The Fleamarket Queen

{E.V.E.N.T} Galderma Skin Awareness Month

What happens when you fill a room with beauty bloggers and skincare experts ?

Its a "Skincare" party with the latest skincare wisdom flowing in from all corners ! It was a delight to be part of the Skin awareness month by Galderma India recently which had the city's celebrated dermatologists & influencers on panel to discuss all things skincare. And just so you don't miss out, grab a cup of your favourite beverage and keep reading for all the skincare tips , hacks and general reminders that will be shared throughout this post . (All skincare tips from Dr.Khan & Dr. Suraj Shetty )

Before I begin with the tips, I have to share this exciting news about our favourite skin saviour CETAPHIL . For any one who's ever suffered from Acne, Cetaphil has been the number one cleanser of choice suggested by dermatologists . In my teenage years, Cetaphil was a constant . My acne was inflammatory and quite painful. With all treatment creams stripping off moisture , this cleanser was the most soothing touch on my face . Growing up in a small town , I was unsure if the best products were available for skincare. But when i used Cetaphil , it gave my teenage self so much hope! When they invited me for the Skin awareness month , it was a sweet moment that brought back all the memories.

Now, the news? They have taken their already fantastic formulations a notch up by adding gentle ingredients like Glycerine for hydration , Niacinamide for brightening and Panthenol for moisturising . OMG, what !!!

When the best things get even better, it calls for a happy dance ! I have already got my hands on the newly designed packaging and new formula and no surprise - I am loving it ! There is a product for every skin-type from cleansers , moisturisers to Sunscreens.

If you are already a skincare enthusiast, you know your skin type. But if you're new to the skincare game, keep reading because the doctors shared a simple test to find out your skin type :

HOW to find your SKIN-TYPE?

Step 1: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.

Step 2: Observe face after 30 minutes .

👉If its shiny all over - Oily skin

👉If its stretchy and feels parched - Dry Skin

👉If the nose and forehead is shiny and remaining face feels stretchy - Combination Skin

👉If the face feels hydrated - Normal Skin

WHY is knowing your SKIN-TYPE important ?

Selecting the right skincare products starts with knowing your skin-type. Not all products are created equal. An oily skin produces too much sebum and hence needs sebum-regulating formulations while a dry skin needs a different approach . Skincare is effective only when we use the appropriate products for our kind of skin.

Did you know, skin type can change ? Oh yes ! Younger individuals have normal skin type until puberty hits and changes the game. As for me, I noticed my skin was very oily during my teenage acne days . Now into my 30s , I am a combination -skin type ! Phew! This means i have to constantly observe my skin and listen to its needs .

And now, lets move to the most frequently experienced skincare Woes- BREAKOUTS/ACNE . Some myths that were busted :

ACNE MYTH - Busters :

💥 Makeup causes Acne - If a makeup product is dermatologically tested and approved , it will not cause acne . What can cause acne however , is using unclean brushes , makeup sponge to apply makeup or not taking it off before sleeping !

💥Acne is normal. It can be treated at home - A Big no ! Skin is the biggest organ of our body and just like every other organ , it is susceptible to diseases. Acne is a skin disease and can get worse if not treated . Therefore , always reach out to your dermatologist . As Dr.Khan mentioned during the panel discussion , there's no acne that cannot be treated ! So , don't wait and start your treatment right away. Even though it takes long, never be disheartened . I know I was rewarded with clear skin with all the patience and discipline with treatments and so can you ! Also , clean eating habits and an active lifestyle incorporating regular exercise is the best way to beat Acne along with medication. I have written about this earlier and you can refer to my earlier posts.

Now, that we have tackled the most common skin disease - acne , lets move on to the next bit which is post-acne care or just ageing signs like HYPERPIGMENTATION, uneven skin tone & dull skin .

The house of Galderma which makes Cetaphil has a recent entry "BILUMA" that caters to just these skin situations . The name Biluma means Be Luma ( Luma= Light ). Currently available in India , Middle East and South Africa they use gentle formations in their cleansers, moisturisers and lotions for a glowing and youthful skin . Their products work to balance the circadian rhythm of our skin. Sounds alien? Let me explain.

WHAT IS OUR SKIN's CIRCADIAN RYTHM?

The skin functions differ from daytime to night. During the day, the skin functions to brighten and protect while during the night it rejuvenates and nourishes.

WHY IS THE SKIN's CIRCADIAN RYTHM important ?

An imbalance in the day and night skin cycle due to internal and external factors leads to early signs of ageing like Hyperpigmentaion , uneven skin tone, wrinkles , laxity & dull dry skin !

This is where the Biluma range comes handy - it balances the skin's rythm and actively promotes a glowing , radiant skin. I will be incorporating their day and night cream into my routine as it claims to lighten dark spots in 3 weeks of usage. Whats the best part - their night cream has my favourite ingredient Kakadu plum ( A source of vitamin C ) & hyaluronic acid that have given me great results recently.

They also have a very unique cream meant for treating pigmentation in underarms, neck and inner thighs which i am keen to try . Stay tuned on my instagram as I update you about the usage . Its interesting to see pharma brands including naturally derived ingredients in skincare and this brought in another round of myth busters . Read on ...

MORE SKINCARE MYTHS:

💥NATURAL INGREDIENTS CAN BE DIRECTLY APPLIED ON FACE. We don't need a skincare product containing same natural ingredients for that .

No. Using natural ingredients on face directly can lead to more adverse reactions than benefits Also, the molecular size of natural chemicals present in the fruit/spice is generally not ideal for the skin barrier . For example , turmeric. The molecular size of curcumin thats the main chemical in turmeric is very large and cannot be absorbed by our skin for its ideal benefits. Hence a laboratory derived extract will be more effective .

There is so much more that we can talk about skincare, so lets keep the discussion rolling in the comments and on my instagram post. But , if we have to sum it up :

6 RULES TO A HEALTHY SKIN :

1. Always remove makeup , before sleep

2. Use a gentle cleanser for your skin type that feels hydrating

3. Always wear sunscreen - indoors or outdoors

4. Use a gentle day cream for your skin-type. Yes, oily skin needs hydration too.

5. If you notice any skin irritation , always stop skin care actives and visit your doctor .

6. Don't forget to drink 3-4 Litres of water, exercise and eat well .

Till , next time, CIAO!

{F.A.S.H.I.O.N} I dream of Travel

Its just so amusing how 2020 brought a standstill to everything "LIFE".

Ever since i started working , I saw the dream of travel and as a couple we decide to visit at least 1 country in a year . 2020 brought us a lot of gratitude for all that we were able to experience in the past ! 2 years down the line, I cannot wait to take off somewhere far very soon ! There is a constant realisation that time is running fast and that we need to see so much that we missed . In 2020, I had decided to visit Japan in the famed Sakura season - those blossoms just have me mesmerised !

And right now, all i know is I want to be in Tokyo , watch the glorious sakura blooms, eat lots of unique Japanese food including Mochi and dash into some Vintage Chanel stores ! The plan is clear and bright and I really wish it materialises ! For now , I have to save up, wait and watch while Japan opens its borders to tourists ( It hasn't yet ).

Meanwhile, Bombay winters have been the most memorable in my 15 years here ! 17 degree mornings and nights - I have been up for them ! Extended morning walks and post 10 pm night walks were done just to feel the cold winds on my face ! And how can i forget the fashion impact - The boots were out . They were worn for more than a shoot ! In outdoor cafes , when things got safer . So delighted with how the city didn't make me miss my annual autumn vacation ! It was all right here !

Enjoy the look and tell me which country should i take this look to ?

Btw, can you tell these pictures are RAW- no edits needed ! Bombay weather really outdid itself !

Top, Culotte - Zara | Shoes - Promod | Bag - Guess | Baroque Pearl earrings - D'eanna jewels

Till next time , CIAO!

{ F.A.S.H.I.O.N } HOPE IS A ROCKSTAR

Hello my beautiful people !

If you decided to include "reading more " in your 2022 resolution list, then i am here to make you achieve that resolution faster ! Ofcourse by writing more haha!

Skipping the whole of 2021 like it never existed and directly updating the blog in 2022 - bet there will be a lot of blogposts come rain or sun ! I wrote a couple of drafts in 2021 but didn't go on to updating them- the year just didn't feel like it ! However , the last 3 months of 2021 were such a relief with an all time low of COVID cases and return to normalcy !

While the year has begun with a landslide of Covid cases and other viral infections , it somehow seems like the beginning of better times with more of us protected with vaccines and those with Covid having manageable symptoms. And yet there are some of us who are struggling to fight the infection despite vaccines . As the recovery rates are promising, the scenario is hopeful !

The past two years have made us bank on one word the most - " HOPE" more than we ever did ! It has also shifted our focus inwards . More and more people ignoring their health all these years have in some way embraced better lifestyle habits. As much as there has been loss, there has been an opportunity to grow.

While Some of us have deeply suffered when it comes to work and finances , some have made commendable strides to be proud of . The year has been that of extremes and some averages. And yet , the only thing we need to take away from this year is that every little thing needs to be celebrated right from being able to just wake up every day to achieving dreams in difficult times ! Every little thing is worthy of a pat on the back . You are fabulous if you've read this far and i only hope the best is awaiting you ! Here's beginning 2022 on a hopeful note - We got this !

Leaving you with a look shot on the beautiful Christmas morning of 2021 !

Sweater, Dress, Shoes - Zara | Bag - Dharavi market ( Dooney & Bourke ) , almost a decade old.

Till next time ,

XOXO

{ F.A.S.H.I.O.N } The Bohemian Diwali- A series of Self-portraits

9 months into the pandemic and we've all found our own tricks to work from home. While i have been majorly creating content from home since 2 + years , i used to travel for shoots, trend discovery, brand events/meetings for my work . While most of my work is stitched end to end by me - the added responsibility of being my own photographer 24x7 has been exciting yet challenging at the same time ! Shooting in the 4 walls of my Mumbai apartment , not a challenge i don't like ,even though there's just 2-3 walls as backdrops . For the first 6-7 months, most sunlight filtered through my bedroom- now you know why my instagram feed is full of bedroom shots! With the sudden change in weather post Dussehra, the lights changed their way! They now shine in full glory in the drawing room. Which means i have now shifted my shoot backdrop to the drawing room!I am literally dancing to the tunes of mother nature till i invest in artificial light . I am not sure what is stopping me but sunlight has to be my most favourite filter ever. This entire series of course is shot in the new backdrop which is my drawing room with my camera resting on the dining table ! I know , i am beginning to sound very "Jugaadu"- but thats me! Yet to add a full-length tripod too!

While i do this, I have come across so many young girls on the gram who are nailing the self-portrait game! Who knew it would become a fad ! This year has brought in a lot of learnings and unexpected trends for sure!

I hope you enjoy this festive series - All too bohemian, easy to wear and Re-wear! For the first two looks , I have styled a skirt which first made appearance on the blog in 2015. You can read about it in this post!

I still remember how head over heels i was over this skirt which came as a set. It was expensive then but right now i can only say it was totally worth it. The number of re-wear looks i can do with it is endless! If you build a wardrobe with solid colors, they continue to look unique - because unlike prints , they don't end up easily in the human memory ! To everyone looking for sustainable options, remember that an outfit with maximum re-wears qualifies too! I don't see myself parting with this one for sure!

Look 1: I paired the skirt with this structured sleeve zara blouse ! Puffed sleeves and a structured shoulder add the necessary drama without the frills! You could wear a choker or style with an embroidered bib necklace like i did- this one from PROMOD. They did some really amazing accessories earlier! You could even wear this outfit to a sangeeta if you are to attend one during this lockdown- stay safe!

Look 2: This is my favourite look because of the accessory overload and the fluid dupatta layered with the skirt . The skirt has a zipper and a hook and hence it looks pretty neat up there! If it had an elastic, the look would've been a bit fluffy. The duppata is special - its part of the anarkali set which i wore for my Roka / Bata Pakki ceremony 8 years ago! Me and Nikunj had a crazy time selecting the kurta visiting every market in Bombay! Over 10,000 visits and then we ended up liking this one! The bangle with the green stone is from 3 years ago . I got it from Maheshwar- the birthplace of Maheshwari silk sarees and a favourite Bollywood shoot location for a lot of aesthetic movies like Bajirao Mastani and Kalank. I spent a great deal of time haggling with the seller who sold this bangle at the ghats. He said this was elephant tusk ! Its banned due to animal cruelty and yet these people think they can fool people! Its quite a statement though! Now, the sterling silver nose- pin and the neckpiece are from FAB-INDIA and this is part of my lockdown sale steal this month! I have never worn a nose pin and this was just to experiment. Not a very comfortable accessory but certainly worked well with my theme! The white metal bag is from Udaipur which was bought in November end last year! It was an expensive street buy but looking at the quality , i think it was totally worth it! What do you think of this look?

Till next time, CIAO!

{ E.D.I.T.O.R.I.A.L } An autumnal paradise

Today should have been the day for our 9th Blog anniversary post - but i am keeping this treat as a pre-cursor because well, I promised !

Honestly , I could go on an expedition to find that remote that will help me to fast-forward to December of 2020 ( hoping that would be a better phase for the whole world !) . I decided to go slow, and bring around some autumnal vibes instead. We shot this beautiful editorial in a place that felt right out of my parisian dreams ! In the lovely city of Pretoria , South Africa , when the weather was chilly and the autumnal leaves decorated the sky before falling down and crisping under my feet like wafers! Shooting in a different country has a different set of challenges but this day, I will always remember ! It was dreamy and the place looked even better than the pictures thanks to the autumnal beauty ! All this while, I couldn't decide between the 100 good shots taken by Mandy. She was a delight to work with but later we couldnt seem to work together which made me sad. But sometimes, despite everything being perfect , things don't work out. Not complaining because this shoot is one of my most favourite ever and perfect to welcome the autumn season soon ! WARNING: THE MOST PHOTO HEAVY POST on our blog ever! Tell me if you have a favourite shot?

DRESS, earrings : ZARA | Heels : Charles & Keith | Bag : Shop in dharavi | Watch : Fossil

Till, next time , CIAO!

{ F.A.S.H.I.O.N } Lounge 2020

My first post on the blog was about 2020 and fast forward 8 months ( Can you believe? ) , I can't still part ways with the magical number- 2020. At least we thought 2020 sounded futuristic and the most transformational. But well, nature had its own " transformational" plans and we are at its mercy . All of us who made those travel bucket lists , got a huge jolt and thats really nothing as compared to everyone who has been deeply impacted due to the virus.

But this year has taught us "GRATITUDE" in abundance. I am thankful everyday for a healthy life, an opportunity to still continue to hold on to what i love most - blogging and creating content . This month we complete 9 years and there's a ton of fabulous SELF-SHOT posts & IRRESISTIBLE giveaways coming your way as i explore the future of fashion post the pandemic. Do not forget to catch up with every post on instagram as well and stay tuned for announcements on my stories!

Just before the lockdown began , I was in Goa and goodness, am i thankful for that! It was my birthday and i had decided to quickly make this trip as well as planned some shoots. Who knew this would be the last travel ( so far ) and the last outdoor shoot! 2019 has been very unfortunate for me professionally as well as personally due to these health issues - my lower back as well as the dreaded viral infection on my face that finally went away in June 2020- an entire year! Its the reason why i was not able to create much content despite blogging full-time. Yet, I took chances and shot outdoors despite my face being full of the lesions in February . It was not only embarrassing but dissatisfying as my face was swollen due to the infection throughout the year. It wasn't the face I was used to but nonetheless i accepted it with all my grit and continued on my goals. And I am glad I did that. This was my idea of lounging in 2020 and well, i have been lounging for a lot of 2020 inside my head ! I guess you are too? Hoping for the real deal now , haha .

Top/Jumpsuit/Earrings : ZARA | Neckpiece : Sarojini nagar market | Bangle : Bandra fleamarket

Till next time, CIAO!

{ F.A.S.H. I.O.N } Patching up with 2020

Hello People!

2020 is a strange year. Almost like a thriller novel. A mystery everyone wants to solve. A nightmare everyone wants to get out of ! And in all this, we are finding ways to preserve our sanity!

A lot of us are buried neck-deep in "Work" of all kinds. Even the summers went by without us enjoying a holiday, and so its important to plan A BREAK if not a holiday ! We can never replace travel , but can surely get our dopamine fix with some creative DIY !

The nature is in revenge mode and we know that our consumption choices are under the radar more than ever . As a conscious generation, its time to go SLOW. And this applies to fashion as well. Does that mean we need to STOP BUYING FAST fashion? The good news is - there's another post coming up on that and the answer is coming in that post ! But this post will show you ways of sprucing up your most used DENIMS and elongate their lifespan even more !

Patchwork denims are rarely manufactured , and if you are a bohemian at heart, this DIY will totally be your jam! When i posted these denims on my instagram, most of you were intrigued and i couldn't see options similar to this! So i came up with this DIY trick, so you can create yours!

These cloth-patchwork denims got special love from you when I first put the trial room selfie on instagram in 2017 . I spotted this in Zara sale and didn't see this in any other Zara outlet in the whole of Bombay- so hurried to try it on . There were only 2 sizes left. The other was a size smaller. I was skeptical because its not the regular denim and cannot be worn at all times. However my bohemian heart was already head over heels. When i tried the size which was 2 inches smaller than my original , it squeezed my butt & tummy in an uncomfortable way ! To top it, it wasn't elastic. I walked to and fro- sat inside the trial room thinking it would expand like a miracle. 10 mins. Nothing happened, haha . I asked the Zara folks to help me with the next size or check availability in other stores. Alas, their servers went down and they couldn't track either information. I kept the denim back from where i picked it. I spoke to the zara folks again- Does this shrink further on wash? The guy was like- I am sure you wear denims- they always expand. But I was in still in two minds- what if it didn't expand! Its a high waist style - So its pushing my tummy in and making me uncomfortable! I almost walked out of the store and i looked at it again. I ran back again , picked it and back to the billing counter !!! HAHA. I was not going home without these.

You can have this denim style in a day's time or maybe an hour!!!

How?

1. Pick any denim from your wardrobe
2. Cut square/triangular cloth pieces out of your favourite old cotton blouses/ pillow covers or sheets (Printed or solids ).
3. Use Fabric glue to stick them ( EASY) or if you are a stitching pro- just sew it on!

And done!
If you are a guy reading this, why not try this trend as well. Pair with a leather jacket for the colder months . I would love to see your DIY project. Share it with me!

SHOTS from August 2017: