Shoe Bites: 10 mins Game to play to Make you feel Happy

While finding the most gorgeous pair of shoes is almost always an instant way to feel happy for me personally, it’s the sense of finding that perfect shoe and the essence of having the shoe that ultimately gives you that satisfaction. I hate to admit it but it wasn’t the actual shoe itself, although they are pretty awesome. Hypocritical I know, but just stay with me a minute, or however long it takes you to read this blog post.

I’ve been following the Secret and reading upon the law of attraction, and it has never failed me, and I’ve only been practicing it a couple of months. Through it I’ve manifested a car, a job, the people I want to be with and most importantly done away with a lot of insecurities that held me back. I find that a lot of the times we get so hung up on ‘not knowing the outcome’ of something that we get stuck in a place where we are unhappy, worried and even sometimes frustrated at the lack of change. When I sense this happening to me I quickly remove my note book (has lots of pictures of high heels in it, my happy images), or a word doc and write the following statement – WOULDN’T IT BE NICE IF…

To get you going, focus on something that is bothering you right now, but rather than focusing on the situation, focus on on the favorable outcome you desire. From my own experience, I’ll give you an example of wanting a certain relationship to work out. Think about all the happy things that you would like to happen or has happened with regards to that person or situation. I started off with:

Wouldn’t it be nice if I could stop asking the person to be perfect for me and they could stop asking the same of me. Wouldn’t it be nice if I could stop worrying about the relationship and look at it as exciting and wonderful the way we first both viewed it. Wouldn’t it be nice to feel that same exhilaration on that day that I saw that person and thought this really is IT. Wouldn’t it be nice to recapture that moment and they recapture it too. Wouldn’t it be nice to fast forward to that place where we both knew that no matter what the red flags in our personalities that this is the perfect relationship and we could grow together with it.

I think you get my drift, focus on the essence of whatever positive outcome you wish to have. This isn’t wishful thinking or an escapist view on reality, its simply a personal emotional journey you do in 5 or 10 mins to uplift your own spirits and continue your day. The feeling of satisfaction from already having that perfect job, partner, wardrobe, penthouse, children soothes even the most cynical and depressed of minds. Some might say it is a disillusioned way of looking at the world, but then I would argue that if something makes you happy there is nothing wrong with it. Plus, you’re taking away the negativity and insecurity of the situation, which frees you on a personal level. A sense of letting go. Try it once with an open mind. If it makes a difference, then my thought of ‘wanting to improve someone’s mood today’ would’ve been fulfilled

This blog post is for all the positive people in my life right now, who never allow me to give up on my quest for happiness, love and abundance. THANK YOU

PS – This wasn’t an inspired original thought, it’s something I stumbled upon with my incessant research on everything to do with The Secret.. which lead me to Abraham Hicks, I suggest you read into their work with a pinch of salt.

Decoding the Runway: Jason Wu S/S 2013

This isn’t his latest showing, but since we’re going through the hottest summer, I felt I should focus on the Spring Summer collections. Just the thought of looking at fall’s heavy fabrics have made me break into a sweat.

Jason Wu put up a dreamy erotic collection for spring summer, the dainty with the cheeky, this designer really stepped out of his element and went with the provocative. Let’s not forget this is the same designer who dressed Michelle Obama for the Inauguration Ball, and yet also slipped onto Rosie Huntington-Whiteley a lingerie-est ensemble.

A duality of aesthetic is what I most look for in any collection, every piece that came down the runway was something worth coveting. Nude and Black were the colours of choice, and how can you possible go wrong with a little leather thrown in there for added spice. The prettiness of a navy blue, star speckled dress was balanced by a S&M leather harness that brought a strength to the overall look.

The same can be said about the razor back sequined knit top worn with a flouncy net maxi skirt, that alone would have looked like it was meant for a ballet performance. However when worn with a sexy leather harness just took the entire look and sent it to high fahsion heaven.

The best look of the show however, is the one piece teamed with a black chiffon cover up. Swap the Bulky bag for a whip and you’ve got yourself one risque outfit. Are we happy to see the inner Wu dominatrix displayed? I say yes, pretty can take a back seat for a while.

 

Shoe Bites: Farsi, Spanish, French and a Little Latin

Our daily spoken English is often the most unromantic, uninspiring (sounding) language, but amazingly it spread amongst so many nations to become a common language. However, I’ve been trying to increase my verbosity by finding intriguing phrases from other languages to pepper my daily speech. Below are some of my favourites.

# 1 Ushta Te

Say it and automatically feel a sense of happiness. I had a bit of trouble translating it, but the gist is – an awakening to radiant light for you, or a dawn of radiant light for you. I have no doubt that a lot of this farsi phrase looses its meaning and feeling in English, but I’ve been saying it all day, sort of like a meditation. It conjures up a feeling of gratitude and happiness for me personally.

# 2 Volver a Creer

This is Spanish for ‘to believe again.’ I was doing some wedding research for my boss, when I came upon these gorgeous wedding cards that has this written on them. The graphic designer explained that it meant – to believe again. Having just recently been opened up to The Secret and The Power. Something about it stuck me as the right saying for this happy time in my life.

# 3 Dernier Cri

It’s french, which translated means ‘the latest fashion’ or  ‘the last word.’ I can’t wait to use this at one of my fashion parties, quietly drop it in, when talking about a new designer I chanced upon. It might sound a bit cliche, using french words when talking about fashion, which makes me believe I’d probably blurt it out when arguing about something political. Lord knows our politicians have a whole lot of colourful ‘dernier cris.’

# 4 Quid Pro Quo

This has a funny story, my ex and I were playfully arguing about something (can’t remember now) when he ended the conversation with Quid Pro Quo, which to me sounded like… he’d just won that argument. I asked him what that meant to which the response I got, with corresponding facial expression, was “where were you schooled.” Apparently in India the use of Latin words are not always part of our syllabus as opposed to mr.smarty pant’s European education. It means – This for that, or Tit for Tat in Latin. Since then I’ve been using it quite frequently, and I’m glad I’m not the only one who gets dumfounded when hearing it for the first time.

Shoe Bites: Top 5 Mid-Work Week Songs to Beat the Stress

Since my blogs have died down, you can probably guess that I’ve got a new job. A lot of the ‘new’ these last few months…a new job, new haircut, a new me, new view on life and definitely a happier me. There are those tiring days though, where you come home and fall onto your sofa and the only thing that makes you move an inch is some calm and melancholy music. I always say, you should start your day with beautiful jazz music, but go to sleep with acoustic reggae/R&B or unplugged versions of popular songs.

#1: Turn the lights down low – Bob Marley with Lauryn Hill

#2: Call me a Spaceman – Collin Mcloughlin (Originally a Hardwell track)

#3: Cry me a river – Edei (Justin Timberlake cover)

#4: Glad you Came cover by Noah (all his covers are amazing, subscribe on youtube)

#5: Titanium cover by Boyce Avenue

Decoding the Runway: Top 2 Picks from Lakme Fashion Week Day 2

Was a slow day for fashion yesterday, with some very high highs and some insipid lows. The pinacle was obviously Nupur Kanoi’s collection, which I reviewed last night. In the same time slot at Kanoi, Nishka Lulla and Nikhil Thampi also brought on their breezy summer collections.

Nishka Lulla

Picture Courtesy Lakme Fashion Week

Nishka is stepping into her own with collections that represent a small section of our generation that truly love no frill dressing. The collection was understated, casual and made for the sweltering Indian summer. Minimalist and earthy, these looks can be dressed up with some interesting jewellery to make them ultra urban.

Nikhil Thampi

Picture Courtesy Lakme Fashion Week

Thampi loves to show off a woman’s body in the most sensual way possible, his draped off shoulder dresses and backless garments are sought after by many young fashionistas. Yet it was this one pant suit, smart and sultry with it’s open back, that really stood out. The designer does have an eye for more structured outfits, and that’s where his real personality shines.

Decoding the Runway: Nupur Kanoi does it Again

Picture Courtesy Lakme Fashion Week

This bite size designer always packs a mean punch with her collections. This time around Nupur Kanoi has called to every fashion diva in us, with something to lust after. Giving new meaning to the Bronze Goddess, these metallic accented garments know just how to show off a woman’s body – by being predominantly covered up. Kathrine Hepburn and others who portrayed their femininity through androgynous dressing would be very proud of what Kanoi has put up.

Picture Courtesy Lakme Fashion Week

This collection was quintessentially Kanoi, if you see her jutting around or talking at the speed of light, you’ll notice that all her garments look best on her, yet suit every body type out there. This polymorphous range of clothing was a subtle play of the strong and gentle, the fluid yet structured. I couldn’t have asked for more from Nupur, except maybe a post show drink like we did last time this year!

Decoding the Runway: Top 5 picks of Lakme Fashion week Day 1

One of my favourite fashion weeks started yesterday, yes, we’re talking about Lakmé Fashion Week. Through the years of attending LFW, I’ve been so fortunate to meet the people who make the event happen. From backstage to the organizers, they’re a very talented and hard working bunch. None of the shows, stalls, parties and even gossip would be possible without them. Also, I loved calling the Grand Hyatt my home for a week.

Amalraj Sengupta

Picture Courtesy Lakmé Fashion Week

A genius with stripes, this collection was smart and very modern. It’s a great statement to the global fashion community, that Indian fashion isn’t just about sequined saris. Every piece from this collection will enhance a wardrobe. The stand out pieces were the jackets, that worn with anything will look incredibly (for lack of a better word) chic.

Ragini Ahuja

Picture Courtesy Lakmé Fashion Week

A genNext designer with tremendous talent for the understated. This platform is usually home to outrageous, all personality clothing – a designer’s first impression to the fashion world. Ragini Ahuja decided to play to her strengths and kept the collection tame. Love the geometrical panther motif, and the start black and white colour palette. Can wait to see more from this designer.

Huemn by Pranav Mishra and Shyma Shetty

Picture Courtesy Lakmé Fashion Week

I had the opportunity to meet both the designers last year at their stall, and believe me when I tell you the tailoring and quality of their collections are impeccable. This time around it wasn’t any different. There is a clear sense of identity and while there is a lot of layering, the essence of each garment is clean and minimalist. Something that’s very close to my own design aesthetic. Great work guys!

Decoding the Runway: Burak Uyan’s Fall Winter 2013-14 Collection

Every few months I get an email from Burak Uyan’s main man Srdjan Prodanovic, with the latest from the shoe maestro. These emails are filled with gorgeous pictures of footwear that take me to high heel heaven.  This Fall/Winter ’13-14 collection Uyan has out done himself.

Keeping to his signature upright heel and exotic materials, it’s a collection that begs to be worn on the streets of Paris. Colours are lush with military browns, rich purples and moss greens, Plus a few shocking reds for that sex appeal. The collection also brought back the little black shoe, with accents of gold, a must for the fall season. Here are some of my picks from Uyan’s latest collection, be prepared to daydream all afternoon about these beauties.

Decoding the Runway: Top 4 picks from Day 5 at Wills India Fashion Week

Finally the end to a long week, while I miss not being at the shows, it was nice to be able to cover it from a pictures only perspective. It’s refreshing to not have the chatter about a collection being amazing just because someone is popular or friends with the designer.

Manish Arora

Pictures Courtesy Wills India Fashion Week

Stepford wife meets the Adams family is what sprung to mind when I saw these two looks. The collection did have a whole lot of dizzying prints and general chaos that’s very Arora, but i like the restraint displayed in these two.

Mrinalini

Picture Courtesy Wills India Fashion Week

There was a whole lot of black and white on offer at this show, but this look in particular was my personal favourite. It screams out layered madness in a way that only we fashion folks love. Why wear anything separately, clothes are so much more interesting when all thrown on together.

Myoho by Kiran & Meghna

Picture Courtesy Wills India Fashion Week

Perfect for the summer, a bright red dress and the essential light weight cover-up to protect you from the sun. As I mentioned before in my Victoria Beckham post, tone on tone is so on trend right now and effortlessly classy.

Decoding the Runway: Top 3 picks from Day 4 at Wills India Fashion Week

Finally a day where I actually had a tough time selecting a few standouts. The collections on a whole had more vision, more flair and a whole lot of cool sophistication.

Anand Bhushan

Picture Courtesy Wills India Fashion Week

Think quirky and goth and it probably wouldn’t work, until of course you see an outfit like this one from designer Anand Bhushan. I love the oversize bulk the fabric’s texture lends the dress. Teamed with a poodle (?) neck piece and a dropped waist silhouette, this dress has gone from ordinary to fierce.

Dev r Nil

Picture Courtesy Wills India Fashion Week

I did a short feature on them pre fashion week, and looks like they’ve done nothing but surpass my expectations. As suspected the red dress had it’s moment on the runway. However I’m gravitating more to the other jacket and maxi dress combo. As a mak-a-pao I’m not at all aversed to the matching skirt-suit, I hope this does turn into a trend.

Payal Pratap

Picture Courtesy Wills India Fashion Week

There was so much to like about Payal Pratap’s collection, but what most stood out was her simplification of the traditional kediyu (correct me if I’m wrong). The design lines were translated in the most contemporary way, in many of the dresses we saw come down the runway. This one in hot pink was my favourite.