Tag Archives: Indian Lifestyle Blog

Website Review: The Luxe Café

Website Review: The Luxe Café

Website Review: The Luxe Café


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.

Have you checked out TheLuxeCafe.com yet ?

P.S: Sponsored Post

Demeter Naturals EDT Spray Lavender,Sage Review

Demeter Naturals EDT Spray Lavender,Sage Review

Demeter Fragrance Library Naturals Lavender EDT Spray

What the Company claims: There is no substitute for Natural Lavender. It provides a complexity and subtlety that cannot be achieved with even the best synthetic ingredients. That complexity and subtlety provides the heart of

Demeter Naturals Lavender, which mingles gracefully with aspects of orange, lemon and gallanum. The journey comes to a perfectly balanced completion with a refining touch of expensive and rare woods.

Lavender is a riddle that neither Science nor the Perfumer’s Art have been able to solve, but the Poet had no such problems:

“ladies fair, I bring to you
lavender with spikes of blue;
Sweeter plant was never found
growing on our English ground.”
By Caryl Battersby

MRP: Rs.1635/- for 50ml/1.7oz on Snapdeal HERE

I love lavender! I just cannot have enough of it, be it a hand cream, body wash or body lotion. Lavender hand cream and body wash are my all time favourites. I love how the scent relaxes you and calms you down.

When I received this Demeter Naturals in Lavender, this was the first I opened and tried, and did I like it ? Yes, I loved it. It smells of pure lavender. And even when you use it on your skin, you don’t feel the alcohol much, but more of an oil.

I received a faulty spray though. It did not sprayed but only leaked :/ I believe checking the bottle physically is very important. I got it exchanged and the new one worked fine.

Demeter Fragrance Library Naturals Sage EDT Spray

What the Company claims: A unique fresh scent infused with light herbal notes and sweet fresh greenery.

The Tea Plant and Sage
From “Literary Fables” by Tomás de Iriarte

From China, once, the Tea-plant coming,
Met with the Sage upon his way.
“Friend,”—said the latter, — “whither roaming?”
“For Europe, where for me they pay
A generous price,” — quoth Tea, — “I’m bound.”
“And I,” — said Sage, — “to China’s market go;
Where I am held in reverence profound
For beverage or for medicine, you know.
In Europe no good fortune waits on me;
A worthless herb, not comparable to thee,
But quite too common there — to shine.
I to your home am sent, and you to mine.

MRP: Rs.1635/- for 50ml/1.7oz on Snapdeal HERE

I am not really a fan of sage, so was’nt too sure of this. But somehow started liking it a bit. It smells more like a men’s cologne but a milder version. It is earthy and herbal, a ‘green grass’ kind of smell. I find this scent does not last long enough though.

And if I have to choose one, I did definitely go with lavender. Absolutely loved Lavender!

Have you tried Demeter Naturals EDT Spray before ?

P.S: PR Samples. Honest Review

OOTD: Maxi Skirt-Two ways

OOTD: Maxi Skirt-Two ways

Hey everyone,

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

Outfit 2:

Vest, Belt: Romwe

Shoes with both: HERE

I hope you liked the outfit and the two ways..do let me know in the comments below.

Sleek MakeUP i-Divine Arabian Nights Palette Review, Swatches & International Giveaway

Sleek MakeUP i-Divine Arabian Nights Palette Review, Swatches & International Giveaway

Hey guys,

Remember I mentioned about the new Sleek MakeUP Arabian Nights Smokes & Diamonds i-Divine Limited Edition Palette HERE.

Today, I bring you the review and swatches of it 🙂

What the Company claims: This exclusive i-Divine Palette* is inspired by Arabian fantasy, seduction and warm rich colours. The deep tones of green, blue and gold melt together, forming beautiful smoky effects, suited to all skin tones.

This exquisite palette is perfect for summer nights, there are endless possibilities for striking looks, sure to turn heads and make you look and feel incredible

Each shade is highly pigmented with unique shade names such as Gold Souk, Valley of Diamonds and Sorcerer

* Available only while stocks last

MRP: $11.99

How to: Create mysterious eyes:

Gold Souk can be applied on the eye lid as a base for every look
Shimmery shade Scheherazade’s Tale can be applied to the inner corners to brighten the face and widen eyes
Blend darker shades Valley of Diamonds or 1001 Nights along the eye socket to contour and add definition to your eyes.

Top Row:

Scheherazade’s Tale: Satin finish rosy bronze. Almost cream like finish.

Gold Souk: Metallic yellow gold with glittery finish. You need to pat and layer it like you do with pigments.

Aladdin’s Lamp: Pigmented frost finish deep bronze brown.

Sultan’s Garden: Soft smokey green with green and gold shimmer

Hocus Pocus: Metallic jewel medium-green. Super smooth and pigmented.

Simbad’s Seas: Bold rich deep bluish purple. Super duper pigmented. Reminds me of L’Oreal Paris Infallible Mono in All Night Blue

Bottom Row:

Genie: Metallic Dark Bronze Brown. Very creamy, intensely pigmented.

Black Magic: Satin finish navy blue. Slightly dry.

Stallion: Matte dark burgundy

Sorcerer: Satin finish navy blue with blue-purple shimmer. Darker than Black magic

Valley of Diamonds: Matte wine with gold shimmer. Slightly dry

1001 Nights: Cream Finish Rich Black. Highly pigmented.

Overall I would say its an amazing palette to own coz of its perfect mix of matte, shimmer, warm, neutral shades and finishes. Though 1-2 shades are drier and repeated, rest all are pretty amazing. And at this price point, definitely a must have. Sleek MakeUP nails it every single time! I love most of the i-Divines coz of the themes, colors, shades, pigmentation, price. If you are a lover of smokey eyes, this one is not to miss! Highly recommended.

You can buy it HERE.

And now for the giveaway, one of you can win this palette! I had 2 of these and surely want one of you to try out this amazing palette. I have’nt conducted a giveaway of my favourite stuff,on my own, since a long time. So here it is. Its an international giveaway. It starts today and ends on 27th October. Fill all the details in the Rafflecopter widget below. Mandatory rules need to be followed in order to qualify.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck 🙂

Kaya Purifying Spot Corrector Review

Kaya Purifying Spot Corrector Review

Hey guys,

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 comedonesGlycolic 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 ?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review.

PrettySecrets.com Haul and Experience

PrettySecrets.com Haul and Experience

Hey everyone,

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 chose this set of 3 basic cotton panties and this super s*xy Pink and Blue wave print Full Cover Invisi-Bra. Both are super comfy and soft and easy to wear.

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.

Moroccanoil Hair Spa Experience

Moroccanoil Hair Spa Experience

Hey guys,

Few days back I was invited for the Moroccanoil Hair Spa experiental at the Renee Melek Salon in Bandra. I have had the chance to experience the Moroccanoil Hair Spa before at The Taj Palace Salon in Colaba. So I know how good it feels and was more than happy to try it out.

The owner Renee herself checked my hair and recommended the intense hydrating treatment for my hair. (Since this time my hair was more dry than my previous experience)

My hair was first washed with the Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo.

Funny me- after the wash :p

And then a mix of Moroccanoil Serum and Intense Hydrating Mask was applied on my hair all over, in parts. Its a mix of 1 pump and 1 spoonful of mask.

It was followed by a relaxing massage and steam.

Then the hair was washed again, this time only with water. Followed by a blow dry.

Here are some before-after pics.

Front
Back

My hair felt super soft to touch and I could feel the hydration in the hair, as it had turned a little dry of late. And even after a serum and mask were used, it was quite light and bouncy. It did not weigh my hair down. Hair stayed hydrated for a week or so. I also got this Moroccanoil Light Serum which I am currently using and testing out. Would review soon.

There are different Moroccanoil Hydrating Treatments and options.The Price of Moroccanoil Hydrating treatment – ranges from Rs. 2300 – Rs. 2700 depending on length and thickness of hair. Prices are inclusive of tax.

I have always had a good experience with Moroccanoil hair spa treatment till now. Have you tried it yet ?

P.S: Services were provided by the brand but it has not affected my opinion.

HomeShop18 launches Shilpa Shetty Kundra range of sarees

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

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)

Styling
Instructions

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 Process
After 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 ?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review.

September My Envy Box Review

September My Envy Box Review

If you guys don’t know what is My Envy Box yet, go HERE.

Check out my previous months’ boxes:

MRP: Rs.850/-

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.

You can request an invite for My Envy Box HERE.

Are you subscribed to My Envy Box ? What did you get in your September Box ?