anuja pandey | Lofty Spectrums

Five ways to wear shorts this summer

July 16, 2017

#Laceshorts or #crochet shorts are trending this summer for the super sexy and comfy flair they add to your look.

Shorts with crochet details or patch denims and distressed shorts too are a hit. I believe, more than fashion they are travel necessities as the various looks you could change by just the change of overalls or tees etc.

Shorts with graphic tees are super fun and even cartoon tees are big time hit this season so make your choice, whether you wanna sport a cartoon #looneytunes tee or a #WonderWoman or any of the #DCCOMICS or #Marvelcomics look. ( yeah, you don’t need to get over your childhood anyways anytime of your life, I did not).
Neons and sporty look could add a dash of brightness to your day. You could sport it with a white #distresseddenim shorts. They look sporty and casual .
Stripe tease : don’t be the distressed damsel rather sport a #striped top with blue distressed denims.
Striped shorts with an off shoulder keeps it minimal and simplistic.
Shorts could also be worn with a cape or a cape cut long top with slits here and there to reveal just the right amount and still add chic.

=Yours truly=
Anuja Pandey

in Fashion

Streetwear trunk trend haute couture

July 9, 2017

2 Comments

When it’s vacation months you need to spruce up your wardrobe. The climate is most affable and romantic in all the holiday destinations specially in Europe and East coast. While roaming about and out on the streets, I realised that today fashion is really fashionable and feminine, flirty, chiffon flimsy dresses in all cuts are so drool worthy.

Though I personally prefer wearing shorts and dungareees but being a woman is the utmost powerful place to be in, yes, you realise it all the more as you become truly independent, mentally and economically!!

So basking in the glory of being a beautiful lady, enjoying the glorious time we are born in, I chose to wear a chiffon romper gown dress with sexy cuts that enhance the curvaceous you, making you a head turner even if you don’t desire to be so !!

This gracefully seductive dress is beige in color and I love neutrals for the fact they never go out of fashion and has brown maple leaves and flowers printed on it. ( I picked it up while shopping in Canada, not forgetting my Canadian blogging and connections)

So the look is here from the friends’ apartment plush room to the streets to the glorious places I visited.

The next blog would be on the high end and the retro fashion. For now, the French fashion is what does the trick for me.

=Outfit=
Streetwear Society

Earrings- Aldo

Sunglasses- H&M

in Fashion

GUESS the fashion today

June 16, 2017

Leave a comment

GUESS the fashion today

Fashion is the window to the society, the present, the influence of what is now. It is the cognizance of what is that women and men appreciate, hence fashion mirrors art, culture, and also the admiration of finer things in general. Fashion is thus a powerful tool to convey how one feels, and how one wants to be seen, it’s a powerful communication. For us women, the sense of style is what is unique to all of us and it must be nurtured, the real you in yourself must show through how you wear your clothes and showcase your sense of style and glamour. For many of us, style is subtle, nonetheless as we realise less is more, it adds the dash of brilliance and class.

Today I’m talking about the outfit I wear here and it’s a beautiful green midi dress. I loved this dress for the subtle hints of glamor which comes along with the class and sophistication it embodies. Green is always been my favourite colour, and this green dress is a knit dress which has some black here and there. The stuff of the dress is such that it gives a flattering silhouette thereby making you look great.

I chose to pair it with these strappy sandals in silver grey and the glam statement earrings.

Green is the colour of the season. Midi dresses are totally feminine and look gorgeous on most of us. I had an extremely comfortable time wearing it and visiting the store of guess at the plush phoenix market city and shopping around. This is an outfit which is sassy yet you can wear it wear it with ease.

After the shoot I had a great time having a cup of hot coffee with few friends, it took off my strain from my tired nerves and made me feel fabulous. My next blog would be on another beautiful outfit by guess which is truly a head turner.

So keep reading and be lofty with loftyspectrums, follow us on facebook | twitter | instagram

=Yours truly=
Anuja Pandey
Outfit and shoes- guess
Ear danglers- aldo
Location partner- guess in phoenix market city

in Fashion

Myntra fashion- dance night n brunch date looks

April 25, 2017

3 Comments

Although I’m a Delhi girl but for a few years I have stayed in small towns and districts in the vicinity of jungles due to our work transfers etc. I made great friends and had the loveliest of family time then but what I missed most was good shopping.

Everytime I needed good clothes or accessories, I would drive down to bangalore with the gang of my friends. It was not just me but many of my friends who loved shopping the best of brands which are not so accessible when you stay in smaller places, it is a universal problem.

But Myntra is an awesome online shopping portal and a lot of you might not realise what a rescue it is to many of us.

I always shopped from Myntra but never expected that someday in the course of blogging I would get this opportunity to collaborate and write on the same.

So today in association with galleri5 as their influence star I got to shop for my pub night and brunch date looks in collaboration with Myntra and what an amazing shopping experience I had!! Who says shopping pleasure is confined to windows when you can practically shop and wear any of your favourite brands even if you are sitting on the chair next to your window panes with rain bathing the nature and you sipping coffee. { this goes for al my friends in shimoga and Chikmagluru where it would constantly rain and we would catch up for cute gossip chats over coffee in one of their beautiful bungalows within the coffee plantations}.

So here I had was online and chosen my looks, sitting in one of the cafeterias in our busy, buzzing bangalore and missing those moments of solitude and grandeur.

I did get my clothes well before time, even though I was hard pressed on time as I had to travel in two day’s.

And believe me, I wasn’t sure if I would get these clothes before I leave and voila, it was there, my glam diva box was there and I was so super excited. Time is precious. Loved the packaging and sudoku on the backside of the neatly packaged boxes ( played in between the break during the shoot)

I have chosen three looks for myself and the first one is the glam disco look as I’m wearing this jazzy shimmery shift dress with pumps.

Outfit detail: only

The second look is a brunch date with your friends or spouse and I like it bright and colourful so I have worn this printed dress in a different flavour that sits so well and I wore a strappy block heel with this .

Outfit details: Desigual

My third look is a night time party look when I’m wearing a long black gown with some sequins in the sides starting from my waist and going down so that it’s subtle yet stylish. There’s a slit to make you comfortable. This gives a slimmer look to the waist also.

Outfit details: Faballey

So it’s time to gift yourself something you love with Myntra, why do you wait girl, be your own superhero!!! VavaVroom

=Happy shopping !!=

Yours truly
Anuja Pandey

Online shopping partner –

Myntra

Photography – Vasanthan Kumaraswamy

HNM – Moi
Location curtesy: Churchstreet socials
And ITC gardenia

in Media

Infinite fashion

April 22, 2017

Leave a comment

By RITZ Magazine :

When it comes to fashion, your choices should be infinite. Because fashion is unlimited. And Unlimited is fashion. Step into one of Unlimited Stores across the country and discover unlimited fits and shades woven from the finest fabrics.

Discover unlimited value and unlimited style! It is part of the Arvind Group which has a major presence in textiles and apparel worldwide. For fashionista Anuja, Unlimited means her own unlimited space, unlimited ways to style her looks, unlimited laughter with friends and unlimited ways to express oneself. How you dress or carry yourself is an expression of one of your unlimited facets.

Tips to look trendy:

Sport something as casual as a pair of denims and an asymmetrical kaftan top for a chic look.
A casual yet stylish kaftan top is amazing for the spring summer weather and flatters any body type.
A good pair of ripped denims is your saviour anytime and a must have in your wardrobe.
This season the uniform colours and prints are big this season.
Street style will never go out of fashion so try a jumpsuit in cool fabrics and make your summers cool.

[ By RITZ Magazine]

in Fashion

Forever 21 – for age is but a number

March 22, 2017

1 Comment

Fashion has become much more accessible today for the fact that forever 21 has launched its online portal in India too. I simply loved shopping from forever 21 since fashion is so affordable, and young and trendy. Hence the name as you could afford it as a college goer and otherwise too.

So today I’m sporting three looks. Also let me tell you that I’m not a very online shopper so I was sceptic about the fittings but everything seems to be tailormade for me, the fabric, quality and fits are amazing.

I personally love, the off shoulders look. And let’s know that off shoulders is one fashion trend which has carried on from last year to this season trends and is here to stay. So let’s not think much before we buy these off shoulders or cold shoulders or Bardot tops.If you are a girl with broad shoulders or arms then this will surely flatter your body type. And even if you are slim it is versatile in its appeal. So let’s have a look. I wore it with a broad belt which I picked up when I was travelling and I feel the need of it as it gives a shapely silhouette. The belt coupled with the high neck white sneakers give it a sporty look which I love.

This dress has hints of velvet in appliqués and makes it glamorous and very interesting since velvet is totally in and appliqué too. If you are not comfortable in a short dress then you can surely sport it with tights or the cutout leggings for the ravishing look.

Get the look- 1

Night blue off shoulder– Forever 21 INDIA
White high neck sneakers– Puma
Leggings– Stalk buy love

The second look is formal and can be carried out during day as well as night. The animal print is something which has always remained in trend and I have paired it with stilettos (again my street shopping). The V neck top with strings is again this season’s pick and is big time in as I realised during the fashion weeks.

The last look is space prints in bright hues on black shirt. All sort of space prints or cartoon prints too are big this season. I’m sporting this sexy mesh pants which fit amazingly well on the body. The mesh in cutouts is again big so carry it anytime of the day or night.

=Have a super week. And keep loving❤️=

=Outfit=

forever 21 online shop India
Venue partner- The Park, mg road

Photography – Vasanthan Kumaraswamy

Written and Styled by – Anuja Pandey

H&M- Estee Lauder (I’m going to soon talk about the new spring collection of Estee Launder n the lip shades in my next YouTube video)

in Travel

Dubai- city of dreams

January 27, 2017

2 Comments

When you talk of superlatives, when you speak about dazzling sun and sand, when the tallest and the largest or the first is the question, when you think of shopping festivals, then, of course, it is Dubai. With the tallest building, Burj Khalifa, which is being lighted in tricolour for the first time in history as a mark of honour to the largest democracy in the world, Dubai is surely a place to visit if you yet have not been there. And many of us who have been there go year and again to have an amazing family holiday.

Few things I suggest should be done when you are in Dubai are-

A desert safari when you go dune bashing, the inner child in you screaming, followed by an entertaining evening of acrobatics n belly dancing n some local food in the tents is not an unusual sight. But these days lots of resorts have started the trend of luxury tents in the desert when you get to spend a day there and the packages include desert safari, quadrabikng, food and cultural extravaganza.

Even if you have done it many a times yet a Visit to the tallest building, Burj Khalifa, gives you a thrill unmatched, each time you go. The beautiful view from top gives me a high like no other thing. And why not, who won’t want to view life when you are at the top!! The 124th floor, the selfie clicking young or old couples (love is ageless, timeless) is such a happy sight. This should be ideally followed by a musical fountain experience and dinner with your loved ones.

If there’s any city that takes shopping malls seriously then it’s Dubai. Not only do global brands flock this retail capital, but shoppers from all over the Middle East and beyond come to this place to appreciate the grandiose of the malls here. Here’s my pick of my favs-
a) Ibn Batuta Mall– is inspired by the Moroccan explorer Ibn Batuta and is the largest theme mall in the world.
b) Dubai Outlet Mall – This gives almost 30% to 90% discounts on the luxury brands and otherwise.
c) Mall of Emirates– This is known as the world’s first shopping resort and it keeps entertainment also as the priority for its shoppers who can enjoy a indoor ski or snowboarding or play with penguins.
d) Dubai Mall– in the heart of downtown housing the biggest brands is a delight to any shopper. This also is home to the world’s largest aquariums and aquatic zoo, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.
Madinat Jumeriah the Arabian resort – is the largest resort in Emirates and is a five star resort in Dubai. This was my personal favourite for the reason of its design. It’s designed to resemble an Arabic town and houses over 40 restaurants and pubs and lots to shop locally. This is just adjacent to Burj Al Arab and Wild wadi water park. It encompasses three boutique hotels.

Atlantis, the palm is UAE luxury hotel resort at the Palm Jumeriah and is known for its splendour, picturesque location. There’s no dearth of hotels when it comes to Dubai and similarly no stopping to shopping, but my principle is to make memories and capture good moments.

A walk down the Jumeriah beach or a good opera show makes a great time spent with your loved ones and family. Time to cherish things beyond materialism. When you are at Dubai you know food and spas are umpteen in no. The next blog would be on the Sheikh Zayed Mosque at Abu Dhabi, and next on food and spas. This one is a pick of my favourite instagrammable places one shan’t miss if they are in Dubai. Shopping can wait but time won’t.

Global village is another fantasy land with beautifully done sets of every country from Middle East, Asia and Europe, with their respective food, buzzing market of local produce, and happy faces. If one wants to have an overview of so many places at once then this should not be missed. The gandola rides in the water body gives a great feel. Dubai is surely a paradise for a traveller or a shopper, equally.

[Outfit Details]
My wardrobe curtesy- Forever New
Shoes- Cole Haan
My desert safari look– Guess Jeans
Superdry tees

in Fashion

Dark glitzy romance

January 22, 2017

1 Comment

If you want to awaken the magpie amongst your circle then Metallic midi skirts should be your pick. The obvious reasons are that they catch the fancy of every street style photographer for the past couple of seasons, and it’s easy to see why. These skirts, often featuring pleats, create just enough flash n glitz while maintaining a daytime-friendly level of modesty and look, thanks to their longer hemline. It is the raging current trend, and it was a very big fashion house iterations that first won the hearts of the fashion crowd, with the fashion house’s shiny gold and green options quickly selling out, prompting it to create more metallic midi skirts. And in case you’re thinking that they’re a hard trend to pull off, think again. These surprisingly versatile skirts will surely get more wear than you ever imagined. They are chic n classy with a hint of glamour.

My night look with cold shoulder top

Here is my list of why they should be on your hit list.

They sparkle so beautifully in the sunlight.
They make whatever you’re wearing feel fancy n glitzy without effort.
They’re guaranteed to make you stand out as they make a style statement.
They’re comfortable.
You can dress them down with flats and a pullover or tee.
They’re flattering especially if worn with off or cold shoulder blouse n pumps or stilettos, they add the glamour to your look.

You can wear them day time by teaming it up with a crop top and ankle high boots as I have done and the faux fur again makes it an evening wear. So go girl, buy the look, and rock every place u go.

My day look with the striped crop top n faux fur

Let’s see how celebs have sported the look with these skirts-

My night look with cold shoulder top

[Outfit Details]
Curtesy- Forever New
Pumps- Jimmy Choo
Ankle boots- Tommy hilfiger
Cap- Local Kashmir Market

Styled, modelled by- Anuja Pandey

in Fashion

The first dance- weddings bells 🔔 and music

January 13, 2017

1 Comment

If music be the food of love, play on!!

I just love to dig into traditions to understand and know how it began or how it came into being, probably owing to my mother who was a literature student with culture being her specialisation. She would always tell us a lot of stories that revolve around a particular culture or tradition. The first dance is one of those traditions which is a norm, in western society. The first dance is the dance done by bride and groom and it signifies the beautiful beginnings, the life that the newlyweds are about to embark upon. It is an omen of good luck, fertility and good tidings. In olden days, the groom would show off his wife and share his happiness with his friends so he would start the first dance with his wife.

In some traditions the first dance is when the bride and her father dance together. All in all, the culture and traditions change and it depends on what someone feels like adopting or picking up from any culture, finally, adopting a culture is always a good thing. It’s like an addition to your own bank of traditions. These days with the communication and travel, the geographical boundaries have blurred, and with it,has blurred the differences in traditions and ceremonies. We are adopting and bringing about a global culture which makes the youngsters these days plan their own weddings, make their own fusion of traditional value system, ceremonies, and hence the whole wedding ideas are in plenty and totally evolved.

I love this concept of first dance since It is a beautiful moment, which translates into romance, and freezes in time,a promise between the wedding couple of being in love with each other, cherishing each other, celebrating love and beauty, continuation of lineage and blossoming fertility.

Similarly in our Indian culture we celebrate this on the day of sangeet. The wedding I designed and conceptualised was of my brother Ashish and the couple had a beautiful camaraderie in dance and moves. The courting couple seemed to be thorough with the wonderful first dance and why not, how many times do you do a waltz or a ball dance or dance to the ‘thumkas‘ of your better half. It’s always a great idea to be prepared and yet let some spontaneity flow in and enjoy the first dance. Finally love makes the world go round and you don’t really need any manoeuvered moves if you know how it feels to be in love, you just wanna dance like nobody’s watching. Here’s to the most awesomely gorgeous and tuned to each other couple, Cheers and go on swirling to the music of love.

=Outfit Details=

Destination wedding- Lucknow

Bride is wearing Angrakha Anarkali long gown from- Frontier Raas

Groom’s outfit – designed by Ashish, the groom

Stylist – Anuja Pandey and Ashish Dubey

Written by – Anuja Pandey

in Fashion

The best Friend’s toast- with TITAN #weddingtales

December 30, 2016

4 Comments

Beautiful times always go hand in hand with raising a toast. It is the remembrance of the moments shared, memories created and words in salutation of the sentiment involved in the situation, especially when it is your best friend who is getting into the wedlock.

My handsome friend, Ashish, was getting married. He is been my companion in hours of happiness as well as my sorrow, the childhood friend who knows it all, he can read my every expression, hear my unsaid words, and see the uncried tears of my eyes. He can recognise the twinkle of my eye when it is a naughty thought that crosses my mind. Earlier on, when he reached any milestone I would ask what did you get for me, he would only reply back in a very filmy, typically Shahrukh khan style, “main accha samay Le kar aaya hoon…”

And, I got to know that this best friend of mine got fixed with the girl of his dreams. This called for celebrations, in anticipation of the happy times which will follow, time for good wishes and salutations.

So when I raised the toast to my Best Friend’s wedding, he surprised me and finally he got it for me, the “Accha Samay”, the good times with the timeless Titan watch set he gifted to us as a reminder of all the great, priceless moments spent.

Weddings are heavenly affair and every wedding has a story to it which involves many a characters apart from the bride and groom. Undoubtedly, the couple occupies the centrestage, yet, as my mom would say

every relationship is a microcosm, it is unique in itself and it is opaque to the outer world.

Thus, the best friends are always the best of friends and, in this case, the best friend’s wedding meant a lot of responsibility too. He is my lover, my bestie, my soulmate, I hate him as much as I love him, I travel and ride this wave of highs and lows with him, I share a lifetime of childhood memories with him, our pains are mutual, our love and happiness, the zest and excitement is exclusively extraordinary, yet inclusive of others, respectful of space and time…I rejoice with him today for his happiness, this best friend of mine happens to be my brother.

Toasting to this beautiful, pure love, the worst of fights, the heavenly bonding, three cheers to the good times ahead, with the exclusive collection of the gorgeously timeless yet ahead of times, the Titan watches. Raising a toast to the extraordinary with the extraordinary and elevated Titan, the delicious cocktail of the classic with a twist of style, fizz of glamour. As he gifts this wondrous watches to us, he also keeps another one for his lovely life partner. The impressively upped in style quotient, the extraordinaire titan watches, tell that the time ticks, life goes on but love stays, relationships last, moments get counted but with a promise of countless treasured memories and lovelier ones to follow, with a zest to live this very moment fully that life has to offer.

I, Anuja, raise a toast to my best friend, to you Lucky, with all my good wishes and love, to you the mascot of good times, exalt, hail and cheers… May love always prevail in our times and may you be the titan of amazing times…Mazel Tov!!!

[Outfit Details]

We are wearing– Titanwatchesindia
In collaboration with TITAN

Venue partner Shangri-la
MUA- Shaggy khuman

Photography – Vasanthan Kumaraswamy
Styled by – Ashish Dubey and Anuja Pandey

in Wellness & Beauty

Dr. Jamuna Pai- the celebrity skin specialist

December 27, 2016

Leave a comment

Skin is a tattletale. It usually tells people things you don’t always want them to know…. no one gossips more than your skin. – Dr. Jamuna Pai.

Who doesn’t know Dr. Jamuna Pai? She has spent last twenty years being the one that A – list Bollywood stars, top industrialists and Miss Indias have turned to for their skin problems. She has been my childhood favourite columnist when I would ensure to take a sneak peek into Femina when my mom would read her columns. She is the pioneer of the skin care movement in this country , being the first to introduce many techniques including Botox , Medicated Facials, aesthetic peels including Spanish brightening peel.

The other day I had the privilege of writing a review as I was invited to her posh skin lab on the high end Lavelle Road, Bengaluru. The owner of the franchisee was very warm as she introduced me to Dr. Abhishek who took more than half an hour to analyse my skin and recommend the brightening medi facial to take care of my acne and tan at the same time. Further more , I was taken to the lavish treatment room where the therapist took me through the products that she was instructed to use on my skin. The treatment started as a general rule with cleansing which was followed by sugarcane peel for natural brightening and then a mild exfoliating cream. The massage was brief and gel based. Since I have sensitive skin, therefore gel had hyaluronic acid and alpha hydoxy acid for brightening. Thereafter oxygen was infused into my skin using a pressurised stream of oxygen. This process helps in absorption of hyaluronic acid.The high level of oxygen is naturally antibacterial, cooling and calms skin conditions such as acne. Finally a mask goes to complete the process. All the products used are from Dr. Jamuna Pai . The treatment left my skin glowing , refreshed and alive. This was my experience in my words.

Ashish’s experience of meeting the stunningly gorgeous Dr. Pai in his own words.

The next day Dr. Pai was herself visiting the clinic. When I met Dr. Jamuna Pai it was a treat in itself and the plethora of knowledge she has about just not only skin but overall health was something very commendable.

Today in the era of this looks conscious world when you’ll meet the doctor you’ll know healthy skin means overall health care and when people need shortcuts because of the requirements (marriage or an event) there are umpteen number of solutions too which can take care of the situation in the offing.

All in all we bloggers had a blast meeting this beautiful lady and fetching some very important information about a healthy and beautiful looking skin.

Cherry on the cake was getting a signed copy of her famous book ” No one has to know“.

Thus “Make a wish. Beautiful, glowing skin. Hair that shines with health. No age spots or dark circles. The very process of ageing slowed down to a gentle crawl… you now have the power.” No one has to know…

Both me and Ashish had a wonderful experience jointly blogging on Dr. Jamuna Pai. Ashish ‘s review on young guy’s skin care would follow soon.

Venue: Dr. Jamuna Pai Skin Labs, Bengaluru
Happy skin courtesy : Dr. Jamuna Pai

in Fashion

Black is the new black – 2 – holiday fashion

December 25, 2016

4 Comments

Rompers are the most stylishly comfortable outfit, specially when you are holidaying in a resort. I love rompers for the fact that they look cute and you can team it up with any statement booties or shoes. This holiday season if you are travelling down South to Goa, Bangalore, Mysore etc. then you can carry any summer clothes for the daytime. You will surely need to layer it in the mornings or late evenings.
I chose to wear these rompers for my Sunday lazying around near the pool after I had a fun afternoon swim, with my book ” The almond eyes and lotus feet”

I have this particular affinity towards rompers and jumpsuits as-

They are perfect for a sports activity filled day and a comfy leisure wear.
They are cute and sexy at the same time.
They can be carried with perfect ease and don’t need much accessorising.
I wore them with an ankle high bootie to add some glitz to the otherwise plain black rompers.
I used a solid belt to add to the look with no other piece of accessories to keep it bold yet making an impact.
Too much of anything kills the look so the idea is to keep it simple and trendy so let’s stick to one statement accessory at a time and I think the booties here did the trick.

So let your hair free when holidaying, minimal is the key to have a great time holidaying while looking cool. Cheers to the festive season, eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we may diet! Live, love and laugh and be lofty while you enjoy the various colourful spectrums…

Always remember black and grey are the shades that you will face invariably despite the rainbow.. the sun will eventually shine on you but you need to travel the dark tunnel too.

Merry Christmas to all of you beautiful people.

[Outfit Details]

Rompers – GAP
Booties – Street shopping

Location – Taj Bangalore

Photography – Vasanthan Kumaraswamy
Styled & Written by – Anuja Pandey

in Fashion

Colour fete- when style blends with pride: Blenders Pride Fashion Tour 2016

December 21, 2016

Explosions of color, expression of art, blending of aesthetics and fashion and cutting-edge designs were the hallmarks of the recent blenders pride fashion tour 2016 in Bangalore, Leela Palace. The 12th edition of blenders pride fashion tour was definitely the visual expression of ‘taste life in style’, with its impressive array of collection showcased by the designer, Masaba and the duo designers, Shane and Falguni Peacock. The evening opened with the red carpet entry for the guests where a lot of interesting conversation happened and this was followed by the cocktails and snacks. The show opened with an eccentric and artistic performance by BLOT, the very talented Kavya Trehan who perfected the ambience for the night. The demeanour of stylish models in stunning collections of the designers with the powerful voice of this artist coupled with an eclectic mix of edgy electronica beats, gave the evening a fizz and taste that was not just impressive but impactful too.

The observations made by me which could not have escaped the notice are-

Masaba told that her collection was inspired by a burst of colours and chiefly monochromes. What we noticed in her designs was that layering is going to be in and chokers were almost an integral part of her models. The off shoulders ruled the scene and gold prints and motifs were the ‘it’ factor. The mononchromes ruled the ramp and started off with lighter hues and went on to culminate with the black. On her collection, designer Masaba said, “My collection for Blenders Pride Fashion Tour 2016 presents a diverse story in classic monochrome with burst of colours and caricatures used as motifs and prints. Blenders Pride Fashion Tour which is all about ‘taste life in style’ is a fitting platform to showcase this edgy and stylish collection”.
Falguni and Shane Peacock showcased fashion on completely different line, it was all about sheers and embellishments. Since, as the designers told, the designs which were showcased on the models were inspired by the prism theme, so we could clearly realise that it was all about transparency and lights and colours playing the game. The sheers were in various hues from gold, to wine red, to night blues and finally blacks with hugging body suits inside. The dense embellishments at the right places added glory and also drama to this dazzling collection. The models were wearing heavy ear rings and danglers and there was fusion for the jewellery was so Indian and it complimented the beautiful gowns which had trails which swept brilliantly behind the models as they regally walked the ramp. Designer duo Falguni & Shane Peacock said, “Our collection – ‘PRISM’ artistically blends international weaves with a futuristic take on embellishments. Casting modernity, we have crafted an international yet exquisite collection for a woman who likes to embrace a masterpiece. This collection fits in beautifully with the theme of ‘multiple reflections of style’ of Blenders Pride Fashion Tour 2016.”
The eccentrically electrifying performance of Kavya Trehan made it all the more stylish, chic and free of any humbuggery, and imparted an energy to the whole affair which matched the hotsy- totsy looks of the show stopper Kriti Sanon who posed with elan and many a hearts must have skipped a beat. The simonised sleek hair of the models gave a uniformity to the whole affair.
Arjun Kapoor, although wearing Satan and no.13 was as sweet as an angel, totally winning the hearts of the crowd who broke into applause as he modelled for Falguni and Shane Peacock. He looked glam in his blacks and did the justice to this glitzy evening.

Blenders Pride Fashion Tour 2016 commenced its journey in Hyderabad and travelled to Kolkata, Gurgaon Mumbai culminating in Bengaluru. Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Raja Banerji, Assistant Vice President, Pernod Ricard India, said,

“Being multi-faceted, dynamic and constantly surprising the world is the essence of ‘taste life in style’ for our consumers. Blenders Pride Fashion Tour, the most definitive expressions of style and good taste, brings the same alive through multiple reflections of style, with an eclectic mix of the most stylish in fashion, music and Bollywood. Blenders Pride Fashion Tour continues to deliver a never seen before and exciting experience to the consumers.”

Written by: Anuja Pandey in partnership with blenders pride.

Venue partner- Leela palace

Photo credits : Sandeep mv

in Fashion

Mix print with print- for style never goes out of fashion

December 4, 2016

2 Comments

Last weekend when I was enjoying the staycation with my family at the Taj, bangalore, wherein I was invited as a special guest to blog about the beautiful, five star luxury hotel at the airport, I was a little confused about what to pack. For a girl who wants to wear good clothes and clothes which make you feel comfortable and classy is really necessary. The holiday fun, playing the mommy could also not be compromised so I chose this beautiful yellow dress for the first day. This colour is one of my favs and it brings so much of sunshine and happiness at the same time, and of course, it definitely enhances the style quotient as this colour is ruling this season totally.

I love the soft, flowing fabric and the black prints in leaves and flowers running all over it. I combined it with a printed scarf which my mom wears all the time ( I love to pick up her things, it makes me so cozy).

I chose the strappy block heels in beige colour. The Universally Flattering silhouette with the dark prints, midi length dress, makes it a complete day wear which doesn’t come in high price tag too. Style need not be expensive always. The defined waistline makes one look neat and not shabby. I chose to wear sparkly danglers from Swarovski and I think I can say, I love this comfortable and peppy combination. So mix prints with prints and give a twist to your look for style is your own though fashion might change.

[Outfit Details]
Location- Taj, bangalore
Suzy shier
Blocks- all about Spring
Earrings- Swarovski
Photography- Vasanthan Kumaraswamy
Styled & Written by – Anuja Pandey

in LifeStyle

Soi and Sake- the aromas of delectable Chinese and Japanese kitchen

December 1, 2016

1 Comment

Soi and Sake, which is the Chinese and Japanese restaurant by Taj, Bangalore serves the most sumptuous, authentic, fresh and delicious food I have had in a long time. So recently, when I was at Taj bangalore for my luxurious staycation (I surely would have easily gained 2 kgs of weight with the delightful treat I had, I’m scared to stand and check on my weighing scale now ), I had some deliciously tossed noodles, the tepenyaki and some lovely food. The name Soi and Sake is a mix of Japanese and Chinese, thereby denoting the kind of cuisine you can expect as you dine there. Sake means the alcoholic drink made from fermented rice.

Japanese, unlike westerns, serve the food in small plate or bowls so that the flavours don’t mix and the original taste of each dish is significantly noticed and enjoyed. So the food is not served on the table but is served in typical Japanese etiquette in a full course Japanese meal in seperate bowls one after the other. Either the plates have the division or even the leaves and such are used at the base of each dish to retain the flavour of every dish singularly. Rice is the staple food and it usually is served with many side dishes and main dishes in Japan and China. The experience at taj was an excellent one and I can swear by the food we had here at Soi and Sake and the hot green teas we guzzled.

The first course was the chilled choi sum wrap This was so refreshing that it made my taste buds alive.

Pakchoy and water chestnut dimsum

Pan fried chicken kothe

Then the second and the third course were the Sushis and dim-sums (best of both the world).

The definite condiment for the Sushis, we all know, are the pickled Gari which acts like a palette cleanser and wasabi which has the piquant taste peculiar to it and has anti-microbial properties to save from food poisoning, in case be it. Also soya sauce and shoyu are other condiments which were served. We were served the spicy tuna sushi which includes raw tuna mixed with hot sauce infused mayonnaise. The other one was the Hawaiian roll that contains fresh Japanese Maguro Tuna, tamago, kanpyo, Kamaboko, and the distinctive red and green hana ebi (shrimp powder).

Seasoning is very important part of any cooking and specially Japanese. Japan is an island and most of the meals comprise of seafood. A modest number of herbs and spices may be used during cooking as a hint or accent, or as a means of neutralizing fishy or gamy odors present. Examples of such spices include ginger, soy sauce, vinegar and miso soups flavour the food and make it a magnificent treat to have. Japanese food is either grilled or braised and also served raw like in Sushis or as sashimi, or, the tempura which are deep fried and batter coated.

Chef preparing sushi

Hawaiian roll sushi

Spicy tuna sushi

The next course were the exotic dimsums which were unparalleled and served in minimalistic style.

Exotic vegetable dumplings- dimsums

This was followed by the fourth course, that was, the chilli chicken which my kids thoroughly enjoyed while my hubby gorged on the delicious, succulent prawns seasoned with pepper and salt. Everything retained the fresh and original taste typical to it. I also particularly savoured the stir fried bak choi, which is a type of Chinese cabbage with a garnish of sesame seeds. This course’s most delectable dish was fresh water chestnut and lotus stem stir fry. Since the Japanese food is a lot about seasonal and fresh vegetables and seaweeds, we were served Fresh, crunchy, greens which smelt so crispy and great and made the best of the accompaniments with a green onion dip in oil, the chilli soy and the miso soup . I loved the water chestnut and lotus stems stir fried in honey chilli and it is a Chinese dish (I remember eating this as apart of daily ritual in the evenings in a desi stir fry at home when we were kids, time to adopt our food habits which we are leaving behind).

Crispy seaweed and spinach with toasted almonds

Prawn pepper salt

Dry red chilli chicken

Water chestnut and lotus stem stir fry

The fifth course was from the teppenyaki grill and we had some grilled vegetables braised in garlic butter and my kids tried their hands on the teriyaki chicken ( the chef was definitely patient man and also very witty trying to keep all of us in happy spirits). He not only threw in the sauces in the chicken but also his jokes in between and we had a hearty, happy meal, full of laughter and fun. The sticky Japanese rice (I love it so much), and the flat noodles were served according to the preferences ponzu napped prawn was served it was an ecstacy.

Teriyaki Chicken

Ponzu napped Prawn

Teriyaki Chicken

Flat noodles

The sixth course of mains was the edamame beans flavoured chicken which was a stir fry which my hubby loved. Edamame beans were imported from Japan and were fresh, usually they are eaten blanched with some salt and they lose their freshness and flavour within a day, and these beans are a nutritional punch. I had the haricot beans in Shanghai style. (I was oh so full by now).

Stir fried chicken with edamame beans

Prawns in hot garlic sauce

The last course was dessert which was amazing and we had it after some half an hour in our luxury suite. It was sesame Ferrero rocher, ginger nutty dumplings and fresh lychee ice cream. The food at SOI AND SAKE was perfectly balanced and each dish was flavoured and seasoned in the authentic Chinese and Japanese way. I realise my love for food and food tasting was catered wonderfully by the warm service, perfect flavours which were rightly balanced and great ambience, lovely people, and awesome chefs of Taj , bangalore. Thanks to the team Taj for the wonderful staycation.

Dessert

=Location- Taj, bangalore=

Restaurant- Soi and Sake

Written and experienced by – Anuja Pandey