Tag Archives: london fashion blog

The Coolest Pants Around

I’ve got my smarty pants on today.

I always wondered, what made a pair of pants worthy of the title “Smarty pants”? Is it how smart you feel when you are wearing these styled pants, or just the general smartness that revolves around their vibe? Either way, whatever the rules may be, I would say that these pants are pretty smart. These pants manage to combine round metallic details (Which I feel are always having a moment?) as well as some superb draping, to give you, the coolest pair of styled pants you’ll have in your closet this season. I bet you can’t guess where they are from either…I’ll give you a hint. Starts with Z and ends with.. ara.So what better way to style a pair of perfectly draped pants with a perfectly draped turtleneck? I just adore the way the features of these two star pieces came together to create this look. With my favourite accessories, I was ready for anything and I was feeling pretty smart about it too.

On a more personal note, I was able to catch up with a super dear friend of mine this weekend who came to visit me from Bath. We got to go see Andy Murray play at the ATP World Tour Semi finals which was a dream come true! I’m a huge tennis fan, and my goal is to go see Roger Federer play! I also got to celebrate another super close friend’s bridal shower on Sunday which was amazing. Did you guys see the cake? (It’s on my instagram don’t worry you haven’t missed it!) It was amazing and tasted better than it looked – if that’s even possible? I’m going to start Christmas shopping super soon! Starting with my present for Secret Santa. My recent gift guide is a massive source of inspiration if you’re looking for a gift of your own!

Get the Look

Top: Topshop Pants: ZaraBoots: Dior (similar here for under £100 and similar here too)Bag: Louis VuittonCoat: Burberry (similar on sale here and here)

Let’s Talk Instagram Tips – How I Edit my Photographs

“Shloka, how do you edit your Instagram photos? What are your tips for Instagram?”

Today, I’m all about answering that question. Editing photos for Instagram is no easy feat, and although it seems like creating a perfectly curated feed of #ootds and #fromwhereIstand shots is perfectly simple, it actually requires a lot of thought and effort. You guys send so much love towards my Instagram and I wanted to return that love by sharing some Instagram tips with you today, specifically, what editing apps I use to edit photographs for my Instagram. Believe it or not, but a lot of the photos I take for my Instagram are taken on my Iphone! It’s all about creating the aesthetic you want and making sure that the photos work together to showcase that same aesthetic.

Afterlight

The first app I use is Afterlight. I love this app because it really gives you total control over tools like brightness and contrast – the two tools I like to use the most. The aim is to keep the photo looking as natural as possible so I try not to mess around with the other settings very much. If anything, I like to add a touch of blue to my shadows to just give the photo a cooler feel (I mean that in terms of temperature, not general coolness ha ha!)

The sharpen tool on Afterlight is also really great! Although this is an app you need to pay for, It’s really worth it. I don’t use any of the filters on the app but I know a lot of people love them!

Snapseed

The second app I completely swear by is Snapseed. I know you have to pay for this app but trust me, it’s worth every penny! There are two tools I use the most when it comes to Snapseed; the selective feature and the transform feature. The selective feature allows you to adjust the brightness, contrast and saturation in specific areas of your photos – so you can fix the light in one part of the photo to match the other, or you can make certain colours pop! Trust me, it’s amazing, especially when you’re taking photos on your phone!

The transform tool allows you to adjust the photo so that if it’s taken at a strange angle, you can make sure it looks straight! Give it a try and it’s a great way to fix a photo that looks amazing but you just wish was taken at a different angle!

VscoCam

Who doesn’t love Vsco? If you haven’t been using it already, I suggest downloading it ASAP. The thing with Vsco is that it is so easy to get excited by all the different filter options and allow yourself to just get a bit filter crazy. Don’t forget, the key is to keep the photo as natural as possible! What I love about Vsco is that it allows you to adjust the intensity of the filter. I tend to go for either A8 or A9, depending on the shot, and I like to keep the filter intensity as low as possible.

What’s great is that this way you can ensure all your photos in your feed are using the same filter or at least a similar filter. This is what guarantees a feed that looks cohesive and images that look great together!

Retouch

Retouch is like magic. It allows you to completely remove items in your photograph that you wish weren’t there. Annoying label on the wall behind you? Gone! Cigarettes on the ground? Gone! You just use the object removal tool to highlight or lasso the object you don’t want, and then click Go! Before you know it, it’s the object wasn’t there to start with. There’s nothing worse than silly labels and garbage on the ground to ruin a gorgeous photo!

If you’re looking for an alternative, Facetune also allows you to take out objects using it’s clone stamp tool. The only reason I like Retouch better is because you don’t need to clone stamp the object out, Retouch just does it for you! Facetune is great though to sharpen up certain parts of your image!

UNUM

Of course, your Instagram is more than just one photo – it’s about how all the photos come together in the feed. As I mentioned above, it’s all about making sure your editing is consistent and you use the same or similar filter for each photo. Even so, a lot of you have asked me how I know which photos will go together! There is a super handy app called Unum which allows you to import the photos you want to put in and see how they go together in your feed!

I love using this app because it shows you how all the new photos will go together with your existing feed and helps you plan out your next set of photos too! It also shows you everything on a white background instead of a dark one like Vsco, which really can make more of a difference than you would think!

Would you like more Instagram tips? Would you guys want to read about my flatlays or how I frame other shots? Let me know!

Knitting Around

A go-to classic, the pant and shirt, can be easily upgraded in the most luxe fashion.

Most of us have an outfit formula that we rely on for all those mornings when we wake up and just don’t know what to wear, or rather don’t have time to really think about it. If you’re like me, then you just haven’t had enough coffee to really think about it… When the weather just continues to drop, the usual go to is a pair of pants and a top, but after a while even that look can start to feel stale, Right? Wrong. Even the most basic outfit go-to can be upgraded to create a more luxe look, runway inspired, but for the street. All it takes is a bit of imaginative thinking and texture.

I’m someone who is incredibly inspired by the runway and high fashion, however what’s more exciting about these looks is the way you can recreate them for off the runway – fashion after all is far beyond the ramp. It’s about capturing the essence of the look and creating it for yourself. The rise of loose fits and more relaxed “vibes” makes your favourite pant and top combination a perfect pick, but it comes down to choosing pieces with the perfect fit. To recreate this runway feel, I went for a half tuck with my favourite pyjama shirt. I decided to put a belt on, to peek out from the half tuck, to just add a bit more interest to the whole look and a feel of luxe.

What I love most about this look is that although inspired by the world of high fashion, it’s one that you can easily recreate yourself and is perfect for whatever you need to do today, tomorrow, or any other day this November. The texture that the knit pants add to this combination automatically add more interest to the look and make it more winter ready! So, there’s no need to be racking your brain for new November outfit ideas, you just have to recreate your favourite ones with a few different fits and flares. Don’t forget your arm candy too! I’m pretty obsessed with stacking so always looking for some new additions!

In other news, I was able to get my hands on a beautiful Reformation dress from their pop-up here in London at Covent Garden! So many of you have asked me about what I thought about it – I must say the quality is really great and I love that I’m buying something that is helping the environment while still looking stylish. I also got my hands on one of their pieces from their Net-A-Porter collaboration, so stay tuned for me sharing that! A potential NYE outfit?

Get my look:

Gilet: Monisha Jaising

Top: Topshop (similar here and here)

Pants: Urban Outfitters (obsessed with these and these too velvet ones!)

Belt: Gucci

Boots: Stuart Weizman (similar)

Bracelets: Monica Vinader

Get the Look: Winter is Here

Creating the perfect layered look is about having the perfect pieces to do it. Indulge yourself this weekend with these amazing (and affordable!) layers to complete your winter look. (So many November outfit ideas!)

Get the Look:

Sweater: Free People

Eyeshadow: NARS Duo Eyeshadow Cordura

Bag: Diane von Furstenberg

Lace Cami: Hush Homewear

Velvet Trousers: Topshop

Coat: Zara

Initial Pendant: Chaos

Nail Polish: Essie Ready to Boa

Wearing Pyjamas In The Day + Recent Reflections

The past 24 hours have been nothing short of surprising.

Amidst all the thoughts about this pyjama trend driven outfit, there are other topics that seem to be shining a lot brighter in my mind right now. Regardless of what side you were on, or who you voted for, the results of the US presidential election came as a shock to us all. It has governed the topic of conversation on every single whatsapp group I have and has been the go-to topic of conversation at any meal, hair dresser appointment and even spin class I’ve had recently.

Trust me, the air of confusion and fear about the future of the USA has reached London as well. With next to no understanding of what exactly the future presidents policies are especially in terms of trade and defence, the global community is left in a state of shock. It then of course comes as no surprise that a whole generation of votes have taken to the streets to roar their opinions. However, once the overwhelming feelings begin to settle down and the fog clears, there is one thing that none of us can ignore; the only way now is forward. Although a nation finds itself divided by a brutal election season, it is up to that same country to come together, regardless of sex, gender, race or anything else, and pave a path to the future that leads to a better world for generations to come. My hopes now are that the candidate running and the now president elect are two different voices, and that the latter is a voice of reason, understanding and togetherness.

To voice Hilary Clinton, no one can stop you from being who you want to be. Reach far, aim high and dream big. Be sure to be the best that you can be because it is up to us to set the precedent, to set the example and to ensure that we live in a world of love not hate. No matter what, as a woman of this generation, we rise back up and we keep going. I was truly inspired after watching Hilary Clintons gracious speech last night, as I’m sure you all were. Her speech truly rung with positivity and optimism and most of all, encouragement, that there is still hope.

Nevertheless, there was some positive news over the past day as well. Despite the fact that the news was governed by the elections, on the other side of the world one of the biggest democracies of the world took a massive step forward. I’m sure most of you know by now that I am Indian. When I heard the news that all 500RS and 1000RS notes are no longer considered legal tender, I was shocked in the best way possible. The governments action to finally crack down on the large amounts of black money circulating through the economy is a massive step forward in anti-corruption movement that is sure to lead to a brighter and better India. At least that was there to make me smile.

On a much lighter note, I can turn back to the pyjama outfit. (Hah, that even felt weird to write after this little heart to heart above) I’ll keep it brief though – the pyjama trend is one that I absolutely adore because who doesn’t love comfort. As a massive loungewear fan, being able to wear pyjama pants in the day, that too ones that were leopard print (double points!) is the perfect combination of style and ease. To add a balance, I paired it with a more formal high neck top and a fur gilet, striking a balance between trend and classic.

So, what is running through your head about this election? How are you feeling? I want to hear your thoughts!

Get the look:

Top:Ba&sh

Gilet: Monisha Jaising

Pants: Topshop (similar here)

Shoes: Carvela (similar here and here)

Slipping into Silk this Winter

Layering is key to making your pieces more versatile this winter.

If you tuned into my Style Counsel interview on Facebook Live yesterday (don’t worry you can still go watch it!) you’ll notice that I said I love pieces that are versatile. You will also notice that I had a layered look on. I adore layering in the winter. It is one of the best parts of the season and it’s also a great way to see how far you can stretch your wardrobe. I adore a classic sweater because you can never put a foot wrong in a classic, but I always tend to indulge in a few trend driven pieces through the season as well (Uh velvet boots anyone? They will last me forever though, I insist). Lace slip dresses were one of those trends – A gorgeous slip gown is always elegant, but a short one with lace can be a bit hard to pull off without it looking like you’re wearing your bed time uniform!

So, when I bought this lace slip dress, I knew there was no way I was going to be wearing it on it’s own. I find that the best way to wear a trend is by making it your own, and in my case, that fell under the layering category. Combined with some of my eternally classic pieces, a V neck sweater (which is so cozy for the winter), thigh high leather boots and my boy bag, I had transformed this trend into a classic Shloka look.

What I loved most about creating this look is how just one extra piece, or rather, one extra layer, completely changed the mood of the outfit. It went from night drinks, to a stylish day time outfit. My favourite part has to be the little bits of lace sticking out around the V neck!

In other news, you can now officially shop my Instagram by signing up to LiketoKnowIt. Every time you like my Instagram, you’ll receive an email with direct links letting you to shop my look whenever, wherever! Super soon, you’ll also be able to shop my blog as well – cannot wait for that!

My weekend was super busy with lots of birthday celebrations for two of my close friends – an all day brunch that went well into the night and an amazing dim sum dinner. (Proudest that I still took off all my make up when I got home – that’s always a must! Sometimes we all slack though don’t we?)

My current obsession is also with The Crown – if you haven’t watched it already, you need to drop everything that you’re doing and watch it now. We started it on Sunday morning and finished it by Sunday night (yes.. that is 10 hours of TV, oops.)

Shop my look:

Sweater: Brandy Melville (similar here and here and adore this colour)

Dress: Topshop

Boots: Chanel (similar here and here)

Bag: Chanel

Sunglasses: Mykita

Don’t forget to follow me on Bloglovin so you never miss a post!

Get the Look: Sporty Sweater

I wore this look a few weeks ago and you guys loved it so much on Instagram, I created an inspired version of it to suit the weather right now!

Sweater: Maje, Pants: Topshop, Ring: Misho Designs, Earrings, Kenneth Jay Lane, Blush: NARS, Boots: Russell & Bromley, Bag: Pop & Suki, Gloves: Agnelle, Candle: Jo Malone, Sunglasses: Sunday Somewhere

November Favourites

The products I’m obsessed with this month are nothing short of amazing.

Can anyone else believe that it’s November? I feel like we’ve fast forwarded through 2016 and it’s almost time for Christmas gifting and hot chocolate. Since tis almost the season for gifting and shine, I have a feeling that my November favourites are about to become your November favourites. From the best highlighter I’ve ever used, to the prettiest scrunchies for your hair, scroll down for some early cheer and merriment!

#1

Chantecaille Liquid Lumiére

I’m all about the natural beauty look – my daily routine is so simple and to the point but is always a no fail situation. I’ve recently started using this Chantecaille Liquid Lumiére highlighter and I have to say it is the best highlighter I’ve used by far. It’s got a strong shine so you don’t need too much of it but it also blends beautifully and looks incredibly natural.

Get it here

#2

By Terry
Liquid Blush

I’m a huge fan of liquid blush because I find that it appears more natural on the skin and is much easier to manage and manipulate. My current favourite is this gorgeous By Terry liquid blush. It comes in three different shades (I obviously went for the bright pink!) and has a slightly glossy finish on the skin. Perfect for rosy cheeks all winter long.

Get it here

#3

Monica Vinader Bangles

If you’ve been reading carefully you will know that I love beautiful jewellery. I always find that an outfit is incomplete without something and I usually always have something on my wrists. My most recent purchase were these two Monica Vinader bangles. I love the minimal shape and the way they look stacked on the wrists! They really are the perfect accessory for everyday! (Plus, pro tip, they make stunning Christmas presents… or even birthday presents.. or just a present to yourself)

Get it here

#4

Clarins Fix Make Up Spray

One of the biggest make up mistakes is when your makeup is too cakey and just isn’t set properly. If you’ve ever been guilty of doing that, and I know I have, I find that one of the best ways to make sure that A. your make up is set perfectly, B. it lasts all night looonngg, and C. it looks flawless and natural, is to use this Clarins spray. A couple of spritz’s after your make up routine is complete and you will wonder why you didn’t know about this spray before.

Get it here

#5

Mille Saisons Silk Hair Ties

One of the most luxurious fabrics in the world is silk (A little insight into where ‘The Silk Sneaker’ comes from!) and it’s also one of the best fabrics for your hair and skin. Silk helps battle frizz, keeps your hair cleaner and styled for longer, and is gentle on your skin. So we all know that everyone wants a silk pillowcase, but I also swear by using silk scrunchies in my hair! If it’s good for my hair, I’m on board. It’s just a perk that they come in the most gorgeous colours too.

Get it here

So if you’re in the gifting mood already, or just ready for a little make up haul, give any of my November favourites a try and you’ll be happy all month long. What are your current favourites?

My Most Versatile Layering Piece

Your most versatile piece this season isn’t what you’d expect.

Your lace cami is about to take your winter layering to new heights.

Although there are many things about winter we may not whole heartedly enjoy, it’s safe to say that one of the things I do love about this season is how much more creative I can be with my dressing. Layering is by far one of the most fun things to do, and how to layer is it’s own story all together.

I think it’s all about being able to make all the pieces in your closet as versatile as possible, to get as much use out of each piece and to explore all the different ways you can create a totally different look with them. After all, that’s when you know you’ve made a good purchase. This lace cami has to be one of the most versatile pieces in my closet. I can wear it in the spring or summer with my favourite ripped jeans or skirt and now it looks gorgeous in the winter too.

With some thoughtful layering, I put this piece over my turtleneck to really let the lace detailing shine through, all while staying warm. The MVP this season, would without a doubt have to go to the lace cami.

Shop this one through the link below!

Bag: Louis Vuitton

Sticker: Anya Hindmarch

Don’t forget to follow me on Bloglovin by clicking here!

I’ve got my smarty pants on today.

“Shloka, how do you edit your Instagram photos? What are your tips for Instagram?”

Afterlight

Snapseed

VscoCam

Retouch

UNUM

Would you like more Instagram tips? Would you guys want to read about my flatlays or how I frame other shots? Let me know!

A go-to classic, the pant and shirt, can be easily upgraded in the most luxe fashion.

The past 24 hours have been nothing short of surprising.

Layering is key to making your pieces more versatile this winter.

The products I’m obsessed with this month are nothing short of amazing.

#1

Chantecaille Liquid Lumiére

#2

By Terry Liquid Blush

#3

Monica Vinader Bangles

#4

Clarins Fix Make Up Spray

#5

Mille Saisons Silk Hair Ties

Your most versatile piece this season isn’t what you’d expect.

By Terry
Liquid Blush