Chiconomical

If you have one day to experience Dubai and you need to pick what to do, a Desert safari is definitely the thing I'd recommend. A definite must do when on a trip to Dubai, the desert safari takes you a short distance out of the madness of Dubai and into the heart of the desert for a Bedouin experience that is most certain to be the highlight of your experience. I've even made a quick checklist of  handy tips and things you need to know before you head to the Dubai Desert.

1. Choose an evening Dubai Desert safari



While there are options of safari tours through the day, I highly recommend choosing an afternoon safari that let's you enjoy the sunset. It starts at around 2-3 pm with convenient pickups across the city and its not even a debate when it comes to picking a safari timing. The morning safaris end with breakfast while the evening safaris let you enjoy a glorious sunset, followed by a dinner and a show. It's simply a more leisurely experience in the evening and the desert tends to feel like a friend.

2. Wear comfortable clothes





Yes  I know, you've heard it several times before, but comfortable clothing is a must! Things you should and shouldn't be wearing?
Do Wear:

Loose flowy peasant blouses with boyfriend jeans : The idea is to let your skin breathe while still staying warm.

A simple, straight cut maxi dress with a jacket: Okay, I know most 'What to wear to the Desert' guides say these are a no-no and my list doesn't but hear me out. In the entire trip, the only time you'll be slightly awkward in a maxi dress is when you're dune bashing or quad biking. If you plan to not do these things, then a simply cut dress or a long skirt is absolutely fine. Remember though, a maxi dress will make it that much easier for the sand to creep into your clothes so you may want to pay attention while to take those fancy desert shots.



Jumpsuits : Nope, not a playsuit (which is a shorter version of the jumpsuit) but a simple jumpsuit. This is exactly what I choose to wear to the desert and it's actually the most comfortable thing especially while you're dune bashing. Helps you avoid all those awkward panty flashes while your car jumps over the crazy sand dunes and still feels super comfortable. Make sure to choose one in a fabric that's not clingy or see through

Culottes and Palazzos with a sleeved top : Yet another fabulous choice is palazzo pants or their shorter cousins, the culottes. A sleeveless top isn't really recommended if you've got sensitive skin but even if you opt for it, I'd say wear one in a breathable fabric. Cotton blends work best.

Do not Wear:

Biker shorts and vests : believe me, the sun is harsh even around 4 pm which is the time you'll reach and this is just going to burn you.

Tight skinny jeans and boots: The Dubai desert is blessed (cursed?) with some of the finest sand there is and believe me, it'll find its way into every nook and cranny of your clothes. Think chafing and redness for the duration of the evening. Not a fun proposition

Lots of Jewellry : Okay, so while it's actually a lot of fun to stack on the crazy bangles and I absolutely love doing it, this is a place where you'd be happier with a minimal look. Intricate jewellry tends to get specks of sand stuck in it which then abrade your skin through the evening.

3. Take a backpack and stock it with wet tissues and water



While the desert safari will definitely have free-flowing water, I'd recommend taking a bottle of water for the journey. It takes around an hour to drive out to the desert and it's always better to have your own bottle of water atleast for the journey from and to the desert. Another thing, not a necessity but an easier choice, ditch your fancy purses for a sturdy backpack. It's going to be so much easier to enjoy yourself when you're not worried about minding your purse.

4. If you're prone to motion sickness, take some medicine along

So dune bashing is one of the highlights of any desert safari.However, if you are somebody who get motion sickness even on a straight road, then you must definitely come prepared. Don't hesitate to tell the safari service that you'd like to skip the dune bashing. If medicine helps, definitely take some or atleast pop in a sourpatch if you've got a queasy stomach. The dune bashing for all it's joy is no joke, it's definitely something you need to think about before you get to the desert safari.

5. Flats flats and more flats



I know this seems to be an obvious choice but it's still worth mentioning. A pair of comfortable flats is the best choice. I'd say give the sneakers a miss but if you're more comfortable in closed shoes then these are a decent choice. Although open shoes that have no heels are the way to go. Anything with heels is a huge no no. Remember the rule of the desert : flats, flats and more flats!

6. Watch the sunset



While it's something that goes without saying, I think there's a need to say this too. Do not forget to take out the time to watch a desert sunset. It is one of the most breathtaking sights you'll see and no, stop for a few minutes to spend time in the moment and not waste it taking pictures for your social media but really watch the sunset. The beautiful sunset is worth looking at, and the dubai desert gives it the most breathtaking shades!

7. Jackets and Sunglasses



The sunglasses might never leave you for the complete trip. The sun is almost too much if you reach a bit early, and sunglasses that are sturdy will come in handy in Dubai. A jacket is going to be your best friend after the sunset. The desert gets chilly rather quickly and by the time you've gotten through dinner and head back, you'll be happy to have something to protect you from the nip in the air.

8. Hydrate

In all likelihood your body will remind you but just in case, this is worth having a point to all on its own. Don't forget to sip on water while you're having fun jumping in the sand. The sun will dehydrate you rather quickly and it's important to replenish yourself.

9. Make new friends


And by this I mean both human, avian and feline and everything in between. I especially love birds so my choice of companion was obvious. Of course, you can even make friends with people who're with you on the safari. Everyone's got a story to tell, all you have to do is ask the right questions!

10. Come for the sand, stay for the show



Every desert safari ends with a show under the stars. While belly dancing is usually the highlight, I was a bit partial to the Egyptian dance mainly because the performer we had was having so much fun that he made you enjoy the performance. The show will be something you'll bring back and think about if it's a good one, and still ponder even if it isn't all that great.

Finally, do not forget to pay attention to the beauty of the desert. I spent a considerable amount of time reflecting on my seeming insignificance, the vastness and harshness of the desert and the joy of writing our names in the sand with my sister. This trip was definitely one of the highlights of my Dubai Travel Diary and I can't wait to share other such bits of my trip with you.

With Valentines day just one day away, obviously I decided to do something pink. Wearing something that says Valentine's without looking like a red and pink mass or cotton candy is hard, especially when Valentines falls on a working day and you need to look polished. That's exactly what this look is about.





I love wearing all white with hints of color. I paired my pink blazer with its adorable heart printed lining with my white jumpsuit (yes, the very same one you saw in the last post) and my heels and we get a simple look that's season of love appropriate, but still professional. I think its smart to look for interesting lining when buying blazer simply because that gives you an added element of surprise, especially in a tropical country where you'll probably end up rolling your sleeves up by the end of the day. If you're working on Valentines day (and you probably are if you're anything like me) then go out, dress up in a muted outfit that's got some love and style!

Hextie..ah the obsession continues. While the last post was all about power dressing, I felt like it was time to show that the underrate tie can actually be used for a more casual style too. This outfit has a bit of all my fall favorites....layering, grey, quirkiness and fun!

Monsoon hitting the city mean a endless cycle of grey skies, petrichor and lots of wetness. Mumbai rains especially have a way of playing hide and seek with its residents with its completely unpredictable weather. One minute its pouring and the next it seems to be sunnier than a holiday at a beach. This means you have to be extra careful when you dress for such weather. Today's outfit is my interpretation of fun monsoon dressing.




The best thing about monsoons is the chance to flaunt your cool umbrellas. I love bright funky umbrellas that have a bit of an attitude. Punk girl? Frills Girl? Pink Girl? Rainbow Girl? No problem, there's an umbrella out there for every mood! Secondly, gum boots. Can we just take a moment and appreciate how lovely gum boots are during the rains? I personally like them a lot because they manage to keep my feet (most importantly my toe nails) dry and clean. Also, its much easier to avoid back splashes thanks to the length. And of course, the quirk factor that goes with wearing gum boots is superbly high! A must have in your closet during the monsoon.




Finally, the dress. I think my mom has a heart attack every time I decide to wear white in the monsoons. Honestly, the splash stains are impossible to remove child; is what she always tells me. But I think white is a rather fun color to wear especially when the sun could come out any moment. The trick is to keep it shorter than usual so that you don't end up adding dirt patterns to your whites. Ooh, and bonus points if you manage to work in a on season trend (read cold shoulder dresses).

All in all, this is my kinda weekend outfit when its pouring. I know the skies may be grey, but you outfit doesn't need to be.

Summers have given way to monsoons in Mumbai. As much as I love the pitter patter of rains, I've realised I like summers more purely because of the wide array of outfits I can wear thanks to the good weather. At the same time, summers also bring with them a sort of lethargy where all I want to to is sip my iced tea and sit in an airconditioned room. This outfit is for all those people who like to look put together without putting in too much effort. Ohh, fun fact, this complete outfit is thrifted, online! How cool is that?



So this top which has a rather sporty look to it has been on my list for a long time now. I've wanted one that was simple yet had those sporty stripes (yes, its me. I must have all the variants of a stripe in my life). Anyway, long story short, I saw a co-ord set on Spoyl with it, and I bought it! These Asos ripped jeans were sold out for quite some time and never came back in stock although I liked the idea of patches alongwith the rips. (makes them that much more mom approved you know) so when I spied a pair in my size (hallelujah!) I grabbed them without a second thought. Add a pair of simple pumps and a statement neckpiece, you're ready for pretty much any weekend plan there is!



This look can be converted to fit any occasion by simply changing the accessories. You can't go wrong with a simple white tshirt and blue denims. Seriously, if you don't have both in your closet, go get them now! There are some great bargains available online too thanks to the sale season. Trust me, this is a look you won't regret, no matter what you size or age!

Not really a dating person? Well, you don't need a man to celebrate Valentine's Day. I love the idea of having an all girls date and that's pretty much what I've planned for myself. Honestly, give the boy chasing a break and take sometime to relax, enjoy yourself and not worry too much about your love life. Oh, and aren't things always more fun with your girls? Think crazy days of shopping where the other person actually has a properly worded opinion when you try on an outfit instead oh, "Uhh, yea it looks good" and checking out those hot guys on the beach minus the awkwardness (no man wants their woman hooting for another guy, innit?) oh and of course, eating food while you compare who's gonna get fatter after it! Yep, that's my kinda day, so of course I have an outfit for it!

For the girl who likes to follow cupid's colorbeam



I love the idea of going a little retro for Valentine's day. A simple yet stunning skirt is pretty much a big addition to your wardrobe and this one was a birthday present that came a little late. I love the print since I'm a big fan of London and the red rose, well, I bought it for myself and I don't need to be gifted one to make my day. A simple tshirt can be jazzed up if paired with a pretty printed skirt or leggings.

For the girl who likes to follow her own colorbeam



I love the idea of wearing statement tshirts on Valentines day. Honestly, if you're a girl who doesn't like to wear pinks and reds, this look is laid back yet chic enough to go pretty much anywhere. Even if you are going on a date (a blind date maybe), this would be a good idea. Wear what you are on your clothes and warn the guy that this is me! You better learn to accept it!
(PS; I haven't yet found a shopping slogan tee, if I did that would be my perfect blind date outfit no? )

Well, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and call all your single ladies, because you don't have to be dating to celebrate being in love!

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.

Play the moments, Pause the memories, Stop the Pain, Rewind the Happiness.....

Music is a ridiculously big part of my life. I usually add music to every situation and I have a song for almost everything that happens. Seriously, without music life would be a drab place. So its only fitting that my first shoot in Kolkata had lots of music elements, including my very first knit of 2016, this gorgeous Piano Slouch hat. Believe me, you'll be seeing a lot more of this on the blog this month.




I put together this looking keeping in mind all my favorites. Music, monochrome, minimalist comfort. I would wear this pretty much everywhere (including office if they didn't have a dress code). I love the almost sporty relaxed fit of this dress (yes, its new and a birthday present too) and the boots and hat simply make it perfect festival outfit. I added the red bag for a little pop of color. While I'm still not into suede bags, I think the tassels on this bag add a little boho to the outfit.

Tips to Dress for a Music Festival/Concert

• Tassles and fringes on clothes are big this season. If you have a little budget, invest in one statement piece with these to add that laid back, boho vibe.
• Wear comfortable shoes! You'll be walking around or probably jumping with joy if you're at a concert so comfortable shoes are a must. You don't want to lose circulation in your feet or have cuts that ruin your fun. 
• Opt for layers. So you are inside a hall packed with a few million people and then suddenly its time to go home. You realise that its a few degrees cooler outside by the time you head back home. Avoid catching a chill and wear layers so that its easier to regulate the temperature depending on where you are. 
• Need a quick fix for your meh outfit? Just put on a quirky hat or a pair of funky sunglasses and you'll have added a little pep to your regular outfit. 
• Finally, don't forget to have fun! Trust me, when the music takes control of your soul, you won't be worrying about what you're wearing!