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Of her two recent outings, much preferred Yami’s casual outing in denims. Those faux leather pants don’t get a pass from me; fussy and not the most flattering.
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Yami Gautam At ‘A Thursday‘ Screenings
Photo Credit: Viral Bhayani
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As our ten year anniversary comes up, you may have noticed some changes around here. After all these years, we are now more certain than ever of who we want to be, who we are and what our voice is. And that naturally has involved us evolving, growing with time, with you and with the ever changing fashion scene. Not too long ago we said that part of us staying as passioned and to you as relevant, involved change. And that is something we are continuing to work on.
As we work on bringing you better, more relevant content, we are also expanding the team. And we are thrilled to introduce Shruti Chaturvedula, our newest writer on the blog. She too calls herself a member of the ‘Vintage Member Club’ of HHC and has been reading us since the days of Anu Dewan and her many colorful Birkins. Fellow bags and shoes hoarder, compulsive list-maker and a scotch drinker, she’s a girl after our own hearts.
On the blog, you will see her cover menswear and South-Indian fashion scene. And as the days go by we hope you enjoy the unique voice she brings to the blog. (You may recall already reading many of her posts under the name ‘HHC Intern’.) Shruti may have started off as an intern but is now an indispensable part of the team.
Join us in welcoming her on board.
We asked her a few questions so you guys can get to know her.
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Where were you before this?
A Product Manager at my day job, a full time mommy to my new baby.
What has it been like moving to the US from India?
Culture Shock! As a teen who joined high school after spending all of my schooling years in India, it was a totally different world altogether. Now after more than a decade and a half and with almost the entire extended family here, it’s home and there’s nowhere else I’d rather live.?
What do you love most about Nebraska?
A fashion word you dislike?
“Basic” – There is nothing wrong with sticking to a staple if you know it works for you.
Are you a pajamas-when-I-write kinda gal or do you like to dress up to get into the flow?
Pajamas FTW! But lately after the baby, I’ll take any excuse to dress up.?
Any trend from the recent fashion weeks that you are going to try this season?
I try not to go overboard with buying trendy pieces but I find myself getting drawn to statement sleeves, the color yellow and stripes every time I shop lately.?
Last thing you do before going to bed?
Turn off the lights and double, triple check the phone to ensure that it’s not on silent mode and my five different alarms are all turned on. (I’ve a reputation of being a serial snoozer!) Mentally check off the never ending list of to-dos and pray that I fall asleep soon!
P.S: Follow Shruti on Instagram here.
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Star Speak is an ongoing series of columns, penned by celebrities we are used to seeing on these pages. This is their space to write about their take on fashion, the fraternity and whatever else catches their fancy.
Actor, television show host, columnist and now the newly appointed Brand Ambassador for Japan Tourism, Koel Purie is our guest columnist this week. It’s only fitting that she talk us through her favorite shopping spots around Tokyo and spill some insider secrets. We don’t know about you but we sure are taking notes and paying close attention. Read on! And when done, you can follow Koel on Twitter here and find her on Instagram here.
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Shopping In Tokyo
Did I tell you I have the best job in the world? The Japanese government has hired me as an ambassador to promote tourism. Instead of listing out all the tourist attractions (and there are more than you can imagine), I’m going to give you the best reason to book your flight to Tokyo – shopping. You’re about to read my carefully collated and personally experienced shopping spots. Feel fortunate, this is classified stuff.
Tokyo is like Delhi – nothing opens before 10.30 -11am and when you’re in a once in a lifetime place such as this your day has got to start earlier than that. So, get your sleepy butt to Shibuya (it’s the busiest crossing in the world). Park yourself and your yummy latte at a window seat on the 2nd floor of the Tsutaya/Starbucks (beautiful library-cum-bookshop-cum-café) and marvel at the discipline and orderly pace that 2,500 people cross every time the signal changes. Then walk or jump in a cab to Harajuku Takeshita street – this is home to all the whacky, tacky, young, cos play, Japanese fashion. It’s cheap and teenagey but if you have a good eye it can be heaven for a few statement pieces. It is here all the crazily dressed blonde gothic Lolitas known as “Harajuku girls” find their stash. Walking through Harajuku is also a great study of what’s trending in the world of cool in Japan. I went for a themed birthday bash to Moscow last year and the insane costumes I grabbed from here, outdid everyone else.
After getting your fill of nonsense must-haves, walk down Jingumae street heading towards Omotesando. This is the high-end chic lane (a la Knightsbridge), full of stylish shops, cafes and restaurants. Don’t forget to look at the modern architecture of the buildings. Go into the Comme de garçons store, Prada, Issey Miyake and Hugo Boss just to check out the cool layout. If you don’t want the world brands, then veer off right onto Cat street which has lovely little boutiques where you can pick up a quaint, delicately crocheted dress or a military jacket that fits just right or red faux fur flatforms. Back on the main road Settimissimo is an unassuming basement shop with delightful clothes, accessories, bags, shoes. I went a bit nuts in this shop, greedily ‘overshopping’ and have since worn on repeat everything I bought from there. Walk on further and enter GYRE building to find the Moma design shop with super funky things. In the basement of this building is the famed cupcake bakery from NYC, Magnolia Bakery. On the same side of the street is Oriental Bazaar – a 3 storey one stop shop for all Japanese souvenir goodies; from Sake sets and tea pots to kimonos to origami earrings to Japanese doll book marks to paintings, antiques, wind chimes to furniture and elaborate Japanese screens and gorgeous goodies you didn’t even know existed. Great place to pick up gifts and stuff for back home. Pass The Baton on the other side of the street is a vintage shop of wondrous little accessories, clothes and curios. Winged wheel has divine handmade stationary. Stop and have a break at the Aoyama flower market tea house for a coffee or wine and then onwards.
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Another day, another Lanvin for Ms. Kamineni. Wearing the lamé dress with a matching Leiber clutch and mirrored Prada pumps, she attended a charity dinner in Hyderabad recently. Though the faux-wrap dress worked on her, its styling let her down. The orange-red lip color helped break up the metallic-monochrome but not nearly enough. The look would’ve greatly benefitted by some minimalist sandals.
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Upasana Kamineni At ‘Magic Bus’ Charity Event
Photo Credit: Viral Bhayani
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Last week Bipasha visited Sharjah to inaugurate a jewellery store and for the appearance donned a Sabyasachi look including the matching tiger clutch and belt.
Not only did she look gorgeous but I also loved that faux bob on her.
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Bipasha Basu
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