Good TV Shows

My new post-Good TV shows is available HERE

Shorts: American Eagle

Top: Guess

Sandals: Indigo

Sunglasses: BVLGARI

Noi

The dress in today's post is by a brand 'noi'.  I like its length, sleeves, colors, material, fitting, everything. I have more dresses by the same brand, I bought them around 10 years ago (for Rs. ~ 400) from Shopper's Stop, Pune, India. Don't know if they still keep this brand, if you happen to live there then do check it out (and let me know!).

Dress: Noi

Sandals: Aldo

Red Belt: Target

My opinions on opinions

My new post 'My opinions on opinions' is available HERE

Jeans: American Eagle

Top: Ann Taylor (on sale available in stores right now)

Shoes: Me Too

Wonder

My new post Wonder is available HERE

Denim - Abercrombie and Fitch

Top - American Eagle

Sandals - Impo

Accessories Organization Tip

A quick tip to organizing Accessories

Belts - check out this hanger

Scarves - see this hanger

Jewelry - HERE

(*photo taken towards the end of the day, silk gets crumpled up quickly)




Blouse: J crew

Shoes: Ellen Tracy

Jeans: American Eagle

In your closet or store it?

If you have your closet packed to the brim - sundresses in the winter and puffy coats in summer - then your mornings are going to be hard just looking for clothes to wear and you may end up feeling like you have nothing to wear. Do yourself a favor and work with ingredients for the weather outside your door, keep out current season's clothes and put everything else out of sight. I store them in a box like THIS.

Top: Banana Republic (also worn HERE)

Artist Crop: American Eagle

Sandals: Indigo

Sunglasses: Gucci

Shoes

Shoe is a small part of your outfit but an important one. Your shoe collection will be specific to you needs - standing or walking a lot etc. Here is a small checklist of the most basic shoes that will have you covered for every occasion -

1. Black/brown - heels or flats


2. Black/Brown boots


3. Nude heels or flats - they work with everything (worn HERE)


4. walkable flats - sneakers/ sandals or slip-ons


5. a pair of bright colored shoes/sandals that will make a dull outfit look exciting

*Personal Opinion - Never wear sneakers to any place other than the gym or workouts.

Shorts: American Eagle

Top: Alfani (also worn HERE)

Sandals: Indigo

No repeat value

In the last 8-9 years, I have worn this dress just thrice. These kinds of dresses do not have much of repeat value, after all, you can not wear the same dress to every party that you go to (not that people notice but it's our own fear that they will :-) ). I am not much of a party animal so I avoid buying party dresses.

So, today's recommendations are:

1. Buy stuff that matches your current lifestyle and body type.


2. Spend the minimum on clothes that have no repeat value (for you).

Dress: AND (from India)

Shoes: Me too

The Sun has arrived!

Seattle gets hardly 60 days of sunlight throughout the year (and I am not exaggerating). Vitamin D deficiency is the most prevalent deficiencies in Washington state, trying to store some D this summer.

Jumpsuit: Forever 21

Top: Ann taylor (also worn HERE)

Sandals: Tommy Hilfiger

Good Movies on Netflix

Jeans: 7 for all mankind

Top: Tjmaxx (also worn HERE)

Shoes: Steve Madden (non leather)

Scarf: Target

My new post Good movies on Netflix is available HERE

Goodreads Challenge

Denim: American Eagle

Shoes: Tommy Hilfiger

Top: Charter's Club

My new post Goodreads Challenge is available HERE

Colors

Every color has some comrades and a few foes. When the friends are juxtaposed they make each other appear charming. When two enemies are put side by side they don't just make their own manifestation dull but also spoil the appearance of the other. In the case of clothing/ accessories, it is important for the friends to be next to each other, also the look wouldn't appear delightful if it is ruled by just one color. Every item loses it's own identity if you are covered with several other pieces in the same color, for example, faint yellow/ red shoes would look smart if you are wearing a blue dress, both will then have their own intrepid and bold guise (rather than matching yellow shoes with a yellow dress).

The same is applicable for skin tones, every skin tone looks great with a wide range of colors, and some shades do not look so great. For example - red tops look the best on a tad dusky skin tone, for lighter skin, you can modify it a bit (so that it reflects better with your skin tone) - just layer it up with something black or gray - maybe a sweater, scarf, jacket, big necklace, etc. The same thing goes for lipsticks (if you use them). I recommend - try on everything before you buy it. Not being able to test how the color looks on us is one big problem with online shopping (don't go for how it looks on the model).

Top: J crew factory

Denim: Banana Republic

Shoes: Lifestride (non leather)

Exercise today!

In the last 5 years, I went through bad health issues, be it surgeries, injuries, complete bed rest and never-ending medications. Yes, it brings a lot of interruptions in my grand plan of weight loss (I weighed 180 pounds not long ago) but it also made me realize the value of health and how much I wanted to look and feel fit. 

I think all of us have our own struggles that the world doesn't know about, life isn't rosy for anyone, so take some time off but get back to your workouts as soon as you can. 'I will start from Monday/ 1st Jan/ 1st of next month' doesn't work. Do not procrastinate, resume today even if it is just 20 minutes, because something may come up on Monday or your planned date in the future. The future is always unpredictable.

Shorts: american eagle

Top: Ann taylor

Shoes: Steve Madden (non-leather)

Sunglasses: bvlgari

Girl, Goddess and Audrey

Top - Jones New York (also worn HERE)

Jeans - Abercrombie and Fitch

Shoes - AK Anne Klein

My new post Girl, Goddess and Audrey is available HERE

April 2016: Book Reviews

Shorts: American Eagle

Top: Loft (also worn HERE)

Sandals: Tommy Hilfiger

My new post April 2016: Book Reviews is available HERE

Photographs

I take photos in the area around where I live using a timer and tripod. Professionally taken and edited pictures can make the outfits look better than how they actually look. I do not want to fool readers. The photos on this blog will always remain as simple and natural as my style. Also spending too much time on photos feels contradictory to the theme of this blog which is 'one can be well dressed without spending any time or effort on clothes'. Use the time you save to do more interesting or pressing stuff.


Some asked me to provide more variety in photo locations, I will try to add it as time permits but you will see outfits look the same everywhere ;-)

Jeans: American Eagle

Black Tee: Loft

Jacket: Gap

Shoes: Kelly and Katie

Have you seen...?

Have you seen these 2 types of Indian women?

1. Wearing gold bangles, anklets, earrings, necklaces, toe rings, rings, nose ring, bindi - along with flip flops, formal skirt, and formal shirt? - There is nothing wrong with wearing Salwar Kamiz or a Saree (even if you live outside India) than wearing a funny combination like that.

2. Wearing nighties at public places! Please ladies, I mean it looks bad even if you are in India.

Jegging: American Eagle

Shoes: Nine West

Button Down Chambray: American Eagle

Stripes top: Tjmaxx

Similar combo HERE

Analyze your closet

Most of us hold on to things for years thinking we will need it or fit in it later. The truth is most of those kept away items will never be used.  All we need to do is try it on and ask ourselves: Do I remember the last time I wore it? Did I feel good and comfortable when I wore it last time? and Does this flatter my body? If the answer to any of the above questions is no then why waste any closet or brain space on it? Just donate and someone will happily use it.

Top: Ann Taylor

Cardigan: Forever 21

Shoes: Ellen Tracy

Denim: American Eagle

Core color

One may end up with nothing to wear because they might have limited themselves to wearing an item just one way (this may happen if we buy head to toe looks). If everything flows from one piece to the next then we are left with many more potential combinations and it is best achieved by having items in core colors.


Here is the list of essential elements in core color Black, and I think it is totally worth to have a good quality of following items in the closet:

1. Blazer &/or cardigan &/or faux leather jacket


2. Trousers &/or Denim


3. Top (button down/ turtleneck/sleeveless/ any style)


4. Skirt


5. Camisole


6. Tights

Jacket: Blank NYC (faux leather)

Shoes: Steve Madden (faux leather)

Jeans: Abercrombie and Fitch

Top: Ann Taylor

The Stripes Trick

Denim: American Eagle

Top: Banana Republic

Sandals: Tommy Hilfiger

Vertical stripes - make you look thinner, the closer they are placed the slimmer you will look.

Horizontal stripes - Makes you look wider, however, they can be used in your favor if placed properly.


The boxes on far left and right look the slimmest and the one in the middle widest. That is why tucking the shirt can make one look wider and shorter.

Diagonal stripes - are slimming and no matter where you place them on your body they will slim that area.

I am a stripes sucker and love horizontal stripes. Here are some more ways I wore stripes - STRIPES

what not to Do

*Opinions expressed in this post are for both genders (wherever applicable)

What NOT to do (when it comes to styling)

1. Never sport a muffin top.


2.  Showing bra straps or panty lines do NOT look classy. When you wear low rise jeans be aware of your top length. Wear a camisole/skirt slip under see through clothes (unless of course see through is intentional!). I think it is a good idea to invest in a strapless/halter neck bra and no show (seamless) undergarments.

Skirt: J crew factory, Tights: DSW, Shoes: Naturalizer, Shirt: J Crew, Sweater: J crew factory

Equality

My new post Equality is available HERE

Top: J Crew Factory

Light mint denim: J crew

Shoes: LifeStride (nonleather)

Reduce, Recycle and Reuse

A materialist concentrates on accumulating things and a minimalist thinks of how to get rid of things, ultimately both are focusing thoughts on stuff. We accumulate stuff and then think of ways to purge it out of life (this is the First World Phenomena).

Owning more than what we need is consumerism, I think we all are consumerists in that sense. All I can say is don’t have a lifestyle of mindless consumerism, don’t be an impulsive consumer be a mindful one. The more realistic thing to do is donate things that you don’t use than giving away things in the name of minimalism. Know what is in your drawers, cupboards, fridge, and corners. Donate anything that is not used for a few years. Ultimately have things that you utilize and utilize what you already have!

Denim Skirt: Banana Republic

Shirt: J crew

Sweater: Tjmaxx

Tights: Hue

Shoes: Vaneli 

Few Things

I really do not like to shop much but I also get bored with the same set of clothes very quickly and so I try to wear different combinations. Mix and match turn out to be fun and I end up not shopping at all for long-duration - the longest I have lived without shopping anything for my closet is 3 years. I buy just a few items every year from good brands (that lasts long) rather than buying 20 from unknown brands and I always keep a set of basic clothes that goes well with everything in the closet. If you are like me who doesn't like to shop a lot yet wants to be well dressed then this blog is for you.

Photo After:

Black Turtleneck: Banana Republic

Dress: Promod India

Tights: Hue

Shoes: Joan and David

Using Timer

A lot of personal style bloggers get help from their friends/family to take pictures for their blog. Any professionally taken/edited pictures make the outfits look better than they actually are. I never use any outside help for taking my pics, I use a timer.

When I started taking pictures for this blog it took me some time to figure out the lighting/camera angle/ setting etc. - lack of sunlight in Seattle makes it a little challenging. Once I figured out the basic things now it takes me 5 minutes top to take pictures. The only thing I need to make sure is when the timer goes off I am standing still, otherwise, the picture is all blur and at times it does catch me when I am adjusting my hair or something (as in pic 2).

In case you are interested Here is a good 101 that I liked on using a timer for style blogs.

Silk Blouse: J crew

Sweater: J crew factory

Denim: Banana Republic

Shoes: Nine West

Things

The best things in life are not things at all.

Skirt: Modcloth

Top: Tjmaxx

Scarf: Target

Tights: Target

Shoes: Circa Joan and David

Leather

Numerous animals are killed to satisfy taste buds of humans, providing for our fashion statements should be the last thing animals are killed for. I understand that for many of us branded handbags/shoes/belts (like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Coach) are a status-style-andWhatNot symbol but still check out this video to gain some insight on where leather comes from - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcVDSSqdkFs

I try my best to buy non leather products, companies have to specify on the label if it is manmade polyester or real leather. Quality-wise manmade polyester products are as good as real leather. Most of the products that you see on this blog are vegan/faux leather. I admit to buying leather products at a time when I was ignorant about how the leather industry works. And yes, I am guilty of owning those fancy handbags, those will never make it to this blog. If you see any leather products - brands on this blog then they were bought a long time back and I am in no way promoting the use of leather. 

 I am not asking you to give up what you already have but I urge all the readers of this blog to minimize buying leather products. Again, please check out the video and make an informed decision.

Black turtleneck: Banana Republic

Vegan leather jacket: Blank NYC

Red Pant: American Eagle

Black Shoes: Vaneli (manmade)

The Demon Haunted World

My new post 'The Demon Haunted World' is available HERE

Dress: J Crew

Tights: Hue

Sweater: J Crew Factory

Shoes: Vaneli

Month in Review: February 2016

Again: Use what you have

A lot of people buy something nice and then keep it away just for a special occasion or they never use it thinking it will get spoiled. Use what you have, if it looks worn out with use you can always buy something new and more exciting. Don't wait until it stops fitting you or you no longer exist to enjoy it!

White Denim: American Eagle

Gingham Shirt: J crew Factory

Stripes Top: TjMaxx

Shoes: Unisa

Vaneli

I started with red shoes but then wore the good old Vaneli, I like the second look better.

Vaneli are the most comfortable high heeled booties that I have ever used.

Sweater: J crew factory

Black Denim: Abercrombie and Fitch

Booties: Vaneli

Scarf: Express

Ugly UGG

A few years ago I got these UGGs as a gift, I find them ugly and yet use them every other day.

They are extremely comfortable to walk long distances, they are light and super warm, perfect for the rainy & cold weather in Seattle.

Good looks are seldom directly proportional to usability, reliability and a great performance.

Black Denim: Abercrombie and Fitch

Stripes Top: J crew factory

Olive Jacket: Gap

Shoes: UGG

Utilize what you have

I have a big basket where I put the used clothes (that are washed and ironed). I don't bring them back in the closet until I use (almost) everything remaining in the closet. This is a great way to utilize everything that you have. This also makes one realize how much stuff they already have! 

You can try similar thing for jewelry.

Jeans: 7 for all mankind

Chambray Button Down: American Eagle

Stripes Top: J Crew Factory

Shoes: Nine West

How do you wash your clothes?

For all your outside clothes use the handwash mode in washing machines. Don't use machine drying as so much of heat spoils the clothes instead use a clothes drying rack.

Jeans: 7 for all mankind

Stripes Top: J crew Factory

White Denim Jacket: Zara

Shoes: Unisa

Purse: Nine West

How often do you wash your clothes?

Don't wash denims/ jackets/ skirts/ scarves every time you use them unless of course if they are dirty/ smelly. This elongates their life span. How often should you wash them - See HERE

Jeans: Abercrombie and Fitch

Chambray Button Down: American Eagle

Denim Jacket: J Crew

Scarf: J Crew Factory

Shoes: Vaneli

Big Magic

My new post 'Big Magic' is available HERE

Jeans: 7 for all mankind

Sweater: J Crew Factory

Scarf: Esprit

Shoes: Nine West

Magical Side Trips

We make career decisions at an early age then put on blinders and gallop towards our determined destination. Why don’t we just enjoy our journey and explore the magical side trips? 

We cannot know what adventure awaits us or how those side trips affect our lives but are we missing something grand because we decide to stay on the same path?

Denim Shirt: American Eagle

Jeans: American Eagle

Olive Jacket: Gap

Shoes: Blondo