Rains Make Me Miss My Friends

Monsoons are in full flow. Well, sort of. And this is around that time of the year when I really start missing Lonavala, favorite monsoon picnic spot of Mumbaikars like me. Being the most easily accessible hill station from Mumbai, it’s a favorite weekend spot for me and hubby, throughout the year. More so during the monsoons when the natural splendor of the place is at its beguiling best. The thing I miss most about Lonavala is the Rainmaker’s. I miss just relaxing at the shack, not doing anything, not going anywhere. Just sitting, watching the rain fall.

And I love watching Dhanya and Mathew working at the shack, interacting with the guests. It’s amazing how she manages all the work in her tiny kitchen and still be around to greet the guests and share a casual conversation. She seems so much at ease with her work and life, it sort of makes me envious. Ever so slightly. No meaningless deadlines to chase, no stress-spills, no lots tempers. Just a husband and wife team, going about their life, bringing some color into other people’s life while at it.

Another thing that I find really interesting is Dhanya’s cool style. I have always found her to be effortless and casual. Needless to say, she dresses for comfort and stays away from brands. But she is a classic example of how the right attitude can make a simple jeans and tees attire the ultimate style statement. Her accessories show her love for colors and I have seen her carry even the most mundane outfit with a bohemian panache that somehow elevates the outfit, making it look “cool”. Maybe staying away from the pollution-laden, illness-inducing city has its benefits. But mostly, I think it’s just my pal Dhanya.

I decided to do a short style profile of her different looks. All casual, but different. Outfits or sassitude, you be the judge!

The Very Lovely Laurel Stovall

At 5’11”, she literally has the world at her feet. Shotcouture profiles, blogdom’s sweetie, the very fabulous Laurel Stovall… A lovely girl from Nevada, Laurel is stylish, witty, fun, and very, very deserving of the top spot in the online V Magazine Supreme Management Model Search for 2008. Her personal style inspires many, and her zany comments on other blogs can light up your day. But don’t take out word for it. Get to know the girl better. Here is a brief glimpse into the life of the brilliant young lady.

• Tell me about yourself.
I'm Laurel Stovall, I was born June 29, 1986 in a small rural town in Nevada called Lovelock. I'm an only child with two very loving and amazing parents, who are my number one influences in my day-to-day. I am currently attending the University of Nevada, Reno and in my 4th year, graduating with a degree in Journalism, minor in English Literature. I love music, cooking, running, photography, design and Ernest Hemingway - and I'm a HUGE lover of giraffes. I'll crack you up and talk you up about current events anytime.

• What are your greatest strengths as a model?
I guess it's hard to really answer that question since I haven't been directly involved with the industry but as I've grown as a student, daughter and friend, I discover the real drive and potential I have to do things I set my mind to - my strong-willed nature and levelheaded nature will definitely serve me and my future endeavors in modeling, career, family, etc.

• Biggest fashion influence?
My best friend, Ashley - she (along with her art) helped me to discover the side of myself that I feel so compelled to share with the world.

• Favorite designer?
Yves Saint-Laurent

• Favorite model(s)?
Freja Beha Erichsen and Anja Rubik

• Favorite fashion magazine?
WWD collections issues

• If you had a choice of all designers in the world, who would you prefer to work for? Why?
Nicolas Ghesquiere, he is definitely designing with something so different in mind - I would like to be there as his designing technique gets stronger and stronger.

• What do you see in the stores that you think is really great (shoes/accessories/clothes)?
Shoes are a current art-form for me, and I've become extremely picky about them - I see them as the conclusion to most daily outfits and if it isn't right, your whole outfit isn't worth wearing.

• Clothes you wouldn't be caught dead in?
Anything mesh and UGG boots.

• Foolproof style tip that you'd love to share?
Eucerin Aquaphor ointment - BEST LIP TREATMENT, EVER. A little bit of that mixed with a tiny amount of concealer on lips creates flawless lips.

• What do you do in your free time?
Spend time with my parents, friends, shop (incessantly) and work on my blog.

• Forbidden foods you'd love to dig into?
I'm a total nerd, but I love fig cookies - LOVE. They remind me of being a little girl hanging out with my aunt and grandma in the summertime. I'm attempting a recipe for them very soon!

• Favorite outfits from your closet?
I'm loving a few pieces I picked up at Zara, especially this super tailored, cream colored vest - very Margiela. Also, I am incorporating a lot more color into my closet which always seems to do my fair skin/dark hair much more justice.

• Movies you could see over and over again?
Pretty Woman, of course!

• Books you would read a million times?
Garden of Eden by Hemingway. It is rare for me to want to read a book more than once, a second time through sometimes ruins it for me.

Shoes, glorious shoes!

To visit Delhi, and not come back loaded with fashion goodies is a sartorial sin of the worst kind. High on the priority this time were shoes. Since I am already quite well-stocked on heels, I decided to pile up some flats in the shoe drawer. This shop in Modern Bazaar is a blessing. Any pair for Rs 250! I need not mention that I went quite overboard. The designs were simple and wearable, and I can vouch for their lasting quality. I have shopped here for years and the variety has never disappointed. I took home some really pretty lovelies in red, black, silver and copper. And my feet aren’t complaining either!

Those boots!

A walk down the Colaba Causeway is always exciting. And for a number of reasons. Street fashion is at it’s very best here. You can see for yourself what I mean. Do you see those boots? So next season! Fashion fabulous is what I call this attire. It’s great for this weather: warm colours, yet bright enough to perk up a winter afternoon.



Apart from her colorful bag, she has kept her accessories simple and that's what really makes this look so special. And yes, love her boots! I am a sucker for great footwear and feel that Indian women have a long way to go when it comes to experimenting with shoes. Sad, because good footwear can make one look so interesting.