Wedding Style : Part 4 - Marriage / Reception

Hey everyone, how are y'all doing?

It's been 4 years that I've been doing the wedding fashion series on this blog, and the kind of response I've received in terms of the views and messages all across, is commendable! Thankyou so much for always encouraging me to keep working on the series, every year.

As for 2019, we've come to the end of the series - with today's post - the last part of the Wedding Style. And, I have something interesting to show you guys with STRAWBERRY FASHION STUDIO, so keep scrolling.

I've been avoiding attending marriage functions, and reception parties because all I got was a box of questions from all aunties "beta shaadi kab kar rahi ho?" But, what I've come to think of is I shouldn't be worried, and the best answer can be "aunty, jaise hi aap koi meri takkar ka khoobsoorat ladka dhundh do!" And now that I've brought up "khoobsoorat", let me just tell you, I'm quite impressed by how beautifully my makeup artist SIDDHI CHAUBEY has decked me up with such a glam look, and a super pretty messy bun, on top of this pre-stitched saree from Strawberry Fashion Studio.

You know, these days most of the girls struggle in draping a saree. So, to save the time and from the hassles of draping a saree, an amazing rescue has been designed called "pre-stitched" / "ready-made" sarees. These ready-to-wear sarees have pre-stitched pallu and pleats. And these can be worn in just 30 seconds; sounds some sort of a wonder! Honestly, these pre-stitched sarees provide for stunning grace once it is worn. 

I'm currently in love with this particular piece in fuchsia pink - with diamond embellishment as the belt (clinching perfectly o the waist). It's a perfect drape style to be worn at any marriage function or reception! I just feel this saree has the majestic quality of garnishing and enhancing the looks of any lady up to acme. Falls exactly at the right length, and the blouse with that deep cut on the back looks mesmerising enough to get all eyes on you! 

To complete my look, I added a sleek diamond bracelet, a set of diamond earrings with ruby in the centre and a bold finger ring in the same design to compliment the color and style of the saree, and elegance it provides! The makeup and hair are just perfect for the occasion, isn't it? Let me know your thoughts on this look. Until next time, love & hugs.

Photographed by : Zeeshan Khan

~xoxo~

Karva Chauth Look ft. Strawberry Fashion & BK Saraf Jewellers

While we’re preparing for all the festivities and weddings that are lined up, there’s one very important occasion that all married women are excited for. The celebrations have begun and it’s time to get your outfits aligned. Today’s post is dedicated to all the ladies who are set to deck up like brides once again this Karva Chauth, and will be celebrating it with their husbands in the most traditional manner.

I bring to you one of the most beautiful Indian styles - the classic white chikankari suit in fine net with gota patti, applique and resham work, along with a heavy, hand embroidered dupatta in orange with pink zardozi & pitta border. This floor length chikan suit with orange details looks like the perfect pick for the occasion. The net sleeves fall full on your arms and the orange cuffs with zari detailing on the wrist looks mesmerising. You can wear a white camisole inside till your waist and under it comes a pair of frilly, frock style palazzo pants that gives the suit a different look altogether. You know, it’s a brilliant idea to ditch the contemporary churidar and go out of the box & don something so elegant!

Also, let’s throw some light on these exquisite Polki & Kundan earrings from BK SARAF JEWELLERS (located at Gol Market, Mahanagar). These are one of the most stylish traditional earrings that go perfect with my look. Precious jewellery always looks gorgeous and brings out the best in every Indian woman. Honestly, these look astonishing! Don’t they?

The last minute fashion selection can only be entertained by STRAWBERRY FASHION STUDIO (located at Shahnazaf Road - opposite Sahara Ganj Mall), and hence it’s one of my favourite spots to drop when I personally need something! Highly recommended to all Lucknow ladies to visit this one-stop-shop for your fashion fix. Aditi Jaggi Rastogi - the very versatile designer knows exactly what her clients want, and she designs every piece with the best quality fabric and so much love. So, this Karva Chauth, flaunt your style and create magic before your husbands!

PS : I am 26. Unmarried, and have no intentions of tying the knot anytime soon, but I really hope you liked this quick Karva Chauth look. I may not look like a bride in real but my HMUA made sure to deck me up like one already. Kudos to SIDDHI CHAUBEY for giving me a very bold makeup look, teamed with subtle curls in my hair. So graceful!

Photographed by : Zeeshan Khan (one of the best wedding / event photographers)


~xoxo~

A Tale by Suta : Ethnic Empress

If Shakespeare taught you, then “To be or not to be” is one of the greatest puzzles in life, the epitome of existential quandary! Well, its time to change the syllabus. The real question for a bride regarding her wedding plan now is “What to wear? What not to wear?” Unlike the old days where the bride had nothing to do with the wedding except showing up on a fixed day where she would see her husband-to-be for the first time, brides want to be a part of every detail these days. And believe me when I say that today’s bride knows what she wants, whether it is her soulmate or her designer bridal lehenga!

I mean every girl wants to look like her best on her wedding, and the lehenga choli combination makes you look as stunning as ever. To be honest, it's the staple for every bride. But it has also become the first choice for every festive season making us girls look enthralling! I recently stumbled upon a designer SUBHA MEHRA in my city, Lucknow; and I chose to blog for her garments so that I could share with you the stunning designs she's created after graduating from NIFT Delhi. Her brand is named as : A TALE BY SUTA which has so many ethnic tales for you. To read the first one, let's scroll down..

lehenga, blouse : A Tale By Suta | jewelry : Punjab Jewellers & Sons | makeup : Simran Taneja

They say, the lehenga choli is a must have in any bridal trousseau. And that's true too. After all, for how many occasions will you wrap yourself in a saree albeit a stunning one?! Salwars or Anarkalis won’t cut it for every occasion, certainly not on the main events! The lehenga choli for wedding celebrations is a great alternative. It swishes and turns and adds a bit of drama! The choli could be any style, as conservative or bold as you want it. The dupatta can be draped any way that you wish it to be. A Tale By Suta understands and acknowledges your requirements & suggestions and designs it exactly how want your outfit!

Like the one I'm wearing is a true piece of beauty. Subha chose to add the best of fabric to each garment and she made the lehenga with veloure and raw silk that had an intricate gold embroidery making the lehenga look absolutely gorgeous and out of the box. The little net border in blue at the end of the lehenga that falls from the waistline gave it a unique appearance as when matched with a navy blue velvet choli that falls off-shoulder right above my waist and has perfectly fitted quarter sleeves. The entire choli is bordered with copper pearls and that's enticing too! I draped the net dupatta in copper color with similar tassels in a certain way hinting of royalty (you can also leave it lose on one side).

Since I chose to create this look for you as an idea for your bridal look, I also collaborated with PUNJAB JEWELLERS & SONS to give you an option for jewelry. The luxurious necklace set that I'm wearing with the lehenga is from them and I absolutely love how intricately it's been designed keeping in mind the ethnic need of a bride. A combination of original gold with green, white & red stones makes it a head-turner! The heavy jhumkas give such a traditional look, and paired with a huge pearl ring, my entire look appears to be nothing less than queen like.

It's always tough choosing the bridal outfit and jewelry for your main day, or for any special occasion for that matter, but what's even tough is picking the right makeup artist who's going to swish her magic wand and transform you into a beauteous element! My pick in the recent months has always been MUA SIMRAN TANEJA. For this look, she gave me a bold makeup with smokey eyes with false lashes and heavy brows, deep copper contouring on the cheek bones, gold highlights on the sides & nose making it appear thinner and a wine lip shade to add a touch of regal. She also gave me lose curls letting them fall only till my shoulders! The best part about getting my makeup and hair done by Simran is that I don't have to instruct her at intervals. She knows what suits her clients and it's always a smooth process for all!

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I hope this post helped you if you're looking forward to getting some ethnic outfits designed for yourself or thinking about investing into some authentic Indian jewelry, or if you're looking for a makeup artist to paint your face for any occasion! Let me know your views in the comments below. For more, follow me on instagram & facebook.

Photographed by : Madhukant Tripathi & Danish

~xoxo~

Subtle Hues for Holi ft. Sumayaa

Hello ladies! Hope all's going great. Well, Holi is round the corner, which means it's yet another turn for me to don an Indian outfit. The fact's not hidden that I'm an occasional Indian outfit wearer. And when I do, the day's gotta be special. Holi is a fun-filled festival, celebrated across the globe but it's no longer restricted to just the mandatory splashing of gulal and munching gujiyas, but also about wearing trendiest Indian outfits, striking a melange of colours!

kurta, earrings : Sumayaa | churidaar leggings : Myntra | heels : Dorothy Perkins

bangles, rings : The Trinket Shop

For me, a subtle kurta from SUMAYAA is the pick this time. It's a pure cotton kurta in pink with beautiful silver embroidery. The embroidery is called the 'gota patti' which makes any garment look exuberant and traditionally artistic. I love how it falls on the upper-front of the long kurta and the sleeves, and also matches the silver jewelry I added to the look! I chose to pair it with a solid white churidaar to give a sleek, tall look while matching the leggings with a pair of white heels. A perfect blend of soft hues for a day look!

The 'Kurta' is an outfit that has stretched beyond the Indian borders, and has evolved down the ages to suit the ever-changing demands of the fashion forward world. A long top, generally of knee-length, paired with salwar or churidar and dupatta is what comprises the salwar-kurta-dupatta get-up. But SUMAYAA has brought in a varied range of styles for the Indian-modern trends to discover! They have a wide stock of lehengas, skirts, crop tops, fashionable kurtas, etc. In fact, they even sell unstitched pieces for gifting purposes, and of course for getting your customised outfits stitched!

So, if you're in Lucknow, and have nothing to wear for Holi, you must visit Sumayaa - the designer store, located at B-11, Kishan Bazar, opposite One Awadh Centre Mall, Gomti Nagar. I'm sure you're pretty much going to fall in love with each of it's designs at a blink! Keep following me on instagram & facebook for regular fashion updates. Until next, lots of love!

Photographed by : Saumya Kumar | Makeup by : Simran Taneja

~xoxo~

Wedding Vogue - Part 1 : Cocktail

Hello ladies, welcome back to yet another wedding fashion series on this blog. Unlike the last two years, I'm only going to write about two parts this time; out of which one is the cocktail party dress that I'm set to talk about in this post. So leave everything you're doing at the moment and read below the curation of this look with none other than STRAWBERRY FASHION STUDIO!

We all know that Indian weddings are an extravagant affair. I myself have told you this umpteen number of times, I guess! And every year with so many pre-wedding and wedding ceremonies to attend, you find yourself looking out for outfits that are in trend and still distinctive. So while I was on a drive to pick attires for this series, Aditi Jaggi Rastogi from Strawberry Fashion Studio came to my rescue. An internationally acclaimed fashion designer and passionate about singular creations (pre-couture and couture), helped me pick the best pieces from her latest wedding collection that'll leave you spellbound!

Gown, ring : Strawberry Fashion Studio | handcuff, earrings : Auhna Creations | heels : Steve Madden

Throwing a cocktail party is the latest trend, no more confined to the upper strata of the society. And it is probably the only occasion in the long Indian wedding celebrations where one can give the traditional wear a complete ditch. Well, it shall only be right if I say, with changing times and fashion trends, Indian wedding dresses have undergone a sea change in terms of design and style. Cocktail dressing was never a thing earlier, but in the recent times it's become essential to add a new, separate outfit only for an evening where you're sharing a few moves with your friends and family and enjoying drinks, and laying down the most gorgeously-happening-side of yours!

Standing tall in the pictures above, and flaunting my outfit just rightly, has already made you believe how much I'm in love with it. A pure Georgette gown it is in black with sequin embroidery in floral pattern on the upper front, with dazzling flares and cut sleeves, and so light in weight that makes my look appear captivating. I chose to wear this floor-length piece with my golden stilettos (you can opt for flats if you're taller or maybe some glitter shoes since heels are a bit uncomfortable to dance in) and a black-gold handcuff with matching gold-blue earrings and a finger ring that fitted aesthetically with the entire look!

For an even perfect team up, my MUA - Simran Taneja, tied my hair into a beautiful bun and left a strand flowing on the side. JSYK, this is the first time I've been convinced to carry a bun and it looks absolutely enchanting. For my makeup, she gave me half smokey eyes and pink tint, false lashes, high brows and shimmery face with dense contouring & highlights and bright pink lips!  

Keeping the look minimal and elegant, I am dressed in a brand new piece from Strawberry Fashion Studio. One stop shop for all occasions. Get your outfits customised according to your style and liking and I'm pretty sure you'll love the outcome! Store address : A-1, Shahnazaf Road, Opp. Sahara Ganj mall, Hazratganj, Lucknow.

Photographed by : Yash Athwani


~xoxo~

Festive Outfit : Option 1 - Diwali

Hi everybody, how's it going? I know I've been MIA for a long time, and just 2 posts in 2 months didn't suffice. But guys, you've been seeing my crazy schedules all over my instagram and snapchat and because you've been my constant supporters, you know how #lifeofablogger is! However, I promise to be a bit more active in the coming days as I have a lot in-stored for all you lovelies.

Well, that brings me to today's post - a beautiful Diwali outfit option that I have created for girls across the nation who are scouring through the deepest treasures of malls, fashion streets and online shopping portals to make their perfect ‘Diwali outfit’ come to life! 

If you remember, I visited Delhi in early September, and I did mention to you guys that I will be visiting the very famous Sarojini market, and might even do a haul video for you guys. Though the video couldn't happen, but I must tell you that I did shop a lot of stuff which also includes a few picks that I've paired up to create my Diwali looks this year! I don't really like to spend much on Indian clothing, as I wear it occasionally, say twice a year and that's it. So, while I got hold of some regal odds and sods during my Sarojini stroll, I grabbed it all. 

kurta, earrings : Sarojini Market, Delhi | leggings : FBB | heels : Steve Madden

rings : H&M | handcuff : Auhna Creations

Diwali being the grand affair of the year is loved by all, and just like all of you, I too have a thing for the occasion and prep to celebrate it in full enthusiasm. I mean for me, it's all about extravagant lighting, good food and beautiful clothes! This time I have opted to get dressed in a straight cut, maxi kurta with full sleeves, in royal blue in chiffon fabric (perfect for the hot weather we have in town right now) that I bought from Sarojini for just Rs.200, paired with a cotton churidar in white, complimenting the minimal white and orange embroidery on the neck of the kurta. Churidar pajamas work best for petite girls like me as they make our legs look sleek and us tall, and then we also have the option to add funky heels in the feet. I threw in my favorite Steve Madden pair in gold and beige that looked apt with the accessories - hooped earrings with orange and white pompoms bought for Rs.50, a gold handcuff and platinum rings.

Though, one of the fanciest parts that makes this look stand out is definitely the makeup and the hair that have been thoroughly worked upon by my friend and MUA - Simran Taneja. A pretty soul that she is, gave me a fresh face with deep bronze and brown eyes, pink blush and bright pink lips, with little contour and curled my hair making me look nothing less than mesmerizing! #MirrorSaidPretty

I hope you liked my Diwali outfit option 1. I shall reveal the other one (for Bhaidooj) tomorrow, so stay tuned for that. Also, if you're looking for a good makeup artist to help you get ready for weddings or other festive occasions, please feel free to contact Simran (and refer her with my code : 'Picker at Pace' for discounts). I can vouch, she is one of the most talented MUAs I've come across.

Until next, wishing you lots of love, happiness and a prosperous Diwali!


Photographed by : Madhukant Tripathi

~xoxo~

Ethnicity & Pride with AuthIndia

Indian culture is known for its diversity the all over the globe, with ethnic clothing being just one of the things that distinguishes one part of India from the other. The traditional Indian attire has earned admirers from people from all over, with highlights of the craftsmanship with which artisans create traditional dresses, which of course is incredible! Coming to my love for Indian wear, its new. I usually opted to carry kurtas on occasions previously, but with my recent admiration to the ethnic embroidery and its various versions had me fall deep in love with it! Well, not just the clothing but Indian jewelry is another thing that has managed to make a place for itself in my ethnic collection.

With tons and tons of online shopping brands mushrooming in India, its hard to find your kinda ethnic styles both in clothes and jewelry under one website, but stumbling upon AUTHINDIA recently, I knew there's something for everyone! Be it young girls, middle age women or your beloved grannies having lived half of their life already, AuthIndia caters to each and every female with hundreds of apparel and jewelry designs with latest ethnic trends! 

"Striving to explore the authentic handmade products, cutting across the length and breadth of India and fishing out the most splendid and exquisite handicrafts to the reach of your houses" is their foremost motive. In my favorite jewelry section, they have minakari jhumkas, to pachi and kundan earrings (starting from 250/- onwards), and not forgetting the amazing handcrafted terracotta necklace set (starting from 300/- onwards) that suits all age women aptly. 

Pink Pachi Jhumka (325/-)

Pachi Drop Earrings (300/-)

Terracotta Gold-Black Necklace Set (450/-)

The best part about terracotta jewelry is, that you can match them with any of your favorite kurti or a saree, or any traditional outfit. It stays for long, and are quite light weighted. Available in traditional & trendy designs with a glossy finish to them.

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Authindia, as the name suggests, is a brand that contains authentic Indian handicrafts, which also includes a wide range of ethnic apparels like kurtis, saree, dupattas! Since I like to dress simple and casual, a beautiful long kurti in blue with chikankaari was my pick from the website. A pure cotton fabric with hand embroidered in chikan in orange both front and back, the kurti looked fabulous when paired with a plain white pair of leggings and accessorized with the pink pachi jhumkas and heels! Belonging to the city of Lucknow, where the exclusive chikan embroidery was  fashioned, I have a different attachment to it, and its astonishing to find an entire section of chikan kurtis on the AuthIndia site selling so many different lengths, colors and embroideries!

Blue Chikan Kurti with Orange Embroidery (599/-)

Complete Outfit Details

kurti, earrings : AuthIndia | leggings : Lyra | heels : StreetStyleStore | rings : Myntra

Please Note : From chikan embroidered sarees and suits from Lucknow, hand-loom sarees from every state of India, handmade jewellery, Kutch embroidery bags of Gujarat and colorful & unique handicrafts, diversified home decor items made of eco-friendly materials from all over the country, AuthIndia as a brand brings you lots and lots of stuff to make your shopping worth every penny you spend!

I really hope you liked reading this post. I feel, as a fashion and lifestyle influencer, I have been bringing a lot of unnoticed brands to you. It would be a pleasure to know your experiences on the websites I keep sharing about, including this new one as I'm talking of here. And, may you have a great time shopping!

Photographed by : Yash Athwani  |  Location : Cappuccino Blast Mall Avenue

~xoxo~