Chiconomical

Its my sister's birthday! Woot woot! Happy birthday girl! This girl has been 'The Sister' all my life. Okay, so my friends know her as that girl who always manages to make me worry, smile, go nuts and become mommy like, all at the same time!

Now my sister dearest is going through a pretty tough time this year. Lots of personal things, but I still felt she needed a special post dedicated to her. You see, most of our conversations revolve around how I wish she was more sensible with life choices, and how she wishes she could get me to a party! Of course, clothes, and street shopping always creep into any and every conversation that we have. So I rarely get a chance to say what I think. (This could also be coz we both love talking and get distracted by shiny new things/food quite easily). Honestly, for almost all my childhood, 'sister' always meant her. Yes, we have a love-hate relationship and I still remember fighting with her over toys and then screaming and crying. Only to start talking to each other the very next minute and fussing over whether she's had her dinner. So, this is a bit of a special dedication to all things her.

Over the years, the silly dramas and crazy escapades have given way to a much stronger bond. The thing that hasn't changed though is the constant affection. We have fought, loved and rebelled but that's just made us love each other(well, atleast I love her loads). I still always tell people, 'Ugh! She gets on my nerves!!' but then in the very next breath, if you manage to say anything negative, 'Don't you dare say anything bad about her! She's my sister!'. That's the bond we have. She always tells me she wants my hair, yes, somedays I want yours too. Her crazy obsession with butterflies has rubbed off on me (hey, remember those back to back butterfly posts?). While I doubt our fashion sense will ever be on the same wavelength, I think that's a good thing. Its just another excuse to have variety in our wardrobes (I'm flicking your dress okay! OKAY!?!). Of course it irritates me to no end when we end up having the same thing in the same color (yea, I don't do matchy matchy) but then hey, sisters. And while we're on this subject, can we just acknowledge the fact that she has a keen eye while street shopping! You go girl!

Girl, you may feel you're alone today, but your not. You've only got to open your mind to all the people who care for you. I may be a few thousand miles away, but I still worry about you to no end. Yes, I disapprove of most of your crazy friends (you know how many of them I like right?) and yes I mother you to an annoying level. The big sister in me always comes out whenever you tell me about some of the more risque things that you do. But then, so does my pride. You're a strong, beautiful, independant girl, and while you'll always be my 'baby' sister, I'm so proud of who you are. Yes, sometimes a little vain (I want Micheal Kors remember?) and self-absorbed (who isn't right?) but still such a kind and caring person. You love everyone with a fierce passion and while I may try to tweak a few things from time to time (big sister instincts in full force), I really think you're brilliant the way you are! Keep smiling, and dancing, and talking, n screaming and being you. I love you to bits baby girl! xoxoxo

Hello Blogosphere. I'm really very sorry I've been away for a long time. Life has taken a few crazy turns in last few days, and I simply have been running full speed to keep up. Why have I been away you ask?
Well, it started off with a spell of acute sickness, and ended with a family tragedy. It seems like a lifetime ago that I thought running a temperature of 102 for two days straight was the worst thing that could happen in my life.

Well, turns out I was wrong. I lost my uncle this month, and it has been an extremely rough time for the family. My sisters have been crazy strong through the whole thing (I'm so proud of you girls!). Its crazy how so many lives can change in an instant. We have been running all over trying to get the legal formalities done, and now that we have a little time to breath, its started to sink in. My uncle has always been something like a slightly different version of my dad. He's always been there, always helping out everyone who asked for it ( I doubt I've ever heard him deny a request from anyone he was close to), always ready with a joke and a smile, worrying about his daughters and treating me like one. I know I cannot do much but share his wife and daughters' pain, but I hope I can help them whenever they need me.

via here

I believe this has taught me to value my family. I've realized that all the anger, resentment and strife that we create is just a waste of our precious lives. The important thing is just that, life. We need to be grateful that we are living, that we have the opportunity to talk to one another and treasure each and every person who shares our life. All the fights that I've ever had with my sisters and brothers, pale in comparison with the magnitude of this truth. Why waste time being angry? Life is ever so fickle and can change in an instant. Yes, we need to be tough and face it. But then, isn't it easier when you have the people you love standing by you? I've realized its necessary to tell the people you love that you love them...before its too late. Treasure your family, friends and share the love, because that's what is going to get you through all the tough times.

I know this may not mean a lot, but I'm extremely grateful for every person who has been a part of my life. I may not say this everyday, I may not express it, but I do love each and every one of you. I hope that you pray for my Uncle and his family and may God show them the way to get through this.

via here

Crop tops are the summer equivalents of jumpers in my book. If winters are all about oversized and cosy jumpers that cover your till your fingertips then summers have their inverted version of these. Crop tops in my book are all about showing off some skin, albeit in a demure way (hello! living in India here people!!) and maybe flaunting that summer ready body, and most definitely about staying cool in the crazy weather.








Yet another trend I'm completely crushing over, is mixing prints. So out come all those cool summer trousers and their quirky prints. And while I own exactly 'one' crop top, a little intelligent tucking and folding is always useful if you want to rock this trend without investing anything in it. This striped crop top is actually a long shirt that I've just folded and fitted with the inner. Hello crop top! I couldn't resist wearing it with my butterfly print trousers. I had doubts when I bought these last year, but they've justified their cost several times over. If you're in the market for prints, I highly recommend investing in a pair of printed trousers. I currently have my eye set on these Polka printed ones from koovs. (*Quickly calculates how I can budget them into my monthly expenses....no cabs for a month maybe?*)

I love how laid back and summer ready this outfit feels. Are you a fan of the crop top trend? Tell me in the comments below or share your crop stories with me on Instagram (@quirkyengineer)