Kitty Love

Hello Kitty is making a comeback this season and as a (not so) secret fan, I couldn't  be more delighted. So imagine my joy when I walked into Laduree Paris and saw these adorable macaron boxes.

Then it struck me; there couldn't be a more appropriate season to incorporate some Kitty love into my wardrobe. This seasons pastel palette lends itself to it. I can finally use the pink Hello Kitty watch that I've been hiding in my drawer for the past few years!

Here are my Hello Kitty picks:

1. Uniqlo Tee; 2. Hello Kitty Watch; 3. Amazon.com Hello Kitty Toaster

Playing Tourist in Paris

It's a really simple rule for me: fashion does not (always) equal discomfort. So when I'm travelling, I try to keep my looks stylish but the focus is always on making it easy for me to be a tourist. The outfits I chose for this trip needed to be equally ok for a tour of the Notre Dame, Tea at Laduree or walking the bridges of Paris at night. I also like to travel light (ahem), so I packed a lot of solid colors that can be mixed and matched. 

Tee: Jcrew; Scarf: Indian street market; Belt: Ralph Laren; Jeans: Levis; Satchel: last seen here

I've found that bright colors often give an impression of richer fabrics than pastels do. Also, white jeans. They keep you looking crisp even after a day of trekking through town. Add something metallic or some leopard print to the outfit and you can get into most bars later at night. Voila! You have a tourist + fashion friendly look.

Paris J'taime

I'm in Paris for my birthday and I couldn't be more excited! It's going to be a full week of macarons, creme brulee and crepes (gimme some sugar!.) Stay tuned for tons of Paris posts. In the meantime, check out my (super nerdy) Paris inspiration board I created on Tumblr (here.)

Shoes: Zara

Cherry Blossoms in DC

Its officially the first day of Spring. If you are lucky enough to live in DC, this means Cherry Blossom season. This year we celebrate one hundred years of  blossoms in DC. Read on to find out how you can celebrate.

With girlfriends:
1. Cupcake picnic: pack your blankets & sweet tooth. DC's cupcake shops showcase Cherry Blossom specials. Two of my favorites here & here. Get them to go and munch on them by the tidal basin.
2. Inspired: Get out your paintbrushes. After a walk around the tidal basin, head to a painting class and let your creative juices flow. Frame your masterpieces to remember the blossoms throughout the year.

With your beau/boytoy:
1. Date night: Make reservations at any (or many) of the restaurants featuring Cherry Blossom specials. Pick your favorite from the list here.
2. On the water: Rent a paddleboat and let your man show off his strength (or you can show off yours.) Find a spot by the waters edge where the blossoms hang low for some snuggles and sunset. A good place for rentals here.

With whoever you manage to run into:
1. Events: Catch one of the festival events. Some of the top crowd-pullers- The Sakura Matsuri Festival, The Parade & The Fireworks.

Pretty In Pink

National Cathedral

No matter how long I've been in DC, I still love playing "tourist." I'll often find myself visiting the same monuments, clicking the same pictures and marveling at the same sights over and over again. That's the magic of this city. 

One of my favorite places to re-visit is the National Cathedral. I go there when it's sunny (like this week) to laze on its lawns, when its rainy to tour its beautiful interiors and drive there on cold winter nights to snuggle with my hubby.

Sunshine on the National Cathedral lawn

Hello God! It's me.

P.S. I love, love, love this jumpsuit. It reminds me of a giraffe (both the print and the fact that it elongates my silhouette.) I found it while trolling through this tiny boutique in Goa, India and I've recycled it season after season.

One Outfit: 4 ways

I have been dying to buy these pants from Anthropologie but was wondering if the print would restrict me from wearing them more than two times. So I put together these four "looks" to check the outfits versatility. I'm calling them: The Glam Girl, The Lady, The Chic Chick and The Tomboy.

Happy Holi

Indians know how to do colorful and the festival of Holi is a testament to that. Celebrated in March each year, this day involves giants mounds of colored powder, lots of water & splashing around, music and dancing. Wet, wild and colorful! 

Images via here & here

If only I could bottle up these colors and bring them into my wardrobe in all their crazy magnificence.

Image via here

A Hint Of Mint

I always find transitioning to spring-wear super hard. I'm not quite ready to let go of my giant coats, bulky sweaters and comfy scarves (worse than a baby & its blanky.) So this awkward outfit captures my reluctant move to wearing season appropriate clothing. I kept my sweater and found these super-soft and stretch mint colored pants as the perfect solution for my dressing woes.

Sweater: Forever 21; Pants: Madewell; Bracelet: JCrew; Shoes: Urban Outfitters

Satchels For Spring

It all started with this picture I found on Pinterest. I fell in love with the gorgeous burst of color this satchel added to the outfit.

I've been obsessing over it ever since. The Cambridge Satchel Company makes these beauties in a couple of different colors. They are the perfect spring accessory and travel companion.

You can buy them here and here

For those looking for a cheaper and animal-free alternative, I found a similar one here from H&M. (Although this links to the UK site, the US stores are carrying this style for $24.99 in a delightful lime green color)

Beach Bum

View from my hotel in Cancun

Wishing I was on a beach somewhere! Somehow, I always get this feeling around the beginning of March. I guess Spring Break lives in my mind forever.