Black & White In Marrakech

This was one outfit I was dying to shoot before we even got to Morocco. There's nothing sexier than a beautifully cut black jacket (everyone knows I have a thing for blazers) paired with jeans, skirts, dresses or anything for that matter. For my shoot at one of the hotels we were staying in (Les Jardins De La Medina) I wanted to wear this structured woollen jacket paired with a black, knee length skirt (both DRVV). I shot at the hotel because I wanted to wear heels underneath and that would have been tough to do if I was walking around in the medina. Plus it was such a gorgeous hotel with lush green trees everywhere so I figured why not.

What I loved about this DRVV jacket was how the collar stands up on its own. Furthermore, the zipper detailing on the collar was also pretty funky. I wore a white tank underneath for a bit of a contrast and paired it with the silver Diorama bag and black stilettos. Ever since I shot wearing these DRVV clothes, I have become a serious fan. The tailoring is just phenomenal and Dhruv Kapur just knows how to make beautifully cut and good quality clothes.

Again, this outfit was pretty easy to put together and all black (with a pop of colour here and there) never fails. Slimming, sexy and fabulous! What do you think?

Woollen Jacket & Skirt - DRVV by Dhruv Kapur
Tank Top - Zara
Sunglasses & Bag - Dior
Shoes - Nicholas Kirkwood
Earrings - Forever 21
Location - Les Jardins De La Medina, Marrakech
 

Lost in Fes

Fes was one city I couldn't wait to explore. With its charming and mystical ancient Medina consisting of nearly 9,400 twisting lanes, centuries old architecture, blue and green mosaic at every step, it was truly breath-taking.

Because I knew there was a lot of walking to do that day, I needed to dress comfortably. And nothing is more comfortable than a hoodie paired with jeans. Of course, that didn't mean I dress like a slob or a vagabond tourist! I picked out a really playful 43188 by Shweta Kapur neoprene hoodie with red stains printed all over it. I thought it was cosy, comfortable and stylish at the same time. Ladies, please put away your Juicy Couture tracksuits, try 431-88 instead. What I liked most about the sweatshirt was that the print made a statement without screaming and I didn't need to work that hard with the rest of my outfit as I wanted it to be the focal point of my look. l

Anyways, I paired my hoodie with a pair of classic blue jeans, camel coloured suede knee high boots and blinged up with the look with some gold accessories. The cherry red Chanel completed by outfit of the day.

I really wanted to do a proper shoot, but considering we were going to spend a day being real tourists it would have been slightly awkward, especially at a mosaic factory and inside the medina where people are really conservative. I would have ended up getting all sorts of weird stares. So instead, what we did was take normal photos of me being touristy as there really wasn't any other option. I'll put captions under the photos so you know where they were taken.

If you liked this hoodie I'm wearing, click here to purchase it.

Palais Faraj Suites & Spa

Palais Faraj Suites & Spa

At Borj Sud With Our Guide

Borj Sud

Borj Sud

At A Ceramics Factory

At A Ceramics Factory

The Royal Palace Gates

The Jnane Sbil Gardens

Sweatshirt: 431-88 by Shweta Kapur
Jeans: 7 For All Mankind
Bag: Chanel
Bracelet: Moschino
Location: Fes, Morocco (see captions for more details)
 

Bohemian VIbes In Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen, also known as Morocco's blue city has a very bohemian feel to it. I'm not sure why though. Maybe because of all the men/young boys who tried to sell us hash and alcohol every five minutes! Just kidding. Tucked away in the hills, Chefchaouen is Morocco's hidden gem. The ancient medina is pretty much all blue, with narrow and steep lanes filled with local grocery stores, spice and souvenir shops amongst small homes. Morocco is known for it's spices so I figured why not take some back home. In one of the lanes close to our hotel, I bought some turmeric and cumin powder which was so fragrant that my whole room was smelling of it later. I'm guessing this is the really good stuff and I have a feeling my mother is going to be very happy. I also bought lots of organic Argan oil bottles for myself and all my friends as it is much cheaper here than anywhere else in the world and is filled with vitamins.

For my outfit, I chose a DRVV by Dhruv Kapur cotton maxi. Well, it wasn't just a maxi actually. It was a piece of cloth with three holes in it so you can even style it as a one shoulder top if you like. I chose a maxi because I felt like it felt fit in with the city vibe and I was in a very bohemian mood. I cinched it with a suede belt to give it a bit of a shape as sometimes very loose silhouettes make me look bigger. Although, I really wish I had another belt. I wasn't loving the brown one so much but I had to make do with last minute. Oh well! To complete my look, I used a bright and wide head band (it really gives the bohemian look a nice touch), statement gold earrings, and a chunky gold bracelet to give it a bit of a bling. I also used a blue scarf as a photo op, just to add a bit more colour.

If you're headed to a beachy place for a winter getaway or to celebrate new year's eve, you can try out this look as it's really easy to put together and looks very chic.

What do you think of my look?

Headband & Earrings - Forever 21
Bracelet: Valentino
Maxi - DRVV by Dhruv Kapur
Bag & Sunglasses - Dior
Sandals: Gucci
Scarf - JJ Valaya
Location: Lina Ryad & Spa and Chefchaouen Medina, Chefchaouen

Exploring Tangier

We got to Tangier late yesterday afternoon, after a nine hour flight to Casablanca followed by a four and a half hour drive to get here. Naturally, we were too tired to do anything except walk around aimlessly in the evening around Ville Nouvelle (new town). Today, after getting a good night's rest we went to explore the narrow lanes of the Kasbah inside the Medina.

Since holidays consist of taking lots of photos, I wanted to look my best. I chose my favourite Rag & Bone dress, paired with a DRVV by Dhruv Kapoor jacket with thigh high boots from Dune and Dior's Diorama bag which is my new favourite travel bag. I kept my accessories to a minimal. Just a pair of Dior cruise earrings, So Real sunglasses, a Cartier Trinity Cord Bracelet and the Bulgari Serpenti leather bracelet (both are very delicate). I didn't want to take the attention away from the jacket and purse.

The DRVV jacket I wore is quite funky. Featuring lots of zipper detailing, it's so versatile and can be worn in various ways. You can zip it up from the front for a casual feel or diagonally to look like a biker jacket, or even take the sleeves off to make it sleeveless. It also consists of lots of pockets, giving it very utilitarian glam look. I couldn't have found a better piece to pair with my dress.

The metallic silver Diorama I have been using on this trip is so perfect as it matches pretty much every outfit. The silver colour gives it a very playful look and the medium is a good size for a vacation. It fits your wallet, phone and maybe one or two make up items. I was determined not to take a big bag this time, because I just end up filling it with so much unnecessary junk making it so heavy! The Diorama can be worn in multiple ways, but for today's look I used it as a shoulder bag or just hung it from my shoulder. You can also sling it across your body to be hands free.

Here are some photos of my look for today as we walked around exploring this magical city.

Dress: Rag & Bone
Jacket: DRVV by Dhruv Kapoor
Bag, earrings and Sunglasses: Dior
Bracelets: Cartier and Bulgari
Boots: Dune
Location: Tangier, Morocco

The Etihad Experience

I don't usually blog about my flying experiences since I almost always fly Emirates, so there's really nothing new to report about (except their service which for some reason is on a decline now).
For our current holiday, the husband and I booked ourselves on Etihad, so I thought why not share the experience on the blog. It was our first time taking another airline apart from Emirates which is what we have been flying loyally for years and years. However, for Morocco, we got a killer deal with Etihad and thought why not try it out. We were extremely apprehensive as we are so used to the Emirates terminal and lounges in Dubai airport and are so familiar with all their aircrafts and features. Furthermore, I had never even been to Abu Dhabi airport!

Anyway, so we got to Abu Dhabi airport and did the check in, etc. which was relatively smooth and made our way to the lounge. Featuring modern furniture with bright coloured accents, a few bar areas, a six senses spa with a nail bar, the lounge was indeed very nice. However, it was much smaller than the Emirates one we are accustomed to. For such a busy lounge, there was barely any space to sit and they didn't have a separate first class lounge which I found a bit weird. Moving on, the food was exceptional. Fettucine Alfredo, spicy beef noodles, sushi and a dessert bar (the chocolate panacotta, strawberry cheesecake were happily settled in my tummy); before I boarded my flight, I was going to explode! After eating, we made our way to the smoking room which was not very impressive. A tiny room filled with smoke made it difficult to sit inside for more than five minutes. Meanwhile, over in Dubai, the smoking section of the lounge is more like a gentleman's bar if you're flying from concourse A or like a big coffee shop in concourse B where you can help yourself to some coffee, alcohol or snacks.

Despite the average lounge experience, we didn't want to board the flight with preconceived notions. I had done my research on seatguru.com about the seat layout and size so I wasn't too worried. Once we were on board, I was totally blown away. The seat pitch was 73 inches (6'1) which is extremely generous and much bigger than Emirates. The seat width was 20 inches whereas Emirates is 18 inches. And the bed reclined to a full 180 degrees which, in the Emirates Boeing 777 is slightly angled. Plus, there was a cushioned box in the front where you can rest your feet on during take off and landing when your seat has to be upright. Under that box is a small storage compartment to keep your shoes or maybe a small handbag. The blankets were cosy and fluffy (better than Emirates) and I couldn't wait to pass out since it was a 2:30 am flight. After taking off, naturally I reclined my seat into a flat bed and fell into deep sleep for a few hours. 

Food too, was excellent on the flight. There were two menus: one with three or four breakfast options and one with an all day dining menu consisting of yummy sandwiches and ice cream. I ordered the scrambled eggs with sausages and beef bacon and pretty much gobbled it all up.

Overall, this was one of the nicest flights we have flown. I have been on various long hauls with Emirates and this was by far one our best experiences. Great food, massive seats and fabulous service; I fully recommend flying with Etihad.

I find taking photos in flight really tacky, but since I was going to blog about it, I did manage to take some really random and goofy pictures!

The lounge - my shoes match the bar stools!!

Nom Nom

Hangin'

 

Winter's Most Wanted Bags

It's been a while since I talked bags on the blog and so much has happened since I went MIA the last few months. So many new bags to talk about all at once. Of course, I won't discuss every single bag that's been out in one post, but for now, here are the purses that need to be in your closet like NOW!.

Chloe Georgia Mini Leather Bag - Looks like saddle bags are making a comeback in the form of this gorgeous Chloe bag. I'm really loving the shape on this one. The double flaps make the purse so unique and it's suede lining means luxury inside and out. The hardware is subtle and as always, I like that it comes with an adjustable shoulder strap so you can wear the bag cross-body to be hands free. Click here to purchase.

Loewe Puzzle Bag - I knew this bag was going to make waves the second I saw it on the runway for SS15. The shape is without a doubt one of the most unique ones I've seen in a while. The panel detailing make the bag stand out and also have an impact on how the bag folds. The best part is that it's also really functional; lots of room for all your essentials, an exterior zip pocket, a top handle and an optional shoulder strap. All in all, the perfect bag. Click here to put yourself on the wish list for this coral colour.

Mark Cross Grace Leather Box Bag - Inspired by Grace Kelly's overnight case in Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window, the Grace bag is most certainly a must have. Although it's been around for a while, the label has been reinventing it in so many variations that you don't know which one to choose! For now, I've got my eyes on a simple, yet chic red one. I adore the clean and fuss free design and the 18k gold plated brass hardware is the cherry on top. The bag opens up like a tiny brief case which is so fun and it's compact size means it can easily transition from day to night. Click here to purchase.

Celine Mini Belt Bag - This is another bag that's been around for a while but I've fallen so head over heels in love with it that I just had to talk about it. Part Phantom, part Mini Luggage and throw in a bit of the trapeze... et voila! As always, Phoebe Philo has created another must have purse. I adore the simple detailing on the bag like the geometric flap and of course the belt. Click here to purchase in India from Rock'n'Shop.

Anya Hindmarch Ebury Maxi Men At Work Bag - Anya Hindmarch's fun and quirky bags are always a fun addition to your closet and are quite popular with the fashion flock. From cereal and chewing gum inspired box clutches to traffic signs for this season, the designer infuses a playful everyday charm to luxury. This tote has already become a celebrity darling (Anna Dello Russo has a men at work clutch). Simple, streamlined and lightweight, the bag is roomy and perfect for everyday use. It's protective metal feet means you don't need to worry about ruining the soft leather when you put the bag on the floor. And of course, the sign is a sure shot head turner. Click here to purchase.

Gucci Dionysus Bag - For some reason, I had become slightly bored of the Gucci bags until a few months ago. I just couldn't see the WOW factor in them anymore. I don't deny their exquisite craftsmanship, but I wasn't loving the shapes. Enter the Dionysus and poof, boredom gone. A fabulous shape (even if it resembles the Bvlgari Serpenti Forever bag) with some even more fabulous details. First up is the flap. I like how it's very cleverly layered. Under the main front flap, there's sort of another vertical layer which is usually in contrasting coloured suede in the canvas version. The lining is also in suede with monogrammed canvas on the pockets. However, the tiger spur closure is what really makes this bag unique. Such a beautiful piece of hardware. Space wise, the double gussets make the bag roomy and it's shape make the bag great for the day and night. Click here to purchase.


 

Amazon India Fashion Week SS16 Round Up

Fashion week was very low key for me this time. I wasn't able to attend all the shows as I have been super busy with my nine month old munchkin. I did however catch a few shows on the last three days and wanted to jot my thoughts down about whatever shows I did see.



L-R: Eka, 11.11, Debarun, DollyJ

The one designer I was really looking forward to was Anamika Khanna as she was showcasing her ready to wear line Anamika. Whilst the weather was lovely for an outdoor show, the organisation was not that great. I had to fight with a bouncer to be able to get inside the seating area as he claimed it was only for photographers! Luckily I did manage to get inside and get a seat too! Yay me! Once the show started, I was pleasantly surprised as it was totally different from what I expected. No anarkalis or heavily embroidered silhouettes or bridal wear. There were Anamika's version of athleisure clothing which was a breath of fresh air. Adidas like stripes were seen throughout the show; on track pants like pyjamas, floor length silk kurtas, on a sporty bandhgala and a dupatta too. Ancient Indian architecture prints made their way into the show and so did a bit of heavy embroidery. An embroidered jacket paired with jeans is a look I've played with before and it always looks great. The best part about the show; all the looks were paired with sneakers. And it worked really well.

At Lovebird designs, silhouettes very minimalist and oversized. Beautiful fabrics in subtle summer colours (powder blue, pastel pink, pristine whites) were seen in the form of flared pants, loose dresses and boxy shirts. Detailing was key to the collection. A blue circle on an abstract hemmed black shirt,  a contrasting colored patch pocket on a dress or various patches of fabric in different colours on a tunic were prime examples. My favourite was a blue dress with an uneven hemline that had layers of fabric sort peeking out from underneath each other. Overall, it was a very wearable and a very interesting collection.

Next up was Rina Singh's Eka which was not only a lovely collection but also a lesson in sustainable fashion. Featuring simple looks consisting of loose midi dresses, comfortable linen trousers and striped tunics, the collection was crafted entirely from hand woven fabrics. Colourful stripes, blue checks and polka dots made the clothes very happy and very summery.



L-R: Tanieya Khanuja, Geisha Designs, Saaj by Ankita

11.11 was my absolute day four favourite. I had never heard of the label before so I was quite excited to see what was in store. Here was another label that prides itself with it's sustainable fashion practice. The collection, named The Khadi Way showcased clothes made from locally sourced materials (organic khadi) which were coloured with organic dyes. It may not have been in your face luxurious but I feel that just by using pure and organic fabrics, the clothes end up being luxurious. There is such a craze for fast fashion these days that brands just don't care for ethically sourced garments. High street shops churn out mass produced clothes almost at the speed of light and most of them are created from synthetic fabrics which I am not a fan of. Moving on, there were some really clothes at 11.11. Case in point: The dresses which had a jacket like detailing on one side and jumpsuits with complex draping. Bandhini, which I have always associated with traditional sarees had been modernised and crafted into casual tops and even worn as a cropped top in one look.

My last show of the day was Geisha designs. After seeing a lot of boxy shapes and oversized looks, Geisha design's sexy clothes were a refreshing change. Lots of skin was bared through the use of laser cut leather, sheer and lacy fabrics. A bandage style leather corset and a barely covering your butt cheeks skirt were a favourite.

Day 5 started with Debarun which was nice I guess. Very summer/resort style clothes in bright coloured fabrics and various geometric prints. There was nothing new happening there so not much to report on the blog. There were the usual maxis, sarees, mini dresses which didn't have much of a wow factor (at least not to me).

Saaj by Ankita on the other hand was extremely nice with a colour palette consisting mainly of white, lemon yellow and light brown. Silhouettes were feminine and the designer played with layering, adding a bit of fun to the clothes. Dresses were flirty with lace like embroidery and most of the looks came with capes attached to them. I really liked how Ankita added a bit of utilitarian glamour by using large pockets on some of the jackets.

However, my number one show for this fashion week had to be Tanieya Khanuja for her exceptional tailoring and meticulous garment construction. I also enjoyed her use of geometrics and houndstooth in the collection. Clothes on the whole were sexy with plunging necklines, slits in the dresses and even pants and bare backs. The flowy cape like backless tops (especially what Sonalika Sahay wore) and an ankle length black dress with a thigh high slit and a slight cut in the midriff are sure to be seen on the Indian red carpet. But the cherry on top was the jacket in the final look; a low cut V-neck number with beautiful detailing on the border. Thick fabric was rolled and made to stick up for a sort of 3-D effect throughout the border. All in all, a fabulous collection.

My last show before the finale was Dolly J. I have to say, she made a solid attempt at creating lovely red carpet gowns in neoprene (watch out Gauri & Nainika), complete with ruffles, feathers and a wee bit of sparkle. Some of the clothes featured interesting work like one big layer of fabric folder over and attached to a button on of the dresses or the crisscross look on one of the tops. Now, if only it didn't resemble the Carolina Herrera SS15 collection (especially the last looks) so much.

And there's my round up for Fashion Week SS16.