Delighting in Delhi

Namaste from New Delhi, the capital of India! I hope all of you fashionistas are prepared for the unforgettable culture that awaits you here in Delhi. Known to be quite the cosmopolitan city in India, New Delhi is home to citizens of widely varying cultures and religions. Though Hinduism is the official religion of New Delhi, the city is comprised of Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Zoroastrians, and Bahais. Roaming the streets, one has the opportunity to listen to locals speak a combination of Hindi (the official language of the city), English, Urdu, and Punjabi. All in all, New Delhi is one big cultural party, and I am so excited to be here to celebrate! Here in New Delhi, we have the chance to celebrate so many different festivals and holidays throughout the year, from Diwali to Gandhi Jayanti (Gandhi's birthday) to Christmas to Eid ul-Fitr. The one I am the most excited for however, is The Republic Day Parade, a huge cultural and military parade that showcases India's cultural diversity and military power!

 

The city is centered around the enormous and beautiful Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Presidential house which is a historic landmark, flanked by the Secretariat, which houses various ministries of the Indian Government. Um, can I move in please?

What fascinates me most about this city however, is that it is known to be the MOST important trading center in Northern India. In others words, this city is WALL to WALL shopping. Scattered around this metropolis are various wholesales markets housing an immense variety of items like carpets, silks, jewelry, leather, silverware, handicrafts and hand printed cotton! There are numerous types of markets, all vastly different from one another and all reflecting a unique element of the multi-faceted city.
I know where I'm heading first. The Chandi Chowk market is known to be on the the country's most famous wholesale markets for textiles, electronics, and watches. There are multiple other markets that lead off of the Chandi Chowk like the Dariba silver market and Khari Baroli, the spice market!

Connaught Place is one of Delhi's most popular shopping centers, filled with anything you ever wanted to buy and any food you ever wanted to try! Referred to as CP, this center is used as a meeting place and is not to be missed as a tourist wanting to observe the daily goings-on of life in Delhi.

I am absolutely dying to get myself over to Janpath, one of the busiest roads in New Delhi! Janpath is home to a street market famous for its bargain prices on cotton clothes and Indian souvenirs. This is a great place to practice your bargaining skills for scarves and glass jewelry, and is probably where you will find me hyperventilating over the Tibetan Jewelry and wall hangings. (I go crazy over this kind of stuff!)

 So, let's talk about what people are wearing. Due to the cultural fusions coursing through this city, there are all kinds of ways that we will see people dressing here. From traditional Indian Salwar Kameez and Saris to high fashion prints and blouses, anything goes in Delhi. Here's what we've seen thus far!

 (Images courtesy of The Sartorialist).

So, to pick up on the colorfully coordinated, fashionable yet relaxed look of these New Delhi-an hipsters, I've created a look that I think emulates what is so unique about style in India.

Let's start out with this gorgeous embroidered top for $96 from TopShop. The criss crossed back adds a bit of spice to the look and the embroidery combined with the earthy tones gives off an understated yet eclectic attitude.

These silk trousers from Topshop for $130 are also an amazing way to express your affinity for Indian style- they are perfectly slouchy in a sophisticated way that is slightly reminiscent of Aladdin... but in the best way possible.

New Delhi-ans are not worried about matchy-matchyness the way many Americans are. The more patterns, textures, and colors, the better. Obviously this outfit is meant to be accessible across cultures, so the contrast is not too crazy color wise, but for some print and texture mixing, a silk printed scarf like this one available on Etsy for $55 will do nicely! Wrap it as seen above, sling it around your shoulders, or tie it up. However you wear it, a piece like this one adds an exciting twist to your already rockin' outfit.

I think I am actually tearing up as I add these unreal, VINTAGE, CUSTOM MADE, leather mojari indian shoes to the outfit. Available on Etsy for (GASP!) $21.90, these TO DIE FOR Indian slippers are the winning accessory to this ensemble. Hang on, I need to go wipe my tears away before I can continue on.

This Flirty bag by Rebecca Minkoff (yes I'm obsessed) is an understated pop of color to add some extra visual interest to the ensemble. Available on Zappos for $250, I think I've died and gone to heaven as I envision this beauty on my shoulder with this smokin' hot outfit.

 

Let's talk GOLD shall we? Was I the only one who saw the 60 Minutes expose on Indian people and their affinity for gold jewelry? Well according to David Muir, Indians can spend up to $200,000 on gold for one daughter alone. From the time she is born, an Indian daughter receives piece after piece of fine gold jewelry. So let's get our own! Stack these babies up on both arms (far right linked cuff can be worn up on forearm), to get a whimsical, artsy, eclectic look going. Each of these bracelets can be found at Anthropologie. (Bangle set, $48,  labyrinthine cuff, $48, linked cuff, $198)

 Once again, I look to Anthropologie for a pop of color near the ears and some classic gold shapes, dangly enough to fit the look but not too over the top that they would take away from the outfit. For $38 you too can decorate your ears with these gorgeous drop earrings.

To get yourself the real deal, slip into this goregous Sethi couture pave diamond necklace, found on Max and Chloe for $847. If that's a bit out of your price range (and let's be honest, it's WAY out of mine), check for some sweet deals with Haute Couture, as they are always having sales on top quality jewelry!

Well people, I have thoroughly enjoyed myself here in India. I really don't want to leave! There is still so much exploring and well, shopping to be done! This look is one of my favorites thus far, what do you think?

Do me a favor and subscribe to my blog if you can, and pass on the link to like-minded individuals. Feel free to comment and make suggestions, I want to hear what you think and where you might like to go next!
Thanks for traveling with me, until next time!

Namaskar, cheers, goodbye for now!

Kisses,
Steph

Shalom Fashionistim!

Okay people, I've held off as long as I could. And to be honest, I'm shocked I was able to wait even this long to visit my third favorite city on earth.

Welcome to Tel Aviv, Israel! Now if I know my audience, and I think I know many of you quite well, many of you have walked the streets of the city in which we are now paying homage to. And for those of you who have not yet been, there are a few things about Tel Aviv that you should know.

First, this notoriously casual city sits right on the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The 13 beaches that comprise the coastline of Tel Aviv are filled to the brim with sexy, tanned men and women who wear only the tiniest of swimwear and smoke hookahs while looking out at the blue waters.

Tel Aviv represents the heart of a thriving, Israeli metropolis. Tel Aviv is the economic and cultural center of Israel, heartily laid with corporate businesses, shops, markets, bars, clubs, restaurants, hotels, museums and beaches. Tel Aviv is the secular center of the religiously founded country, and welcomes people of all backgrounds into its arms. Walk around the streets of Tel Aviv and you'll see sculpted gay men, Asian immigrants, Orthodox Jews, rifle-carrying IDF soldiers, fashionistas, hippies, and a whole lot of cigarette smoke.

What Tel Aviv is famous (or infamous for, depending on your point of view) is its epic nightlife. You'll have to work pretty damn hard to find yourself very far away from a bar at any given point in time. Whether you decide on partying at Namal (the Tel Aviv seaport chock full of clubs), working your way from the chic bars on North Ben Yehuda street to those residing on Dizengoff, or walking the beach and settling on a lounge just off the Tayelet, you'd better be down for a late night and a great time.

As you may have heard, Tel Aviv has some serious shopping! Whether you are looking  for an outdoor market with some classic Israeli-style clothing and jewelry or a boutique experience to find some more fashionable apparel, Tel Aviv is the place to be. Take the bus around the city to make your way to Dizengoff Center to beat the heat inside a mall, to Shenkin for some upscale finds, or to my personal favorite, Carmel Market to have an authentic Israeli experience, haggling and yelling like a true Israeli to get deals on scarf skirts, Hamsa jewelry, and knockoff designer apparel, all while noshing on fresh fruit and falafel from the market vendors.

Naama Bezalel on Shenkin

Shopping in Shuk HaCarmel

Okay so let's get down to business. As you may be able to tell by now, Tel Avivim tend to stray towards the uber-casual, tree hugging, hippy-dippy styles that also look supremely sexy and fashion forward. They are au-naturel, long haired, tanned-from-the-beach, skinny creatures that really shouldn't exist in nature. And yet they do, but only in Israel. So when putting together an outfit that evokes a certain Tel Aviv-ian feeling, I kept in mind these basic traits. And this is what I came up with.

First off, a dress for the ages by Haute Hippie for $175. This little baby can take us from day to night with only the removal of this adorable, slouchy ombre top from H&M for $17.95 that I have selected. When paired together, the two make an unbeatable team of bohemian chic style.

These two long necklaces look boho-amazing when layered together. The first, from Tory Burch for $175. The second, by Cara Accessories on sale for $37.90

Pile up the bangles for a middle eastern, eclectic effect.

Don't forget this gorgeous ring by House of Harlow for $65!

These Sam Edelman Gladiators will look cool and laid back during the day, but chic and sexy at night, especially with your smoking' hot white dress!

Accessorize with these laid back Oliver Peoples sunnies. They're chill enough to keep you looking cool while keeping the hot  Mediterranean sun out of your eyes.

Grab this crocheted fedora by Jessica Simpson to keep the sun from bleaching out your hair and maintain your bohemian look.

Finish your look with this emerald Marc by Marc Jacobs hobo bag. The extended strap makes this bag perfect for day or night, and looks just slouchy enough for your Tel Aviv inspired ensemble.

Alright people, I think that's all I've got for now! Shalom v'l'hitraot! (Goodbye and see you later!

Mode in Amsterdam

Hallo Hallo to all of my fellow fashionistas! I'm so glad you are all able to join me on my romp through Amsterdam, where free-spirited bohemian fashion mavens roam rampant on trendy-without-trying bicycles, collecting vintage treasures which they wear effortlessly, shaming the rest of the Western world into copycatting the long-hair-don't-care style that the Dutch just seem to come by naturally. Rude.

So let's hang out for a minute in good old Amsterdam, renowned for its high quality of life (low living costs= more money for clothes!), small village vibe, numerous breweries (including Heineken!), and most importantly, it's crazy cool street style and fashion scene. Some of the best shopping in Amsterdam can be found on De Negen Straatjes, also known as The Nine Streets, located in the heart of the historic Canal District. This area is filled to the brim with amazing restaurants, cafes, galleries, boutiques, and best of all, vintage stores! Set me loose in De Negen Straatjes and you probably  will never get me back!

I would be remiss not to mention the Kalverstraat and Leidesraat, which are known to be the two main shopping streets in Amsterdam's city center, but I have to be honest, the high end shops just aren't calling to me when there is so much vintage exploration to do! So let's make our way over to the Haarlemmerdijk, which is a long, trendy shopping street on which one can find anything and everything from shows, independent labels, and second-hand clothes to Dutch collectibles and food items! This is where you will find me people watching, vintage hunting, and of course buying my own pair of those cute little Dutch shoes that everyone knows and loves.

What will I be wearing? Oh darling, I'm SO glad you asked!

Let's start off with a slouchy, natural colored pant. These Pilcro dyed chinos for $88 from Anthropologie give off a perfect bohemian, "I just rolled out of my boyfriend's bed and yeah I look this cool" vibe. Right? 

Pair those pants with this vibrant yet oh-so-cool anchor button down from J Crew for a relaxed look that feels vintage. (J Crew, $78).

In chilly Amsterdam, we're all about the layers. Add a navy blazer like this one from Topshop to bring some slouchy polish to this charming ensemble.

These vintage leather loafers are precious when paired with a sweet pair of socks, strategically worn to not only look adorable but also to keep those tootsies toasty in the oft chilly Netherland air.

Let's keep it cool with some funky accessories. I am actually hyperventilating as we speak about these Janessa Leone fur felt hats. Paired with a cozy crochet infiniti scarf available on Etsy, they are an Amsterdam-ian dream! (Hats: $310 each, Scarf: $55)

This Burberry Prorsum bag is enough to throw me into a shameless tantrum right in the middle of Vondelpark open air theater! I don't care who is playing, just give me the bag and nobody gets hurt! (Bag: Burberry Prorsum Raffia Colorway Tote, $2695)

Finish off the look with a few simple accessories and a dash of Dior Addict lippy, and I think we've got ourselves quite the worthy ensemble! (Turnlock Earrings: Marc by Marc Jacobs, $42, Watch: Michael Kors, $250, Lipstick: Dior Addict, Golden Jungle, $30)

Alright my worldly pals! I suppose that's it for now! I had a wonderful trip with all of you. Now it's home for a bit before I head out on my next adventure! So long vrienden, afscheid!