Outtakes - 1

1 - How about a coffee?

2 - Casual Get-up

3 - Big News Neon-ized

4 - In Style

5 - Monsoon Special

6 - A Springy evening in Shelby Farms

As I was looking in to my archives, I thought it would be fun to post some outtake shots! And trust me, it was serious fun for me because my husband sat beside me all the time and kept making fun of all the potential pictures for this post.

On other note, you might have noticed by now, that I have changed the template of the blog. And I am loving this new template soooo very much!
It is more user friendly as I have added a 'Search' box on the top right corner of the page, which will help all my lovely readers to search any content they like.

Weekend is close, and my plans are ready! What are you doing this weekend?? Something new, something fun?

Cheers
Ritika

Double Your Denim

Hello everyone!

Here is for you to enjoy a double denim outfit. I love my Denim Skirts a lot (check this previous post and this one too). Today, posting this outfit as my entry to the InFB Remix: Get Ready for Double Denims challenge.

So, what do you think of this outfit. How do you like to wear your denim on denim. Do tell me!

I know legally Fall is here, but I was so tempted to wear this color on my nails, I just couldn't resist! No crime!

Cheers

Ritika

Black Tank: Espirit

Denim Vest: Mango (Worn here before)

Denim Skirt: Vibe

Bag: Zara

Shoes: Stilletos

Cuff: Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi

Earrings: Janpath, New Delhi

Unfussy

Wearing a t-shirt or a blouse over a dress gives a fun twist to an otherwise normal dress! Though in my version, my dress surely looks like a skirt, but trust me it’s actually a dress (Don't believe me? Check out this previous post with the same dress).

It's good for seasons like Fall as the t-shirt keeps you warm in the evenings and at the same time adds a pinch of elegance!

I dressed up for a coffee date with my husband. The occasion hardly matters when you want to play dress up, really! I really love the way this blouse cinches to the waist giving it a nice shape.

Well, enjoy people!

Ah yes, I just realized while writing this post that I’m wearing all Forever 21!

P.S. I like such good hair days! Feels good :)

Cheers

Ritika

Blouse: Forever 21

Dress: Forever 21

Shoes: Metro Shoes

Leather Wallet: Wilsons Leather

Watch: Invicta

Sunglasses: Forever 21

Pearl Necklace: New Delhi, India

Proper Portrait

I recently realized that it’s been a while since I've done a post on dressing up for night-outs. The last one, I guess was this post. Now, it’s not that my night life is not that happening or exciting! It's just that when I'm out on the weekends, I am either busy romancing my super-dear super-lovely husband or I end up in a fight with him! And after which he wins by putting down his denial for clicking my pictures!

Yeah, it’s kind of either black or white for him, no grey shades ;)

I know what you are thinking...<me-the-poor-girl> <sob..sob..>

So, it was one fine happy day night, when all went well, and we went downtown, and clicked pictures too! Hurrah!

Cheers

Ritika

One-shoulder blouse: Nuon, Westside

Skirt: Forever 21

Clutch: Gifted by MIL

Shoes: Metro Shoes

Watch: Michael Kors

Cuff: Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi

Welcome Black

When Charles Darwin came up with the theory of "Survival of the fittest", less he knew that his theory would still apply so well to us humans in the later years. I am a good example of it, I would say. I never, in my so-far lived whole life, ever thought of leaving my job and being a housewife, leave alone staying in an alien country, with no friends and relatives at all.

However, I am LIVING every moment of being a housewife these days. I enjoy all my time at home and keep myself busy with some thing or the other!

I love my afternoons, they are the best. Post lunch, I grab all the cushions and relax on the couch in the living room, switch on the TV and watch a nice movie all by myself. During this hour, the sun keeps going down slowly and the rays of the evening sun enter my living room through the giant windows so beautifully, that it becomes impossible for me to not enjoy those moments. The sunset view from my living room is so spectacular! I am blessed to enjoy it every day.

On other note, I have really started enjoying baking cakes these days. Cake-by-cake the outcome becomes better, softer and tastier! I am writing this post while I am eating a delicious marble cake I baked today, and I love every bite of it.

So in short, life is great, if you treat it that way! And few highlights from my previous week- 

• I baked another yummy-licious cake <surprised myself>
• Bought my own home theater system, which is in the process of installation
• Bought a Matte Grey Nailpaint from Maybelline, will put a picture on Instagram after applying it <can't wait>
• Finally completed the interior decoration of my house
• Last, but not the least, applied for a job! Yikes!

Now, I have to get back to my household chores (have to iron a big pile of clothes).

P.S. I hate ironing clothes, the most boring task ever!

You may now enjoy the outfit pictures. It's not an all-black outfit, though it looks like one. The jeggings are extremely dark blue in color, if you look closely!

I am wearing a tie belt to break the monotony created by the dark colors. I would have definitely gone for a pair of nice heels with this dark outfit, but because I was out for shopping, I chose to wear flats for the much needed comfort.

Stay happy!

Cheers

Ritika

Sunglasses: Aldo

Blouse: AND

Jeggings: Jeanswear, Lifestyle (also worn here)

Golden gladiators: Metro Shoes (also worn here)

Leather Sling Bag: Wilson Leather

Belt: Local Boutique, Kanpur (last worn here)

Watch: Michael Kors

Cuff: Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi (last worn here)

Morning Fitness

Have you ever wondered why do you feel more alert and energetic if you exercise in the morning? It is because a morning workout has many positive effects on our body and mind. First, exercise jump-starts our metabolism, and second, helps us keep burning calories at a higher rate all day.

Below are few ways which can help you stay motivated for the morning workout. So ditch the comfort of that bed and train hard to see results.

1. Every Sunday night, create your workout schedule for the coming week. Tell yourself, for example, “This week, I’m getting up at 6 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and running three miles before work.” Schedule your morning workout just as you would an appointment. Following your morning workout routine would be easier if you write it down.

2. Keep you exercise clothes and equipment ready the night before. That way you don’t waste any time getting dressed and ready for your workout. One possible disadvantage of exercise in the morning is that your time may be limited — overcome this limitation by having a set routine and not wasting time looking for your shoes or your track pants.

3. Thanks to social media like Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, you can tell everyone about your morning workout routine. Post your exercise plans on Facebook. Once you do so, it’s harder not to follow through with it. You also can use social media to boast of your accomplishments. They surely will be impressed, and it will motivate you to keep up your workout schedule.

 At first it may be difficult not to turn off the alarm and go back to sleep, rather than jump out of bed to exercise at the gym or go on a 30-minute walk. But after about a week or two, your body will adjust to your early workout schedule and it will be easier to get up and out of the house and head for the gym. Here’s why: When you exercise regularly, you sleep better at night. And when you sleep better at night, you wake up fresh and exercise is easier to do.

If you get up early and meet your exercise goals for the whole week, then treat yourself for the good work. You may get a manicure done, watch a new movie with a friend, or go to a baseball game. Buy a new workout outfit, or go shopping — find what motivates you and use it to give you that push out of bed each morning for your workout routine.

You may want to eat something quick, like a banana or a handful of almonds, to give you a boost of energy before your workout routine. Then after you cool down, have your real breakfast — and make it special as a reward for your efforts. But don’t waste all your exercise efforts by eating a high-fat muffin or fried eggs. If you promise yourself a healthy, satisfying breakfast, such as eggs with veggies or oatmeal with fruit and nuts, when you get back, that will motivate you as well.

Cheers
Ritika

Top 10 Fall 2012 Trends

Yeh, another Fall 2012 post!

The new season has unveiled new trends, new colors and shapes when it comes to fashion and it seems that the new wave of trends are all about making a statement.
The number of Fall/ Winter 2012/ 2013 fashion trends is large which makes it possible for every fashion-conscious girl to find something to her taste.
This fall season is all about variety, so check out the latest fashion trends spotted on the runway and find out which styles should not miss from your fall 2012 wardrobe!

1. Military - It is surprising how fashion keeps changing all the time as the military trend is getting more and more popular with fashionistas who used to love feminine and delicate designs. Every designer from Victoria Beckham to Salvatore Ferragamo has demonstrated their works inspired by military trend.

2. Leather - Nothing screams elegance, luxury and timeless classicism more than leather. Leather is always in fashion but it usually gets trendier with colder seasons approaching. A complete head-to-toe leather look is very popular this season. You can create amazing and chic looks using all kinds of colors in leather.

3. Peplum - Peplums were quite popular this summer and will continue to be trendy during this Fall season as well. However new peplums are darker and classier.

4. Knits - Keeping well into the comfort zone is a must especially when it comes to casual wear. And now, with knits as a trend, there are plenty of knitted items available, in all possible colors, prints and lengths.

5. Whites - Who says you can't wear white after Labor Day? This fall season will have a big chunk of winter white.

6. Burgundy - The rich, wine color is “the new black". The bold, bordeaux hue took every form on the fall runways: as tailored pant suits, draped evening gowns, oversized coats, and much more. Embrace burgundy this year, and jettison the traditional (and boring) autumn tones, like brown and army green.

7. Menswear Inspired - The suit or the masculine inspired look has made its presence felt since last year's fall season and it seems that this year the look is yet again on top of the trends as nothing can top the fierceness and classy look a perfectly tailored suit can bring. Paired with a cool shirt and with the right attitude, you can make heads turn!

8. Over-sized coats and pockets - The bigger the better, however, over-sized coats have a high impact over one's look, so learn how to rock this oh-so-fab coat as this year it will be everywhere!

9. Metallic Gold - One of the trends for the fall collections was metallic gold, or we can say, if the evening wear on the New York runways had a single theme, it was gold, with gowns rendered in liquid-like metallic that practically dripped off the catwalk. 

10. Pattern - Besides zoological prints, like leopard and python, to which we are already accustomed, watch for swirls of geometric patterns on suits, dresses, jackets, tops, skirts, and pants.

Cheers
Ritika

Image Source

Fall Colors

With the arrival of Fall, who doesn't like to dress up in typical fall colors!

I was out and about for some furniture shopping when I wore this fall outfit. Though Phoenix is enjoying some rains now, but definitely not fall. Even then, who is going to stop me from wearing the colors I like??

Enjoy the pictures, and the weather!

P.S. I love the bib kind of sequined pattern on this blouse. That's my favorite part, however, this blouse happens to be quite old now!

Cheers

Ritika

Blouse: Pantaloons

Shorts: Promod

Sandals: Stilettos

Bag: Wilsons Leather

Sunglasses: A. J. Morgan

Watch: Titan

Bangles: Janpath, New Delhi

Quote: Care for some fun?

Keep enjoying your weekend..!! And have some great fun!!

Cheers

Ritika

White Pants for Labor Day

Ah, Labor Day. The unofficial mark of the end of summer, though not for me, I being in Phoenix may enjoy summer for 2 more months {sad face}…

I know it's a little late, but let's talk something about not wearing white post Labor Day -

In many parts of the United States, a rule about not wearing white after Labor Day, which takes place on the first Monday in September, is heavily ingrained. The roots of the idea that people should not wear white after Labor Day appear to be shrouded in mystery, and the rule has been greatly relaxed since the 1950s and 1960s, when it was more heavily enforced. People who choose to wear white after Labor Day are no longer heavily criticized for the choice, and are sometimes embraced as fashion forward trendsetters.

There are several theories about the rule which governs people who wear white after Labor Day. A fashion design student shared the history of this unusual tradition which was told by one of the professors in the college.

Before heaters were invented, people shoveled coal to heat buildings. It was traditional for men to wear white or light colored suits. The soot from the coal would get all over them and stain their nice clothes. So they changed their wardrobe around Labor Day, when the weather typically starts to get cool. This practice turned into tradition, into rule, into the faux pas, into where it is now.

The rules are more relaxed today, but depending on where you live, you may get a gasp about your taboo outfit if you choose to wear white after Labor Day.

P.S. This is a tradition that's only followed in the US of A. In the rest of the world Labor Day falls at different times of the year.

Whatever the origins of the idea, restrictions on people who wear white after Labor Day appear to be outmoded except in very traditional society. Many fashion designers offer white as part of their fall and winter lines, often in stunning pieces. In warmer areas of the United States such as Hawaii and Florida, white is also a more acceptable color to wear year round, since unfavorable winter weather is not as much of an issue.

Like many other seemingly idiosyncratic fashion rules, the reasoning behind the ban on wearing white after Labor Day has probably faded from the public mind. For most people, it is safe to wear white after Labor Day, although they may want to consider wearing the color in moderation. In inclement weather, a more sensible color which does not show stains or water is advised.

Otherwise, wear white after Labor Day as often as you like!!

Cheers

Ritika

Tank: Target

Pants: Fame Forever

Denim Jacket: Mango

Shoes: Metro

Watch: Michael Kors

Eggless Chocolate Cake

After reading endless cake recipes, yesterday I finally decided to make one myself. I marched up to the grocery store immediately and bought myself all the baking items required. Needless to say, I was pretty nervous about baking as I never ever baked anything before today! And to my surprise, the cake turned out quite yummy and my hubbs darling loved it (not lying, seriously!!)

I also shared the cake pictures with my friends and was asked about the recipe, then it struck my mind, why not put the recipe as a post itself!

P.S. As I did not have any prior plans of putting the recipe on the blog, I do not have the cake making-in-progress pictures, however, next time for sure I would take more pictures for reference!

This easy chocolate cake has no eggs and also no butter and can be prepared in a few minutes as you do not have to beat the eggs or the butter.

So here goes, the super-duper simple recipe of my eggless chocolate cake -

Dry Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups white flour (all-purpose)

1 Tsp baking soda

1 Tsp salt

1 cup powdered sugar

1/3 cup cocoa

Wet Ingredients:

1 Tbsp white vinegar

5 Tbsps canola oil

1 Tsp vanilla

1 cup warm water

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. In a large bowl, mix all dry ingredients (it is better to sift all the dry items in the bowl, to avoid any lumps later).

2. In a separate bowl, mix all the wet ingredients and stir.

3. Than make a well in the center of the dry ingredients bowl and pour in the all the wet items. Beat well for about three minutes. You may also use a blender here.

4. Coat cake tin with canola oil and then powder it with cocoa powder. Pour batter into tin. Put in oven for 20 mins.

Allow to cool completely before decorating...

Few Tips:

1. If you do not plan to put icing on the cake (like me), you may want to add 1/3 cup of sugar more, otherwise you may feel the cake is less sweet.

2. To test if your cake is done, insert a small toothpick into the center of the cake as far as you can. It should come out clean.

3. Another way to test if a cake is done is to lightly press the cake surface. The depression should spring back if the cake is cooked thoroughly.

4. Use shiny pans. If your pans are dark, the edges of your chocolate cakes will darken and harden as they bake.

5. Select a pan such that the batter is close to 3/4th of it or slightly above 1/2 of it. And the time for baking depends on the cake pan and oven too, mine got baked in exactly 20 mins.

Hot out of the oven

After flipping upside down! (Be careful here)..!

Try it out and let me know how it came up!

Happy Eating!!

Cheers

Ritika

Short Story: May be

A short story:

There is a Taoist story of an old farmer who had worked his crops for many years. One day his horse ran away. Upon hearing the news, his neighbors came to visit. "Such bad luck," they said sympathetically. "May be," the farmer replied.

The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it three other wild horses. "How wonderful," the neighbors exclaimed. "May be," replied the old man.

The following day, his son tried to ride one of the untamed horses, was thrown, and broke his leg. The neighbors again came to offer their sympathy on his misfortune. "May be," answered the farmer.

The day after, military officials came to the village to draft young men into the army. Seeing that the son's leg was broken, they passed him by. The neighbors congratulated the farmer on how well things had turned out. "May be," said the farmer.

Moral of the story - Never judge a situation - wait for the outcome. There is no 'good' or 'bad.' Everything that happens to us is a mixture of good and bad. We just have to accept things as they are.

My personal thought - This farmer sure was a man of few words! And oh yes, tell the neighbors to mind their own business!

Now, enjoy the OOTD pictures -

Cheers

Ritika

Silk Shirt: Zara

Skirt: Vibe

Wedge heels: Payless

Sunnies: Ray Ban

Hair Clip: New Delhi

Watch: Invicta