Bag Review: Fendi By The Way Bag - Good Things Come In Small Packages

Fendi Tri-Colour By The Way Bag

Season after season it gets more and more evident that Fendi has derived some secret formula when it comes to handbags. From their iconic Baguette to the 2Jours, 3Jours and their Peek-a-Boo; each one of these bags have become instant hits and developed some sort of a cult following. For the Fall, it is no different. The By The Way bag has become an immediate must have.

As I sit here, with the tri-colour runway version in front of me, and the heat pressed Fendi Roma logo staring at me, I secretly plan a strategy on how to convince the husband to get me one. I can't get over its compact size and its unique shape. I really like the extended zipper (which comes in the from of a crocodile tail too sometimes) and the rivets that add a bit of detailing. Even the optional shoulder strap isn't the usual kinds. It has these nice round old fashioned metal buttons that you can easily pull apart or push it shut to adjust it. And the ID tag that dangles off the top handle just makes the bag more fun.

In terms of size, 7'x12.5'x6 (HxWxD), I think this is one of the few bags that is small enough to be held as an oversized clutch yet big enough to hold your daily requirements. No, not the big ipad, but an ipad mini perhaps, along with the usual wallet, keys etc. I've realised I've suffered enough shoulder aches from lugging around all my big bags and just don't need that kind of pain anymore. Honestly, the bigger the day bag, the harder it is to edit what goes into it! You just sort of think you NEED everything and keep dumping it all in there. Not with this one you won't.

The coolest part is that there are three ways to carry it. Sling it as a purse or cross body if you want, or hold it with the petite top handles or even take the shoulder strap off and slide your hand into the top handles and hold it as a big clutch.

A mini bag that packs plenty and looks AWESOME; the By The Way is hands down one of my most favourite bags from the Fall. Check it out at the Fendi boutique in DLF Emporio if you haven't already done so!

Tri-Colour on the runway held as a clutch (Image via style.com)

Image Courtesy: Fendi

Anju Modi - India Couture Week 2014

Out of the three days of India Couture Week, Anju Modi was one show that I was truly bowled over. I heard Manish Arora's show was spectacular but that was invite only so I couldn't attend it. Anyways, for the longest time, I always felt her clothes leaned more towards the mature side. I wouldn't even step into the boutique to check out her clothes! Pretty silly of me to stereotype her creations because after seeing her couture week collection, whenever I am in need of new Indian clothes, I will probably go to her.

Whilst the traditional silhouettes with exquisite embroidery were great, it was really the outfits with dhotis that stole my attention. I loved how dhotis had lovely gold borders and  were cropped to a couple of inches above the calf. Paired with either a bandh gala, or flowy jacket style tunics, it is interesting to see how androgyny has made its way into Indian couture. The best part is that both the garments can be worn separately giving you more value for money spent on buying couture which is a concept I talked about in a previous post and swear by.

With respect to the colour palette, the blues were just outstanding. Be it a dark blue silk lehenga with white thread embroidery on it or a grey blue bandh gala jacket style choli worn over an ivory sari. Furthermore, there were a few slightly edgy blouses that caught my eye. Case in point being the very armour like looking pyazi coloured blouse paired with a matching lehenga and a maroon shawl or the very heavily embellished V-neck, full sleeved blouse worn over the grey blue lehenga. Speaking of embroidery, with this being couture, there was plenty of it. Inspired by the Ajanta-Ellora caves, there was a lot of beautiful white thread work and zardozi on almost every silhouette.

Whenever I thought couture, I thought Sabyasachi or Anamika Khanna. Anju Modi has either turned things around by thinking out of the box the last few years or I've just been a blind bat all these years. Either ways, I'm impressed.

Dhotis Galore

Magnificent Blues

Image Courtesy: The Fashion Design Council Of India

How To Style A Dhoti

During the India Bridal Fashion Week, as always I was going through the dilemma of what to wear. Especially now, since a lot of clothes are quite snug on me, it was a bit of a challenge. Going through my closet I discovered my beloved pair of dhotis and decided to style them a little differently this time. Now I know most of you have already seen me wear my Nehru jacket and dhoti ensemble and my friend Rasna insisted that it had been seen and I should avoid it, I genuinely didn't have a choice as it was one of the few things that still fit. So what do you do if you've already pulled off the Indian politician? Try a little Indo-Western perhaps? That is exactly what I did and the results were great. I put on a silk tank and tried pairing it with two jackets. A short denim jacket and a formal black blazer. Unfortunately the black blazer was just too snug. As in snug to the point where if I move my arms too much there would be a nice rip in the lining!

Another reason for this quick post was to also tell you that for the rest of this awful Delhi summer, you too should invest in a pair of dhotis. I've realised they are so versatile and can be paired with such fun tops and footwear. Tank top, tube top, a fitted shirt or blingy flats, mojris, and high heels; there are numerous combinations. I bought this one from Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla because I just love the way it is draped. It's perfection. So please ensure that your pair is also draped well, else it'll just look like too much fabric hanging!

Here are some random photos of me. Unfortunately they are just pictures I take from my iPhone because I would feel too conscious getting someone to photograph me with a professional camera.

Look 1 - With a snug black blazer

Look 2 - With a fun, short denim jacket

Look 3 - The original neta jee combination! With my deadly Nehru jacket

 

Bag Review - Gucci Bright Diamante Top Handle Leather Tote

My last review from the pre-fall Gucci Bright Diamante bags is this top handle tote. This model boasts a very classic shape and a sleek design guaranteed to last you many seasons to come. The bag's silhouette brings the image of a power broker or a super chic investment banker to mind for some reason. I get all girl powered up when I see this tote!

Moving on, the bag is virtually hardware free making it very lightweight and easy to carry. Believe me, hardware can make all the difference. My Gucci hobo weighs 2.5 kilos because of all the gold stuff on it and sometimes it makes my back hurt. This only hardware on this tote is the zipper. It is also a very organised kind of bag with numerous internal zippers and pockets to keep all your belongings safe. One aspect I found extremely appealing was the magnetic closure that is also covered in leather. What immaculate attention to detail. Besides, who doesn't love a little extra leather here and there.

With respect to space, it is pretty roomy and can pack plenty. However, because it is a structured tote, try and not fill it with super bulky items because they will jut out and poke you or, well, just make the bag look unattractive! It comes with protective metal feet so feel free to let it rest on the floor without worrying about getting the leather dirty.

The only drawback with the bag was that there isn't an optional shoulder strap. It's just a nice option to have because rolled handles don't always sit well on the shoulder. However, that is just my personal take. Most people don't really care about a shoulder strap if the bag is that pretty! Aishwarya Rai Bachchan certainly doesn't care about a shoulder strap whilst travelling with it in Nice! I have to admit, it really looks good out and about.

The bag is also available in white at Gucci boutiques in India for INR 151,500.

Product Image Courtesy: Gucci
Aishwarya Rai Image Courtesy: Gucci/Getty Images

Bag Review: Gucci Bright Diamante Bucket Bag - Shine Bright Like A Diamond

As I plan my babymoon with the husband at some point next month, I seem to be struggling to find the right bags from my bag closet to take with me. All of them just seem too big (well they are actually really big) or too small. Considering I will be touching my fifth month on my babymoon I don't want to have the extra baggage of a giant handbag in tow.

Enter this Gucci Bright Diamante Bucket Bag. I could not have discovered this bag at a better time. Its 9.2"W X 11"H makes it a great size for everyday use and for travelling. I love the fact that it's roomy enough for all the basic essentials yet slightly compact to prevent over packing (guilty as charged!). Leave the drawstrings open if you have too much stuff or close it, it will still retain its pretty bucket shape. The shoulder strap (with a 20" drop) comes with five holes which means there's plenty of room for adjustment.

I also like how versatile the design is. I can pair it with a mini dress for a girly look, or a bohemian maxi to go all boho chic or maybe even a biker jacket to add a bit of punk. In addition, the compact size means the bag can easily accompany me to dinner. I am sadly one of those who actually changes my bags to go out at night even if it's a casual dinner.

The beautiful and iconic diamante pattern on the dark blue leather dates all the way back to the 1930's and is a welcoming change from the house's other motifs we are so accustomed to. The bag has a natural linen Gucci jacquard lining and comes with an interior zip and two extra pockets. Of course the hand painted edges just add to the luxury factor.

Finally, the price, at INR 101,000 I think it's excellent value for money. Considering nowadays it is next to impossible to find a luxury handbag for under 2000 dollars! I am genuinely considering this bag to take on my upcoming getaway. After all, a mommy-to-be does need her comfort (and luxury!). Also available in black, teal, white, yellow and fuchsia.

Image Courtesy: Gucci

Currently Trending: Clutches With A Bit Of A Funny Bone!

In the last few months, I've seen myself evolve with my fashion sense. For the longest time, I was the classic chic kind of girl. You know, the usual silk blouse with skinny jeans or pencil skirt, paired with a classic handbag. But off late, I've become a little bored of that, I constantly find the need to think outside the box when it comes to dressing up for an event. Of course that doesn't mean I only worry about the clothes I wear. It also means looking for some cool accessories, especially handbags. Whilst I love all my clutches dearly, I've discovered some super cool and funny clutches that I would like to share with you. Inspired by pop art, American comic books or fairy tales, the following clutches are real conversation starters and a very playful addition to your bag closet.

1. Charlotte Olympia Archie Comic Embroidered Crepe De Chine Clutch - I have always been a big fan of the designer's embroidered crepe de chine clutches and when she looks towards 1950's American comics for inspiration even more so! If you're an Archie comics lover, then this clutch is a must have. This one has Archie & Veronica both embroidered on to it. Click on the link for more images. Unfortunately, it isn't available on net-a-porter to ship to India, but you can order it to UAE if you have friends or family there. Plus it's only 5 per cent duty to order it to Dubai so you also save some money! Click here to purchase.

2. Yazbukey Pamela Belle Patent Nailpolish Clutch - Ever since I discovered Yaz Bukey jewellery last year due to Paris street style photos, I have adored her quirky designs. From her model legs and Anna Wintour necklaces to her Karl Lagerfeld brooch, the designer is always up to something funky every season (this fall is about mysterious Turkish Delights). The whimsical giant nail polish clutch featured above needs to be the focal point of your outfit. Featuring a gold tone logo plate and a patent leather back side, this is an instant head turner. Click here to purchase.

3. Anya Hindmarch Coco Pops Imperial Ayers Clutch - Alright, so this whole Anya Hindmarch X Kellog's cereal collection; you either hate it or love it. I'll be honest with you, I think it's really cool. Tongue in cheek kellog's cereal motifs on ayers snakeskin; What's there not to love? For me it has to be this coco pops clutch since I pretty much eat it everyday! Make sure you pair it with a simple outfit so the clutch pops. Click here to purchase.

4. Red Valentino Snow White Printed Red Leather Maxi Clutch - Ah, good old Snow White. Growing up, Disney's Snow White was one of my favourite cartoons and also the inspiration for Red Valentino's FW 14 collection. Fairy tale meets fashion, the ultimate fun combo (only if done right, else it can look pretty stupid). I love the patent leather applique on the headband, apple and lips. Gives it a bet of a texture. I would however, stick to the clutch as opposed to the tote as I don't want it to become too overwhelming. Click here to purchase.



 

BMW India Bridal Fashion Week 2014 - Gauri & Nainika X Alexander McQueen?

As you all may be aware, the BMW India Bridal Fashion week kick-started last night with Tarun Tahiliani followed by Gauri & Nainika. Whilst I was leaving Emporio, I had a brief discussion with a certain someone regarding the Gauri & Nainika collection and how there were some references to international designers. In my head the discussion didn't end there. I was determined to figure out who and was in fact a little disappointed in myself that I didn't see it at the show (I blame my pregnancy hormones because in all honesty, I was a little sleepy and wasn't paying attention).

With a little bit of research and frantic early morning whatsapp messages from my blogger in crime Maleeka sending me images of previous McQueen collections, we figured out that certain looks indeed had some level of resemblance. Now I almost never talk about nasty things on my blog simply because I find it unnecessary and juvenile. However, I also find it hard to believe that with all the creativity we have in our Indian designers, some find it necessary to seek inspiration from international designers!

Not that it matters here because the clothes sell regardless, but the reason I choose to write this post is simply to make people aware that there are journalists/bloggers sitting at the show who are familiar with both Indian and international collections and whilst most choose not to say anything, there are a select few who will speak up and point it out. The sad part is that this isn't the first time I'm discussing their inspiration. The last time their collection looked like that of Dolce & Gabbana! Anyway, I am posting some images from both the designers. Have a look and let me know what you think.

Apart from the McQueen inspiration, I also felt that the clothes were most suitable to size 0 or size 2 women. I am a US size 6 and the sheath dresses in the collection would by no means look even remotely flattering on me. I am not against wearing beautiful cocktail gowns on wedding functions, but as someone who invests in luxury garments from various Indian designers, I do look for something that would flatter my body. Most of the clothes in this collection wouldn't do that for anyone unless they were skinny or were okay to have bulges of fat sticking out from the super tight dresses. Even if you do get a size bigger, it just wouldn't look nice. You could actually see the models' bones jut out so one can imagine the tight fit of these gowns.

On the brighter side, all said and done, the sisters do make gowns comparable to international standards. Their finishing and workmanship is great and whoever I have seen wearing a Gauri & Nainika creation (albeit mainly skinny women) do look good.

Image Courtesy: Alexander McQueen via style.com and Gauri & Nainika via vogue.in