Around the hood...

Dhaka- The forgotten story

Nepalese lifestyle has its own uniqueness , tradition and culture. One of the most significant part of our culture is the Dhaka (fabric). Nepalese men wear Dhaka topi on their head as a symbol of pride and as a part of national dress. Women have been using the fabric in so many forms like blouses and shawls. Dhakas were traditionally made by the hand looms reflecting traditional hand weave. The origins of Dhaka goes beyond hundreds of years. The spinning wheel and the weaving loom were used to create the patterns, colors, designs and prints which was of high significance back then. But due to modernisation and globalisation, hand looms are replaced by the machines. Dhaka has been overshadowed by the fancy clothes and fabrics available on the market today. Amidst of all the foreign influence, Dhaka fabric has remained a merry forgotten tradition.  The symbol that carried legacy, values and traditions is somehow in the verge of losing its identity. Like everything, the production of Dhaka has also been evolving since time to time. In earlier days , fabric was made from pure raw yarn that was dyed and woven whereas now polyester is being used. Hand looms are replaced by machines imitating the original look of the fabric offering a much cheaper version of Dhaka.

Well, i ain't complaining about the quality or the machinery. Everything does evolve with time. What bothers me is the dooming of our national identity. Occasional appearances on marriages and festivals wont help either. Dhaka needs a serious recognition. I think it will blend very well, with the tribal/ethnic trend. We can see the tribal trend on everything from dresses, maxi skirt, accessories and even wedges. Fashionistas are ready to embrace the bold patterns rocking the bold prints and colors from runways to streets. There are global influences in fashion from all over the world. If Dhaka is seriously revived and introduced with poise, who knows if it becomes the next big thing on the tribal trend!

My Shoe Crush

Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world -Marylin Monroe.
I believe a lady is defined by the shoes she wears. Regardless of the dress we wear, if we put on the right pair, that's enough for the magic. It is a medium of self expression and boosts our confidence/ power. How do you feel when you are on your 4'' high stiletto?  As far as I am concerned, shoes are the ultimate accessories. Whether they be high or low, shoes complete the look.

 

Perfect for the spring/summer.  Alexander Wang (Joan ankle strap pumps), Heels and flats from Zara, Celine wedges.

 

My Photo Diary 1

Some of my random pictures : )

Weekend look

When i was a kid, i remember making a long princess dress out of my mom's sari ( traditional dress). So when i saw this long maxi skirt, i couldn't resist ......and tadaaaaa...I am on with my weekend look! I am tiny, and  was hesitant on how I would drown in the skirt. But when I tried it on, it gave me confidence and somehow made me feel more "womanly". Maxi skirt has been in fashion like forever, but this year offers variation on long classic maxi skirt with translucent fabric and slit detailing. I cinched my outfit with a narrow belt and paired with a white top. The weather of New York is unpredictable and when the weather gets chilly, i pair it up with my leather jacket. This look can be worn day/night. Just add some accessories, and you are good to go for a hot margarita night. 

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Leather jacket : Zara, Maxi skirt : H&M, Blue heels: Steve Madden, White top: H&M, Leather bag: Vintage (Passed on from my grandma to mom and now to me)

Sun-class : )

Summer is here, with extremely trendy sunglasses this year. It is a necessity for your summer wardrobe and ofcourse for the protection of your eyes from UV rays . Aviators are a rage this year, its edgy and chic at the same time. Oversized glasses were a hit on 2011 and the trend is still going full-on this year too. Retro , cat-eyed, vintage designs with oversized glasses that were popular in the 1960's- 70's are marking their way out in 2012 as well. Bug-eye style, oval, circular, rectangular, square, you name it, and you can find every sizes and shapes in the market today. Retro is so in these days, people are shopping for the rare vintage sunglasses. Ray ban wayferer , horn rim sunglass,  all the vintage inspired sunglasses are marking its trend this year as well.
Black is always stylish, and perfect for all occasions but "colors" is a huge trend this year. White was a huge success last year and continuing its mark. Bright yellow, neon, pale oranges, honeysuckle, brown, peach blonde, turquoise are the continuing trend this year. There are varieties of sunglasses in the market but make sure you hit the right one that matches your face shapes and personality.  So wear these fabs and partay ladies!!!

 Round face :  more angular frames like square will compliment you.

Heart shaped face: interesting colors with simple lines. Go with up swept frames, e.g: butterfly shapes.

Square shaped face: look for more rounder and softer frames and avoid angled shaped sunglasses.

Oval shaped face:  Easiest one, this facial structure works with nearly every sunglasses available in the market. Go for colored one to give that extra oomph, aviators works wonder on you. Lucky ladies, you have a wide range to choose from.

My inspiration :  Prada sunglass gifted by my babe on our anniversary, yes! we continue to cherish our life together and this glam sunglass is just the perfect cherry on the cake.

Face shape: Circular shaped with the length similar to the width.

Best pick: Choose a pair that is more angular; this will help in defining your facial features and flatter your face.

My picks :

Street Fashion

Use your imagination, make up your own rules, be free spirit, when it comes to clothing, its the attitude and the right sense that rules. As seen on the street fashion, nothing is out of fashion, if you wear it with right attitude and creativity <leopard prints, stripes, over sized jackets, button up shirts, spikes, tailored suits, outrageous jeans, color blocking, sweat pants, and the list goes on>. Imagination is endless and so are the styles and clothing.
Women are continuing on the trend of men's shirt dress and raiding on their boyfriend's jeans. While short skirt are still a rage, getting even shorter every time, we can see lots of legs on the street, but hey! women are still rocking that knee length tailored skirt. Dresses with exploding colors, feminine prints and  loose fit are  ideal for the spring. Bold colored pattern, stripes, polka dots, leathers, floral, high collars and laces are rocking as hell. The little black and white skirt is always a must have in your closet. Shorts that looks like riches or rags, are being paired with a simple cotton knit pullovers, tailored jackets or a simple tee.
Girls are parading on the "worn out" denims, colored pants and  silk/patterned shirts.
Spring trench coats with neutral colors ( double faced wool)  can be widely seen on the streets this time of the year.

Images via: The Sartorialist ( the awesomest)

COLORED PANTS.......crazy about 'em!!!!!!!!!

Hey if you wanna pep your look, go for colored pants. They are super stylish and effortlessly chic. Color adds an extra oomph you need to make your outfit pop. Pairing colored jeans with neutral top or a patterned top ( stripes/ polka/floral) is def a go-go. Also you can color block it, match that super bright jeans with contrasting color. This trend is perfect for the spring, so get out of the comfort zone and try some colors. SHINE!SHINE!SHINE ya'll.......<3

pant (mint green ): Zara, shirt: forever21, boot : nastygal, bag: aldo, belt : LV

ACNE PROBLEMS????

I have had acne problems for a while now. I have combination skin and its a real pain. Sometimes i blame my genes, hormones, food, environment and keep on wondering what the heck went wrong. I went to a dermatologist and he gave me few antibiotics, and benzoyl peroxide which was too harsh for my skin, i started peeling off and my skin looked rougher and flaky than ever before. Then i came to read somewhere in the Internet about OCM - Oil Cleansing Method.

and trust me, its the best i have ever tried. Did you know there are few natural oils that doesn't clog your pores? It might sound creepy to use oil on top of the acne, but some of the natural oils clean your skin leaving your skin moisturised. Few of them are Baobab oil , Castor oil ( which i use/good for hair as well), and from what i have heard and read, Jojoba oil is the best to moisturise. Your face wont get greasy at all and its far more better than the shit chemicals which you use as moisturisers. If you have a dry skin, these oils will do wonders. What i do for my routine is i use Castor oil and extra virgin olive oil half and half, massage gently for few seconds and leave it on my skin for as long as i want before bed. Castor oil works miraculously to take out all the dirt from the skin, i use extra virgin olive oil to remove my eye make up, you don't need to buy a make up remover. just check your kitchen cabinets, and its right there, all natural and  non comedogetic. The best part is you can find these oils over the counter in any organic stores. After the cleansing massage, i wash my face, Pat dry and use Baobab oil ( rich in vitamin A, D, E and F) all night. Whenever i break out, i dab very small portion of benzyol peroxide on the top of the pimple and viola, it does dry the shit out of that pimple. but i make sure i use the oil first and apply benzoyl since its too strong for my skin. My skin has started to improve since then.

Good Luck !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


P.S  Its always better to ask your dermatologist before experimenting with your skin.

HAIR CROPPED.

I recently had a hair cut, short bob, and guess what? i am loving it. Its fun, edgy, easy to carry off, easy to maintain...its so wonderful. Bob hairstyle has been in fashion for years and years now, and 2012 is no different. I think its extremely flattering to any girl or a woman. Bob hairstyles has a different range, from short to very short, medium length, wavy, curly, straight. We can play with the styles which suits you better. Many celebrities are continuing to embrace this hairstyle this year, and i can see why. It's trendy, easy and perfect for the summer. What great about this hair style is you can personalise it according to your lifestyle and events. But keeping the right length and style that suits your face can be tricky at times , it needs proper thought and commitment. How short is too short for your face? Need to answer all these questions before you chop off those layers.