Blossoms

So much has happened this past weekend. Where do I begin?? OK, so the weather was kind of good. I won’t call it a proper Spring weather, since I know what Spring feels like, but still let’s give it 6 points out of 10. Ha!
We recently came to know about the colorful Cherry Blossom Festival in D.C. I know the cherries have not blossomed fully yet, but we decided to go anyways. What a wonderful day we spent in the park with live music, lots of people, the hush-hush of children playing and running! It was like we are out for a picnic or something! It was a lovely experience for us.. Some things stay with you forever, and this was surely one of them.

So this all-women band was playing in the park. Their band is known by the name of Batala Washington percussion group. They play Brazilian music on these big drums which they hang on their hips. Not only that, they dance while playing too. The special part was their colorful costumes. They looked so cheerful and fabulous in those red and white colors. They played like about 5 - 6 songs (which was kind-a like 2 hours or so..) and people were enjoying, dancing to their music, clapping, grooving…!! It was some crazy fun performance.. These girls are normal people just like you and me.. They practice five hours on Saturdays. That’s what the cute instructor told us and also invited us to join the group. No rules, no restrictions – all are invited! I was ‘this’ close to joining them but then I thought of 5 hours of practice on Weekends and I thought there you go my travel plans.. Huh!! Anyways.. May be someday.. I will join some group like that.. How much fun it would be!

I wore a denim jumpsuit and my favorite white jacket which I refuse to part ways with – until it becomes super-hot and sunny in my city (which doesn't seem to be happening anytime soon). I also wore sandals that day (for a change).. and trust me, it felt like it's been ages since I wore something open-toed out in the sun! But then, it was not a very wise decision I would say, since by the time the sun was setting, my feet were cold.. so we usually rush home in such cases.. haha!
Anyways.. my weekend went quite well, how was yours?

Cheers
Ritika..

Outfit Details:
Denim Overalls: H&M (similar) | White T-shirt: American Apparel | Jacket: Thrifted | Sandals: DSW (many options here) | Bag: Marshall's (similar here and here) | Sunglasses: Oakley | Watch: Michael Kors | Earrings: Forever 21

Try Bold

Why not try bold this spring? And bold bottoms are even better! Going bare legs is still a challenge (which I don't wanna accept), so why not go the other route and try big bold patterns for bottoms! I am all in.. well are you..??

Also this is one of the coolest hats I own. I have a 'thing' for hats! I love collecting them - different kinds and colors. More on that in some other post..
We had lots of fun clicking these pictures, hope you all enjoy them too!

Cheers
Ritika..

Outfit Details:
Denim Dress: Asos | Tights: American Eagle | Jacket: Forever 21 | Hat: H&M | Shoes: Clarks | Bag: Wilsons Leather | Sunglasses: Aldo

Mad Style

If you just go back 24 hours from now, you will see what you see below in the pictures.. a perfect rainy day to be out and about! 24 hours later we are under 8 (or may be more) inches of snow.. tied up inside our homes wearing the same PJs from last night! Breakfast and Lunch happened to be in bed.. God knows about Dinner!
Yesterday was so perfect.. Truth be said, my Sunday went better than Saturday (which seldom happens)! Well, anyways.. I will always look at this post and remember how me and husband spent this day doing stupid things we never thought of!

In regards with outfit, 'White' is my go-to these days! It blends so well with the nature, I feel like getting lost in the world.. Again I am blocking colors here.. White and blue - waist up. Khaki and green - waist down! It was fun dressing that way.. Strangers kept complimenting me yesterday! And who said blue and green don't go well together? Bring'em to me!

Cheers!
Ritika

Outfit Details:
Jacket: Thrifted (similar) | Sweatshirt: Asos (smilar) | Jeans: Gap | Boots: Target | Sunglasses: Forever 21 (similar) | Watch: Fossil

Red and White

I have a good news to share with you all today! I recently got promoted as a Team Manager.. Yiiikkess!! I know.. thankyou!  And that kept me occupied for this whole week, now that the initial dust has settled, I could take some time out of my "team managing schedule" and have a chit-chat with you all!

As much as I enjoy looking at these pictures (below), we were loaded with lots of snow again! I think I am done with all of it! I am in dire need of bringing my skirts back in sun! Last weekend, the weather mellowed down a little and hence I pulled out one of the skirts lying there in dust (in my closet) and put it on!

We (Moi and husband) went city surfing (since we are new to the city!) and man we loved the metro rides, the downtown restaurants and shopping malls!! There is so much to do.. wowww..

We are still figuring out places here and we love being tourists in our own city. Can't wait enough for Spring to see how the city looks with all the leaves and greenery back in place!

Are you all excited for Spring?? I know I am :)

P.S. My Indian readers/friends are already enjoying the Spring season! Love you all..

Cheers!!
Ritika..

Outfit Details:
Over-sized Sweater: Zara (similar) | Denim Skirt: Tommy Hilfiger (similar) | Jacket: Old Navy | Socks: Target | Shoes: Puma | Sunglasses: Ray Ban | Watch: Fossil

White in my City

Can I say that I am more creative in pairing summer outfits (than winter outfits)... since I am from Northern India (New Delhi to be precise), where summers last up to 9 months, and hence my tolerance level for humidity is quite high! No wonder I managed to happily survive in Phoenix, Arizona for more than a year..
Anyways, so back to fashion – What I am saying is that sometimes I feel short of ideas while dressing up 'these days' (specially for work) since I have to get my creative juices flowing while also making sure that whatever outfit I come up with, should be new, keeps me warm and helps me avoid shivering. (Trust me, it’s a huge challenge in this girl’s life..!!)
Hence, I have come up with two formulas! (math always works, you know!) So these days my go-to dressing includes –

1. A camisole + a warm turtleneck top + Skinny Jeans + a vest + a warm over-sized long coat
2. A basic (thin) button down or a collared t-shirt + an over-sized superbly warm sweater + Skinny Jeans + a puffer jacket

| Plus |

a scarf, leather gloves and snow-proof comfortable boots/shoes! Oh, not to forget I also like to add a chunky watch and a quirky slash neutral bag (depending on the outfit), and there you go! I am ready to be taken anywhere..!! (mind you – all this dressing takes less than 6 minutes)!!

Just like that - it's so simple. Also please note that this formula works for the casual day outfits only! It obviously does not includes dresses or skirts or shorts (since I am giving them a rest till spring!!)..
So I follow these two formulas and my winter layering never goes wrong. I don’t shiver, I don’t feel cold and I don’t jump around like a goofball wanting to run indoors.. (a girl gotta have her gears on, you see!)
On that note, I think it’s safe to say that I am officially obsessed with over-sized chunky sweaters 'these days' (remember I am a summer person..?). They feel so cozy, and so warm, I feel helpless not wearing them over and over again! Do you also have a certain piece (or style) of garment that you are obsessed with? (tell me..tell me..)
Also when I say layering is the key, you have to think creatively! Nobody wants to wear the same old boring stuff.
My advice - Pastels look so, so good in winters too! Include different colors and textures in your outfit. Wear white (like me here).
For instance a leather vest (like this) or a denim vest (like this) looks cool with a wool blended coat! Want to take a bolder route? Opt for sequins (like this one) and color-blocked coats (love this one)!
Tell me everything you have to say.. Or we can always connect on my Facebook page.

These pictures were taken on a cloudy day right after a heavy snowfall. I love how they came out! I must say - GM does an amazing job at playing the role of a fashion blogger's husband/photographer! Thank you and love you hubbs!!!!

Cheers!
Ritika..

Sweater: Zara | Jeans: Levi's | Jacket: Thrifted (similar) | Sunglasses: Aldo | Watch: Fossil | Belt: India (similar)| Bag: Anne Klein (similar) (like this one too)

LA Part III: Malibu & Santa Barbara

Read Part I | Part II

This is the last part of my Los Angeles travel series. It was the last day of our vacation and we wanted to use it completely. There was still so much to do and so little time left.
We checked out from our hotel early in the morning and thought of spending the whole day at the beach.

We drove to Malibu beach but guess what – the sun was not shining.. It was cloudy and gloomy! Not a perfect beach-y kind-a day but we managed to play a little in the water! Mind you – the water was cold, very cold (but this girl was having hell lot-a fun!)
We spent an hour or so there and then left for Santa Barbara and reached there after a 2 hours’ drive and boy, did we love that city! What’s not to love? The weather, the city, the shops, the restaurants, the crowd – the whole vibe - Ooh! I can get settled there – like forever!
It would be an understatement if I say that Santa Barbara is the most beautiful city I have ever been to (yet)!

We relaxed (literally slept) on the sunny beach of Santa Barbara for the rest of the day. And when the sun started to set, we quickly set off for city surfing. I loved walking on the streets, clicking endless pictures with my beau.
Sadly my lovely vacation ended here. We then drove back to Phoenix! Our Home-Sweet-Home (Hot Home actually)!!

Hope you enjoyed the series!
Few pictures!

Cheers!
Ritika

Swimsuit Cover-up: Ann Taylor | Sunglasses: Forever 21 | Scarf: Forever 21 | Red Tote: Tommy Hilfiger
Striped T-Shirt: Abercrombie & Fitch | Skirt: Forever 21(old) similar (similar & I bought this one) | Sandals: Asos