Yellow and White, Summer bright

Who: Soha Ali Khan
Where: Shiksha NGO Event

Soha went for a very breezy look in beautiful, white kurta with chikan embroidery worn over dark jeans at an NGO event. Her makeup was also simple...How adorable is her butterfly pendant?

Who: Neha Dhupia
Where: Shiksha NGO Event

Neha, attending the same event, went for a more glam look in a silk, cream ensemble with a keyhole neckline and embroidery near the neck and on the shoulders. She also wore loads of makeup!!

I am sure there is no dress code for NGO events ;-) but what do you think is more suitable - casual or formal attire? Was Soha under-dressed or Neha, over-dressed?

Who: Diandra Soares
Where: Nandita Basu's WIWF post-show party

Diandra, one of India's top models, completely rocks this bright yellow drop-waist outfit. I love the ribbons in grey/black on the neckline - it adds just the right amount of glamor to the outfit!! I have a dress in the exact same shade and similar cut but with long sleeves from Macys. Now I just need to borrow her toned legs when I wear it;-)

photo credits: desimartini.com, bollywoodhungama.com, filmicafe.com

Wills India Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2010 - Rahul Mishra

I have a confession to make - I love anything in black/white!! So when I saw Rahul Mishra's collection, I went a little crazy - good, happy crazy:-) A major part of his collection was in monochromatic with graphic prints of concrete man-made structures. The idea behind his collection was that concrete is replacing nature leading to global warming crises and a small change on our part can prevent that. He also did a few pieces with chevron strips but I didn't feel any love and some pieces in solid colors which rocked. My picks:


photo credits: vogue.in

Something's amiss

I have loads of things to write about ... our trip to Jaipur over the weekend, Terran's recent hospitalization, my new tshirts for charity initiative with 6 other girls, and more ...

BUT Blogger won't let me post pictures normally.  It's skewing all of the images and won't let me grab photos from Picasa or my hard drive like usual.  Anyone happen to know what's up?

SO ... in the meantime, I'll post the "things I love about Delhi" post that I promised, on the heels of my recent whine post.

• The ability to expand my horizons and experience more than I ever would had we stayed back in the snowglobe of Ohio.
• The ability to teach my children compassion and respect - on a much higher plane than I ever imagined.
• The ease of making a phone call and having things delivered to your doorstep.
• The luxury of having someone to virtually do ALL of your errands and never having to leave my couch if I don't want to.
• Having a playground that my kids and I can walk to (never have lived in a community where that was possible before).
• Meeting some pretty darn amazing people ... to add to my circle of friends.
• Having a "built-in" babysitter so the Husb and I can have weekly date nights.
• No scrubbing toilets.  'Nuf said.
• Having extra time in my day to volunteer for the American Women's Association and the Delhi Network.
• Getting to see parts of the world that were "too far" to fly from the States.
• Having elephants and camels at birthday parties.
• Having chicken tikka masala be part of our monthly recipes that the kids now LOVE to eat.
• Watching Mia make roti with Shanti (roti (or chapati) are similar to tortillas ... kind of).
• Frequent discussions with the littles about where their friends are from - their awareness of the globe is much greater since moving.
• Being able to have amazing clothes tailor-made for my body for a fraction of what I'd pay at TARGET!
• Finding out that I REALLY like Kingfisher beer, okra, jalabi and the "shrimp" that are the size of lobsters.
• Taking photography classes weekly for between $5 - 10 USD.
• Saying to our mali (gardener) that I'd like to have colored flower pots and having him paint them all brilliant colors the very next day.
• Watching my children bob their heads like little natives and say "Tikka" (ok) unconsciously.
• Being able to have someone (i.e. Kushal) drive me for just under 20 minutes and end up in an amazing area like Nizamuddin, or Purana Qila or Hauz Khas.
• Nowhere else (I think, anyway) can you wake up in the morning to the sounds of Laughing Yoga, the echoes of sufi music and the call of the snake charmer making his rounds.
• Calling the pathology lab to come do a blood draw of a sick little, and having them come to the house just a couple of hours later - then to get lab results online later that day - and all for $6 USD.
• Watching local street dogs chase away the monkeys in Malcha Marg.
• Having our corner supermarket order our favorite things and then deliver them the next day.
• Being able to share our experiences of daily living with fun projects like hosting a Flat Stanley from Oklahoma.
• Having the doctor answer his personal mobile by saying "Naomi, hello.  Who is sick?"
• Participating in amazing festivals like Dussehra (burning of the effigies) and Holi (throwing of colors).
• Seeing the magnificent wash of colors that is everywhere ...  us American chicks could learn a thing or two about adding color to our wardrobes!
• Watching my children become less and less materialistic.  That in and of itself, has made our move here marvelous!  The television is nearly void of commercials about what new toy to buy and hearing them say before Christmas that they didn't even know what to ask for, was music to our ears.

I could say more ... but I'll leave it at this ...

There are days that Delhi overwhelms me and I want to pack our bags... and there are days that I can't imagine ever leaving.

I truly do think that we are better people for having experienced life overseas ... even if Delhi is the only foreign location we live as a family.  I won't quite ever know the far-reaching effects that this experience will have on us, as I will only know our lives as they are now - day to day.


Perspective is a beautiful thing.  It - when used properly - gives us the boundaries by which to judge our current surroundings. Only when we look at our situation from both sides of the fence ... the negative AND the positive ... do we truly gain perspective.

If nothing else, this move to Delhi has given me a better grasp on perspective.  Thanks for letting me whine the other day ... and thanks for faithfully reading my comparative notes on what makes this an ok place to live!

A little perspective, like a little humor, goes a long way.
Allen Klein

Wills India Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2010 - Ritu beri

Ritu Beri presented a collection that was a tribute to the Indian army. There were army flags on the runway and a live military brand playing music. Her collection had lot of military inspired jackets (double-breast, high collar), velvet gowns and dresses. Although the jackets were very well tailored and smart, I had a sense of deja-vu since a lot of celebs have been sporting this style during the winter especially Rihanna. The color palette was grey, black, gold, electric blue and bright red. Here are some of the highlights.



photo credits: vogue.in

Spotted around town

Who: Sridevi
Where: Maheka Mirpuri Summer White fashion collection launch

I am completely spell bound!! I haven't seen Sridevi look this good ever. She is like wine - getting better with age. I like her kohl lined eyes and the sari color is just perfect for summer. The itsy bitsy straps of the blouse highlight her delicate collar bones...

Who: Sonia Mehra
Where: Neeta Lulla and Nishka Lulla's summer fashion preview

Sonia looks like a doll in the first pic..Cute dress and bag!! I like the contrast in texture/tailoring between the top and bottom - the top has very architectural, pleated look and the bottom has a girly/princess feel with sequins. Her flower hairpin in her artfully tousled hair gives her a very youthful, 70s touch. As per her tweet, she is wearing Nishka Lulla and was trying for a Blair Waldorf(of Gossip girl) look. What do you think??

Who: Juhi Chawla
Where:Neeta Lulla and Nishka Lulla's summer fashion preview

Yikes, whats wrong with Juhi? As if the kurta/top didn't have enough shine, she added that grandmotherly necklace/bangle. I think its too much bling for a store opening..Dont like her handbang either.

photo credits: filmicafe.com, pinkvilla.com

Wills India Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2010 - Rabani & Rakha

The husband/wife duo of Rabani & Rakha presented a collection consisting of elegant saris and gowns with intricate handcraftmanship and glorious embroideries. They did a lot of pieces with sequined/embroidered underskirt seen thru delicate gowns/saris. The color palette was shades of salamon, teal, grey and blacks. I found the collection very glamorous and pretty much every piece looked wearable. My favorite is the second gown in the middle row.. Loved the neckline and the print!!

Rabani and Rakha

photo credits: vogue.in

Wills India Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2010 - Tarun Tahiliani

Tarun Tahiliani is one of my favorite designers. His pieces have some of the most exquisite embroidery that I have ever seen. His collection for Autumn/Winter 2010 was light on embroidery and the emphasis was more on draping and tailored cuts. The palette was mostly grey with a smattering of dark blue, burgundy and white. He used a lot of stacked bangles as accessories as well as embellished belts. Here are my top picks:

Tarun Tahiliani

photo credits: vogue.in

The places we live.

My mom shared this link recently ... and I thought it quite appropriate to post about after my recent "wahhhhhh" post.

I know you're busy ... I know you have things to do.  I know you have a short attention span.

But I challenge you to click on the link below.

"In 2008, for the 1st time in history, more people lived in cities than in rural areas. 1/3 of these urban dwellers - over 1 billion people - resided in slums. The UN forecasts that the number of slum dwellers will double to 2 billion people in the next 25 years. Poverty is urbanizing at break-neck speed. "The Places We Live" allows viewers to "visit" the home of 20 different families in 4 slums around the world: Nairobi, Kenya; Mumbai, India; Caracas, Venezuela; Jakarta, Indonesia."

 NOTE :: the photos are a bit slow to cycle through ... so be patient!  Once you finish the slide show and select a country to view, you can "pan" with your mouse for a 360 angle of the homes that are featured!

THE PLACES WE LIVE

All that glitters is not gold!!

Someone posted the following video on Facebook sometime back. Its a must see for all the girls who are obsessed with fashion mags and models. Beauty does not come from within - it comes with the help of makeup artists and photoshop!!

Dove campaign for real beauty

This post was inspired by a poem written by Nalini. You can read the poem here.

Wills India Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2010

Who: Deepika Padukone

Deepika wowed the fashion crowd not once but twice on day 2 of WIFW 2010. Deepika was the showstopper for G Pia Fleming, in a one shoulder white gown. I love the hemline and the lace like overlay but not the bubble style - never was a big fan. The gown also looks a little loose around the waist but overall its sophisticated.

Who: Deepika Padukone

Va-va-voom!! Could this gown be any tighter:-) Deepika for Namrata Joshipura in a black metallic gown. The gown has a very simple, clean silhouette and highlights her every curve... Eat ur heart out, Ranbir!!

Who: Esha and Hema Malini

Awww! Isn't that cute? Mother and daughter walk the ramp for Rocky S, Day one. Hema looks so gorgeous at this age!! Esha's dress is in the traditional marriage colors of red/green with very heavy embroidery - I like her top... I didnt like Hema's sari - too much going on..

photo credits: filmicafe.com

How original!!

That my dear Watson was sarcasm...

Who: Sonam Kapoor
Where: Spice Mobile brand ambassador launch

Sonam wore a pale pink lace dress with boyfriend blazer - a combination that is really popular and all over the place..You guys be the judge on who rocked this style. Sonam, I wish you had put some personal touch to this outfit...


Looks like Sonam is wearing the same Stella McCartney dress as SJP..

photo credits: pinkvilla.com

Busy Bee

L to R: Maxim, People, Grazia

Preity may not have any movies in hand but she is keeping herself busy..She was on the cover of not one but three fashion magazines in March, 2010..Not that I am complaining:-) Love her dimpled smile..Which cover did you like best?? Click on the image to enlarge.

photo credits: bollyupdates.com

Spring is in the air

Who: Bipasha Basu
Where: Samsung 3D LED Launch

Floral prints are a Spring/Summer staple. They are flirty, feminine and add just the right amount of pop to an outfit. Large florals are usually harder to pull off because they can overwhelm you but Bipasha totally rocks this fabulous printed dress. Not sure about the geometric bangles, hmm....I wish I had a full length picture because I am dying to know what kind of shoes she wore..What do you think? Peep-toes, gladiator, sling-backs???

Who: Priya Sachdev
Where: Launch of Ramona Narang Rodella Collection

I am in love with this bold and brightly colored dress in divine blue/orange/yellow!!! Pucci?? Not a good choice in purse if I may say so and how awful is the drawstring..

Photo Credits: desimartini.com, pinkvilla.com

Give me a rope.

I'm going to be an expat brat for a minute.  I'm going to rant and whine.

Don't worry ... I won't know if you actually READ this post ... and I don't expect you to get much past the first bullet point.  This is strictly venting, kids ... 

• Having staff does NOT make the job of being a mother easier.  In my opinion, it adds the equivalent of how ever many staff members you have to the total number of children you have.  In my case, I now have 10 children.  Makes your head hurt. 
• Sometimes, even though you are grateful for new friends, you do NOT want a bar like Cheers where everybody knows your name.  Even though we're not on the Embassy compound, it still feels very much like we're in a bubble and it's - at times - exhausting.
• My kids were NEVER this sick back in the United States.We have seen the insides of all of the major hospitals and I call my doctor's personal mobile on average of once a week. 
• Here lately, on a daily basis, I want to ask Kushal to stop the car in the middle of the road so that I can get out of the car and yell and scream at the moronic horn honkers.  It is INFURIATING.
• If it is possible to believe, the Husb really does travel/work more than he did in the United States.  
• It is harder to raise a teenager than even the most rambunctious of toddlers.  It's harder to raise a teenager in an expat community, in an international school setting, than it is to raise a teenager in the snowglobe back in Ohio.
• Even though we employ someone to come in and cook daily, I am exhausted trying to figure out new and exciting things for our family to eat.  You see, if I DON'T come up with the ideas, we end up with chicken, stir fry vegetables and chipati. Everyday. 
• I am really sick and tired of being taken advantage of.  Husb and I are ridiculously generous and caring people.  We want the best for most everyone (most) and wouldn't do our staff wrong intentionally.  Yet, I am being played as a sucker.  I'm tired of it.
• I'm really quite disgusted about the really cool chick that I just recently got to know better ... I'm disgusted because she's leaving this summer.  That's not fair.  It's not fair to bond and gel with people who can make your life here more tolerable, only to have to say goodbye.  
• I've got a 24/7 headache over this lacrosse stuff.  It is soooo possible to bring the sport to Delhi, yet seems insurmountable.  I don't take the word "No" very well (and I don't say it very well, myself, either) ... and it's difficult to get this ball rolling.
• We play this game in our house.  It goes like this ... "If I were a ____ [insert the item name of something we can't currently locate] where would I be?"  It is beyond frustrating to have Sushila relocate things to mysterious places ... only to find them some days or weeks later in the most awkward of places.  Today's items happens to be my corkscrew.  Seriously problematic.
• I'm not a fan of hearing miscellaneous Hindi ... with the term "madam" being thrown in (in English) with the Hindi on a regular basis.  I know I'm being talked about ... and while it doesn't bother me if ya don't like me or can't stand me, it's quite another thing to have the people that you employ doing it ... right in front of you.
• I'm thankful for the school that the kids go to, but am increasingly more and more irritated by the cliques, the posses and the popular girls.  It is really all quite immature and I had the weird presumption that expat women would be more worldly, mature and grown up. 
• I desperately miss Target, Wal-Mart or any other similar store whereby the only reason you couldn't obtain something on your shopping list was because the chick in front of you took the last one and you're too impatient to ask the store clerk to get some from the storeroom.  
• It's the end of March.  The END of March ... and it hit 107 this week.  Yuck.  There aren't going to be enough cold showers, babywipes or bottles of baby powder to get me through the next six months.
• I would LOVE to find good ice cream that doesn't cost $12.00 per tub of Ben n Jerrys.
• Every time my doorbell rings, I let out an audible sigh.  There is nowhere to just get away from everyone.  Even my mobile phone rings with random calls, the source of them I've yet to figure out.  
• Speaking of my mobile, I've taken to turning it off at night because it never fails, at about 4:00 am, some stupid restaurant that I've visited (and then filled out their comment card) sends an SMS about some special they're having.  At 4:00 AM, really?
• Back to raising teenagers.  I'm worn out from the independence and self-centered attitude that they have.  Teenagers from back home have this too, I know ... but there is a weird phenomenon that happens when you move to a place like this ... the issues you have to deal with seem so magnified and blown up.  Luckily, we have a driver who I trust implicitly to ALWAYS check with me before Terran tells him he's "going to so-and-so's house."  
• I'm tired of everyone knowing our business ... tired of the guard asking why I tipped the bakery delivery guy so much.  Tired of one driver telling the other driver what happened in the car the day before.  Tired of never having a quiet place to just BE.
• Back to the heat.  It's "stompin'" time.  Otherwise known as the time of the year when you involuntarily stomp your feet like a herd of cows because the flies have taken to landing on your legs and staying put.
• The burning of trash is even worse than the mounds of trash in the first place.  The street sweepers SWEEP it up, then light it on fire.  Awesome.  No wonder my kids are on breathing treatments.
• Annoyed that when I walk out of our house, I am immediately hit with a contact high from the pot that the guards are smoking.  The next time it happens, I'm having a 'come to Jesus' meeting.  They've been warned before and I've had enough.

(ok, ok ... I've had enough of hearing my OWN self rant)


Yes ... I am fully aware that there are greater problems in the world. I happen to see a large majority of those problems on a daily basis.

The deal is ... I'd hate for you to ever think that becoming Delhi Bound is all glitz and glam.   It's not all red saris and not having to cook dinner, photography classes and weekly tours.

Having a staff is NOT what it's cracked up to be.  If I EVER thought raising kids was hard before, I've been schooled since moving to Delhi.  I spend way more time in the car with my driver than I do my husband.

This is hard, folks.  I try to make sure and post about the great things we're doing, the amazing places we're seeing and the funky culture and daily life that is Delhi.  The reality though is that I'm struggling to make this work.  Struggling to find a small corner of constant contentment, whereby I can start to truly enjoy this experience we've been given.

Do me ONE favor and don't write a comment about how there are worse places to live, or that my complaints are not just central to Delhi, etc.  Let me brood and throw myself a pity party and just be crabby for a bit.

Signing off for now, I'll be back before you know it with happier words and fun photos! Maybe I'll counter this with an equal number of bullet points of all of the things that make me smile here?

Slash and Rip!!

The title of this post brings Freddy Krueger to mind. Dont worry, no horror stuff here, its a post on ripped jeans:-)

Who: Deepika Padukone
Where: On the unveiling of her 'People' magazine cover

Deepika looks edgy, cool in her ripped skinny jeans, graphic-T and studded leather vest - how perfect is the vest!! Ripped jeans have a very I don't give a damn rebellious feel to them and will look best with equally edgy and low key pieces like boyish blazers, leather jackets, simple tops. She completes the outfit with some really fierce shoes. A very well styled look...How do you wear ur ripped jeans?? I prefer mine tastefully ripped to ones which have major chunks missing!!

photo credits: bollywoodhungama.com

Shop the Star Style - Ruffles

We have been seeing a lot of ruffles on the red carpet. Ruffles is one of the strongest trends right now - feminine and romantic. Some things to keep in mind when wearing ruffles:
1) Ruffles add volume. So if you are top heavy, avoid a ruffled top or go for top with a v-neck and ruffles down the center. If you are bottom heavy, avoid ruffles around your waist.
2) Try to balance your overall look by pairing ruffles with tailored, structured pieces. Ruffle top will look best with skinny jeans/pencil skirt. Wear simple t-shirts with ruffle skirts. If you are wearing a ruffle dress, try to go for strapless/spaghetti strap or wear a belt to add curves and avoid looking bulky. Make sure that that the ruffles do not overwhelm your frame.
3) As always don't overindulge. Wear only one clothing item with ruffles.

Here are some cute pieces to try on....

Top row (L to R) : Forever21 ($30), Forever21 ($2o), ardenb ($49) , NY and Company($33)
Bottom row( L to R): topshop, Ann Taylor($48)

L to R: Free people ($58), BCBG Max Azaria ($150), Macys ($59.99)

Top Row( L to R) : ASOS($79), Spiegel($129) MCQ($425), Revolve clothing($59)
Bottom: Macys ($59.99)

Mehndi, Bindi & Bangles

I recently joined fellow AWA (American Womens' Association) friends for a morning of mehndi, bindi and bangles.

What, you say?

Bangles are not just quite the rage here, they are a common sight on women on a daily basis.  They jingle, jangle and the sound of them hitting against each other is quite melodic.  Our housekeeper, Sushila, wears a delightful combination of both bangles and anklets ... you can always tell where she is in the house!

I have been intrigued by the arm length span of red bangles I often see on Indian women.  Turns out that it is customary for the mother of a new bride to present her daughter with chooda, a large set of red bangles.  She is then to wear those bangles for at least 40 days after the wedding ceremony!

I've found a great set of silver bangles that I just love.  I wear them nearly every day and they are becoming one of my jewelry staples!

Mehndi is the traditional art of applying paste made from leaves of the henna plant to the hands and feet.  The leaves, flowers and twigs are ground into a fine paste and then mixed with hot water.  There is quite a bit of tradition entwined with mehndi (certain festivals and occasions are certain cause for mehndi designs) as well as it being thought to hold some medicinal properties.

It is absolutely fascinating to watch these guys work (male or female artists, both ... although I think I've seen more men?).  Their fingers are quick, their hands are steady and the designs they create are amazing!


I won't go into the details of arguing with the guy doing my feet about the ridiculous amount of money he charged me for this!!

Bindi - as Tony is sportin' on his forehead - is a word derived from the sanskrit word "bindu" ... meaning 'drop.'  It signifies the third eye of a person and when properly placed, becomes the central point of the base of the creation itself.  (I don't quite understand all of that, but there you have it)

Associated most with marriage and femininity, the bindi represents good omen and purity.  Even men have started to wear a "kumkum mark" on their foreheads, particularly for religious or traditional ceremonies.

I happen to LOVE getting mehndi done ... as it's a temporary way to show off a funky design and add a little artistic flair to what could be an otherwise drab outfit  :)  Much cheaper and not as long lasting as a tattoo!

Sayyid & Lodi - The Tour

 I interrupt the series of photos from the Seven Cities tour to bring you THIS little dude.

(I actually am not sure of the gender - but am going to say "he" ... ok?)

He stole my heart about halfway through the tour of Lodhi Gardens and I didn't listen to a word that was said afterwards.

(sorry, Marina!  I DID enjoy the great information prior to that about the various plants, trees and gorgeous flowers! Learned a whole bunch about the various stuff that's been planted there and the tree that is pelting us with brilliant red flowers right now in our garden!!  The Indian Silk Cotton Tree has me fascinated!)

As we walked from one section of the Gardens up to another area ... I saw him sitting.  Sitting happily, while his family members snoozed.

He saw me bend down to take a quick picture and waved.  His little hand waving while his sweet, small voice said " 'ello ."  The adults laying next to him continued to sleep, as he grinned.  He didn't move in his spot at all, except to continue to wave and greet us as we walked by.

Our tour continued up to a mosque, and all of a sudden he appeared.  He had walked up with his father and I walked over to sit with him for awhile.

In one of his hands, he clutched an empty bag of Cheetos.  He wore a heavy red sweater, even though the temperatures that day were about 85 Fahrenheit.  Around both shoe-less feet were ankles that were wrapped with darling anklets that jingled when he walked.

He was completely and thoroughly enamored with my hands.  I'm not sure why, but we sat there for a good 10 minutes playing a shortened version of pat-a-cake.

LOOK AT THOSE DARLING FEET!!!!

What is his life like?  You could see the love and pride in his father's eyes, as he watched us play together from afar.  What does he hope for his little son ... for his future?  

As he walked away from me, he waved that precious little hand again said " 'ello ... bye bye"  

Sweet little one!

Random Visuals

During photo class

 

Playing games with Surrender

Looking like a bug

The view at a local hospital ... because the waiting rooms were either non-existent or full. 

The littles looking out onto the motorcycle parking lot at one of the malls.

I really love my....

Left: Countdown Zero premier
Right: India today 2010 conclave

..black ruffles shirt. Asin first wore the shirt with a beige skirt, accessorizing with black clutch and peep-toes. Next time around, she went for a black on black look, pairing the shirt with black jeans..Her hair is pretty much the same always;-) Which outfit did you like better?

Which look is better?
	In skirt
	In jeans
	Neither - I could have styled it better!!
	Both - She can rock anything!!
pollcode.com free polls

photo credits: bharatstudent.com, cuteprincessasin.com