Sapphire - Colaba's very own pretty paradise! :)

Super close friend of mine and co-owner of the girly, chic, and fash-forward store Sapphire, Dipika Israni took time out to speak with me about what she thinks is Hot and what's Not.
Dipika, along with twin-sister Divya, started their store earlier this year and have being doing fabulously well! From being featured in fashion publications to hosting exhibitions across the city, the sisters are going places. :)



Read on to find out where they're from and what they're upto now:

* What sets Sapphire apart and gives it its niche? Who would you define as your target?
In the Indian market, as of today, you don’t have too many people who customize clothes. And especially where western wear is concerned there are very few people / brands that customize their garments to suit the client.
We won’t really categorize our target, as we cater to all possible sizes and age groups.

* Describe your label in a few words. And, what is your specialty?
Trendy, Vibrant, Fresh, Chic, Funky and Made-to-order.
Our speciality would definitely have to be - customization.

* You guys went to business school. How did that help in establishing and setting up the business?
A store is just like a business unit. And what we learned in business school helped us in the day-to-day functioning of the store. Not only do we take care of the designing but we also contribute to the marketing and PR of the store. All in all, business school helped in fine tuning our entrepreneurial skills.

* At 21, you are handling your own business all by yourself. How does this feel?
It feels great but comes with responsibilities. It has its highs and lows, and because it’s our first venture we are really taking it as it comes.

* W.r.t shoes and accessories and bags, do you make them yourself or are they supplied?
We have a mixture of both. Some stuff is in-house and we do outsource also.

* As a new, young designer what are the challenges you face / have faced?
Personally I feel, in the Indian market, Experimenting is a major challenge.

* Indians are sometimes hesitant to take risks where fashion is concerned. Do you agree? How do you think this can change?
Yes, that’s true. There are many people who don’t want to try out a certain style or colour or cut, but they need to understand that trying a different look can change your personality. Also, there are women who only wear Indian outfits and are hesitant to try out western styles and cuts. However, the newer generation is more open to trying new ideas and styles.

* From your collection, what are your favorite designs?
We have 3 pieces that we really like. Theres:
A stunning black and white classic dress with embroidered upperbust,sleeves and back. A detailed buttoned cuff and neck line.



A Fun feminine layered dress with a over bust patch of printed patchwork. Detailed with pom-poms.



A flowy georgette dress with shaded embroidery. Detailed with silk trimmings and rhinestone buttons.



* Who / What do you consider to be your biggest inspiration?
Our mother because she has a great sense of style.

* What trends for you foresee for FW10?
Lace, Sheer, Stripes, and Bold embroidery.

* What are your plans for the future?
A bigger store and we also plan to supply to stores in India and abroad.

You can pop in to their store anytime during the week between 11am and 7pm.
G6 Apna Ghar,
SB Singh Road,
Near Cafe Coffee Day,
Colaba,
Mumbai

Trust me, you won't leave empty handed.

Also, to keep up with their latest collections and exhibitions, 'Like' them on facebook - http://bit.ly/aQYEKt :)

xx

Back to where we belong! ♥

Hey Hey!

How has everyone been? Staying pretty? :)
So I know I've been off this for a while, but I promise you it's only because a lot has happened these past few months! :)

But I'm going to now stick to keeping this updated and new and happy! Previously I posted stuff that was flirty and chic and fashionable, mostly talking about trends or what I thought was hot, but now I'm also going to introduce you to people. To real people, who make fashion the joy that it is!

So whether it's new designers, people who's style I adore, little fashion happenings around the city, I'm going to try to cover it all.
Also also, if you know anyone who has great style or if you want to be featured here, get in touch with me! :D

Much Love.
xx

The Mad-Hatter.

So you have hats, caps, berets, beanies, and then you have Fedoras!
While all of the above add fun to an outfit and look just as cute, the Fedora manages to add one extra element - Class.
So pop on that hat to pop up your style!!

Trivia Time - A Fedora (also known as a Trilby) is a hat that has a crease lengthwise down the crown and pinched in the front on both sides.
It's been in fashion since the 1920's and I guess that's how it gets its timeless elegance.

Now in comparison to other accessories, hats tend to stand out and make head turn, so be careful while chosing your hat.
If you're a first timer, I'd say stick to a basic black, khaki or grey and get used to the stares.
Once you're past that stage get more creative with colors, textures, prints and patterns. =)



And as the picture above clearly states, this trend ain' restricted to the men only. So go ahead and flaunt your style.

P.S - If you are creative enough get a cute black felt Fedora with bands that you can change yourself! It's like having a new hat for every day of the week!! =)

xx

Irina Shabayeva - Girly Chic~

"From sugar and spice and everything nice." That's what Project Runway's season 6 winner - Irina Shabayeva's collection is made off.
And I'm not even heading into the FW collection yet. SS2010 is a fantasy land.

An eye for detail and hands that work magic, her collection is charming, elegant, easy, sexy and beautiful. Certain to make you feel like a true princess.




I LOVE that she loves butterflies as much as I do. And what I love even more is how she finds a way to incorporate it into her line. And every dress looks just as fresh! And the way she drapes = H.E.A.V.E.N!

Sticking to the few basic colors (Black, Blue, Red and the occasional white) her line consists of dresses that can easily be taken from day to night.
So whether you're dancing the night away, on your first date, or taking a sip of champagne at the office party, you're bound to turn heads in an Irina Shabayeva original.

And if you don't believe me, visit her website www.irinashabayeva.com

xx

Tommy Hilfiger Scores.

If there is anything that embodies summer and the beach perfectly, it's got to be the Tommy Hilfiger 2010 Campaign.

Fabulously light, fresh, and shot with an old-school look, their campaign has impressed me and how! I'm super glad they did this. :)

I Love it. Period.

Look how pretty~
xx

The 'Fore'head Band!

Who said headbands were for school girls, and school girls only?
While you can leave the metal ones for them, you *have* to stock up on the elastic all-round bands.
With the arrival of Summer, it's time to bring out the hippie in you!

Sparkly, floral, kitsch, beaded, cloth - whatever your style, you've got to own a headband.
But instead of wearing it like we did in school (sweeping all our hair back) you've got to break the rules and wear it like a fore-head band! :)

It is a little high maintainence as compared to sweeping all your hair back, but then whoever said fashion was easy. ;)
And this gives you the flirty, dreamy girl-next-door look.

And although I'd like to see Indian celebs work this trend, the 2 people in the world who, according to me rock this look without even trying are Mischa Barton and Nicole Ritchie.
Easy, Breezy and Fabulous.



So girls, bring out them hot rollers, get your beachy hair set, on goes the 'fore'head band and behold pretty-ness!

xx

Nerd. Word.

Vintage. Stylish. Sassy. Geeky. Fabulous. Fun!
If there is anything you got to be wearing this season and forever, it has to be the Nerd Frames.

I'm a HUGE (read as: Massive) sucker for anything that has nerd in it. So I may be slightly partial to this look, but trust me once you're hooked, you're hooked! Adding this simple accessory to your everyday outfit can change the way the world 'looks' at you!


Brands like D&G, RayBan, Linda Farrow, Prism, Blinde and heaps of others are working this trend and how!! And if you don't want to spend a bomb on a branded pair, simply raid your grandmother's closet, or head over to the local vintage store where I'm sure you'll find something you'll love. ♥

And boy oh boy, is this versatile. From making you look intelligent and well-read it also shows that you are quirky and fun and ready for change!

So prescription or not, cheat and get yourself a pair. The color options are endless but for me classic black rules the Nerd Clan!

I'll *seeyou* soon!
xx

The Man In A Jacket ♥

As far as I see it, blazers on men are quite the rage.
The trend hasn't caught on here yet (maybe because of the intolerable heat) but it's about time it does. I mean boys, here's your chance to look hotter instantly! ;)

Linen, Cotton or anything light, a thin blazer over denims, graphic t-shirts, vans / converse, loafers is a perfect outfit to take from day to night.

You'll obviously have to change bits here and there to suit YOU (and where you are / are headed) !!
At the casual brunch, ditch the shoes and opt for a fun pair of toe-thongs.
A slightly formal do and swap the tee with a nice light shirt.
And when you're out with the ladies, keep it all clean and smooth.

And to add a touch of sexy fun, push the sleeves back up! It shows that you know what you're doing. =)




So, keep it slim, keep it light, keep it fun and keep the sleeves back! And if you have a fun inner lining on the sleeves then go ahead and show it off boy!!

And when you're done rocking this trend, send me a picture and I'll post it. Now go go, bring out the sexy! =D

xx

Draw On Your Style.

It is a known fact that Fashion and Art go hand-in-hand.
However, the SS 2010 collections saw designers who didn't restrict it to only the clothes.
Models were sent down the runway in artwork adorning several body-parts!
And thus, temporary tattoos became the trend of the season. =)

While I ain't one for temporary tattoos, I must say the trend is back in action and catching on quickly.
Chanel, Rodarte and Jean Paul Gaultier - Three brands with completely different styles, embraced one trend and brought life and magic and charm into their collections.

Chanel, keeping in line with its elegant classy style has pretty symbols and icons of cherry blossoms, birds, chains and ofcourse the Chanel logo!! ♥
And when you get fifty-five for $75, I'd say it's a steal! (Whether you wear them or not)
Hand-drawn by Peter Philips, the Global Creative Director of Chanel, these temp tats are being adorned by celebs across the world! (Seen recently on Deepika Padukone in the May issue of Vogue, India)

Going graphic and tribal are Rodarte with their range of tats! Edgy, dark and dangerous, this is a funk line if you want to stand out.
Completely befitting the outfits and hair and make-up, I'd give this look a 2 thumbs-up. =)

While Rodarte might be a little too bold to sport in India, if you do I'll give you a hug! =)

Love it, Like it or Hate it, you cant deny that it's going to catch on! So while you wait for your shipment package to arrive / for them to start retailing here (a distant dream) get rid off the previous temp tat that you got from the inside of your chewing gum wrapper!

xx

Booty-ful!

I've had this picture with me for over a month now, and everytime I look at it, it makes me happy.
I didn't know how to share my happiness until now - So I'm going to put it up here for you to see!!

The gorgeous pair of webbed booties by Alejandro Ingelmo = Pure love! ♥
Picture this pretty pair of lavender leather and grey suede shoes hugging your feet and everything just seems alright. =)

What I love about them is:
1. The color combination!
2. They're so classic and elegant, not loud or screechy!
3. Their shape is still so modern. Almost space age-ish!

So my final verdict - I personally feel shoes can make or break your outfit, so for me this one's a winner!! It will work any look!

xx

Hello Love.

Hey Hey!

Much love to everyone reading this.

So, this is my first fashion / lifestyle blog and I'm going to keep it as updated as possible.
If you are reading this, you officially are invited to travel with me through this dangerously inviting world of Fashion.

♥Let's meet people. Experience places. Sing along. Live life!♥

Just wanted to quickly come in and say hi! And hope you like what you see on this page. :)
Incase you want something to be featured or think you know off something that requires a happy shout-out, email me and i'll have it featured!!

Bye lovelies!
xx


P.s - I don't own all pictures on this site, so incase you want me to remove any please do let me know!