Indelust - Artistically Curated. Ethically Sourced

Ever since Sana Rezwan started her new venture,  Indelust, I became a huge fan. I may not have shopped from this e-commerce platform but I support it in every possible way. After reading more and more horror stories of companies running sweat shops, the Rana Plaza factory tragedy, workers that are overworked and underpaid (Gucci has just been accused of making Chinese employees work for more than three times their official working hours), it really does come as a sigh of relief when you have young entrepreneurs who are actually doing something about it. At Indelust, designers are encouraged to ethically manufacture their products whilst ensuring that their artisans earn a good living too. They have partnered with NEST, an NGO that thrives on getting designers and artists to ethically source and produce their goods. Designers listed with Indelust have the option to sign an agreement that involves the reviewing of the designer's production facilities. Finally, Sana's business also aims to revive ancient handicraft techniques.

My aim was not to summarise the about us page from their website, but to try and create as much awareness as I can as a blogger to encourage and promote ethical fashion. We have all become such fast fashion fanatics, that most of us have stopped caring under what conditions our clothes are being manufactured in. I'm not saying to stop wearing the Forever 21s and Primarks, I'm just trying to say that the more demand we create by starting to purchase ethical fashion, the more support we generate. Something to think about perhaps?

Now, the main reason why I chose to write this brief post was mainly to inform you that from the 3rd-10th January, Indelust will donate 10 % of the profits from any Pakistan made products to the victims of the horrific Peshawar attack. So I you plan on doing some new year's shopping, do check out (and buy) some of the Pakistani brands especially Popinjay for clutches or the pretty necklaces by Inaaya. Not only will you end up with a lovely handmade piece but you will be helping someone too.

What a noble way to start off the new year don't you think?

Grazia India January 2015 Cover

Since I've been talking January 2015 magazine covers, I came across the Grazia India one this morning on instagram and thought of discussing that too. Another model on a fashion magazine cover.. me likey! The cover gives out this very relaxed vibe which I love. The slightly messy ponytails look really chic and easy to carry. Moving on to the clothes and accessories, as opposed to the other covers I talked about in the previous post where the cover girls were dressed in a single look from the resort collections (go through style.com to see what I'm talking about), there's a little bit of mix and match on the Grazia cover. Don't get me wrong, I still love the Harper's Bazaar cover, but I do adore how the Rahul Mishra jacket looks when paired with a Michel Kors Resort 2015 dress underneath. Being a chunky jewellery fan, those Amrapali and Silverline jewels look fabulous. Plus I'm digging the whole indo-western look.

Image via Grazia India's instagram
 

January 2015 Covers: Who Did It Best From Vogue India, Elle India, Harper's Bazaar India,?

And the best cover for the first issue of 2015 goes to..... *drumroll* ...... Not to fast people! Let's break it down a bit shall we?

Vogue India: Anushka Sharma wearing a trench coat from Burberry Resort 2015 (look 15). Other than the pretty outerwear, nothing exciting happening there. An excessively smiley Anushka sits on what looks like a tree trunk against a blurred background. Her face is used to spell the G in VOGUE. What fun! Apparently, she's going to tell us everything in this issue. Yaaaay for us. I guess Sonam Kapoor ran out of stuff to say or covers to grace.

Elle India: I have recently become a devout Elle India fan. They changed things around a while ago, and quite frankly I prefer Elle India over Vogue India any day. Sadly though, this cover really didn't impress me. The results were the same for the pilot test I conducted. My examinees were my sister and a boy BFF in the fashion industry (two sources I rely on heavily) in case you were wondering. A very bland cover with Kalki wearing Burberry Resort 2015 (look 10) against a not so nice purple background. Hmm, a second magazine cover with Burberry on it.... Dull. I was kind of hoping for a JW Anderson for Loewe cover. Oh well, next time I hope. Till then I'll just reminisce about their Dries Van Noten issue.

Harper's Bazaar India: Ah, finally I get to the best of the lot. A model... yes, a MODEL!! Hallelujah. It's becoming somewhat of a rarity to see fashion models on magazine covers in India. Sonam Kapoor covers on the other hand are dime a dozen. Moving on, Archana Akil Kumar looks fierce in look 36 from the Louis Vuitton Resort 2015 collection. This will probably be the last of the resort clothes you'll see as SS15 has started hitting stores. The white background, the cover girl, the catty expression, the hair and the outfit all make this cover the best January 2015 cover from the three contestants.

And with that being said, I wish you all a very happy and fashionable new year!

XoXo
Crazy Bag Lady

Images via the magazines' official instagram accounts

Net-a-Porter Sale - Grab Em Whilst They're Hot!!

There are so many reasons to rejoice at this time of the year; amazing weather, cheerful holiday spirit, the end of the year and of course, the end of season sales. For me, it's a time to shop for accessories/jewellery and bags that I wouldn't ever pay full retail price for. Here are a few things I've got my eye on from the net-a-porter sale!

 1. Dolce & Gabbana Bianca Sandals - Forget Cinderella's glass shoes, these Dolce & Gabbana shoes are what you need! Featuring a block heel covered in leather and shiny crystals, you've got yourself the perfect pair of dancing shoes. Click here to purchase.

2. Etro + V&A Clip Earrings - If you've been waiting for earrings from the limited edition/online exclusive V&A collection to celebrate the Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945-2014 exhibition now's your chance! These super pretty Etro earrings with lots of mini gold tone hoops and baby blue stones are so chic and can work from day to night. Click here to purchase.

3. Maison Martin Margiela Sunglasses Necklace - Trust Maison Martin Margiela to create such a cool accessory. The second I saw it, I was in love. It's so quirky and it would be a crime not to own it! Wear it with a strapless silhouette or over a crisp, white shirt for maximum impact. Click here to purchase.

4. Stella McCartney Beckett Holographic Tote - As much as I love Stella's designs, (bags and clothes) , I still can't justify paying full price for her bags since they're all faux leather. I think it's great she's doing the whole anti animal skin thing, but I feel her bag should be priced a little lower. Anyways, the Beckett shoulder bags have been spotted around town quite a bit, but I really like the holographic version of this model and more so because it's a tote. Imagine walking around town that changes colour. How fun right? Click here to purchase.

5. Shourouk Wimbledee Swarovski Crystal-Embellished Stretch Terry Wristband - Don't you think this one of the most playful takes on the tennis wristband? What a fun combination of sporty glam and hello, look at the price!! For 134 USD, I would buy this in every colour! Click here to purchase.
 

Bag Review - Alexander McQueen Legend Bag

It's been a while since I saw a new bag shape at Alexander McQueen. I already own a DeManta and a Padlock tote, but never got on board with the Heroine. However, here's presenting their newest and coolest Legend bag from their Pre-SS 15 collection and I'm totally on board! The shape is quite fun and I love the it's winged silhouette. Plus, just check out the detailing on the bag, especially the bottom corners, the little holes for the shoulder strap and the adorable bow shaped brass hardware where the top handles are. It's amazing how small details like these can really change the way a bag looks. Furthermore, this bag can easily go from play to work which makes it multi-functional! The tote is roomy enough to carry around all your essentials and of course it comes with an optional shoulder strap. If the large size is too big for you, they also have the most adorable mini version on the website and a medium size too. And finally, the colours they have for the Legend are just delicious! Barbie pink, sea green and blue; I can't wait to get my hands on this bag. Currently, I've only seen it on the Alexander McQueen website, but I strongly recommend you start harassing the sales staff over at Kitsch (Delhi & Mumbai) to keep you in the loop as to when they're going to get it. Click here to check it out.

 

Posh People: Inside Tatler - Episode 1

Image Via BBC

One of the most interesting documentaries I've seen so far has got to be Posh People: Inside Tatler. BBC 2 camera crews followed the staff at TATLER for nearly six months to show you guys what life behind the scenes was like at one of the poshest (and oldest) publication in a three part series. As you may or may not know, TATLER features anything and everything to do with the British aristocracy/upper class. Polo matches, most important parties of the season, guide to the best boarding schools, luxury fashion, homes belonging to lords and earls, nannies - you name it and TATLER has got it covered. The readership, albeit small (160,000 people) consists of some of the wealthiest people in the United Kingdom. Below are some fun and interesting pointers from the first episode. Enjoy!

• If you're new in London, you'll probably own a Labradoodle. Whereas if you're old country, you'll probably have a Labrador that's most likely 500 years old and who you'll love more than your own kids.
• The wrong choice of tweed or the wrong blue on a Tuesday afternoon - that is epically terrible.
• One of their best selling covers had a Corgi on it!
• Anyone who joins TATLER gets their very own copy of  Debrett's New Guide to Etiquette & Modern Manners by John Morgan. Here's what you can expect to learn (in case you decide to buy your own copy)

          i. The smart way to eat a pear is with a spoon.
          ii. Compliments are to be delicately given (Delhi girls need to read this paragraph!)
          iii. Social kissing: Unless you know someone reasonably well, one kiss is usually enough.
          iv. Under no circumstances should there be any mention of saliva.
          v. A gentleman is never rude unintentionally.

• Society summer season is the busiest time for the magazine.
• " You have to understand classes in England. Classes indicate how people behave" - Jackie Collins
• If you know a fantastic art director, you can get he or she to make a fabulous copy of the invitation to the Queen's garden party (after you google the invite). Try it, it's a perfect way to go.. TO JAIL!
• The magazine never ignores the countryside.
• Currently, a lot of aristocratic families can't afford their own staff and to maintain their stately homes.
• People can do crazy things to be able to pay for their huge homes. Graffiti art on one castle is an interesting example.
• There may be a revival of side saddle racing. Think Lady Mary in Downton Abbey.
• TATLER is the perfect magazine for the nouveau riche wanting to adopt the more civilized aspect of the upper classes.
• The Bullingdon Club at Oxford University is England's oldest and secret dining club.
• The tailcoats for the club are made by Savile Row tailors, Ede & Ravenscroft. They cost about 3,500 pounds!

That's all for now folks. If you want to know more, watch the documentary!
Until the next time,
Stay Posh!!

    

      

Bag Review - Gucci Bamboo Daily Leather Top Handle Bag

Another one of the new Gucci bags is this beautiful top handle piece. Now this is a perfect daily purse. Crafted from buttery soft leather, it's just the right shape and size for regular use. I can totally see myself taking it out whilst running errands, travelling, attending day time events, meeting the girls and what not! The shape is slightly mature, but the softness of the leather adds an easy going feel to it. It comes in different colours(check with your local Gucci boutique), but this grey one and a pastel blue version I saw online are my favourite. The best part about it is it's utmost simplicity with the detailing speaking for itself. Such a minimalist design and fuss free.

There is minimal hardware, except for the black lacquered bamboo detailing on the flap closure making it really light. Furthermore, I like how it opens so easily. Just lift the flap and you're in (don't worry, even though there's no zip closure, the flap is sturdy enough to keep your essentials in place).  Trust me, I've had my share of bags with annoying closures. I mean as much as I love my Celine Trapeze, it's a real pain to open it when I'm in a rush!

Moving on, the sides have two gussets with magnetic detailing which allow room for expansion if you have too much stuff (which I almost always do). Also, I think this can work as a weekend bag if needed since it's so nice and roomy. Although, don't try and overload it with your laptop, and other super heavy items, it might just ruin the leather. It comes with one internal zip pocket and two side pockets for your phones, but I still say use a purse organiser with it. Hey, maybe Gucci should start making those too, I promise to buy one right away!!  Hold it on the nook of your arm, or use the optional shoulder strap, it looks great both ways. All in all, a perfect Daily companion.

Now, who wants to give me a Christmas present?

Till the next time!
XOXO
Crazy Bag Lady