Geek but Chic

Trend Alert! Corsages

2009-11-13T09:21:00.001+05:30

Ever since I came across these extremely gorgeous and ridonkulously inexpensive (Rs 45 - 75, that's like $1 - 1.50) corsage pins at Globus, I've fallen in love with this trend. I bought not one, not two, but four corsages from Globus, the instant I spotted them. Two black flowery hairbands, one humongous, one small, and two corsage flower pins, black and green. I thought the corsage trend was a bit too whimsical and prom glam to be practical, but I've been wearing mine almost every other day. I've added to my collection too.

Conclusion - corsages = awesome.

The very chic First Lady Michelle Obama, who's quite fond of broaches, wore an abstract, corsage-esque pin with two flowers on her lapel when addressing the Interior Department early this year. Very authoritative yet feminine.

Michelle Obama

Anyway, here are a few corsages I wish I could get my hands on.

This one's very elegant. I love the gold edging.
Anna Sui, velvet rose corsage, $104

This is a fun skirt. Love how the polka dots seem to be gradating from small to large. Cute
ASOS, Yumi Spot Skirt, $33.99

Love the juxtaposition of the net fabric on the pearls. Also, it's beautifully layered.
Promod, Romantic 6 strand necklace, £12

This one's so very elegant.
Kate Spade, Gail corsage top, $245

These are very versatile. My favorite: pinning them on my leggings, right above my shoes, on the outside of my ankle. They end up looking a bit like an extension of my shoes.
Newport News, Oversized floral corsage, $6

Love the metallic sheen. Plus, it's purple!
Spiegl, Leather Wrap Jacket, $99

It's a satin corsage on a double layered strand of beads, and yet, it somehow manages to look simple.
Adele Marie Jewellery, 2 row pearl necklace with corsage $66

Very cutesy!
ASOS, Statement occasion resin flower on stretch beads bracelet, $25.50

Perfect everyday corsage top.
J. Crew, Merino rose corsage scoopneck sweater, $79.50

Lakme Fashion Week S/S 10: Button Masala by Anuj Sharma

2009-10-29T00:46:00.005+05:30

I've always loved the concepts Anuj Sharma comes up with. The idea of wearing one garment in more than one way really appeals to me. Not to forget his catchy taglines. Remember 'Knot for you' and 'Eylet it be'?! Outfits from these collections are still doing the rounds in the celeb circuit. Priya Tanna, editor of Vogue India wore a dress from his Knot For You collection earlier this year. Also spotted in Anuj Sharma were Pratima Bhatia, Babita Malkhani and Antara Mali.

Button Masala is another collection along the same lines. As the name suggests, he's played around a lot with buttons, both as a surface embellishment and of course, his signature, as a way to provide for different options for fastening. Some of the silhouettes, like the strappy handkerchief style and blanket-draped-over-one-shoulder, are repeats from his last few collections. The entire collections gets an A for wearibility, but for me, it falls flat. You can only go so far with a great concept. Execution is pretty important. Red, black and white can get boring fast.

I did love the off white maxi dress with the oh-so-prim collar though (picture on the top right). Very cute. Only wish the rest of the collection was a s good.

Trend Alert! The Snood

2009-10-24T05:08:00.009+05:30

It's a scarf sans the dangly bits. A bit like an oversize collar. Totally awesome for klutzy people, example moi, who tend to leave things behind if they aren't securely attached to their bodies. And oh. It's very fall chic.

Both Burberry Prorsum and Missoni featured the snood in their Fall '09 RTW collections. The slouchy cowled drape of the Missoni snood will work with most any wintry outfit.

Missoni RTW Fall '09

Burberry Prorsum RTW Fall '09

This totally cute snood from Promod is bargain compared to the pricier designer versions. I've seen this in rich teal, caramely brown and creamy white, at the store in Hyderabad. Love.

Promod Chunky Double Knit Collar, 24.95 €

This snood is slouchier and snugglier. Very cute.
ASOS Ribbed Knitted Snood, $30.59

Lakme Fashion Week A\W09: Walnut by Nidhi and Divya Gambhir

2009-09-12T02:25:00.001+05:30

Shift dresses sure are popular this fall. Walnut by Nidhi and Divya Gambhir showcased a collection that seemed to feature shift dresses almost exclusively. I'm not complaining -- I'm loving this trend. And the Gambhirs have some really awesome shifts in their collection. Bright colours and totally fab quirky prints are featured extensively. I love love the shifts that look like paint was smeared on with a palette knife. Talk about visual texture! I also love the jewel toned dresses with the fabric manipulations that emulate the bandage-dress trend. And that yummy uber-minimal red trench! Bandana Tewari wore something very similar during the fashion week. And she looked awesome in it!

I heart this collection.

Lakme Fashion Week A\W09: Archana Kochhar

2009-08-30T02:00:00.006+05:30

I liked the bright bright colours. I liked that Archana Kochhar experimented with fabric manipulation techniques. And that's about all that I liked about this collection. Going OTT can sometimes make a real fashion statement, or it can backfire miserably. For me, the outcome was clearly the later. The ruffles with the poofy fabric manipulations with the surface ornamentation and embroidery was just too much. Messy. Pretty much every gown in this collection looked like a pre-pubescent Indian teenage girly girl's idea of a ball gown.

BTW, is it just me, or does the showstopper (the gown covered with origami-like flowers in various shades of pink and white) remind you of Rohit Bal's Gulal collection?

Lakme Fashion Week A\W 09: Gaba by Aneeth Arora and Chinar Farooqi

2009-08-04T11:09:00.005+05:30

Never have dull neutrals and dowdy darks looked better. I'm a total colour lover (Hey! That rhymes.), but OMG, Aneeth & Chinar sure had me at full attention with this collection.

Sometimes, I think that here in India, we have two fashion seasons just for the heck of it. Cause really, most of the country is pretty temprate and there's only so much of a market for really warm wintry clothes. And we're also a country that has a colour fixation. We're pretty much okay with every colour all the time. (Hah! I'm not the only one.) So most designers pretty much do as they please, with varying levels of regard to the forecasts. Not so in this case. Both the colours and the garments are very winter. Though I'm sure if some of the looks were de-layered a bit, they'd be perfectly comfy in temprate weather as well.

As for the collection, think very very fashionable tea pickers (like the one's those old TATA tea ads). Long puffed sleeves, loose gathered pinafores and artisty smocks coupled with almost-opaque stockings, mary-janes, head scarves worn tea-picker style and even cloaks! With a very minimalist ethnic feel. I particularly loved the cloaks. The black one, worn over the cute grey silk shift, is very Harry Potter. And I think I spotted a few Ikats in the collection, along with a bunch of other ethnic Indian fabrics. And I really like those uber baggy pants in grey. And everything else too. The whole collection = fabulosity.

Trend Alert! Jumpsuits

2009-07-27T13:36:00.018+05:30

Love them or hate them, jumpsuits are the new fashion obsession. Dark and elegant or casually chic, jumpsuits rock. They've been spotted on several glamazons at red carpet events. Think Jenifer Lopez, Gwyneth Paltrow, Keria Knightley, Fergie and Alicia Keys. And on my side of the ocean, there's Deepika Padhukone, Nina Manuel, Lara Dutta and Shilpa Shetty, to name a few. And they've been blazing down the ramps too, courtesy Stella McCartney, Missoni, Dolce & Gabbana, Diane Von Furstenberg, Chloé and Giorgio Armani.

But this can be a tricky trend to sport, especially if you've got the voluptuous Indian derriere. Then a fabric like linen is a better bet than jersey. And fit has never been more important. If it bags or sags anywhere, or if it's squeezing you tight, then it's not going to work.

Elizabeth and James Oasis Jumpsuit, $425.00
Effortlessly elegant.

Catherine Malandrino Draped Jumpsuit, $395.00
Short and dressy, love the bright popping colour!

Newport News, Bandini-print halter jumpsuit $49.00
Love the kitschy print. Perfect if you're going for a bohemian look.

7 For All Mankind, Henley Denim Romper, $189.00
Uber casual. And so comfy!

Missoni Enid Combo Jumpsuit, $2,545.00
Very Sophisticated. Very Brunch.

Robert Rodriguez Ruffled Jumpsuit, $385.00
Kinda makes think of the Zoot suit. Love the slouchy look.

Versace, Spring 08
Very edgy almost-formal.

VPL, Anatomic One Z Jumpsuit, $695
Very avant garde.

This gorgeous jumpsuit by Raakesh Agarvwal has sure been doing the rounds. It's been featured on several magazines, one being Vogue India. It's also been spotted on several celebs in the Mumbai party circuit.

Lakme Fashion Week A\W 09: Pria Kataaria Puri

2009-07-27T11:24:00.005+05:30

I'm guessing this would be THE collection if you're a fashion dilettante from the Middle East. I've heard she's got quite a following there.

But I still hate this collection. And there are just so many things that I hate about it. Like the pseudo-oriental prints dulled down by an uninspiring colour palette, that reminded me of cheap curtains mostly. Take that and add hair that's reminiscent of classical Greek sculpture and you've got a major culture clash. And the fact that she's taken a trend I love -- wide belts -- and made them look like bawdy curtain rings. Or the OTT psychedelic raccoon eye make up.

Added to all the monstrosities that walked down the ramp, she threw in a few cliches too. Like the gold bikini with the sari and the handkerchief-style maxi dress. And why, God, why has she used fur in a collection that's supposed to be aimed at hot desert countries? Maybe I just don't get Middle Eastern aesthetics, but Fur? Really?

Trend Alert! Weird Pants

2009-07-23T02:25:00.001+05:30

Ruched, ruffled, skinny, saggy, drop-crotch, harem style, ginormously wide legged and with bits missing, the weird pants are here. While some are, at best, dubious style statements (and I'm being really generous here), I still think there's hope for them. Some of the slouchier styles tend to look like pajamas, so a heavier fabric and a little structure is really important.

Sass & Bide, Black Rats leggings, $180
This one's pretty safe compared to some of what's coming. Love the mini-ruched look.

3.1 Phillip Lim, Silk karate pants, $325
Kinda reminds me of a tulip.

Aminaka Wilmont, Twisted wool pants, $670
Made me think of jodhpuris. Chic.

McQ, Wool-blend harem pants, $270
Major drop-crotch. And potential.

By Malene Birger, Jolie Shimmery sequin leggings, $320
I'm attracted to shiny objects. :D But you'll need some major chutzpah to pull these off.

Thayer, Wide Leg Pants, $360.00
My mom used to call these Elephant pants when she was little. Apt, methinks. And cute.

Y-3, Lux Low Rise Pants, $290.00
Very gangsta. Cute.

Kimchi Blue, Tie Front Knit Pant, $38.00
Love the bow-like front. Tres tres.

Silence & Noise, High Waisted Harem Pant, $58.00
Very well structured.

Aminaka Wilmont, Cropped cotton pants, $550.00
Pants with a collar and what look like cuffs (there's a small slits behind the 'cuffs'). What next!?

Lakme Fashion Week A\W 09: Rimzim Dadu

2009-05-09T13:52:00.003+05:30

Bright popping acid colour. Check. Uber creative textures. Check. Chic silhouettes. Check. And that's why I really liked Rimzim Dadu's collection. You gotta love a girl who ain't sacred of using so much acid colour in an A\W collection. I particularly loved the oranges. And the magolicious textures!!! The cut-outs, the craggy woven houndstooth, the patchwork. Tres tres chic. She stuck to the oh-so-popular shift silhouette mostly, with a few variations -- a trapeze here, a sheath there. What I didn't get was the sari. It just seemed very out of place in this very young, funky collection. And there was this really blah shapeless green dress in chiffon. But I'm going to forgive those, cause the rest of the collection sure did make up for it!

Lakme Fashion Week A\W 09: Sabyasachi

2009-05-08T01:13:00.004+05:30

I used to love Sabyasachi. So fresh, so quirky, so totally ethnic Indian! But, somehow, these days, his work is starting to feel kinda stale. Like he's already been there, done that.

His A\W 09 collection, as usual was classic Sabya -- Ethnic, quirky, organic and earthy, with current trends incorporated into the look, like the sheer overskirt and the sheer sharara, the semi-fitted shift silhouette, layering and the chic chunky ethnic jewellery. Some of the looks worked, some really didn't. Can't say I care too much for the sheer sharara. But I did love the earthy scoop neck shifts worn over blouses, etc. Very cute. And the chottu sari! Love the concept and the execution. And I absolutely LOVED all the accessories. The chunky, super-oversized kadah like bangles, the gorgeous neck pieces, all of it.

Trend Alert! Tribal

2009-04-30T01:30:00.022+05:30

One of the fiercest trends to hit the ramps this season is the very African Tribal trend. And I'm talking designers like Anna Sui, Issey Miyake, Oscar de la Renta -- most of the creme de la creme of the fashion tribe. Think bold dramatic prints and bright earthy colours on simple soft shapes. And statement accessories (like the oh-so-drool-worthy Louis Vuitton Spicy Shoe!)

But this isn't exactly the easiest look to channel. Unless you've got major fashion chutzpah, going for one focal point is a good idea. Like if you're wearing a dress that has a lot happening, then tone down the accessories, of forgo them completely. Or if you're dying to put on that gorgeous but uber-intricate and humongous neck piece, skip the earrings and wear it with a plain top/dress.

Here are my top picks:

TIBI NY, Blue silk tribal dress, $694.00
Love how the rich blue body of the dress frames the gorgeous neck.

Kendra Scott Jewelry, Artemis Bangle $63.00

I don't usually like gold. But this bangle, with its simple leaf motif, was just too gorgeous to resist!

Bottega Veneta, $1,850.00
This is one of the uber awesome Bottega knot minaudieres. Nuff said.

Arden B, Enamel Tribal Earring, $18.00
Great if you're looking to make a subtle statement. I really like that shade of orange.

Forever 21, Tribal Silk Scarf, $5.80
This scarf would be the perfect way to turn any old plain-Jane look to tribal chic. And Forever 21 has some really awesome tribal inspired stuff, so head over to either the store or the website and check it out.

Nicole Miller, Aqua tribal jersey Dolman dress, $ 385.00
I LOVE this dress! The dramatic B&W print, the oh-so-casual anti-fit silhouette, the central motif -- all of it! Tres tres chic.

Bangle Brass Work By Isharya, $48.00
Now this is a simple statement piece. Quirky and gorge.

New Look, Metallic Trim Bag, £20.00
I really like the very organic looking cane handle. And the print, which I'm thinking is a type of Ikat.

Kitson Ettika, Tribal Bead Bracelet, $48.00
Love the dangly bits!

WeWe, Kimmy Sunflower dress $99.00
WeWe is a store I found online, which only makes Africa inspired garments. They've got more like this really cute yellow maxi dress.

Louis Vuitton, Spicy Sandal in Python Leather, $3,390
And finally! The drool-worthy (and unattainable if you're as broke as I am!) Spicy shoe I was talking about a bit earlier. It's been seen on glamazons like Alexa Chung, Chloe Sevigny, Heidi Klum, Victoria Beckham and Madonna. No wonder it's on the lust list of pretty much every fashionate out there.

Book Review: Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen

2009-04-27T17:29:00.004+05:30

Halley and Scarlett have been best friends for years, sharing secrets, clothes, and crushes. People know Scarlett as the popular, flamboyant one; Halley's just her quiet sidekick. Then, at the beginning of their junior year, the balance shifts. First, Scarlett's boyfriend Michael is killed in a freak accident; soon afterward, she learns that she is carrying his baby. For the first time, Scarlett really needs Halley. Their friendship may bend under the weight, but it'll never break--because a true friendship is a promise you keep forever. Sarah Dessen's poignant, funny voice has earned her raves and legions of teenaged fans.

I've been reading about how great Sarah Dessen is for quite a while now. I'd even bought and added three of her books to my ever growing TBR pile. But somehow, I never got around to reading them. And that whole time my expectations kept building and building. Now usually when this happens, when I do finally get to the book in question, I end up mildly disappointed.

But this was so not the case when it came to Dessen! I first devoured Someone Like You and then proceeded to stay up the whole night to read Just Listen.

The story starts of with Michael's death. Halley rushes home from camp to be with Scarlett, just to be there for her. One of my favorite things about this book was Halley's friendship with Scarlett. It's so very real, almost tangible and completely symbiotic. Then Scarlett realizes she's pregnant. With Michael's baby. And Halley's falling for the elusive rebel-without-a-cause Macon. Scarlett is in over her head and Halley find herself battling her self esteem issues. And the two girls find themselves depending more on each other than ever before. Halley and Scarlett make some tough decisions that summer -- about love, responsibility and sex.

Halley's relationship with her mother was another aspect that I could relate to all too easily. She'd always been close to her mom, but she finds herself slowly and surely snipping away at the umbilical cord as she grows closer to Scarlett and falls more in love with Macon. She finds her mother way too domineering, and her mother is trying to deal with the fact that Halley is almost grown up and doesn't appreciate her interference, no matter how good her intentions.

Though Someone Like You is as much about Scarlett as it is about Halley, it is also pretty clear that Halley is the main protagonist. For one thing, the entire book is in first person, Helley's person. But it isn't just that. Though the characterization is amazing, the only character I got a concrete hold on was Halley. I saw the rest of the characters only through Halley's eyes with all her prejudices. Dessen's writing grabbed me and pulled me into Halley's character so completely, that I thought what she thought, believed what she wanted to believe, was in denial when she was. That's how amazing Dessen's writing is.

Book Review: Turn Coat by Jim Butcher

2009-04-24T22:01:00.000+05:30

Harry Dresden, professional wizard, has done his best to keep his nose clean where the White Council of Wizards is concerned. Even so, his past misdeeds have cast a constant shadow of suspicion over him in the eyes of the Wardens, those wizards responsible for enforcing the Laws of Magic. Now Dresden finds himself faced with a nightmarish dilemma: Morgan, formerly his chief persecutor among the Wardens, has been wrongly accused of treason against the White Council - and has come to Harry for help. Dresden faces a daunting task: clear Morgan’s name while simultaneously hiding him from the Wardens and the supernatural bounty hunters sent to find him, discover the identity of the true turncoat and, of course, avoid accusations of treachery of his own. A single mistake may mean that heads -- quite literally -- will roll. And one of them could be his own…

Harry Dresden is a wizard. (But that's about all that he has in common with a certain wizard that shares his first name.) In fact, if you check in the phonebook, you'd find 'Harry Dresden, Private Investigator' as the sole entry under 'Wizards'. He's snarky and grouchy, a total badass whose sense of justice sometimes gets the better of his sense of logic. It's no wonder I completely LOVE him! I always did have a thing for sarcasm.

Jim Butcher's alternative reality features all the usual suspects -- Fey folk (that's faeries), Vampires, Werewolves, Spirits, Ghosts and Wizards(duh!) -- the whole mixed bag. And this supernatural, alterna-universe is no bed of roses. Gory murders, fickle friends that sometimes turn foe, and vice versa, magical politics, the Dresden Files have got them all. And Butcher's built up a totally solid, believable world. It grows and changes.

Turn Coat is the eleventh book in the series. I thought the first book was merely okay, I persevered, and by book 3, I was completely, utterly HOOKED. I devoured the first ten books in a little over a week. And bit my fingernails to stubs in anticipation of Turn Coat, which released this April. And it was definitely worth the wait.

The story starts of when Morgan, an over zealous White Council wizard (The White Council is like wizard government), turns up at Dresden's door, gravely injured and seeking help. He's been accused of treason -- of murdering one of the senior council member. Now if you've read any of the older books in this series, you'd know that Morgan is the last person who'd would betray the White Council. Dresden, being his contrary self, agrees to help. And to clear Morgan's name, he's got to figure who the true culprit is. And by harboring a fugitive, he's putting both his, and his young apprentice Molly's heads on the line.

The antagonism that Morgan and Dresden have for each other are probably the most entertaining parts of this book. And then you have the an all new villain -- the Skinwaker, a Native American shapeshifter of incredible power. And to top it off, it seems every other magic weilder is out to collect the huge bounty on Morgan's head.

Butcher gets all five stars for plot, character buliding and general awesomeness. And even an extra star for his amazing sense of humor. I'd recommend this series to anyone.

Lakme Fashion Week A\W09: Nachiket Barve

2009-04-23T18:33:00.000+05:30

Watching Barve's show gave me an odd sense of déja vu. And when I went through his previous season's collection at his stall I understood why. Barve's autmn-winter collection seemed to be a more sombre interpretation of his spring-summer. The bright acid colour slightly loose shift dresses that he'd displayed last season were in more sombre avatars for autmn-winter. Colour gradation, which he'd used as a prominent design element back, in a more wintry palette. Even the fabric treatments and surface ornamentation, which is what I like most about his work, seemed to be reworked from last season.

Degas liked painting ballerinas. So he painted a whole bunch of ballerinas. And he did it again. And again. A lot of great artists have repeatedly painted the same subject. It's quite possible that Barve's creative spirit wanted to revisit and look at his last collection through new eyes. But this is fashion, and that excuse doesn't work so well when the industry is so fickle with its affections.

On a brighter note, I did really like his collection. I liked the both the applique and the printed shift dresses. And I loved the very bling strapless black shift worn with black legging and mary janes. Tres chic!

Lakme Fashion Week A\W09: Swapnil Shinde

2009-04-22T02:25:00.000+05:30

I've been seeing Swapnil Shinde's spring-summer collection EVERYWHERE. On celebrities and p3peeps out to attend parties and events (Mugdha Godse, Simran Kaur Mundi, Monica Bedi and on Amrita Rao like upmteen times) and on magazine covers (Grazia - Feb 09 issue, Cosmopolitan - Feb 09 issue). So I entered the show with pretty high expectations.

And I totally wasn't dissapointed! I loved the whole goth-schoolgirl-going-for-prom thing he had going on. Not to mention those red tartan-esque checked prints that he so liberally used throughout his collection -- on these really cute wide belts, as trim and on the whole of this chic, flared, thigh-high slit dress.

And that dress with the pink and black weave-print under sheer net with a poufy skirt and a wide tartan belt (top right, see picture). It appeals to my whimsical side.

The gowns that were the later half of this collection were nice. Glamourous and chic. And I'm pretty sure I'll start spotting them on celebs at parties soon enough. (In fact, I think Priyanka Chopra wore two of the gowns showcased in this collection before they hit the runway!) But they didn't hold the same appeal to me as the first half.

Lakme Fashion Week A\W09: Anand Kabra

2009-04-22T01:30:00.000+05:30

Anand Kabra usually has a nice concept behind his pretty dresses. I loved his spring-summer collection (which he showcased at the last fashion week) which had been inspired by the character Malena. So I took the time to go through his press release. This collection was named And the Mirror Crack'd. And immediately I thought of Agatha Christe (with me being a bookaholic, not that surprising). I'm not sure if Kabra had Dame Christie in mind while desiging this collection or not, but if he did, I couldn't see it. It could just have been a reference to the gorgeous mirror work that featured as a prominent design element in some of the garments.

Now to the collection itself. The colour palette had a lot of black, mostly as a base colour, with a few bursts of grey, golden yellow, teal and orange thrown in for good measure. I saw a lot of relaxed, semi-fitted silhouettes, duochromatic goemetric prints, and this rather interesting circular motif, which appeared alternatively as lace trim, as plain ole embroidery or with mirror work. The collection spelled sophistication and easy elegance, and to top it of, most of the looks was totally wearable. This being said, there were a few pieces that I didn't like. The golden yellow dress for instance, it was a tad too boring. And the mirrored legging were a bit too much. But the circular motif sari was quite interesting. And I absolutely LOVED the geometric print dresses!! Especially the off-shoulder one. So chic.

Lakme Fashion Week: Naomi Campbell for Mai Mumbai

2009-04-21T02:15:00.000+05:30

There were a whole lot of celebs, both Bollywood and otherwise, who walked the ramp for the Mai Mumbai Fashion for Relief show. From the Bollywood fraternity there was Deepika Padukone, Milind Soman, Rahul Bose, Arjun Rampal, Madhu Sapre... most everyone you can think of actually. Even author Gregory Davis Roberts (eeeeee!!) and his wife. But there was no doubt as to who everyone crowded into every nook and cranny possible in the main show area was really waiting for. (I know, it's kind of obvious from the header of this post who it is I'm talking about, but I'm still going to be dramatic.)

Naomi Campbell.

Tah-dah!

And she walked the ramp not once, but TWICE. The first time in a gorgeous black Sabyasachi sari, the second in an opulent red Vikram Phadnis churidar-kurti.

Naomi in Sabyasachi.

Naomi in Vikram Phadnis.

Book Review: A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

2009-04-20T17:10:00.000+05:30

It's 1895, and after the suicide of her mother, 16-year-old Gemma Doyle is shipped off from the life she knows in India to Spence, a proper boarding school in England. Lonely, guilt-ridden, and prone to visions of the future that have an uncomfortable habit of coming true, Gemma's reception there is a chilly one. To make things worse, she's been followed by a mysterious young Indian man, a man sent to watch her. But why? What is her destiny? And what will her entanglement with Spence's most powerful girls — and their foray into the spiritual world — lead to?

For a girl living in the late 1800s, Gemme Doyle is pretty cool. She's headstrong, sarcastic, has a good sense of justice AND she has a supernatural power, yet she is so very flawed. Strangely, it is the last attribute that made her real to me. Take for instance her relationship with Felicity, leader of the it clique in Spence. She goes from hating to tolerating to becoming really good friends with Felicity in, like seconds. And then a moment later, they're at each other's throats again. And while Gemma has enough redeeming qualities for me to forgive, even understand her failings, the other girls in the club, the Order, that Gemma finally finds herself a part of, aren't quite as appealing. Felicity is the selfish one, she pretty much lives for instant gratification. Ann, the low-class scholarship girl is whiny, and never stands up for either herself or for her friends. And Pippa is the cliched very beautiful very vacant girl. But unappealing as they might be, these characters were very very real. Throughout the book, I was annoyed at Gemma for trusting Felicity, Pippa and Ann. But I could also relate to her need for companionship. And at sixteen, nobody is that good a judge of people.

Now here's a bit more of the storyline itself. The blurb was a bit too short, methinks. Gemma, led by one of her visions, finds the diary of a young girl, Mary Dowd, who'd attended Spence before her time. She shares this book with Felicity, Pippa and Ann. As they together read the diary, Gemma realizes her visions are more then they seem. They are in fact a doorway to the Realms, a sort of spirit world. Soon she's regularly crossing over to the Realms, taking the rest of the Order with her. But the Realms aren't the paradise they seem to be. Because there's evil lurking there too, and it wants to claim Gemma's power for itself.

Though a bit vague at times, Bray's writing literally pulled me into the story. Bray's take on 19th century London in insightful. She took 19th century culture, teen issues and ideas of sexuality and brought them to a level where not only did I understand them, but could relate to them. And as I've mentioned before, the characterization is amazing. And the supernatural element made this book absolutely unputdownable. I read the whole book in one go! And I can't wait to get my hands on the two sequels -- Rebel Angels and The Sweet Far Thing.

And, oh, I think the cover is GORGEOUS!

And here's the book trailer.

Lakme Fashion Week A\W09: Little Shilpa

2009-04-20T02:10:00.000+05:30

The lights dimmed, and sudden roar of a fighter jet plane made those inattentive few in the audience sit up straight. Zoom zoom BOOM! As the film projector brought to life a war scene shot in the air, the first model strutted down the ramp to give us that first glimpse of Little Shilpa's accessory collection. Talk about a dramatic start! And the rest of Shilpa's air force/war inspired did justice to hype that had built up in the initial minutes of the show. Though not what I'd call entirely wearable, this collection was a like a very satisfying creative exercise. Every look was meticulously and effectively styled. I absolutely love the look with the sari, camouflage head gear, and that kamar-bandh reminiscent belt. And that hat! The one that looks like it has little jet planes flying around it. It just looks so (I KNOW I sound juvenile, but what can I say, it fits) COOL. I like the grungy neck pieces with the medals hanging from them. And these ones are totally wearable.

Lakme Fashion Week A\W09: Anamika Khanna

2009-04-20T01:16:00.000+05:30

Anamika Khanna's collection was the grand finale to the Lakme Fashion Week. And unlike every other time that I've attended LFW (as a student), this time I actually got a place to sit to watch the show, and that too second row! Ah, the wonders of holding that magic Media Pass(courtesy Femina, the magazine at which I was interning at that point of time).

For a bridal collection aimed at the Indian market, this collection was very very toned ,down. I'm always a fan of the subtle style statement as opposed to the ostentatious, especially when it comes to Indian ethnic fashion, so I loved it! I am so wholeheartedly sick of watching those impossible heavy ghagra skirts and opulently bejeweled saris sashaying down the ramp, which is the case in most bridal collections (except, of course Sabyasachi's bridal collection last season). So Khanna's collection was like a breath of fresh air. The colour palette spelled subtle luxury -- bright golds and rich reds accompanied by creams and pastels. Alongside the saris and ghagras were churidars-kurtas and distinctly ethnic gowns in a creative mix of silhouettes. I particularly liked the printed ghagra with the gold border, the print works so well as a design element here. I also loved the look in which the model is wearing a gold blouse and black churidar which is covered with a gorgeously embellished sheer over skirt.

Fashion in Fiction: Bernice Bobs Her Hair by F. Scott Fitzgerald

2009-04-19T17:29:00.001+05:30

Bernice, a shy retiring girl of the Roaring 20s, leaves her safe home to go visit her flapper cousin. She yearns to be popular. On the advice of her flapper cousin Marjorie, Bernice begins dressing more stylishly, and learns the Most Valuable Rule: "When you're with a man, there are only three topics of conversation: you, me and us. But she gives Marjorie much more than she bargained for.

The story didn't start of by introducing either of the two main characters, Bernice or Marjorie. In fact Bernice, who I consider the main protagonist was the last to be introduced. The first page or so kind of eased me into the culture and time at which the story was set without being prosaic. Though I can't really talk about character development, this was a really short story, I could still get a good feel of Bernice, the sheltered lily wilting in the real world and Marjorie, the vivacious and worldly it girl.

Initially, Bernice, with all her awkwardness and effort in trying to conform to long gone (yes, long gone even then!) ideals of femininity annoyed me. First she eavesdrops on Marjorie discussing how hopeless she (Bernice) is with her aunt. Then, instead of trying to do something about it herself, Bernice goes and confronts Marjorie and tries to bluff that she'll leave of she isn't wanted.

"I guess I'd better go back to Eau Claire--if I'm such a nuisance." Bernice's lower lip was trembling violently and she continued on a wavering note: "I've tried to be nice, and--and I've been first neglected and then insulted. No one ever visited me and got such treatment."

Marjorie calls her bluff. And after much swallowing of pride, etc. Bernice decides to ask Marjorie for help.

Well, help Marjorie does, and soon Bernice's popularity quotient goes through the roof. So much so that Bernice manages to catch the eye of Marjorie's best boy. And you know how catty girls can be when it comes to boys. Now I don't want to be giving away too much, so that's all I'm going to say. But one thing is for sure, bitchy girls make for an entertaining read!

Random Ramblings, and a new feature!

2009-04-19T14:03:00.000+05:30

I recently Wikied "Fashion in Fiction", just to see what would come up. For reading ideas, etc. While two of the titles that came up (Bergdorf Blondes by Plum Sykes and The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger) were completely expected, and were, in fact, books that I'd already read, there was one title by F. Scott Fitzeregald, set in the twenties, called Bernice Bobs Her Hair. This short story was written in 1920 and first published in the Saturday Evening Post in May of that year. It later reappeared in various short story anthologies. Chick lit from the twenties??!!! WOW! I actually found a copy of Bernice online!! And you can read the review here.

On another note, the Wikipedia intro to the search result -- "Novels and short stories with fashion as a topic, theme, setting or some significant element." -- really got me thinking. Now I can think of way more than a paltry three books in this category. So I'm going to start another feature, which, to keep it simple, I'm going to call Fashion in Fiction.

Lakme Fashion Week A\W09: Mandira Wirk

2009-04-19T02:28:00.000+05:30

Ladylike and elegant, this collection is for the woman who really likes dressing up. The colour palette was muted combination of blacks, greys, wines and olive. Combine these with furs, velvets and wool blends, and some jersey to lighten it up a bit, and you've got a look that means Business. The gathered drapes that seemed to be continuing theme softens this rather severe looking collection. And the rubber print detailing somehow manages to look elegant. There was a bit too much happening for my taste, but it worked well enough. I really like the long flowy halter dress with the gorgeous lace-like detailing from knee to hem(see below) worn with the hat. And Mandira Wirk looked so pretty walking the ramp in a dress from the same collection! That's her in the bottom right picture.

Lakme Fashion Week A\W09: Lina Tipnis

2009-04-19T01:08:00.000+05:30

Powerful, yet utterly feminine and luxurious. Jewel tones and gorgeous browns in opulent silks. Form fitting silhouettes that didn't hug the body, but rather framed it. And very Indian prints. Now this collection I can see on urban Indian woman. It was wearable, which usually translates to boring, but not in this case. Celebrating womanhood has become a bit of a cliche these days, but what else can you say when this collection seemed to do exactly that? And you've got to love the outfit with the jodhpuri pants.

Lakme Fashion Week A\W09: Kallol Dutta

2009-04-19T00:46:00.002+05:30

Now here's a collection that I really liked. And I do mean ALL of it. The colour palette was soothing but not boring -- full of earthy browns and beiges, army greens and just a little hint of bright colour here and there. There were lots of anti-fit dresses, skirts, batik prints (which weren't too overwhelming, because that can happen sometimes when it comes to batik prints) and jackets with large floppy collars that ended at a point (which I loved). Another thing I thought really worked was the grungy ruffle detailing, which btw, is really in this season. And what I loved best: the extremely awesome and quirky mannequin print.

Lakme Fashion Week A\W09: Rahul Reddy

2009-04-18T19:35:00.000+05:30

This whole collection had this chic almost-grown-up-schoolgirl vibe going on for most of the part. I like how he blended the knits with the wovens. Though with those gorgeous textured motifs on the knits, it felt more like the wovens were a subtle complement, as opposed to a proper design element. The colours were mostly bright -- turquoise, mustard, orange and pink, with more sober base colours -- grey, pale blue, sea green, brown and khaki. I LOVE LOVED the knee length shirt-wraped skirts. So cute. And the uber chic gray knit shift dress with the pink trim! Yum. Though not so much the very odd brown skirt with circular relief design.

Trend Alert! Clutches

2009-04-18T01:37:00.002+05:30

One of the hottest handbag trends that's spilled over from the last couple seasons is the Clutch. And it's in this season that the Clutch has really arrived. From slim rectangles to oversized floppy ones, you can find clutches in more drool worthy avatars then ever.

Here are my top ten picks:

Jil Sander Raso Frangie Clutch in Black, $1,145.00
It's got uber sexy, yet subtle tassels AND it's a clutch. That TWO trends in one. What's not to like?

Laura Matthews Designs, Colorblock Clutch, $270.00
Bright pop-out colour and a sleek contained shape. LOVE.

Alexander McQueen, $899.00
The print. The shape. The overall effect is FIERCE!

Boden Fabulous Flower Clutch, $128.00
Love the cute textured rosettes. So feminine!

Felix Rey Manon Clutch, $450.00
Now here's a clutch that ups the Jil Sander one when it comes to trends. It's a clutch (duh!), it's oversized and it's ruffled. And I love that it has a shoulder chain, which is sure to come in handy.

Judith Leiber Red Delicious, $3,595
I am absolutely in love with this one. The apple has all those 'forbidden fruit' associations. Or in this case it's more like 'extremely gorgeous unaffordable fruit'. And it's sparkly!

Merona Hinge Wallet, $12.99
This one is (Sorry Moschino, I'm ripping of your tagline, but it's just so apt here :D) cheap and chic.

Miss Sixty, $149.00
This one is just so fresh and sporty looking. And it's still girly.

Shop Intuition, Neon Patent Bow Clutch in Fuchsia, $40
Omg, I could trip on that acid colour! And love the bow.

Treesje Luna Clutch, $170.23
I like how the sober brown trim complements the shiny metallic body. And it's a maxi clutch with strap.

Book Review: Bringing Home the Birkin by Michael Tonello

2009-04-17T12:15:00.000+05:30

Before we get to the book, a little bit about the Birkin. The Glossary at the back of Bringing Home the Birkin describes it best. "The Birkin is a (Hermes) handbag produced in a variety of skins, designed to be a carryall for working or traveling women." Lets amend that to really really rich working or traveling women, because the cheapest Birkin costs about as much as a car. The basic leather 35cm Birkin costs $7,500.00 and the rare, more exclusive ones are considered a steal at $100,000.00. And oh, the crocodile-and-diamond version tops the price list, at a whopping $150,000.00! (Gwad, did I sound like the a talk show host or what!??) "Named for the actress Jane Birkin, who co-designed this bag, along with Jean-Louis Dumas Hermes in 1984." But money isn't all that you need to bag yourself a Birkin. It's one of the most coveted and exclusive handbags in the world. There's supposedly a two year waiting list, but that's just another myth Michael Tonello proves false. Lets just say, unless you know how, getting your hands on a Birkin is near impossible!

Here's a picture of the Basic 35mm leather Birkin in the signature Hermes orange.

Bringing Home the Birkin is a memoir. To be specific, it's Michael Tonello's story of how he cracked the secret getting his hands on an obscene number of the infamously elusive Birkin. And of how he then made a career out of reselling these insanely coveted carryalls on eBay.

Witty, interesting and fun, Tonello certainly has a way with words. I was charmed, both by his subtle sarcasm and his little descriptions of all the cities he visited in his quest for the Birkin. There's a love interest too. As Tonello cracks the Birkin formula, he also finds true love in Juan. Though this isn't really a major part of this spiel, it added just the right dash of the personal to make me feel connected to Tonello himself. I cheered for his successes, both in life and in the Birkin front, and sighed when things started looking down.

Wether you have a fetish for designer handbags or not, I'm sure you'll LOVE this book. I certainly did!

A few more pictures of Birkins for the curious.

This is a 35cm Crocodile Fuchsia Birkin, which is one of the rarer colours.

This is the really expensive Crocodile-and-Diamond Birkin I was talking about earlier.

And here's the book trailer.

Trend Alert! Gladiators

2009-04-16T13:38:00.004+05:30

What they are: These sandals are constructed out of thin buckled leather straps that either stop at the ankle or continue to mid-calf. Typically they’re flat heeled, but their high-heeled avatars are really hot right now.

What I like:

Guess Footwear Klear, $79.99
These are pretty basic gladiators, and that's why I like them. The straps are well spaced out, and the gold studs add just the right amount of glam quotient.

Betsey Johnson Women's Daker Gladiator Sandal, $144.90 - $179.90
I just love how punk these sandals are!!!

Costume National Thin Strap Gladiator, $535.00
Love the colour, love the minimalist straps.

Mistrey by Melissa Rubber gladiator sandals, $65.00
Uber casual, chic, and they'll add that burst of colour to brighten up you look. And they're rubber, so they get points for being practical.

Giuseppe Zanotti Platform gladiator sandals, $875.00
Great if you want to dress up your look a bit. And I just love that they're white. And platforms!

BCBG MAX AZRIA Women's Ira Platform Gladiator Sandal
Snakeskin is in. Period.

Bernardo "Magic" Gladiator Sandals in Pewter, $148.00
These have a nice beach party vibe going on. And I'm still loving the metallic trend.

Antik Batik Squaw Spartiates gladiator sandals, $205.00
Cute and bohemian.

Reaction Kenneth Cole "Tart N Soul" Gladiator Pump, $89.00
Dressy Gladiator pumps. Yummy.

MIA Women's Empire Gladiator
Closer to the classic gladiator look. But you'll need legs that go all the way up to your armpits to pull these off. Or maybe just the chutzpah!

Book Review: Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

2009-04-16T02:07:00.006+05:30

When Isabella Swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets the mysterious, alluring Edward Cullen, her life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. with his porcelain skin, golden eyes, mesmerizing voice, and supernatural gifts, Edward is both irresistable and impentrible. Up until now, he has managed to keep his true identity hidden, but Bella is determined to uncover his dark secret.

What Bella doesn't realize is that closer she gets to him, the more she is putting herself and those around her at risk. And it might be too late to turn back...

If there’s any wonder why Twilight is on almost every bestseller list there is, sample this:

“Softly he brushed my cheek, then held my face between his marble hands. ‘Be very still,’ he whispered, as if I wasn’t already frozen. Slowly, never moving his eyes from mine, he leaned toward me. Then abruptly, but very gently, he rested his cold cheek against the hollow at the base of my throat.”

Though this isn’t what you would call overtly sensual, it’s the almost PG-13 variety of subtle sensuality that works better than the most well-written, in-your-face erotica.

Twilight is the doomed love story of the very human Isabella Swan and vegetarian vampire Edward Cullen. Bella is an awkward seventeen-year-old who moves from sunny Phoenix to gloomy Forks to live with her father. Her comically dismal and sarcastic narratives, of rainy Forks and her embarrassing new found popularity as the big city girl are a hilarious, entertaining start to the book.

Bella’s early interactions with Edward, the youngest of the blood-drinking Cullen family, are intriguing, even confusing. Perfection personified, Edward is impossibly attractive, strong, and even has a special gift, the ability to read minds. Except for Bella’s, which makes for interesting conversation between the two.

Meyer’s descriptive prose is simple, yet compelling. Bella’s character is well-developed, and it would be hard not to fall headlong for dreamboat Edward. Having said that, her interpretation of vampires is just too glossy. They have all the pros and none of the cons, except for their (duh!) all-consuming thirst for blood. She even adds her own (unfortunate) twist—they “sparkle like diamonds” in the sunlight instead of shrivelling up and dying.

The story does drag its feet at times—the timid but tumultuous romance takes place over the first three quarters of the book, and it’s only in the last five chapters or so that the evil vamps show up, giving the plot a real punch. But, like she demonstrates towards the end, Meyer sure can get the many pages of the book turning when she wants.

This book and the sequels—Eclipse, New Moon and Breaking Dawn—are spellbinding. And when you finish, I'm sure you'll be waiting in line, right beside me, for Midnight Sun, a narration of Twilight from Edward’s perspective, that’s due next.

And here's the trailer.

Geek but Chic - About

2009-04-16T01:41:00.005+05:30

Geek but Chic! is a blog about fashion and books. An odd combination, but then smart girls like to look good too!

At Geek But Chic! you can find:

Book Reviews, of books of any kind -- YA, Chicklit, Fantasy, Non-Fic, Sci-Fi -- pretty much anything that catches our eye.

Runway Reviews of fashion shows at Indian fashion weeks.

Trend Alert!, which charts the latest trends.