Chiconomical

So a few months ago, I was contacted by Santosh, who is a writer to see if I would review his books. He has written quite a few and was gracious enough to send me 4 of them for review. Now I know its been long overdue, but the last couple of months have been hectic and it took a week of fever to get me to finally sort out all the old posts I've had lined up. Oh well, enough personal drama, lets talk about the first book I read, called Surrogate Author.

Now, I say book, but its almost like a little play. The premise is, the famous story of Devdas and his Paro (made rather mainstream by a certain Mr. SRK and his leading ladies) but instead, told from the point of view of a struggling writer. The book unfolds as a play over nine months (I love this little nod to how writing is almost like giving birth to a child), with each character having their own lines, and even a narrator. I really like the premise of the book. Truly, every struggling author has an almost poetic romance with his first book. Right?

While the premise held me till the end, the writing almost made me feel like throwing the book at a wall. I abhor incorrect grammar, especially in books and this book has a lot of issues in that sense. I cannot stand dialogue that is riddled with mistakes.

Onto the characters, I find it a little difficult to accept that one of the characters is a book. Yes, this would be fine but the fact that the book speaks, moves about and fights with the lead character, which all the other characters can see too (its not just in his mind, mind you) makes it a little weird for me. There is a scene where the book is described to be running through the house in joy. I cannot relate this to any real life scenario. I do understand that the writer has a certain creative liberty, I still wish it was a bit more realistic.

All in all, the book is a quick read (finished it on a single train journey to work) and an interesting take on the classic. If you can manage to ignore the writing issues, you should read it. If not for anything else, then just for the romance between a writer and his first book.

Mom always tells me I'm daddy's little girl. Right from sitting on his lap while he worked when I was about 5 to working alongside him at 25, dad and I have a special relationship, even if we fight an awful lot as we have very different personalities. Yes, I'm an only child, and some tell me that's why he dotes on you. But the real reason is much simpler. He's a dad. Every morning he makes me my get out of bed cup of Bournvita (yep, I'm a Bournvita girl) and does so many things for me throughout the day, everyday, I can't even begin to list them. So of course when Jabong asked me to come up with a list for Father's Day gift ideas, I readily agreed.

Now my father is a firm believer of the invest in quality rather than quantity (a little opposite to my philosophy). So when it comes to shopping for him, I don't mind spending the extra penny to get a good quality, long-lasting piece. He hates shopping and will always sacrifice his wardrobe budget for my crazy wishes. This just makes me wish I could give him all he things he missed out on while raising me and catering to my demands. Now don't get me wrong, he's one Dandy Dad, he'll try almost every quirky thing I get for him (even if he isn't always very comfortable with my choices at first). I've decided to list out all those things that dad's need pretty much everyday, but don't usually invest in.

Here's my list of Gifts ideas  for my #DandyDad from Jabong,

Dad has exactly two pairs of jeans and frankly, I think its time his denim diary had a new character. Tom Tailor was recently launched on Jabong and its got so many great washes I had to pick one from here.

As dad's gotten older, his eyesight isn't what it was, but he still refuses to invest in a good pair of glasses. These Ray Bans are something that would definitely inspire him. Do you have a Father who refuses to wear glasses? I suggest you check out the extensive eyewear range at Jabong, to pick the perfect pair to inspire him into wear them!


Okay, this is something dad never  buys without incessant nagging. At the moment, his shoes are almost falling apart at the seams, but he just doesn't seem to make time to get a new pair. These Ruosh pair are perfect and I know they'll last him for a long time!


Yet another thing he will never buy on his own, he usually just uses my old backpacks or laptop bags (thank god my chocies aren't extra girlie). For once, I'd love to gift him a bag that's 100% his own and he can take to on his short trips outside the city. This piece is a perfect Laptop bag and has those extra pockets for all his bits and pieces.


Finally, a man can never have enough well fitted shirts. I know my dad prefers buying them tailored, but this Tommy Hilfiger piece comes close to the perfect fit. In case you have problems trying to figure out what to gift dad, you can't go wrong with a classic white shirt!

And all of the above equals ....
So those are some of my essentials for dad this Father's Day to give dad a Perfect look. With so much choice over at Jabong, there's something for every #DandyDad look you might come up with! Go on, explore the numerous styles and come up with a unique look to gift your father! Remember, he has done so much for you, its time you give something back. And yes, you don't need an occasion to do it, but #FathersDay is a good excuse anyway!

Remember my post around a month ago where I talked about my Nioxin Experience? No? You can check it out here. Anyway, I promised you guys that I'll be telling you my experience with the take home kit, and here it is! I've been using the 3 part system for almost a month now, religiously. I have no used any other product apart from Nioxin on my hair.

The Nioxin Products are said to combat hair thinning and give thicker, fuller looking hair in just four weeks. After the dermabrasion treatement which is done in a salon, you are expected to use your take home kit everyday. This consists of a Cleanser, Revitaliser and Treatment. These come packaged in three different bottles. Lets break down my experience with each.

1. Cleanser Shampoo

This was my favorite of all the three parts. This works like any other shampoo and has a sweet yet pepperminty smell that I love. The shampoo lather up quite well and a normal coin sized amount works for even my long hair. I like the packaging and the clear liquid. All in all, I would probably use this in place of my normal shampoo.

2. Scalp Revitaliser

A scalp revitaliser is basically a conditioner for your scalp. I took some time in order to adjust to this concept of a scalp conditioner. I'm so used to getting the amount of conditioner required for my hair, I had to make a conscious effort to get just enough to use for the scalp. Also, I don't like that the dispenser is the same as the shampoo bottle but isn't really suited for a conditioner. The texture of the conditioner makes it much harder to get the product out, and frankly, this is quite off putting to me.
Oh, another problem I faced was that I couldn't get the conditioner out quickly. It took me almost 10 minutes everyday to just wash it off and this is yet another issue as you are expected to use the system everyday.

3. Scalp Treatment
Finally, after you're done with the shampoo and conditioning, you need to apply the scalp treatment, which is basically a leave-in serum onto the scalp. I love the little pump like packaging and its extremely easy to apply. However, just like the conditioner, this has to be applied by separating your hair into parts and frankly, it took a lot of time. I like that it isn't heavy on the hair and doesn't make it greasy as many leave-in serums tend to do.

And that's it folks. Following this 3-part system everyday (yes, you read that right!) can give you thicker, fuller hair. So you ask, apart from the above comments, how did I feel about the whole experience over the month?

First off, I do not like that we have to use this everyday. It takes a considerable amount of time and somehow I couldn't get used to the extra bath time. I don't like washing it everyday and there is an option where you can wash it every alternate day (but you have to shampoo twice) but somehow, I still can't justify the time spent. The Revitaliser takes has a considerable amount of time to apply and I wish there was some way that we just had a shampoo that would work as both.

Excuse the weird pictures

Secondly, lets talk about the effects. After a month, do I feel like I have fuller hair? Erm, no. I definitely feel that my scalp is cleaner. I like how my hair feels and it feels softer and shinier. Thinning? Yes, I don't think it has affected my problem areas all that much. I don't see a drastic change in my hair texture (refer my before n after images to see for yourself). If anything, I feel my ends are a bit dry thanks to the washing everyday. However, do I think this will work for someone with major thinning issues? Yes! My hair texture has degraded over the last couple of years and this is mainly due to stress. I think if you have thinning due to blockage of your hair follicles, this will definitely work

Will I continue using the Nioxin 3-part system?
No. I don't think I can continue using this. However, I think I will get the dermabrasion (more about that in my last post) along with the take home kit for those summer months where there is just too much pollution in the air. These are the days that I usually shampoo everyday anyway, so using this system works well into my routine. However, I firmly believe that if you stop using this, the effects of thicker, fuller hair, will stop.

Do I recommend the Nioxin System to You?
I suggest you should first get your hair checked by a professional in a Salon. You definitely shouldn't use it if you don't face hair thinning. I do believe it works, just that my hair thinning wasn't so drastic that I could actually feel the difference. However, do keep in mind that the treatment is a little heavy on the pockets (everything together with the in-salon treatment will cost you roughly around Rs. 5000). However, if you have severe thinning (which a lot of middle aged ladies face), I suggest you give Nioxin a try.

Final Verdict:
I'll give the product a 3/5. While I didn't see any drastic effects, it is still a good product for people with severe thinning. Also, considering that its one of the only products currently in the Indian market, that targets thinning hair (and not hairfall), I find that people would benefit with it.

Well, those were my quick tips to #ComeCloser to naturally radiant skin! What are yours? Do you do something else? Tell me in the comments below, I'd love to hear from you! 

White shirt? Who doesn't love a simple white shirt? Who doesn't own a white shirt (If you don't I suggest you go get one right now! Oh, and could you tell what you've been wearing all these years while you're at it?). Well, while we all own one (almost), its a little boring at times to wear it, simple because everyone has it. What is that quick fix you can do to make your white shirt look different from the sea of white. And trust me there is a lot of white out there in the summers. Well, the easiest fix is to pair it with a pair of interesting trousers. I know I'm a few years too late to the aztec print party, but in my defence, these trousers are worn so much they're always in the wash when its time to shoot. Somehow, I think the trousers give that little bit of oomph (or madness, whatever you prefer) to my plain old white shirt.

But sometimes, even a cool pair of pants isn't enough you say? Well, here's my super quick fix, at wearing the same white shirt+ printed jeans combo five different ways.

1. The Classic Tuck
The simplest, and most commonly used way to make things looks more clean and structured is the tuck it in the jeans. You can even try a half tuck to keep things a little more weekend casual. Add a little necklace, a pair of heels and you're all set to go attend that meeting, or travel in style. Of course, if you are travelling, I'd guess a pair of flats makes more sense.



2. Belt it Out
Belts are a great way to add an interesting dimension to your wardrobe. A simple untucked button down white shirt, can look different, just by adding a belt to it. You don't even have to be very posh about adding the belt, simply tuck and let the other end hang. Almost a little slouchy chic look. Oh, and an added bonus, if you work this with your boyfriend's button-down, you can hide all those little lumps you got from pigging out at dinner yesterday. W.i.n!


3. Knot it Up
Un-button the last two buttons at the end, and simply tie the ends in a knot. Its that ultimate weekend casual vibe. If you've worked hard for the summer ready tummy, this is a great way to flaunt it, without investing in those crop tops. Who needs a crop top when you've got a shirt right?


4. Layer the Goodness
Okay, are you one of those people who has to wear a vest under a shirt? (Shocked? I know atleast 6 girls who do this!). In that case, go bright, wear a bright vest and then add the shirt as almost an afterthought layer, a protection from the heat of summer.


5. Top it Up
Yes,  I know, you're probably wondering why I'm telling you to add another layer to the shirt. (Cue screams of its too hot here). But add a simple summer scarf or a very little jacket to a white shirt + jeans combo, to give it that unique little identity that's all you!



Tips to Keep in Mind while Buying A White Shirt:

• Fit, fit, fit! Fit is everything! A tailored white shirt will work well for all those office meetings, while an oversized shirt (you could just steal borrow it from your boyfriend) looks great for casual evenings. If you wear it to work, make sure you pair it with fitted bottoms.
• Buttons, a full button up or an open neck, figure out what you want!
• Sheerness. A white shirt that doesn't look sheer is great for the Indian weather, be sure to test it with the underwear you're planning to wear with it to make sure it doesn't give some muted signals that you can't see, but everyone else can! 
• Material. Yep, cotton, cotton blend, there's lots too choose from. Go for a material that won't loose structure after a few washes, a quick tip is to pull the end and see if it holds its shape.
• Pockets. Some shirts (like the one I'm wearing) have pockets on them and these are a personal favorite. However, if you don't wish to attract attention to the bust, I suggest you steer clear of these. 
• Finally, try out a few different styles that are on offer before you commit. I find white shirts to be an investment piece as they're always in style! So take your time to find the one (or more) you love and don't worry about the extra penny, cos they're well worth it!