Tuesday 9 October 2018

10 Wedding Invitation Card Inspirations


The same old Wedding Invitation Cards designs can get a little boring. Take some inspiration from these 10 trendy ideas to personalize your wedding card so that your wedding card stands out- just like your personality.

The Inside-out


Bring Out The Cartoon In You



For The Simplistic & The Artistic

wedding invitation card

The Vintage Feels


Yeh Khabar Chhapvado Akhbaar Mein

The Royal Touch


The Pop-up Card


The Scroller



Bring In Some Bling



The Toned Down






Wednesday 8 August 2018

Peeking Into The Embroidery World



The feel of an outfit is enriched by the fabric, similarly, the look of an outfit is ornamented by an embroidery. Compiled below is a list of the most sought after embroidery styles that you can read through and opt for the one that catches your eye depending upon the ocassion.

Gota


Originated from Rajasthan, the applique technique is used in this type of embroidery. Small pieces of embellished ribbon cut in various shapes(motifs) are sewn on a base cloth making a particular pattern. Traditionally silver or gold metal was used, however, to make it more cost effective polished copper pieces are used in its place. Now, even cheaper alternatives are available wherein a polyester film metalized and coated are used, known as plastic gota.
Gota embroidery can be customized depending upon the occasion for which it is to be worn. Gota embroidery lehenga would definitely stand out when chosen in beautiful bright colours.


Phulkari


When someone says Punjab, most think of lassi, the Golden Temple, and Phulkari. The design is embroidered on the reverse of the cloth. The bright coloured threads and large motifs of the Phulkari embroidery makes the apparel eye-catching in many ways. Phulkari may not be the go-to option of a bride for her wedding day, but would definitely be a great alternative for other ceremonies.

Shisha


 My favourite of the lot, shisha is nothing but mirror work. Traditionally, small pieces of mirror are sewn between colourful threads. Mirror-work gives an elegant look to the outfit. However, designers are now using Shisha embroidery along with other embroidery types making a fusion adding their own personal touch to the same. A Shisha embroidered choli with a simple tulle lehenga skirt would look charming for a Sangeet night.

Zardozi


Originated from Persia, Zardozi is created out of copper wire with silver or gold polish and silken threads are used in place of the royal and traditional practice of using gold or silver threads. Zardozi embroidery is a go-to style when one wants to add a richer look to their ensemble. Even a little of this embroidery at the neck and/or the sleeve will make a huge difference to the entire look.

Kashmiri Tilla


Royalty and Kashmiri special. In this technique, the artisan makes the use of two threads- a staple thread and a tilla to embroider the design stencilled by the designer. The design is very peculiar consisting of Kashmiri flowers and leaves. The Royals preferred this type of embroidery wherein real silver or gold was used (when it was affordable.) However, now the more affordable copper, coated with silver or gold polish is used. What makes it different from the usual Zari is that the thread of tilla is thicker since it consists of a copper underwire which highlights the embroidery and gives a more graceful look to the ensemble.
Wish to opt for a different look for any of your wedding festivities? I'd suggest a velvet cloth embellished with this rich looking embroidery.


Stay tuned for the next chapter which would briefly guide you through the subtle art of selecting a suitable embroidery.

Tuesday 31 July 2018

To Meet or Not To Meet Is The Question

a couple sitting in a coffee shop sipping on coffee

Gotto meet. 6.30 the usual place.


That's the text I got from Riddhi while I was at work. How I hate such cliffhangers! Sneaking away 10 minutes early from work, I was at our usual cafe waiting for my friend. Sending such texts and being late didn't complement each other too well. However, my plans of  antagonize her for it evaporated with that smug look on her face.

What ensued later was an uber expressive tale of how she had to endure a three-hour long meeting with a boy her parents had found for her to get settled with. Her problem didn't stem from the fact that her parents were trying to get her married, it was the fact that she thrown into the situation out of the blue. Her point being, I wasn't ready for the meeting and the talk with a stranger.

I get that, maybe not entirely, but I think I do. Keeping her story aside, if such an event were to arise in my life, the least I would expect from myself and the guy is to be clear in our heads. If you're meeting me from an arranged marriage point of view, you better not be caught up in maybes and could bes. This applies to almost every aspect of life that should matter.

Going back to Riddhi's meeting fiasco, I asked her the most clichéd question that she must've answered so many times now- "why weren't you ready for it?" After an exaggerated eye roll she said, "where do I start? I'm ok with the entire idea of settling down. But I haven't given a thought about things that should matter to me, haven't prioritized yet. I know the traits I'm looking for in my partner but I have no idea about what I expect from a relationship. My career is a different thing altogether. Eveything seems like a porridge in my head right now."

Everything that she said hit me hard, in a refreshing way, gave me a peep into the thought process I was droning on about. It also led to so many new questions. Do they all decide on their priorities or do they discover the same along the way? Does everyone think of all these aspects which are hounding my friend? If not, why?
So many questions in the same line that I feel I will gain answer to only if and when I go through the entire hodge-podge.

Thursday 26 July 2018

The Bridal Shower Gifting Guide


Being an invitee at a bridal shower, I was clueless as to what to get the bride-to-be. Do I sound like a dim-wit? In my defense, I didn't know her too well. Jotted down below is a thoughtful list of things you can gift the special lady (to help people like me.)

 

Lingerie:

red lingerie set
 
From lacy bras to sheer baby dolls there are a hoard of options that you may choose from. All you need to do is know the right size. I'm sure you can figure that part out.
 

Jewellery:

date bangle and hidden message pendant
 
One of my favourites from this list. I'm not talking about wedding jewellery, well you could gift that too, however, I'm referring to something more delicate, customized, like a date bracelet or a message pendant- reminding her of the occasion and that she is loved and adored by her close ones.
 

The Personalized one:

letter for the bride
 
Getting married is a milestone for every person. Wish her all the luck, love, support, pour all the feels in a personalized letter/s or a scrap book. Don't forget to add a few photographs of the times you've shared and shall cherish all your life.
 

Subscription Box:

subscription box
 
Subscription box is nothing but a care package delivered at your doorstep at a particular date of the month. Such care packages are curated by the respective company stylists on the basis of your preferences. It could be her favourite dessert box or apparel brand or a skin care package. Subscribe to such care packages on the behalf of the bride-to-be for 3-6 months to give her a recurring gift.
 

Bridal Box:

hamper gift for the bride-to-be
 
This is definitely the best bet when you are a mere acquaintance or don't know the bride-to-be too well. Mix up a cute hamper of probably some wine, jewellery, cosmetics, accessories, etc. and something in blue for good luck.
 

Cosmetics:

cosmetics hamper for the bride-to-be
 
A definite yes. Who doesn't love these expensive little things which expire in no time. The best part about cosmetics being, there's something for every person- be it a complete make-up-holic or the au naturel one. Make a big fat hamper comprising her favourite products from her skin care and make-up regime. She'll definitely be over the moon.
 

Spa Package:

Spa
 
Wedding arrangements take a toll on the bride in some or the other way. She needs her well deserved break from all the shopping and the decision making before the chaotic day even begins. Gifting her a spa day or, better, a spacation could make a great difference from the bride's perspective.
 

The Honeymoon Special:

beach hamper gift
 
I'm sure you must be knowing her honeymoon destination or you can easily find this details out. Gift her a hamper comprising things she might need for the same.
For example, if her honeymoon is at a beach destination, curate a hamper comprising some beachwear, a towel, hat, sunglasses, lotions, sunscreens, flip-flops, beach accessories, etc.
 

Gift Card:

gift card
 
Can't make up your mind? Go get a gift card. If that sounds too meh to you, get gift cards from brands that you're sure she loves.



Wednesday 11 July 2018

9 Easy Hairstyles To Mix It Up


Every day is not the same. Some days you're motivated, while some days you just want to trudge past it. Every time I'm having one of those dreadful days, I do something different like wear a new nose pin, wear something different to work, wing my liner a little, do my hair in a new way, etc. But it's not always easy to do something different with your hair coz let's face it, most of us do not know which partition goes where and do not even get me started about all the baby hair coming out from all over your head. IT'S NOT EASY. Hence, listing out the 10 most easy hairdos i found on the internet for you. Why do I say they are easy? Coz I've tried and tested them.


The Bad Hairday Hairstyle

hair is braided and tied in a bun



The Messy Bun with a Twist


upside down braided bun




 Braid It All Up

braided hair tied in a bun

The Friday Hairdo

twisted hair in a ponytail



Short & Chic

short hair twisted in a half updo

The Brunch Date Hairdo

hair twisted and tucked in a headband


Twist, Turn, & Braid

hair bun lined with a braid



Evening Date Hairdo

milkmaid braids

The Versatile Hair Bun

short hair tied, twisted and tucked in a bun











Friday 6 July 2018

Utter Cuteness Coming Your Way....




Hey you! Is it a working saturday? Are you hating all the stories and posts of your friends chilling? Do you need something to cheer you up? Don't we all!


Gawk at these cuties, while a little of your 'productive' time away, and lighten up your mood a tad bit.

Metamorphosis under 5 seconds


Can't Stop, Won't Stop




Coz Everyone wants to be Marilyn Monroe....Everyone....



Like Really? Plastic over the real thing? I'm better you know.


That didn't go too well



The 'having a sibling' effect 



The super happy boy (which you definitely aren't)


Forever alone



Follow me boys

Don't forget to share and spread the laughs.







Tuesday 3 July 2018

7 Products To Tame Your Frizzy Hair Under Rs.1000

hair serum bottle with lavender


There's one thing that most women have to welcome with the rainy days i.e. the lion 'mane'ish frizzy hair. While some are willing to spend thousands to get the best of anti-frizz hair products, most are under the leash of their monthly budgets and are always looking for better options. Hence, here I'm listing out 7 products as per hair type, strength, and price to help you pick the most favourable for yourself.


Extremely Fizzy Hair:

Schwarkopf Osis Magic Anti-Frizz Shine Serum
schwarzkopf osis magic anti-frizz shine serum


Strength: Super
Price: Rs. 900-950

The reviews of this particular product are pretty consistent on almost all sites. Strength of this product is great as compared to the price that you're paying for it. Easily lasts upto 9 hours. I generally use this product on occasions wherein the chances of touching up your hair are meek. If you have extremely frizzy hair, I think this product is a must have.

The Body Shop Grapeseed Glossing Serum
body shop grapeseed glossing serum

Strength: Good
Price: Rs. 890-900

This particular product forms a part of my daily hair styling kit. Although the product doesn't expressly describe itself to be an anti-frizz product, it definitely is as per user reviews (including mine.) The product is a little pricey but a must try coz once you try this and it suits you, you won't be buying anything else in the near future.

Matrix Opti Care Serum with Shea Butter
Matrix Opti Care Serum with Shea Butter

Strength: Good
Price: Rs. 450

For anyone looking for a product for super frizzy hair below Rs.500, your search ends here. The strength of this product for this price is baffling. It doesn't weigh down your hair, makes it super smooth, hydrates your hair to a certain extent and is also non-sticky. The only con this product seems to suffer from is that it doesn't last more than 6 hours. 

Matrix Biolage Deep Soothing Serum 
Matrix Biolage Deep Soothing Serum

Strength: Good
Price: Rs. 250

Nope, the price mentioned above is correct. A beautiful product offerred at a great price. It's non-sticky, controls frizz for a good duration, smells great, and is so cheap. I swore by this product during my college years. The only disadvantage this product suffers from is that you may have to reapply it after a few hours.

Moderately Frizzy Hair:

Bblunt Intense Moisture Hair Serum
Bblunt Intense Moisture Hair Serum

Strength: Fair
Price: Rs. 370-390

The reviews of this products are somewhat mixed, but most of them lean towards it being positive product. I have no personal experience with this product to account for it. However, all reviews spell out three common things: this product has fair anti-frizz properties, does not weight down one's hair, and hydrates one's hair to a certain extent.

L'oreal Paris Instant Smoothing Serum
L'oreal Paris Instant Smoothing Serum

Strength: Good
Price: Rs. 250

The basic principle behind having frizzy hair is you hair is not adequately nourished as a result of which it become dry, hence, frizzy. This serum nourishes your hair and smoothens it, asa result, lessens the frizziness. This product is suitable only if your hair is mildly frizzy.

Streax PRO Hair Serum Vita Gloss
Streax PRO Hair Serum Vita Gloss

Strength: Good
Price: Rs. 190

The cheapest of this lot but works wonders for the price it demands. Smoothens hair, Smells nice, Controls frizz, however, you might need to reapply this product at certain intervals. This product will work only on mildly frizzy hair.