want it on your bag. Once you've completed your design, you can also submit it to Fendi where the most creative ones will be shared on the Fendi baguette community and various Fendi social media platforms. Furthermore, Silvia Venturini Fendi will personally select a bag of the month from the community. Whilst you're creating your funky new bag, check out the art gallery section too. Artists like Tom Sachs, Michealangelo Pistoletto, Richard Prince, Lucy and Jorge Orta amongst others were commissioned to design real baguettes for inspiration and you can see the designs in the art gallery. So fun right?

"The baguette was conceived as a clever little bag, with minimalist lines but a whole lot of imagination. Created in over 1,000 versions since its creation, including customizable canvas versions, I am delighted that the digital crowd will now also have the opportunity to make their own baguette bag which I can't wait to see!" says Silvia Fendi in the press release.

Check out the pictures below to see a whole bunch of things you can do to your bag (I'll post a picture of my bag too).



Some of the bags designed by renowned artists

A screenshot of the MyBaguette app

My cheeky version of the baguette :)

Image Courtesy: TCCG/Fendi

“

How To Invest In The Right Handbag

Those of you who read this blog regularly probably know by now that I truly love my handbags. I choose very carefully in what bag to invest every now and then and it's usually quite a fabulous one. However, if you have just started investing in handbags there are few things you must consider.

For this post, Hong Kong based image consultant Malini Hemlani gives you girls a brief guide into buying the right handbag. Here goes:

Men may tease women about how many handbags they own but there is a valid reason for it: women need a handbag collection that is appropriate for various occasions and outfits. You can't take a floral straw bag to a business meeting or a formal leather handbag to the beach, can you?

Handbags make a style statement, so get it right. 

 Get it right and you can be the height of elegance, get it wrong and you will disappear in the crowd or ruin your whole look.

The bags you choose will depend on your style personality. You might prefer neat and classic bags to slouchy styles or you might look for interesting details or colours. 

Whatever look you are drawn to, your bag needs to be in balance with your overall scale: a small bag will look lost on a grand scale woman and a large bag will swamp a petite woman.

The shape of your bag needs to follow the line of your body. For example, Rectangles, Lean Columns and Inverted Triangles need structured bags to reflect the lines and angles of their bodies.

Softer, unstructured bags work best for those with a Full Hourglass or Round shape. Triangles should avoid bags that hang at hip level as they will add width to the widest area.

Colour and Fabric

Don't be afraid to choose a handbag in a colour instead of a neutral shade (black, tan, grey etc.) It is the easiest way to add a pop of colour to your look without overdoing it.

If you want to play it safe then find a colour that always looks good on you and that you don't find 'scary'. Universal colours such as purple and teal are a good choice as there are shades to suit everyone.

Alternatively, if there are colours that you like but are shy of wearing, a handbag in that colour will be more subtle than wearing it directly on your body and will add fun and interest to your wardrobe.

What your handbag is made of will depend on your budget and lifestyle and what the bag is used for. Some people love investing in quality leather bags that will last a lifetime, whereas others will buy bags in fabric and have a new one every season. Remember the golden rule of any purchase: the more you use it the cheaper the cost per usage! 

 What's hot in handbags currently?

There is so much choice including pouch, clutch, on a chain, tote, boxy, soft, colourful, plain or printed.  Two very good investments are the tote and the clutch.

The tote is the perfect daytime bag whilst the clutch you can use for evening or daytime. Put the clutch in the tote and, hey presto, you're ready for morning till night! For a designer touch, make it two-tone.

Make more than a statement

If handbags are your passion then you will choose carefully and invest in a considerable collection. Your handbags are part of your signature style so you want them to show off your personality. 

Final Tips

* Try out handbags as you do clothes,  check in the mirror to see whether the scale, shape and colour work for you.

* Make sure the handbag is suitable for its purpose. You may be wowed by a great design or colour, but if you can't get all your belongings in it, it won't be much use!

* Make it easy to find what you need (compartments)

* Look for ones with linings in a light colour to find your items easily. Make sure the light linings are easy to clean.

* When you carry your handbag it will fall near your body, so if you have a large bust, carry your handbag at arm's length by your leg or by your waist. If you are fuller around the waist and bottom area, avoid handbags dangling at that level and carry them up higher.

For more information, check out Malini Hemlani's website here