Rainboots & Rompers

Rainy spring days are always a dressing dilemma. Dress in denim? Stick to shorts? I simplify my life by wearing anything that goes with my favorite red rainboots...or wellies as the Brits would say! 

Although wellies existed since the time the Duke of Wellington first designed them, they were mostly relegated to the English countryside and fishermen. Kate Moss elevated the Hunter ones to iconic heights and the fashion world hasn't looked back since. Although most people stick to the dark green or black colored ones in keeping with the traditional design, I like my rainboots with a little more punch. So these red babies brighten up my days as I splash around DC puddles.

Boots; Hunter (here or here as well)

Jumpsuit;Target

Blazer;Jcrew

Belt; Ralph Lauren

I know this last picture looks a little loopy. It actually has a perfectly logical explanation. I was inspired by the NY Times story about the Japanese girl, who has been taking pictures of herself 'levitating.' While my version looks nowhere as cool as hers, I had a blast jumping around while shooting it!

Long Lengths

I love sunny days that are sandwiched between rainy, grey ones. Its like a picture framed in black; the contrasts make the colors pop.

On a separate not, I tried on my first ever long skirt. I have always been supremely skeptical of over the top femininity. In the age of Rosie the Riveter and all that they seemed a little too romantic.

After seeing many strong, independent ladies carrying off pleated versions this season, I was tempted. While wild horses wouldn't drag me to try pleats (I have horrific memories of a pleated school-uniform), I decided to give this green one a shot and ended up liking the result after all!

Skirt; Benetton, Top; Uniqlo, Belt;Jcrew, Earrings; Street Market in Hong Kong, Clutch; Dorothy Perkins

All In A Weekend

1. My friends newest family member, the cutest puppy called Dior.
2. The infamous Luther sandwich at ChurchKey DC;.buttermilk fried chicken, topped with applewood smoked bacon, stuffed between the two halves of a freshly-made brioche donut, topped with pecans, and drizzled with maple jus. Yup! You read that right. Dee-lee-cious.

3. Live music at the Water St. Project in Georgetown.

4. Checking out the art installations at the Water St. project.
5. More cool art.

6. The S'mores cupcake at Sprinkles. Perfect for days on which I don't want to stand in the insane line at Georgetown Cupcake.

Brocade

My mom, who runs an organization to preserve the craft of silk weavers in India, instilled a love of fabrics in me. Along with the fit & fashion of a garment, I'm always conscious of it's feel as well.

The history of the brocade fabric is as rich as its intricate patterns. In a not so ancient past, this fabric with its gold & silver threads and detailed weaves, was only worn by nobility and the ultra-rich. Luckily for me, its now significantly more accessible to shallower pockets.

Corset; Designed in India, Pants; JCrew, Shoes; Zara

I got this brocade corset made in India a few months ago. I love its rich color palette and the slightly raised texture of the fabric. The detailed boning of the corset allows for a custom fit. The best part? Versatility. I can wear it with a full skirted "ghagra" in India with a stole on my shoulders, or inside a western pant-suit for a cool twist on office wear or simply style it like these pictures for dinner dates and drinks with friends.

The earrings are amethyst and gold that I got custom designed for myself the last time I was in India. The metal cuff is also from India; I found it at a street stall in Mumbai and fell in love with its texture and dull color.

Cook & Book

I promise that this my last "Europe" post. My inner nerd just cannot resist posting this. While in Brussels, I went to this incredible bookstore, called Cook & Book. I first read about it here, and knew that I was going to visit it no matter what. And I am so, so glad I did. It turned out to be one of the most incredible experiences of my life. 

First of all, it is HUGE. Eight giant buildings, each with its own theme housed in two blocks. An outdoor cafe that is common to all the buildings. Then, its GORGEOUS. All the rooms have a unique look that is reflective of the subject matter of the books it holds. I've tried to capture some of it in the pictures but honestly they don't do the place justice. However, it isn't just pretty but also very well stocked. I saw one of the best collections of books that I've seen in a bookstore after a long time.

Add to it, delightful cafes & restaurants scattered throughout the place and very friendly & knowledgeable staff. 

Can you imagine a better way to spend a weekend than lost in this wonderland?

Jewel Box

I confess! I'm a magpie, attracted to all the pretty, shiny, sparkly things. So when I saw these earrings from Ralph Lauren & Prada showcasing this seasons pastel pink in a bling version, it was love!
Unfortunately, the $$ tag on these babies meant that I could only love them from a distance.



Until last week, that is. Luckily for me, my magpie eye found a delightful store while walking down the streets of Antwerp one evening. It was called 'Jewels & Chocolates' and I needed no more. The lady who runs this store had found a way to unite my two weakest points: jewellery & chocolate. I walked in and saw these; the perfect combination of the Ralph Lauren rose quartz with the Prada roses. And now they are all mine (for a fraction of the price.)

The woman who owns the store did not just have great taste in jewels but also recommended a restaurant in Antwerp that served us the best seafood I've tasted in my life. So if you happen to be in the city,don't forget to check these places out.

Bon Weekend!

I'm finally back from my little Europe trip. I managed to squeeze in three countries in two weeks (France, Belgium & Netherlands) and couldn't be happier. As I unpack, I'm rediscovering each day I traveled through the souvenirs I collected, the pictures I took and the delightful shopping I hit up.

My favorite part? The fashion magazines. I started collecting foreign magazines a couple of years ago. Every country I visit, my first stop is the local newsstand. I find that these colorful, glossy pages provide a fascinating snapshot of each country's zeitgeist.

So, I'll be spending my Easter weekend curled up in sunshine, hunting for pastel colors on these pages:

Paris in Spring