One Denim, Five Styles, Everyday Fashion

If there is one outfit that I cannot do without it, it is my pair of Denim. I am a Denim hoarder and have a pair in all the colours from shades of blues to greys, to black, charcoal, Red, white and even green. However, my most favourite is the pair of classic blues. I love this piece of  clothing to the moon and back. It is like my second skin and as if I was born in them.

When Denim is the God, and Jeans a religion! 

Denim is not just a fabric but it is a religion. Wherein my blue pair of Jeans is my clothing God. It is versatile, you can wear them as shorts, 3/4th, loose boyfriend jeans, fitted skinnies or even retro-styled flare pants.

Similarly, there is no dearth of  the ways you can style a single pair of denim or jeans in your everyday life and even special occasions. In this post, let me tell you, how I style a basic yet versatile pair of classic blue denim in 5 everyday looks.

5 Everyday Look with Classic Blue Denims

1) True-Blue Look: Denim on Denim

Let us start with my favourite look- Denim on Denim. Whoever thought it is fashion faux pas, probably did not know how to carry them. I completely love this style and often sport it for my college and brunches with friends.

It is very simple and needed to carry with minimal accessories. Let me show you how I sport this look-

How I do it: You can sport denim on denim in two ways. One by combining it with a top, pref. a jacket of the same colour. Or, by mixing matching with a contrast denim top/jacket. I love that blue on blue feel. Hence, I go for option no 1 wherein in combine it with other denim of the same colour. However, I ensure to not overkill the blues and accessorise the look with another warm tone of beige or brown.

You can choose to colour coordinate your outfit with leather accessories in black, brown or nude beige. Idea is to keep it simple, keep it classy, classy blue!

2) The Sporty Chic Look : Denim with Basketball Tee

This is my favourite look for cheering up my basketball team. I pair my denim with a bright yellow top [pref sleeveless just in case if it gets too hot on the field] and a contrast light blue denim jacket [just to combat chill in the air]. The layering up is not just a smart move but makes it look very sporty too. If it gets little too hot in the noon, I just open my jacket and tie it around my waist. It is another cool style statement. Check this out-

You can pair them with good sports shoes or floaters to keep it neat and chic.

3) The Wanderer Look: Denim for Travel

It is so easy to travel with a pair of denim. Just take a pair or two, add some regular tees and throw in some floral jacket/ bomber jackets, pack a pair of pumps and you are sorted.

4) The Ethnic Chic Look: Denim with Traditional Look

Denim is quite a Western concept but mixing it with Indian Ethnic wear is a joy of another level. It is very handy when you are coming back from college and need to quickly slip into something for a family house party or a small function at the neighbourhood. It takes away your dressing dilemma between western or Indian while clubbing the best of the two.

Here's how I pair my classy blue denim with a vibrant orange Kurti for Diwali Card Party at my aunt's house. 

5) The classic style: Blue Denim with White Shirt
You can't wear a denim without pairing it with white.  The blue and white is a classic combo and one of my eternal favourite. White has a soothing effect and I  love to further it subtle with the bare minimum. Take your favourite blue denim and throw in any white top, tube or Kurt's,  and you are sorted.  It is best for semi-formal Sunday brunch to shopping day out to wine evenings. 

You can pair them with white pearls or any chunk jewellery. Shoes? Take your pick from gladiators to flats to pumps to even beige terrain shoes.  You can further accessorise it with a bright colour orange bag. 

So,  those were the top 5 evergreen style that I wear for my denim.  Wonder,  what all variety a plain blue denim can bring to your wardrobe.  

There are plenty other looks too that you can try with your denim including the hippie Bohemian look with long, flowing,  colourful clothing,  tribal chunk jewellery, semi-casual look with your shirt tucked in or the glam diva style by wearing a corset or tube with a bandana over your head.  The world is yours. Go ahead,  shop,  plate and create.

Do let us know your favourite  look. 
Be Haute,  Be Fashionable
Ekta

How I Celebrated 40th Anniversary of L'Occitane in Mumbai

Beauty has a French connection with L'Occitane En Provence. 

In 1976, little did Oliver Baussan know that the wild rosemary oil shampoo that he is selling in the local market, will mark a stepping stone of one of the leading luxury skin and body brand in the world.

What started from a small soap factory in the Provence, has now spread to more than 90 countries across the Globe and has become a name to reckon with beauty, luxury and skin care. The name is- L'Occitane.

L'Ocitane is a name derived from a region in France called "Occitania". The name means- women of Occitania.I was also told that it symbolises woman, her beauty and her relationship with nature.  Isn't that beautiful?

Another beautiful thing is that brand follows the principles of phytotherapy and aromatherapy, and offers high-quality natural beauty products and fragrances inspired by Mediterranean lifestyle. I am using their Rose Shower gel and can vouch for the sensory delight and moment of well-being that it creates.

So, when the brand invited me to be part of their 40th anniversary, I could not resist and join them for the celebration at Spa La Vie, Mumbai

Celebrating 40th Anniversary of L'Occitane Worldwide

Spa la Vie was adorned in a visually delightful French Provence setting in bright hues of yellow, white, and all thing L'Occitane! The celebration was hosted by  Dr. Aidan Goddard, CFO Asia Pacific, and Mr. John Ho, GM South East Asia along with Ms. Simi Dewan, DGM, L’Occitane India.

It was a highly interactive and thoughtful session wherein the team educated more about the brand, its products, and its vision followed by an engaging and a pampering session.

The session echoed the core value of the brand viz- Authenticity, Sensoriality, and Respect, and began with an interesting "discover your fragrance" wherein their team gave me 3-4 different fragrances to guess.

I kind of guessed 2 out 4 right. The next was a blind tasting session wherein, I was blindfolded and asked to identify different ingredients by mere tasting them. The ingredients were all-natural and were used by the brand in their products including lime zest, black pepper, and honey. Needless to say, I guessed all the ingredients correct and gave my tasting sense a pat on back :)

I also had a very relaxing hand massage and I must tell you, it was one of the best hand massages that I received in the last many months.

The super comforting ambiance at Spa La Vie 

Hands feeling loved and relaxed post the hand massage. They used a special rejuvenating oil that leaves no sticky traces of oil on fabric or elsewhere. I have a sleeping disorder and their hand massage calmed me that I slept my way back home. Indeed, am planning to visit them soon for a body spa

Post the rejuvenating spa therapy, I embarked on "retail therapy", checking their lovely range of products for men and women. I truly liked what I saw- which included their flagship cream by "immortal" flower that does not wither for 600 years and the body wash which does not require loofah or the in-shower scrub. I love in-shower products, you can check my September favorites Video Here.

This is the product I was talking about. This sounds quite promising and can be doubled up as night cream or sleeping pack too. Added it to my wishlist :)

Some more products from their vast range.

Overall, it was a well-spent day with the endearing team and their enchanting products. I have got a splendid L'Occitane Bus home and will experiment with more products.

Talking about products, it reminds me of the set of 3 beautiful hand creams that L'Occitane has curated to commemorate their 40th Anniversary milestone. The range has Shea Butter, Rose, and Cherry Blossom creams. I am using the one in Rose and cannot tell how smooth it feels. Like you are sitting in the middle of a rose garden.

Follow Me On Instagram @Ektakhetan

Spending time at the French provenance, luxe living with goodness of #nature. Here's wishing heartbeat congratulations to @loccitane for completing 40 glorious years of skin care, beauty and luxury. Do Check out their products. #Backtonature #LoveL'Occitane #beauty #French #provenance #beautiful #instalove #instagood #instalike #fun #crazy #wild #photooftheday

A photo posted by Ekta Khetan (@ektakhetan) on Oct 14, 2016 at 11:06pm PDT

Happy Anniversary L'Occitane!!!
Haute Kutir
Ekta

Sebastian Professional Hydre for Hair: Shampoo, Conditioner & Thermal Protectant

I really miss the time when I had thick, dense, and smooth hair. As you grow older, you wonder what your stress and lifestyle do to your body, especially your hair. Living in different cities and trying numerous products did not help them either. They become dry, unmanageable, and shine less. As you cross 30, you sordidly need help for your crowning glory, your hair.

You do not need just any help but indeed a "professional" help. That is the reason, perchance I glided my hair vanity from mass-market consumer products to a range of specially curated, professional hair care brands like Professional Sebastian.  I have recently replaced my existing products with their newly launched Hydre range and wish to share my first-hand experience.

Recall my tweet?

Trying out the new hydre range from sebastion for my hair. Let's see if this meets my hair care… https://t.co/wFpJtHauCc

— Ekta Khetan (@NumeroUnity) September 7, 2016

Review of Professional Sebastian Hydre Range

Here are the products that I tried/using-

1) Professional Sebastian Hydre Shampoo

2) Professional Sebastian Hydre Conditioner

3) Professional Sebastian Trilliant Thermal Protector and Shine Complex

Suitable for: Rough, dry, oily hair

My Experience

I have started using the shampoo since the beginning of September and used it almost throughout the month. I was already facing a hair fall issue that wasn't taken care of by this product, nor it was promised. So you cannot hold it up for it.

The range has clear-cut objectivity that helps hydrate/moisturize your hair, making them smooth and shiny. It quite lives to that promise. The best part is that it does not make the scalp itchy or flaky and the effect lasts at least 3 days post washing. The hair feels smooth and is tangle-free. 

I have done a smoothening treatment in July and recently had one session of Olaplex treatment [blog coming soon], hence it is a little difficult for me to ascertain.

However, I loved the overall product. The shampoo has a very satin feel to it. It is runny enough for your shower and you may need a second helping on heavily oiled hair. However, it does a good job of cleaning the scalp and like I said, it does not make it feel itchy or flaky.

The conditioner is thicker and sometimes difficult to press out. However, it is quite creamy and does not limp your hair even if you apply a little bit on top of your head [excluding the scalp]. I use a little additional quantity, say 2 squeezes and yet it does not leave limp impressions on my hair.

Trilliant Thermal Protector by Sebastian Professional

The first thing you will love about this product is the packaging. The product comes in a transparent blue bottle and has a clear texture. The pump is easy to use and the transparent packaging helps you in ascertaining the quantity and if there is any change in the liquid color. I think it is imperative for beauty products.

How to use: Shake well, Pump and take two sprays on your hair post the conditioning. It is a must product for pre-styling your hair especially when you are going for blow-drying or hot ironing. The beauty is that it has an ultra-light structure and does not weigh down your hair. You can use it on normal days as well even if you are not using a hot hair styling tool as helps protect the hair from the hot rays of the sun. 

It has rock crystal extract that acts as shimmer complex and is best used on washed, towel-dried hair

What I loved about the range:

1) Sturdy packaging

2) Effective results

3) Does not make your hair limp

4) Creamy and smooth texture

The hair feels good and manageable soon after the wash and does not take a longer time to achieve the fall. This is indeed a great plus point.

Haute Kutir Tips: Do not heavily oil your hair to save it additional usage of shampoo and keep that conditioner on for a little more than 4 minutes for a deeper penetration before your rinse with water.

WRT thermal protector, pump the two sprays in your palm first, then with help of the other palms, assimilate and apply evenly on your hair starting from top to lengths. 

Note that it is a moisturizing range and may not help you with your existing hair problems like dandruff or hair fall. However, we all know that well-hydrated hair has fewer chances of breakage. Besides, a healthy diet is imperative for healthy hair. Mere external products won't help

Haute Kutir Verdict: Go For it!

Haute Kutir Rating: 4/5

High Tea with Kishco at Smokehouse Deli, Mumbai

What is the best way to spend a monsoon afternoon? Well, for me, one is to seat through a comfortable drawing room, sipping a hot beverage and having an interesting conversation with someone who has not just authored 10 successful books but is also running a successful business. I am talking about Namita Jain, the Managing Director, Kishco Limited, a fitness specialist and author.

It was a perfect high tea setting on a lazy rainy afternoon, to witness the launch of two imperative projects introduced by the heritage cutlery brand, Kishco. The splendid and elegant range of cookware titled - The Kishco Innochef and a fun animated film on Dining Etiquette were highlighted at the event.

The event was held at perfect ambiance The Drawing Room, Smoke House Deli, Pali Hill, Bandra.

Namita Jain took the guests through her journey of introducing two very innovative concepts under the legacy-driven brand, Kishco, which she referred as the Rolce Royce of the cutlery and dining ware. 

Tweet Tweet Tee Hoo

Here's what we relayed that day to our wider audience on Twitter. Just in case you missed it, check it out here. Do follow me on Twitter @numerounity for more such live updates!

That's the lovely Namita Jain, MD @kishcolimited talking about her journey this far #ArtOfCooking pic.twitter.com/9e44rvdnjx

— Ekta Khetan (@NumeroUnity) October 4, 2016

Manners introduce you, before you introduce yourself. Says the graceful Namita Jain at @kishcolimited #JoyOfCooking meet at @SmokeHouseDeli

— Ekta Khetan (@NumeroUnity) October 4, 2016

Catch them young! Teach your kids #dining etiquette at young age.#HealthyLiving #ILoveKishco @kishcolimited#LifestyleBlog

— Ekta Khetan (@NumeroUnity) October 4, 2016

Here are some capture from the day-

To give you a glimpse of the warm setting that team Kishko had for the bloggers and media. If you love European dining set up with a casual flair, do check out The Drawing Room at the Smokehouse Deli, Bandra.

The Team Kishko with their new product range.

And that is the lovely Namita Jain from Kishco. 

The session thoroughly addressed the imperative knowledge of dining etiquettes in children and the response of students from the participating schools in Mumbai. She is leading a  noteworthy approach wherein Namita and her team consciously decided to inculcate this habit across the spectrum of schools, on a pro-bono basis.

Review of My Envy Box - 3rd Anniversary Edition October 2016

Happy Birthday My Envy Box

Someone Turned 3 this month and how! Here's wishing Team MEB a very special and grand 3rd Anniversary! To commemorate their 3rd Anniversary, Envy Box curated a special 3rd Anniversary edition box for all their subscribers this month. 

The theme for this month is indeed 3rd Anniversary and to celebrate this milestone, MEB is sending a special subscription box "Turns Three" this month with products worth more than Rs 3000. Ain't that amazing?

Off course it is.  Here's a quick review of what came inside this month's Envy box.

Are Your Pearls Real?

Are your pearls real? This is how to find out

Pearls are synonymous with elegance and class. The quintessential charm of pearl jewelry has attracted many. Celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker, Katy Perry, and the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, have a penchant for pearls.

Celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker, Katy Perry, and the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, have a penchant for pearls.

The pearl jewelry lends a sophisticated touch to all attires and comes in various shapes and colors. Some pearls are brighter than the others and some are more expensive than the rest. With easy availability and an extensive range, it’s hard to determine the genuineness of the product. To help you figure out whether those pristine pearls in your closet are real or not, here are a few tips.

Look for imperfections

The flawless the pearl is, the higher its chances of being fake. The formation of real pearls is a natural process and has a scope for imperfection. Unlike the artificial pearls, the pearls that are derived from freshwater or ocean shellfish are bound to have some minor flaws inside. These are absent in the imitation pearls.

Observe for deviations in size

If the pearls are perfectly round, there is a good chance that they are imitations. Finding perfectly-rounded pearls with a flawless appearance is rare. Real pearls are oblong in size with some signs of imperfection. Also, each natural pearl is unique with the difference in shape, size, color, and luster. If all pearls in your necklace appear the same, the chances are high that you have invested in a piece of artificial pearl jewelry.

Feel the weight

Most real pearls feel a little heavier than artificial pearls of the same size. If the pearls feel hefty in your hand, be assured of their purity. On the contrary, plastic pearls feel insignificant when weighed on your hand. This method may not assure you of the purity of pearls completely, but clearly is an indicator of the extremes on the purity meter. 

Check for their gritty texture

Surface magnification is one of the reliable ways to check the purity of pearls.  Pearls when observed under microscopic magnification showcase a characteristic maze-like pattern that vouches for their purity. You need a 64X magnifying glass to check if the surface has a mazy or scale-like structure.

Another great test to authenticate real pearls is the surface friction test. Bring the surface of two beads together and rub them against each other. If you feel the friction between the two, they are real, unlike the smoother ones.

Try the tooth test

Rub the pearls against your teeth. Do they feel gritty? If yes, then you should be relieved that the pearls are real. Real pearls do not have a flawlessly smooth surface and so produce friction when rubbed against teeth. This is one of the most popular tests to validate real pearl jewelry at home. If you want to be doubly sure about the authenticity of your pearls, then there is a refractometer test, X-radiograph test, etc. done exclusively by professionals in the field.

Leave no doubt, refer to an expert

A test that most experts prefer for pearl testing is the X-radiograph test. With the help of an X-ray machine, the pearls are checked for purity. While real pearls show a semi-transparent grey color, the fake ones are solid white and solid black on the positive and negative print respectively.

Getting your pearl jewelry appraised by a professional may cost you more, but is a more reliable option than the various tests performed at home.

With various jewelry designers adding a fresh breath to antique pearl jewelry designs, you can find all the modern variants in one place – CaratLane. Whether pearl earrings or pearl pendants, this online jewelry shopping platform has it all to add more colors to your festivities.

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