Chiconomical

Fab Bag. Haven't heard about it? Well, you probably don't read many beauty blogs because over the last few months, Fab Bag reviews have become almost a religion. A Fab Bag is essentially a bag (well, its more like a pouch really), filled with full sized and sample sized luxury beauty products that you can try out for a fraction of the cost. Oh, and they're supposedly handpicked for each individual subscription. Sounds good right? Personally, I was never very fascinated with the descriptions of the bags till this month. Turns out, judging a bag by its description is a big mistake!


This month's Fab Bag has a theme of "Up Your Game". Well, you'd think it would have things that can help you improve your beauty regime right (Something that I really do need help with!). Wrong!!! This month's bag is essentially disconnected with what the theme suggests. The contents were random at best and the one (yes, for a beauty bag, I only got one makeup product) concealer I got, wasn't even my skintone. So much for "customised"!

Well, onto what all I received after a rather poor experience with their Customer Care (more on that later):

Lollipops Paris Matte Concealer - Ginger: Rs. 800



The most expensive and most disappointing item for me, this concealer is the wrong shade for me and has almost an orange undertone. The applicator gets stuck everytime I try to remove it which just becomes very frustrating. I shall try and use it soon, but overall I don't have much hope of using this in the future.

Kama Ayurveda Pure Rose Water: Rs. 250

I read that this month, you could choose your full size skincare product. Well, first of all, I wasn't ever asked for a choice and second of all, this wasn't communicated to me at all. However, this bottle is going to come in quite handy for those long days that just call for a little rose water sprayed over my eyes (read ever alternate day these days).

Ayorma Fairness & Cell Renew Night Cream: Rs. 195

I don't have much of a skincare routine (I can just hear the gasps right now) so this little tub is a nudge to start a nightly routine. I like that its natural but I still have no verdict on the results. I shall write my views once I've used it for a week or so.

Seasoul Dead Sea Minerals & Botanicals Massage Candle: Rs. 300

By far the most interesting thing in this month's bag. A massage candle...Erm, confused? Yep. So here's what it is. Basically, its a candle that you light and enjoy aroma associated with those spas we all love...and once the candle melts, you use the oil for a massage for the full spa experience. I like how its almost a whole spa in a tiny glass. I haven't lit it yet, but it smells great (yes, I smelled the box multiple times, just trying to make the most of the scent lingering there cos you know, that's the way the cool kids do it).

Links à la Mode, November 12

• Afternoon Glow: Style Confession | I’m Basic
• Audrey Can: I’m Over it. If You’re Tired of Hearin’ Me Talkin’ About It. Deal With It.
• Cammeo Head to Toe: Adventures in Shopping | Tour de Couture LA
• Celebrities, Accessories, and Gossip: Fashion Inspiration | Mad Hatters
• Chiconomical: 4 Diwali Outfits for the Girl Who Doesn’t Like Traditional Outfits
• Christy Moeller: How to Wear a Blanket Scarf
• Fashion Blender: A Sustainable High Tea with The Helm Agency
• Fashionopolis: My Sneaker Story | Converse Made by You
• Fixin to Thrill: Friday Fix | Balmain X H&M
• From the Soles Up: One Look, Two Ways | Life is Not a Photo Shoot!
• Happy. Pretty. Sweet.: What to Wear on Thanksgiving
• Hey Just Jei: Alternative Places to Donate Your Used Clothing (Other than Thrift Shops)
• KP Fusion: 3 Things You Must Master For Blogging Success
• Kremb de la Kremb: In English, Make Sure You Say “Please” and “Thank You”
• Life in the Fash Lane: Blogger 101 | Refresh your Blogging Attitude
• Modavracha: Mixing Patterns with Lace on Plaid
• Mornings with Madge: 15 Tips for Thrift Shopping Success
• Pumps & Studz: Confidence & A Kick Ass Red Lipstick
• Rafa’s POV: Get Stylish Wearing Sneakers
• The Heart’s Delight: Leggings Are Not Pants

SPONSOR: Shopbop Carven, BB Dakota Jackets, Giuseppe Zanotti Sneakers, KC Designs, The Third Piece, xSEL, cupcakes and cashmere Dresses, Slip On Sneakers, Black Backpacks, Men's Parkas

Light up the lamps! Diwali is just round the corner and that means lots of food, fashion and lights everywhere. You've probably noticed the mad rush in every shop around town (think an over crowded train during peak hours, but in a store). Personally, I spent some time trying to shop for an outfit and then a day trying to stuff everything I own into my closet without creating a mess (hasn't really worked out that well honestly).

Anyway, my closet woes aside, since we're just a few hours from Diwali, I figured it was time I put up a post for all those girls who don't like traditional outfits, or like me, haven't gotten around to buying a diwali outfit (thanks life for keeping me extra busy). Well, usually, every girl has atleast a couple of Indian outfits hidden somewhere, most of them bought with a mom who guilts you into buying them for a wedding or a related traditional family occasion.

Personally, I have a few hundred punjabi dresses bought for different weddings and a few lehengas for those wedding where I can't cheat with a simple salwar kameez. Another thing I can't digest is that many outfits don't reflect my personal style. So I decided, this diwali I decided to do #TraditonMyWay and thought why not simply shop in my closet and come up with a few ideas that work for the contemporary, modern, hard working girl who doesn't like taking the conventional road. (Or you're just too lazy to go shop, that's absolutely fine too you know).

Either way, I know everyone wants to go out and say, I did #TraditionMyWay. So here are my ideas for mixing things to make your Diwali style your own. Oh, and incase you want to get a similar look, I have links for similar items online at Jabong (since most of my pieces are vintage)!

1. The Kurti/Maxi/Skirt Lover
Long shirt dresses in Indian prints make diwali happier. If you love you're kurtis but want to give them a quick referesh, or if you're a maxi skirt lover (like me) but don't want to go the lehenga way, you can pair them up. I wore a shirt dress in a kitschy print with a silk maxi skirt (part of my old lehenga) to get a quirky new look for Diwali.






Pair the outfit with boots to give it a little extra edge. You can even swap the Indian handbag with a office bag (thinks structured totes or satchel bags) to give it a quick indo-western twist.

2. The Classic Dress Lover
So you love wearing your typical western dresses and pencil skirts and wouldn't think of covering you're gorgeous legs with a salwar or leggings or bottoms for Diwali? Well, just a few accessories and a kitschy cropped Jacket with embroidery/beaded motifs and you're all set for diwali. Add a bindi for extra quirk factor.


3. The Blazer Lover
Yes, you're a powerhouse and strong businesswoman. You wouldn't dream of taking the day off on Diwali and will probably wear your blazer to a meeting even on the holiday. Or, maybe blazers are your thing and trademark style. Well, add a little softness to the strong look by replacing you're pencil skirt with a long, flowy maxi skirt.



4. The Jeans Lover
This is probably every girl I know. Well, while you always have the Indian kurti route, pair a traditional choli or croptop with your jeans. You can even add a leather biker jacket (which I wanted too, but frankly mumbai is too hot for any leather use) to make the look more edgy. A interesting back always makes for a better outfit.





You can even wear a pair of palazzo pants or culottes for a more relaxed look.

My Tips for putting together a Quick Last Minute Diwali Outfit:

• Mix and match a traditional outfit set to get a new look. You don't always have to wear all the pieces of a Indian outfit together. Pair that old dupatta from your lehenga with a simple kurti to give it added sparkle. 
• If you think you're outfit is too boring, look for addon pieces with interesting embroidery/motifs. 
• A simple outfit with an interesting back can still dazzle people. When buying Indian separates, look for pieces with that one element that makes them unique. Then dress to highlight that element.
• If you think you don't want to invest in a new outfit, just pile on the accessories. They're cheaper and the right pairing can give your old tshirt and jeans a whole new look (Think oxidised jewellery, vintage neckpieces and stacks of bangles)
• Want a traditional outfit without buying a whole piece? Wear your classic LBD/LWD with a pair of contrast leggings and a printed dupatta to get a whole new punjabi dress! Yep, its that simple. 
• Don't be afraid to mix western pieces with Indian ones. Just make sure you're wearing something that's comfortable and goes with your personal style. 
• Finally, don't forget, Diwali is a time to share joy and happiness! You're outfit should be an extension of that! Forget the rules, wear something that sparks joy! 

A tailored outfit is something everyone wants. While off the rack clothing is extremely affordable, it simply doesn't work when it comes to a special occasion. Of course, with the quick paced lives of 18 hour working days that we live, there isn't much time to go to the tailor too.

Enter NainaSeth.com, a site where you can get the personal and tailored look, without leaving the comfort of your home as you enjoy a glass of wine in bed. Yep, I'm not kidding you. Naina Seth (you may remember her from my previous post) has launched her website where you can not only customised your outfit to your measurements, you can also pick exactly each element of your piece. Everything from the cut to the fabric is customisable.





You want a dress with a keyhole back, in midnight grey, with a silver zipper, hitting you just below the knees? Naina's site will do it for you! Not only that, you can also get Indian blouses stitched, as per your wishes, just by following a few simple steps online! (Yes I know Diwali's coming up, you're welcome for the tip).

I decided to test the site out for myself and decided since I won't be home for Diwali (boo!) I might aswell get a simple western dress. What can I tell you, it couldn't be simpler. A few clicks, a few measurements and all that's left is a few days wait till you get the piece of your dreams! I picked a racer back dress in dark navy blue that's knee length with a straight cut. Oh, I just let Naina choose the fabric for me, but there's even an option to send your own fabric! How cool is that??!

Personally, the interface is extremely easy to use and gives you all the design control. This is extremely important in my book because lets face it, everyone wants an outfit that's unique. I decided to style a weekend look as well as an office look for this dress. Let me tell you, this dress fits like second skin which is something very hard for me to come by as I've always been extra skinny for most brands. The idea that I can get a customised dress for less than 2k (and that's a lot less than many off the rack outfits) is superbly appealing and just look at the fit!


The first look is all about finding yourself. You don't need people to make a memorable day, all you need s a pretty dress and a good book. Oh, and a few garden swings of course! The second look is more working weekday. This is something I'm becoming increasingly comfortable wearing thanks to the new job in the corporate world (believe me, that sounds much more posh than it actually is).

I suggest if you can't make time to get ready for the festive season, do give NainaSeth.com a visit to get your Diwali look together without hassles.