Chiconomical

As I grow up and spend more time taking on adult-like responsibilities, I realised that I haven't really ever grown up. Sure, I can be responsible but its often heard misconception that growing up and being responsible go hand in hand. I never learnt to swap out my flowers for tiaras. I never learnt to make a formal hairstyle out of the mess that my hair always is. I never learnt that wearing red was a taboo when you were a working professional in the corporate world. I never learnt that letting your inner diva out is frowned upon when you're stuck in the world of stuffy suits with stuffier outlooks to life. I never learn't much...






I did however, learn to play in the puddles on the street wearing my bright rain boots. I learnt to wear my Star Wars dress to work with a blazer because blazers make everything look professional. I learnt that being a geek was always me but then I didn't need to show it to the world. I learnt the hard way that people judged you on the way you look even before they've said a word to you. I learnt soon not to care about such people. I think growing up makes you realise that you need to be free. Freedom is not travelling when you fancy it, although that could be your definition of it. Freedom is a state of mind. I may conform to the standards set by society but then I will not give up my individuality. I will wear my feathers if I want to, I will wear my metal tiara because its still got flowers that make me smile. I will wear my five rings to work and not care if you stare. That's who I grew up to be. A gypsy soul stuck in the confines of the modern world.

Last month, I found myself on the streets of Mumbai with my sister for a spot of shopping. I was out for the very first time since coming back from Kolkata and I just couldn't get over the happiness I felt. First, this was some quality sister bonding time I was spending with my sister after a long time...and second we were doing one of our favorite things, shopping! I loved the sights, the sounds and the excitement at finding something lovely.

I remember a few years back when we used to count our pennies and bargain like crazy. While I still do that at times, my sister has grown but still has the spunk needed to tackle street sellers. So anyway, cutting my musings short, I managed to get my sister to take some images of the things we bought for her (and just a couple of things for me).

1. Red Full Sleeves Maxi Dress: Rs. 300 - Store at the corner of Elco, Hill Road


This dress caught my sister's eye because its demure yet sexy. It has a rather interesting back but the sleeves still keep it very demure. I can't wait to see it on my sister and honestly, for the price, this is a complete steal.

2. Assorted Crop Tops: Rs. 400 Each - Forever, Hill Road


My sister's one main aim was to find herself some croptops and boy did we find some! These croptops are made from such a good material and have the most gorgeous cut that I can't even begin to tell you how amazing they look. I got myself one that looks exactly like the black one, except in white. These tops have so many ways you could wear them, I think I'm going to have to do a post about all those ways very soon!

3. Striped Maxi Skirt: Rs. 150, Stall outside Fendi's - Hill Road

Yes!! This beauty is for 150. Now this is something my sister and I both instantly fell in love with (different colors of course, we don't have the same tastes). The guy had all kinds of stripes in all those nautical colors that we love. Honestly, this was yet another amazing find that I think is going to be a total closet staple for both of us.

4. Denim Dress: Rs. 350, Store next to Forever, Hill Road

This was by far my favorite find of the day! This denim dress is so on trend and the detailing is amazing. For the price, I wish I could have bought one for myself however, considering I spend most of my time at work (which means no denim unless its Friday), buying this wouldnt' have been a good idea. I still love this street find and it reminds me of why I have so much love for street shopping.
We did get a couple of other things but I haven't listed them here because they aren't exactly street shopping. I was still extremely happy with this summer haul. Denim, stripes, prints, we managed to get a little bit of everything and at throwaway prices. I think its important to keep in mind that street shopping isn't always this fruitful. I remember the last time my sister was around, we didn't find a single thing we liked and came back home with nothing. But, don't get disheartened if you can't find the prefect thing, there's always a next time!

Nope, I won't be talking about the book that has become famous over the last couple of years. I'm talking about literally wearing shades of grey. Somehow, I seem to gravitate towards clothes that have shades of grey as I think they give a welcome break from wearing monochrome and still manage to look good with almost all other colors.

While a pair of grey trousers make workwear a little interesting (I still haven't found my perfect pair, mind you), grey doesn't mean boring! Yes, I know, those grey clouds that seem to hang around these days may make you think otherwise, but it isn't true. All you need to do is, add little pops of color and you're bound to get a fun look.








I got this grey skirt because of its embroidery. Its absolutely lovely and inspite of being jersey, its thick enough not to have awkward VPL moments. Ladies, if you don't like wearing thongs or seamless panties, I suggest doing a quick VPL check before buying any skirt.

In case of street shopping (like me) where you may not be able to try the item out, do the tissue and hand test (yes I just made that name up). All you need to do is, hold a handkerchief (a folded facial tissue also works) in your palm, stick your hand under the skirt, pull it tight over your hand and see if you can spot the lines of the napkin. If you can, its probably too thin and you may want to consider a different skirt.

The top is an old oversized vest that was bought initially as a beach cover up. I added a pop of color on the lips to keep the look fun. Well, turned out, when I shot for the look, the weather Grewas quite grey too, so I ended up taking quick shots indoors. The heels are from New Look and were bought on sale from Asos as an indulgence item and add a little subtle color too.

Tips to Wear Grey without looking boring:

• Grey doesn't have to be boring, add pops of color with your accessories. A bright statement necklace or bag, will make all the difference.
• Don't like accessories?Add a bright shade of lipstick to make your outfit more interesting, without adding any cumbersome accessories to the look.
• You can also add a pair of neon heels to make your outfit pop. 
• Have a grey office dress that just never makes you smile? Add a bright scarf, a pair of red pumps and a beige bag to make it interesting.
• Finally, mix and match your bright tops with grey bottoms, or vice versa to break away from boring black matchers. I assure you, you won't be disappointed! 

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!

I currently have a strange fascination with everything oversized and androgynous. I think it has something to do with the fact that I can't seem to stand the summer heat and anything that's too form fitting irritates me. If you see a person wearing some seriously oversized jeans or shirt held together by a belt, chances are, its probably me. It comes as no surprise then, that when I laid my hands on this shirt (dad's old shirt FYI, not really boyfriend's) I couldn't wait to wear it!

Sensible travel hair, thank you very much!

I think of this shirt as a part of the working man's uniform. It seems that this or other equally light shades  of this(with a black or dark trouser), is what most of the guys (even the ones in late teens) seem to wear to work everyday in Mumbai. Seriously guys, repeat after me, 'color is good'.

I decided to rebel against the dress code and wear it with my silk shorts. High waisted and oversized,in a tailored good, way, these little beauties are a huge win in my book! Add my brown bag, belt and watch  I'm good for my day at the office. Oh yes, I added heels with this, but sadly you can't seem to see them in any of the pictures.

Are you a fan of stealing things from the guys? What's you're favorite 'boyfriend' accessory? Tell me in the comments!

Monochrome is and always has been my fallback when I'm searching for inspiration. When I came across these crazy printed pants on one of my Hill Road shopping sprees, I decided I had to have them. If only to feel my monochrome madness. I mean, isn't it the easiest thing to style a funky print and look really dressed up, even if you aren't. (Nobody needs to know I woke up an hour late in the morning. They're gonna be too busy admiring the trousers!)







This look is quite similar to the one I wore here. Granted. However, sometimes, its good to visit old outfits and this was one of those times. I like that the buttoned up shirt lets me wear a statement necklace without giving me a summer rash. (Everybody gets that in the summers yes?). In other news, last week I got a string of deliveries that I'll be sharing with you guys soon.

Buy these for their ability to save your soul. Stripes for the sailor in you, and soles with an attitude for your soul!