Chiconomical

We've all been there, we invest in work clothes, then we need party clothes and then suddenly all our clothes are too shiny and we need something for those sunday brunches because just when you found the perfect club dress, brunches are all the rage and those sequins just won't cut it! Oh yes, and now you have a closet full of pretty clothes but There's nothing to wear!

This is exactly why I try and figure out ways to make workwear do double duty so that it seamlessly s goes from work, to party without even changing what you're already wearing! Waaa!!!

A simple piece (and you may have heard me talk about it only about a 100 times) that every girl needs in her wardrobe for any occasion is the pencil skirt. While solid colors work best because they'er super easy to transition with the right pairings, if you're someone who likes prints, I'd say go for one in bright but not neon prints. The trick is finding prints that do not look out of place in the office (meaning best to leave those all over sequins skirts home) but still can look good in the evenings. However, for this look I wanted to give you a simple idea on how to make a black skirt work for pretty much anything.



The first look is something I have worn to the office multiple times (as my work colleagues will readily attest to I'm sure). This skirt is a simple piece that I bought around 3 years ago when I just started working a corporate job and while it isn't available, there's quite a few similar ones out there (linking them in the outfit details). The top is a classic street buy that has been worn countless times. I paired it with classic workwear pieces like my trusty black blazer and sensible pumps.





The second look is literally the first look going to play. For this, I took off the blazer, did a little tuck and roll for the top and switched out my workwear flats for heels. Add a statement belt and darker lipstick and you're ready to take the party scene by storm.

Now I know I promised you a how to take it to brunch in the intro (or atleast implied one) and I always keep my promises. If you're wondering how to take a pencil skirt to brunch, don't worry girl, I've got you covered. Swing by next week to check out the latest. In the meantime, why not go check out my take on other classics? There's a lovely article about layering for Mumbai weather here and in case you've got some workwear woes then you can sign up for the Chiconomical Newsletter and get to talk to me directly! Plus you get style tips delivered straight to your inbox! 

The monsoons are here! And right in time with them the Sugarbox #TheMonsoonCrushEdition is here too. Can I just say, this is by far one of my favorite boxes since I started to subscribe to Sugarbox. I honestly like everything in there this time, which is a first for me. So without further delay, lets dive right in!


1. Bar Cake

Sweet things first! I love that the sugarbox has a little sweet treat in every box. I love the idea of a chocolate bar that's also a cake. This was definitely a rather nice thing in the box and has already been devoured with glee.

2. Patterned Box

Girls love pretty pink things. And when the box tell you "Hey Beautiful", its a definite plus. This little box has a cute lid with a butterfly on it. While I quite like the lid, I would much rather use this box as a pen storage since I quite like the idea of being able to see the bottom that makes me smile!

3. Kallos Fruit Facial Kit
Facials...hmmm. I know a number of girls who do this at home and I'm the anti-girl when it comes to anything that requires me to follow several steps. Yes, I've never in my life got a facial, ever. However, now that there's fruit involved, the promise of coming away from it smelling like strawberries and peaches maybe will swing me towards my ever home facial. I shall review it if I do try it out!

4. Floral Earrings

Now these earring already made an appearance on almost all my social media. I think they're totally quirky and rather unique. I still haven't worn them but I think I may just wear them to office this week to add a bit of interest to any ol' boring office outfit.

5. Happy Girls are the Prettiest Pouch

How true is this quote? While I didn't really like the quality of this pouch I absolutely loved the quote. I can't agree enough and think that every person could do with a little happiness in their life. Be kind people, it don't cost a thing!

6. Boho Jacket

Okay. So I think the gods of Boho do not wish me to stop wearing quirky things. I have been trying to find an interesting boho jacket and thanks to them brilliant gods, I've got one in this month's Sugarbox. Floral, check. Fringe, check. Mad love, double check! I'm pretty sure you'll see this in a post this month very very soon!

7. Quirky Printed Umbrella
And finally, pretty much the most loved and useful item from the June Sugarbox. This absolutely gorgeous umbrella. The print, the bright colors and the ultra indianess. I don't think there's anything about it that you can hate. A definite must for those gloomy rainy days that we will most certainly have this month.


And that's the crazy list folks. Honestly, that's a lot of goodies packed into this month's Sugarbox. I think I have loved every single thing here and unlike a few previous months, everything can be used immediately. Awesome job team Sugarbox. You've certainly nailed it this month! Loved the June, 2016 Sugarbox.

Fab Bag...ahh, the leader in the beauty subscription boxes market in India. I was extremely excited when I saw the theme for this month's Fab Bag was "The Beauty Addict". So exciting when a beauty bag actually decided beauty is it's theme for the month. I expected lots of makeup products (well, more than one tbh) and also some exciting beauty bits that could expand my ever increasing beauty stash. So did I get what I imagined?


Sadly, not at all. Oh, the bag looks absolutely amazing, I'll give you that. It almost certainly builds up a crazy excitement that I can't quite put into words with its amazing quote that says "Eat Sleep Makeup Repeat" and sleek black look. The inside? It quickly killed my enthusiasm. Let's take a look at the products received in my June Beauty Addict Fab Bag:

1. Be A Bombshell Eye Shadow Crayon - Black Jack : Rs. 1200


This is honestly the only product that made me happy however, one swipe and you'll realise that it's less black and more dull black. It is a terrible crayon and even after multiple swipes, doesn't really give you a dark black look. I'm not quite sure if this is very useful seeing as it will at the most give you a smudged out eyeshadow, in a not so good way. This is a classic great expectations, disappointing reality situation.

2. Skin Yoga Coffee Body Scrub: Rs. 845


I absolutely loved skin yoga's products in one of my other subscription boxes. This body scrub comes in a almost blinding golden metallic sachet and claims to be a 100% natural body exfoliator. It's fragrance free, preservative free and paraben free. I'm quite excited to try it out since my normal body scrub is almost over.

3. Karite Buerre Pure Shea Butter: Rs. 199.6 for 20g


I've never heard of this brand before. so I'm happy to get this sample sized product to try it out. It's a 100% natural "Wild East African Shea" butter. It smells like most shea butters and looks the same too. I haven't yet used it (probably because the weather is too humid for me to even consider applying any kind of body butters at the moment) but I shall tell you what it's like once I get around to using it.

4. Ital Veloce - Midnight Kisses & Valvatina: Rs. 57 (for both)


Two little bottles of fine fragrance mist. I don't know how this relates to being a beauty addict which is the theme of the bag but I suppose its important to smell good. Midnight kisses is a lot more floral than valvatina which is a much more subtle fragrance. These aren't anything extra special as far as mists go, but I suppose they can be used while we desperately wait for the monsoons.



And that's it folks! Honestly, I'm not at all happy with this month's bag. Seriously, if you're a monthly subscriber, give it a miss. It's completely not worth it. Other than the coffee body scrub, everything else is pointless. The shea butter is interesting but I'm sure you probably have an equivalent already so it isn't that much of a novelty either. Oh, and I think the bag is pretty great in terms of looks. One of the best looking bags this year. Still, overall, give it a miss if you can.

Sugarbox! Oh man, just the name oozes cuteness. This month (well, last month to be accurate) Sugarbox had a Boho Chic Theme which meant of course I had to buy it. For those of you who don't know, Sugarbox is a themed lifestyle subscription box that comes packed with something for everyone. It's got a bit of everything from clothing to bags to accessories to skincare to sometimes cute edibles too!

The Boho Chic edition had some stuff that I'd expected and some rather nifty stuff too. I always love the gorgeous box everything comes in since it has the cutest bow and tag on it. Honestly, this gets me more excited at times that the actual unboxing itself. So what does the Boho Chic Edition contain? Let's find out!


1. Honey:
A definitely quirky item to have in a Boho Box, I think the idea was that the free-spirited add Honey to their tea not sugar maybe? I don't know, and it doesn't really matter. This little one-time use sachet is such a nice sweet touch I think I'll probably have to get some of these travel-friendly sachets to stash in the office drawer!


2. Silver Boho Neckpiece:
Something that I think is very on trend this summer, a layered necklace can be used multiple ways. I didn't really like this neckpiece if we're being completely honest. I wished it was more intricate buy that's probably just me. I do think I'd much rather wear it as a headpiece than an necklace but that's also me just being me aswell. Also big props to the way it was packaged. I loved how a simple brown envelope doubled as a cover as well as interesting packaging.


3. Boho Feather Earrings:
If my past looks are anything to go by, feather earrings are a favorite of mine when it comes to beach dressing. I can completely imagine wearing these with my beach shorts and a casual tee on a weekend beach outing. I like the length and the fact that there are little strands without feathers too to give it a bit more volume.


4. Tassled Bag:
I don't think anything spells boho more than a tasseled bag. Tassles and fringe are big this summer and this bag is a nice addition to my every growing bag collection. It can be used as a crossbody bag and has two zip pockets and also a little pocket to keep your phone. (Although in all honesty if you use a bulky phone, you won't really be able to fit it into the pocket provided).


5. 'Good Vibes Only' Water Bottle:
So this was rather unexpected but considering we're standing in the middle of summer where staying hydrated is very important, this was such a welcome addition to the box. The "Good Vibes Only" quote on the bottle is sure to remind you to be a little kinder when you're feeling particularly grumpy at work.

6. Coffee Scrub:
Coffee is an addiction for more than half the world's population. Now if you can find yet another way to bring coffee into your life, why not right? This coffee scrub is a product I've never tried before and I think even if it doesn't make me look prettier, at least it'll make me smell like one of my favorite things in the world!


7. 'Normal is Boring' Muscle Tee:
Yes, I saved the best for last. This tee is such a beauty. It's made from super soft jersey material and I think just looking at it makes me want to pick up my backpack and go on a little solo trip! This was expected yet such a wonderful thing in this month's SugarBox that it instantly made me smile!



And that's it folks! Those are the things I got in my Boho Chic Edition of sugarbox. I personally like around half the things and the other half, while nice aren't really that relevant on a personal level. I think this is a nicely curated box that can be a great present to anyone who has the wanderlust in them!

Yep, I signed up for a a few more months of Fab Bag goodness. I did face huge issues with the February fab bag (which I still haven't received)  but I got the March 2016 bag pretty early. However, more on that later...lets talk about this month's Fab Bag.


The theme for this month was more power to you, however I wish it packed a bigger punch. It seems every month, fab bag decides there's one makeup brand/product that will be the star and most of the other products tend to be added as fillers that don't actually do much for me personally.

Here's a look at the products I received:

1. Divo Eyelash Curler: Rs. 125

So everytime I look at an eyelash curler I have an instant flashback to one of the scenes from The Devil Wear Prada and honestly, I'm the girl who didn't even know what these were till a couple of years ago. I've never owned one so this is a welcome addition to my beauty stash. Now if only I could gather up the courage to use it without fear of plucking all my eyelashes out or poking my eye out!

2. Wella Professionals - Elements Renewing Mask (Rs. 215 for 30 ml) & Elements Renewing Shampoo (Rs. 117 for 30 ml)

I've recently seen lots of reviews from bloggers who when to the launch of this new Wella range and have heard rave reviews about it. These deluxe sized samples should be enough to give me an idea about it. Looking forward to using them and figuring out what the deal is.

3. Suganda Neem Green Tea Plant Mask: Rs. 400 for 25 gm

So I don't like receiving two similar items in the same bag but since this is green tea, I can make an exception. I'm a fan of neem and green tea so I just hope this mask has all the goodness of the real thing! Plus, its handmade in India which is a big win for supporting local brands....and did I mention its organic?

4. SUGAR cosmetics It's A-Pout-Time! Vivid Lipstick - Coraline in the City: Rs. 599

Finally, the star of the bag, the SUGAR Cosmetics's much hyped new lipstick. I got coraline in the city which is a coral shade that's surprisingly long lasting (lasted all day through office, although I may have skipped lunch that day so can't vouch for post lunch staying power). It's not very bright as coral shades go which is a good thing in my book. Stay tuned for a full review that's coming up very soon!

All in all, this is an average mix of things. I like the lipstick and the face mask, however I wish they hadn't given two masks in the same bag. If you really want to get your hands on the lipstick, this is a good bargain as everything else is an added bonus.