Chiconomical

Diwali! It's right round the corner and I bet you're all rushing around to get your houses ready and shopping and finding new bits for yourself! I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little excited but at the same time, completely frazzled with the idea of dressing up for Diwali. I think Diwali Outfit Ideas are something that get harder every year. I've shared some tips every year without fail and this year I simply didn't know what new things I could offer. So here's my take on it. What's one of my favorite things to wear? A maxi. So that's exactly what I'll be using to style myself and share some tips and tricks on refashioning your maxi skirts/dresses and creating a festive outfit.

Unlike most other Jewellry heavy posts you might see on other blogs, these looks are going to be rather fuss free and will focus on drapes and minimalism. Oh PS, in case you have any specific pieces your struggling with, send me a picture with #Chiconomical on any social media and I'll help you out! Anyway, let's get started!

1. Banjaran Batgirl





Okay, disclaimer time. Dad saw me shooting this look and said I looked like batgirl and I couldn't resist putting that as the title of this look. Now you're probably wondering, where the heck is the maxi dress in this look? Well, I had a button front maxi (which I got from Bombay Paisley) and decided it would be a good idea to wear it as a skirt. Then I thought, one isn't enough and paired it with yet another maxi skirt. I added a scarf as a headband and a single statement bracelet. If you're a banjaran at heart, this is definitely the look for you!

2. Modern Desi




Sometimes, the simplest things are the best. I decided since the print on this maxi dress was so beautiful, I had to do justice to it. Since even the extra small was still to big, I clenched it in at the waist with the scarf. This square scarf that's featured in all my posts has been in my life just for a day but it's quickly become an obsession. I think this is going to be seen in numerous posts

3. Desi Drapes

The thing about maxi dresses is that sometimes we're too afraid to mix things up. This look is exactly like the one before and has but one simple twist. I layered the maxi skirt from before and unbuttoned the maxi to switch up the neckline. Yet another fun thing that you can do is to wear your maxi skirt at your natural waist like this look. Created a paperbag waist by using, yep, the same scarf as the first one. A paperbag waist is something you don't always associate with Indian outfits but it's still very modern and if you've got a stretch waist skirt, I highly recommend you try it!

And that's it folks! I hope I've inspired you to try something new this Diwali. If you're still looking for more style inspiration, why not check these posts from some more style inspiration. There's a post for girls who don't like Indian outfits, and another that helps you dress up at the last minute for Diwali! Go check them out today!

Hello hello! It's the long weekend and also the most colorful weekend of the year if you're an Indian (or just celebrate Indian festivals)! We've got the festival of colors coming up this Monday and while you make plans to celebrate it, the most important thing is what you wear. Since its a festival of colors and fun, you need to be dressed right for it without compromising on protecting your hair and skin. (Get some simple tips to take care of your hair this holi here). Anyway, let's dive right in to the fashion to make you look good this Holi.





The Clothes

The cliche White? Yes you can!! There are so many bargain white tshirts available on the streets right now you can score one for around Rs. 100 if you flex your bargain muscles. I got mine from a street stall in Bandra for 100 a few months ago. Not a fan of ruining your whites? Why not wear a bold color? I think a bright sunshine yellow is a great choice. Either way, if you aren't wearing white, wear bold colors to go with the festive mood!

The second, and often forgotten thing is fabric. While you're out finding your perfect outfit, don't forget to get the fabric right. Holi is as much a festival of water (yes, inspite of the water shortages in summers) as it is of color. While I personally don't like playing it with water you may have someone in the group who does start this bit. So keep in mind that fabrics sometimes get see through when wet. Look for thicker fabrics that are also quick dry. This will keep you from potentially embarrassing situations and also safer from catching a cold because of dampness!

The Accessories


Anyone who's actually played holi with a big group will tell you, accessories are life savers during holi! No, I don't mean get out all your fancy jewellery, I meant the essentials. First, sunglasses. You can't imagine how important these are when you're out playing with colors this holi! Honestly, eyes are one of the most precious and easily affected part of your body. So save your eyes from getting dusted with colors flying everywhere while still being ultra stylish. The best and coolest choice are reflectors or mirrored sunglasses! Holi Swag, done right!


While we're on it, another accessory that's often overlooked is the scarf. This is something that can add a beautiful pop of color to your outfit while still being functional. Tie a scarf as a headband or a turban to protect your hair or wear it around your neck to hid those potentially awkward peek a boos that may happen if you're partying with abandon. I personally love wearing a headband on Holi as its functional and fashionable!

The Shoes

Flats, flats and flats! There really is no other thing you can wear. Wear a pair of old comfortable sneakers or strappy sandals. You'll probably be chasing each other with a handful of colors and holi isn't the time to be wearing your fancy heels. So pull out those old comfy sandals and run to your heart's content.

The Hair



While I've already spoken at length about pre-holi haircare (Read all my tips here), let me quickly reiterate the top tips. Oil your hair, this is something that's been said a lot but i'll say it again! Secondly, don't forget to protect it from the sun by tying a trendy scarf or tying it up in intricate braids so that it doesn't get tangled and looks neat while you enjoy!

The Skin

The most affected part in Holi is always the skin. Don't forget to add a high SPF sunscreen and a moisturiser. The trick is to maintain a layer of protection between your skin and the harsh colors so that it doesn't lead to breakouts and skin damage.
Another quick tip...Remember to stay hydrated while playing Holi. Its always a battle for me to remember to drink water but please do! Since most Holi parties are out in the sun, its important to stay hydrated to maintain your glow

The colors



Finally, the one thing Holi would be incomplete without, the colors! There are so many organic and environmentally friendly colors out there right now, you don't need to buy harsh colors. If you still aren't convinced, invest a little bit of time to make your own! Heck if powdered colors are not your thing then you can play it with flowers too! Just remember to be safe and respectful of others' feelings when you go out to play! Be happy, enjoy and celebrate the festival of colors!

Happy Holi everyone!! Don't know what that is? Here's a really helpful Wiki on it! Well, like every year, I celebrate Holi fairly low key with my family. I'm not a big fan of celebrating in big and loud crowds with some people who invariably can't handle their liquor and then try to paw others in the name of Holi (also, my best friend sending me pictures of torn clothes post holi aren't really all that pro-big crowds).

I always celebrate with my cousins and this year was no different. A bit of color, a LOT of water (it usually ends with the cousin hogging the water buckets!!) and endless enthusiasm in the form of a 8  year old cousin who's only aim is to color me pink n red and any other color he can lay his hands on! What I'm wearing is nothing extraordinary, but I think the pictures (weirdly cropped to remove pictures of the fam) speak for themselves!





In case you're wondering, that tshirt used to be a pale pink. I think its safe to say its now forever more a deep pink. Also, I'm currently grappling with post holi lethargy coupled with trying to finish a rather difficult implementation for Uni. I really do need to get about three hundred more hours in my day. I wish the 'Bura na mano Holi Hai' mantra extended for a week post holi, for Universities, when I can't finish the work assigned. 'Bura na mano, Holi thi'! ;)

Well, hope you liked the little peek into my holi avatar. I know a 'fashion' blogger is supposed to be all glam and perfect looking even during festivals, but hey, I think I'll leave that to the people who are more worried about the pictures than the festival. For me, it will forever be the festival of colors, family and food!