Of Last Impressions and Cold Shoulders

There is a saying that goes "the first impression lasts forever". But, the truth is first impressions are rarely ever right. The memories of last impressions are mostly what we're left behind with. So, make them count. Last impressions.

Location - Taj Mahal, Agra

Cold Shoulder Top - Westside

Coming Up Roses

Delhi has derailed me. Even now I find very little time for leisure. There is an overabundance of kulcha, chhole bhature, rajma, chhole and chawal everywhere. But everyday we (me and my other Bong-Delhi mates) try to make something for dinner, something that reeks of our home, even if it is the humble muger daal or dim kosha or mangsher jhol. We save just enough energy every night to taste home, once a day.

I feel extremely bad that I took such a long time to finally make this post. Amydus has been kind enough to be patient with me though. They sent this gorgeous lace peplum top as a preview of their then upcoming collection. I was delighted to see how well it fit me. I was told "wow haven't seen you in things like this before." I somehow never tried out peplum before. And I am kinda saving this one, to debut it during Durga Puja. I am growing restless now, to go back home. But, I don't know how strange it would feel to live at home again, right when I have found a rhythm here. We will see. Till then, read about the amazing size range offered by Amydus *here*. Ciao.

You can get the top here - Black Peplum Top (not an affiliate link)

Black Peplum Top - Amydus

Pink Round Glasses - New Market, Calcutta

Belt, Shoes - B.K. Market, Calcutta

Purple Pants - Stolen from sister

Follow on facebook for more - Project Curve

Sunny Love

All remnants of any sort of chilliness is gone from the wind. It is officially spring. But, you can feel the buzz of summer right beneath the windowsills. Soon the temperatures will start soaring sky high and we will all end up complaining mercilessly about the sun. All I can do right now, is dream of another city, of a certain warmth that spreads from within and tingles the toes. Why? Because every single day life changes forever, never to return to what it was yesterday. And I feel like I need to rush ahead with it. But, I am someone who is always a pace behind.

Yellow Cardigan - c/o Vero Moda

Backpack - c/o Romwe

Lennon Sunglasses - c/o Firmoo

Anchor Print Palazzo Pants - B.K. Market

Platform Sandals - Street Shop

FlySongbird

Niine by Niine-Styled by Me

I featured Niine by Niine in my previous post(click to read) and here I am, back with a post where I have styled a few items from their fabulous collection. Go and read all about what the store offers for both men and women in my last post(link provided above).

I chose similar looking earrings in different colours because I loved how easily I could team them with a retro outfit as well as an Indo-Western fusion outfit. They were about INR550. I am not a big fan of bows but, I chose this dress because of the polka dots and the awesome layered bell sleeves. Have I mentioned ever that I am a huge fan of good bell sleeves? It's a love affair that started when I was a tiny tot. This sequin jacket is perfection. Agree? I just slipped into it and it fit perfectly. It is only INR2200 and you can have it custom made in your size if needed. I bought these round sunglasses the very day of the event from a street shop. These were technically gifted, not bought. I finally have a round pair with silver rims and faded pink glasses and I love them.

Earrings, Polka Dotted Dress, Sequinned Jacket - Niine by Niine

Teal Mary Jane Wedges - B.K. Market

Pink Round Teashades - Gifted

Blue Ethnic Printed Stole, Black Cardigan - my own

FlySongbird

Niine by Niine-Designer Wear For Every Body

Niine by Niine graciously invited us over to check out their latest offerings for the upcoming seasons at their store. It was a good opportunity for me to go back to the locality of my old school. It is just near where the famous Ekdalia Park Durga Puja takes place every year in autumn. So, all in all you can say this store is located right in the midst of a lot of nostalgia inducing landmarks for me. 

Sprawling over three stories Niine by Niine houses the best of both Western and Indian wear for men and women. The different labels you will find here are - in house designer Sonia Kripalani along with Seema Oberoi and Mini Singh from Delhi. The 1st floor is filled with traditional weaves like chanderi, chiffon, kalamkari, cotton jamewars, tussar and muslin. The 2nd floor is full of the prettiest gowns, bandage dresses, and a plethora of accessories discovered on travels across the world. On the 3rd floor you will find menswear for all occasions ranging from regal looking jackets, vests to bridal and other traditional garb. There is also a segment dedicated to shoes that range from the chunkiest of platforms to the most glittery heels. There are plenty of chic and trendy options here for everyone.

Things I loved about designer and proprietor Sonia Kripalani's work is the vibrant use of colour and prints. Even better is the fact that you will find something gorgeous for yourself no matter what your size is. The store is full of statement making pieces. If you love something and they don't have your size, fret not because they will customise it for you. It's not just the size that is customisable over here though. They can make something specially for you that fits your budget for your special day. We all know weddings can be darn expensive if you don't wish to compromise on your aesthetics. Niine by Niine is the store for you if you love bright, cheery colours and if you love trendy pieces that will make you stand out wherever you go. Constantly innovating and striving to provide the best of the best, Niine by Niine aims to grow by opening stores around the country & foray into standalone menswear boutiques.

FlySongbird

Howrah Bridge by Anupriya DG!

I have wanted a floor length kurta dress for almost 3 years. When I spotted a woman wearing an Ethiopian style cotton gown in a mall a couple of months back I decided to take things in my own hands. Or rather seek out more expert designer hands to accomplish the task soon. So, I reached out to my friend Anupriya DG who is not only one of the pioneer Calcutta fashion bloggers, but also the owner of a fashionable designer label Howrah Bridge. I have featured her earlier on this blog several times, go here and here to refresh your memory again. Check out her designs and tell me how much you love them. And if you want then get a custom made designer piece for yourself!

I had asked her to design the dress in a way she thinks would look best on me; all I told her was that I don't want it to make me look like a sack of potatoes. The compliments that came my way were proof that I do not resemble anything potato-ey in this gorgeous dress. I am wearing it here with leggings because it was kinda pretty cold that day. And I don't know why I haven't featured this backpack on the blog yet. I have been carrying it around everywhere with me for the past year. It goes with everything!

Cobalt Blue Kurta Dress - Howrah Bridge by ADG

Silver Hollowed Out Cuff - Avon
PU Leather Backpack - Romwe (click to buy)
Hamsa necklace - Accessorize

Platform Shoes - B.K. Market

FlySongbird

A Hint Of A Shimmer

This simple outfit needed a bit of shimmer. I got this jacket from Vero Moda a couple of years back. It was on sale and it was the very last piece. So, I grabbed it even though it was a size too big for me. Some days I hate how it makes my shoulders all droopy and hangs in such a bulky way. But, most days I am just glad for the tiny bit of sparkle that it adds to my most basic outfits.

 Black Shimmery Cardigan - Vero Moda
Floral Cuff - flea market
Skull & Spikes Necklace - Kazo

FlySongbird

Leather, Lace & Roses

No, we didn't have Santa hats on,
No, we didn't have bottles of whiskey or mulled wine,
We had our cakes in our separate homes,
We only had our fingers and smiles warming us through the night,

Underneath a blanket of blue.

We will probably say hello again in the New Year.

Usher in 2015 with a bang

See you on the other side

FlySongbird

I Will Hold On Hope

I love the sound of Mumford & Sons. If you haven't heard of them, then please do. Especially check out this song that I linked to. Even the video is just so charming. I have been listening to them for so long. But, only saw this delightful video after someone shared it with me a few days back. It is just the right dose of kooky that I love so much.

♫The Cave♫

Coming to the outfit, I should mention this is my first true outfit photoshoot that has been shot outdoors. I was so bored of photographing in my room (even though it serves as a lovely backdrop). Unlike other times I did not feel awkward posing for my photographer in such a public place. Is it age or comfort? I don't know. I am getting old, that much is for sure. I get back pains way too often. Then again my perennial craving for all things chocolate has increased even more. I refuse to believe that is a sign of ageing.  At 5'2" I console myself, saying I am average height. But, one thing I realised after looking at these photos is that I am painfully short. Given how dreamy and bohemian I feel just looking at the outfit, I think the photos go perfectly with that theme.

About the clothes - I love this crochet cardigan to death. I think it is the prettiest and most delicate thing I own. The polka dotted pants are from Romwe. At first they were quite a disappointment, because even though it was mentioned they are harem pants, they looked way more fitted on the website. But, I have come to love it. These are now my stylish pyjamas. I wore these to work this week and felt so effing cool thinking "Yay I am so cool, I wear pyajamas and sneakers to office!"
I had also done a pop art-ish eyeliner look with this which unfortunately was ruined by the time we got around to the shoot. I am planning on doing a tutorial sort of on that look soon.

bye bye birdies

Crochet Cardigan - c/o Sheinside

Polka Harem Pants - Romwe
Turquoise Necklace - Accessorize
Son of Man Ring - Quirky-me etsy store
Mary Jane Wedge Pumps - B.K. Market
Lip Colour - California Orange from Street Wear
Nail Colours - Apple Martini and White(doesn't have any name on the bottle) from Colorbar

 FlySongbird