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Summer in the {Country}

anushka — Fri, 04 Jul 2014 17:05:32 +0000

You can take the girl out of the big city, but you can never take the big city of of the girl…or can you?

Call me a bit of an oddball, but I usually spend my vacations doing anything but relaxing. I pick a city in the world that’s historic, artistic and possibly more manic than the one I’m from and spend my time whizzing in and out of museums, tour buses, busy markets and even busier high street stores, stopping only for a drink at the hotel bar before I head back to my room to pass out with my clothes on. Lather, rinse, repeat till it’s time to board the plane back home.

This time round, thanks to a certain special someone who counteracts my hyperactivity with calm, I’ve chosen to do things a little differently. Instead of heading straight to London as I always do when in the UK, I’ve been up North, enjoying England’s beautiful countryside. Everywhere I look there’s a beautiful old tree longing for a romantic picnic under it’s shady branches, road after country road is lined with horses grazing in lush green fields and lakes are dotted with bright little fishing boats, dodging smoothly between swans. And, because its summer, every flower for miles has decided to wake up and bloom brighter than ever, perfectly juxtaposed with England’s dramatic cloud-streaked skies.

We’ve been spending our days exploring quaint little vintage and charity stores in search of one-of-a-kind pieces for a song, eating fish and chips, going on long drives with the wind in our hair, visiting the local sights (think little farms with home made ice cream, tractor rides and a petting zoo) and frequenting darling little bars, famous for the most delicious cocktails I’ve ever sampled. Evenings, however, are strictly reserved for sipping cider at local pubs, taking the dogs on long walks and laid-back barbecues in the backyard with friends and family.

Style-wise, I’ve been gravitating towards dreamy florals and pastel shades that echo my surroundings (and my state of mind) perfectly. However, true to form, I’ve been adding a bit of edge to traditional florals with studs, reptile jewellery, leather jackets and multi-strap heels. Keep checking back for more outfit posts, shopping posts and maybe even food posts from my holiday. If you’ve traveled here before and have recommendations on anything, leave me a comment below!

{PHOTOGRAPHY} James Moore

{ OUTFIT DETAILS } Top: Max | Leggings: Forever21 | Jacket and shoes: Bought in a UK thrift shop | Bag, Crocodile Cuff: Birthday present | Bottle Necklace: Splash (Dubai) | Spider Ring: Bought in Spain | Sunglasses: Paperlillie | Belt: Colaba

Little Black Bag {Airport Edition}

anushka — Sun, 15 Jun 2014 22:40:17 +0000

How I love the summer! Flowers bloom brighter, popsicles get juicier, love feels sweeter and there’s always the promise of the perfect vacation right round the corner.

But once you’ve painstakingly planned your itinerary to include all the shopping and sight-seeing you could possibly do, booked your tickets and perfected the art of ‘packing light’, there’s always a pesky long flight standing between you and summer utopia. That and endless waiting around at airports, pesky forms to fill and bags to lug around.

I’m going to put it out there and just admit that I’m not the best traveler. I get cranky without a window seat, find it close to impossible to fall asleep on flights and I always seem to be surrounded by crying infants, reinforcing the first two points. Oh and it doesn’t really help when you step out of the airport looking half asleep with morning breath, your hair flat and your skin resembling an oil rig.

Luckily, I’ve picked up a few tips along the way for a smooth sailing (through the air, anyway). Here’s what I pack in my purse (my home away from home) that takes me through security and immigration and out into the real world, ready to take on my vacation looking and feeling fresh.

AT THE AIRPORT

1. Pen

There are always forms to fill out, baggage tags that need details and credit card slips to sign at Duty Free. The most annoying thing is standing around waiting for someone else to finish using a ‘public’ pen or borrowing one from a stranger, so I always carry my own.

2. Glasses

I’m blind as a bat without them and have had horrid experiences at airports when I can’t read what’s on the screens or even identify my own bags from afar.

3. Passport

For obvious reasons. Though slipping mine into a chic case always makes the travel experience a little more glam. A friend got me this vintage pin-up girl printed number from the Victoria & Albert Museum in London a few years ago. I haven’t taken it off since.

4. Phone

For co-ordination, last minute goodbyes, beating your high score on Fruit Ninja while you’re waiting to board or posting airport selfies on Instagram (we all do it).

5. Visiting Cards

You never know who you may meet at an airport. I’ve met potential work contacts in transit on a number of occasions, which is why I always like to have them on hand.

6. Zip lock bag

When you get to security, they make you get rid of all liquids and aerosols that are more than 100ml in quantity each. Which is why I always make sure I carry tiny, travel-sized bottles and place them in a clear bag for security checks. This is also great because in case one of your products leaks due to cabin pressure, the rest of your things remain dry and protected.

7. Band Aids

Sometimes, in anticipation of my holiday, I buy the perfect shoes for the journey. However, more often than not, they end up giving me terrible blisters even before I take off! Band-aids help immensely when I start to feel a little discomfort. Trust me, your feet will thank you a day into sight-seeing.

ON THE PLANE

1. iPad

I don’t like wasting any time, which is why I spend plane journeys brainstorming ideas for stories and photo shoots, making lists to get more organized or writing down rough blog post drafts on my iPad. Or, if I’m taking a break, I’ll read a book or a magazine (currently on my Kindle app – ‘#Girlboss’ by Sophia Amoruso and the latest issue of Porter magazine).

2. iPod

I don’t always feel like having my iPad on my lap, which is why I still carry my old-school iPod with me everywhere. I usually listen to a playlist I compiled of relazed, summery poolside music to get me in the mood.

3. Eye Mask

When I finally do decide to try and get some sleep, an eye mask works wonders for blocking out light, so fellow passengers aren’t inconvenienced on my behalf if they decide to do some reading or open a window. Earphones are great, too, for blocking out sound (here’s looking at you, crying babies!) and finally getting some shut-eye.

4. Painkillers

I have a bad back, which is almost always aggravated by plane seats and lifting luggage. So I make it a point to always carry around the medicines my doctor has prescribed if I start to experience pain, rather than putting a damper on my whole trip.

BEFORE / RIGHT AFTER I LAND

1. Tissues

I lightly dab one across my face to blot away excess oil. These are also great to have on hand for food / drink spills, and with me, that is often.

2. Compact

I take my Chanel Poudre Universelle compact with me everywhere to combat shine and leave my skin feeling clean and fresh. Sometimes, I even carry a little concealer and dab it under my eyes so I look a little more fresh and awake, in case I haven’t managed to get enough sleep on the flight.

3. Mouthwash and mints

I do a quick gargle, then pop a mint in my mouth to combat morning breath after sleeping on a long flight.

4. Lipstick and lip balm

Nothing like a little touch-up to leave you looking polished and put-together. Sometimes I even dab a little lippy onto the apples of my cheeks if my skin is looking dull or sallow after a flight.

5. Sanitizer and moisturizer

Call me a germophobe, but I always sanitize my hands diligently in transit. You never know what infections people are carrying around, and it’s better to be safe than to ruin your trip with a flu. And, since all that sanitizing can leave your hands dry, I carry around a scented lotion (‘Chance’ by Chanel rocks my world these days.)

6. Teasing Comb

My hair often tends to fall very flat after a flight and gets knotted after sleeping in different positions. I use my comb to untangle any knots, then use it to tease my hair a little to give it some volume and leave it looking bouncy and full of life again.

7. Perfume

And lastly, I carry a small vial or a tester of a perfume around (it doesn’t have to be your favourite) and spritz some on to feel refreshed and rearing to go. (Tip: You can always spray yourself using a Duty Free perfume tester, or even ask them for a sample vial).

That finishes my last of 21 little life-savers that keep me going when I’m in transit. What are your airport essentials? Share them with me in the comments below, or on Twitter (@bombaybubble).

{Travel Diary} Dubai Of Yore

anushka — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 22:38:29 +0000

Since I spent most of my visit in 2012 discovering Dubai’s exhilarating nightlife, shopping malls and larger-than-life, well, everything, I dedicated this trip to soaking in the city’s culture, displayed in abundance among their vast plethora of tourist attractions.

For those of you who think Dubai has no history or heritage, I urge you to think again. It is remarkable how this city has managed to cling on to it’s Bedouin culture and traditional architecture while embracing the present and the future with the famous mirrored skyscrapers that light up the city’s skyline.

Our excursion began with a dhow cruise along the Dubai creek, learning about the maritime life and business culture that makes the city the economic hub it is today. A little more exploring then led us to the museum (it’s a lot bigger than it looks), the Sheikh’s house and the Wafi area, famous for it’s Egyptian-themed mall and underground market. Once bitten by the shopping bug, there was no turning back and our tour quickly led us on to the old markets or suks of Dubai, where walked through row after row of stores displaying their wares on a busy weekday, the air heavy with the scent of spices. We stopped to sample sheesha flavours, dates (I think I’ll pass), and ooh and aah over window displays of glittering gold. However, the local artifacts, beaded jewellery, scarves and mojri-esque shoes weren’t dissimilar to items you’d find around Colaba for a fraction of the price.

Still, if it’s a unique, traditional souvenir you seek, I’d steer you in the direction of an attar (Arabic perfume) store. Made of essential oils, these babies usually wear very strong and last through the day, so picking a fresh, mild scent is key. What’s most interesting about them is the beautiful bottles they come in, making them interesting gifts for friends or an treasured addition to your vanity table.

Seeing a side of Dubai that wasn’t grand monuments, luxury hotels and over the top opulence wasn’t only refreshing, but a bit of a relief. It’s always reassuring to know that in a world of smoke and mirrors, one can always find what’s real, genuine and organic if you look long and hard enough. Seek and you shall find.

And I can’t wait to see what I find on my next adventure this summer!

What crazy experiences have you had in this amazing city? Share them with me in the comments section. Or to see more pictures from my vacation, follow me on Instagram. Till the next trip!

Photography: Anushka Hajela, Zarah Fiaz

To Delhi and Back in Fendi Pumps

anushka — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000

If you ask me, even the tiniest pieces of success are worth celebrating. Maybe it’s just the child in me, but I ceremonialize even the smallest press mentions or brand collaborations with a piece of cake. Okay, a new bag.

But when Cosmopolitan called to say they were flying their favourite bloggers out to the capital for an editorial spread in their Digital Issue, I was ecstatic. Numerous phone calls to their fashion editor later, I was ready to pack my bags and head out to big, bad Delhi (much to the discontent of everyone back home!)

It felt so exhilarating to be a single girl heading out on a fashion adventure, that I spent a large part of the plane ride making mental notes for a chick flick starring Anne Hathaway as me, in my head.

Of course, thanks to frantic calls from home checking to see if i was safe, my phone battery died. Luckily I was greeted by a very kind policeman who not only helped me find the magazine’s rental car, but loaded my accessory-jammed bags into the boot after checking the driver’s credentials. Score One for Delhi! Somewhere, as street after pretty street whizzed by to the sound of U2′s ‘City of Blinding Lights’ and the driver chatting animatedly away, we got lost. Which turned out to be fantastic as I got to drive by India Gate. Sightseeing? Check! Which now meant that I was horribly late. I was the last to arrive at The Pink Room in Haus Khas village (or as I like to call it, base camp), but was quickly enveloped in hugs and air kisses from the Cosmo team and my favourite Santu Misra.

As I filled fellow blogger, Akanksha Redhu in on the latest episodes of the Bombay blogger scene and got to know the lovely Naina between sips of coffee in hair and makeup, Aradhana, Cosmo’s fashion editor, carefully curated pieces from the racks that were the perfect balance of high fashion and our own personal styles.

Soon, it was my turn to be whisked away for my shoot. I felt like royalty, having my dress held up and my Fendi shoes and bag carried as we made our way through the crowded streets, held our breaths through narrow alleyways and trekked up about a dozen flight of stairs.

We finally made it to this darling little cafe on the roof of a building that had the prettiest view of a lake. I took a deep, steadying breath and tried to channel my inner Coco Rocha while I waited for the madness to begin. After about thirty minutes of camera clicks, Santu yelling ‘werq’ and me wondering how models did this for a living, we called it a wrap and made our way back to home base.

A plate of pesto pasta and onion rings later (yes, people in fashion do eat), my phone buzzed to let me know the car had arrived ten minutes early to take me to the airport.

As I bid everybody farewell and went on to get stuck in the worst traffic jam of my life, I realized, in more ways than one, that Delhi is a lot like that girl you knew in school who had a bad reputation for being a bitch, but who was secretly quite nice once you got to know her. Or maybe I’m just naiive.

All I know is, I had the best time and can’t wait to visit again!
{ Dress : Iconic Dubai | Jacket : bYSI | Bag and shoes : Fendi | Necklace : Outhouse | Ring : Blur, Sunnies : Prada }

Photography : Santu Misra from ‘The Devil Wore’

Oh, and did I mention I met a really cute boy wearing an Hermès
tie on the plane back home? But that’s a story for another day!

Bisou bisou,
Anushka xx

back with a bang

anushka — Tue, 31 May 2011 18:24:00 +0000

shopping in marbella
{ nude dress : vero moda, floral scarf : mom’s, pearls : chanel, hat : hill road, sandals : hill road, bag : french connection, ring : claire’s london, sunnies : colaba }

discovering barcelona
{ shorts : custom made, snake print tshirt : fashion street, shirt : bought in spain, belt : hill road, retro radio bag : bought in spain, brogues : bought in spain, sunnies : colaba }

on a beach in costa del sol
{ kaftan : hill road, swimsuit : sagar, sandals : hill road, hat : hill road,chunky turqoise necklace : gift from naaz, leopard necklace : colaba, ring : colaba, sunnies : colaba, bangles : colaba }

window shopping in puerto banus
{ pants : vintage, top : thrift store, sequin flats : random shoe store, hat : hill road, bag : french connection, ring : claire’s london, bangle : accessorize, camera necklace : colaba, sunnies : colaba }

sightseeing in barcelona
{ oversize crop top : bought in spain, bangle : accessorize, retro radio bag : bought in spain, sandals : hill road, hat : hill road, sunnies : colaba, jeans : unknown }

shopping in barcelona
{ pants : vintage, sequin flats : random shoe store, top : bought in spain, gold knit : thrift store, retro radio bag : bought in spain, scarf : mom’s }

hola! i’m back from spain and had the most fantastic holiday ever! i swam, soaked up the sun on the beach, shopped, ate fantastic food and drank as much sangria as i could without getting all giggly!

for today’s outfit post, i thought i’d show you guys some of the outfits i wore in spain! since walking while sightseeing and shopping is inevitable on a holiday, i decided to keep it simple and comfy with flats and repeated accessories often. the weather in spain is similar to bombay this time of year so i didn’t have to carry many warm clothes (the trench coat i carried didn’t get worn once which was really quite a bummer!)

which is your favourite look? share it with me in the comments section and don’t forget to stay tuned for a spanish trend report coming soon! :)

muchos besos,
anushka xx