OUTFITS: Velvet and Fur - What Dreams are Made of

 

I know I've said this before, but it really is becoming increasingly difficult to find the time to shoot OOTDs now that winter has descended upon us. The lack of daylight hours mean it's a bit of a race against time to squeeze some photos in. One of many things I detest about winter, I crave day light!

Regardless, I'm still compensating for that by making the odd extravagant purchase here or there. I think it's only fair, my debit card seems to disagree though! But I just have to drape myself in Velvet and Faux fur during the winter, how else is a girl supposed to keep warm?

I came across this hugely attractive silver crushed velvet skirt in Topshop, which I'm sure my girl Sheenie feels as much love for as I do! It's quite different to anything I own, I can't recall having ever seen silver velvet before yet when I saw it for the first time I had visions of it being one of those incredibly versatile pieces that seem to go with practically everything.

For this outfit, I paired it with a sequinned fluffy jumper also from Topshop. I know it may seem unimaginative but Topshop never fail with their A/W lines, to the point I just want to buy everything! I find myself entering into a trance-like state everytime I walk by Topshop, trying to regain control of my legs and stop myself from wandering in.
 

 

  

  

  

  

  

   

Sequin Fluffy Jumper: Topshop || Silver Crushed Velvet Skater Skirt: Topshop || Mink Faux Fur Coat: Miss Selfridge || Silver Horse & Carriage Necklace: Tatty Devine

The fur coat feels like pure luxury on my shoulders, it's not the kind that makes you feel a bit itchy, it's just so, *so* soft! In recent years I've found myself buying a new winter coat every year, I blame it on the high street. Each year there seem to be one or two stunning winter coats that demand my attention. How am I supposed to resist?

 

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Bloglovin | Tumblr 

You have read this article Fur Coats / Jewellery / Jumpers / Miss Selfridge / OOTD / Outfits / Skater Skirts / Tatty Devine / Topshop / WIWT with the title Jewellery. You can bookmark this page URL https://clothingfashion2012.blogspot.com/2013/11/outfits-velvet-and-fur-what-dreams-are.html. Thanks!

OOTD: Velvet Opulence

 

As winter begins to approach, lurking just around the corner, the temperatures have begun to plummet. And this time of year always brings with it internal conflict. See, I hate winter almost as much as I love it. I hate the cold, I hate the lack of sun hours, I hate the aftermath of snow when it becomes all compacted, icey and slippery. On the other hand, I love Winter fashion, winter fabrics, the temporary cheer from November through to December, the fact that people find it acceptable to wear shiny glittery clothes.

But my favourite thing about winter is Velvet. It oozes class and opulence as well as providing a bit of much-needed extra warmth.

 

A couple of weeks back I was scouring eBay for a velvet skirt. I could feel the days getting shorter and the air getting colder and felt like I needed something to look forward to, to help me deal with the forthcoming doom and gloom. I found a little more than I had bargained for: I found this beautiful two piece set. It's a black velvet skirt with matching top, but these are no ordinary pieces. No, the set was definitely out of the ordinary. If Topshop or Asos were selling it, it'd be sold-out in minutes.

What makes it so extra-ordinary? Well, the golden, Baroque-style embroidery that lines the bottom of the skirt and the edge of the sleeves is what truly sets this apart. I couldn't recall having ever seen anything quite like this before, certainly not on velvet. Topshop had a very nice velvet range last A/W, but in truth it was just a little plain. This though...

The skirt is one of these 'fit and flare' types, but unlike the very loose and flimsy skater skirts, the velvet feels a firmer with much more structure to it. The embroidered sleeves are also flared outwards, also quite firmly but in a wavy, frilly style. The outfit doesn't scream opulence to me, it looks down it's nose at me and says: 

"You ought to consider yourself fortunate that I'm allowing myself to be worn by you."

I've found myself just staring at it trying to figure out what could have influenced the design, but the more I look at it, the more I see! Overall the piece looked at first as if it was a Black, Velvety take on the traditional Red, Silk Chinese dress. Then the shoulder outline created by the flaring out of the sleeve reminded me of Spanish Matadors! I couldn't even begin to place the style in any era, it looks so luxurious it could fit into any era. Timeless.

  

 

  

  

  

  

Velvet Baroque Fit & Flare Skirt & Matching Top - eBay

Gold Studded Skinny Belt - Gift

Lace Body Suit - Topshop

Gold Arrow Braclet - H & M

Bug Bites Necklace - Kenza Accessories*

 

  

So, what do you think?  Also, check out that necklace! As soon as I saw this on Kenza Accessories site, I thought 'I have got to have this!' Then when it arrived through the mailbox, I was taken aback. It had this look to it, I could imagine that if the Ancient Egyptians were still around today, their style would have evolved into something a bit like this. 

Hope you're all having a lovely weekend, I'm still recovering from Vogue's Fashion's Night Out in Manchester. It was great to see an event like this happening up North, and judging by the girls I saw out, we've got every bit as much style as the girls of London!

 

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Bloglovin | Tumblr 

You have read this article eBay / Jewellery / Kenza Accessories / OOTD / Outfits / Velvet with the title Jewellery. You can bookmark this page URL https://clothingfashion2012.blogspot.com/2013/10/ootd-velvet-opulence.html. Thanks!

OUTFITS: Modern Geisha

Guess who's back with another outfit post! Not only is it another outfit post, it's another Kimono! You might well be thinking I'm stuck in a silky, kimono-cut rut, but I just can't get enough of my gorgeous kimonos, so sue me! ;)

To be fair though the kimonos in my collection are all very different to each other, each one with its own unique, gorgeous print. A prime exanple is the one featured today. I purchased it recently from H&M of all places, it stood out for two very obvious reasons: it's bright purple and it's so long. I scoured the rack desperately looking for my size and let out a squeal when I found it. I just needed to buy this because I have nothing else like it, my wardrobe is completely devoid of anything purple.

Once you get past that bright purple and pink print, you'll realise why this isn't quite like the other kimonos I've been wearing recently, this one goes all the way down to the ankles. So instead of using it as the jacket to an outfit, I've used this one as the dress, the main event. With it's bold print, chiffon fabric instead of the traditional silk, and the gold studded belt I wrapped around it, it feels to me a bit like a modern-day twist on the Geisha.

 

  

  

  

Full Length Kimono - H&M
Gold Studded Skinny Belt - Gift
Black Lexi Jersey Midi Skirt - Boohoo
J Crew Crystal Cluster Necklace Replica - Secret Statement

I've been lusting after those really expensive J Crew Necklaces for quite a while now, but why shell out all that cash when you can achieve a similar effect for a fraction of the price? Well, I stumbled upon Secret Statement on Instagram not so long ago and they do an awesome replica/dupe of the infamous Crystal Cluster Necklace for just £10. Now that's a statement, and it's within a normal person's price range! Have a little peek here: LINK!

Hope you're all having a fun-filled weekend, my voice has withered away into a frog-like croak which for someone who loves to talk like I do is annoying! On the plus side, I'm snuggled up in bed midway through a Harry Potter marathon!

So until next time, Expelliarmus!

 

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Bloglovin | Tumblr 

You have read this article H and M / Jewellery / Kimonos / OOTD / Outfits with the title Jewellery. You can bookmark this page URL https://clothingfashion2012.blogspot.com/2013/09/outfits-modern-geisha.html. Thanks!

The Necklace So Good I Wore it on My Head

By now you should all be fully aware of my love for a bit of bling. Recently I've ventured into the world of Matha Pattis, having seen them at weddings all of my life. But only now I actually appreciate  how gorgeous they are!

At the moment I'm at a stage of my life where I'm really feeling the whole 'fusion' idea, mixing east with west. It reflects who I am. I am a product of various influences: my roots and where I grew up.

I digress!

I've already posted a couple of photos embracing the wondrous and mythical Matha Patti, and they truly are wondrous. But you know me, always trying to push the limit. I was having a wee look around Zara when I spotted this beautiful necklace. At first I imagined it around my neck: 'Which dress would this go best with?' I thought.

But then, my mind went all walkabout. What if I put it on my head? It'd look pretty awesome as a Matha Patti! This might not be news to some of you, but to me this idea seemed like genius! 

 

I parted my fringe to the side and put the headpiece right on!

 

Since I'd never tried to wear a big, clunky, heavy necklace on my head before, putting it on for the first time was more than just a little troublesome. Eventually though I figured it out, even summoning the courage to wear it out to dinner! During the evening I was asked: 'Where did you get that gorgeous head-piece from?' WINNING!

Next time you fancy mixing things up in the accessory department, remember: just because it says it's a necklace, it doesn't mean that's all it can ever be.. So be bold, pick out that old necklace you used to love, plonk it on your head and see what happens. You never know, it might just work!

I feel that at this point I should mention ma belle couturière Française (my lovely French seamstress). She has totally inspired me to look at fashion in a whole new light. Suddenly the piles of old clothes I have, past their sell-by date, look more like opportunities to create new things as opposed to a waste of space. She really hates the very idea of 'disposable fashion' and thinks that our old clothes can be fused into something new and unique.

 Have you ever done anything crazy with your accessories? Breathed new life into your old clothes? If so, tell me all about it!

 

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Bloglovin | Tumblr 

You have read this article DIY / Hair Jewellery / Jewellery / Matha Patti / Zara with the title Jewellery. You can bookmark this page URL https://clothingfashion2012.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-necklace-so-good-i-wore-it-on-my.html. Thanks!

The Idiot's Beginner's Guide to Mehndi

  
I love Mehndi. 

That might not sound quite so odd being that I'm Indian, but as a youngster I absolutely hated the stuff. I think that was probably down to the fact that nobody in the family could do it properly at the time, so I used to end up with two big brown circles on my hands. They were meant to be the Sun. Oh and also the scent that used to linger once the mehndi had developed into it's rich brown shade.

It's all changed now though, I can't get enough of the stuff. No longer can I detect that lingering smell, not sure what kind of mehndi my family used but the stuff I get is practically odourless. Although I kind of like the idea of tattoos, I'm incredibly fickle so would never get one done as I know that as I grow older I will undoubtedly ask myself 'Why?', particularly as wrinkles begin to take hold of the designs! So mehndi is the next best thing.

Now I'm no artiste, and even though I have steady hands when it comes to applying eyeliner, when it comes to mehndi it's a completely different story. I'm hopeless! But where there's a will there's a way, and I've found a workaround that almost makes me look like a pro with the mehndi cone!

So if, like me, you're not so hot with a cone in hand, you'll love this little cheat I recently re-discovered:
 
 

  

SECRET WEAPON

Mehndi stencils! Sweet, sweet nostalgia. I purchased mine off eBay on the cheap. I recall seeing these everywhere when I was younger. They come in the form of stickers which can be stuck onto your hands, feet or pretty much any part of your body! Once you've done that, you just fill in the gaps with your Mehndi cone. Sounds simple, right? 

WRONG! The hands are far, far too small (unless you're 5 years old!) and the feet are even worse! So as usual I found myself having to adapt them a little to work for me. I just seperated the digits from the main part of the hand and stuck them on individually. Also, from the stickers it's pretty clear what areas of the body they are actually intended for but I found that they can be easily used elsewhere.

In the photos above, I've used the sections intended for the ankles on my wrists and you can see that it doesn't look out of place! 

Once I've filled in the gaps I let the mehndi dry to the touch. The next step is to apply a lemon juice and sugar mixture to the dried mehndi and wrap around the area in cling film, with the stencil still in place. I'd then leave this on overnight whilst I sleep and unwrap it in the morning. I tend to find that the combination of the lemon juice/sugar mixture and leaving the mehndi on overnight results in incredibly dark mehndi!

I always apply mehndi at night just before bed as I find that the longer it's left on for, the better. The lemon juice and sugar makes the dried-up mehndi stick to the skin much better, the cling film also seals the area restricting break-off during the night.

 

I have to mention the Mehndi cone that I use. I've no idea who makes it or what it's called as it's all written in Hindi. All I know is that back in India it costs 10 Rupees per cone, and that it's pretty darn good! Over here in Manchester, I buy two for £1 from Anand Fashions on Wilmslow Road. I'm there every week hauling on their jewellery and bindis!

I find that one can never have enough bindis, they only really last for a day and because they're so small they always seem to disappear. Also, they're so pretty that I've actually had a girl physically hit me on her birthday, ordering me to give one to their friend! What is this? High school? Anyway enough about the deluded peeg, if you live in Manchester or are just passing through I highly recommend you check out Anand Fashions.

  

  
 
So there you have it! The Mehndi was a lot darker however I took the photos a couple of days later and it's still looking good! 

Next up I will be attempting to use the stencils all over my hands. How do you girls apply your mehdni, any hints and tips?

 

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Bloglovin | Tumblr 

You have read this article DIY / Henna / Jewellery / Mehndi / Reviews with the title Jewellery. You can bookmark this page URL https://clothingfashion2012.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-idiot-beginner-guide-to-mehndi.html. Thanks!

EID OOTD: The Meeting of Two Cultures

Hi hi hi!

Hasn't Ramadhan just flown by this year? I guess we say that every year though, time marches on endlessly and if you look away for just a fleeting moment, you'll find days or weeks have passed without you realising. Perhaps the delerium of working in a non-AC building in 30C temperatures without food or water for 18 hours each day played its part, but at times I felt like I was that car in the music video for Snow Patrol's 'Open Your Eyes' - drifting around at high speed in a bit of a daze!

Still, I was sad to see Ramadhan end. Those of you who aren't Muslim might wonder why on earth we'd be sad to see it end, but to find out the answer to that question all you have to do is spend a day fasting with a Muslim family and you'll see why - the atmosphere is just so special. 

Last year pretty much all Muslims celebrated Eid, or the end of Ramadhan, on the same day. This might not seem like a big deal but believe me it rarely happens. This year there was a bit of a split, as Saudi declared they had sighted the new moon, when all the science indicated it was most likely only possible to see it in South America. Other countries, like Oman and Pakistan didn't sight it until the next night so we were split a little. Either way, Eid had arrived! :)

Usually in the UK we find out about the end of Ramadhan a few hours ahead of time, so this usually prompts every Muslim in Britain to go out and do some last minute Eid shopping - at the same time. Groceries for the big meal, sweets for desserts, toilet paper for the aftermath, presents for relatives that announced a last-minute visit, guys getting their trademark 'no back and sides' at the barbers, renting out fast cars, girls getting in some last minute eyebrow threading or facials or even a new outfit...

This year though, I made the (slighly) controversial decision to not buy a new outfit. Ok, be honest. How many of you just spat out your coffee in shock? Seriously though, I own way too many clothes and I'd been thinking this Ramadhan how we all go out shopping for a brand new Eid outfit every single year. I didn't want another disposable Indian outfit that would only ever be left to gather dust afterwards.

So this year I paired last year's Eid Ul-Fitr top from my Sari (known as a Choli) and paired it with my new favourite laced dip hem skirt from Forever21. Beneath the Choli, I wore a lace sleeved top all wrapped up with a gold studded belt. I think the outfit sums me up pretty well actually - bright, fun and a mixture of Eastern and Western influences.

That's quite important for me actually, as I often get asked what ethnicity I am or 'Where are you from?' I guess if you're not from a minority background you may not understand exactly how frustrating that can be sometimes, it's almost as if it's a qualifying question that will determine the nature of any future interactions whether that be with Asian or White people. Me? I'm Indian, but 'home' is Britain and being both Indian and British can be a challenge. 

I love both Western and Eastern clothing. I love my skirts, vests and dresses but I also love my Saris, Bindis, Mehndi and even the occasional Kameez but often we stick to just one or the other, why can't we have both? Yesterday, I had my cake and ate it (in more ways than one!)

 

  

  

  

  

  

Turquoise and Blue Silver Embellished Choli - Karol Bagh Market, New Delhi

Blacked Lace Dip Hem Skirt - Forever21

3/4 Sleeved Black Lace Top -  Topshop

Gold Medallion Hand Harness - Topshop

I bought the Hand-Harness last year and every time I look at it, I think how it looks like it's a chunk from a Belly Dancer's belt, ha! 

As for the outfit, I was a little surprised at just how well these two cultures fused together. I've definitely found a new use for the rest of my Cholis. Whatever this path I'm on is, It's totally new. And I like it.

Until next time..

 

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Bloglovin | Tumblr 

You have read this article Asian Fashion / Choli / Dip Hem / Eid / Eid OOTD / Forever21 / Jewellery / OOTD / Outfits / Sari / Skirts / Topshop / WIWT with the title Jewellery. You can bookmark this page URL https://clothingfashion2012.blogspot.com/2013/08/eid-ootd-meeting-of-two-cultures.html. Thanks!

OOTD - DROP DEAD Heart Club Cardigan

DROP DEAD

Ok, so not the conventional way to start a post but what I'm referring to is the brand Drop Dead, I'm not telling you to drop dead! And you know, I've been really liking their outerwear lately. The colours and the prints have drawn me in.

My first purchase from these guys was a Unicorn Jumper in the most gorgeous pastelly lilac colour I featured in a post not too long ago. Ever since that purchase, I've been checking out their website often to ensure I don't miss out on anything new and unique. A couple of weeks back I spotted this cardigan so perfect, I almost dropped my laptop.

The cardigan in question is an incredibly soft, baby blue number which is ridiculously oversized. I do like that though, it's like nothing I own. At the back there's a massive white heart-shaped skull, I guess that's Drop Dead's logo. Either way, I LAV IT!

I don't know if you agree, but finding baby blue, lilac or any other pastelly coloured clothing on the high street (of good quality at least) is pretty rare, I can't help but question WHY??! My only thoughts on that is pastel colours can associated with the young. Who knows, but I think these colours are so gorgeous they could work on almost anyone. I mean, why on earth are we being hounded by fluorescent colours at the minute? Give me a baby blue or a lilac over a garish yellow or a neon green any day of the week!

Today's outfit is incredibly casual, as I've been feeling a bit under the weather lately. Whenever there are sudden changes in the weather I start to feel pretty ill. Yes, my immune system is lame and No, I don't know why I live in Manchester sometimes either.

 

 

 

 

Baby Blue Hearts Club Cardigan - DROP DEAD Clothing LINK

Black Jersey Midi Dress - TOPSHOP

Lilac Lace Crop Top - H&M

Spiked Silver Statement Necklace - Primark 

All of the items featured are from this season, the Primark necklace set me back just £8! I could not believe that 1) It cost just £8 and 2) It was in Primark?! Honestly though they are doing really well in the Jewellery department, I purchased a pack of 8 midi rings for £1.50! I went back in the following week to get more but they were all sold out. *Sad Face*. Topshop have been pretty stale of late, although I've noticed they've introduced a new jewellery range which is both unoriginal and way overpriced.

Back to DROP DEAD, I've currently got my eye on the Death Bed Jumper. It's Gold, it's metallic and has a huge coffin print at the back, ahh! WANT! 

And there you have it! 

It's Eid soon (THANK GOD). Ramadhan has been cruel this year. The constant heat and sunshine did not help at all. Typically though the Eid forecast is for rain, and no doubt August will be a complete wash-out too! 

It's ok though: "When the rain falls they talk of Manchester, but when the triumphant rain falls we think of Rainbows. It's the Mancunian way." Lemn Sissay.

 

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Bloglovin | Tumblr 

You have read this article Drop Dead Clothing / Jewellery / Midi / OOTD / Outfits / Primark / Topshop / WIWT with the title Jewellery. You can bookmark this page URL https://clothingfashion2012.blogspot.com/2013/08/ootd-drop-dead-heart-club-cardigan.html. Thanks!

Super Affordable Lilac Round Sunglasses!

I'm really loving round sunglasses at the moment, their retro edge is perfect for mixing up my outfits and adding something extra. I bought my first pair a couple of months back from Topshop, they're huge and black and I've featured them in a previous post somewhere!

But I still wasn't quite fully satisfied, I needed something a little different. Distant memories of wearing lilac tinted shades as a youngster popped in to my head, I was obsessed with them! The thing is though, nobody really sells them. Well, not for grown-ups anyway :(

Until, that is, I searched eBay. Oh eBay, my trusty eBay. Is there anything you can't do? Well I found some round, lilac-tinted shades on there for just £2.69 including shipping. Yes, Two Pounds and Sixty Nine Pence. Just call me Lima, Queen of the eBay. There was a teeny little catch though, they were actually intended for some kind of fancy dress costume. But so what? I wasn't going to let that stop me from rocking these when the sun comes out to play!

 If you quite like the look of round sunglasses but don't fancy spending too mach cash, these babies would be right up your street! I bought mine HERE.

I'm also liking the look of the blue ones too... Hmm, looks like my sunglasses collection is about to expand again ;)

So tell me, what's been your eyewear of choice this summer?

 

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Bloglovin | Tumblr 

You have read this article Accessories / Jewellery / Round Sunglasses / Sunglasses with the title Jewellery. You can bookmark this page URL https://clothingfashion2012.blogspot.com/2013/07/super-affordable-lilac-round-sunglasses.html. Thanks!