The Fleamarket Queen

{ FASHION } Story of a Beach vacation

Hey there peeps!

Firstly thank you so so much for an overwhelming response to the previous post. I am also glad to know that you would like more editorials on the blog. I am currently curating more looks that can fit our editorial themes, so stay tuned.

This fashion post is about to bust some myths about beach holidays and pleasantly so!
Like most of my posts that are envisioned and planned in advance, this post is an exception. I planned this shoot with Trevin who is a photographer based in Durban . We were going to shoot a tropical theme.

I was taken by surprise when the weather gods suddenly brought in snow and a mighty cold wave in some parts of the country . This, while we were already on our way to Durban.

This was my #Tfmqturns7 beach holiday and i had packed accordingly. I did see some temperature dips in the forecast and `added a jacket to my bag. But, the weather dipped to -1 on our mid-way halt with stormy winds and consistent rains.

My heart sunk as my idea of a beach holiday came crashing down. What saved me were these pants, my cap and of course the jacket. My denim shorts and mini dresses clearly got a free ride in this trip and the only important passengers were my outerwear!
So here goes the look that saved me on a cold beach vacay . The bright pink and yellow scarf saved the day for me with its happy colors. Its the best accessory for a monochrome outfit.

Busting the Beach holiday myths-

1. Black is an absolutely delightful color on the beach especially when the waters are azure blue!
2. Not just floppy hats but even caps look trendy on the beach because they can withstand the stormy breeze.

I think the most important part of being on a holiday is to be comfortable . I couldn't have enjoyed if i was freezing . Looking at how the pics turned out , i am pretty glad i chose to be warm and monochrome with a hint of color !

{ E.D.I.T.O.R.I.A.L} Winds of change

Hey sweet people!

The wait is over. This is the first look of the #TFMQturns7 blogposts and I am so stoked to share the first editorial we shot in Durban. I am so glad to have worked with the talented Darrel Collins on two of my editorial looks. Check his website for some really amazing work!

Outfit- Top to bottom in Zara, not sponsored ( Blouse/ pants/floral accessory/earrings/Mustard heels)

Bag- Dharavi market, Mumbai
Watch- Daniel Wellington
Turquoise ring- Hill road flea market, Bandra
Location - Lavender moon guesthouse, Umhlanga & Umhalanga Rocks .

Coming back to "Winds of change".
If you are following me on instagram, you know that I've moved to Johannesburg for a while. Its been an amazing stay here in Johannesburg since May . As most of you know, I quit my day job back home to pursue blogging as a full-time career.

This was a big change for me and i can say that with your love and support, i am loving every moment of this! Its not easy to take such steps especially when you hold the most coveted engineering degree with an MBA. Most people think you're wasting your qualifications. I decided to let them think what they thought and go about my own way - because - better late than never! I decided to break away from "What people might think" inhibitions and its not a piece of cake

. Its simple when you work for a multinational - friends & family seem too contented with that ! Its when you branch out on your own- people question. Luckily for me, i have the most amazing partner & friends that have been pushing me in this direction . They saw me in this role even before i could muster the courage to give up my job.

Truth be told, as indians - we love to play safe. Risk is a risky word and no one dares. Thats how most of us are brought up- study and get a good job. Not having a business family background means - high preference for private or government jobs. But then, you have just one life. And i wished to do what i wish to do in this life. If you are in the same boat as me , kudos you've chosen to follow your heart. Just Press "PLAY" and go for it ! There is no better day than today to do what you are passionate about.

Blogging has given me so much fulfilment in life that i had never imagined as a small town girl. I have grown manifolds and evolved rapidly thanks to the exposure that blogging brought me.
I have always dreamt of creating magazine-worthy content from the longest time and blogging gave me a platform. It gave me people like you who love to read and appreciate whats being shared.

For me, the challenge was not just about being on your own , but in a new country.
I have people to support me back in Bombay and thats how i get content for all my Indian readers. However, in SA, i have to start from scratch . This shoot is my first collaborative effort here and i am so looking forward to be relatable to the global audience. In the coming days, it will be about creating great content on every platform - Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and of course my blog and making the blog more global with not just indian brands but SA brands on board. I need your blessings to be successful in this new journey and i know that you guys are there for me!

Till next time, CIAO

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{ FASHION} 3 Ways to wear the 70s Flared Denims

Hello beautiful people!

I still remember how much i adored bell bottoms as a teen. The first bell bottom i ever owned was a Red Velour one and it fit me like a glove on the thighs and then flowed into a beautiful flare. I was obsessed with it as a 9th grader. I could barely wear it enough as the top choices that went with it were limited. Then came college and my engineering college unfortunately had a uniform ! In the 3rd year, i happened to be in Mumbai for my cousin's wedding and thats when i got my hands on a stone wash grey-blue Denim bell-bottom. It was mid-waisted & I wore it to death in my 3rd and final year- i thought i looked quite the bomb in those because every time i stepped outside campus- people stared and cat-called. Not the desired kind of attention, but i loved the denim anyhow.

Then came the first job out of campus. I bought my 3rd bell bottom denim- this time I was not a waist 30 - but waist 26 and so got a low-waisted bell bottom denim which had an embellished pocket.

I thought i looked a bomb again, because i had never worn a low waisted denim ever and never had waist 26. So i conceded this denim looked amazing for these reasons.

Then came skinny jeans and i felt how off the mark i was wearing those bell-bottoms which my mom despised. I thought i finally graduated into classy fashion and should naturally pile skinny jeans.

For 10 years, i didn't even look at bell bottoms , until now! These pretty pair were grabbed in Zara sale this season - July 2018 for approx Rs.1800 and i couldn't be more amused at how i am back with the flare- this time more exaggerated and for the first time- high-waisted. Suddenly i feel a relief because i no longer need to feel uneasy in my skinny pair during summers. It cannot get better.

I have styled it 3 ways to showcase how versatile these are and we can go on to 10+ ways to style these- if you were to use all tops in your closet. Anything i pair with this pair- seems to work . Woohoo!

Tell me if you will wear these looks and which one is your favourite?

STYLE 1: With a Frilly Blouse
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STYLE 2: With a Skin-tight blouse & Denim jacket
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STYLE 3: With a cropped-top and a knee-length Denim dress worn as a jacket
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