Purple Peeptoes

The Turban

2012-02-12T15:59:00.000+05:30

(Pictures taken at Khan Market, Delhi)

Because style defies the boundaries of age and of sex.

From Tokyo with Love

2012-02-10T20:58:00.000+05:30

The Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week starts in Delhi on the 15th of Feb, with 138 designers from the across the country.

This year, the Fashion Design Council of India has joined hands with the Japan Fashion Week. Get ready for a joint show by Japan's “ANREALAGE,” “mintdesigns” and “suzuki takayuki' will be held as a part of Tokyo Fashion Week.

It's time for WIFW Autumn- Winter 2012. Are you ready for a fresh perspective from the world of fashion?

ANREALAGE

Mint Designs

Suzuki Takayuki

Inspiration: Lights

2012-02-08T00:00:00.000+05:30

La Maison Rose, Pondicherry

Cafe Turtle, Delhi

Candies, Bombay

Southern Spice: The Angarakha

2012-02-07T19:25:00.001+05:30

Model: Neha Poonia

Photographer: Karishma Rajani

Location: Amethyst, Chennai

The Angarakha, from Sonam Dubal's latest collection, Southern Spice.

Southern Spice: The Brocade Blouse

2012-02-03T12:58:00.004+05:30

Model: Neha Poonia

Photographer: Karishma Rajani

Location: Amethyst, Chennai

The Brocade Blouse, from Sonam Dubal's latest collection, Southern Spice.

Southern Spice: Cardamom

2012-01-31T15:01:00.003+05:30

(Location: Amethyst, Chennai)

An ikkat kurta from Sonam Dubal's collection, Southern Spice.

The Secret Garden

2012-01-25T20:29:00.000+05:30

(Pictures: Ra)

"When life seems like a secret garden, wish upon a flower."- Me

P.S. Thank you for the bag. ^.^

Southern Spice

2012-01-24T22:24:00.001+05:30

(Pictures: Karishma Rajani & Neha Poonia)
(Location: Amethyst, Chennai)

Sonam Dubal thinks of himself as a vagabond, one who seeks design inspirations during his many travels. His latest collection Southern Spice is a tribute to the southern half of this country that has overwhelmed him with its warm, pastel colours and golden- zari borders. He has interpreted the style in the form volatile designs using flowy fabrics. The angrakhas, brocade blouses and summer jackets form the highlight of his collection.

Sonam Dubal's collection is available at Amethyst, Chennai.

Sunshine

2012-01-24T21:24:00.004+05:30

(Pictures taken in Colaba Causeway, Bombay)

The Weavers of Vellore

2012-01-22T13:56:00.001+05:30

Tamil Nadu is oneof the most important centres for the handloom industry. There about 22 handloom clusters in the state. Kamakshi Math in the district of Vellore is part of this cluster.

The village is known for it's weaving industry. It is generally carried out on a small scale by highly-skilled artisans of the Kallakarsand Senguthar Mudaliar community.

The process of weaving involves:

Step #1

Organic cotton is procured from Gujurat.

Step #2

Spinning. Using a spinning wheel, threads are drawn out and wound into bobbins.

This is followed by the process of dyeing. However, this process is not carried out within the workshop.

Step #3

Warping. Series of yarns are extended lengthwise using a warp-weighted loom. The loom helps create tension, thus making the warp threads taut.

Step #4
Wefting. The process of wefting uses a handloom to weave in the horizontal threads. The machine keeps the vertical threads taut in order to facilitate the process.

Step #5

Garments. Once the warp and weft threads are interlaced, cloth is created. The process of weaving takes about 4-5 days.

The finished product is then sent to the workshops where garment samples are created.

The garments created in these workshops cater mainly to theinternational markets. Tamil Nadu exports most of its cotton to the UK and the US. The government is doing itsbest to promote the handloom industry by means of its schemes and policies.

On the streets, Colaba

2012-01-17T20:59:00.003+05:30

Sometimes, it's okay to pretend like Purple Peeptoes is The Sartorialist.

Khazana India

2012-01-15T00:48:00.000+05:30

(Pictures taken at Khazana India, Hauz Khas Village)

My love affair with Hauz Khas Village began on my very first day in Delhi. The streets were illuminated by fairy lights and the boutiques exuberant with end-year festivities. My eyes moved hungrily from one mannequin to another, as if taking mental pictures of all the elaborate sarees and angrakhas on display.

As I walked further into the lanes, I discovered Khazana India. The store houses Bollywood kitsch at its filmy best. It's one thing to own a Bollywood inspired bags quite another to find vintage posters of movies that are probably twice as old as you are. In fact, the store ensures you stumble upon vintage stamps, glasses, postcards and tin boxes in the process. It's the kind of store that inspires you to set your own house up and take all its artefacts with you.

At the end of the village stands the Hauz Khas Fort. This is where the lines of culture finally blur into history. Hauz Khas village won me over.

Bringing Sexy Back

2012-01-08T00:35:00.001+05:30

(Pictures: Neha Poonia)

(Dress: Cottons, Ballerinas: Ginger, Sling bag: Item Number, Anklet: Dilli Haat, Beaded Necklace: Exhibition, Elephant Pendant: Colaba Causeway, Earrings: Sarojini Nagar,Wooden Hairpin: The Shop)

Aloha lovelies!

I've been thinking about what I want the new year to be like. It's a good thing to list all of it. It makes things easier for the Law of Attraction.

So here's a list of things that must be done in 2012:

Take up the eternal challenge of finding nicely dressed people in Chennai. Purple Peeptoes could do with a little more of Street Style.
Travel to the remotest places. The closet must must contain a piece of clothing from every part of this country.
Bring sexy back. Update the blog while you're at it.

So what do you want your new year to be like? ^.^ I want to know everything.

Hugs and kisses,
Karishma

It's A Shoe Story

2012-01-08T00:30:00.001+05:30

Who? Manasi Kotian

Where? Outside Gloria Jean's, Bandra

The Perfect Mismatch

2012-01-08T00:29:00.001+05:30

Who? Akanksha Deo

What? A Student at NIFT

Where? Hauz Khas Village, Delhi

Dilli Heart

2012-01-08T00:28:00.000+05:30

(Picture: Abhishek Bahadur)

[Blazer: Pondicherry (Stolen from Neha), Tank top: Bandra, Scarf: Dilli Haat, Jeggings: ONLY, Mary Janes: Aldo]

Aloha lovelies,

I apologise for having disappeared after Christmas. If you must know, I've been living like a gypsy for the past few weeks.

I left the city a little before Christmas to go to Bombay, flew to Delhi for New Year's and then flew back to South India. I spent the first week of this year travelling through the villages around Vellore. I'd like to believe this was a preview to what the rest of the year is going to be like.

Anyhow, I shopped a lot while I was in Delhi and happened to fall in love with Dilli Haat on the way. It is where I bought this dupatta from. This brings me to the most important declaration of the year, Dilli Haat has been rechristened *Dilli Heart*.

It's always good to start the new year on cheesy note, ain't it?
Lots and lots of love from my side.
Karishma

Starry Night

2011-12-25T15:20:00.001+05:30

Merry Christmas, lovelies!
Purple Peeptoes loves you.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Congratulations, Tamanna Mukherjee!

You are the winner of the Purple Peeptoes Giveaway.

Now get in touch with me soon so I can have the dress sent to you.

Old World

2011-12-24T12:53:00.000+05:30

From Bombay with love.

Scarlet Gypsy

2011-12-17T10:56:00.000+05:30

Pictures: Neha Poonia

Editing: Dhiya Kuriakose

This hairband is a little something I bought from the 'Auroville Boutique' during my first trip to Pondicherry.

I may be living in Chennai as of now but I have a feeling I left my heart back there.

Style GURU

2011-12-10T03:05:00.001+05:30

[Model: Neha Poonia]

Five days to go until the 15th of December. Have you participated in the GIVEAWAY yet?

Triplicane

2011-12-10T02:58:00.001+05:30

Triplicane is characterised by it's vibrant walls, ancient temples and colourful women. In fact, the famous Parthasarthy Temple situated in the middle of sacred Tiruvallikeni pond is almost as old as Chennai is. It's the kind of place your camera would get totally carried away. I know mine did.

Pavitra

2011-12-06T01:46:00.001+05:30

Two Words: Bag Love

__________________________________________________________________________

P.S. Have you participated in the Giveaway yet?

Damini

2011-12-04T12:13:00.001+05:30

Secret.Ary.

2011-12-02T23:59:00.001+05:30

(Pictures: Raksha Bihani)

Blouse and Skirt: Pondicherry
Belt: Colaba
Brogues: Zara
Bag: Forever 21

So, I've been obsessing over Mad Men lately. That should explain everything. ^.^

Nostalgia: Shoe Whore

2011-11-22T17:53:00.001+05:30

I was going through the pictures I took while I was interning with Grazia and stumbled upon these.

GURU (version à deux)

2011-11-20T15:01:00.001+05:30

Women of the South

2011-11-10T18:36:00.001+05:30

Giveaway: Style Guru

2011-11-08T20:02:00.001+05:30

(Model: Ridhima Bhatnagar)

Aloha Lovelies!

Purple Peeptoes is back from a mini-sabbatical.

The good news is, there's a pretty floral dress from GURU

waiting to be given away

and

it could just be yours!

All you have to do is follow 5 simple rules:

Like GURU on Facebook.
Like Purple Peeptoes on Facebook.
Follow Purple Peeptoes on blogger. (This applies to bloggers only)
Tell me how you'd style the dress.
Make sure you leave your name and email address behind!

The winner will be announced on the 15th of December. Good luck, you!

P.S. This is my 100th post this year. =)

Rochelle

2011-11-03T15:13:00.000+05:30

I tried to capture the essence of Pondicherry with Rochelle as my subject.

The Karmic Connection

2011-11-02T21:44:00.000+05:30

(Pictures: Rochelle Tauro)

Hazy grey clouds circled the sky,

As it drizzled along the coast,

To the soulful music inside her head.

She searched for peace,

Amidst her deram like reality.

She found herself in zen istead.

Autumn Leaves

2011-10-25T02:58:00.000+05:30

(Photos of Me: Ridhima Bhatnagar)

Thirsty skeletons

Reaching out

To the horizon

As the leaves fall

From the sky

Autumn leaves

The blue water

Trickles slowly

In the direction

Of the cold wind

As she watches

Autumn leaves

She's an Epidemic

2011-10-24T03:13:00.001+05:30

(Photos: Rahul Dalal)

Raksha Bihani - an epidemic in which your constant state of mind is *rawr*.

Neha Poonia- an epidemic in which you constantly deliver quotable quotes.

Kamala Sripada- an epidemic in which you are in a constant state of vibration.

Karishma Rajani- an epidemic in which you constantly induce *wheeeee-ness*.

P.S. I love us.

Mirchi

2011-10-20T01:26:00.000+05:30

Model: Kamala Sripada
Hair: Neha Poonia

Photography, Styling and Make-up: Karishma Rajani

Irrelevant information: Rahul Dalal, Ridhima Bhatnagar

GURU

2011-10-16T17:32:00.003+05:30

GURU recently invited me to visit their store to shoot for them.

Yes, the store was turned upside in the process.

Results? These fabulous pictures you're about to see.

Model: Neha Poonia

Styling and Pictures: Karishma Rajani

That's all for now, lovelies!
Would love to hear what you think of their collection.

Mucho love,
Karishma

Forever 21

2011-10-16T03:04:00.000+05:30

(Photo Courtesy: Raksha *Rawr* Bihani)

Aloha lovelies!

The author of this blog recently celebrated her 21st birthday. *Beams*
Sources have informed that this has been one of her best so far.
She wants everybody who made it as technicoloured as it was to know that she loves them.
A little more than Purple Peeptoes infact.
She will be couriering flying kisses to everybody soon.

This birthday brought her some of the loveliest gifts. And people. ^.^
This bag was sent to her my one of her favouritestestest persons.
The tag reveals it is from Forever 21. *Faints*

*Recovers*
*Puts the biggest flying kiss in giant red envelope and sends it Dilli*

You think she'd make some sense now that she's all grown up now?
Apparently, not. *Grins*

Wish me a belated happy birthdaaaaaaaay, idiots!
Mucho love,
K

Sambhavi

2011-10-12T20:54:00.002+05:30

(Top: Old Navy, Skirt: Zara, Shoes: Zara, Bag: Zara, Bangles: Mum's)

She's a Wanderer

2011-10-07T00:10:00.000+05:30

Leggings: OVS Industries
Top: M&S
Shirt: Pondicherry
Chappals: Pondicherry
Bangles: Pondicherry
Jhola: Pondicherry
Necklace: Colaba Causeway

Aloha Lovelies!

I'm going to spam your dashboards with a little more of Pondicherry. Yes I'm love with my holiday and I want all of you to pack your bags and get there.

I spent way too much time behind the camera, while on the trip. Of course, I yearned to be in front of it. And to share the brand new entrants to the Purple Peeptoes closet.

So, I asked a fellow traveller to click me. He seemed to be as affectionate towards his camera as I was. Here are some of the pictures he clicked. Live Pondicherry though them. :]

xx
Karishma

P.S. If you're going anytime soon, kidnap me along the way. Self-proclaimed tour guides are the best.

Pondicherry

2011-10-01T22:58:00.000+05:30

Nomadic Diaries

2011-09-30T11:55:00.000+05:30

I lost myself in a maze of bright coloured walls,

As I walked along the endless streets.

I let my mind wander to a territory unknown

As I sipped caffeine by the beach.

I found my soulmates,

Inside a rack of endless fabrics.

I watched the garments transform me,

Into a sort of maverick.

I met some fascinating strangers along the way.

And had conversations that have forever changed me.

I traveled to an unknown place by myself.

It was everything I thought it would be.

The Birds and The Bees

2011-09-24T16:53:00.000+05:30

Onam Manorama

2011-09-15T03:56:00.000+05:30

Androecium

2011-09-10T21:30:00.000+05:30

Masseh

Rahul

Siddharth

Velankanni Festival, Besant Nagar

2011-09-07T23:25:00.000+05:30

Besant Nagar is one of the first few places I discovered in Chennai. It's hard not to fall in love with a beach so seductive, especially when it provides so may options to satisfy the foodie in you.

With the celebration of the Velankanni Festival, the place has metamophosised. The road that leads to the Besant Nagar Church is beautiful disarray of tourist buses, pilgrims and vendors selling ceramic pots, cane baskets and colourful beads.

While the beads are a regular feature of the Besant Nagar street, some of the curios being sold are unique to the festival. Apparently, the festival attracts not just pilgrims, but also artisans from across the country. The prices are so reasonable, the shopping expedition will leave you feeling smug.

Tomorrow is the last day of the festival. Come bathe your soul in the light of the Goddess. Take a detour of the beautiful lanes while you are at it.

Bombay Bubble

2011-08-31T19:09:00.002+05:30

Aloha lovelies!

Chennai is suffering from a severe draught of fashion magazines! Grazia to be precise.

The Style Hunter section of the August issue has a picture of Anushka Hajela (Read: Bombay Bubble) clicked by me! Guess who didn't see it until yesterday?

Anyway, Anushka took a picture of the page and mailed it to me last night. Of course, I had to share it with you guys!

I'm going to go celebrate. I'm overwhelmed by the thrill of seeing my name AND one my clicks in print! *Melodramatic sigh*

Have a happy mid-week weekend!

♥Karishma♥

Blue skies. Yellow stones.

2011-08-28T15:18:00.003+05:30

The feeling of being anonymous, in a city you've never known before. ♥

MH.01.Purple.Peeptoes

2011-08-26T15:39:00.003+05:30

(Photo Courtesy: Raksha Bihani)

Top: Zara
Skirt: Random shop in KL

Mary Janes: Also

Hoops: Borrow from Kamala

Hello lovelies!

It's one of those days. I'm brimming with love. For nobody in particular. And I'm watching it spill onto my blog.

A few months back, I mentioned to my brother, that I'd like to get a license plate with 'Purple Peeptoes' inscribed on it. But I say a lot of things, cover them underneath a layer of laziness and forget about them.

The night before I left for Chennai, I found this in my room. My brother could give lessons on how to be adorable.

So, the first thing I did when I got to the hostel was pull it out and place it on the table. The Purple Peeptoes laboratory had officially been relocated.

Why the 'MH.01', you may ask? In honour of the streets of Bombay that inspired me to pick up a camera and capture its obscure beauty.

My love is now topped with a flakes of nostalgia. I'm couriering all of it to you.

Custom-made gifts bring the smug back in my smile.

*Waves Princess-Diaries style*

♥Karishma♥

A little bit of Sunshine

2011-08-21T18:30:00.001+05:30

On most days, I see Raksha drag her feet across the campus, clad in a retarded pair of panda shorts and her scandalous sense of homour. She's the sort of girl who laughs at her own jokes, before anybody else does. But that's a part of the reason, she is as much fun as she is.

And then, there are days she emerges from her room in the brightest of colours, looking a lot like the sunshine. I have the urge to pluck her from the real world and put her on television. That girl deserves her own talk show.

Brocade Diaries

2011-08-18T17:36:00.008+05:30

(Photos: Raksha Bihani)

Hello lovelies,

We celebrated Ethnic Day in college a few days back. I raided my mum's closet to find a saree that matched my brocade blouse perfectly and chanced upon this emerald green beauty.

What can I say? The world's a happy place when you're dressed in shades of pink, golden and green.

Anyhow, I clicked lots of lovely ladies the other day. You sure as hell want to come back for the next post. :]

Much love,

She's a Ballerina

2011-08-17T02:46:00.002+05:30

Model: Kamala Sripada

Photographer: Karishma Rajani

The Androgynous Flower Child

2011-08-13T14:18:00.004+05:30

Model: Kashvi Gidwani

Styling and Photography: Karishma Rajani

Location: French Connection, Khar

Aloha lovelies!

Hope the weekend is treating you well! I wanted to share a few pictures I took just before I left B'bay. Kashvi mostly plays photographer, but I got her to pose for a change.

She is a lover of all things androgynous. Every time we go shopping, she's strays off into the men's section. Oversized shirts and sneakers are the soul of her closet.
The only way I could bribe her into wearing that dress was by adding a slightly oversized leather jacket to the ensemble. So this look is basically an amalgamation of her style and mine.
I happen to think she carries it off rather well. What do you guys think?

Much love,

Karishma

[P.S. Everything in the store is now on sale. Happy shopping!]

Butterflies

2011-08-13T13:57:00.000+05:30

Model: Kashvi Gidwani

Styling and Pictures: Karishma Rajani

Location: French Connection, Khar

Blueprint Coleccion

2011-08-06T15:09:00.002+05:30

The first thing I do when I move to this city is figure out the shopping scene. High street is mainly confined to the main mall. Street shopping is almost non-existent. Designers store are a handful. And then I get in touch with Divya Niranjan. Blueprint Coleccion, anyone?

So the story of Blueprint Coleccion goes like this. Divya, armed with nothing but her love fashion gives up her job as a playgroup teacher, goes on to assist one of the prominent designers and finally ventures out to start her own label.

The entire process took about ten months. She spent sleepless nights sketching her designs and mentally formulating the results. Then she decided to travel to the US for a little bit of inspiration. That is when she got her sister Navya on board. Navya also took to sketching. The two of them indulged in some exquisite fabrics, only to come back home and transform them into their designs.

The focus then shifted on the grand opening of the brand. The city saw a phenomenal fashion show put together by the two sisters about two months month ago. The press has been raving about the label ever since.

The truth is, I’m starting to feel a strange sort of love for her animal printed dresses myself. Tell me you feel the same!

So I was at Divya’s house the other day. Impromptu shoot happened. Hope you guys like the pictures. There’s a lot more from Blueprint Coleccion coming up soon!

To have a look at the rest of her collection, do visit her Facebook page.

Dupatta Diaries

2011-08-06T13:44:00.001+05:30

Statutory Warning: The title of this post has been inspired by trash television and shady chick lit novels that only I'm allowed to watch and read.

There are days when you wake up at 8.20 sharp for an 8.30 a.m. class. There's not much you can do except pull on a pair of hippie pajamas and pretend like you've actually taken a shower. Fortunately, my roommate's closet was open. I chanced upon a dupatta than went perfectly with what I was wearing. It doesn't matter that I was having a really bad hair day, and that I look extremely angry in the second picture, I had to share pictures of the pretty dupatta with the world and its people.

(Photographer: Praveen Stoneage)

Have a fabulous weekend y'all!

Flying kisses,
Karishma

[P.S. A special thank you to Praveen for taking these pictures, to Kamala for the adorable pair of earrings and Jagruti for the dupatta]

Blurple

2011-08-03T01:17:00.001+05:30

I flew to Bombay over the weekend. Right now, I'm full of nostalgia.
So, I've decided to pull pictures out from the time I was interning.

Meet Rhea. Fellow intern at Grazia and possibly the most adorable co-worker ever. The sort who'd make me giggle my way through lunch and take a coffee break right after because there was so much to talk about.

Her indigo tights were quite a delight to look at and somebody in the office decided to give the colour a new name. And that's how blurple came about. Go figure!

She's the Man

2011-07-27T22:55:00.006+05:30

Criminal: Zahra Khan

Crime: Breath-takingly beautiful curls

Who is she? 20 year old Journalism student. Plays football by day and wingman by night. Hopes to host her on business show on tv someday.

Sense of Style: Rock n Roll meets Sophisticated Chic

Favourite brand: Zara (The irony!)

Favourite movies: DDLJ, 10 Things I Hate About You and She's the Man.

Favourite show: Vampire Diaries

Favourite splurge: La Senza

Favourite junk food: French Fries

Stars, Hearts or Polka Dots? Stars, hearts and skulls!

Fine Dining or Street Side Cafes: Fine Dining. As long as somebody else is paying for it.

Favourite Cartoon: Spongebob. Oh wait! I think I'd cheat on him with Patrick!

Closing Line: I LOVE Purple Peeptoes. (I may have made that one up.)

Will be back soon. Have a fabulous day!

xx
Karishma

Mahima.

2011-07-27T00:40:00.003+05:30

Hello lovelies,

My classes this week start at 10 am instead of 8.30 a.m. You know what that means? I'm going to click a new person every day! Wheeeeee!

Fortunately, this college does have some fascinatingly dressed women. Since there isn't much time to hop around the city with my camera, I'm going to introduce you to some of these women. Deal?

Also, readers from Chennai, wave out! I need somebody to sort my shopping dilemmas out while I'm here.

Until then, say hello to Mahima. She's the girl who is always walking across the corridors in her trademark cotton pants, silver oxidised earrings and sunshine-y smile. I for one, love every bit of it. Do you? :]

Have a awesomely-retarded day!

Much love,
K

[P.S. Those of you who haven't join the Facebook page, what are you waiting for?]

Meet the Anchor(s)

2011-07-24T12:54:00.002+05:30

(Pictures: Laharee Chatterjee)

Aloha lovelies,

This is my very first personal style post since I've moved. In case I haven't mentioned how much I love this place, I'm going to be doing that a lot!

So the big news is, Purple Peeptoes is now in Chennai. Asian College of Journalism, it is. So if you live around here or study in this college make sure you come and say hi. Yes, you may bring me a cupcake while you're at it.

Anyway, my module for the past two weeks has been television and we ended it by recording a live show by the name 'Madras Patrika'. I decided to play anchor. It's a funny choice, considering how socially awkward I am. However, the urge to wear this outfit surpassed other needs.

Bright red lipstick and cheesy grin happened. I had to look into the camera and calmly read the script from the teleprompter. Everybody in the production room was going cra-zeh because they had to deal with all the technical and complicated stuff. On the other hand, my head felt like an ice-factory. It was such an awesome feeling, you guys!

Anyway, my pinafore look crumply and cranky because I had to wear it two days in a row. No judging, okay?

Bucket-full of love,
Karishma

Bohemian Diaries

2011-07-22T01:25:00.003+05:30

Remember the time I told you that working in the Times building ensured I met all sorts of fascinating people? The lady in this picture works as a stylist for BBC Good Homes. Unfortunately, I cannot remember her name, but I do remember that she wore some of the most fascinating skirts and maxi dresses. Creative people, I tell you! :]

The French Experiment

2011-07-16T14:27:00.000+05:30

Model: Raunaq Rajani

Photographer: Kashvi Gidwani

Stylist: Karishma Rajani

The French Connection Store has become a regular hang out. They asked me to do a post of men's fashion. Of course, I hardly ever looking beyond the lace and the frills. Interning for a fashion magazine kind of changes that for you. You're more perceptive to fashion that you've been largely indifferent to. Men's fashion being one of them. So when this opportunity came along, I jumped out of my seat with excitement.

I chose my brother as the model for obvious reasons. One of them being his disastrous fashion sense. The second being his inability to roll his sleeves up correctly. Third, the fact that he practically never knows what to match with his shorts. But mostly importantly he is obviously very nice looking and if there are any filmmakers out there willing to cast him, you know who to call. *Cough*

Anyway, the experiment was a lot fun. I stuck to simplistic styling, picked garments off the rack and put them together. Of course, the store doesn't retail shoes, so we took them off the mannequin and the stepped out on the streets to shoot.

Hope you guys liked the little experiment. Have a fun weeken!

Karishma

Khaki Obsession

2011-07-14T01:35:00.001+05:30

Photography: Kashvi Gidwani

Styling: Karishma Rajani

Model: Raunaq Rajani

Outfit Courtesy: French Connection

It doesn't matter what season it is, It is always sunny in Bombay.

It doesn't matter how sunny it is, you can always wear khakis.

It doesn't matter what your style is, khakis make a statement.

The French Connection sale is still on. Get there before I do. ^.^

The Purple Peeptoes Laboratory

2011-07-04T16:01:00.002+05:30

There are things that moving does to you. It fills you with a strange sort of ecstacy. One that is accompanied by currents that strike you every now and then and make you jump with glee. And then there is the melancholy of putting all your stuff in tiny little suitcases, only to watch your room being robbed off its character.

Having to look at a wooden closet sans all the colourful fabrics that otherwise adorn it, is slightly heartbreaking. But it is tragic to have to pick between which outfits you want to take and which you want to leave behind. What if I wake up with the sudden urge to wear a particular white top I haven't worn in two years? Or a pair of impractical heels just to go buy bread from local bakery shop?

The idea of having a closet with never ending rows of clothes is comforting. I know that someday when I get an odd-coloured skirt, I'll manage to pull out a blouse that will go perfectly with it. On lucky days, I'll find more than one option. And if I decide to go a styling spree, I'll find scarves, belts, earrings and all sorts of accessories to go with it.

The Purple Peeptoes laboratory I call it. The excercise is repeated every time something new is added to the closet or something absolutely random has been found inside the closet after years. Sometimes, I have post-its even, telling me what I should wear on what day. You know fashion means a hell lot to you when it is the only thing that manages to get you organised.

Living in a hostel room with three other women means that I must learn to keep this insanity under control. It also means that my laboratory will be confined to a tiny fraction of the room, and my extravagant closet confined to a steel almirah. The very thought of it makes me want to put the 'heavy' in travelling light.

But there's an optimist inside me and she's all set to utilise every square inch of the almirah. Plan B entails stacking the room up with suitcases and trunks that hold all the emergency clothing that I might need on a rainy day. Plan C, of course, involves shopping a whole lot so life is never, ever devoid of glee. But if you have a Plan D, E, X, Y, Z in mind, you know what you have to do. ^.^

Aaaaanyway, I thought I'd share a picture from the Laboratory. This, ladies and gentlemen is my favourite wall. :]

Have a fabulous day!

xoxo

Karishma

Street Style: Feroza

2011-07-04T13:07:00.001+05:30

Aloha lovelies! ^.^

The internship has ended and there's a truck load of pictures I want to share. The back stage ones, you know. Crazy stuff that happens behind the scenes that makes the entire process so amazing.
I also took a bunch of street style pictures for Grazia, while I was at it. And this is one of them. I've bumped into Feroza thrice and clicked her every one of those times. Serah Jessica Parker, of street style? I'd say yes.
Anyway, there's a lot coming up on Purple Peeptoes.Keep your eyes and eyes open.

Much love,
Karishma

P.S. You can have a look at these pictures in the June issue of Grazia.

Karishma

2011-07-02T20:55:00.000+05:30

Karishma means a lot of things.
In sanskrit it means 'miracle'.
In Greek, the word Charisma refers to a special 'magnetic charm'.
According to the Urban Dictionary, Karishma is a gorgeous model born on the Indian subcontinent. (I kid you not)

But to me Karishma is somebody who is looking at the world in technicoloured frames.
Too cheesy?

Anyway, MyNameNecklace sent me this *beautiful* pendant and I'm a little overwhelmed.
I love the serene glow of silver emanating from the pendant, the delicate structure, the artful presence. Call me a narcissist of sorts, but I'm going to wear this pendant until it feels like a part of my skin.

For those of you who want to possess these precious little pieces, make sure you visit MyNameNecklace.com.

Have a stylish Sunday.

Karishma

Crochet Chic

2011-07-01T23:50:00.005+05:30

(Photographer: Kashvi Gidwani)

Dress: French Connection

Booties: Belly Shoes

Hat: Stolen from the photographer

Awesome-ness: In born

Aloha lovelies!

July is here. It's such an awkward season, you know. And my biggest dilemma is whether I should stick to my summer wardrobe or embrace the fall/winter trends with a fervour.
In the meanwhile, here's a classic that never goes out of style. I've been lusting after lace, net and crochet for a long time now. I had one look at this one and I thought, 'This is what crochet dreams are made of.'
While pumps would be the ideal choice of footwear for this gorgeous little thing, I wanted to give it a slightly androgynous edge. That's where the hat and the booties came from!
Hope you like the look, ladies and gentlemen!

Much love,
Karishma

P.S. The dress is currently on sale. Head to near French Connection store right now.

P.P.S. Wtf?! You're still here. Move before I confiscate that laptop of yours!

Rawr

2011-06-28T22:46:00.002+05:30

(Pictures: Rhea Wagh)

Jumpsuit: Splash (Chennai)
Cardigan: Veeko (S'pore)
Ballerinas: Hill Road

Earrings: NGO

Necklace: Random shop in S'pore

Aloha Lovelies ^.^

It's Tuesday evening and I'm still in holiday mode. I have two days left at work and a little more than ten days until I leave this city. The idea of moving has made my life filmy again.

I've been sending dramatic text messages to people, conning them into doing all sort of things for me by saying, 'But, I'm moving! I don't know when I'll see you again.'

Plus, I've been blackmailing my mum into cooking all sorts of things by saying I'm going to live on hostel food for the next one year. Of course, she cons me into cutting french beans and lady fingers occasionally. But, that I can deal with.

As for those of you who are wondering where I'm going and what I'm going to do, I've decided I'm going to be mysterious about it. How can I make tall claims about having a filmy life, when there is no suspense involved?

The important thing is a snow leopard has escaped from Ladakh and she is on her way to a city near you. Holiday mode destroys my sense of humour. It's true.

This jumpy little jumpsuit has been a part of my wardrobe since last October. And I've just about worn it twice. My friends have made all sorts of weird comments about it. One of them asked me if I was going for a fancy dress competition and another told me I looked like Shilpa Shetty from a 90's film.

I don't care if I look like Rambha, you morons. The jumpsuit stays. *RAWR* ^_^

Much love and Chocolate chip cookies,
K.

Ira

2011-06-23T00:01:00.003+05:30

{Photography: Kashvi Gidwani}

If there is one thing the Indian woman loves, it has got to be her bling.

When I came across Ira by Anusuya, it was love at first shimmer. Her pieces were dreamy. A combination of bohemian edginess and sophisticated glamour.

They seemed to blend in seamlessly with most garments, while adding immense character to the entire look.

I don't know if the lady can touch base metals and turn them into gold. But I can tell you this much, she can turn gold into something higher than itself.

Ira by Anusuya is available at:
Mumbai: Bliss, Mogra
New Delhi: Bits & Pieces
Bangalore: Ffolio

Preview: Ira

2011-06-21T22:00:00.000+05:30

Two Words: Gold Lust

Either Or

2011-06-20T23:19:00.002+05:30

Garlanded with shiny neon lights, the entrance of Either Or gives you the enthralling feeling of festivities at the dullest time of the year. A purple kitschy looking playsuit adorns the mannequin outside. I’m already half in love.

It may be Diwali on the outside, but inside it is definitely Holi. For a woman who loves colour more than life itself, I was torn between which corner to start from. Bollywood inspired bags may have reached every corner of the globe, but I still hunt them down lustfully. And as I did, I was delighted to find a bag with a larger than life image of Madhubala.

The cushion covers, much like the bags, are vivid in both colour and print. The prints were inspired by the most mundane everyday activities and were distinctly Indian in flavour. Of course, there were a number of them that qualified Bollywood kitsch as well.

A rack full of jumpsuits and maxi dresses adorns one of the racks. Tangerine and fuchsia stare back at me in prints and patterns I’ve never laid my eyes on before. That is about time I decide I’m going to be despicable of the monsoon.

There is a rack full of beautiful white garments in easy breezy fabrics. And another that lives by the rule of monochrome. Of course, it is time to move on the accessories. Must find the perfect ones to go with garments I have selected.

I get out of the store and walk across to their second store. The sound of trinkets surrounds me. I’m no fan of payals, but I spot anklets in the brightest of colour combination. I treat myself to the orange and magenta pair.

While most of the jewellery is what I would typically describe as the arty sort, you are sure to rake upon some real treasures. In fact the most unexpected accessories I stumble upon are the hair bands and hair clips. Adorned with miniatures parrots and animals of sorts, they make the cutest of gifts. And then I find a rather ethnic collection of belts and hair bands that have been created from saree borders. I am fascinated.

Once again I find myself distracted by garments. The store on the other side is literally a haven for cotton lovers. Quirky is the key word. What tops my must-buy list is the kurtas with shlokas and symbols from hindu mythology. I also come across kurtas with five paise coins and eathern pots. And then is when I decide I’m completely in love.

I’m no connoisseur of home accessories, but I can tell you this. They had some of the most beautiful pieces I’ve seen in recent times. Either Or also makes for the perfect gifting place with its notebooks, bookmarks, coffee mugs are other knick knacks.

I meet Ritika at the counter and tell her how much I love her store. She laughs and tells me, “People tell us they go to Agra for the Taj Mahal and come to Pune for Either Or.” My sentiments exactly.

Preview: Either Or

2011-06-16T20:33:00.001+05:30

I was in Pune a while back and did the one thing I love the most. Shop hopping! Either Or was number one on my agenda. Come back soon, you! Lots of pictures from the store await.

Polka Dotted Love

2011-06-13T13:19:00.000+05:30

Shameeka

2011-06-03T21:07:00.000+05:30

Of Maxi Dresses and Vintage Telephones

2011-05-28T00:25:00.003+05:30

I've always been the socially inept child. When I was younger, I'd bring my book to the dinner table.

On days like these I take my camera to the dinner table, and I realise the socially inept child continues to live inside me.

Family dinner happened the other day. At the ITC. Pretty places fill me with the compulsive need to click. And, well, be clicked.

A vintage telephone was found and, to my brothers dismay, I posed with it, absolutely oblivious to the passerbys.

I came back home and then some vintage-y editing happened. I'm not good at editing, but I hope you like the pictures anyway.

Have a fabulous weekend!

xo

Karishma

Proof read & edited by awesome people.

The Little White Dress

2011-05-25T23:02:00.003+05:30

(Dress: French Connection, Scarf: Kallapi, Ballerinas: Sole to Soul)

Like a much in love couple, denims and white have sustained the test of time.
The sun was scorching and I had to give the jeans a miss.
So I chose denim ballerinas instead.
And a bohemian looking scarf to wear it as a headband.

Photographer: Kashvi Gidwani

Then the photographer and I went a wee bit crazy.
But I hope you guys like the final results!

♥

Karishma

Pinstripes to the Rescue

2011-05-24T22:54:00.003+05:30

Photographer: Kashvi Gidwani
Location: Outside the French Connection Store, Khar

Bag, Top and Shorts: French Connection

Hello lovelies,
The French Connection store has been ransacked again and well I came across these beauties.
You can never go wrong with a ruffled sleeved blouse and a pair of pinstriped shorts on a bright, sunny day. Especially if it comes with a classy rope-like belt.

It is the end of summer and beginning of monsoon.
Very tricky time for the closet, eh?

Well it is safe to say that a classy pair of shorts can last you through both the seasons.

Captain Pinstriped Shorts to the rescue!

Much love,

Bombaylicious

2011-05-19T13:57:00.002+05:30


Stacey

Vivien

Zahra

I hate malls over the weekend. There are way too many children.
But then I meet women like these and it totally makes up for it.

Have a terrific Thursday!

Love,
K
But I also love malls over the weekend. There is no better time to find fabulous looking people.

Rose-tinted

2011-05-11T22:06:00.002+05:30

(Photo Courtesy: Sanket Ray)

Dress: Street finds
Tights: Vintage
Sandals: Sole to Soul
Bangles: Colaba
Batch: Kala Ghoda
Unruly Hair: Genetic

Hello Ladies,

I'm starting to think this unruly mess of a hair is the only lover I have. It refuses to leave my side no matter what I do. If you tame them tresses or give me really sexy haircut, I will buy you cupcakes for a month. I swear.
Moving on, an aunt gifted me these rose printed tights when I was about eight. I was a little scandalised then. It was about the time cycling shorts were the coolest things in the world, and I wore nylon ones in colours I do not want to tell you. What was I supposed to do with this transparent item of clothing?
But the tights are back. And not the hideous ones thankfully. And so they've been pulled out of the attic and placed safely in the wardrobe.
But before I go, I must tell you that I have found the perfect solution to deal with shady men who lech shamelessly at stations. Not pepper spray, ladies. Not glares, threats and what not. Say hello to neon sandals. The men are going to be so busy staring at your feet, they won't have the time to look elsewhere.

On that note, have a fabulous day!

*Hugs*
Karishma

The Shop

2011-05-08T20:19:00.003+05:30

Photos: Nivedita Ravishankar

Location: The Shop, Bandra

The faint smell of incense lingers in the air and the deep mahogany furniture basks in the warm amber light. The Shop sits in the middle of a strictly urban area and emanates the warm vibes of a country home all the same.

For the advocates of easy breezy fashion, The Shop is nothing less than paradise. Indian fashion takes a rather contemporary avatar as traditional and tribal prints are reconstructed as urban prêt. From tangerine shirts and fuschia sundresses to ikkat print kurtas and leheriya pants, The Shop provides a variety of options.
When it comes to accessories, The Shop makes sure that the need to look elsewhere disappears. Scarves and jholas of every colours adorn the racks. The silver jewellery, entwined with precious stones is breathtaking. The flavour being largely ethnic.
Because gift shops are a little passe, The Shop provides myriad options for gifting as well. Body and bath oils of the most exotic flavours, interesting looking home accessories and diaries. The kids section has the most adorable looking outfits, toys and shoes the size of my thumb.
The next time you're in or around Bandra, make sure you add The Shop on your priority list. And come back here to let me know what you thought.

Indian Summer

2011-05-07T13:41:00.000+05:30

The most fitting way to welcome the Indian summer is to wrap yourself in yards of soft, flowy fabrics in subtle shades of white and beige, adorned with myriad blossoms from the Indian garden.

For a change, here’s a piece dedicated to international readers who spend hours lusting over fashion from the Indian ramps. Recently, I met Baiju Ajmera of Strand of Silk (www.strandofsilk.com), a UK based website that retails designer wear from some the biggest names in fashion. Their collection is strongly influenced by Indian fashion, yet maintains norms of the west. To put it simply, their garments are universally stylish and effortlessly chic.

As a part of Indian Summer special, I’ve picked three pieces from Tarun’s Tahiliani’s Spring/ Summer collection along with a style guide to help you put a few looks together.

1. The Little White Dress.

Nothing announces summer quite like white does, especially a crispy white one that can be stylised like a dream. Since subtle and minimalistic is a little passé, let’s bring the colours back.

The best thing about white fabric is that every colour finds itself at perfect ease with it. So fetch the classy jewels and the obscure beads. Combine shades of scarlet, emerald, amber and turquoise with shiny metals for an eclectic look. Perfect the look with a pair of statement flats. Fall in love with the multihued lady in the mirror.

2. The Marigold Tunic.

Amongst the wild beauties of the Indian garden, the marigold in full bloom can be quite a show stopper. As it takes its rightful position on this tunic along with the gorgeous drapes, it the subtle beige fabric is transformed.

Since red trousers are red hot this season, they would go perfectly with the marigold tunic for an Indian chic look. For an understated look, the tunic paired a pleated pair of khakis would make an interesting combination. Give the beads and jewels a skip and embrace dull gold instead. An elegantly shaped pair of earrings and strappy pair of sandals would add the perfect flavour to this floral tunic.

3. The puffy sleeved tunic.

Conventionally speaking, casual brunches by the beach entail bright colours and bold prints. Unconventionally speaking, this top, with its subtle florals and chic embroidery comes as a refreshing change to the daywear wardrobe.

Since we can all do with a bit of sexy once in a while, why not pair it up with a pair of bright coloured shorts? For those who’d like to be on the safe side of sexy, a classy black pair would be a good option. And finally, throw in a slightly bohemian pair of gladiators.

So that was my Lust List, ladies. The question is, what are you OD-ing on this summer and which one of these are you going to get? Finally, readers from the UK, Strand of Silk it is.

ONLY

2011-04-30T14:38:00.001+05:30

Haven't visited ONLY yet?
Well, here's 10 reasons why you should.

#1. Distressed Denims!

#2. Jumpsuits!

#3.Pretty dresses!

#4. Ruffled blouses and cardigans.

#5. Florals!

#6. Lace.

#7. Jackets.

#8. Animal Prints.

#8. Accessories.

#10. Shorts and ballerinas!

That's all for now, lovelies.
Happy shopping! ^_^

Love,
K

After Hours

2011-04-30T13:17:00.001+05:30

(Happy shoppers)

(Grazia Girls)

(Virgin Margaritas and Chocolate Tarts)

(Makeovers by Clarins)

What: After hours with Denim
Where: ONLY Store (Khar)
Who: The Grazia Team and a lot of happy shoppers

Hello lovelies,

Have you ever had chocolate tarts for dinner? I have! *Squeals*
Here are fabulous picture from 'After Hours with Denim'.
For those who did stop by, I hope you had a great time.
For those who didn't, you missed out on fabulous makeovers, revolutionary denims, great discounts and most of all de-lightful chocolate tarts.
So next time round, I want to all your pretty faces there.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Karishma

After Hours with Denim

2011-04-27T14:25:00.002+05:30

ONLY in assosiation with Grazia is on a mission to denimize the world and all of you are invited.
I don't care what your fancy weekend plans are, I want to see all your pretty faces this Friday!

Summer Love

2011-04-24T13:42:00.001+05:30

Model: Karishma Rajani

Photographer: Kashvi Gidwani

Location: French Connection, Khar

Dear Summer,

I hate that you make me want to turn into a nocturnal animal who only crawls out of her shelter in the middle of the night.

But now that you're finally here, it's raining florals and showering bright prints. Most of all the kaftan has made it's way back to the closet. It's bolder and shorter this time.
There are days I absolutely hate you, but right now, I love how you're bringing sultry back.

Bisous ♥

The Lady in Black

2011-04-23T23:04:00.000+05:30

Model: Kashvi Gidwani

Photographer: Karishma Rajani

Location: French Connection, Khar

Some women mix prints and others don bright colours. But as soon as the sun disappears on the other side of the horizon, it is the mysterious Lady in Black who steals the show.