Real Conversation I - Talking about Self esteem,Plus size modelling Opportunities in India & My Global Dove Project #ShowUs

Real Conversation I - Talking about Self-esteem, Plus size modeling Opportunities in India & My Global Dove Project #ShowUs

One of those perfectly gloomy days I really don't know if I should be blaming the monsoon but the melancholy has surrounded me over 15 /20 days now...heck as I write it down I feel even more. Is it to do with the fact that I am home for my summer vacations(Yes I'm one of those people pursuing a job that allows me summer vacation-For those of you who do not know I'm a lecturer -an adjunct one for Pearl and NIFT Mumbai).
Do you see what I did there? I tried to make myself better by spelling out my profession through and through, Sometimes I feel it's become a complete extension of my demeanor & possibly the only thing that makes me happy about my existence.

I have been severely anxious lately. Writing this blog after September 2018 when I last shot with Rohed and I was talking about relationships! If you missed it I am linking it here.

One of the reasons why I stopped writing was also because I felt I wasn't writing stuff that would be
-is there a takeaway for you guys?
-I kept wondering who is actually reading it?
-in my headspace, I was creating content but in all honesty, it was just all the work that I was being offered and I kept posting that and made myself feel very occupied.

Despite the hiatus, I feel I need to get back? Why, you may ask. Some major life changes happened for me over the early start this year. I had been shooting with DOVE past November and that in my head was absolutely beautiful and also something that was saving me from creating my content. I also want to spell out today what exactly was I doing with them.

Part 1: Shot in India by photographer Prarthana Singh - Yup I was lucky to be photographed by her.
Most of you ask how I ended up getting the project honestly it just happened for me. From what I can recount -Dove, Girlgaze, and Getty Images were looking for different stories of women throughout the world for a better representation of women in media that would form a library and can be used commercially by anyone once they paid for it through Getty and had a wide array of women not just by their skin colors, looks, professional and sexuality-wise.
I beg for you to agree that the Media is a big exposure not only to younger girls but also women our age and our mothers who subconsciously are exposed to the unwarranted standard of what an Indian traditional beauty must look like-taut fair skin, Petite by all standard and long dark hair! You see our self-esteem is developed due to how we view other people reacting to us. I give my due credit to Supriya(supaarwoman on IG,must check her work out) who gave my number to Prarthna and then I was selected by the international team with my photographer consent, once they had shortlisted me and heard my story ofcourse.

It was shot in November-the idea was to cover a day in my life. We started early at 6 am -from the morning walk with my dad to my workspace to how I stepped out for a blogger event. Nothing was positioned and it all happened in the natural setting. Of course, I did change my outfits 5 times that day. This project has been released under the hashtag of #ShowUs and you ladies can still contribute to the Getty library. We had to abide certain rules-there could be only retouched of light but no skin, no photoshop to make me look bigger or smaller and absolutely no filters! Currently, 70% of women report that they don’t feel represented in media and advertising. You can’t be what you can’t see, so I have set out to change that by partnering with @girlgaze @dove and @gettyimages on Project #ShowUs. Alongside 116 female-identifying and non-binary photographers across the world, we have photographed 179 diverse, beautiful and complex womxn who we believe represent the change we want to see in the beauty industry. Our rallying cry is join Project #ShowUs.Sharing some of the images below:

                   

Cut to Jan I'm on my way to London and had the most amazing 3 days with the crew right from amazing production people-Gaby you have my heart! To the entire costume team headed by George, that sourced such an amazing variety -I mean sorry to the teams I have worked with in India you had nothing on them-I was given options! It was absolutely liberating-I yes 'I' got to choose what I could possibly wear and to me that feeling was surreal! I also happen to meet Simmone there who was another fellow Indian lady that was selected for the campaign. 

The campaign was supported by the likes of Shonda Rhimes and has currently won Silver at Lions film festival. Come April the campaign was released and I was lauded by Kayaan Contractor and Oh boy oh what was that feeling? Sharing the link to the video and images of my trip below. The trip has been the greatest gift to not just me but been a bigger part of this community that we keep harping about. It shall really bring about the change I believe in.

Also building upon my earlier statements as to why I had stopped blogging/why wasn't I writing anymore?

I have always been pitched and would like to think of my self as a body-positive blogger but all I had started doing was collaborating-yes it's a mean of income but I want to do something for myself, as a hobby and outlet to vent my feelings. This blog is a virtual diary and I am in no competition to any of my plus bloggers/influencers or models. I'm sorry but I had really not like to be a part of rat race anymore-I don't go on and fetch for brand collaborations myself. If it comes my way I'm happy to talk about it but I'm deliberately not going to ask someone. No, I haven't started to feel way ahead of myself or have any arrogance it's just that I don't want to care about my curation so much. I shall still stick to the aesthetics but I have never cared about the numbers and never will. This picnic I truly did it for myself. I got all my favorite things made a picnic basket and enjoyed my time. I worked with Shivani and Siddhi and that gave me so much confidence in front of the camera and behind, I really enjoyed myself and wasn't pressured to do certain things in a certain way. And this is what I created with them.

On a side note, I also understand what has been making me feel better

-puppy and baby videos, to be fair I always loved them but maybe it's the biological clock kicking in

-I'm open to the idea of getting arranged married yup just warming up (I need to still weigh this one down)

-I love watching Cornel(the choreographer's) Bachata video-I find it immensely calming so weird

-also been addicted to bombil fry which is definitely not a preference in a Bengali-Punjabi household (only because it's a seawater fish-yes we have that kind of discrimination and I was snooty about it too) and I think I need to thank Sanky for introducing me for this one.

-I have become more appreciative about my parent's.Both their health's are declining at a pace I am honestly learning to cope up and it's hard to be alone doing this.

And trust me if you can love me you can love yourself-I heard this Lizzo say at a concert and this is exactly what I had like to quote to you guys. The messages that I get I'm honestly so overwhelmed by it that why would you want to be like me - and I really stand by this you have to be the best of you. Love each part of yourself than more the other-only you will put yourself up on a pedestal and let people follow! I don't want you to be anything like me-I'm sorry but yes I really don't. You can be YOU and really that is the best kind of idols you want to have. Iw ould definitely say around yourself with really positive people (even if they are not happy all the time - like me :P I know this is going to be difficult but a good brick always sticks around and I'm counting on you.

This picture sums my musings for today.More in the next post, hoping to write more often and for those l'il birdies that come and read here. A big Thank You!

That Summer Air featuring Afamado

Hello my queens,

I have written numerous post about custom-made clothing from Afamado and it is no secret the custom fit clothing can play a miraculous role when it comes to different body types. What brands often have failed to understand that even plus size bodies aren't all hourglass proportionately same. Even in outsize's there are several different body types-not all of us have the ample bosom the voluptuous ass and a tiny waist to match with. Afamado bridges that gap and creates clothing to suit your boldly and not the other way around. Elaborating on to my outfit here I am quite the collector when it comes to wrap dress and I actually favour them 'cos they always wind up above my muffin tops and help me create the perfect illusion. Most brands/labels are using some form of vanity sizing by now, and they are reluctant to unwilling to abandon this strategy which has helped swell the customer self-esteem ( of course keeping in mind it's short-term, for as long as they use the same vanity sizing for all their collection). The problem with vanity sizing is that it leads to false sense of self-esteem as all the bands would not follow the same. This could do much more harm to consumers mind frame than to boost the sales. Which brings me to the dire need of standardization when conflicted with that of bespoke clothing. Bespoke. Which most of us can’t afford, money-wise or time-wise.  Also, If everything was made bespoke and all components manufactured by different individuals then it would likely be uncommon for things to fit well. With all the ranges and variations of our bodies, a good fit is found in clothing that shall be solely manufactured for you, from your unique measurements. And this requires a different manufacturing model; one where profitability doesn’t require multi-thousand item runs of a single size.

It means “fit” is measured not as cookie cutter parameter sizes, however, defined and redefined or standardized, but rather in the way you gauge it: as fitting you. This is what they do at Afamado and understand you, to make it to your fit.

 I got two dresses from Afamado's SS"18 collection -the first dress is a zig-zag printed wrap dress and other an unstitched wrap dress in the most marvelous print. I chose them as per a day and a night outfit that screams summer. You can also avail a special discount of 15 % sitewide when you shop above 2000 INR.

Now talking about the SO-WHAT campaign I had also like to share a video with you. My styling for the outfits was really just about focusing on my outfits really! The earrings are from H & M and heels are Dorothy Perkin. I had really like you to share your So-what story with me and get featured on the blog next.

Happy Spaces With Vajor

As a creator, I often myself deriving inspiration around me to weave a story. I had kept this dress as a memoir 'cos it looked like something my grandmother would pass on to me and when I happen to visit maternal home I was more than happy to flutter it around.

So come Thanksgiving and I know we are not an American family but nevertheless, we wanted yet another reason to be thankful for everything we have had and things that were yet to step in our lives.

What is unique about the space is its beautiful sepia-toned lighting and cosy spaces that make you want to bundle up with a book and chai and not interact with anyone but yourself. I say pretty similar to what the dress does to me too-the beautiful hand block printed along with foil detailing is as bit comfortable as it is festive.

Enough room for that yum food on the table and realm with tassels and pockets,

the right amount of ruffles this dress will keep you more than engaged.

I'm wearing a size XXL which is a lil loose for me given its silhouette but honestly, the dress needs absolutely zero accessorizing and you guys know how big I am on maxis that need minimum styling-this is your go-to dress. Here's a glimpse of my family time sans the familia from the picture but I will definitely show you space around.

I will see you on my Instagram feed waiting for your suggestions and feedback for my next blog post, till then Xoxo

The Adorned One by Nubella

Bright and inventive colour combinations are important this season, while the influence of street style impacts silhouette and style.A romantic mood is created via sweet vintage florals such as the classic rose while frills continue to bring a feminine dimension to the season,as states the WGSN too.

In the words of top and everybody's favourite model Ashley Graham "It's not just about size anymore, It's about inclusivity "Luckily we have some wonderful brands catering to our sensibility in India now. One of my definitive favourite and what I personally like to shop from .
The outfit I wear is something that I would wear to work sans the high block heels, I would swipe them for matallic loafers.The jacket is by Nubella isa limited edition baby-it has a detailed floral motif handpainted to each jacket that definitely makes it one of it's kind.

The outfit it so complete yet has this subdued elegance with a hint of sexiness. As a plus size girl cleavage is that unwarranted aunty that decide to pay you a visit of course almost leaving you red faced in public sometimes. this jacket not only comes to you rescue but also does much making a statement. I loved the sleeves and the neckline as it doesn't accentuate to give a droopy look and the sleeves being flared, are extremely c beautiful. Th e jacket is made in poplin is perfect for not only in betweens but also as a good piece of layering.

 

I'm wearing the KELSIE HAND PAINT POPLIN JACKET you can find it here

Get Casual

Do you love tartans?

As in the highlands wear the family tartans in homage to the tradition of the finest Scottish society. Bon chic bon genre version revised with classic air or reinterpreted in the style of the most irrelevant fashion designers

 Tartan enters into the autumn and the winter wardrobes and shares the stages with classic menswear fabric like prince of Lea check as well as herringbone and tweed gently unstructured a la Chanel which is now a common heritage no gender.

I have always been asked about what I like to wear on an everyday basis to work and running errands. My only answer to that has been some several basics that I have repeated over years now. For work(Those of you don't know - I teach at a design Institute in Mumbai) I like to pick out separates that can have multiple wears and can be worn multiple ways. For this post I'm sharing an ensemble I have been wearing a lot lately- I love the tartan plaids trend, now peplum has not been a choicest of a trend that I always vouch for. This top is a thrift find from Bandra that has chicest airy sleeves along with a clinched peplum. The intricate embroidery on a very high neck (not sported often by me) makes it appropriate for workspace. I have paired it up with flared denim from Dorothy Perkin and my got to block heels from New Look. I  have literally worn them out ever since I got them and never failed to receive compliments on them. I wish I could buy them back again, 'cos it's falling to pieces now-yes, it's such a staple for me!

Thinking how I would wear the top otherwise? I would pair them up with a denim pencil skirt and wedges or with maxi with slits and low ankle boots.

How do you incorporate trends in your wardrobe, what are your staples Let me know?
See you soon in my next post!

How Can I miss out on thanking my bae Sanky for the epic hair and the pictures, we did foil curls which took over 2 hours to complete but definitely worth the pain.
XOxO

My first Canary

On the occasion of our 71st Independence Day as I jot down my words for the new post-i've realized how I have come a long way from looking in a mirror and I couldn't accept the reflection to be able to stand up for myself to my reflection. I don't completely feel positive a cent percent of the times and it's only human to feel in this way. I bring to you the latest label you would want to brag about and solve your everyday woes to occasion wear at extremely affordable prices.

I'm back with my shoulder-baring top shenanigans -well it is a story that's not going anywhere this 2017.I have honestly have been loving this trend so much that most of my seasonal must haves are these unspoken heroes that cover my jiggly arms and let me add highlighter to my shoulders. Win-Win situation I say.

What I absolutely liked about Nubella is that it hasn't lost its identity for clothing with this new surge of labels that want to cater to us plus size ladies in India. I would also go to the extent of saying that even though we do have a whole range of e-tailers making clothes available for us not everything has been designed keeping in mind the body shapes and kinds of curves we ladies come in. Although we are not a fruit and we can wear whatever we want to! There is an extremely helpful guide that helps us choose our clothes.

I chose a fun yellow ruffled top with my favourite trend. I paired it with my denim from Dorothy perkins and peep toes from Done by none. I love how simply the top is the star of  the outfit and I really didn't have to accessorize at all. Also, I haven't ever thought of yellow being my color, but honestly you can call me a convert now and would definitely see me in more yellows! You can find a fine tuned curation on their website, also have I told you about their useful blogs.It's well-versed blog on your everyday problems.This is definitely becoming my got to brand.Hope you like the post,do let me know how would you pair this top! 

Breaking Myths With Afamado

I personally think there has been so much rue about what a Fat girl shouldn’t wear but time and again and we a plus size community have been trying to break the shell. It’s honestly very heartbreaking to see that as a community whose very members are we, levy such rules upon what to wear and what not to wear! The dress custom made by me defies all the rules that as plus size woman I’m supposed to be following.

The dress has my favorite trend off shoulder, a cinched waist, and a slit. I don’t want to be a hero but just normal person who wants to exists and do her own thing, eat what she likes, dress up as she likes and be  in this community just as anybody else.

One of the biggest style trends to emerge from  the very beginning  of summer 2016, without a doubt,  the off shoulder trend- is also  known by the name“Bardot  .” As a curvy girl, I remember baring my shoulders felt like a throwback to another time(being a vintage pinup fam), but also felt more comfortable sporting this trend.

To me these styles are flirty and the appeal lies in the fact that we can show skin but you got your upper arms covered. And that is a complete summer win for me. For colder weather, I would wear it with a button up plain shirt with prominent collars. 

You have seen me embrace the trend quite a few number of times on the blog.

It’s not hard to wear off-the-shoulder dresses – they make a statement on their own hence they really don’t need much else.

For this blog post, I have a beautiful geometrical print dress from Afamado. The dress is an off shoulder baby in Non stretch rayon woven fabric that can be either worn cinched or loose. The elastic on the shoulder and neck line enable a better fit. The dress was customized to my size and preference and that is what I loved about Afamado that ensures that each of its garment is made to the customers sizing’s.

For me my biggest accessory thanks to Sanky has become my Hair. We made it fun with tight curls. I have paired the dress with my pastel drop earrings from ALDO and block heels from Truffle Collection.

I really like the pop of color and the patterns of the dress. You can check out their curvy collection HERE and honestly these are all the dresses I would genuinely want to wear catering to different occasions.

Because Mother's know the best

Days when I absolutely nothing to wear I turn to my beloved abode of Maxis. I probably have a new add on every month. They are really my favorite and go to pieces in the wardrobe. I'm the kind of person when it comes to personal style that likes to flaunt a little skin here and there so when my mum got his maxi custom made I was like who is going to wear these curtains. Yes, those were my initial words to mum. Which is what mother dear took upon as a challenge and asked me to let her style this one post.

I share the most beautiful relation with my mother that shall have endless memories to each garment.We share a lot of our wardrobe 

"Shh! Trust me, pet

Mother knows best
Mother knows best
Listen to your mother
It's a scary world out there"
Recall these lines from one of the finest Disney movies yet?

So my mum had made me this button down shirt maxi, and after all the years of having it, I  asked my mum to finally take the task.I have literally dreaded to wear the dress for so long thinking of ways to style it.And out of nowhere, we thought the dress deserved a fair chance and well we kinda did it. This was shot in 15 minutes flat hair done expertly by Sanky in the driveway of course. Also if you know my bong mother she is big on flowers/plants everything real or fake - Which I completely endorse in this post.
I have so many exciting posts lined up, hope you are enjoying reading this and can take up some style inspirations for your everyday styles.
See you real soon XOxo 💋

So here the pictures of a very quickly styled post by my mother in cue with the location and footwear which I absolutely love. I have come to become a loyal fan to Truffle shows they really do make extremely comfortable heels. Let me know what do you think of the post?