Miranda Frye Ashleigh necklace

I rarely purchase jewelry online but for this particular Miranda Frye Ashleigh necklace, which also happens to be one of their bestsellers, I gave in to the temptation. And now that it's here I can't wait to share all about it. 

From hitting the "place your order" on my laptop screen, waiting for it to arrive and to the day it actually got delivered (it took a month!) was quite a journey.

Apparently I had entered the wrong apartment no. and USPS ended up shipping it back to Miranda Frye office. After endlessly tracking my parcel with USPS and exchanging emails with MF customer service ( they were so kind and prompt)  I finally had the chance to open my first Miranda Frye jewelry box last week! And I can safely say it was totally worth the wait. Though I couldn't stop thinking about how many times I could have worn it earlier had it arrived in time. 

Never mind, it's here now and I can't stop wearing it over everything and anything. The shining silver adds the right amount of glam to otherwise such a delicate chain making it look super elegant and an everyday kind of jewelry to adorn.

Details: 

The chain is 42" long.

It comes in sterling silver and gold filled. ( I ordered mine in sterling silver)

Gold filled is an actual layer of gold pressure bonded to another metal and has more gold compared to gold plated. 

I feel that this kind of jewelry is definitely a great and affordable alternative to solid gold jewelry without compromising on the quality. 

Care Instructions:

With just a little bit of effort you can make your jewelry last longer!

Store it in an air tight plastic bag to avoid contact with air. Humidity is an enemy! My MF necklace already came with a ziplock pouch perfect for its storage.  

Wear your jewelry at the last. Perfumes,  deodorants, lotions or hair sprays have harsh chemicals that will hamper the quality of your jewelry in the long run.

Lastly, avoid rough wear and handle your jewelry delicately to slow down the process of "wear and tear"

The coolest part for me was how this necklace can be worn in 9 different ways out of which I've listed my 5 favorite below.

   

                           

The only downside is that you have to be very careful while you take it on and off your neck because it tangles very easily. 

Other than that I'm obsessed with this necklace, for that matter all of Miranda Frye designs. And now that I'm assured of the quality I know I'll be indulging in a few more of their stuff :))

Happy shopping! 

Twinning with D!

There is nothing more blissful then spending time with your loved ones and this long weekend was all about that. We rented a cabin in the woods at Poconos and I still can't get over the feeling of living right in the middle of lush green forests. 

The weather did play spoil sport and we couldn't do much of outdoorsy stuff, but what followed was a series of dumb charades and poker sessions, late night conversations with lots of chai and food and getting clicked in the lap of nature. 

D and me ended up twinning during our stay and I can't wait to share our pictures together. 

Outfit details:

D's Shirt Dress: Zara 

D's Shoes: UGG

My blouse: (old) similar- (1) (2)

My All-purpose bag!

If you ask me about my favorite fashion accessory, it's ought to be handbags! It's like there will always be a handbag on my wish list or at the back of my mind that I wanna buy, at any given point. 

For quite sometime now, I've had my eyes on Ted Baker handbags. Typically, their signature PVC tote bags. Last week I ordered one for myself and I have only good things to talk about the purchase. Therefore, I decided to share my arm candy details on the blog today!

Ever since I got this bag which was last week, I've been wearing it on every single outfit and each time I've stepped out. The design of the bag is just so simple and basic, that it effortlessly compliments both casual and a dressy look making it my current go-to bag. Another very important feature (that holds a lot of importance to me) is how roomy it is and accommodates all my essentials.

The PVC material makes it really light weight and super easy to clean. Love low maintenance bags, don't we!?

The tote is available in two different colors- black and beige. After sparing a few extra minutes in deciding the color, I opted for the beige. The neutral tone of the bag makes its look so chic and classy and I don't have to overthink about matching it. Plus i know the color wont betray me in any season, as I definitely plan on using it this fall and winter!

Coming to the price of the bag (which is my favorite part) I think it's a steal.  It's below a $100 bucks and worth every penny. I would even rate it by far THE best bag I've bought in that price range. Having already received a bunch of compliments over it, on how different it looks and where did I buy it, keep scrolling for all the details!

The bag is from Bloomingdales and here is the link. Ted Baker has a lot of options in PVC bags. They come in various colors, adorable prints and other sizes too.  If you do happen to shop for one of their pieces, do leave me a comment below on which one did you buy! I'd love to know.

Happy shopping and have a good weekend!

Reena Mathur | Famous Fridays

Reena Mathur | ReeMat Designs

I met Reena Mathur, couple of months back at an event organised by Brown Girl Magazine in NYC. She stood their by her jewelry counter attending all her customers as I curiously glanced through the display of her exquisite jewelry - trying some pieces on.  When the two of us got talking, Reena filled me in with details about ReeMat Designs, and I knew it in my head that I wanted this lady on my FF page. 

A ball of talent- who's designs have been worn at the Miss USA pageant by Miss New Jersey Chhavi Verg, tells us all we need to know about her journey towards the creation of ReeMat Designs!

1) Was Jewelry Design always the preset career option for you?

Growing up in the eighties in India, ones career choices were set early. If you were academically bright, you either became a doctor or an engineer. Coming from a family of engineers, I pursued Civil Engineering from Mumbai University and went on to complete my M.S in Construction Management at Stanford University. 

2) So how and when did you make the switch?

After working in the bay area for several years , I moved to the east coast to work on various construction projects in NYC. Priorities soon changed as motherhood took over. Raising two kids, building our new home became a full time project. As the children became independent, my creative passion for jewelry designing unraveled and with the encouragement of family and  friends I launched ReeMat designs - a line of handcrafted jewelry.

3) Give us an insight about your jewelry.

Our statement jewelry pieces are handcrafted by artisans in India and designed/ curared by ReeMat Designs. These works of art are crafted using various materials including semi-precious stones, wood, kundan, and even recycled paper. Each piece is painstakingly designed with a "fusion twist", combining the contemporary with the classic.

4) How do you keep the global element in your jewelry alive? 

Apart from creating my own designs, I've teamed up with several design workshops in India, and artists in Delhi and Singapore. Currently, ReeMat's stone collection is displayed at high-end boutiques in New York, California, New Jersey and many other states nationwide.

5) What sets ReeMat Design apart from others? 

ReeMat's mantra is "jewelry with a cause", donating a portion of our proceeds to various charitable causes is an important part of our journey towards building the brand across various platforms.

Thank you Reena for the inspiring interview and showing so much warmth during all our conversations. Wishing you tons of luck for the future!

You can view her entire collection here

Battery low!

I don't know if this is true for all iphone users but I'm always running out of battery life. Especially when its time to head out- and I see a 15% battery remaining (which practically happens  to me 90 percent of the time) I know I'm gonna have to borrow a strangers phone to make that urgent call to RJ or D's nanny about my whereabouts! 

Being a mom, and not being accessible over phone when dear hubby is babysitting all by himself, can create quite some panic on both ends. And you can trust me when I say that because I've been there.

Another very important area where my phone abandons me- is when it's time to click some great pictures for the blog. Just when I'm in the middle of a moment that I could use to capture for my Instagram story, my phone has died on me. 

Having said this, and for all the other important reasons of carrying a (charged) phone, I decided to gift myself a much needed power bank that I could bank upon:) 

This has truly been a life saver, when I'm out and running low on battery. Not just that, but I love how I can continue to use my phone on the go while it chargers itself simultaneously without being tied down to a wall charger. And yes, it has also put an end to the awkward phone borrowing from strangers to make urgent calls. Love love love this gadget!

Whats even better is there are so many pretty and chic versions of this handy gadget to choose from and I couldn't resist sharing it here on the blog. 

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Isn't it cool when carrying a tech accessory can be made to look so much fun and non-geeky!?

With so many options to choose from, I really hope none of us have to ever be in a "low battery life" situation again!

Happy shopping

Happy feet!

The weekend temperature finally feels like summer is here. This kind of weather makes it so much easier to dress up. Not having to add layers before stepping out makes me a happier person! If there is one shoe that you're looking for, to get you through summer - its got to be a pair of espadrilles! Don't we all agree? They are so comfy yet stylish - making them one of the "must have" category. Lately they are my current favorite because I've been wearing them with all my outfits and they match effortlessly.

Whats even better is how many options they come in- basic, fun, flirty, hot or even glittery!  I've done a quick round up on them. Hoping you'll find a pair or two, to slip into- while you're headed out this summer!

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

Happy shopping:)

Artkhoji Indian decor

Hey guys! Warm HOLI wishes to everyone. Over the past two days, it was so delightful to see everyone posting pictures of their Holi celebrations. Love the colors and fun this festival brings into our lives. And now we are stuck with a snowstorm and everything I see outside my window is wrapped in white.

Anyway, what I'm about to share on my blogpost today will surly brighten up your screens :) If you too are into Indian decor for your home - this blog post is meant for you,  so continue scrolling...

Last month on my hunt to find something artistic (and Indian) for my entrance wall, my relentless surfing on the internet led me to Artkhoji at Etsy.com 

Parul, owner of artkhoji has created some incredible pieces of wall art capturing India in its true essence. The moment I saw her artwork I instantly knew I wanted these for the house. 

The files are for sale in digital format and you can get them printed and framed as per your choice. I got mine on canvas and they look adorable on my wall!

These are a few of my favorites!

And these are the two I picked for my home.

To explore her entire collection hop on to the direct link here. You can also avail a 20%

discount using the code IGAW20

Famous Fridays | Arpana Moorjani

Arpana Moorjani - Personal Stylist

It's both refreshing and encouraging when you meet women who pursue their passion professionally. Arpana Moorjani from Brag your style is one such lady I know.

 Her endless love for fashion is evident not only in how she dresses herself but also as she talks to me about her journey of styling herself and friends to now being a professional Personal Stylist.

Recently, Arpana styled me for Valentine's Day and the entire outfit selection process was so seamless and easy. You can read all about it here

She is talented, ambitious, gorgeous and all set to explore the new realms in fashion. I'm so delighted to host this fashionista on my FF page today!

In conversation with Arpana, as she tells me all about brag your style

1) Tell us everything about brag your style

Brag your style is my way of expressing who I am through fashion. With my expertise as a personal stylist and shopper I help people find their own unique style. My services include styling men and women for special occasions and/or updating their wardrobe.

2) Is being a stylist something you always wanted to be?

I’ve always been driven to fashion. In the last few years I realised how much I loved helping my family and friends put together outfits/accessories and I decided to convert my passion into my profession.

3) Fashion to you is...

Fashion to me is an amalgamation of all beautiful things life has to offer. As once said by my fashion icon, Karl Lagerfeld,
“I am a fashion person, and fashion is not only about clothes – it’s about all kinds of change.”

4) Walk us through, how you work with your clients?

My job as a stylist and shopper is to work with clients to help them avoid the hassle of shopping for themselves. With the busy lives and schedules that people have today, they have no time and patience to shop for themselves. That’s where I come into play. The process is very easy and convenient and includes an initial complimentary consultation where I meet the client and get their requirements including size, budget, event, etc. Thereafter I shop for them and take their selections to them. The client keeps whatever they like and the rest goes back.

5) Whats in store for brag your style in the new year?

The plan for 2017 is to continue to grow and establish a strong foundation of clients who can benefit from my services. I would like to help my clients understand that anyone can look fabulous and stylish without breaking the bank.

6) An accessory that never fails you?

My Hermes Collier de Chien bracelet. Whether I’m casual or dressed up, this bracelet always adds the right touch to my look.

7) Your favorite Indian fashion icon?

Sonam Kapoor is my favorite Indian fashion icon. She is very fashion forward and carries herself with a lot of grace and sophistication.

Valentines Day OOTD

Come February, and it definitely seems like love is in the air. My inbox is overflowing with special valentines day shopping deals, merchandise at the mall is drenched in shades of red on their window displays! Dunkin' Donuts and their heart shaped donuts or for that matter 50 shades darker playing at the movies. Everything seems to be love struck.

Luckily RJ and me have the same take on Valentine's Day or any such special occasion. We don't pressurize ourselves into celebrating it,  however do make time to do a thing or to. Lately with our little one around, even a dinner (just him and me) turns into an occasion for us. And so we decided to do so over the weekend and call it our V-day date! 

Holiday Party!

Hey folks! It finally snowed here. There's something about the first snow that puts a smile on my face. I feel like everything around starts looking prettier with fresh snow on it. Anyways,  I hope y'all had a fun and relaxed weekend! Mine turned out to be a not so relaxing one. We were switching apartments and all I could see around me was stuff, stuff and more stuff that needed to be packed into boxes. But more about that later...

Coming back to what this post is about, me and my friend - who is a fashion designer,  hosted our first holiday party together. We invited a bunch of friends we know from the fashion and blogging world and had a super fun night alongside cocktails and conversations.

The venue Cibar lounge, NYC deserves a special mention here because of its beautiful ambience and some great choice of food and drinks! If you're making a trip to NYC, I highly recommend trying this hidden gem. Whether you're lounging with your friends or on a date night, it's the perfect spot. Also, they have happy hour Monday to Friday between 5-8 pm so don't forget to make the most of it. Though this place doesn't serve dinner but they have lots of small plate options. And since we tried almost everything on the menu, I can totally vouch for their food. Infact just thinking about it makes me wanna revisit! 

Well, I won't write anything further, want you guys to check out these pics! They pretty much sum up  our party.

Girl Squad

My Co-host, Stuti Majmudar - Owner, Stuti Anand

Monika Rajwani - The Frye company.

Sadia Majeed -  Owner, The Fashion Edit

Neerja Patel -  Owner,  Neerja Public Relations

Nikki Dodani - Blogger, The Nikki Standard

Ritu Bhatia - Blogger, Chiffon Talk 

Mala  Vora - Jewelry Designer, Malasbymala

Perfect Date night spot! Isn't it?

Lunch date OOTD

Sometimes the best therapy you can get is endless conversations with a bestie! This is exactly what happened over the past two days. RJ had to fly out of town for work. For those of you who don't know me that well, I am a scaredy-cat when it comes to staying home alone at night. My brain automatically starts generating flashbacks of all the horror movies I've watched till date when I'm all by myself. 

Thankfully I had my friend to the rescue, who came over to keep me company. What followed next was a night of meaningful/ meaningless/ much needed girl talk! 

Next day started with a heartwarming cup of chai, and a whole lot of Netflix. Later, we headed out for our lunch date and spent the evening playing pool. All in all, it turned out to be the most relaxing stay-at-home vacation I could have asked for! 

Thank you babe for a memorable time and using your camera skills on me!

 

Outfit Details:

Sunglasses - Burberry // Top - Forever 21  // Denims - Abercrombie & Fitch // Watch - Karl Lagerfeld  // Overcoat - Zara // Booties - Aldo // Clutch - Old