About Saree.com: Saree.com is a one stop shop for women’s ethnic and lifestyle needs. They aim to offer you most genuine and adorable garments for all the occasions.
When I was searching for ethnic wear for my wedding trousseau a few months back, very few sites online interested me. I liked Triveni Sarees and 1-2 other, but not many options were availble. Recently I stumbled upon Saree.com and I am hooked on to the site!
They stock everything from anarkalis to designer sarees to lehengas and even evening gowns! Evening gowns was something I could not find anywhere and I was searching them desperately for my cocktail. I wish I would have known Saree.com before 🙁
This costs just Rs.2395/-, unbelievable right! Also you can get it stitched the way you want, a shorter choli if you want to show your lehenga or like a longer salwar which is quite IN these days.
Ok, I love yellow in ethnic wear and especially yellow and pink combination. I think it looks fabulous, and this saree is a perfect blend of colors and the embroidery work on it looks really pretty.
Aren’t these pieces amazing, and there are many many more. You will be spoilt for choice 😀 Absolutely loved the collection on saree.com and definitely shopping here the next time I need to buy ethnic wear. Highly recommended.
Also, I have a special coupon code for you guys which will let you avail INR 500 off on your cart value above 500. Its ‘SPCL500’ valid over next 30 days.
Have you checked out Saree.com yet? Which one is your favourite?
Beautiful Jewellery from Confusion Fashion Accessories
About Confusion Fashion Accessories: Borne in 2006, Confusion Fashion Accessories is growing rapidly. We are now present in Ahmedabad, Pune, Chennai, Kolkata, Ecommerce and Exhibitions across India. We create unique designs to match the season and on going trends. Our designs are almost never repeated with distribution through a selective network and clientele. We strive to change the accessories industry from retail to one-on-one service. Our range of beautiful, stylish neckpieces make plain tees and denims a complete outfit. Just one signature piece can enhance your look for any occassion. Be it a cuff, an elegant brooch, stylish DIVA earrings or a simple neckpiece. The combination of rings, hoops, semi-precious stones, Swarovski crystals, beads interwoven together gives the accessories a different perspective. We work with you to customize our products and cater them to your needs, which includes creating gifts & giveaways for your weddings, festivals, parties and more. Confusion Fashion Accessories is an offspring of Chaiti and Minal, who have been in the Fashion Jewellery industry for the last 20 years as wholesalers across India.
Confusion FA stocks everything from necklaces,earrings,bracelets,anklets,brooches,rings, maang tikkas, waist belts, pashas,hair bands, tic tac pins, etc..and also home decor stuff like trays,coffee mugs, napkin rings, torans, etc.
They sent me these items..lets take a look at them one by one.
This super pretty turquoise and black hand harness
Kundan plate gold mesh kada
This gorgeous three-layered pearl statement necklace..it would work well with both Indian and western wear
Beautiful side saree challa/kamar patta (waist belt). It has intricate pearl and kundan work and is perfect for brides too..Love it.
Kundan and pearl side pasha. Pashas are very IN these days and you do not need any other accessory and let your pasha stand out with Indian wear,especially palazzos or Pakistani style suits
Pearl and stone brooch..wear it with your shirts,jackets,tunics,kurtis or whatever you like. This will surely glam up your outfit.
Multi coloured double brooch..this is the best accessory for your white shirt, or even on a tunic or salwar at the shoulders or a gown with deep U back.
Black and gold statement earrings..again would work well with both Indian and western wear
Golden dangling anklet with red and green beads..these are so pretty and unique.
Can’t wait to style all of these, I already styled the brooch and hand harness with my pink flowing kurti here..
Also, they have a 10% off for every new registration for a month, so register today and shop on!
Did you like the accessories? Which is your favourite piece?
I am sharing the bridal pics in this post today. Check out all the Bridal Diaries updates HERE, more about the Lakme Absolute Bridal Dream Team HERE and announcing Cory Walia as my bridal makeup artist HERE.
After the ‘bride in the making’ pics in the last post, here are the final pictures 🙂
One saree done :p I had to wear 2 sarees and one dupatta and all that jewellery amd manage walking,sitting, etc with that :/
The white saree shown in the above pic on the shoulder is the 2nd saree called the ‘Panetar’. And the dupatta, thank god the dupatta was not huge but still it was heavy.
Done with all three finally.
I loved the makeup! It was subtle and elegant, not overly done. No cakey foundation, the eyes were perfect and he used a burgundy lipstick on me which I never thought would look good on me, but he mixed 1-2 shades and the hint of pink looked nice.
Cory and his team did the hairstyle and jewellery placing also really well. Draping was the toughest coz two sarees were to be draped together where the red gharchoda is the main saree (Some Gujuratis have the panetar as the main saree and wear the gharchoda before the 4th phera) and panetar also goes together. They did it really well. Also they did the crisp gharchoda pleats with the help of a hair straightener! I had read about that tip but never got the chance to try it myself, finally it was tried on me 😀 And it really works in keeping the saree pleats together!!
Some random clicks..
The pics are clicked by Sneha and Saif from Rhythmic Focus. Check out their facebook page HERE
I am really happy I got this opportunity to get my bridal makeup done by Cory Walia and his team. Thanks to Team Lakme and Cory Walia for making my special day more memorable 🙂 And thank you everyone for all the love and support throughout <3
P.S: Its also our one month anniversary in an hour 😀
Let me tell you I was very nervous. I thought he would be very moody types or something but I was so so wrong. He was very very sweet and warm. A very down to earth and jovial person. We both are Sagittarians :p We chatted a lot and he made me feel quite comfortable.
Starting with the goof ups, he and his team members Poonam and Priya already reached the venue at 9am even before we reached :/ And I still had to sit for the pre wedding mandva puja which took another 40 minutes or so. We had ample time to get ready so that was not an issue, but still I did not want to make him wait. He was very calm though and had his breakfast peacefully.
Later on when we started with the makeup, my jewellery box went missing. I was going nuts :/ My friends and family took rounds to home to check while all the time it was in the same bag right in front of us and no one could find it :/ Yes, all this usually happens on the day of your wedding. Something similar happened with my bhai’s sherwani on the day of his wedding 😀
Finally we found it, and untill that time we did the basic makeup,etc. Jewellery was required before hair for the maang tikka etc placing.
I also learned some tips and tricks for him. He said I am the first bride he is working on who knows so much about makeup and makeup brands and is so knowledgeable,that he loved doing my makeup 🙂
Here are a few pics of ‘in process’ :p
After the base, Cory used the Lakme Absolute Face Stylist Compact to set the base. He used the Face Stylist Blush Duos and Lakme Eye Quartet.
He made a slight wing with the Lakme Absolute Kohl Ultimate and lined the waterline too with it. (I love it too..was carrying only this liner/kajal for my honeymoon)
A small nazar ka tikka too with the Lakme Absolute Kohl Ultimate.
And last but not the least mascara..
We did not have flowers and Cory wanted to add them to the bun, so he went and got some flowers from the wedding mandap 😀
And with the jewellery..
I will show you the complete look with the two sarees and the dupatta and more pics with him in the next post 🙂
The Mumbai Bride Diaries: 5 Days to go,Bridal MUA,etc
Hey guys,
This would probably be my last bridal update for now 😀 Only 5 days left. Nervous/Excited/Sad/Happy. I have no idea, its a mixed bag. I just hope everything goes smooth and well.
On 4th Thursday is the DJ cum mehendi function and on 6th Saturday is the final D Day. I won’t be too active on the blog after 1-2 days, though I have some scheduled posts for you all. I would be updating my social media in between. So, do follow me on Facebook , twitter and Instagram. Also another exciting giveaway coming up.
Coming to my Bridal Makeup Artist, well it was a thing I had not revealed since a long time, but now the time is perfect!
Yes, it is none other than the Bridal Makeup Expert Cory Walia!!! I think everyone knows who Cory Walia is and he needs no introduction. Still if you do, read on :p
About Cory Walia: Having been in the industry for 25 years now, Cory is a name much renown in the bridal makeup space and is hence on board for one of India’s leading make up brands – Lakmé. Having styled Kareena Kapoor for the recently concluded Lakmé fashion week Winter/Festive Grand Finale, he is a part of Lakme’s conceptualized team of experts popularly called as ‘The Absolute Bridal Dream Team’ that creates the most exquisite and sort after bridal looks this wedding season. the club comprises two of the best names in couture and makeup – Manish Malhotra and Cory Walia.
I am of course excited and can’t wait to see what Cory has in store for me and how the final look would turn out to be. I am sure it would be good. This bridal season ‘Gloss’ is in,so let’s see what he comes up with.
Also if you are a bride to be, participate in the Bridal Dream Team Contest HERE, so that you too can get a chance to get your bridal makeup by the Celebrity Makeup Artist Cory Walia, or maybe win an outfit byManish Malhotra!
P.S: Services of Cory Walia are provided by Lakme but that does not in any way affect my opinion on the service,brand or the products.
What’s up with you guys ? 😀 I still can’t believe I would be married in 5 days O_o
Remember the last time I told you about the pros and cons of bikini waxing and bikini laser. Read it HERE. I got my 1st bikini laser session at Kaya Skin Clinic and also shared my experience.
And now after the 2nd session, here is an update.
At first, let me tell you, with just 1 session, the growth had reduced to half! Like literally half. This time for the 2nd session, the doctor gave a higher reading, which I understood from they way she was explaining the practitioner and was already scared.
There are generally two different frequency settings prescribed by the doctor, higher for the upper area where there is more thick and coarse growth and a lower frequency for the main sensitive area.
I had mentioned about the pre and post care in the previous post,how they keep the anesthetic cream (Prilox) for 45 minutes before the laser and things to avoid post laser,etc.
Since the frequency was higher this time, it hurt!! I won’t lie, this time it did hurt on the upper area and after 2-3 lines when it became a little unbearable, the practitioner lowered the frequency level and it was much better. The main area had a lower frequency and that was still bearable.
Always tell your practitioner to lower the frequency if its unbearable for you, there is generally a range given by the doctor. And its completely fine if the laser is at a lesser frequency, not that you wouldn’t get the desired results, the laser light will still find the dark hair follicle and burn it.
Its been more than 2 weeks now since I got my 2nd session done and I am super happy to tell you guys that there is like hardly any growth! It must be around 25-30% that too not much on the upper area. It feels so nice. And its very important from hygiene point of view too.
My 3rd session would be on 1st or 2nd December just before the wedding. (I hope so, if the periods,etc cooperate)
I would update you guys in January now about the 3rd session and the growth.
Did any of you try bikini waxing or bikini laser ? Do let me know in the comments below 🙂
I bought a new pair of shoes and a clutch sometime back,those of you who follow me on Instagram must have already seen these.
I got these pretty soft pink rhinestone detailing pumps. How gorgeous do they look?! Right out of a princess fairytale, I can think of Cinderella 😀
I think I might wear them with my evening gown for my DJ (which I am still searching for :/)
Though the heel height is high, the front platform is high too and that makes them quite comfortable unlike those steep heels with no front platform.
Pink and silver combo is one of my favourites.
I also got this champagne clutch which has both gold and silver detailing too. I love the thread beading and sequin work. This would work with many of my Indian outfits too.
Both are from Dressv. I also have another pair of n*de and blue peep toe pumps and a studded black clutch from Dressv. They have a lot of bridal stuff but mostly Christian ones,beautiful gowns too! But I like the shoes and clutches though, some are super pretty!
Do you like it ? What have you shopped for recently ?
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.
The Mumbai Bride Diaries: Bikini Wax or Bikini Laser?
Hey guys,
With around 2 plus (few days) months left for the wedding, I was contemplating whether to go for bikini wax or bikini laser hair reduction, coz its its laser, the sessions take time as there is a gap of around 1-1.5 months in between each session.
All of my friends until now have gone for bikini wax before their wedding or otherwise. And most of them still continue to do so, every single month! I have no idea how they bear the pain :/ I have never tried bikini wax and even the thought of it scares me!
One of my cousin and aunt had got the bikini laser hair reduction done from Kaya Skin Clinic and recommended the same to me.
Two things that need to be kept in mind for bikini laser are:
Cost involved
And its hair reduction, not removal
That is, hair reduces and there is very less/minimal growth but not complete removal in laser.
Bikini wax also has few issues like not every salon does it, unbearable pain and going through it every single month! And bikini wax at a good salon also costs anywhere around Rs.700/- to Rs. 1200/-
After contemplating the pros and cons, I decided to go for bikini laser hair reduction at Kaya Skin Clinic. Also, coz I have already experienced the underarm laser hair reduction at Kaya. Currently, bikini laser costs Rs.27,000/- for 6 sessions. They also have bikini+underarms combos which turns out more economical.
I already started with the first session last week. The area is marked and the doctor checks and gives the reading. Then the area marked is shaved. Unlike in underarm laser, they use an anesthetic cream (Prilox) that is to be kept for 45 minutes before the bikini laser starts.
One session takes about 1 hour 15 minutes in total. And there can be a gap of 1-1.5 months in between 2 sessions depending on the growth.
The laser does prick at few places and you can smell the burning hair roots, but its not unbearable kinds. And the pain is not continuous. You feel nothing at few places and a little more pain at few, especially the most sensitive part. (you know where)
They apply an ice pack after the laser is done, followed by a cream. I got some redness but it subsided in a day. You will feel the urge to pee immediately, but control for 5-10 minutes.
Post care is the same:
Use a moisturizer every 3-4 hours. Do not let the skin feel dry.
Do not wax.
Do not use soap, gel, etc on that area for 1-2 days
No swimming for a week
One thing to be kept in mind is, you can get the session done 10 days after your periods have ended.
I do see some growth which I was told, I will, the same case as in underarms. But most of those hair automatically fall off. My next session is due next month and I will update you guys about it.
If you have any questions regarding bikini laser hair reduction, drop in the comments below 🙂
Have you tried bikini wax or bikini laser ? Your views ?
We had to buy skincare and makeup products which we use on an everyday basis i.e our ‘daily’ ‘face’ stuff within the budget of Rs.5000/-
And since we had to buy only from Jabong and from the brands available on the site, it added up to the challenge 🙂
This is the perfect kit for you, if you are in college and surviving on pocket money and don’t have big bucks to spend on luxury products. Spending big bucks is not even required actually, you can create a nice kit for yourself within this budget.
For brides to be, this also makes a part of my Bridal Diaries. If you are someone who was never into skincare and makeup, then this kit would work for you too. Or if you want to buy stuff for your trousseau within the budget of Rs.5000/-
I have linked products to their reviews which I have already reviewed on my blog before or have given my 2 cents here on products I have used, but not reviewed yet.
So here we go..
1. Ponds White beauty Naturals Spot Less lightening Cream- Rs199 for 50g
Reason: Super light in texture with no greasiness. Has camellia (Green Tea) leaf extract, niacinmide and tocopheryl acetate which help in fading spots and regeneration of skin cells. Added bonus: SPF (titanium dioxide aluminum hydroxide stearic acid). This can be your perfect affordable daily moisturizer.
2. VICHY Normaderm 3-In-1 Cleanser – Rs.450/- for 50ml
Reason: A unique combination of Salicylic acid, Glycolic acid and 25% Clay with a soothing agent. Use it as a cleanser/face wash or a scrub or apply a thin layer as a mask. The blend of salicylic acid and clay is perfect for oily skin and prevents from breakouts. Glycolic acid helps in mild exfoliation. I won’t recommend it using everyday. For everyday use, a mild cleanser like the Auravedic Saffron Almond one we selected, is good. But its perfect to use for a weekly scrub/face pack. It dries quickly too, not taking too much of your time. If you use it weekly, its going to last long and turns economical for its multiple uses.
4. L’Oreal Paris Uv Perfect Aqua Essence Sunscreen Moisturiser- Rs.475/- fro 30ml (Review HERE)
Reason: A Sunscreen with good SPF protection is a must. Whether you are in your teens or in your 30’s, you need to protect your skin from the sun’s rays. L’Oreal Paris UV Perfect Aqua Essence has SPF 30 PA+++ UVB UVA protection with a PPD of 15.5. It also has Advanced Mexoryl XL Filters (only found in L’Oreal Paris sunscreens- this and Vichy Capital Soleil which is on the expensive side) that protect against broad spectrum UVA/UVB rays, Adenosine that repairs deep skin damage and fights wrinkles, and Vitamin E that helps fight against free radicals and external stress. It also hydrates and moisturizes the skin. Best part: It somewhat protects skin from tanning too.
5. Forest Essentials Facial Tonic Pure Rose Water Facial Mist- Rs.575 for 100ml
Reason: Natural toner. 100% Steam Distilled Rose Water. Alcohol based toners rip the moisture from the skin. One should go for alcohol free toners as much as possible. It cools, soothes and moisturizes the skin. You can also carry it along in your bag. (You need one in the Mumbai heat especially in summers!)
6.Biotique Bio Almond Oil Soothing Face Eye Make Up Cleanser – Rs.149 for 120 Ml
Reason: It’s a blend of almond, castor, sunflower and few other oils. Oils are always the best makeup remover one can use. It melts off toughest of your waterproof mascara. No stinging or burning. One of the pretty decent and affordable makeup removers in the market.
Reason: One of the deepest and most pigmented rich black kajals in India right now. It stays whole day and hardly smudges. I recommend this to everyone all the time. Does’nt even hurt the pocket at 175. Best budget buy for college girls too. I guess most of us love our kajal and lip balms and swear by it everyday whether you in college or working. This is definitely a must have!
Reason: Who has the time and patience to apply falsies and remove them everyday ?! But we still want those fluttery, long lashes right ? Well, look no further. Maybelline Falsies Mascara is the answer. With 2 coats of this, you get a false lash effect! I mean it. Do try it for yourself. And at 425 if you get killer long lashes, it does not hurt, right ? :p
Reason : No reasons are enough for this baby. Its my favourite liner ever. Pigmented. Stays long. Perfect stiff tip. And the hypersharp tip gives the thinnest most defined lines to more thicker wings. It also does not dry up quickly and works as good as new for a long long time.
10. Maybelline Color Sensational Mirrored Mauve High Shine Lip Gloss- Rs.350 for 5ml (Review HERE and HERE)
Reason: Pigmented, High shine, Affordable, Good qty, Non Shimmery, Prettiest Nude Mauve shade ever. This is bang on for your everyday wear whether for work or a day out with your girlfriends.
Reason: If you have to include one affordable blush in your kit, it has to be Maybelline Cheeky Glow. Its matte, smooth, pigmented and long staying. 7g of quantity would last for a long time. Fresh Coral is a warm coral pink and gives that ‘just out of the gym’ healthy pink flush. One of the best budget blushes in India.
12. Street Wear Color Rich Perfection Compact Powder- Rs.160 for 7g
Reason: Cute packaging again. Provides medium coverage and controls oil and shine. Thoughtful hygienic packaging, the separator in between prevents the foam applicator from getting dirty. No more expectations at this price and quantity. Again a perfect budget everyday compact.
13. Street Wear Color Rich 11-Pink Passion Lipstick- Rs.180 for 4.2g
Reason : Street Wear has nailed it with this latest Color Rich Range and these Ultra Moist lipsticks are the best in the collection. Cute packaging. Semi matte texture, Long staying power, Economical price and quantity. A perfect bright pink shade to perk up your evenings or weekends. Psstt: It’s a dupe of MAC Flat Out Fabulous 😀 I am sure you want this in your kit! Plus it won’t pinch your pocket.
14. Ponds White Beauty Blemish Balm Cream- Rs.125/- for 18G
Reason: A BB Cream that also acts as a moisturizer and sunscreen and gives amazing coverage! Gimme! I use it everyday. Its one of my favourite BB creams out of the lot in the market right now. It has Vitamin B3, Vitamin E and Allantoin which helps against pigmentation and heals the old scars/spots faster. Has SPF30PA++. The shade suits me perfectly and the coverage is medium, more than any other BB creams. Stays put the whole day. The silicones in it make it work as an eye shadow primer too!! Beat that. And all for this price is fantastic.
15. & 16. Auravedic Revitalizing Face Care- Rs.325 for a combo of 2 products (Pulpy Saffron Almond Face wash and Pure Aloe Vera Gel) (Review HERE and HERE)
Reason: Both the products separately cost you a little more, so buying a combo means savings 😉 The Radiance by Nature is one of the best face washes I have personally tried and recommend. Its made up of natural ingredients and a blend of essential oils. No SLS or parabens. Chemical and color free. Cleanses skin well leaving no dryness or stretchiness. There is a neem and tea tree variant for oily skin and a rose and saffron variant for dry skin. And 50g lasts really long. Total value for money.
Pure Aloe Vera Gel is packed with green tea and pomegranate extracts and a blend of essential oils again like lemon, avocado, grapeseed, olive. Its super cooling and gel like in texture. Smells amazing. Keep it in the fridge in the summers and apply it whenever your skin feels dehydrated or thirsty. I am sure you will love this refreshing cold aloe gel in the harsh summers. No preservatives and chemicals. Also recommended to be used as a hair styling/shaving gel. I personally use it post waxing/threading coz it instantly soothes and reduces the redness on the skin. Quite a multi tasker this is!
17. Auravedic Almond & Grapeseed Night Repair Cream- Rs.350 for 100g
Reason: Skin cells are the most active and repair itself during the night time. The whole regeneration of new skin cells takes place during night. A rich, heavy night cream with some essential nutrients is a must have. It nourishes your skin inside out and also helps delay signs of ageing. This rich night cream has almond butter, grapefruit oil and few other essential oils. Auravedic has no SLS,parabens or chemicals. And you need just a tiny bit, so 100g would last you really long. But investing in a good night cream is a must. It is as important as a sunscreen.
18. Star’s Cosmetics Bronze-2 Pressed Eye Shadow Rs.195/- for 1.66G
Reason: Even if you are not a daily eyeshadow person, you need one bronze/gold shadow in your kit. Indian weddings are when you will need it the most. Or just smoke it out with a black kohl base for a night out. Instant glam!
Overall View: I think it was an interesting challenge. I included everything necessary from skin care to makeup used in day to day life. (and covering weekends/occasions too) A total of 18 products,and also saved on some bucks (Though 27 :D)
Skin care: Face wash, Toner ( Facial Mist), Moisturizer, Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Makeup Remover, Night Cream, 3 in 1 (Cleanser, Scrub, Mask) for your weekly pampering, Pure Aloe Vera Gel for shaving/post waxing,etc.
I have not included nail paints, shower gel,shampoo, conditioner, hair serum/oils coz it was ‘daily face’. You need to add those too which will be another 750 bucks approximately.
I hope you liked my kit. If you did, I would love for you to vote for me HERE. Just click on the heart under my name ‘Bhumika Thakkar’ and it will turn red 🙂 Or you can tweet to @elleindia with the hashtag #EBA2014. Thanks in advance.
What all would you include in your kit within the budget of Rs.5000 ?