Plaid tunic

**This is a pre-scheduled post while I am away on a vacation in India**

Sometimes a tunic and jeans is just what you need on a lazy day. No more of the tops, skirts, short routine..tunics are simple and comfortable. And what better than a printed one. Black military jacket, blue flats completed this comfy look. And of course, a glitter hairband to cheer up my bad-hair day. So how do you dress up on your off-days? Any tips or tricks, do share in the comments below. 

H&M Plaid tunic | Black Levis denims | Born flats | 

Old Navy black military jacket | 

Swarowski necklace and earrings (Gift from mom-dad)

Bollywood style

It's that time of the year, folks! I will be on a trip to homeland starting this weekend! Absolutely excited state-of-mind, right now! Too many things on the list..last minute shopping, packing, blogging (yes, you will be seeing some scheduled posts), finishing off the kitchen stocks, cleaning, and lots more. Well, you be prepared to be bombarded with the tales of how I tackle the supremely hot weather, hog on yummy desi delicacies and chaat, and take a trip to good ol' Mumbai!

Back to the post, last weekend, we treated ourselves to an Indian-lunch buffet, at Bollywood Bistro in Fairfax,VA. The buffet luncheon was almost after ages; last time we hogged on a buffet was in summer of 2012. The buffet was very-well priced at 9 bucks with a good spread of Indian delicacies that could just elevate anyone's mood. All the curries (both veg and chicken) were flavorsome and spicy. We ended the meal on a sweet note, thanks to the warm and delicious Gulab Jamuns. All this was followed by a much-needed dose of saunf (fennel seeds) and an extended stroll in the Old Fairfax district to get us out of the slump-iness that follows after an elaborate Indian meal.  

About the restaurant decor, it was plain A-ok. I mean, the bollywood theme is so awe-inspiring  and they could have ran-off wild with it, but sadly it was kept quite conservative. Well, that's not a deal-breaker though! So if you are want to indulge in some good Indian food in Northern Virginia, you know where to head to. 

Moving on to the outfit, I had been on a lookout for this striped dress the moment I saw it on Veronica aka DP in Cocktail. And lo' behold, my much-loved store was selling it this spring so how could I not grab it :) The best part of this dress is that it gives me a plain backdrop to try all sorts of whimsical styles. Well, for now, I went with my style-statement trinket - the bauble necklace and then of course some tan-colored accessories to keep it simple overall. It was not very chilly or hot, just in between with a cool breeze last weekend; so out with the boots and trench. So basically past weekend, my culinary and fashion experience were both a' la Bollywood style! 

Anyhow, I will get back to packing now..gotta rush it! Have a Happy Monday!

Old Navy striped dress (similar, similar) | Born Boots | The Limited tan cross-body and earrings | 

Esprit Trench | Groopdealz bauble necklace (last seen here) and bow ring

Ahem...so who wore it better? :P

P.S.: Sharing this post on YOLO Mondays at Mollys. Molly and I are featuring a similar style of black-and-white striped dress on the Monday blog-post...how awesome is that!

Black & White

I am sure life would be pretty boring black and white, but ironically when it comes to dressing up, guess what? It's not! On the contrary, it's the hottest trend of the season! This is my spin on the classic black-and-white aka monochrome look that has been doing rounds in the fashion & style blogging world for quite some time now. Almost all of us own the essentials to sport this trendy look. Like we all know, black skirt/pants and a crisp white shirt are both wardrobe staples where they can be both dressed up for an office-appropriate look and dressed down for a night-out look. 

The best part about this trend is that it gives a perfect op for mixing prints - and that's exactly what I did today. Long-sleeve polka tee and black-n-white wool skirt paired great for the not-so-hot-and-not-so-cool weather we are experiencing right now. A black vest ties it all together. The vest is on the roomy side; and that's where the black belt came to my rescue. I did have this incessant urge to add a pop of color, but I held it back - 'cause well, today's outfit is all about going the 'monochromatic' way! 

Give this style a try with some quick tips below:

• Of course a simple monochromatic look would be white tee/shirt and black skirt/pants but it I assure you that it will be well worth attempting it's whimsical variation of black tee and white skirt/pants. 
• Ideal trend would be to go all out mixing prints - polkas with stripes, stripes with florals, stripes with stripes (horizontal and vertical), chevron/zigzag print with polka dots, 'houndstooth' print with stripes. 
• Keep jewelry coordinated with the outfit. If you have black on top, go with white jewelry; if you have white on top go with black necklace and earrings. 
• Be creative with your accessories. Bags with black and white print will add the extra touch to a simple  white tee and black skirt/pants outfit. Similar with shoes. 

Have fun with this trend while it lasts :)

P.S.: Incidentally, I had a similar styling experience the last time I wore this trend. 

Ann Taylor wool tweed skirt (similar/similar) | Ann Taylor Loft polka-dot tee (similar) | NY& Co. vest (similar) | 

Bandolino peep-toe pumps @ DSW | Shopper's stop pearl jewelry set (Gift from hubs) |

Sin City style

During the holidays last month, we took a trip down to the Sin City aka Las Vegas. It was our second time there. The first time in LV, we were running from one hotel to another, trying to cover as many touristy spots as possible, and attending the Cirque du Soleil shows. This time around though we just decided to indulge in the extravagance and forget our worries and stress from the hum-drum life. We stayed at Encore-Wynn resort hotel and I highly recommend it. Stunning interiors  attentive service, great booze n food ..what more do you need on a vacation, right? :)
We dined at Iron Chef Bobby Flay's very own 'Mesa Grill' for some fusion Mexican, had some delish Chinese-southeast Asian cuisine at 'Wazuzu' and gratified ourselves in chocolate-y goodness at 'Max Brenner's'. Some shopping and lil bit of gambling (blackjack/ slots) completed the lavish trip to Vegas.

Well, here's a quick look at one of my dinner-time outfits. I got this zebra print skirt at the sale rack and was super-excited to give it a spin here. I think straight-hair look works, right? what do you think?

What I am wearing: Zebra-print skirt - LOFT sale; Net Top - Ann Taylor; Cardigan - Old Navy; Black kitten heels - Catwalk, Shoppers Stop, Mumbai; Fringe necklace - Target; Silver hoops - NY&Co.; Sling bag - ALDO; Ring - The Limited; Watch - MK Women's Chronograph

 

Dunno what was I doing or thinking :P

Brrrr..it was bone-chilling cold!

Delicacies at Wazuzu/Breakfast with a view/Yumminess at Mesa Grill

LBS - Long Black Sari

I have been MIA (Missing In Action) for quite some time now and I really feel bad for that. Lot of things kept me busy all this while - work, holidays, travel and just life in general! Well, but better late than never right? So here I am back to wish all my readers, well-wishers, blogger friends, sponsors, blog partners a very Happy New Year! May you have a lucky 2013!

And with that sweet and short message I leave you to browse through my LBS aka 'Long Black Sari' pics. I draped this sari for one of the Diwali parties in November 2012. A LBS is absolutely must in a 'Desi' girl's wardrobe for its a knock-out option for special Indian parties. 

Lastly, sorry if some of the pics look blurred - you see, both the photographer and his muse were shivering in the sub-zero temps :)

 

What I am wearing: Sari: Gift from mom (India); Blue pendant and earrings set: street-shopping in Mumbai, India; Flats: street-shopping in Mumbai (India); Silver bangles: Aldo; Ring: Pier 1 Imports; Watch: Fossil (Gift)