PINK is the new BLACK.

Hi girlies!!

The other day, I was in college the other day, sitting with a few friends and we were discussing about how this phrase PINK IS THE NEW BLACK has gone viral all of a sudden and we didn't really know what it meant. Also, I've heard this phrase said so many times and I now wonder who originated "pink is the new black" in the fashion world? And I have this curiosity to know about things before my friends get to know about it, really don't know what this competition man! :P So I tried to find it out, and when I did, I thought of letting you know about it too, since I love sharing knowledge!

zipdown spaghetti : ZARA | pink pants : MANGO 

ROXY shrug & sweater : Forever21 | neckpiece : Lifestyle

boots : MOCHI | seashells bracelet : Selfmade | The Bomb band 

What I found out was, that the phrase seems to have become cliched in the very instant that it was said, so whoever actually said it first was completely lost in the swarm of parodies. Language Log tracks the references to fashionista Diana Vreeland, but nobody can turn up any actual citation where she said it. She said vaguely similar things dating back to the 1960s, but not that particular phrase. In fact, linguists have been trying to track it down, but the earliest references seem to come from the very late 70s. However, those references are already using it ironically.

But what does the phrase mean?

Its often said, "if you can't find an answer to a question, which no one knows, you can create your own answer, after all whoever created the answers to other questions in the world are also human beings". :D So, here I am ready with my answer for you all to really know what PINK IS THE NEW BLACK really means. "The new black" is a reference to the phrase "pink is the new black", which spawned multitudes of snowclones.

One of the altitudes are PINK, which is a very strong color. What I feel is anything is possible with sunshine and a little PINK, it can be youthful, fun and exciting. Toning down the passion of red with the purity of white results in a light, tender color associated with romance, sweetness and happiness, whereas BLACK isn't just a color, its an attitude. 

And when I answered the question "what does the phrase mean", I was reminded of the other one where me and my friends were asking each other "who actually gave the phrase PINK IS THE NEW BLACK". After a lot of research, I found out the phrase is commonly attributed to Gloria Vanderbilt, who upon visiting India in the 1960s noted the prevalence of pink in the native garb. She declared that "Pink is the new black", meaning that the color pink seemed to be the foundation of the attire there, much like black was the base color of most ensembles in New York. Also, Karim Rashid, who is an industrial designer (to say a very famous man in the fashion world) said, "Pink colour is one of my hallmarks. I don’t just put it on my objects and interior decoration, I even quite often wear it. The GQ magazine said that I’ve made it masculine – although the major part of people associate it to Barbie. Pink is energetic, fulgent, engaging and a moxie to the masculine world that dominates our built landscape. There are so many variations and shades of pink for every mood, even person. Pink also clearly communicates the idea of immateriality, entropy, energy and strong optimism. PINK IS THE NEW BLACK!" and that answers my question so fluently. Wow!

Since I like to wear a lot of black in winters, I've teamed up my new pink pants with a black spaghetti & a sweater/shrug which keeps me warm enough because I'm packed from head to toe, and at the same time stand out in the crowd because of the bright colored pants. It's not like only some people can carry hot/bright colored pants...if u have the confidence, you can carry it too. The boots are really comfortable and give an edge to the whole look.

Photographed by : Prakhar Tripathi 

Hope you had fun time reading the whole segment. Go out now, buy some bright colored pants and add an oomph to your whole look. Don't forget to drop in some comments telling me what do you think about my outfit. :) Have a great great day!!

~xoxo~

Can you get me anything better? I bet, NO.

So...If you didn't know how my Pizza Love started..here's the truth behind it!

3 years back I went to this awesome place called Food Factory in Bangalore. I saw this HUGEeeee pizza there and I was so fantasized by it that I couldn't resist having a bite and trust me, just a small bite felt as if it was a LARGE pizza from a regular pizza port. IT WAS HUGE. It was overloaded with cheese and the yummiest toppings in the world. I TASTED HEAVEN. 

I always had pizza either from Dominos or Pizza Hut, to whichever city I went (even my own city)..and I thought only they could serve me the best, but trust me Food Factory was too good in taste and size, both! LOVE.

                                             
                                                   Clicked at FOOD FACTORY, Bangalore.

Food Factory, a restaurant chain in India has created India’s largest pizza. A 6ft wide mammoth weighing in at 77kg!! 

It contains - Dough : 35 kg | Food Factory Sauce : 10 kg | Capsicum : 5 kg | Baby Corn : 6 kg | Cherry Tomatoes : 2 kg | Button Mushrooms : 3 kg | Cheese : 15kg | Fresh basil : 500g | Oregano : 500g

Pizza Size : 6 ft
Circumference : 227 inches or 19 ft
Radius : 3ft
Weight : 77 Kg

Omg! This is huge & yummilicious.

Food Factory had the unique distinction of creating Indias largest Pizza. This is the best for pizza freaks like me who can eat this big a pizza all by themselves, may they take a week…:p Have you tried it yet?

~xoxo~

                                                                

Life-like Indianness!!

Salwar Kameez - Designed by Sahba (a female upcoming designer in Lucknow city)

If I were to believe, believe me, there is nothing more beautiful than an Indian attire..which does not mean western apparel makes you look any less beautiful or sexy.

All I mean is the indian dresses like the salwar kameez has the purity and originality of its own and makes a girl look so so elegant that anybody from any part of the world would fall in love with her!! There is just nobody who would say, "You don't look good in an indian attire". I personally have a liking for salwar kameez, though I hardly buy or wear any... (its always once or twice in a year around the wedding season :P) still I am fond of this particular type of Indian wear, may it be in any color. For instance, the salwar suit (salwar kameez) that i'm wearing in the pictures down below is one of my favorites by a designer in my city and I totally love it. 

Love it for two major reasons : 

A. Its Pink 

B. Its just one in the world.

I love the long flowy dupatta too...its so chic that it has the four borders fully embroidered and 'booties' made all over the piece...Its a bit heavy but compliments the whole kameez (suit) and I like the sheer part of it (startled eyes)!! Woaaaahhh!! Isn't that just sooooo beautiful! There is a minimal of glitter touch in the design...but even if I wear it at a wedding or a sangeet in the night, the whole outfit will stand out with a shimmer...

I love how the designer has done the detailed embroidery starting from the quarter sleev-end to all the way down at the border (such a huge pattern), with small 'booties' in the centre filling the whole front of the kameez and so neatly done. The gold embroidery reminds me of the real gold bangles that my grandmother used to wear when I was a kid and I played with them, asking her why are there so many tiny detailed designs made on a single bangle and she said because it depicts the Indian creations, the neatness and hardwork, after all its all handmade and is the same with the embroidery on the kurta (in the picture). All the embroidery is hand-done.. so pure and elegant!

Photographed by : Guneet Singh

Hope all the girls reading this post will get inspired to wear at least one Indian outift someday, and the day you do, send your picture to me....

~xoxo~

My share of review on Chetan Bhagat's latest novel - HALFGIRLFRIEND

I am not a books person, not a reader AT ALL. Its hard to even recall when did I last read & completed a book, except ofcourse my textbooks. But there was something peculiar about ‘Halfgirlfriend’..I could over hear people talking about it everywhere I went in the past one month. I was seeing selfies, people took with the book and posted it on various social media sites. I was somehow attracted to it, really don’t have an idea WHY? The other day I was ordering a few textbooks for my course in college from Flipkart & suddenly ‘Halfgirfriend’ popped up showing the view details & price. I clicked on “buy now” option & added it to my cart, telling myself to give it a shot. But an inner voice said to me, Shubhi, are you seriously going to read a book, rather a novel? Will you, seriously? I held my breadth and said, Yes I will. Two days later, I received the book & took a picture of it to post on instagram, telling the world I’m transforming, LOL.The same night I started reading the book at 12 AM sharp. (Sorry to be specific but this time did change something in me, I was reading.) It took me 3 nights to complete the whole book. Well, 3 because I used to read 12AM-2AM every night. Yesterday night I completed the book at 3.30 AM because I didn’t want to stretch it to another night and live in suspense, and posted on twitter saying, ITS ADDICTIVE! Well, I am suppose to write a review on the book, well because many of my non-reader friends have asked me to do so. Gosh! Why can’t they just open up the book and read it themselves, reviews change opinions & perceptions, they do! Anyways, here I go……

There are two kinds of people in this world – those who like Chetan Bhagat and those who detest Chetan Bhagat. Both these groups ensure that you cannot ignore him. 

Starting with the prologue, I wept and wept for 5 minutes continuously. But then I thoroughly enjoyed the read right upto the epilogue. Well, wept again in ACT 2, reading the “6 legible entries” from the heroine’s diary, to be frank.

The character build up has been beautifully done and for the first time , even though the book is from Madhav’s point of view, Riya, the female protagonist, is more central to the story than Madhav himself. The story had its twists, but there was quite a bit of predictability in it too. There were a few things that weren’t quite logical, but logic isn’t what most try to see in today’s books or movies, right? Bhagat always takes up issues which resonate with the masses. In “Halfgirlfriend”, the protagonist is a Bihari guy named Madhav who has a hard time speaking English. Now what can be more common than that? I can envision thousands of youth in Bihar, who will never read “To Kill a Mocking Bird”, but who will readily see themselves in Madhav and will have no difficulty in comprehending Bhagat’s simplistic yet charming writing style. The repeated references to Madhav’s poor English is annoying at times, but almost every book has a phase where the reader fights within himself to either put it down or soldier along. I chose to read on. And the book did hold my attention. Till the last page. And mind you, I am not a girl who reads only Chetan Bhagat novels, infact..I don’t read any authors’. But “Halfgirlfriend” had me hooked. It’s a charming love story. You will end up rooting for Madhav.

There is the inevitable drama. Almost Bollywood like. But it is Chetan Bhagat we are talking about. This slightly surreal drama is Bhagat’s style. And it’s good. He has his own niche. It’s a different story altogether. Bhagat touches on the problem of rural education in India and the book also suggests ways to improve one’s English. The techniques may seem too raw for the average Goodreads user or a regular reader, but in truth, they are effective. A 15 year boy reading this book in Bihar will understand this more than you and I ever will. One of the pinnacles of the novel encompasses the fact that  the story is also revealed from the perception of the heroine - Riya, though it surfaces through her diary entries. Moreover, the jigsaw method of gluing the broken contours at the end of the novel too is absorbing. Accommodating the Microsoft King - Bill Gates, too  takes to shore the crystalline pebbles of the novel. From one perspective, the novel is yet another amusing Bollywood saga and resembles a bit with the movie English-Vinglish where one tries to conquer the  convolutedness of English language. In the second half, the story traces fragments of Sanjay Leela Bansali movie “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam”  where the heroine crosses the borders of India in search of her long lost Lover in Italy. One pragmatic point worth mentioning is the guy choosing to work for a social cause, development of better infrastructure and facilities for rural schools; over a high paying MNC job. In a nutshell, Bhagat’s new book “Half Girlfriend” forms a perfect plot for Bollywood flicks.

To end, it was a sweet, simple and convincing story. An inspiration for some students in many ways, because in our generation is more likely to follow the stories in movies or books, so yes its an inspiration for the youth to hold on to the one they love for a lifetime. Also, to enter any reputed college in the country through the sports quota if they have willpower & dedication. But, guys…St.Stephen’s is a hard one.

Overall rating : 3/5 

Suggestions : Don't form any strict opinions about the book from any reviews you hear or read. Please go ahead and read the book for yourself! Also, if you have any additions or contradictions to the review, do comment below!  

~xoxo~

Request to my Friends..

                       

Everyone knows of the power of friends,

The terrific result when everything blends,

When people have friends, they don't stand alone,

Friends always help when you face the unknown.

Friends give you courage to face problems untold,

So the love of a friend can help make you bold,

They can help you to live a much richer life,

So your every day living will be less filled with strife.

               

I owe you so much that its hard to repay,
All I can do is just say,

That I love all of you from the bottom of my heart,

And I wish our ways never part.

  

I need you in my life to share my joys and sorrows,

Not yesterday and today but even tomorrow,

Because life presents you with situations and circumstances,

When its difficult to stand all alone,

And at that time all you need is someone,

Holding your hand and telling you, 
I'm there for you, no need to mourn.

I found that someone in all of you, 
And that's why I request you, never to bid me adieu.

I promise you, I'll be there for you the same you'll be there for me,

And sooner or later whatever difficulties we face will just flee!

PS : I love you all..no matter how much we argue over certain things or do not stay in touch for quite a time, I still know our bond of friendship will never break. Hope the same from your end my loves!

~xoxo~

Be a Fashionista!

Advice 1.  PINEAPPLE PRINTS.

Major print crazes don’t grow on trees, but right now you’ll find a sizeable harvest of pineapple patterns planted onto sweatshirts, sundresses and everything in between. Without a slice to be seen on the runways, pineapples have become the surprise mega-motif of the moment in fashion, as well as beauty and interiors. Wallpapers, lamps and other such spiky furnishings are the last word in hip décor; pineapple manicures are brightening up trend-savvy talons; and the piña tattoo has become the ink du jour.

Cara Delevingne, Georgia May Jagger and Rihanna have all gone bananas for Zoe Karssen’s tropical trackies, while American DJs Chelsea Leyland and Harley Viera-Newton have tucked into this summer’s juicy-fruit frocks from Modcloth. As far as trends go, they don’t get more (wardrobe) refreshing than this!

PS : I love prints, and tropical prints are really really cool. I mean I love them. Would recommend it to you too.
So do you mind trying something fruity this summer? Go for it..:)

                                                             Picture source : Google

Advice 2. DRESS YOUR AGE.

Janice Dickinson doesn’t look 57, but she is. We’re not going to lie, she looks great, but let’s face it, it’s a tad tacky when 50-somethings try sporting an outfit you’d normally find on 20-somethings — and vice versa. However, tinsel town allows celebrities more leeway than the real world does for us ordinary folk. As a rule of thumb, stick to age appropriate attire.

Advice 3. FLORALS.

A result of the creativity of natural science, in my opinion. Somebody just asked me if I ever loved floral printed fabric and particularly the bright colors. Well, to answer him/her, yes, I did love prints and bright colors, I do love them still. They make you feel fresh, light and alive. There is nothing about floral prints that one doesn’t like. You have to, have to like it, all ways. Just team up your dress or top with the right pair of jeans, pull ups and accessories and there you are all set to look beautiful, sexy and elegant at the same time. 

Anonymous asked: I read your posts on prints the other day, it was fabulously penned down. Prints are my passion. Is mixing them for just the young or the young at heart?

Answer : Oh really! Thankyou so much. I’m glad you liked it. And the answer to your question - Both! great style is ageless. And pairing vivid prints like florals and ikat can be modern and ultimately age-appropriate. the trick here is to make sure the contrasting patterns are complementary in color. So, if the floral is navy and pink, the ikat should be too. If the colors are too divergent, the look will turn into the chaotic.

Top : Westside | Leggings : Aiva | Flats : Flea Market (Delhi)

               

Advice 4. EMMY.

The polka dot chiffon top with peterpan color and the flowy skirt attached to it. This is a 1950’s vintage look..Back in trend. So this year, move with this vintage look, looking your best. Dresses like these make you look slim, as your waist is hidden under the belt, giving your body an elegant shape.

Picture source : Google

Hope this post helped you choose your favorite type of clothing for the coming summer!! If you have any questions or suggestions, do comment below and don't forget to follow me on instagram.

~xoxo~

Fruit Custard-Smoothie

Ingredients needed

Vanilla flavored Custard powder - 2 tbsp

Milk -500 ml/ 2 1/2 cups

Sugar -50 grams or as required

Mixed fruits- anything of your choice. (I have used apple, grapes, banana & pomegranate)

Note : Do not add watermelon as it oozes water.


Method

Mix 2 tbsp of Vanilla custard powder with 3 tbsp of warm milk and make a smooth paste without any lumps. Your custard paste is ready.

Boil 2 1/2 cups of milk , add sugar to it.

Add the custard paste to the milk and cook stirring continuously (so that it does not burn) until it becomes a little thicker than the consistency of raw milk (Check by pouring)

After it comes to room temperature, refrigerate it. (It will become more thick when cooled)

Cut fruits of your choice. You can use any seasonal fruits or mixed fruits.

 Arrange the fruits in a glass.

Pour cold custard in a glass.

Garnish with pomegranate seeds & a sliced grape on the edge of the glass (like I've done with the black grape).
Serve Chilled.

Note - Mix fruits to custard only before serving.

This be a very simple recipe and i'm sure everyone will love it. Do try this yummy custard smoothie in your kitchens and let me what your family or friends said about it (I'm quite sure your kids will want more and more of it everyday).
If you have any suggestions or questions about this recipe, please comment below.

~xoxo~

Orange is the happiest color!

Hey girls! Hope you all are good!

Since its the monsoon season..which is going to last for about fifteen more days I guess, I thought of creating a quick & casual look for you girls which will be really comfortable for you to carry in this humid weather!

Top : shopnineteen | Jeans : ZARA | Shoes : prettyballerinas

Bag : LeDiva fauxL | BeingHuman band | Watch : Fastrack 

          

I always had this feeling of oomph when I saw people wearing the bright orange color in summers. I always felt a little wierd about my dusky complexion having to carry the same color. I had this misconception that orange looks good on whitish people more often. Well, I bought this top recently from shopnineteen (an online shopping store) as to give it a try….and here it is…I don't look bad, right? In fact, I feel it has enhanced my complexion in many ways. I always loved the color and I believe being colorful is the most fantastic part one can ever play! As every color denotes something, orange denotes ENERGY & HAPPINESS. Since its a sheer top, I had to wear a spaghetti inside. I wore a black one but you can wear orange or white too.

I recently got these pair of stone wash jeans which I really love because of the fit. I am really particular about the correct fitting of my jeans or trousers because I don't want to keep pulling it up (while its slipping down from my waist) every time I wear it, only to get embarrassed! You can see I have rolled up my jeans, which I avoid doing mostly but there's nothing worse than stepping out in the rain and getting yourself soaked for the rest of the day. Plus, it is giving the whole look an edge so I'm kinda okay!

My love for the bag I’m carrying is not hidden. I got it from a store in Delhi. If you follow me on instagram, you must have seen me posing with this bag almost everywhere! Its a multi-purpose bag & multi-occasional too! I can carry it with a short skater dress to a brunch party, with a pair of ripped shorts & a shirt to a friend's place, with a printed shirt & a pair of plain trousers to my college, with a rock chic dress to a party at the club, or even with a long skirt & a tank top to a casual date. Also I love carrying it because its really spacious & easy to close with those little magnet buttons that shut up automatically! The sling makes the bag look casual yet funky. It can be added to any attire in two ways - 1. cross-body 2. one sided shoulder bag. 

Many of you know, I have recently started wearing this orange BeingHuman band inspired by one of my cousin brothers. I wear it everyday with every attire, so here you're seeing that too. Also, I chose to add this fun looking blue watch which has a falling dial attached to the leather band and it looks really cute. For my footwear, I chose these summer pink ballerina slippers which I bought from prettyballerinas.com (another online shopping store). These are super comfortable, easy to slip-in and complimented the orange top. Plus, they have rubber soles so I was tension-free about not getting my feet wet.

Hope you all enjoyed reading this post, the same way you're enjoying the season! Don't forget to comment below telling me what do you think about this look of mine and follow me on instagram for more OOTD style-ups!                                     

~xoxo~