It’s been one hell of a month, week, day…

I realized today, traveling in the rickshaw, in this crazy almost-summer/too-bad-winter-is-slipping-away Bombay heat and amidst the worst traffic jam ever, that despite the fact that I’m doing this for the millionth time this week/month/day- sourcing fabric and whatnot, that I enjoy this. I seem to enjoy the fact that I’m working so hard on something like never before, I crib about it, (very little- honestly), but at the end of the day, I enjoy it. Although in the past one week I never got around having breakfast or lunch, I realize that was the choice I made, that was how I prioritized my work… and I wouldn’t have if I didn’t enjoy it on some level. One of my friends said to me the other day “trust me doing what you love to do is a big success in itself”… made me smile thinking just how true that is.

We’ve started working on our final graduating show, you see. Anything and everything that could’ve possibly gone wrong, already has, so I’m sort of relieved. A number of the fabrics I had sourced for my collection beforehand got discontinued by the time I needed to place the order, it was a lot of chaos, a few tears, and with a lot of determination, support (mum especially) and faith, I made it through- I found other fabrics, I got numerous samples made out of which I got to pick the best one… I am now on first-name basis with most of these fabric store/market/ people and those fabric dying and printing walas! It’s quite nice to see their smiles when I enter their stores.

The things I’ve learned in the past one month, week, day:

1. Staying calm works wonders. I could’ve lost it any one of these days. In fact I think I’ve begun to worry considerably less now.

2. People are so, so nice. More than you give them credit for!

There was this one cab driver a couple of days back, he was this stern looking fellow, I shared my kitkat with him, mainly because he looked like he could use it, and the rest of the ride he was giving me (fatherly I suppose I can call it) advice! Just on life and stuff. I had never laughed so much talking to a cabbie! (For my mum, if she’s reading this- I know what you’re thinking- stranger and all, but I gave him that little bit of happiness and that made me feel really good. On another note, no, I don’t share chocolates and laugh along with every cab driver…I promise.)

3. Finishing off work before due date- always works your way. In fact I couldn’t have gotten through so much this month without doing that.

4. After going through the worst day ever, sleep. Or watch Friends. Either can help.

5. Walk lots. Just for the heck of it. Clear your mind, distract yourself, create a story, anything you like. For me, it’s an act of multi-tasking.

6. Sandwiches. Quick and healthy. (Okay, this one I sort of already knew.)

7. If you know that something can be better, then it can, so don’t settle for less.

8. Pasta does it for me. The solution to this month.

(the best pasta I’ve cooked till date!)

9. Balancing work and fun works when you do it right. This month wasn’t all work, I got to hang out with friends a lot as well.

10. Be polite. The amount of people who helped me this month, it’s almost overwhelming. No amount of carrot cakes can show just how much. You know who you are!! =]

11. You’re all you’ve got! Sometimes not relying on anybody else no matter how badly you need to, is the only way you can get things done.

12. I learn every single day that there is NEVER a reason to give up or give in. Can’t stress that enough…

Alright, that’s all for now. Have a good night.

The rainbow at the end of the storm

The title pretty much covers the situation/feeling/moment etc. This is it. Our big fashion show is in 2 days… unfortunately I don’t have sneak peek pictures this time! Was too busy to keep that one little thing in mind. So much work went for this, I really hope the show’s gonna be one of the greatest nights for me! Oh and for those who’re graduating too, of course. It’s rightfully their night.

The Fashion Show @ MOD’ART INTERNATIONAL

See that, so you know WHY I’m looking forward to this so much. Besides, I get to showcase two garments this year, which more or less means double the joy… as well as double the stress it took me to get this far!

As the year is ending (academic year, people), I can say I’ve come pretty far, I’m happy with the progress and I can only hope for a better, much more kickass last year of Mod’Art! This year has helped me actually understand the course, and that whole “need” to do the course became more of a “want” … and also to be one of the best.

Be back after the big night. Promise a post of our show. See ya’ll then! Night bloggers!

On another note, I know it’s only the start of the week, but relax a little, have a slice of some fun looking cake. [The day after my show, I plan to buy a whole freaking rainbow cake like the one below, and have the happiest weekend. ;] Hey, no one’s gonna judge me for planning ahead now would they.. don’t answer that.]

 

A Fashionable Sunday.

A VERY short post, 1. because it’s been a while and I like to update my blog :], and 2. because I’m swamped with work. I really am! Honest.

One whole week, well more like a whole month of working super hard and today I happened to treat myself to a liiiittle shopping trip. I didn’t plan it, it just happened. ;]

I got this beautiful pink top… the detailing on the collar is so in right now, and I’ve been wanting something like this for ages. A decent, completely justified buy I believe, yes? =]

And other than that… my mind is completely occupied with my work right now, so everything else is tuned out. I guess I’ll be back for a kickass post as soon as I can. Still have that LFW post to cover! … Happy Sunday!!

Anushree Reddy shines at Lakmé Fashion Week… literally

This collection presented at the talent box, second day of the LFW (Resort)  at 4.00pm was my highlight. It was quite entrancing, really, there really was no doubt that it was going to become a sensational hit. There was delicate lace work, there were pearls, flowers, pretty floral prints, sequin work, shimmer, net, beautiful hyderabadi zardozi borders… all that in shades of pink, whites, beige & yellow rocked the ramp. The designer, Anushree Reddy describes her collection- “I’ll be showcasing Indian wear with a twist. The clothes will be flowy, in candy pop colours, straight out of a fairy tale,” …and it was just that. I’m gonna shut up now and let the pictures do the talking… enjoy the show!

What a show, right?! RIGHT?! The factor that most attracted me to the collection was, (apart from the designs), the air of antiquity and grandeur created and highlighted by the whole show and the sheer elegance  that flowed from it. It exuded grace and femininity; it felt royal…well, let’s just go ahead and call it 100% desirable! Any girl would dream of owning it, or at least wish to wear it once, just once. Such a delightful collection. I keep mentioning that, don’t I… haha well, kudos to this new designer on the block. We wish her the best and hope to see more beautiful collections in the future. Another post on day 2 at LFW, coming shortly..

Rain, rain… pain or gain.

“Mumbaikars” either love it or they simply despise it. Rain could be a curse that visits a little too often and without warning, or it’s a pleasant surprise which could be the best part of somebody’s day, for it brings forth a feeling of complete bliss and freedom. Although, in Mumbai, it also brings with it whatever that gets mixed with it on the ground; be it dirt, be it waste articles, be it absolutely anything that people tend to throw out in the public. Yeah, true story.

For me it’s a bit of both. You see, Mumbai floods faster than anything. And for somebody who does a lot of walking and having to rely on public transport to get to places, I might have a problem with rain there. Big problem. Since the start of this crazy monsoon I’ve already spoiled a nice pair of trèsmode shoes. Not good. =|

However, on a day like today wherein I enjoy my day indoors, it is absolutely amazing to sit and watch the rain and feel some of it as well, with a cup of hot tea and some really good music, it made my day quiet a good one. [Despite that I’m falling sick, which I’m guessing is cause of all the rain that I’ve been exposed to!] So like I said, it’s a love-hate thing. You’ll either embrace it or just you know, beware. Stay IN. haha. Goodnight, bloggers!

Update. Fashion show!

So good to be back here writing again after so long…been really busy with stuff (stuff which I’m about to explain, stuff that is certainly exciting!).

This monday, in a couple of hours actually, is the function that our entire college is anticipating. It’s our fashion show. It’s my first ever. Never have I even been to one before, this particular one would be the first time a garment I created gets showcased, yes designed and stitched by me! (SO EXCITING!!) Pictures definitely coming up. Here’s a rough sneak peek… what’s the fun otherwise? ;]

As my garment is all done and finished, all that is left is to find a dress, and shoes for me to wear for the show. Which means only one thing. . . Shopppiiinnggg!

The past couple of weeks have been mad, a lot of fun too but such a crazy load of work, I’ve probably never worked harder! But I feel so content now with everything. Also so good that first year is ending, as I get to go home soon. =) Is it fair to say that’s a little bit more exciting than the show? Hey, it’s been more than 6 months. I miss home. Though these past few days some friends from home have been visiting and that’s just made everything a 100 times better! … I was told beforehand itself, of how fashion design students, much like the medicine ones, don’t really get time for a social life. Unless it’s work related.

I think it’s about to time to round up about whatever I’ve learned from the whole college first year experience. It has truly been something. I’ve certainly done things to be proud of this year. First time living away from home, considering certain difficult situations I faced- language, food, roommate issues, homesickness, the hectic lifestyle of a design student?!?! etc. and to how now things are all worked out. Even from an educational perspective I’m satisfied. Especially with the design aspect of fashion. Such a kick from this year! ^^

Fashion show 2012, bring it!

WAH! BOLLYWOOD

 Back to writing about the greatest restaurants in Mumbai…

If you’re someone who’s lived in mumbai for at least 2 months you’d know Carter’s Rd. If you know Carter’s Rd, then the restaurant “Wah! Bollywood” may ring a bell to you… a very classy looking set-up right there. As the name hints, this restaurant is all about Bollywood. The food choices were mainly Indian dishes, in fact if I remember right, they were all Indian dishes. At this point I should mention, the tandoori chicken I had remains to be one of the best I’ve ever had from an outside restaurant. The chicken was so well cooked; my knife just slid through it as if it were warm butter.

The set-up is certainly one of a kind! Their walls are filled with gigantic     bollywood movie posters, posters of certain actors; for example there was one of Aishwarya Rai from Devdas. The place was practically filled with people when my friend and I entered- such a crowd, that it made us believe this must be a pretty neat restaurant! And it certainly was. Did I have a good time? No doubt.

I’ve been told they have karaoke certain nights, which just screams out FUN RESTAURANT. As the IPL (Indian Premier League) is going on right now- (huge deal here), there was a huge screen inside the restaurant in which they were showing the current match live. Carter’s being an area covered with restaurants, this probably means competition for the restaurants to their left and right. Nevertheless I could notice among people on the street, were staff from other restaurants peering in trying to catch the match. Like I said… cricket is a very huge deal here. ;] Anyway, food was great, service was great, lovely unique ambience, overall, loved it! Found yet another great restaurant in Mumbai. Doesn’t get better than this.

Colaba Causeway ♥ what a colourful world !

Colaba Causeway. That’s it, that’s my third love in Mumbai. The stalls over there boast excellent jewellery, unique yet fashionable and amazingly affordable items.

I’ve always been crazy about jewellery, and to discover this place was to me, like finally finding paradise. Well yeah it’s way hot in the day time to go street shopping, as Mumbai doesn’t really have much of a cold climate, ever, but Causeway remains my favourite point of street shopping in the whole of Mumbai (as far as I’ve seen), it’s almost entirely covered however, so a little shaded, thank God. :]

& for when you’re craving for food or just wanna escape the heat and the crowd…

FOOD! That’s another best part. All these amazing restaurants and bakeries are all over this part of Colaba… the choices are unlimited! There’s Mondegar where it all starts, then you have the extremely famous Leopolds (my favourite), Piccadily, Churchill, and amazing amazing Theos (which I’ve already blogged about), and the usual MOD, Mcdy, subway…etc. You can also easily take a cab to Fort, there you have the brilliant Five Spice (yet to be blogged !) which is close to Kala Godha, which is close to Fashion street! (one of the biggest street shopping experience). Yet, here I’m saying it again, the type of stuff you find in Causeway, somehow ends up really special, beats hill road shopping and linkin road and all those. For me, anyway. =) There’s your cue, GO SHOPAHOLICS!

Oh, and this is very very close to Marine Drive. Can’t get any better right? That’s what I thought. After an exhausting day (and a rather satisfying one for that matter) you can grab a bite and go chill at Marine Drive. NOTE: Marine Drive is at it’s best by 7 pm.

So there we have it! I know the stalls and all the jewellery would naturally appeal mainly just to the ladies, but well who doesn’t like food right?! There’s enough and more places to chill out, so it’s not just a girl’s world.

 ;] Happy shopping !

Another one of those cupcake shops found me!

 

 

This is such a tiny but cute place! They have amazing interior; rot-iron chairs, mirrors and glass tables, not forgetting, rather a wide range of yummy goodies!  It’s such a nice ambience altogether. I keep emphasizing on all these places I blog about how you MUST visit, but it’s so true! One big thing I find here in Mumbai that I don’t have in my hometown are some of these! So today while my cousin and I were coming out of church, I spotted this little bakery, noticed the words “cupcakes” written on it, aaaand, didn’t think twice. I’m glad I didn’t. I had my usual red velvet cupcake… yuuum.

Couldn’t click a picture of the wide selection of amazing goodies, my bad, though I’ve got a snap of a personalized cake they’ve made, doesn’t it look absolutely amazing? Born to shop? with shopping bags? Damn. I want.

The staff was also friendly (which matters more than you’d imagine), the place is loacted right opposite St.Peter’s church in Bandra. What’re you waiting for? GO, GO, GO!

Love Sugar Dough [LSD]

Here’s another cupcake place. Not too far from Butterfly. In fact, they appear to be like siamese twins. ;] They’re right by each other. Though I personally am more towards the butterfly taste, I could never not like a cupcake. anywhere. And this place is actually beautiful! Lovely setting and the atmosphere really gets to you, the pink shadow and lovely lights, and not forgetting quite a wide range of love sugar and dough food items. This place is also a must visit!

   

 see, in a perfect world I’d have a little house between those two, right there…