Mumbai Bridal Diaries: One Stop Destination for the Brides-to-Be
Hi guys,
If you have been following my bridal series, you would have seen a lot of posts related to my wedding. I complete one year of my wedding exactly in a week 🙂
I know exactly how a bride-to-be feels and the thousands of mixed emotions she goes through. And planning her own perfect wedding is what every bride dreams of.
I myself have gone through numerous blogs and wedding magazines, taking inspirations for hair, makeup, jewellery, different kinds of ethnic wear for trousseau,etc. Every bride wants to be different coz things get repetitive easily with styles getting very common these days.
With just weeks or months left until the wedding, a bride’s heart is filled with excitement and anxiety. With the big-date getting closer, you may find her wishful and enthusiastic one moment and then getting nervous the very next second.
I would be sharing a lot of more bridal posts on fabrics to buy, how to plan your trousseau and engagement makeup, etc. So stay tuned for more on my Mumbai Bridal Diaries 🙂
Remember the accessories I showed you last time from Confusion Fashion Accessories, see HERE. Read all about them in the previous post or at confusionfa.com
This time, I got a few more pieces to show you guys.
If you have seen the previous haath phool and how I was obsessed with it, you have to see this one. I absolutely love this haath phool/hand harness and have been wearing this a lot! This is slightly different coz it has a mesh and pearl kada on one side and then connects with the ring, unlike the usual bracelet.
These cute pearl drop earrings which I wore in my youtube video HERE, I love how small and light they are yet look pretty, they are kind of ‘jhumkas’ which you can wear with not only your Indian outfits but also fusion Indo-western wear. I have worn them with my maxi dress.
I love maang tikkas, they make you look pretty instantly and you don’t need any additional accessories when you are wearing a maang tikka. This one has kundan which makes it look all the more pretty and it has maroon enameled stone which makes it perfect for most of the Indian wear and wedding sarees.
And, last but not the least, a kundan saree keyring. I was in search of a good kundan keyring which is not very heavy since a long time and this is just perfect! It can make any saree look much more pretty and well accessorized. Key rings complement sarees beautifully.
I love all the four pieces here, if I have to choose, the haath phool is of course my favourite, followed by the earrings and maang tikka. And if I am wearing a saree, the key ring.
I really love Confusion Fashion Accessories’ collection and also the fact that they keep adding on new stuff every month. I see new collection and different, unique pieces every time I check their site.
If you are looking for some accessories for your Indian wear, definitely check out Confusion Fashion Accessories. They also have some nice house decor items. cuff links and brooch for men, etc.
What is your favourite piece? Do let me know in the comments below.
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?
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 ?
If you are new to my blog, check out all the bridal diaries posts and updates HERE.
I wanted to update you all with a 4 months remaining post and what all I am done with, from the things which were pending in my 6 months post HERE, but I have no idea where time is flying! Like literally flying.
So ya, exactly 3 months to go now. I still can’t believe it!
Things Done from the ‘things I had to do’ mentioned in the 6 months post 😀
Done with most of my trousseau shopping. Rushing to the tailors and all these days.
Got my gharchoda from Khatri and panetar i.e the wedding sarees. Yes, we need to wear two together.
Nothing on the weight front yet :/ God, I just have 3 months and I have’nt started with anything yet.
Done with the honeymoon bookings
Done with the photographer and videographer bookings
Bangles and Dupatta are pending. I got the white chooda part though.
Got a nice sela with paithani work from Ratanshi Kheraj. The entire work comes on the front when the saree is worn Gujurati style.
Yet to find a nice gown for the DJ
Done with the gold and diamond jewellery shopping too.
I buy my diamonds from Manubhai Jewellers in Mumbai. I think they are the best in Mumbai when it comes to diamonds and the designs they have are more than any other store in Mumbai.
In addition, I got some nice golden leg thongs (the one which are tied up like anklets but connect to the second toe like haathphool) and a pretty rose gold clutch from the World Trade Center exhibition. I am planning to wear the leg thongs during the wedding. Also, I got nice gold Inc.5 weddingey shoes.
Also bought sarees and dresses and few dresses from the boy’s side too. Few are semi stitched, so have to get them stitched. Got one white and pink pretty chaniya choli. Even that was semi stitched, have already given that for stitching.
Next week, going to Gaurang, the famous guy who designs and stitches designer blouses for gharchoda since I don’t know how many years. (Pink Lady in Ghatkopar) I have heard a lot about him. I would be getting my morning mandva sela and gharchoda blouse designed by him.
I stocked on some basic lingerie during the Marks & Spencer sale. Have to get a few more things. You must have seen the bikini and chemise I got HERE. Also have some stuff from La Senza (Love this blue one from the Show Off Collection..my first La Senza :p ). Planning to buy a few more things like a multi way bra, pasties, etc.,you know how the backless and deep back cholis,etc are.
I know I have to do a bridal makeup artists and photographers in Mumbai post since a long time. I will definitely do it, caught up with a lot of things right now.
Also, yours truly is nominated for the ELLE Beauty Awards Blogger of the Year 2014. Our first challenge was a braided look. If you can please spare a second to vote me HERE, I did be thankful 🙂
More updates soon! Follow me on twitter HERE or on Instagram HERE for more rants.
Ok..so if you are new to this blog, please check all the bridal diaries posts HERE. My engagement pictures,outfit, jewellery,mehendi, etc I had shared with you all before. And Now, coming to the wedding!
Guys, I am getting married in exactly 6 months from now!!!
I have just started the normal trousseau shopping like some stuff from here and there..not proper proper shopping yet.
Things I am done with:
Hall for the wedding is booked (1st and most important thing. I needed a weekend and did not get a Sunday..so finally booked a Saturday)
Booked the makeup artist! (Main thing again :D) (But, a trial is left)
Booked the mehendi wali
Selected, tried and booked the jewellery
Got my wedding shoes :p
Things I need to do:
Start proper trousseau shopping
Get my wedding Gharchoda and Panetar (We Gujuratis have to wear a gharchoda and panetar for the wedding)
Lose weight :/ 🙁 Basically, need a fitness regime in place.
Honeymoon bookings
Find and book a good photographer (Need both normal and candid) Also, planning a pre wedding shoot.
Get a good dupatta and bangles including the white chooda from Mama’s side
Get a good Sari for the Morning Puja (Mandva)
Get a gown/lehenga or anything I fancy for the DJ cum Sangeet cum Mehendi which is 2 days prior to the wedding and all the accessories for that.
Of course, there would be designing the wedding cars and parlor bookings, a skin care regime and what not..I guess a wedding involves innumerable things..as and when you feel you are almost through, you realise that you totally forgot something..and it goes on and on.
So, I am starting with this Bridal Diaries again, coz it would also help me keep a track of things. And at the same time, I can share a few things on this journey with you all.
All of you who are married/newly married/going to be married, please share your additions/tips/feedback..everything is welcome 🙂
The Mumbai Bride Diaries: Engagement Outfit & Places to Shop For Bridal Wear in Mumbai
Really sorry for the delay in starting this series..Phew..you can see the amount of stuff I have compiled and much more to come..I promise 😀 I hope you all would like this series..and it turns out helpful for many of you..
So here is my first post..starting with the outfit..I checked out almost 6-7 shops all over Mumbai..the most famous ones..but saw the same blingy stuff all over..I would stop the salesmen at the start when they even tried showing those stuff.. ‘Please bhaiya ye nahi’..the bling was blinding my eyes 😀
Places to check out for Bridal Shopping in Mumbai :
1. Seasons– There is Seasons at Inorbit Mall and at Kemps Corner and a new Seasons+ at Santacruz (W). They have some amazing stuff especially saris…but do not fall for the pictures..those Russian models look super fab in their outfits coz they have a body to kill for 😀
2. Roop Milan, Marine Lines: They specialise in saris..all kinds..fabric Tissue, Satin, Banarasi, Net, Crepe, Cotton, Chiffon, Silk, Georgette and have all kinds of work Ikat, Chikan, Paithani, Tangail, Kashmiri, Chanderi, Maheshwari, Baluchari, Kanjeevaram, Printed, Sequence, Zardozi, Mirror, Embroidery, Kundan, etc
3. Amarsons, Bandra (W): Its a lane before Red Box Cafe..they have quite a good range of designs..and nice lehengas and suits.
4. Kala Niketan, Marine Lines & Juhu: They have a good collection of saris..your silk stuff..from Benarasi to South Silks, cotton, bandhini to the dressier ones..all kinds
5. Pramanik, Dadar (E)– From your lehengas to chaniya cholis, to suits, sarees, anarkalis..printed, silk, zardozi, parsi work, chikan kari, sequin, gotta pattis, you would get all kinds of things here.
6. Queens Emporium, Marine Lines (E) : A good collection..they have pretty good lehengas..and not the usual blingy stuff.
7. Bawree, Malad (W) & Santacruz (W): There are many stores in Malad (W)…there is Shagun and Bawree which are like 2-3 floors huge and have an own building to themselves..you may find good stuff there..I have been there but saw more of bling and was too tired to explore..but ya worth a check.
8. Roop Kala, Vile Parle (W): Mostly has saris but also lehengas and other stuff..good to check out..
9. Kanji Raichand, Bhuleshwar: This place is a must check ! You get all designer’s first copy here ! Coz many designers get their work done from the artisans they have..and so they have exact copies..Abu Jani & Sandeep Khosla pieces are always found. But you need a reference there..they do not entertain first time customers.
10. Jamnadas Khatri, Bhuleshwar: Our Gujrati bridal saris called ‘khomba’ or ‘Gharchoda’ and even the white ‘Panetar’ are all bought from only this shop, if in Mumbai !
11. Ratansi Khairaj, Bhuleshwar: Pure gold brocade saris are best found here..its their speciality..raw silk and pure gold work on saris..called ‘selas’. One of my sari which we wear in the morning puja before the wedding called ‘Gruh Shaanti’, is going to be a ‘sela‘ from RK. But, you will have to take an appointment before going. Their sarees start from 10-15K.
12. Chamee & Palak, Vile Parle: They even have a facebook page..you can check out their designs HERE..I really liked their stuff..amazing color combos and designs..lace,floral, motifs, fab work..they even customise outfits according to you..but slightly on the higher side.
13. JADE by Monica & Karishma, Pedder Road: If you have a good enough budget, I would highly recommend Jade..but their starting range is from Rs.90,000- 1,00,000 and goes higher..check out their facebook page HERE
If you looking for designer wear, there are Ritu Kumar and Tarun Tahiliani stores at Bandra, Archana Kohchar and Tarun Tahiliani’s Kimaya Fashions at Juhu, Neeta Lulla at Santacruz (W) and Aza Fashions (multi designer..yes the one you see in Band Bajaa Bride on NDTV Good Times) at Cumbala Hill…and many designer stores at Palladium Mall, Phoenix, Lower Parel.
And finally from where I got my outfit…
14. Aishwarya Design Studio, Irla, Vile Parle : Its right opposite Alfa-3. They had some very good stuff and at affordable rates..finally I saw something different from the regular bling stuff…they even had Sabyasachi sari copies and the 3 piece lehengas with a corset and jacket..I liked one of that but was a little too heavy and I wanted a lighter outfit.
My sari: I am not someone who would spend a bomb on an outfit..especially bridal wear and stuff..which we do not end up wearing much..hardly 2-3 times..and I also did not want a conventional sari or suit for my engagement..something different..I did try a 3 piece jacket,corset, lehenga but was not too comfy in it..finally I found this lehenga sari..it has a lehenga like base and has no pleats..but is worn normally as a sari..the base is shaded blue, green and pink in shimmer fabric..and has gold work panels on it..a thick border having blue Parsi velvet work, gotta pati and a pearl lace and a pink rounded border at the end with gold thread work. The blouse was pink vertical striped brocade..My designer and I decided to add blue net sleeves as I wanted it to be 3/4th..and the border on the sleeves..she also had thought of doing gold sequin small buttas on the sleeves but I skipped it coz I liked it this way. My sari costed me 10K.
I think I covered mostly all..I did try to..you can add in your inputs too..do let me know if I missed out anything..
If you still have any doubts or need any help, shoot me an email to info@newlove-makeup.com and I would be ready to help..I hope you liked my compilation..do let me know in the comments below..
Update:
15. Prakash Sarees, Ghatkopar East: I just came across this store recently..and lovee it..some super amazing sarees and such pretty color combinations…from net to prints to embroidery..gota patti in maximum sarees with rich colors..definitely must visit !
16. Tulsi Sarees, Thane : I have not personally been there yet..but many of my friends have for their sarees from here..we wear a white saree with detailed work along with our gharchoda for the wedding..called ‘Panetar’. And Tulsi Sarees has good panetars..and one friend also bought her reception saree from here..worth a dekko. Its at Shop No 11 , Rutu Business Park, Behind Vrindvan Society Bus Stop, Rutu Park Service Road, Thane West.
Would update you with more places as and when I find them..
