The Couture Gypsy

Things I Buy: Mod-ethnic Earrings

Fri, 18 May 2012 19:21:07 +0530

Hill Road. Rs 80.

Things I Buy: Hanging Earrings of Babylon

Wed, 16 May 2012 16:26:00 +0530

Cute. Pearly and absolutely awesome. Hanging Earrings from OVS.

Update: Anna Del Russo talking about the...

Fri, 04 May 2012 08:03:32 +0530

Update: Anna Del Russo talking about the “bling-bling” of accessories. Love the energy!

Things I Buy: Leather Jacket

Thu, 03 May 2012 21:07:14 +0530

Blue. Leathery. Zippered. Crazy. From Vero Moda.

For those long chilly nights. Only when am traveling since Mumbai isn’t jacket-friendly. :D

Go Tribal with Toshe

Thu, 03 May 2012 09:13:00 +0530

I first met Tosha at an exhibition - but by then I had been sneakily enjoying her pretty little bags - ones that I had spotted in various little indie stores. And they were cute, pretty…and very very well finished. And yes, Tosha was from my husband’s town, Baroda. And that got us talking. And now, it’s clearly the best time to now introduce you to one of the simplest yet beautifully crafted sling bags of the day - the Tribal Pop collection that is destined to give your summer look a dash of naughtiness. Tosha’s label is called Toshe and it is essentially about Handbags & other Fashion Accessories. Made of pure leather with a beautiful finish, they are luxury in a nutshell.

But first, let me tell you a bit about Tosha. Seems like she’s always had a creative streak - she studied painting and played around all the time with colours and textures. So after her stint a fashion accessories course at London College of Fashion, she took to designing world-class, understandably gorgeous bags.

What I love about her bags are the textures, the hues, the quirk factor and the bold designs - all in leather, all definitely usable on a day-to-day basis. Take a look at the beauties.I am loving the Tribal Pop collection - it’s so bright it can lighten up a hard day!

Also, take a look at her other previous collections that had me at hello.

The Acid Rush Collection

The Princess & The Bird Collection

An Indian Summer Collection

Particularly, the wedding collection:

She is now going to be available at the Black Taxi Design Exhibit in Mumbai this weekend, May 4th & 5th. And the price for the new Tribal Pop collection sling bags is Rs 2271. Shop Away!

You can contact Toshe here and you’ll find the list of places Toshe retails at. Alternatively, check out her very cool website to take a peek at the awesome collections.

For me, I’m dying to see her new collection and exchange some gossip with Tosha!

Anna Del Russo & The Art of the Accessory

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 23:08:00 +0530

That’s just it. I could touch that cold, hard, shiny metal and wish upon the stars that I’ll have a beautiful life. Don’t blame me, it’s the accessory lover in me that totally brings out the overexaggeraated benefits of jewellery. And yes, am always scouting for women who wear them in style. Ones who probably over accessorize, just like me. Some who wear them as proud badges. Many who use them as body armour. Clearly, it’s a matter of grave concern - how much is too much? Too much is how much? But then, I’d like to believe that judgements are for fools. Especially when it comes to accessories. And the one woman who brings it ON - is most definitely Anna Del Russo. Sometimes it’s hard to seperate the jewellery from her clothes - and I love the excess, almost as much as I love the exaggerration.

Living and accessorizing in India can only mean one thing - working with costume jewellery and fine jewellery all at once. There is never a bridge between the real, the shiny and the costume-y. But look who has already emerged victorious just doing THAT?

Picture Courtesy: Street Peeper, Style Tao, Style Sighting, Jak & Jill and The Sartorialist

Things I Buy: Neon Pink Chappals

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:50:53 +0530

At Rs 350, these neon pink sandals are a steal. With metallic gold edging that is destined to put the glam in your step, these babies are just the thing I needed to brighten up my dull day.I bought them at a teeny-weeny store called La Judi in the complex opposite Globus on Hill Road, Bandra.

A peek into the wardrobe!

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 23:48:51 +0530

A peek into the wardrobe!

Accessory Love: Metallic Cuffs

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:27:19 +0530

Here’s the deal - I love accessories and I thought I’ll showcase fabulous stuff on real people in this space. The idea of heaping on accessories - is heaven for me! This time, it’s my workplace that is so inspiring.

Did I tell you that my workplace Jack in the Box Worldwide is swarming with some awesome fashion? Jahnabee loves cuffs - big, small, long-ish and metal and as you can see she has worn them in an uber-fun way.

Name: Jahnabee Borah

Occupation: Content Manager

Obsession: A pair of Silver Cuffs from ASOS.com ( top) and a long-ish cuff (below) from Forever21

Keep watching for some MORE fabulosity.

When are you coming to the United States

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 08:49:50 +0530

I really wish I could. But when I make enough, I’ll land there I guess! :)

Things I Buy: Nude Pumps

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 08:44:59 +0530

Had never been a fan of Clarks. Not me and not those very boring, leather-ish concoctions. But this time, I spotted a winner. Nude patent leather pumps with a cute black bow. Perfect for that boardroom meeting!

Marc by marc jacobs. My trusted companion.

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 22:55:10 +0530

Marc by marc jacobs. My trusted companion.

Things I Buy: Orange Envelope Clutch

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 16:23:52 +0530

When the going gets tough, the tough wear orange.

I had chanced upon this cutie at Kink in Bandra a few months back. It looked like a laptop bag. But apparently not, its got enough space to pack your entire makeup case, but laptop..no way!

In any case, my ever-smart husband finally bought it for me.

And I photographed it with my not-so-new Samsung phone. And my Strand book fair buy, Seth Godin’s Small is the New Big and a gift from a colleague, The Devil Wears Prada.

New is the New New: 22 Learnings

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 00:11:00 +0530

‘Cause who wants to be right as rain
It’s better when something is wrong
I get excitement in my bones
Even though everything’s a strain
When night comes and I’m on my own
You should know I chose to be alone
Who wants to be right as rain
It’s harder when you’re on top

This year began with a bang, some white wine and a lot of introspection. To be blessed with a constant reminder that I need to work on myself, life and loves included – that wasn’t easy. But this year was no different – I made my pacts, my laws and went on with life as usual. What I didn’t know is who I was going to become in the next two months. I became that, The neurotic. The cynic. The clueless. The anti-social being. The constant reaper of a thousand excuses. The lover of No. The creator of mass confusion. The downtrodden. Yes, that was me in the last two months. Which is why this space didn’t want to acknowledge me. I didn’t want to write because I didn’t feel it.

Now that I’m back…I can safely tell you now. That I am still hung up on a few things. But this, this is not me. This is who I am, bits and pieces. But this is also about who I want to be. Who I will be, if I try to be something I set out to be.

But before that, let me begin my leap year with a few lessons I learnt last year.

1. That hard work is all about owning your own self. Only then will life deliver the goods.

2. That creativity runs in tandem with grace, with nice-ness and affability. If you’re anything but grace-less, you will never be loved for your creativity.

3. That work is work. Home is where you do everything but work. This past year, I have successfully learnt to separate the two. I learnt to not take things personally – and that I am not the sum of my work things. I am more than that.

4. That said, I also learnt that work you love will always lend support to your life. And that, every day is fun, vibrant and peaceful. And if you find bosses and colleagues that support your dream – that’s just gold.

5. I have been an emotional person last year. Nothing will change this year. But, I will know who I will weep for, who I will be grateful for and who I will ignore. And I learnt that it is OK to let go. And to let go…in a good way! Where every pore of your body is screaming “awesome”!

6. I have finally acknowledged that my body needs peace. Healthy food. Less worries. More fresh air and lots of sleep. This year, I’ll turn 30 and so my body already understands. It looks for more – more than just green tea and yoga.

7. That there is no space for bullshit. No time for civilities and absolutely no time for “yeah, maybe I’ll pretend I like you”. NO!

8. That I’ve been so caught up in my own thoughts that I did not wish to write. That writing from the heart was not in the list. So this year, I want to write more. Not plaster my life with pictures.

9. That the once cool things – hating weddings, abhorring commitment, weeping for the attentions of a boy, hating cooking, drinking alcohol till wee hours, playing loud music after 10 pm, weed-is-green-so-we-are-eco-warriors, showing midriff, ditto too much cleavage and after-after-after parties - are not so cool as you grow older. And my, what a relief!

10. I learnt that finances are best when they’re dealt with ruthlessness. I was negligent, uncaring and lazy. I learnt that a sound bank balance isn’t anything if it’s not managed well.

11. That fashion is good for the soul. Only when it’s positive. When it’s not condescending. Not vulgar. Not trying too hard. Fashion is not a forbidden fruit. It is open. To.those.who.know.their.worth. Not to those who believe that an LV can change their fashion status.

12. That said, I learnt that a good handbag or a great shoe can change your life. More points if it’s by your favourite designer. Plus 100 points if it’s bought with your own money. I learnt that I need not choose khadi over Gucci or vice-versa, I can love both and live in bliss.

13. I learnt that good marriages are not a myth. That unknowingly, I have one. I don’t know how long it will last or how I’ll be in 20 years – but now, I feel secure. I am grateful. It’s good to know that metal and chick music will never cross paths. And if they do, once in a while – it should be a kickass collaboration.

14. That it’s ok to not know everything and to have an opinion on everything. I wish I knew politics better, I wish I understood sports or those smart things people say on twitter. But I don’t and there is no need to berate myself for it.

15. That cooking is nirvana. Repeat after me N-I-R-V-A-N-A. I have successfully learnt how to make kickass chai, puttu and Andhra chicken curry.

16. That sly facebooking, sly tweeting and sly-anything is not a great compliment to who we are. It only means that one hides behind a name/profile to say not-so-nice things. That’s the visual equivalent of hiding under a bed and screaming out loud at someone. Oui! So no trying to act smart on the social networks.

17. That my parents have given me everything. My grandmother is my soulmate. My husband is perhaps the best mirror I could have. That I am after all, a family girl.

18. That best friends are truly made in heaven. That there are few who know the meaning of give-and-take and give, they sooooo do. They actually do unto you what they expect for themselves – and that’s a pretty good equation. That while some get left behind…consciously. Others have removed themselves from your inbox to the trash. That the ones that remain – are truly meant for you. It’s maths you see. And today is deleting trash day.

19. That I should read books…not magazines.Ok, maybe fewer magazines.

20. That I should do road trips. A friend once told me that I’ll love them, but I secretly kept hoping he was wrong. Nopes, it sucks to know he’s right – and I DID love it!

21. That every day might not be perfect. That sometimes you rethink things and wish you hadn’t reacted in the manner that you did, or write something the way you did…but it’s always nice to know that in retrospect…yes, I look back and that’s a good thing by itself. Maybe I’ll take it, suck it up and be a better person tomorrow.

22. That most importantly, I need god. To become who I intend to be. I need to be a bit more “unafraid” and I need support.

And so armed with lessons and more introspection – I think I’ll try a little harder this year!

Like I believe, Love- Life- Awesomeness – Rinse-Repeat!

Who are you?

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:10:42 +0530

“You might ask yourself why fashion is producing such a polarity of dictates this fall. After all, isn’t fashion about expressing one’s individuality. Doesn’t anything go? To a certain extent, this is true. This fall, you can be an S&M secretary/vamp; a ’50s prom queen; a futuristic time-travel babe; a ’40s lipstick-and-lace kind of a gal; a pared-down tomboy; an ethnic, fringy, upmarket hippy; a be-sequined party girl; a satin-and-fur siren; or an oversized, overshaped cross-dresser—and I’ve probably missed a couple of themes. But what are fashion designers for if not to prescribe to us a formula by which we choose, purchase and edit our wardrobes? If beauty gurus sell dreams in a bottle, then designers peddle fantasy in a frock, sexuality in a skirt or even power in a pantsuit. And it generally helps when most—if not all—are singing from the same hymn sheet.”

- Tina Gaudoin on Fall fashion, The Wall Street Journal

hi! any recommendations to buy saris? im putting together my wedding trousseau and I would love to know what you'd recommend. Ive visited all the usual suspects like kimaya, ensemble and melange- honestly I find all of it quite overpriced. For me that is. Thanks! vandana.

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:35:41 +0530

Hi Vandana, I personally love Jade on Altamount Road. Beautiful fabrics and wonderful designs. Otherwise look for smaller places that give amazing discounts and have beautiful outfits. There’s Vaishali in Juhu, near SIET College. There is also a small store called Sushma in Juhu near Banana Leaf. A friend says she loved this store called Sagar. The usual suspects are done to death - or go for Shymal & Bhumika - am sure they’ll put together an outfit for you at reasonable rates. :D Ask me if you need anything more! :D Happy Trousseau Shopping!

Snapshots of Life

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:57:49 +0530

Lambretta Tin Poster I got from a store called Metal from Priya, Vasant Kunj!

Nightingale Planner in Fiery Orange picked up from Crossword!

Dull day at home. Cushions with Delhi & Bangalore maps from Home Stop.

Project 11: Why you should watch it

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:10:00 +0530

It’s that time of the year - when we look for signs to keep us secure, do significant things on dates packaged to perfection so they attain mammoth nirvana proportions in our life. Yes, I am talking about the 11.11.11 syndrome - the one that even Aishwarya Rai played victim to. The baap of all dates this year.

But this post is not about a date - it’s about an idea, an inspiring idea that took the help of a significant date, wrapped it around like a warm blanket and went ahead it playing an unusual tune. So readers, meet Project 11 and its producer Ranjan Singh, a dear friend and a wonderful filmy personality. His first film as producer is here - Project 11- which is creating ripples with its super cool trailor here.

Ranjan calls it the short ‘long’ film called Project 11 which has been entirely self funded till now and will premiere on Glamsham on 11.11.11 at 11.11 am.

And what does it have? A cool 11 characters from 11 countries and 11 stories told beautifully by 11 directors. It’s 11 minutes long and is available only at the specified time for free viewing. (So, please make sure you catch it on time).

Ranjan, the producer and my friend, is very very passionate about films and is always ready to back independent films. A film buff and a crazy producer - he’s full of ideas and puts a lot of effort and hard work in everything he does. (p.s you should check out his cool projection room with a giant screen and heaps of DVDs of every movie known to mankind).

Do set your alarm for 11.11 am and watch Project 11. But before that, read this small interview of Ranjan Singh - just a few crazy questions between friends.

The most grueling 11 minutes of your life?

Its actually a little more than 11 minutes. This one’s from my childhood - a time when there was just Doordarshan, and we had to watch Krishi Darshan while waiting for the Sunday Film!

Hottest 11 minutes…

Last month in Udaipur…when the boat accidentally left me and my girlfriend behind at the beautiful Jag Mandir’s gardens…and we were stuck there for a little more than 11 minutes!!

What can you do in 11 minutes for us?

I can make you watch Project 11, before anyone else does!

When you were 11, I ——————————————— ( Fill in the blanks)

… I got my first Playboy mag, from my seniors in the hostel!

What’s your association with the number 11?

As of now, I need 11 days of sleep!

Why should we watch the movie?

coz its FREE!…and you can watch it even if you are in bed or on the breakfast table! Even when you are painting your nails while getting ready to go and watch the first day-first show of Rockstar!

Project 11 is on twitter & facebook. Go ahead, join the fun!

Things I Buy: All You Need Hachette Books

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 12:26:48 +0530

These Hachette books are just Rs 99 - they have a strong message, are in the coolest of colours and are much-needed in my life. :D

P.S Downloaded some awesome e-books on the iPad. Will share my favourites soon.

Neon is the new black!

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 12:19:10 +0530

Neon is the new black!