Carrie Bradshaw – New Quarantine Muse?

I always thought I was a Charlotte – despite my career is basically what Samantha does – I was convinced between the either – at least I wasn’t a Miranda. Maybe a Carrie – since I do like to write, especially when I’m sitting by my window, staring out and writing.

But this whole quarantine situation seems to have thrown everything in the gutter. After living in my rotating set of PJs for three weeks straight, I’m starting to really get bored and want to dress up – even if it’s for myself and my parents. And while I’m still doing the work that Samantha does (professionally, not you know what she mostly did on the show), I’m looking at fashion’s late 90s muse – Carrie Bradshaw on the secrets of quarantine dressing.

Carrie was a risk-taker when it came to her outfits – she dared combinations I still wouldn’t exactly wear – but as a freelance writer working from her Upper East Side apartment, she was often at home in from of her MacBook – and dressed to the toe. While her problems revolved around what to wear to brunch and when would Big come around and not social distancing and self-quarantine, there is still inspiration to be found in her wardrobe.  

With very little casual moments in everything that Carrie wore – even if it was for a grocery run or sitting down by the window to write her column. In an effort to find some joy in the new normal – here’s to embracing dressing up like Carrie.


For the Balcony:

While it’s no Parisian balcony with the Eiffel Tower in view, it’s a balcony – in the wild outdoors. Mix it up, put on a dress, maybe colour – and brush that beautiful mane.

For the Kitchen:

Bring out the checkered-shirts that you haven’t worn, matched unmatched PJs or add a pair of red heels to the outfit to make the drinking, I mean – cooking more fun!

For the Virtual Dinners in the living room:

Adding a little effort – maybe breaking in the big gowns, something with glitter, poofy sleeves, a giant flower broach or a tutu-skirt number for the surprise virtual dancing!

For the grocery runs:

Sure it might not be Manolo-s that you are going out for, but the grocery run every other day – could be the time to shine. Even elevate the simple capri and loose top with a pair of heels and a bandana. Bring out the pattern on pattern and the shiny belts you saved for some reason!

For the working out or athe-leisure dressing:

For someone who looked the way she did, Carrie didn’t do a lot of working out. So off-shoulder sweat shirt with pearls and mascara it is.

For the work video conferences:

I have seen those unfortunate videos of toilet sitting and no-pants *cringe* so, make a little desk – perhaps by the window. Add in a (faux) fur jacket, a headband or a bandana, a pearl necklace or just a cozy knit – add the chic in conferences that could be an email.

Fashion’s ‘IT’ Instagram Girls You Must Follow

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).

Make it Beige!

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.

Shopping: Contemporary Cotton Dresses from Indian-Based Brands

Summer clothing very easily translated into colourful cotton dresses that have the perfect flow and ease the pain of (not) putting on trousers. Especially when it comes to work wear (and let me remind you, I live in Dubai where it’s at least 40* Celsius), there is nothing more I love than just putting on an easily fitted dress that is soft, comfortable and looks nice.

Since you don’t know me too well, and I’d like really like you to, I’m a shopaholic – I can shop in stores and online – you know how everyone has that one friend who is exactly like the lead of Confession of a Shopaholic? I’m literally that friend for all my friends. But, that’s a whole other post and coming back to the point, I started researching and well, shopping.

I stumbled upon these incredible Indian brands that do amazing contemporary summer dresses that look good and make you feel good.

Continue reading “Shopping: Contemporary Cotton Dresses from Indian-Based Brands”

Flower By Kenzo – The Poppy Story

I know, another fragrance story, what’s going on, Swati? But, as I mentioned in my previous post about the LOEWE 001 Perfumes, it’s very often that I end up reading about stories or inspirations behind different things. This time, it was the Poppy – of KENZO Parfum’s Flower By Kenzo.

 

Not many know, but, the flower Poppy doesn’t actually have a smell. It is a flower that is scentless – can you imagine that? I mean a flower usually stands for two things: pretty colours and an amazing sweet smell. But, here’s one flower, that looks really delicate, really pretty and really simple – and there is no smell.

The KENZO Parfum team briefed their noses (people who create the scent), that here’s this flower – that doesn’t have a smell – your job today, is to give it a scent. Create a perfume that depicts the flower. The kind of smell that when it’s in the air, people automatically associate it with the Poppy. Now, I’m not saying that was the exact conversation, it must have been in French, or Japanese – I’m not sure. But, this is how it went in my head.

And with that, here we are. They create a scent – exclusive to the poppy. I, genuinely, came across it as a kid – I always had this really thin, tall bottle that smelled like flowers. Even the bottle design, is delicate and shaped like a poppy.

 

Since then, the brand has launched several distinct scents that remind of a different aspect of a poppy.

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LOEWE – Half of you, half of me, half of us

I work as PR in a luxury firm in Dubai, and often in my work, I come across lovely little stories of brands. Don’t get me wrong- I’m not trying to make a pitch here. It’s something very simple, but it easily calls to my heart – especially if there is a little bit of love in this story involved.

It started something like this – we were gifting a few things, and we included the LOEWE 001 fragrances in it. In the bags, we put men and women’s. Curiosity (and frugality) got the best of me and I asked why did we need to put both? We could conquer much more gifting if we just gifted based on the receiver’s gender. I really didn’t think there’d be a story to it. But, here goes:

The fragrant pair is both notable for their freshness and calming scents. After a little reading, I read that the brand says that, “Two unique fragrances, Man and Woman, created at the same time. Two accomplice fragrances, non-existent one without the other, in constant conversation … Perfectly complementary, when they are combined together, the two fragrances create a third scent.”

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So, in simpler words – both the scents share 50% of the same ingredients and 50% different ingredients – just like how a couple is – similar but different, but together, they compliment each other.

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Spring Accessories

In Dubai, the winter season is usually our spring, and our spring, summer and fall is all summer. Which makes pretty much the entire year to be beach-friendly. Pulling together my (some-wish) list of all the favourite Spring accessories to spot this season – here’s my selection. (Warning- there’s a lot of straw!)

Swatiness Spring Edits

One –Soludos Ciao Bella Smoking Espadrilles • Soludos • $75

Two- Straw Circle Bag • $75

Three- CULT GAIA Mini-Ark Handbag • Cult Gaia • $128

Four – All Things Mochi Aitana Earrings • $60

Five – Kate Spade New York Indi Slides • Kate Spade • $78

Six – Loewe Barcelona Small Grain Leather Crossbody Bag • Loewe • $1,750

Seven –Loeffler Randall Lulu Block Heel Mule • Loeffler Randall • $350

Eight – Castañer – Carina Canvas Wedge Espadrilles – Ivory • Castaner • $120

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Blair Waldorf: Headbands you would steal!

It might have been 5 years since the last of Gossip Girl aired, but Blair Waldorf still comes in every conversation. The show might have started with all headlights on Serena Van der Woodsen, but Leighton Meester’s character easily stole the show and became everyone’s favourite character and reason to sticking till the end.

She easily won over people through her scheming, sad puppy eyes, biting one-liners, her raw vulnerability and love for Chuck. Not one to blend in a crowd, every single outfit stood out and became a statement piece. And boy, oh boy, could she pull a headband – any headband.

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Shop similar looks here:

 

Source: Jennifer Behr Nova Bandeaux embellished headband by Jennifer Behr

 

 

 

 

 

Source: Unskilled Worker silk headband by Gucci

 

 

 

Source: Rosantica Corte Gold-Tone Brass and Pearl Headband by Rosantica

 

 

 

Source: Gucci Silk satin headband by Gucci

 

 

 

 

Source: Anthropologie Rose Headband by Anthropologie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: BENOÎT MISSOLIN Seville headband by Benoit Missolin

Walk-in Wardrobes you can live in!

Day-dreaming and looking for interior goals seem to be my favourite hobby, that I didn’t know I was so fond of. So while looking for inspirations of what my wardrobe would like, if you know I had the money to turn a whole room (or two) into a wardrobe, I stumbled upon some beautiful walk-in wardrobes that you could literally live in.

Keep it clean and simple: Swatiness- Walk in Wardrobes 26

A little island with a lot of neatly hung racks. But, where do I put my shoes?Swatiness- Walk in Wardrobes 25

This super white work/closet space. Swatiness- Walk in Wardrobes 24

A little royal ambience might just be the way to do it. Swatiness- Walk in Wardrobes 21Swatiness- Walk in Wardrobes 20Swatiness- Walk in Wardrobes 19

Something like this totally works for me. Swatiness- Walk in Wardrobes 23

A little goth never hurt anyone! Swatiness- Walk in Wardrobes 16

This is very lovely on the light! Swatiness- Walk in Wardrobes 12

This is one for the dreams:Swatiness- Walk in Wardrobes 11

Dark and sexy!

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Pastel haven?

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I love how much colour there is. Swatiness- Walk in Wardrobes 4

This might be too small for my impromptu dances, but still bigger than the one I’m working with.

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This is perfeccccct. Swatiness- Walk in Wardrobes 2

This is so super organized, I doubt mine will look this way very long. Swatiness- Walk in Wardrobes 1

Winter Essentials!

I’m dreaming about my December holiday and planning on where to go for the long weekend (it’s four days long!). And while I want to escape to somewhere cold and snowy, I’m already planning my wardrobe, especially since I saw & Other Stories’ AW 17 Campaign!

Sharp checks, faux fur, and a flash of white — freshen up your seasonal wardrobe with a new range of Autumn Winter essentials by & Other Stories. From city-chic boots to the return to the hobo, & Other Stories will keep you looking effortlessly trendy this season.

& Other Stories’ new campaign takes inspiration from Paris

The City of love, the city of Light has always been the life of every party, with everyone dressed in black. Presenting a collection of the nocturnal shade, & Other Stories’ newest collection is ‘From Paris, With Love’.

Eiffel Tower in others’ Instagram Pictures

It’s easy to find myself dreaming of Paris by just looking at my Instagram quickly when I’m taking a break from my laptop at work. So, while I’m taking a break and wanderlusting of Paris, come on a quick inspirational journey to the Eiffel Tower with me.

 

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La vie en rose #kissinparis #kissinpariscom

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