Fashion’s ‘IT’ Instagram Girls You Must Follow

by Swati Jain, posted in PR Things, Whimsical Chatters

From the days we were posting really hazy pictures of cupcakes with a million filters, to going the extra step to find the “perfect” aesthetic and colour scheme – I think you would agree Instagram as we perceive it has changed. With the rise (and retail) of Instagram posts and influencers – its become a VIP pass – to get us access to the best fashion shows, parties, behind-the-scenes and most importantly on what to wear.

But, while that is the basic, it is often difficult to identify who to follow and who to believe. And while fashion is about personal sense of style, a little inspiration goes a long way. In the simplest of words, in today world, where we are influenced easily (pun-intended).

We’ve pulled some our favourite fashion girls from all over the world who you should definitely be following – whether it’s for their personal IG stories, the ‘aspiration’ privileged access to the best designers or obviously, their fashion sense.

Chiara Ferragni (@chiaraferragni)

The name sounds familiar, doesn’t it? Chiara is an Italian blogger, designer and entrepreneur. She’s known for her blog and book, ‘The Blonde Salad’. Her wedding was exclusively covered by Vogue just last year and she wore the most beautiful wedding dress by Dior. She lives this stunning aspiration life – the hands-on fun mom, super hot, probably on caller ID for brands including Dior, Louis Vuitton, Chanel and LOEWE. I mean, she’s even for her own Barbie Doll version of herself that Mattel created!

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My Milano 💘

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Camilla Coelho (@camilacoelho)

A large following on both Instagram and Youtube, it’s fair game to say Camila holds some influencer in the world of Fashion. Well, that and the fact she just launched her own fashion line with the giant e-retailer, Revolve. Playing with colours and presenting a take on the happiest chic, she isn’t one you want to miss.

Aimee Song (aimeesong)

I’ve been following ‘Song of Style’ for as long as I can remember it. She talks about fashion, jewellery, Interior design and boasts of just the most aesthetic feed. She’s got her own jewelry line and recently launched her own clothing brand named after her blog – Song of Style. In true Californian vibe, whether its her travel posts or the play of colour – she always remains chic.

Susie Lau (@susiebubble)

London-based Susie, one of the original fashion bloggers has been secretly playing out the modus operandi on fashion. She has always been a leading voice in spotlighting young and unknown new designers. Follow her for her writing, her fashion and her fun ensembles.

Pernille Teisbaek (@pernilleteisbaek)

Scandinavians are known for their clean aesthetic and taste – imagine getting this right in the mix of fashion – a hard job, but one that Pernille makes it look like its easy. She combines classic and informal silhouettes – from the smallest tweaks to the latest fads – all while waving her flag for sustainability in fashion.

Leandra Medine – (@ManRepeller)

The fiercly funny New Yorker behind one of my favourite blogs – Man Repeller, Leandra deserves her special mention. Keeping it light, her ironic fashion-addict asides and comical conversations while shopping – and the way she does her story telling – its an intellectual’s art.

Karen Wazen Bakhazi

A familiar name in the region, Karen and her family have quickly become everyone’s favourites. Adding her two cents to the world of fashion – whether it’s through launching her new eye wear line, sitting front row in every show or dancing at her happiest with her kids (obviously wearing something you’d want to buy, probably right away). She keeps it real and happy – which makes it easy to find a connect.

Masoom Minawala, Style Fiesta

If you’ve been reading my fashion stories for Masala, you’ll see her mentioned often – its mostly because she is stunning. Petite and Indian – which makes an easy connect, she keeps the perfect mix of fun everyday inspirations and of course, Indian wear that would be the envy of many (if not all).

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// If someone had told me 8 years ago I would be walking the red carpet at Cannes, I would have never believed them. You probably wouldn’t have either. 8 years ago when I started blogging, the only Indian blogger I knew of while setting up that domain name was @arushikhosla. For years, nobody believed in what I was doing, nobody understood what I was doing, I knew of so many stories of people imitating me, making fun of my voice, criticising how I could spend my time taking photographs of my outfits. It wasn’t the ‘cool’ thing to do back then. But I wore my blinders & focused on what ‘I’ loved doing, whether the world approved of it or not. So this one’s dedicated to all those of you who can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel yet – I assure you it’s there. But I also assure you it doesn’t come easy, it’s going to need you to fight through, it’s going to need you to work at hours & times that nobody will understand & it’s going to need you to accept your failures. But one day you will arrive at your very own red carpet, at your very own version of the Cannes Film Festival, and it will all finally come together😊

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Fall Winter 19 Trends

by Swati Jain, posted in PR Things, Whimsical Chatters

A lot of time, mostly for work (I’m a PR, if you didn’t know), I end up researching a lot about upcoming trends, things that might or might not work for the clients I work on and ways to keep the brands we represent on top of all editorial minds. And since most international brands do not allow regional press releases, we work on press blasts.

One such press release that I worked on most recently was a collection of upcoming FW19 trends.

Welcoming the Fall/Winter 2019 season, there is a whole host of new trends to have on your radar – from purple hues to fluorescent flashes, and dark florals to checks on checks and more checks. The roundup includes this season’s top trends, with selections from fashion, beauty and interior brands. including LOEWE, Moynat Paris, PAULE KA, de Grisogono, Givenchy Beauty, Silsal Design House, Tutus Kurniati and The Rug Company

PURPLE REIGN

It’s time to make room for a new hue. Purple is the color of the future as seen on the runways of FW 2019. From light pastels to deep plums, mauves, and magenta variations, embrace the color that is making its presence known.

DARK ROMANCE

Think of this trend as a less obvious take on Victorian. Floral prints, laces and frills – totally worth it for this season’s wardrobe.

CHECKS ON CHECKS

Boucle, Tweed and Checks are back on the fashion menu and particularly in bigger jacket and bag form. If you’re in love with check and tartan prints, you won’t resist to a checked printed coat’s timeless charm.

FLUORESCENT FLASHES

Neon might have been a big trend for summer 2019 but is certainly not leaving autumn and winter. So, don’t go packing away your summer brights when the colder weather comes.

OTT FLUFF

“It’s so fluffy” …Undoubtedly the most prominent trend to come out of the autumn/winter 2019. Alternative fur trend is generating fluffy things for every part of your look. Hairbands, coats or shoes – it’s all fluffy!

POWER-PUFF SHOULDERS

There is a puff-sleeve personality for everyone. Puffy sleeves were a big trend but now they are bigger than ever. It invited all of us to feel like princesses—or at least, to dress in a way through our dresses, our blouses and our sweaters.

SEASONAL SPARKLE

Sparkles, glitter and sequins are all must-haves for the 2019’s party wardrobe. Think Christmas-party-dressing looks even if it’s only a September dinner you are planning for.

SUPERSIZED BAGS

Tiny totes are nice but enormous totes are on trend! This is probably one of the most useful trends of the season – for once, you will be able to house everything you need.

Make it Beige!

by Swati Jain, posted in Fashion, PR Things, Whimsical Chatters

In the recent years, all the prominent fashion colour trends that have emerged, including millennial pink and a bubbling yellow, were bright, bold and unashamedly loud. But, its whole nude world, and beige is making a comeback in the rounds of all Fall Winter collections. Maybe it’s a subconscious version of #nofilter and a plea to return to simplicity.

Beige works as a building block in any wardrobe – whether you are a neutral novice or seasoned in mastering the fifty shades of sand. Embracing it as the colour of the season, we researched on incorporating beige to the many occasion wardrobes of the day. Whether it’s for work-wear or a wedding, here’s what is inspiring us.

Indian Wear in Beige

It’s always interesting to see how versatile traditional wear is becoming when it comes to contemporary trends. While my mummy will argue that khadi has been around a long time – Indian designers are adding their touch of beige to that isn’t just khadi. One of my favourite prêt couture brands, Paulmi and Harsh has some interesting pieces – pairing the colour with a touch of botanical hues. 

Workwear in Beige

We spend a lot of time at work – so, it is slowly becoming my fashion trial session – especially when there are no meetings on the agenda. I try out something different to test if it will work and see the reactions/opinions I get. And while Zara and Mango are my personal go-tos for workwear, I looked at how international fashion influencers and celebrities are wearing the trend without blending in the background. Beige, you would agree, makes the best option for workwear. From beige tops to beige pants – this muted shade is all kinds of chic.

Best lyrics (so far) from Taylor Swift’s ‘Lover’ Album

by Swati Jain, posted in Story Time, Whimsical Chatters

If you’re new around here, let me begin by telling you – I’m a Swiftie. Taylor Swift is one of my favourite musicians of all times. I love the metaphors and sly play she does with her words. The most complex of emotions are described in the simplest words – words you didn’t know they could be explained in.

One of my favourite songs of hers, till date, is ‘All too Well’. In my personal opinion, the song is a lyrical genius. Whether it was, “Realized you lost the one real thing you’ve ever known.” or “You’ll mail back my things in a box with no note except for that scarf from that very first week”. In other words, I’ve always been taken by her lyrics – but this song, in particular, can make me cry and feel things at any moment of time.

So, obviously as the new album came out, I bought it right away – and while I wait for my Deluxe version to be delivered, here I am again, hoping to get lost in translation, I’m pulling together a thread of my favourite lyrics from Lover so far.

“I’ve got a hundred thrown-out speeches I almost said to you” – The Archer.

Don’t we all have those unsaid speeches? For every emotion, occasion and heart-break? This song explores how she herself is her Archer and her prey.

I’m so sick of running as fast as I can, wondering if I’d get there quicker if I was a man.” – The Man.

Every woman needs to hear this song. She has spoken about sexism before, she’s been harassed before – and she’s talking purely out of real frustrations and experience.

“Have I known you 20 seconds or 20 years?” – Lover
AND
“All’s well that ends well to end up with you” – Lover
AND
“Swear to be over-dramatic and truuuuuuee, to my loverrr” – Lover

This song is the ‘lover’ I didn’t know I needed. Everything about this song makes my heart burst in a fun but slow dance with my imaginary ‘lover’. Every lyric hits close to home and makes you realize that this kind of ‘forever and ever’ love does exist – and is well worth saving the seat on the table for.

“And I hope I never lose you, hope it never ends. I’d never walk Cornelia Street again. That’s the kinda heartbreak time could never mend.” – Cornelia Street

As human beings, it is our natural tendency to associate a special someone with a special place, a memory and a very real smell. Cornelia Street is a metaphor of that place – in real and in her heart – that she will never be able to revisit. And while time heals most things, that’s one heartbreak it could never mend.

“And I hate to make this all about me, but who am I supposed to talk to? What am I supposed to do if there’s no you?”  – Soon you’ll be Better

Without mentioning who she’s praying for, the song just gets you emotionally riled up. I don’t know what more to say, except hear it.

“Fighting with a true love is boxing with no gloves
Chemistry ’til it blows up, ’til there’s no us” – Afterglow

Doesn’t this ring you similar to ‘Back to December’? Like a version that is purely more emotional than it was. It’s Taylor admitting her mistakes and asking for another chance. We all get in our heads sometimes and make scenarios that might not necessarily be there. What we need in those moments is someone’s hand to pull us out of the woods and meet me in the afterglow.

“They say the road gets hard and you get lost, when you’re led by blind faith.” – False God

I think this song is hinting towards what it is like to be in a relationship when it gets hard (It refers to Taylor’s to long distance relationship with Joe Alywn). While these lyrics don’t exactly say it, but its asking you to take the road to the blind faith and worship this love. It’s about taking a chance and jumping in – making it work through the harder times. What’s not to love?

“I like shiny things, but I’d marry you with Paper Rings” – Paper Rings

So full of cheese and love, of course I was dancing around the room to this! When it comes to love, everyone settles for something – not in a bad way. Actually, my use of the word ‘settle’ is incorrect. It’s compromise. Every relationship – platonic or otherwise requires compromises and comes with complications, but how you compliment each other is what makes it click.

I can guarantee I would have found completely new lyrics to be in love with by next week – so I’ll keep you updated!

But, Tomorrow

by Swati Jain, posted in Whimsical Chatters

Begin at the beginning,
When those little moments –
That first date and that ridiculous coffee,
Holding hands in the very first movie
Made a new meaning.

Life, already one with a rhythm,
Now danced to a new music,
So we created more memories.
We sat underneath the stars,
And drank and danced on the bar.

In sync our minds, that though alike,
It became easier to picture,
What tomorrow be might.
We could be camping for the Aurora,
Or in Venice on a gondola.

But, tomorrow is still far,
And I wonder,
If the simplicity of everyday,
The boring dailies, and mundane chores –
Wouldn’t be a far.

We might be stuck in a dinner party,
With someone’s horrid candles,
And the jokes that aren’t funny.
Boring as some board games get,
But, you’ll snicker, and it is our secret to tell.

We will get caught up in life –
Tiring work,
And a baby that won’t quit crying.
We will be sleepless and honestly, terrified,
Tell me baby, if otherwise.

April 20, 2019

Resonance

by Swati Jain, posted in Whimsical Chatters

Parked on the side of the beach,
Nestled on the drivers seat –
Alone, not lonely,
and looking straight ahead. 

It was show that she wanted,
Of the setting sun, pouring rain,
Continued lightening,
And rainbows on her head.

No distractions – no chaos,
Resonating her inner peace,
Even the rumbling of the car,
Was put to sleep.

It’s a strange feeling,
Unraveling your own inklings,
Unbounded by temporary setbacks,
She set herself free.

April 13, 2019

Terms of My Virtue

by Swati Jain, posted in Whimsical Chatters

Like with everything that comes,
There’s terms and conditions,
Things that we expect,
A stance towards disappointment.
But, I’ll reach my hands out,
Even when it’s dark and we can’t see,
You’ll reach out too –
Or so, I’ll be hoping.

These crowded roads,
Leading me astray,
This blaring music,
Just doesn’t feel the same.
But, I’ll have to understand –
People are people,
And they keep changing their heart and head,
And hope, here, isn’t my friend. 

The mythical corner,
That doesn’t exist,
The unsaid conversations
Now – feel flaky to begin with.
But, patience, unfortunately, is my virtue,
And I’m running out,
Because to me – for a very long minute there,
It felt like something real.

April 11, 2019

With Feelings

by Swati Jain, posted in Whimsical Chatters

It’s funny how it begins,
Submissively at first,
Turning perversely willful,
These traitorous feelings.

Planting seeds of daisies,
Sunflowers and happy things,
Suddenly taking centerstage,
Deceitful to my brain.

But, with the change in moon,
The readings of the tarot,
Or perhaps, someone very confused,
I am back here – to begin again.

I close my eyes,
And think of a place,
Think of a time,
Think of a day.

On some floor on the stairs,
While the Eiffel glittered.
On that little edge,
Overlooking the whole of Hallstatt.

In the rush of the coaster,
That water slide and the jump.
Or in that moment,
In daze at Disneyland.

Sitting in the lavender fields,
Or the first look at my fresh peonies,
I close my eyes,
and slowly smile.

April 7, 2019

Would you travel to a country for its food?

by Swati Jain, posted in Whimsical Chatters

Ever since I can remember, I have walked into restaurants – around the world – and announced several times while ordering, loudly might I add, “I am vegetarian”. This is often followed by, “Can you make sure there is no fish sauce” to “please no chicken broth” and still finding bits of unknown “not veggies, for sure” floating in my food.

Travelling as a vegetarian has its difficult moments – especially if you want an “authentic” cuisine experience of the place. But it is still travel, an enormous privilege, I remind myself as I pack some extra packs of cuppa noodles and biscuits. Sure, it sometimes takes away from the pleasure of not having the 360* experience of a country, but I’d never travel for a cuisine – unless it’s to Chandni Chowk in Delhi.  

There’s so much more to travel than just the cuisine. Food, for me, is never in a concern while travelling. It is the visual culture that becomes the determining factor – things I’d get to see, experience and learn about. Places with history intrigue me – so while there really wasn’t much to eat for me in the little town of Wolfgangsee (Austria), there was much to see, much to cherish – and let’s not forget there were raindrops on the roses.

Travel for me is an invitation to a new perspective, and what makes me pick the country to visit is the weather, the culture, my budget, the cost of the tickets (high in seasons, obviously) and recommendations from people I trust. I have chosen countries purely because they had Disneyland (Hong Kong) or the Northern Lights or just endless museums and stunning architectural wonders (Versailles, Russia, Estonia, Prague) – because that is where I wanted to be.

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You know the painting we drew as kids – the one with the house, and mountains and the river and some trees? I guess I was drawing a bad imitation of Hallstatt, Austria #Austria #travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #travelcommunity #exploretocreate #roamtheplanet #theglobewanderer #exploremore #traveldeeper #welltraveled #CNTraveler #passionpassport #girlswhotravel #girlsabroad #girlslovetravel #currytraveler #wearetravelgirls #darlingescapes #sheisnotlost #dametraveler #citizenfemme #ladiesgoneglobal #thetravelwomen #femmetravel #girlsborntotravel #girlaroundworld  #guardiantravelsnaps #makemoments #stayandwander #livecolorfully @she.travelz @fourtrippers @moodygrams @girlsborntotravel @girlscreating @travelbloggeres @passportsmatter

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There is a different greener side of the grass – no matter how you see it. Being a vegetarian, for me, actually opens up doors of several conversations in different broken languages with confused servers and dumb-founded chefs all over the world. Not that it ever stopped me or my backpack full of cuppa-noodles and biscuits from travelling.

Originally written for: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/would-you-travel-to-a-country-for-its-food

Back Again

by Swati Jain, posted in Whimsical Chatters

I’ve always been a little daft,
When it comes to the matters of the heart.
Like a slowly drowning raft,
Building my house of glass and cards.

I promise myself, jaded,
This time, I’ll take a step back.
Standing in the wardrobe of my feelings, raided,
Dumb-founded, I’m here again.

Surprising myself, I’m not worried,
I know I’ll start again.
My best friends, bunches of peonies,
Sea water and a little time again.

March 23, 2019

La La Land

by Swati Jain, posted in Poems, Whimsical Chatters

Like a nagging thought 
That refuses to rest,
Always on the team for love,
I’m on crossroads with myself.

Long drives with longer chats,
Green teas with minted laughs.
Stolen kisses in the theatre and garage,
You make my knees weak.

That intentional stare,
And that knowing grin,
Constantly on my mind,
I’m on crossroads with myself. 

You say you are bound-
Restricted by time,
Laying down all your cards,
Telling me exactly what it’s like.

In my head, 
I recite speeches,
Endless monologues,
I’m on crossroads with myself.

I repeat to no end,
Confused in vary words,
Happy, but dumbfounded,
And lost to mindless babbles.

Then on this pen and paper,
With my insistent need to tell,
I jot down all the reasons why –
I’m on crossroads with myself.

A plane of advice,
Of what Tennyson had said-
Better to have loved and lost,
Than never have loved at all.

I’ll lay out all my cards,
And finally say,
everything that’s been said-
I’ve been on crossroads with myself.

Time-bound –
I get it,
Your cards –
I have read.

You charm me when you’re around,
And enchant me when you’re not,
But I want us a name,
And I want to see you around.

I want more of you dancing
To insane peppy tunes,
I want to keep you talking,
And shaking your head like a buffoon.

I cannot be treacherous,
To my hearts beat,
Because I really like you,
It’s more than ‘seeing’ to me.

February 17, 2019

Charades

by Swati Jain, posted in Poems, Whimsical Chatters

Close your eyes,
And guess how I look at you.
Shut your ears,
And hear everything I say.
Hold my hands tight,
And then let me go, too.
Let me kiss you till our knees weaken,
But, don’t build any feelings.

The curtain has pulled up –
And my eyes, they’ll say volumes.
The stage has been set,
Because my words, they will confuse you.
This charade that we are in,
This temporary haven of bliss –
Let me kiss you till our knees weaken,
But, really, babe, don’t build any feelings.

March 3, 2019