Chiconomical

Over the knee boots are a trend that's taken the blogosphere by storm. They're a nifty little way of wearing your short skirts while still ensuring that your feet don't turn blue. When I was hit by a bit of the flu a few weeks ago, I decided to pull out my trusty over the knee boots (these have seen wear during my time in cooler climes last year) and pair them with pretty much all the winter gear I own to keep toasty while walking around town on errands.




This grey jumper was bought last year for a complete bargain at Colaba Causeway. It's Zara knitwear, from the streets!! I have worn it multiple times already and its super toasty. While I haven't been able to find more on the streets this year, keep an eye on stores like PAX and the street stalls around electric house at Colaba Causeway for more additions the closer we get to December. The grey coat is something you've seen on the blog before alongwith the piano hat that I'm super proud of! Its possibly the best item I've knit till date! The rest of the look is simple and yes, I decided to go the uber cliched way of accessoring a winter look with a Starbucks cup! (I did drink all the coffee in it during the shoot though).

A grey look that's still sleek yet modern, this is my kind of winter dressing. While I know Mumbai weather doesn't usually allow for so many knitted layers, I still think this look is great for the cities that have lower temperatures. Wondering how to rock over the knee boots in Mumbai? Worry not, the next post will have you sorted!

I'm not a fan of yellows. I usually think that since most of my wardrobe is black I'll invariable end up looking like a taxi advert if I do wear yellow. Which is why, owning a mustard colored anything is a complete novelty for me. Of course buying this dress brought with itself the challenge of styling it without looking like a taxi cab or an air-hostess. (Yes, I got called that the first time I wore it on a chilly winter evening with some tights).

For this look, I wanted to keep things simple, I added a lace scarf (knit by me, FYI) and a pair of sunnies. Pretty much a look that anyone can replicate with minimal effort. When in doubt, just add a scarf, that seems to be my myntra these days.

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!

Have you been sweating like crazy lately?! I sure have! October heat has arrived! Okay, its more like almost gone, but this past week is when I've really started feeling October. Bringing in heat from all directions, Uni, Home and the very literal sense, its making me wish for cooler 'Autumn/Winter' or what passes as winter in Mumbai.










This outfit is a marriage of practicality and wishful thinking. I wore my fabulous Globus leather skirt (this is so cool, wish they'd bring back more stock) with a simply casual cotton tee. I added a little belt for a more structured look. (Yep, I've lost a little weight which means the skirt almost slips down without a belt!)

What are you wearing to combat the October heat? Are you from cooler climes? What are you wearing there? Talk to me in the comments below. You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

I've got pretty long hair (no surprise there) but I'm still clueless about how to style it. I usually don't have patience for anything more than a simple pony tail and that usually turns into a messy pony tail or a bun on my head by the end of the day. So when my friend's sister decided she wanted to try new and interesting braids on my hair, I was all ears (or in this case, hair). She inspired me to try and learn a different way to style my hair. Take a look at the braids she did for me.

Yes, its been around forever, but I tried out a simple french braid. Small steps and all that. (This was last week mind you, I'm still bedridden and not all that well.) I have to say, it didn't take as long as I expected and is a quick once you get the hang of it. Although the sheer length of my hair made me take around 20 minutes which is more than the entire the amount of time I spend on getting ready!!