Haute Kutir: March 2016

Mar 30, 2016

Manish Malhotra brings LYF to Lakme Fashion Week 2016 with Elements

What happens when COSMOLOGICAL Elements comes to LYF? Well, it is an evolution of Big Bang, and in Fashion parlance, it was the theme of Manish Malhotra's show that kickstarted LFW 2016 with a "Bang".

Ace designer, Manish Malhotra always have something different on his velvet sleeves. The theme of his curtain raiser show this year was "Elements".

Elements by LYF presents Manish Malhotra
Elements by LYF presents Manish Malhotra at #LakmeFashionWeek.
Posted by Lakme Fashion Week on Tuesday, 29 March 2016

Capturing Elements with LYF

Elements in association with LYF smartphones was an opulent extravaganza of glamor and ensembles representing- Earth, Water, Wind and Fire.

The opening show began with a big bang at the Mehboob studio in Bandra. The show was nothing short of a spectacular where the four different forces came forth in an enchanting forest like ramp set. We so much loved the dreamy, enchanting, pulsating set up that this ace designer has put up to showcase his collection.

Here's a dekko at the show-

Isn't that a perfect fusion of pastels and hues that slowly grace into earthly greens and blues? Well, it was that and every bit the signature Manish Malhotra, who combined the traditional and contemporary with great aplomb. The intricate design, the cuts and the work presented the picture well and august.

Manish Malhotra in a media byte dedicated the show to the beauty and nature.

The pretty Jacquline Fernandes and the Dynamic [Ki & Ka] Arjun Kapoor graced the runway as the showstoppers. Here are few glimpses -

Haute Kutir Verdict:

Mehboob studio as the venue made a perfect partner and married the theme and collection with grace. I so much loved the ambience that built the show mood just right. The ramp design added to the serenity. The white tree of life with enchanted forest, flying doves and feather-like setting did the trick. The chirping birds sound in the background, felicitated the elements of nature theme just right.

The collection was neat, well silhouetted and we loved the fact that some of it is highly wearable. The peach hues, cream undertones added the right amount of style and elegance. Like the true elements of nature, his collection was flowy, sparkly and graceful. The show was packed with celebs, businesses and fashion enthusiast.

The pictures came to the life due to the LYF smartphones that were given to bloggers to engage with and experience. Head over to my Facebook, Instagram and other social media profile to have more updates, pictures and our experience with LYF.

Mar 18, 2016

Bloggers Meet and The Happy Homes Blog Launch by Pidilite India

“Every house where love abides and friendship is a guest,

Is surely home, and home sweet homeFor there the heart can rest.”

Henry Van Dyke

You do not just build houses but you build homes. Building homes are not just a business but a passion, a dedication, extreme hardwork and much more. So when you have built something with that kind of gusto, you must take full care to maintain it against damages, seepages and other such unwanted intrusions. Moreover, no harm in learning new things that can aide to the beauty of your homes, house-keeping, decor, garden and more.

It is the same principle that has driven the Pidilite Industries towards creating a common platform for people who are passionate about their homes and people who are the experts in housekeeping, decor and other affiliated areas that convert brick and mortars to houses, and houses to the homes.

The Happy Home Launch and Bloggers Meet

I got a slice of Pidilite hospitality last month when they invited me in launch event at their lovely premise in Andheri east, Mumbai. Roff and Dr Fixit were the participating brands, taking their passion of house making and housekeeping a notch ahead with their new initiative "Happy Home Blog".

The blog unveiling ceremony was equipped with the knowledge and know-how which goes into

making a home beautiful, strong, happy and long lasting. Facilitating the same, an expert panel of four eminent speakers was created. The speakers were-

Dr Alpa Dalal, MD Pulmonology

Mr. CA Ramesh Prabhu, Head of Maharashtra Society welfare Association [MSWA]

Mr. Omkar Thakur, AGM, Vaastu Shashtra Consultant

Ms Shilpi Kakkar, editor Better Homes.

Here are few glimpses of the event-

The session was indeed laden with some valuable experience including tips from Vastu. For eg- why houses should be rectangle or square and, how alleviation can cause disharmony. Not just Vastu, how houses need to be allergy and damp free, including the various issues faced in community living wherein people ignore the importance of proactive measurements and quick repair redressals at common areas/ society.

More on this could be availed at their newly launched blog- http://www.thehappyhomes.co.in/

The consumer insights in the blog are spread across renovation, building a new home, home keeping & trends.

Do check out and if possible, do pledge as a society to be more responsible community building, living and more importantly, taking due preventive measures to safeguard your society and infrastructure from unwanted wear and tear.

So, like the brand said- "Be a part of us in the journey that aids & facilitates your pre, during & post construction & renovation needs, along with getting you closer to the latest trends & expert advice".

Wish you a Happy Home!

Haute Kutir

Mar 11, 2016

Flawless Skin Regimen with Biotique Morning Nectar

What do you do to have flawless skin? Cleansing, scrubbing, moisturizing or all of these?

Well, to have a flawless skin- cleansing, scrubbing, and moisturizing are an essential regime to follow. Using right products is equally important and at Haute Kutir we aim to bring noteworthy beauty products to your notice and eventually to your vanity, from time to time. One such brand that will help you in your daily beauty regimen is- Biotique.

Biotique is a name that needs no introduction in India. Biotique is claimed to be based on 5000-year old Ayurvedic recipes that blend Ayurveda with the science of biotechnology.

Flawless Skin with Biotique

Biotique brings 3 noteworthy products for your daily skin regime, viz-

For Cleansing- Morning Nectar Face wash

It rejuvenates and moisturizes skin with natural oils. Replace your soap with it and use twice a day for better results.

For Scrubbing- Bio Papaya Revitalizing Tan Removal Scrub

It helps exfoliate dead skin, unclog open pores, refreshing the skin, making it smooth and fresh.

For Moisturizing- Morning Nectar Face Lotion

It sinks into skin to replenish lost moisture for a visibly fresher and smooth complexion. For maximum hydration do moisturize your skin at least twice a day, preferably after washing your face,

To know more about the products, do check out my Video for detailed review and feature. Do not forget to subscribe us at YouTube, Instagram and Facebook too.

Haute Kutir Verdict: The products are well defined, well priced and substantiate the brand's claims. They are handy, well-packed, travel efficient, natural and cost effective. The brand's claim that products are 100% natural and are not tested on animals, brings credibility and makes it to our recommended list.

Go for it and do check the ingredients before buying.

Cruelty Towards Animals: A lot of cosmetics including shampoos that are available in the market, are tested on animals. The testings are cruel and inhuman irrespective of the brand name. Kindly check a product before buying. Go for products that are environment-friendly, natural and are not tested on animals. We appreciate your support. Team Haute Kutir

Be beautiful, be flawlessly beautiful.

Ekta

_______________________________

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Mar 9, 2016

Children's Fashion Brand- The Children's Place now in Mumbai, India

Love dressing up your kids?

Love Dressing Children in the best of designs yet comfortable clothes?

Looking for clothes/ Shoes/ Accessories that not just define children's inner persona but also brings a smile on their face?

Looking for a complete shopping destination for children?

Want nothing but the best when shopping for Children aged 0-14?

Find shopping for kids tedious in terms of matching shoes, accessories?

Well, we have an answer for all of your questions above. The answer is- The Children's Place.

We know how fashion conscious are the children these days. They want nothing but the best for them, best, latest and greatest. They have become undisputedly fashionable and demanding. They want same designs, cuts, and styles that we adults wear. In short, giving nightmares to adults when it comes to shopping for them.

"No cartoon prints, maasi. I ain't no kid. I am grown up and Pokemon is so kiddish" says my 8-year-old nephew who loves to collect bow ties. My niece had grown up from her Barbie, Hanna Montana days and loves to shop abroad. One of her favorite brands is- The Children Place, USA. She would often get their annual vacation at the US extended in anticipation of their new Summer Spring collection. Such is the craze "The Children Place" is with children abroad.

The same craze comes to India, Mumbai. Yes, TCP- The Children's Place opens up shops in the city and we could not contain our excitement to visit them. My niece jumped with joy when I told her about the invite from TCP to preview their store. Notwithstanding our curiosity, we headed to the Infinity Mall, Malad store in Mumbai western suburbs.

The TCP store in Malad is a One stop shopping destination for Head to toe Fashion accessories, apparel, and footwear for kids aged 0-14 years.

My little girl loved surfing the stuff inside. She loved the assorted designs of the denim and selected a skinny one for her and her BFF in a straight cut. She said her friend will love the pair and they will flaunt it together.

Now since we have bought the jeans, next in line was to shop for a suitable and chic top/ t-shirt to be paired with them. We went on checking through their vast range of floral, prints, patterns and graphics design. The sizing was quite standardized and finding a right fit for her and her BFF was no difficulty. The designs were vast yet appropriate for kids at that age. Her brief was clear- Fun, Fashion and stylish. Here's what we loved unanimously-

They say when you are in doubt, pick all that you liked. In that case, you need not have to deal with an ordeal of choosing one amongst many and can spare time for coffee. Well, that is the philosophy our new age kids endorses in the time of ever-changing fashion. Dare I beg to differ them :)

Besides, the colorful designs at TCP are quite irresistible and you may like to carry another shopping bag with you.

After shopping apparels, time to shop for accessories.

Bags...

Shoes...

and more...

Look at these cute and colorful socks-

You can either pick a la carte or mix-match and design an entire look for your child. Like this one that I picked for my niece and her BFF

Their collection for new-born babies is such a delight for new the mums.

Haute Kutir Verdict: The kids today are quite demanding and conscious when it comes to fashion and styling. They know their bootlegs from their beachwear and their denim from their khaki. Girl or boy, they have their own sense of styling and fashion. You can dare to take them for granted. However, when you are selecting an outfit for a child, you have to be very careful as you do not want any unnecessary cut or inappropriate print to go inside their wardrobe. At the same time, you want fashion to be fun and comfortable. More importantly, cost-effective.

When buying for kids, you need to be very careful to select clothes that may make them look pretty at the same time retain their innocence and, is pocket-friendly too. The pricing may not be very economical but it is also not at the extreme end. Besides, the store has come with some interesting introductory offers.

If you are looking for Fashion that is "Approved by Mums and loved by kids", TCP is your best choice

About TCP:

For over 45 years, The Children’s Place has been making the cutest, softest, most playful clothing for babies, toddlers, boys and girls. From everyday basics to the newest must-have fashion looks, everything within the assortment is made to last and designed to keep up with kids’ busy, fun-filled lives. The brand has a strong, ever-expanding presence around the world, with more than 1,000 stores in the United States and Canada. Plus, the brand has over 100 stores across 16 other countries. The Children’s Place arrived on Indian shores in 2015.

Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/childrensplace.in

Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/childrensplc_in

Mar 8, 2016

Participate in our Women's Day Giveaway With Jabong

Happy Women's Day!

We know what it meant to be a woman. We know you have thousands of reasons to celebrate your womanhood every single day. And we want to just make it a little more special with a special #Giveaway from one of the most loved fashion website by India and Indian women.

Announcing Women's Day Contest for Haute Kutir Readers

Haute Kutir in association with Jabong brings you an exciting #Giveaway on the special occasion of Women's Day.

All you have to do is-

1) Follow us on Instagram and Twitter
3) Tell us in comment on this post using #HauteKutirWomensDayContest your favourite thing that you will like to shop from Jabong.com
4) Invite your friends to follow and play the contest [more the merrier]

Hurry the Contest starts on 8th March 2016 and ends on 14th March 2016

Terms & Conditions
1) Follow all the rules above
2) Do share your social media details in the comment

The winners will win Jabong vouchers worth Rs 500/each. Hurry and spread the word.

Mar 4, 2016

Say Hi-5 to Alfresco Sunday Brunch by the Sea at The Resort, Mumbai

Life in Metro-Mumbai

Mumbai life is densely busy and tiring. In the daily scheme of things, we forget to appreciate nature and also, miss the quintessential good life.

Sundays are a big breather but often pose us with the same question- where to go and what to do?

A lot of Mumbai crowd rush to Lonavala and Khandala for the weekend getaway, or even Goa, leading to even hectic schedule, travel and more. Come on you cannot rush to Goa for just a day or two. Maybe you need to rush in Goa at your city- Mumbai.

Bring Goa to Mumbai at The Resort

What are the key things that make for a trip to Goa?

Sun, Sand, Sea, Good Food, Good Music and great ambience.

What if you get all these in the hustle and bustle of Mumbai, at minimal travelling and 1/5th of the cost? Well, The Resort Mumbai designs to make the best day of your week even better by introducing- Hi-5 themed Sunday Brunch by the Sea at their Madh-Marve Malad Property.

Hi-5 Brunch at The Resort

One of the best ways to spend your Sunday is here. Book for the Hi-5 Brunch and dine by the sea, overlooking a beautiful ambience with your friends, family and self.

Good Locale | Games & Activities | Music | Scrumptious Brunch Buffet | Fine Wine

You can relax and unwind at this unmatched brunch vibe with a plethora of activities like board games, swimming, favorite music and off course great feast for eyes and appetite.

Want to know more? Read through my experience at Hi-5

My Good Gourmet Experience at Hi-5 Sunday Brunch

I was always fascinated by the surround around The Resort and wanted to be there. When the hotel invited me for the Sunday Brunch, I accepted it expecting it to be another fine dine, close door kind of formal setting. I was slated to be surprised and surprised beautifully.

#PicturePerfect Ambience

When I reached The Resort, it was more beautiful than I imagined. The best part was - the structure, well-manned surrounding and the open green spaces it has. I was heading towards it Restaurant when the staff called me and escorted me to a beautiful open garden. See this-

and more

This should give you a fair idea of what to expect when you are there

I totally loved the ambiance, it was #PicturePerfect, calming and had a very relaxing feel attached to it.

The Sparkling Liquids

After meeting the GM of The Resort who welcomed us, also explaining about the concept and more, we headed for a glass of drink. The drink counter had some cool wines to whiskey to mojito and more. I picked up some sparkling bubbly for me and my champagne breakfast.