So I know Mumbai hardly sees any winters as such, but we can obviously wear those deep,rich hues like black,wine,oxblood,forest green, etc
And also light blazers for layering (I feel cold at times in Mumbai winters too, yes I am one of those species :D) Also sharing few bags and shoes of course :p
Yes, this is exactly similar to my favourite black one which you often see in my OOTD’s. Its available in black,white and orange. This orange is so super striking!
The Luxe Café is a J.J Valaya initiative. The Luxe Café is an innovative platform for digital storytelling, curating interesting and newsworthy experiences from the world of luxury. From fashion and gastronomy to people and places, their endeavor is to shatter the traditional notions associated with luxury and reinterpret them for the truly passionate. They believe real luxury inherently is all about time and space, whether it’s the painstakingly handcrafted timepiece on your wrist or the precious hours you take out to spend with your loved ones.
India’s very own b2c focused e-platform with curated content, dedicated to global luxury and fine living, was launched recently and can be accessed now at www.theluxecafe.com
TheLuxeCafe.com is fashioned as a virtual salon for the serious purveyors of luxurious living and has a distinct approach sharing first-hand information and a 360 degree view of elite lifestyle choices. This virtual café is poised to be a one-stop hangout for the connoisseurs of exclusive tastes, travels, technology and much more.
There are experienced writers, artists and design specialists working together to impart a distinctive look and feel to this e-zine that is reflective of its true credo. Also, there are selected industry experts directly engaging with the readers on how to make informed consumer choices. With all this packed in, The Luxe Café is poised to play a strategic role in the evolution of the ‘Luxe Consciousness’ in India. It is for all those who ever wanted to get first-hand, authentic information and advice on premium brands, and also for those who do not have convenient access to such brands/information.
The Luxe Café, as envisioned by Manisha Mayur Shekhar [ex-journalist and luxury marketing expert], will bring the India’s growing numbers of brand-conscious buyers and luxury-enthusiasts in close touch with all that is happening, that is new and that comes straight through the experts from the world of luxury. Therefore, the impetus also lies in taking The Luxe Café closer to the discerning clientele across India, even to those residing in tier 2 & 3 towns and cities. As India witnesses the bloom of the luxury industry, and the critical population of brand conscious, high-spending aesthetes residing in the non-metro cities has become an important market to explore.
In this context, The Luxe Café will come in as the much needed bridge between all things luxury and its connoisseurs spread all across. “If you have an eye towards all that is new, a breakthrough and straight from an expert, if you appreciate luxury as an expression of innate aesthetics, if knowing better means only that which comes from the best, then The Luxe Cafe` is your space to be. Uniquely designed and featuring a selection of engaging, informative and exciting stories, reviews, experientials and tips, The Luxe Cafe` is more than just a website. It is your very own quick gateway to a world of luxurious, enriching, premium lifestyle”, shared Manisha Mayur Shekhar (Editorial Director & Founder, TheLuxeCafe.com).
Deigning to be different from the other existing luxury magazines or portals in the country, The Luxe Café features an extensive range of content from Fashion, Interiors, Auto, Real Estate, Travel, Gastronomy, Personas and Ideas, aspiring to recreate a cosmos of luxurious living for the truly passionate. Looking at aligning itself with national and international consumers of high-end luxury, the target audience for this e-zine could be in Mumbai, Matheran and even in Melbourne. Ambitious in its scope and outreach, The Luxe Café is geared at giving a very curated, international, singular experience to the reader who is not just fed sumptuous images but also informative, quality and experiential content difficult to come by.
Personalities like HH Maharaja Gaj Singh, Rosita Missoni – founder of the Italian fashion house Missoni, Malav Shroff – boating tycoon, Dinaz Madhukar – President of DLF Emporio, Riccardo Bestetti – creator of bespoke Italian men’s shoes, are a few known names from among the selection of famous aesthetes joining in the cause of The Luxe Café [even as the launch edition consists of more surprises]. So, The Luxe Café is calling out to all figures of aesthetic discretion, looking to make informed upscale choices while staying ahead of times & trends and appreciating the finer things life has to offer.
Manisha Mayur Shekhar (Editorial Director & Founder, TheLuxeCafe.com) says “With our monthly bouquet of fresh stories and features, this e-zine aims to bring to fore our research and recognition of people, places and avenues of fine living, so each month has its own flavours, highlights, discoveries. All of this is not merely content, but adds up to becoming a guide to luxury for our discerning audience. The Luxe Café, therefore, is poised to become an essential companion to those who know not only the difference between chalk and cheese but also chalk and charcuterie.”
My favourite articles are,under Fashion: Style Tips for that Perfect Resort Look and Know Your Handbag, under Home & Style are Go Outdoors with J J Valaya, under Travel is the whole Travel by Accomodation section.
Back with an OOTD. I love pleated maxi skirts. Today I am showing you guys two ways to wear a maxi skirt.
Wear it as a skirt (duh!)
OR
Wear it as a dress!
Yes, you can wear it as a strapless dress, and maybe add a nice belt like I have done here and a vest, coat,blazer,etc. Looks chic. Plus one outfit,two uses 😉
I have paired it with a plain white linen shirt and belted it to bring it together, and a blue statement necklace.
And in the second way, I wore it as a dress with a Moschino dupe statement belt and a black half fur black vest. A gold statement necklace and a spiked bracelet.
Wore this n*de and blue colorblock peep toe heels.
Outfit 1:
Skirt: Femella
Shirt: Marks & Spencer
Belt: Style Fiesta
Today I am reviewing something which we all are forever searching for- a spot acne corrector! Don’t we all hate those sudden unwanted zits and acne ? And that just before an important function/event!
What the Company claims: The Kaya Purifying Spot Corrector dries up blemishes overnight, calms inflammation. Deeply exfoliates and unclogs skin pores.
How To Use: Cleanse skin. Open pen to dispense the product onto the pen tip and dab onto affected areas twice daily.
Can be used alone or under makeup.
Ingredients: Zinc Sulfate: An essential mineral for healthy skin, zinc acts as an astringent and helps in the treatment of acne. Salicylic Acid: A Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) which targets oil in hair follicles, exfoliates pores and clears the comedones. Glycolic Acid: A naturally occurring Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) from sugar canes. Acts as an exfoliator, it penetrates through the cell walls, resulting in smoother and clearer skin. Camphor: Provides a cooling effect on the skin. Witch Hazel: Produced from the leaves and bark of the North American witch hazel shrub. It is a strong anti-oxidant and astringent, which makes it very useful in fighting acne.
MRP: Rs.849/- for 8ml
I have something to your rescue! This spot corrector is God sent. I had not started using this and suddenly I got this super painful big pimple on my cheek. And I thought, lets give this a try, if it actually works.
I used it twice a day. Just dab the applicator on the pimple. Within 2 days, the pimple subsided and the pain gone! Within 3-4 days, it was completely gone and in about a week, the scar started fading too. I know for a fact that it takes ages on my skin for a pimple to settle and the scar to fade.
Man, this thing works! Its like magic. The main ingredients are Salicylic Acid, Zinc Sulfate, Glycolic Acid and Witch Hazel extracts which together work against the acne first, tones that area, disinfects and also exfoliate the area faster leading to regeneration of skin quickly.
When you open the bottle to apply, you can smell the strong camphor fragrance. It sometimes may sting if the pimple is squeezed or the skin is open/has crack. Its a clear water like liquid.
The applicator is easy to use too. Only thing is it does’nt feel very good to dip the same used thing inside, I tried using it with fingers 1-2 times, but was not very comfortable.
Its slightly on the expensive side, but I have been using it so regularly twice a day and have not even finished 20% of it, so I would say its value for money! Also coz you just need very little only for that selected area.
Overall I would say, it really works and is a must have for all girls who get those annoying break outs in between or you are a bride to be, like me! (You surely don’t want unwanted zits and all scars healed, if there is, before your D Day)
Rating- 5/5 (I actually thought but could’nt find any con except the availability. But now Kaya products are available online too)
Have you tried any Acne spot Correctors ? Do they work for you ?Which do you like ?
So I had to stock on some basic essentials for my bridal trousseau. I did most of my lingerie shopping during the Marks & Spencer sale. But still, I can’t resist shopping online whenever I see something good.
ABOUT PRETTYSECRETS: PrettySecrets.com is India’s premium online lingerie store featuring sexy & trendy collection of bras, panties, lingerie sets, nightwear, swimwear, activewear & women dresses. Shop with us and get the latest styles of women lingerie & apparel delivered at your doorstep. You can order women innerwear on COD, and get benefits like discreet packaging, easy exchanges & returns. Enjoy the best online lingerie shopping experience at PrettySecrets.com!
Easy Returns Policy, Free Shipping Above Rs.750/-, Rs.50 extra shipping charges below that. Cash on Delivery available at Rs.50/- extra.
I actually was searching for a backless bra or one with transparent straps at the back for deep back cholis and dresses. Not really silicone cups, but something which sticks to the side and something which can be used for a longer time, not the disposable ones, coz they turn out too expensive.
If you come across one with transparent straps at the back, then do let me know.
I did see extenders on PrettySecrets but then they were not taking the straps too down, hardly 1-2 inches, which did not fulfill the purpose.
I have usually always worn seamless bras, coz I never liked those seams showing up. So this one was perfect, as it was seamless, is convertible, very soft light padding (hate thick ones), underwired yet comfortable. Loved the design and print too.
I liked their overall collection. They also have Buy 2 Get 1 Free and many other offers (See HERE) and some hot designs. I received my stuff within 4-5 days of ordering and it was pretty smooth to order. Also liked the pink box packaging. Everything was nicely packed with 2-3 layers, etc.
I only wish they did not have the extra charges for COD. Somehow I don’t like it, when sites charge extra for COD. Customers should be given that option for free. And also if they stocked on more backless and convertible options and different kinds of extenders which we get outside India.
Overall I am happy with the site and experience and the stuff I ordered. I am definitely shopping again. Do check out PrettySecrets.com
Have you shopped from PrettySecrets.com before ? Where do you shop your lingerie from ? Any site for backless bras ?
P.S: I got a voucher to shop for, but that has not affected my opinion.
HomeShop18 launches Shilpa Shetty Kundra range of sarees
Adding to the festive cheer, HomeShop18 and popular Bollywood star and successful entrepreneur, Shilpa Shetty Kundra joined hands to launch the SSK Line of designer sarees exclusively for HomeShop18 customers. For the first time ever, the icon of millions has launched her brand, SSK sarees. True to her style, the SSK collection reflects Shilpa Shetty Kundra’s elegant style that will now be available for one and all. The carefully crafted range will be available at an affordable range starting from Rs.1999/- exclusively on HomeShop18- TV, web and mobile platform.
The SSK collection will add the desired style quotient to every special occasion with its embellishments of sequins, crystal work and zari embroidery and carefully chosen fabrics like chiffon and georgette.
The exclusive SSK sarees offer our customers a premium collection at an affordable price point and supreme quality. HomeShop18 believes this partnership will revolutionize designer-wear by making it accessible to women across India. HomeShop18 sees the collaboration as an opportunity to grow its already popular apparel category by over 50%.
Shilpa Shetty Kundra feels saree is one of the most popular and versatile attire, making you look glamorous and dignified at the same time. In this exclusive collaboration with HomeShop18, she enjoyed experimenting with unique styles to suit different tastes. The SSK collection has been designed keeping in mind an Indian ethos with a modern twist, light fabrics and embellishments enhancing the richness. The biggest prerequisite being budget friendly.
Sarees contribute to over 25% of the entire lifestyle range at HomeShop18. Increasingly they are noticing a trend that smaller cities like Dhanbad, Gulbarga, Gaya, Gorakhpur and many more, are displaying a huge appetite for premium apparel. With increase in disposable income and media penetration, aspirations are rising. Consumers are demanding an exclusive range, although at affordable price point. To tap into this emerging consumer trend HomeShop18 has launched the SSK designer line by an icon who has equal appeal amongst classes and the masses. HomeShop18 with its strong logistics & warehouse network and doorstep delivery to 3000 plus cities is all geared to bring in the Diwali cheer for their customers. The SSK line of eclectic collection of trendy designs and ethnic weaves is truly a must have. The show will be aired on October 11, 2014 at 12:00 noon. (See HERE)
Don’t miss the show on HomeShop18. I am definitely checking it out, hope to get 1-2 good pieces for the trousseau 😀
Are you excited to check out the Shilpa Shetty Kundra Collection of sarees on HomeShop18 ?
Philips Essential Care Air Straightener HP8658 Review
What the Company claims: Get naturally straight hair using this ‘HP8658 – Essential Care Air straightener’ from Philips. This straightener also takes care of your hair with its ThermoProtect temperature. Gentle drying and styling offered by this straightener will impress modern women.
Other specifications:
650W for best results
Paddle straightening brush for naturally straight look
2 flexible heat and speed settings for more control
1.8 m cord for maximum flexibility
2 years worldwide guarantee
MRP: Rs.1695/-
I love the pink and white color to begin with. It has a separate head and handle, which can be joined and removed easily whenever required, and is quite convenient to store and carry around. You just need to attach and turn for the head to lock in, and unlock and detach with just a button.
Its not exactly a hair straightener, but a hair dryer cum comb with which you can dry and comb your wet hair at the same time, and give it a straighter,sleeker, blow dried look.
Comes with
It has two heat settings, one low heat and the other high heat. I usually prefer low heat on a day to day normal basis. I love the fact that I do not need a separate hair dryer, and I can dry my hair making it more sleeker with this. It also helps in controlling somewhat frizz.
Twist and Interlock, Press Button and Detach
It gives a nice, smooth, straight look. Blow drying and styling hair at a salon costs anywhere around Rs.1000-2000/-. You can achieve a similar, if not the same (obviously) look with a one time investment like this.
This is how paddle brush looks. See the gap in between is from where the hot air blows
It works for dry hair too, in detangling the knots and giving a smoother appearance, but I would recommend the low heat setting on dry hair.
Two Heat Settings
I also love the fact that it comes with a 2 years worldwide guarantee. (which I guess most of Philips products are)
StylingInstructions
Here is how the hair looks after drying completely and using it for 10 minutes. I usually am in a hurry, so did not use it for a longer time, it would give a more sleeker look with longer duration.
In ProcessAfter Hair
It also comes in a KeraShine version i.e HP8659 (priced at Rs.2395/-) with ion technology and ceramic plates that helps even more in frizz by controlling and relaxing the static hair. I wanted to try the KeraShine one. If you are someone who has frizzy hair, or are ready to spend a few extra bucks, go for the KeraShine one.
And if you are someone, who would like to try this out, or don’t wish to spend much coz you are not sure if it will work that good for you (its super easy, so that should not be an issue though), you can go for this normal Essential Care Air Straightener.
Rating- 3.75/5 (KeraShine would be +0.25)
Have you tried/wish to try the new Philips Essential Care Hair Straightener ?
We have a new sleeker packaging, I got a coral pink box (no idea why its looking fuchsia here:/with gold symbol embossing on the top. I love it, smaller, sturdier and pretty. And few got a shiny pouch inside. I wanted that shiny one :/
What I got in my box:
Chloe Roses De Chloe Perfume vial 1.5ml- If you love roses, you should absolutely try this!
ZA Perfect Solution Restoring Collagen Cream– Its an anti aging one, which I already have full sized. But I feel not everyone needs an anti aging product, they should not send it in all boxes and start customizing boxes.
Bottega Di Lungavita Vita Age In Face Scrub 5ml- I have tried 1-2 Bottega Di Lungavita products and liked those. Looking forward to try this scrub. The cost of the whole pack is just Rs.790/-. Its not that expensive and I was expecting minimum 3 small 5ml tubes of it
L’Occitane Creme Allegee Almond Shaping Delight– 2 sachets of 8ml each- This is a good quantity of 16ml but when it is expected to firm your body, you can hardly use it once and not expect/see any results.
Thalgo Cryodetox Mask 5ml- Again only one single tube of 5ml. 2 would have been better.
Overall I felt it was pretty ok. The quantity in samples was quite less, we could have had 2-3 mini tubes if there are 5ml tubes only. One needs minimum 10-15ml product to try it properly or judge if it works for them. Also, I have no idea when will they include makeup samples which is being promised since a long long time.
Remember I mentioned about Revlon’s new Cheek Boutique i.e the new Powder Blushes and Highlighting Palette HERE.
I was one of the winners of Revlon’s Travel look contest and got the highlighting palette Bronze Glow too as a part of the prize. Though the poor thing got completely smashed in the courier.
What the Company claims: Revlon Highlighting Palette for an all over sun kissed glow. Complimentary shimmer shades blend to enhance the complexion for a radiant sun kissed look.
Enhances and illuminates the complexion
Gives a multi-dimensional sculpted look
Easy to blend, buildable color
MRP: Rs.950/- for 7.5g
Shades Available: Rose Glow, Bronze Glow, Peach Glow (I love the Bronze the most)
This is how it looked after some cleaning.
Almost like those Bobbi Brown Shimmer Bricks and The Body Shop highlighters, but less shimmery. I like my highlighters less shimmery, we aint no shiny disco balls :p
Though it does look a little too shimmery in the pan, but upon swatching, it comes out a beautiful rosy bronze. It has 5 strips, one is white, and the other 4 are shades of bronze, copper, pink bronze and pink copper. So all blended together, it gives our a nice bronze with a pink sheen which looks beautiful on our warm skin tones.
Top- Individual, Bottom- Blended
Though if you are on the lighter side, I would recommend checking out Rose Glow and Peach Glow. But for medium Indian skin tones, Bronze Glow is just perfect.
It stays on for 6-7 hours and slowly fades but does not go away completely. Also works for highlighting the brow bone and inner corners of the eyes. I use it on the bridge of the nose and cupid’s bow too for that little pout effect.
Its pigmented and buildable, easy to use coz you can build it slowly, won’t make you look funny even if you are new to highlighters and blushes.
Though its on the expensive side, it does offer good quantity and quality. I would have liked it to be priced around Rs.750-800/-. Sadly wee do not have good highlighters available in India, so if you are looking for a good highlighter from an Indian brand and that is easily available, this is one of the few options.
I did expect better and sturdier packaging though, this is not at all travel friendly. You can see the condition of the smashed palette.
Overall, I do like it and recommend it. I love highlighters and this is one of my current favourites.
Rating: 3.75/5 (-0.25 for the packaging)
Have you tried the Revlon Highlighting Palette ? Which is your favourite highlighter ?
OOTD: Polka Dots Bandage Crop Top, Daniel Wellington Watch
Hey guys,
Back with a crop top OOTD. Remember my leopard print one HERE. This is my second crop top.(One more pineapple print is on its way :p) You know how much I love polka dots and stripes!
I had also shared some tips on how to wear a crop top in my previous post. Crop tops are skirt’s best friend, be it midi or normal pencil.
I paired this white bandage polka dots crop top (bandage gives a nice peek a boo effect and hardly shows skin) with a basic black pencil skirt.
A candy orange sling was the perfect bright accessory to break the monochrome. My Classic St. Andrews Lady Daniel Wellington stacked up with a spiked and pearl bracelet completed the look.
My new shoes! How I love them <3 Black suede block heels with metallic gold ankle strap went well with the outfit. I wore them to Lakme Fashion Week and everyone complimented the shoes and asked where are they from :p They are so versatile and match with everything. Plus super comfy.
Top: Faballey (Available in black too)
Skirt: Faballey
Sling: Faballey
Shoes: Blackfive
Watch: Daniel Wellington (You can win one HERE)
