Subtle Glam

Now that my outfit posts are back to normal, there are so many outfit ideas that I just couldn’t wait to share with you guys! Because I’ve been loving olive tones for a while, this deep forest green chiffon top had been collecting dust in my outfit because I didn’t know what to wear underneath it. A camisole would have ruined the back and in no way am I built to go Bra-less. The idea of wearing a normal, matching bra did cross my mind, but I decided to wait until I found something a little more glam. That’s when I chanced upon this gorgeous bedazzled back strap bra at Hunkemoller that was just made for backless tops. With the clasp closing at the sides, this baby looks like an attachment to any backless outfit and I’m glad I have it in my life!

For this look, I paired black and taupe accents to sit in beautifully with the olive and added a pair of OTT earrings as a neck piece would break the attention of the back detail. If it’s a night look, I would swap the taupe with glittery gold and make the shoes strappy instead

Delayed

Here are a few images from my trip to Fort Kocki, Kerala. We only got few pictures as I preferred exploring the place through my eyes and not a camera, but when I did get the chance, I managed to get a few shots taken around.
With the weather so humid, It was hard to be in jeans and although I'm smiling in the pictures, I'm dying to get out of my clothes.
Moving on, My posts have been very un-scheduled off late because I've been extremely busy with work and other stuff. So for that and being m.i.a on instagram, I truly apologies! I', hoping to get back on my blogging routine by the weekend , so bear with me until then please! I do, however put up pics and mini videos on snapchat so come on over and add me on @ashwathysk !

Vacation-ing

Let me start of this post by apologizing for not posting sooner, as promised- It was only because my network was terrible over the last few weeks!
As most of you know, I spent the last three weeks in Kerala, India at my family house and was later joined by my BFF/ Photographer Suaad. Apart from sight seeing , watching GOT and shopping for the perfect outfit  for a huge milestone in my life, I did manage to get a few blog photos taken.While I was there, I gave most of my usual styles a break and re-discovered my college days ,sticking to loose cotton kurtis and leggings. I even ditched make up  on most days, and yes, this includes my statement winged eyeliner. I kept my style rather minimal throughout and only  really accessorized with a pair a sunglasses or dainty gold chains and a watch.
Below are a few places to check out, if you ever visit Kerala :

1. Athirapilli & Vazachal Falls- Located in the middle of dense forests, these falls are famous shoot locations and have been taken over by monkeys that will stop you and signal you to give them food.
2. Fort Kochi- A ferry ride away from Cochin, discover a gem of a village that's swarming with tourists and have csome amazing places to dine- Think Kashi's Art Cafe.
3. Alleppy- Backwaters, House boats and more greenery than the usual, this is the place to visit for the real feel of Kerala.
4. Lulu Mall- Now it may not sound like where're you'd want to go, buut its completely different from the Lulu we have here. Apart from the hypermarket, the mall has a lot of designer brands, food courts and local design labels. Claimed to be one of the biggest malls in India, Lulu is definitely worth a visit.
5. Goodwill's- Situated in Ernakulam, this is every accessory hoarders dream. From traditional semi precious jewelry to imitation and modern pieces, Goodwill is a place I visit every single time I'm in Kerala.
6. Seematti and Jayalakshmi Silks- Both competing to be the biggest bridal destinations in Cochin, these two places  offer amazing  sarees, something a woman must own after a trip to India!

Crossing the Line

Sale time is my favorite end to every season. Be it the Mid Season sale or End of Season Sale, it’s always nice to find a few pieces at a cheaper price. I obviously am a very picky shopper. I don’t buy occasion / smart dresses during  sale but I do stock up on basics like plain tees, leggings denims and casual dresses.  I also love stocking up on other basics like hair ties, clips, bobby pins and such. Don’t be afraid of buying basics in every color- they’ll all come in handy very often. I personally pick up basic tees and tanks in every color possible and if my favorite pair of continuity leggings are marked 30% down, I buy 2 to 3 pairs.

Moving on, as my hemlines get shorter in summer here, I’m soon going to change up my style a little along with my surroundings. Yep, I’m travelling to my homeland  this Thursday and I can’t wait to take you all on a virtual tour with me as I roam the streets, discover new places and of course BTS scenes from all my shoots. I’m also going on a huge shopping spree so you can stay connected with me via Instagram to feed back your thoughts .

Until the next post, which will go live from Kerala, much love.

Capers

 I have a thing for black and denim. On days when I'm not feeling color, I go back to this trusty combination.White works well too, but I couldn't resist this black cape top. Paired with a tan hand bag and gold strappy summer wedges, this look is one of my "go to's". It's simple,easy to recreate and a fool-proof look.
On another  note, I'm flying out this Thursday to Kerala and will take you though my trip via vlogs and all my social media platforms! The month of August has been a new start for me and I'm super excited. Cannot wait to share BTS of what i'm upto in India with you guys , so make sure you follow me on Snapchat as well (ashwathysk)

Top: BFH, Jeans & Bag: Mango, Shoes : River Island

High Tea at Noor Lounge

Bahrain being such a small place, it’s amazing when you find a place that’s been left untouched and un-hyped- almost like a hidden jewel that you’ve just discovered. 

Last week I had the chance to visit Noor Lounge at The Intercontinental Regency with my crew and it was a great experience, especially since you don’t really run into many people there and because it’s a great escape from the usual hangout spots- think Adliya, Seef etc.

With beautiful mirrored pillars around the lobby and a bespoke white piano in the center of the lounge, enjoy the ambiance and relax over a pot of your favorite tea or refreshing drinks accompanied by mini treats and pastries. We ordered cold coffee post our shoot on the rooftop and enjoyed the homely feel, sinking into the comfy couches and catching up on team talk.

If you’ve been keeping track of us, you’d already know that we love discovering new places to eat and love recommending them on the blog. Know that feeling you get when you’ve been to a place you love too much that you’ve begun to hate it? We don’t want that now, do we? So if it’s some quiet time for catching up with a bunch of close friends you’re looking for (and not really hungry but wouldn’t mind munching ), check out Noor lounge and call in for the High Tea where a tower* full of sandwiches, scones and macaroons come with a pot of tea.  We’ve got some more great places at The Intercontinental coming up for you guys, so stay tuned and follow us live on Snapchat (ashwathysk) for Behind the Scenes feed.

*One tower good for 2 people.

Vintage Romance

 My love affair with off-shoulder tops and dresses hasn’t died out yet and neither has my fascination with vintage style. I love how sophisticated the era was - full of glamour, neat silhouettes and crisp tailoring. Replicating a look these days can be tough especially when all the high street retailers are all about trendy, street style looks, Which is why I resort to good vintage finds online.

I chanced upon this top while browsing through ASOS and immediately fell in love with it. It can be worn so many ways, which is why I decided to order it in the first place. I was iffy about how the quality would turn out, but luckily, it was just as I imagined it, or even better.

For my weekend look, I paired this delicate woven lace top with a midi full- circle skirt. Simple red peep toes and  a bright fuchsia lip  adds a pop of color and a wavy pony tail completes my retro look.

Top: ASOS, Skirt: Chica, Shoes: Dune, Clutch :Pull and Bear
Shot at The Intercontinental Regency Bahrain