Rachana Reddy Clutches

I've known Rachana Reddy from std 12 , she used to be the only girl I remember who would come dressed  up really crisp and nice for a class at 6 AM so it's no surprise that she happens to be one of the hottest accessory designer around the block . 

I have been bowled over by the designs ever since I saw them at the launch about a year ago or so .

Exquisite ,clean cuts , blend of modern and old world charm is how I would describe Rachana Reddy clutches . Small details like the perfect finishing given to the geometric shapes on the Jali clutches to the perfect butterfly edges are so carefully crafted .Personally I heart the Padma reflection clutch since the idea appeals to me . Absolutely lady like with a touch of vintage . 

 The Jali clutch

The beautiful Krishna Clutch

The Padma reflection Clutch

It's really hard to choose favorites since they are all so good . However there is some good news in store for those of you who cannot wait to own these , There is a sample sale going on right now , rush to her online shop and get buying since the rates are sloshed like crazy more like a Christmas gift I guess. Click on the link to get to the sale now . RACHANA REDDY SAMPLE SALE

P.S sale ends Dec 24 so hurry 

Shop A Dress

I have just been introduced to this new fashion store online called www.dressshop.in . Meet my newest white with gold and perl sequence gauze dress courtesy  DressShop . It's the softest fabric and feels lovely when worn .The fit is just right .It's perfect for coffee in the evening without the jacket and spice it up a little more for say a lovely dinner later at night. Very versatile could be worn in so many ways . Will soon try and do more looks with this. 

Meanwhile check out there other collections , good range of jumpsuits, evening party dresses to ball gowns. The winter collection is going to be up soon ,so register yourselves for more updates . 

French Connection

During Diwali while I was in Bangalore ,was invited to check the FCUK and Calvin Klein Stores in Bangalore . Though I had a tight schedule due to the road trip this was something I had decided to do because FCUK's first stand alone store had finally opened in Bangalore and also I wanted to check the Phoenix Mall in Bangalore near WhiteField . Had a ball visiting the stores and clicking pictures of some of my favorite pieces from the store and of-course mall walking is always fun . So here are some of my favorite picks from the store . 

S-Oliver

A couple of weeks ago S-Oliver invited me to visit there store which opened in a brand new mall here in Pune .Since it was a weekday and I couldn't get out of work ,Kanu Priya of S Oliver arranged for me to go to Mumbai and visit the store in Mallad at the in Infinity mall on a Saturday. I must say it turned out to be such a fun Saturday , as soon as I reached the store a brief introduction about the store happened .After which I wandered about the store for about an hour ,If not the for the 6 month shopping ban I'am being subjected to by my most important sponsor  read elder brother , would have bought at-least 2 blazers/Boy Friend jackets a dress and a really pretty blue romper from the store. Pune people the S-Oliver stores are In Jewel Square (KP) and Phoenix Market City . It's totally worth making a trip this weekend. So go check them out . 

P.S Bangaloreans will have to wait bit longer I Guess !!

The Lovely Kanu Priya from S-Oliver

Yellow Button

On my recent visit to Bangalore Yellow Button Store was something i had intended to visit . I must say it was absolutely worth fitting it in my jam packed schedule that was planned out for the 2 days I was there . 

On a Monday morning i decided to drop by the the store after all the re-scheduling that happened .I was  glad Madhavi Rongala  the owner of the store and I had an interesting meeting at the store.

  

If your looking for a place that's not all about the Kitsch but a fun and right combination of classy plus a little punk then Yellow Button just happens to be that place . Madhavi says it was a conscious effort because she didn't want the store to be just another place that houses Kitsch.The Boutique houses a mixture of colours which are splashed on clothes , bags , flip-flops,Basket Bags  .

The store is sort of hidden on the first floor of a small lane in Indranagar.However it's quite a discovery once you have found it .At-least for people who are all about swanky independent stores 

The Changing room .Fancy!!

The store houses variety of labels from NGO's to small independent artists /designers  and some big names .

All items in the store are personally handpicked by Madhavi  herself , only piece in question doesn't suite her style is when it would find itself a place in the store is what she says.

Madhavi from the Yellow Button 

(pic  :mybangalore )

What to Expect ?

Tailor made one of it's kind dresses. 

Basket Bags , Flip-Flops , clutches, scarfs , Assorted jewelery pieces.

Small but very use full home decor pieces,Chumbak products, cushion covers  . 

Price Range : 100 Rs to 6000 Rs 

How to Get there ?

AllenSolly

A while ago Allen Solly gave me this fun assignment to do -Check their store out. I have always been a big fan of their formal wear most of the Allen Solly shirts has a very tailored feeling when worn,  I actually went to the store thinking i will probably pick either Blazers (Huge fan) or trousers or one of those smart formal shorts .However I decided to pick up a bag since it was the perfect green bag in terms of the color and size ,can carry it everyday for work since it fits almost everything i want to take  . I also picked up a pair of leggings since they weren't cotton ,most cotton leggings have a problem with the quality after say 2 washes and thank heavens it wasn't Lycra either .Perfect for summers fabric . I've washed it 3 times already and it's still so soft with a tinge of Glitter .Must say the trip to the store turned to be pretty fun .

P.S for those of you planning on visiting the store soon make sure you try on the pair of shorts which happens to be made in the softest of softest denim fabric and has the prettiest pockets with the perfect length .Available somewhere in the casual section. Don't be surprised if you find yourself holding a whole bunch of things wondering what to pick up.

It was a tough call between the shorts and the bag for me .

Bag and Leggings courtesy AllenSolly  ,brogues E-bay , thrift white Kurtha 

Orange Wonderful

I just realized blogger was kinda screwed for the past couple of days and my previous post magically vanished ,hence I'am reposting this again . I have absolutely no clue what i wrote previously so anyways here are the pictures as promised of one of my favorite stores it's one stop for kitsch and everything pretty ,I love how this store houses a lot independent Indian designers's ,instead of spending on an Aldo or Promod i so prefer coming here . 2 of my favorite pieces a pair of really pretty brocade boots and a hot bag which was actually a gift are from here .Wanted to pick up an oversize clutch here when i was recently in Bangalore but me being me went there on a Monday = weekly off for The Orange Bicycle so you guys plan your trip on days other than a Monday and you sure won't be disappointed :-)

The Orange Bicycle

This has been overdue for a really long time , Visited this place months ago .Had heard about The Orange Bicycle from too many people and had been meaning to check this place out ,however i waited long enough only to be coxed by Spardha (it's Uber Chic) who was vacationing in Bangalore .She had made up her mind to check the place out and thank fully made a very reluctant Ruhi and I check the place out as well .

Below are the just pictures of the exterior of the shop which is so tastefully done . Initially the exterior of the shop was just Orange in color but later on a lot of things were painted on it coz children kept confusing it be some kinda store for them  says Torsha one of the founders of the place .

Do come back tomorrow for more details about the store and directions to get there.

Vashi's Jean Shack

A lot of my readers are constantly writing to me about sharing some interesting shopping hangouts in the city.So here's what I've decided to do feature all  the interesting stores i come across.

Introducing Vashi's Jean shack . The only store where in just about 10 mins time you can walkout with that perfect jeans. Finding a good pair of jeans  can be such a challenge untill you visit Vashi's of course.

The brains behind the store and the story itself

Mr Vashi Lakhani started Vashi's sometime during the 70's ,they started stitching jeans and later progressed to a full fledge store sometime around 85 . It's about 26 years old. Now the store is a pretty little family affair with Mr Vashi's son Tarun and his wife Dina running it as well. 

As soon as you walk into the store you cannot help but notice the wall , yes thats right not the jeans but the walls , Some interesting wall art adorns the walls . I have always wanted to know the history behind it . Tarun says that in 2002 when the store was renovated girls from Mount Carmel college who were also regulars at the store thought the walls were too plain and white, so they started writing what they thought about the store, the jeans   but sooner anybody who bought a pair of jeans would pen their thoughts on the walls . So it was basically a feed back sorta thing but on the walls.

Below are just some of the pictures , there are so many interesting and hilarious things written you could actually amuse yourself while shopping. The writing's inside the changing rooms as well and most of the time i'm so fascinated that instead of trying the jeans on i sit there and read all the stuff .

                                    On a busy day Tarun and Dina ,took some time off            to answer a few questions .

Some interesting number boards , yes it seems like i'm more fascinated by the interiors. Lets just talk about the jeans  now.

They have all kinds of brands and fit .There's Pepe, Spykar , D&G , Diesel, Replay, Hawk, Dragon , Recap.The range begins  from 695 Rs and can go up-to 4000 RS. You can walk into the store throw tantrums about the fit and guess what they'll have it, If it's not available then they find the closest fit and customize  it for you right there according to your needs . 

I found a pair of Calvin Klein jacket here and it's my favorite till date. Jeans and some assorted stuff is what you should expect here. 

The store has a very warm vibe, probably because each and every customer is bestowed with personal attention here.

For all the guys who write to me about doing something for them as well , here is a  beginning .They have jeans for both guys n girls . 

Where is it located ? 

ON Commercial Street .Krishnaveni complex,Bangalore

Store timings : Mon-Sun 9:Am to 10 Pm 

You can find them on FaceBook as well Vashi's Jean Shack

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I'm a big fan of the independent stores , thanks to the mall culture they are soon vanishing . the independent stores have so much character and history behind them . If any of you know such a store do write to me at smrithi@fashiontrendsindia.com