Bombay Dreams

I recently attended my close friend Ruchika's wedding a few weeks ago with my boyfriend and wanted to share this special post.

I designed my outfit as part of my personal custom made clothing boutique - Anaya Couture.  If you are interested in getting a custom made outfit made for your special event, make sure you contact me!  I truly love designing outfits and making my customers fashion dreams/designs come to life.  

 FASHION TIP: To match or not to match? 

Personally when I attend a formal event I always prefer to match my outfit with my boyfriends. I feel it is a way for a couple to look and feel like a cohesive unit. It is also just visually more appealing, especially when you look back at the pictures you've taken.

Luckily for me my boyfriend also likes when our outfits coordinate.  So when we attend special events our final outfit choices are ones that we have both equally contributed to (ok, maybe I have a little more say). ;)

There are simple ways to cordinate with your date, whether it's matching his dress shirt, tie, or pocket square it all works.  For example, in this case we decided to match his tie and pocket square with my outfit.  I took my outfit to Le Chateau and literally held it beside all the colour choices and selected the closest colour.  To me this is always the easiest way to ensure the colours actually match. If you go by memory there is a potential risk of selecting the wrong colour.

If this is a little overwhemling for you don't hesitate to ask the sales associate; they usually have a eye for fashion and can provide you with a few options.

Photography Credit: Pixel Perfect Studios 

Link to Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pixelperfectstudios

Outfit: Anaya Couture 

Earrings: Aldo Accessories 

Nude Lipstick: Blankety by MAC 

Congrats to the happy couple Ruchika and Kenan!  Here is the beautiful bride singing to her hubby (so cute)! 

Nightcrawler

                 Hi-Low Palm Tree Top: Zara 
                 Black Suede Shoes: Zara  
                 Wet Look Leggings: 

Ice Cream Truck

“Without ice cream, there would be darkness and chaos.” 
― Don Kardong

  
    Backless Yellow Top: Zara 
    Pink and Red Bandage Skirt: BCBG 
    Colourful Beaded Neckless: Winners  
    Nude Shoes: Zara  
    Gold Watch: Michael Kors 
    Love Ring: Toronto Boutique 

Save Your Soles ;)

Whether you are a girl who loves her flats or one who can ONLY be seen in her high stilettos, a nice pair of shoes can always complement any outfit.  Some girls wish for a closet full of shoes while others are more practical and satisfied with just owning a few.

For me personally, when I invest in a pair of shoes, they must reflect my style and personality in order to ensure I will get the most wear/value out of them.  Throughout the years I have learned never to buy a pair of shoes (or any clothing item for that matter) just for the sake of buying them.  If I “kinda” like a pair of shoes I know it is wise just to walk away, as they will likely be a wasted purchase that I will probably end up donating or giving away.

However, when I do LOVE a pair, I am not kidding when I say I will literally wear them out until their “death." 

Luckily I found a product that extends the life of your shoes, which means you can wait a little longer to say farewell to those favourite kicks.

Product Description:  Sof Sole's Sure Step helps prevent slipping on most surfaces while extending the life of the sole. Fits all sizes of shoes and improves traction for all shoe types. 
Product Website: http://www.sofsole.com/shoecare/surestep
Price: $2.99 (two pairs are included)  
Available At: Winners 

This product is very simple to use and I have included step by step instructions below: 

My latest purchase from the Zara Spring/Summer 2013 collection.

Ensure that your soles are clean and dry before you use the product. 

Each Sure Step product comes with two pairs. 

The grips come in a standard black colour.

Peel off the adhesive backing.  Be careful as the grips are fairly sticky.

Press the grips firmly in position.

Remove trapped air bubbles by rubbing front to back.

And viola you are done!

For best adhesion, allow 24 hours to set before using your shoes. 

READY, SET, SPRING!

And Spring arose on the garden fair,

Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere;

And each flower and herb on Earth's dark breast

rose from the dreams of its wintry rest.

- Percy Bysshe Shelley

Knitted Top: Forever 21

Beige Shorts: Bedo 

Chain Neckless: Aldo 

Aviator Sunglasses: Michael Kors  

Gold Watch: Michael Kors 

Studded Flats: Aldo 

Mint Belt: Urban Outfitters 

Love Ring: Toronto Boutique 

Abstract Art

When I told my close friend that my next blog post would revolve around my abstract art inspired dress her reply was “Abstract art?  You mean when someone just gets a brush and strokes a few colours here and there without any real meaning?”

Well, needless to say abstract art is not everyone’s cup of tea!  Before I go any further I want to provide you with the definition of what abstract art is so that you have a better understanding of its meaning and purpose from an artists perspective:

Abstract Art is art that does not attempt to represent external, recognizable reality but seeks to achieve its effect using shapes, forms, colors, and textures.

As the famous saying goes “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”. I think the same concept can be applied to the observation of any form of abstract art.  In my case, I like the idea of being drawn to and lost in a particular painting that in some strange way offers me peace and calmness.

One of my first major art investment purchases was this abstract canvas painting from a local art boutique (picture below).  I wake up to this painting every morning and it’s something I never get tired of starring at. 

 “In the process of making a painting in an abstract way, the painter is in search of a reality. Not one of realistic objects, but of the complete end result. The painting is experienced as a whole, and must evoke in the painter the absolute conviction that this is how it should be and no other way.” - Paul Burlin

Silk Abstract Dress: Le Chateau

Love Ring: Downtown Boutique

Jewel Cuff Bracelet: Winners 

Pony Leather Shoes: Joe Fresh Runway Collection 2012
Nude Lipstick: LA Girl in the colour Forbidden Love 

  

Those who have ever gone shopping with me know that when I walk into any clothing store/boutique I literally scan the shop within minutes and gravitate towards items that speak to me.  I have often had friends and family that know my taste and style say “that is such a Gagan dress!”   

When I saw this abstract print inspired silk dress and tried it on I literally felt like I was walking around wearing a piece of beautiful art. 

With a statement dress like this you obviously need to pair it with statement jewellery pieces that are classy but not over the top since the dress is really the focal point of the outfit.  For this look I went with gold jewellery pieces and for the shoes I chose these AMAZING brown pony leather shoes from the Joe Fresh Runway collection.

Style Tip:  Personally I love the look of loose flowly dresses like the one I am wearing here. But if you are planning to go out and take pictures I recommend ALWAYS accessorizing it with a belt.  The reason being adding a belt cinches your waste line and accentuates your curves, without it you may look like you are lost in the dress and appear wider than you actually are.