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.

Whimsical Chatters: Things over Experience

What is an experience? It is an encounter that leaves an impression. And what makes an experience so great? It’s the memories of the experience. Maybe it’s just me, but I have a very questionable memory – and science (and psychology) says, that we change a memory every time we recall it – so are experiences still a greater treasure?

While I’m not exactly like Rebecca Bloomwood from Confessions of a Shopaholic, hoarding unopen things (I repeat, not exactly), but I do tend to fall in love with things.

For a really long time, every time I looked longingly at a beautiful leather bag in bright green with a big price tag, I felt bad for feeling materialistic, but does pining for a pretty green thing, make me materialistic?

Things can make you happy too, for myriad reasons, that have nothing to do with being materialistic. Perhaps it’s the thrill of saving up for a special item that I have wanted to own – which also reminds me of my achievements. I could have gone to a fine dining restaurant and easily spent the amount there, but unlike that quick delectable experience who’s flavour I would have altered by the next morning, the thing would have stayed for much longer.

Things and experiences, go hand in hand. Sometimes you need the things to help jolt your memory and make you remember good times. They don’t need to be expensive things either – a seashell from a beach can be just as precious as a Givenchy lipstick. Look at things like sources of experiences, a single object you look at our own that alters your life. Whether its souvenirs from travel, your childhood home or just the little bouquet of fresh flowers you bought yourself.

My mom collects a lot of things and a lot of experiences. But, if you ask her, her most treasured memory or item, it will have to be my grandma’s old earrings, these beautiful blue jhumki from when my grandma was a little girl. Every time she wears them, she has an extra skip in her step, maybe because it makes her feel closer to her mum and definitely because she is looking good in them. Ultimately, whether it’s the memories of her mother or the beauty of the jewellery, it makes her happy.

“If I buy a book, for example, I buy it to go on some intellectual experience. Take me away with a good story or some new ideas! That’s an experience, right? Or is it stuff, because you wind up with that physical book at the end? Does the distinction really matter? — The Simple Dollar

It is up to you to decide what makes you happy – whether its experience of the things or the things from the experience.

 

Originally written for Wknd in Khaleej Times

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!)

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

Confessions (of some kind) of a Clothes Hoarder

Imagine it is a cold, windy day, and you are walking around the stores and then suddenly you see something on one of the store windows that calls your name. You look at that item of clothing – I’m not going to get too specific here- and you know it belongs in your wardrobe. You go in, and ‘click-click’, ‘swiiish’ and a very mental ‘kachiiiiing’ later, it’s yours. Packed in a bag, sometimes wrapped in tissue, that item is yours. Sounds exactly like the first scene of Confessions of a Shopaholic? Well, welcome to my life.

‘The Confessions of Shopaholic Swati‘ will be saved for another time, but today, we discuss a very dire problem at hand – my out of control habit of hoarding clothes that are absolutely unnecessary, completely out of style and don’t even fit me properly. In many normal cases, this wouldn’t be a problem, but here- I’m a shopaholic who continues to buy clothes, likes not to get rid of the things she already has, therefore, continues to dig herself a larger hole to fall into with her clothes.

You would think that writing this post would make me realize that I have a problem and probably do something about it, like – I don’t know, clear my closet out? I am sincerely hoping for a similar outcome.

In this day and age, everyone tends to clean out their wardrobes, donate to the poor and wear out what they own. This way, every year, if not every season, most (normal) people tend to get rid of what they haven’t worn in a while. I’ve often tried to do the same- and with a lot of determination, but most of the time, I’ve gotten rid of maybe 5, at most 9 things – which were mostly clothes that were getting too hole-y for my benefit. And for me to get rid of that many things in a single sitting is a lot.

I guess that would have been fine had I been wearing them alternatively, but there are a some that just sit in a huge lot- taking up space and never being touched – except when I’m cleaning my closet (which is a full day task, btw) and they need to be refolded and colour coded.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had a very serious mental debate over and over again about this. And the only sound reasoning (I use the term ‘sound reasoning’ very loosely in this sense) that I could probably relate to was that I get emotionally to attached to my clothes.

Have you seen the episode from The Middle (Season 2, Episode 18) where the Hecks are spring cleaning, and there is a broken set of hair curlers that Sue owns but refuses to throw them because (gulp) they might have had feelings? Now, I not saying my clothes have feelings, but I bought them with so much feeling and love that I really, really don’t want to part with them – nevermind the fact that they still have their tag on and I only bought them because the salesgirl was too nice or too mean.

I have a friend, Nicole who is a stylist and a fellow shopaholic. I don’t even need to prove the fact that she for sure shops more than I do. But, as a rule, she always clears out (donate what she doesn’t need or wear) her closet every season. And recommends doing the same.

 

Would you do it? Would you throw away the clothes you handpicked with a lot of love? Do you get emotionally attached to your clothes? Do you have nothing to wear? Tell me I’m not alone…

Exploring Beirut Souks

Earlier in April, I traveled to Lebanon for 4 days. While I spent the other days around Lebanon- I spent the last day exploring Beirut. And you haven’t exactly been to Beirut if you haven’t explored Beirut Souks.

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Little Black Dress: A Basic Wardrobe Necessity

There she struts in her Little Black Dress. Obviously, the rooster in our hen pack. All the glares, looks of envy, lust for the dress all of it followed her. She walked with her head high, in that Little Black Dress.  Confidence flowing like water tides at night, eyes tracing every step she made. Such is the effect of that Little Black Dress.

Little Black Dress, its ubiquity is such that it is often simply referred to as the “LBD”, has the most important corner in every woman’s wardrobe. Every woman looks great wearing it, and every woman has her own. It is the default date ensemble when it is one of those “I have nothing to wear” days.

Nothing in this world is consistent or for “forever”, nothing but the Little Black Dress. A fashion anomaly, the concept of the little black dress never changes, much unlike the trend-crazed industry. Through the years, the little black dress has undergone hemline, shoulder, strap and fabric variations and this season is no different.

There’s a history to everything. There is always of how something began and so does LBD. It was during the 20’s that the legendary fashion designer Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel first stitched her name into the history of women’s clothing design. In fact, Chanel’s designs are often considered to be the epitome of the 20’s style because her work was so fresh, modern, and updated. . Coco Chanel’s creation of a LBD in 1920’s became a commandment for the women worldwide.  And since then, little black dress has become the epitome of timeless fashion.  She intended it to be long-lasting, versatile, affordable, accessible to the widest market possible and in a neutral color. Before her amazing introduction of these life savers, the color black was merely a color of mourning.

Audrey Hepburn, known for her beauty and amazing taste in fashion, took the trend to a completely new level. She was spotted in LBDs throughout her movie, ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’. The trend of LBDs still lives in both Hollywood and Bollywood. Be it Jennifer Aniston, Blair Waldorf or Sofia Vergarar all of whom seem to have a soft corner for LBDs when it comes to dressing right. (Blair Waldorf. Always Blair Waldof.). Studies show, that the most common clothing reformed, used and innovated is usually a Little Black Dress, as in it still remains the most favorable clothing of a woman.

People have misconceptions that a LBD only looks well on thin, slim, beautiful and hour-glass figures. Well, like I said- it’s a misconception. LBDs have a magic and charm of suiting every woman, irrespective of their shape, size and figure. They have this aura of making every woman wearing them look like a true beauty.  Not only does it make a woman a lady it also makes her look slimmer and taller.

Choosing the right LBD is an important, important task. SMediaometimes, the LBDs chosen wrongly can you make one look like a complete disaster.  So choosing the right LBD is important. They have magic and charm, yes but choosing correctly is a crucially important.  Here are some tips (from the real pros) to remember while shopping your perfect LBD-

• For Bottom Heavy– choose a little black dress that skims over the lower half of the body. Fuller skirts, disguise heavy hips, while showing off the waist. A fitted halter or strapless silhouette — which accents a trim upper body — is very flattering for bottom-heavy figures.
• Flabby Arms– The trick is to keep the sexy element with embellishment or peekaboo cutouts on the little black dress. The long-sleeve dress covers up, but has plenty of sex appeal thanks to a square neckline and shoulder chain detail.
• Petite– Look for a dress with a lot of shape and is scaled just right for your figure. Avoid too-cutesy looks (like puffed sleeves or giant bows) so you won’t look little girlish.
• Plus Size– Just because your figure has curves doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a pretty little black dress. Show some skin and enjoy the flattering capabilities of a tiered dress
• Unattractive legs– Don’t want to show off your legs? You can still look gorgeous in a little black dress, instead of hiding your legs in pants. Try wearing a longer skirt (mid-calf or longer)
• Wide Shoulders– You don’t need to hide your upper body in a little black dress if you have wide shoulders. Instead, look for body-balancing details like the trendy asymmetrical neckline. Avoid puffy sleeves or voluminous tops paired with slim bottoms that will exaggerate your shoulder width.
• Thick Waist– Disguise a thick waist in a little black dress by either raising, lowering or eliminating the waistline. A drop-waist dress, which hits somewhere around the hipbones, or empire waist dresses which have a raised waist are other good choices.
• Full Busts– Balance a top-heavy figure in a little black dress by opting for the most flattering necklines for the full bust: the V-neck, square neck, wrap or portrait style. Look for fabrics that skim (jersey is good), but aren’t clingy or too stiff. Also, avoid ornate necklines, embellished bodices and blouson styles.
• Small Bust- Most clothing actually hangs better on women with smaller busts, but if you want to add more volume up top look for embellishment or fullness on the bust. Strapless are usually flattering in such cases!
• Too thin (this one’s for my best friend) – If your body lacks natural curves, add feminine presence with fullness. You can also pump up the volume with extra details like full sleeves, ruched waist, layers and ruffles.

Is choosing the type of LBD all? Of course not! It’s like how Coco Chanel said- Scheherazade is easy. The little black dress is hard. Now, that you know what TYPE to choose, let me give you ideas to accessorizing ideas to match with your LBD. When it comes to jewelry to go with LBD, some women tend to keep it old school with pearls. Many, nowadays, are inclined towards their best friends- diamonds. Black handbags are well suggested. Black sequined handbags- even better! Don’t go rainbow with your LBD. Bracelets- in white gold/ pearls work. Please avoid yellow gold. Yellow gold and LDBs just don’t gel. Dress shoes- now that’s where you can go a little bonkers. Just a little, though. Keep them black. No sport shoes. Ballerina flats work for some. But shoes with little heels are a better option. Stockings also work. Do shrugs work? Yes. But the color and the type of shrug depends on the type of your dress.

LBDs will never run out of trend, runway and fashion. They are rather an investment for the future. So, don’t think so much. You like it, it suits you, THEN BUY IT! Otherwise, you’ll be repenting it later. After all, don’t our elders always keep on telling- Invest your money on things that work. And trust me, Little Black Dress will ALWAYS work!

 

Oh and one last PRO tip to buying the LBD that suits you: Whenever shopping for that Little Black Dress, always ask yourself- What Would Blair Waldorf Say? 

An Ideal Match: Women and their Shoes

During that one distressing day when nothing goes your way, when you’re confident has hit the lowest point, when nothing seems to be pretty enough anymore?  That’s when shoes step in. Walking around the town, totally depressed and one look at those beautiful heels and I’m all for it.

Recent studies have shown that a woman’s “shoe obsession disorder” (personally, it’s really not a disorder or obsession but rather a necessity) can really boost her career. Shopping for shoes is an exhilarating experience. These were the lines of a journalist, I’d read somewhere.

Men who aren’t “shoe fetishists” (seriously- who comes up with such terms?), find it hard to swallow and understand the deep relationship a woman and her shoes have.

Remember Cinderella? The one with her glass slipper (clearly a symbol of virginity, by the way), pumpkin ride and rats for horses? Well, it wasn’t that Cinderella’s step sisters and all the other girls in town were after the Prince Charming, they were only in it for the glass slipper. Believe it or not, shoes has always been just something women love. Many actresses, also, confess to owning several pairs of foot wears. One for everything. Be it Keira Knightly, Penelope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, Kareena Kapoor.

The growth in the sales of shoes is always rising whether come the recession or drought (you are getting the drift right?). Studies and sale reports show that while the sale of everything had hit up a bottom line, being the recession and all, the sale for footwear has gone up compared to earlier years! Shoes can cost a fortune; yet while money itself does not bring happiness, pair of new shoes brings on a kind of exaltation.

But what is about shoes that us women really love? Unlike clothes, shoes have a distinct advantage. Whether you’re fat or thin, short or tall, beautiful or ugly, you can buy all the shoes your heart desires. They are capable of making you feel sexy, elegant or sporty at a single stroke. In other words, feet don’t have hips, feet don’t have thighs. Feet are our friends. High heels make women look more appealing. Wearing them not only makes woman’s legs look longer, but changes her whole posture and make her carry herself differently. Of course, it stands true only if a woman knows how to walk on high heels properly. Making wide steps and having knees and back bent doesn’t make anyone sexier.

Everything has a biological reason, and surprisingly so does the obsession of buying and wearing footwear. First of all, shopping is always such an amazing mood buster! You can be tired, exhausted, angry, hurt or anything, the sun couldn’t shine but you’d know when nothing else is around, shopping is what will stay with you, always. Well, here goes the biological reason- “The neurotransmitter dopamine is released, providing a feel-good high, similar to taking a drug, The dopamine increases until you swipe your debit card.” says Martin Lindstrom, a branding expert. Usually, that’s when the guilt steps in, except when the item you’re purchasing are shoes! “Shoppers rationalize shoes as a practical buy — something they can wear multiple times a week — so they hold on to that pleasurable feeling longer,” says Lindstrom. Buying new footwear stimulates an area of the brain’s prefrontal cortex termed the collecting spot.

Our intimate relationship with shoes begins shortly after we learn to walk. As soon as we want to feel “grown-up,” we slip on a pair of our mother’s shoes, preferably high heels, instantly heightening our sense of what it means to be female. And then what happens? We grow up and get to be the same size as Mummy and our personality begins to assert itself with the first independent purchase of shoes. As adults, we ask shoes to be our representatives. At any given moment, they are indicators of our age, mood and desires. Whenever my mom and I go for “shoe shopping spree”, my dad just shakes his head and keeps on murmuring, “This is insane”. And when after we buy what we require and we didn’t, he just sorts of ignore our little obsession. After all, he can’t really do anything about family, can he?

When you’re also a woman, what are the first two things you notice about another woman? It is the clothes and the footwear. The type of footwear you wear defines the type of person you are, sort of like character analysis. Collecting different types of footwear, types include color, heel length, design, etc, etc. isn’t anything wrong. Buying a different type of footwear stimulates in us that mini-adrenaline rush similar to that of a stamp collector when acquires a rare find.

To sum it up, there are so many outfits we wear so repeating shoes isn’t quite a possibility now, is it?