Updates from November, 2009 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

  • weewoman 9:57 pm on November 29, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

    Dilshad Burman – One last stand… 

    November in Toronto has not been snowless in over 30 years. Although it was a bit nippy on this day, I could still get away with early fall wear. Not too much longer though…so I decided to see the last of the season out in style…

    From Style Per Diem

    The skirt: Previously posted perfect, tweedy cotton grey pencil skirt with hip flattering rouching – worn last for our 2 yr anniversary dinner. I layered with grey wool blend tights which were surprisingly warm and cozy.

    The sweater: NOTE: This sweater is NOT blue. Its this gorgeous bright purple colour that somehow reads blue on my point and shoot camera and I cannot get it to do any better. If I succeed, I will re-post a picture of just the sweater.

    This outfit was built around this lovely sweater, purchased at a brilliant 50% sale from my favourite store – Costa Blanca. It is a very different silhouette than what I am used to, clinging tightly to the hips and loose on the top with a wide boat neck and fall away sleeves that cuff just above the elbow – almost built for a high waisted pencil skirt. Here’s a closer look at the sleeve and how I wore it. I enjoyed it very much because a) it is a sweater which meant I did not have to layer up and feel all constrained to feel warm, b) I am trying to diversify the shapes I choose and this one is unique and c) it is effortlessly chic, which is great in what is otherwise a simple single colour sweater.

    The shoes: An absolute STEAL at Payless, these lovely ruffled T-straps that I bought this summer are as versatile as they are comfy. Much loved, under used!

    Accessories: Even though the top was a blank canvas, I wanted to dress it up without over powering it. This acrylic/glass bead necklace with chain in between beads works well, but I think I might go on a hunt for similar necklaces soon. I also added a think black belt below my natural waist and the waist of the skirt, just for interest. Other than that I just left in the usual silver hoops and rings.

    I absolutely LOVED this outfit for an exceptionally warm November Friday and I thoroughly enjoyed putting together several simple, effortless pieces into a workable ensemble.

     

    • Educated Tatya 10:27 pm on November 29, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Oh I love this outfit. So chic — the skirt and the silhouette of the blouse. I need to put a favourite icon here. And I thought the blue looked pretty amazing. Bit disappointed that it’s purple.

    • weewoman 10:32 pm on November 29, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Thanks Mits! I assure you its a gorgeous purple!

    • inopinate 10:18 am on November 30, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Effortless chic is right! I must find this Costa Blanca.

    • shaks 10:43 pm on December 1, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Nice, this skirt really works for you

    • ella renee 1:37 pm on December 9, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      WOW!! STUNNING!! I love it so much!!!

  • inopinate 11:57 am on November 29, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

    Inopinate – November 28 

    After an uber long day Black Friday, I was tired and running out of clean clothes on Saturday. But there were things to be done in advance of the big trip next weekend, so I fished out this comfortable outfit.

    From Style Per Diem

    Pants: Same old Guess jeans, somewhat skinny. They are fading now, and well-worn. 

    Top: The black and white striped tank is an old piece from Forever 21 that I have recently taken a liking to. The horizontal stripes are nicely offset by the ruffle at the bottom. The ruffle also calls attention to the hip, which, if I were even slightly wider there, would not have been flattering. The top has buttons running all the way down the front, like a button-down shirt. Even at my height, the top noticeably cuts length. In short, this top works on my frame in a very specific way, which is probably why it has grown on me. I layered this with another simple black tank underneath. 

    Sweater: Previously posted black sweater from Old Navy, which has now become a staple. 

    Shoes: After a long time, I made a shoe run to DSW recently. These BCBG suede shoes are my new go-to flats. They need to be broken in still, which was part of the purpose of wearing them yesterday. 

    Accessories: T knitted me this pretty grey scarf during my trip to Boston. Though we chose the wool together, she had to cut the length short due to technical constraints. So I had to come up with an ingenious way to wear it without looking like I was wearing a half-scarf. I thought the bow-tie worked nicely. It also brought some visual interest to an otherwise-neutral outfit. Other than the scarf, just my criss-cross leather strap watch.

     

    • Educated Tatya 10:34 pm on November 29, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Would T be willing to part with the pattern for this scarf? I have lovely blue wool awaiting inspiration.

    • inopinate 10:18 am on November 30, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      We chose it from a knitting patterns website, so I don’t see why she would mind. I’ll ask her for the URL. She modified the middle a little bit, but my favorite part are the holes along the periphery. I am meant to weave a pretty ribbon through it, but just haven’t gotten around to it yet.

  • Educated Tatya 5:49 am on November 23, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

    20.11.09: Stop staring at my shoes, bitch 

    DSC05375

    Shoes: Because that’s what this outfit was built around. I’ve been searching for a pair of heels I can walk in and like. Enter stage left The Perfect Naughty Librarian wedges in Claret (not red, shiny Claret!). I could hear them tic-toc into my heart! I saw them at the beginning of the year, but waited for them to go on sale. KK confirmed that they were deliciously comfortable and Faye facilitated their journey into my arms.

    A closer look. Yeah, you’d like that wouldn’t you?

    DSC05382

    I talk dirty to them in French when no one’s around.

    Top: ASOS shirt with roll-up sleeves (Rs 100). It’s a great length and works very-well for a hot-outdoors-to-cold-indoors outfit.

    Jeans: VB skinnies. I think I’m getting the hang of wearing these and might buy another pair next month.

    Jacket: My father’s felt jacket. I love the slim ’70s silhouette and length. Thanks pops, you’ll never see it again.

    Accessories: A string of sequins, Titan watch and moonstone and garnet earrings to pick off the shoes.

    This was a minimal fuss outfit and when I went to a book launch later in the day, someone called me Ms Sophisticate! I loved how I stood tall and looked and felt good without being uncomfortable. I did get a bit of a shoe bite because of a seam, but the architecture of the shoe was not a problem.

     

    • sraikh 8:49 am on November 23, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Ohhh very nice. Love th shinyness of it. I would be jealous and all BUT I just found a awesome pair of suede purple heel with a cute bow tie. In fact the heel of that one is pretty similar to yours. I have been deciding how I want to debut it.

      I need to hunt for sknnies…

    • educated Tatya 10:42 am on November 23, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      OOh. Suede purple! Regarding debut, I suggest in the bedroom. Wink wink

    • supmm 9:58 pm on November 23, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      I want I want I want those shoessss….even I’v been hunting for the perfect red wedges.Saw a sexy pair at Bata (surprise surprise) but they didn’t have it in my size :(

    • Educated Tatya 9:26 pm on November 24, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Hey Sup. I think I know the Bata pair you’re talking about. But they were terribly uncomfortable. These are by Clarks and I could sleep in them

    • weewoman 10:16 pm on November 25, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Very nice!!!
      ALWAYS dress like this. And NEVER take those shoes off. Blink, and they will be STOLEN! :D

    • Aditi 8:07 pm on November 26, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      hi! I have been following your site for a few weeks now, i spent an entire week going through the archives :D
      i love clothes, and fashion but not really sure how to ‘style’ my look…i love looking at how you guys get creative with clothes!!

    • weewoman 1:19 am on November 29, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Wont you join us Aditi?

    • Aditi 10:27 pm on November 29, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Not really that great at ‘dress-up’; but would definitely give it a shot :)

  • weewoman 1:01 pm on November 20, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

    Dilshad Burman – November 5 

    With fall in full effect I needed layers for warmth. However simply piling on random layers adds to bulk and discomfort. I tried to do it with a bit of flair..

    From Style Per Diem

    The jeans: I have had these faded blue, almost grey straight fit jeans for ages – when I first discovered stores in Bombay that sold Taiwanese and Chinese merchandise that actually fit me! I had pretty much retired them because I prefer dark washes these days but all my other jeans were too dark for the sweater I wanted to wear and hence they were called back in to service.  They’re just simple cotton stretch 5 pocket jeans in a slim, almost skinny cut.

    The sweater: I saw this over sized, dark teal, V neck, shapeless sweater dress at H&M and just instantly loved it, for no apparent reason. I waited and waited and when I could wait no more I bought it at full price, only for it to go on a ‘buy one get one free’ sale a few weeks later. GARGH.
    I love the colour and I think it offers a number of different ways to layer and style it. I opted for a simple black tank underneath.

    The blazer: Previously posted well fitted, unfortunately quarter sleeved blazer. I felt like the outfit needed some structure and another layer and this time the quarter sleeves were a nice touch. I folded them a bit and scrunched up the sweater sleeves against them for a rebellious “I don’t conform to your jacket rules” look.

    The shoes: HUSH PUPPIES ZINDABAAD!

    Accessories: The usual silver, thin hoop ear rings and a very simple, almost manly black belt. other belts pulled too much focus and clashed with the jacket. I also did a very strong red lip and shimmery silver eyeshadow with some smudged dark blue pencil liner underneath.

    All in all I felt pretty rock star-ish in this ensemble and I think it came together rather nicely. It was also quite warm and comfy cozy.

     

    • inopinate 6:18 pm on November 20, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Very nicely put together. And you’ll be able to work that sweater in warmer weather too, so full price is still OK!

    • Educated Tatya 9:18 pm on November 20, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Love the sweater dress and red lipstick. I WANT A WINTER DAMMIT.

  • weewoman 10:48 pm on November 19, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

    Dilshad Burman – Diwali! 

    So I celebrated Diwali on October 18th, a day late, by having my friends over for dinner, a tradition I established in second year college. So like, 3 years ago. I didn’t get NEARLY as dressed up as we used to when we were younger, but it gave me a chance to wear a kurta I have been hoarding since the summer..

    From Style Per Diem

    The kurta-churidaar: This kurta and churidaar was sent to me in a birthday summer package, courtesy ET. She also suggested that I wear it together in this combination, rather than with a white churidaar. I know the kurta is a bit loose but I ADORE it this way. I LOVE the print and the empire waist. The bell, puffed quarter sleeves were perfect for an evening of playing chef/hostess and the length is just right. Bright pink curidaars added a big pop of colour and made the outfit interesting.

    The chappals: Much adored gold and copper kohlapuri’s – also courtesy a summer package from home.

    Accessories: I kept it classic and unobstrusive. I wore my gold chain with a furohar pendant, my teeny gold ear-rings and some dull gold bangles.

    If it were summer, I would have run around trees in the park in this outfit. Since it wasn’t, this was perfect for an evening spent indoors with a huge meal and good friends and phuljhadi’s (sparklers) on the balcony! :D

     

    • Educated Tatya 2:14 am on November 20, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      You are a nimbu sherbet on a hot day.

    • weewoman 12:27 pm on November 20, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Haha! Thanks!

    • Chubbs 2:21 am on November 21, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      I have been lurking on this site for a couple of weeks now and just love it! You have inspired me to take a fresh look at my wardrobe :-)

    • weewoman 4:29 am on November 23, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Thanks very much! We’re here to share ideas, inspire, support and be vain together! Join us, wont you?

  • nidhi 11:22 am on November 19, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

    fall love 

    The things I love about cooler weather are tights/leggings/stockings, boots, coats, scarves and so on. Though I can’t really dress up for the cold that much where I live, I try my best.

    dress: “tribal” pattern dress bought on clearance from Urban Outfitters. It has wooden buttons and I like the pattern a lot. Also, the shape is sort of boxy and the side pockets accentuate that but I don’t mind it too much. I figured the short length might compensate for some of that.

    tights: gray wool knit tights bought at H&M a few years back. These are a little warm but the loose knit prevents it from being too warm.

    shoes: previously posted blue slightly pointy flats.

    cardigan: I layered it with a light cardigan for later in the evening. The black gray color block cardigan is from the Gap from a couple of years ago. It has a small percentage of cashmere in the material so it’s pretty cosy but very light.

    This is definitely one of my favorite fall outfits. It’s super comfortable and I always need an excuse to wear a dress and tights instead of jeans.

     

    • Educated Tatya 8:45 pm on November 19, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Is that a new hair colour? I love stockings too

    • nidhi 9:53 pm on November 19, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      I went back to black some months ago…the color should be fading now with my true brown/black showing through.

    • sraikh 12:04 am on November 20, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Ohhhlove the tights. I need to go get some …

    • karpelsyndrome 3:27 am on November 20, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Nice done! You just increased the sales of tights at Target.

    • weewoman 7:18 am on November 20, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Nice tights! Very cute look for you!

    • Nidhi 4:32 pm on November 21, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      thanks girls. I am currently loving these dot tights…so cute!

  • karpelsyndrome 3:41 am on November 19, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

    18.11.09 

    Ketaki Sachin 304

    Sari: I wore my mom’s sari, which I have been eyeing for nearly 20 years, to a friend’s haldi. She bought it in Singapore. I needed something that was light, easy to handle and would not stain easily. My only contribution was that I cut out some of the sari to make a printed blouse.

    Ketaki Sachin 308

    Accessories: Since the ceremony is messy, I kept accessories light but symbolic. Six green glass bangles, a gold chain with a mangalsutra pendant and small gold studs

    The sari was so comfortable, I didn’t want to take it off.

     

    • Pinksquirrel 4:54 am on November 19, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Beautiful saree. Love the colors too..yes it does look very comfy. I have a similar one in yellow and orange that I jhadofied from my MIL :P
      ..I’ve been eyeing few of my mom’s sarees too…of course I have to fight with my two sisters to get them :)

    • weewoman 8:57 am on November 19, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Love the low back on the blouse and like the pose in the picture too! Very nice! I like comfy sarees and wish I could wear them out here…or at least put one on myself!

    • sraikh 12:03 am on November 20, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Very nice. You look very elegant. Are you in Singapore?The only reason I ask is because I am from there. :)

    • karpelsyndrome 3:30 am on November 20, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Thank you all :) I just stole four more such saris from mom’s closet. They are in lovely bright colors. I have suddenly discovered that I can drape sarees very well (chiffons and georgettes mostly), will post a video to demonstrate the same. Call me if you’re in the area. No, just visited Singapore a long time ago. I loved that place!

    • f 3:47 am on November 20, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      I’ve never seen this (blouse from sari fabric) done with a chiffon. Very clever and lovely effect!

    • Sari 9:53 am on November 20, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      You look bootylicious K! Love the back.

    • educated Tatya 10:08 am on November 20, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      You are the most searched for keyword on this site today. Your booty may have something to do with it.

  • inopinate 7:19 pm on November 18, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

    Inopinate – November 18 

    For a regular Wednesday at the office, I felt like dressing up for no good reason.

    From Style Per Diem

    Dress et al: Previously posted grey dress from H&M, with a winter twist. I layered the previously posted almost-perfect white dress shirt underneath, and added grey stockings to reinforce the winter look. After I put together the whole ensemble, it reminded me so much of my school uniform that I was tempted to put on canvas shoes and carry a backpack. 

    Shoes: Burgundy wedges, seen earlier. Since my feet mysteriously shrank an entire shoe size last year, I have been slowly retiring shoes from my collection prior to said mysterious event. This is the last pair left, and it works perfectly with this outfit. But alas, today had to be their last day with me. They will be missed. 

    Accessories: An old chunky beads necklace in a nice deep red to tie in the shoes. Other than that, nothing special. 

    Except for the shoes being way too big to walk in, the outfit was comfortably stylish. And, when people asked me if I had come from a job interview, I cryptically answered “Yes.”

     

    • Educated Tatya 11:02 pm on November 18, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Oh! This is so adorable and ironic. I love.

    • karpelsyndrome 3:33 am on November 20, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Lovely school-girl-innocence-imbibing work outfit.

    • f 3:40 am on November 20, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Lovely outfit – very like something I would wear, but I don’t think stockinged toes go with peeptoes, IMHO. Have you tried toeless tights? But I suppose it would look odd to have your whole leg covered and just the toes naked, especially with black tights. I think they work well with flesh-coloured tights.

    • inopinate 11:45 am on November 20, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Thanks, all!

      F: Funny you should mention that; I had actually typed up a mythbuster sidebar for that in my description, but ended up editing it out. Stockings can be worn with closed as well as open toe shoes. No stockings with open toe shoes is one of those old school rules like no white after Labor Day.

    • weewoman 12:41 pm on November 20, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Hmm…I tend to agree with inopiate on this one. I have been wearing stockings with peep toes for a while because I have some lovely peep toes that I don’t want to stop wearing in the fall. Now socks with sandals…THATS another story….

    • f 4:56 am on November 23, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      You girls are probably right. If I had to, I suppose it would have to be a seamless toe. See, for me, and I’m not a fashionista by any stretch of the imagination, it is the equivalent of wearing socks with sandals (which I have done at some point in my life – kill me now!). Mythbusters sounds like a fabulous section to have G!

  • Educated Tatya 8:39 am on November 18, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

    16.11.09 

    DSC05333

    I was to meet the actor Dev Anand and my outfit was a homage to him. My husband insisted I needed a scarf.

    Top: I have never worn red before (barring accessories) so this was a conscious move away from my comfort zone. It’s a viscose Cotton World top bought on discount and further reduced by refund coupons. The result, Rs 620 ka top, Rs 210 mein. And bought specifically for this detail.

    DSC05336

    And now I must buy an inventive innie with no back-strap.

    Jeans: Indigo Levis, straight cut.

    Shoes: Delicious plum Clarks Wallabee from my Lesbian Shoes collection. They were originally priced at over Rs 5000, but Clarks is shutting down operations in India and let me have them for Rs 799. This year, I’m building a foundation of items that will age well and last long and these shoes are a skipping step in that direction.

    Accessories: Scarf and Titan watch. In hindsight, I should have worn a long chain to break the starkness.

     

    • menaka Raman 9:52 am on November 18, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Now, I not only covet your hobo bag but also your lesbian shoes. love the colour.

    • f 3:42 am on November 20, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      You couldn’t possibly do Dev Anand without the scarf!! Good on TB. I see he’s got a keen style eye too.

    • Educated Tatya 10:06 am on November 20, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Did you have anything to do with it F? Tips in college and all. Bet he had more bad hair days than you

    • f 4:59 am on November 23, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      TB’s hair was the stuff of legends – I’m actually quite disappointed in his current choice of hairdo. No, I believe had nothing to do with it. I did lend him my lab journal every once in a while – don’t know if that helped somehow.

  • Educated Tatya 6:32 am on November 18, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

    14.11.09 

    DSC05268

    Top: The much appreciated carnival tube (Rs 100. Yes, sometimes, I get them for even less than quoting price.)

    Sweater: I was looking for a classic black sweater with well-fitting sleeves when I found this at Color Plus two years ago (Rs 1,200, I think). The short sleeves are a bonus as I only use the sweater as a cover-up and the black mother-of-pearl buttons sealed the deal. It helped tone down the festivity of the tube and the skin show. It’s elasticated hem also hid my paunch.

    Jeans: With a tube this tight, I had to go slimmer at the bottom. One-and-only Victoria Beckham skinnies were called in.

    Shoes: Gladiator sandals.

    Accessories: The long silver chain and Tibetan charm to chill down a very tight outfit; Titan watch and the stiff hobo bag.

    This wasn’t a very comfortable outfit since I had to keep pulling the tube up and down, and the sweater covered what I thought was the best part of the print. However, I liked how thin it made me look and am willing to work in a few alterations to wear the tube again. Any suggestions?
    Also, those impressed by my perfectly curled cyclone hair, I have to live with this the other 364 days. My hair is a willful teen.

     

    • weewoman 6:37 am on November 18, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Personally, tube tops drive me insane with all the pulling and adjusting. If you can pick a solid but neutral colour from the print and make some thin straps just to hold it up, it would work. The other alternative is buy appropriate coloured bra straps and permanently attach them to the top with some simple sewing. If you prefer the halter look, attach two thin straps just to the front and leave the ends free and tie them around your neck. Either way, all these methods will significantly reduce tugging and adjusting.

    • weewoman 6:38 am on November 18, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      And also – I like the way this is put together!

    • Educated Tatya 6:39 am on November 18, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      I was thinking more like tacking it to my innies. Your method is TOO MUCH WORK, SUPERSEWER

    • weewoman 6:42 am on November 18, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Tacking it to innies will be as much work no? Trust me, I think a proper colour of bra strap will be good and a permanent solution. Just some rough sewing is required…

    • inopinate 10:31 am on November 18, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      You OWN that top length. So flattering on you! I like how you broke it up with the sweater, too. As for the tube – that’s exactly why I don’t do strapless. I have to second Dilshad’s suggestion of sewing straps on. I don’t think halter will work for this one though.

    • Educated Tatya 10:09 am on November 20, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Noted G. I’m inching towards this length top by top.

    • H 8:41 pm on November 23, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Okay! So I’m new here! And I’m a guy! Don’t be too shocked!
      I’m loving this blog and honestly after seeing Swasta ni… I wish I lived in Bombay!!
      But to be honest I think this top would look a lot better if it ended midway down from your hip…plus you hadn’t folded up your denims and just to add some more length to your legs put on a pair of high heeled pumps! Sorry if I ramble..I’m too opinionated for my own good but what the heck…that was my two cents! :D

    • Educated Tatya 9:59 pm on November 23, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Thanks H. I am going to get a pair of skinnies that I don’t have to fold up, but don’t have a pair of pumps. Somehow I feel like an aunty in the pairs that are not vertiginous. You should contribute here. I’m dying to know what men consider while dressing. Well not exactly dying, but curious for sure

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