Tres Treasures

RoseGal top (thank you!), Express jeans, BCBGeneration booties, Givenchy beauty bag

Sweater weather is great. I love dressing up in booties, buttoning up a nice coat, and embracing the brisk air that has made its annual visit.  On this post, I'm highlighting three other things that hold a special place in my heart, aside from a seasonal change of pace. 

This hat was picked up at a local Forever21 store, years and years ago, but the fit and versatile nature of it has transformed it into a staple accessory for me. I bring this along with me to most vacations and allow it vamp up any of casual, lazy looks. Even when I had to confirm my identity at a foreign airport recently, the social media images I had with it on validated who I am to board a flight. 

This wooden gem was gifted to me by a school principal who is near and dear to my family in India. I was visiting the country couple years ago to recruit and launch schools for my non-profit organization, PioneeringEd, and it has since been a significant token that empowers my drive to make a meaningful impact. I hope to bring more schools on board and continue the collaborative effort that has been put into it.

Who doesn't love shoes?! I tend to pick up a lot more functional souvenirs when I travel and these sandals were calling my name when I was in Thailand. Not only do they embody adventure, but it also made me think of all the different walks of life and collections of experiences people have in this world. It's important to keep stepping forward and challenging our perspectives to broaden our thoughts. I look forward to immersing myself and learning more about the fascinating cultures the Earth offers - and picking up more shoes, of course. 

Photography by Kyle

How I get my curl power

BEFORE

AFTER

My hair has always been a prominent part of my identity, and though I didn't grow up loving it (like most girls), I certainly have learned to embrace it fully. There isn't much maintenance that goes with it, but I have taken up a few pointers to ensure I'm keeping it relatively healthy: detangling hair before a shower, massaging coconut oil on ends, improving my eating habits (trying), and, most importantly, shampooing with Tea Tree Oil.

Here is a step-by-step process of how I fix up my curly mane on a regular basis!

1.  Wash hair and let air-dry

This is how my hair looks like after being air-dried; no products aside from shampoo and conditioner. This specific Tea Tree Oil shampoo from Maple Holistics is made with natural ingredients and supports cruelty-free operations, which I can always get behind. Since I've started using this 2-3 times a week, my scalp has been feeling cleaner and fresher. For those who would like to sample one of their products, check this out. 

2. Spritz some heat protecting spray before applying heat

My go-to protectant has always been TRESemmé, but at this point my hair is far from being salvaged. I proceed anyway. 

3. Straighten out roots

This is a step I take only if I want to look extra polished since it does add an extra 5-minutes to my routine. When I do have the luxury of time, I make sure to iron out any stubborn strands for a cleaner curled look. (I've had this CHI Haircare straightener for 50 years, I feel, but still good as gold). 

4. Strap on those heat-protectant gloves!

Unlike many graceful people out there who can go a day without getting burnt (or hurt in general), I need to have this glove on to prevent unnecessary burns. I can probably count about 4 scars I've gotten over the years from hair tools. 

5. Curl away with wand pointing down

This Jose Eber Hair wand is my ultimate holy grail. I was introduced to it by a good friend a few years ago and my life has not been the same since. The way it shapes and holds curls is unlike any other curling product in the market - in my limited experience. I have used this wand so frequently that the black coating is wearing off slowly, which would probably explain my unruly split ends. Either way, I start curling the side with less hair and work my way around.

 

6. Pause for evaluation

Considering that my hair, for the most part, is curly, I don't need to work through my entire head. After I'm done with one side, I usually take a moment to look for frizzy, separated strands that can be refined for a "tighter" texture. Since daily use is bad enough, I try to be conservative with how much of my hair I touch up. Half-way there!

7. Continue curling the other side

8. Flaunt it

Just kidding... but that sums it up!

The total time to get this result is about 15-20 minutes depending on the day. Hope this was helpful (or entertaining)!

Mystic Montauk

RoseGal Dress 

Last weekend, I got to spend some time in the Hamptons and the idea of being so close, yet so far away from the city, was exhilarating. The greenery, laid-back vibe, and slew of trendy sundresses definitely set the stage for the quintessential weekend out east. This short sleeved midi dress from RoseGal embodies the casual elegance look I usually opt (try) for, and can be conveniently transitioned to an evening dress - with a pair of strappy sandals, of course. Here is a very relaxed take on a beautiful beach day in Montauk.

P.S. For more trendy dresses, check out RoseGal! 

P.P.S. Thanks to my cute friends who helped with the shoot ;)

The Era of Evites

Oscar de la Renta

One of my favorite things about events has to be the invitation card that precedes it. Whether I'm being invited to something or I get the pleasure of hosting one, the idea of having your name associated with a special occasion is quite exciting. In this day and age, evites have become so prevalent and convenient (financially and time-wise), but the appreciation towards printed cards will never diminish in my eyes. In partnership with Anagram Interactive, I had the opportunity to try out some really neat Paperless Post cards designed by some of the world's most renowned names - Charlotte Olympia, Jack and Kate Spade, Jonathan Adler, Mary Katrantzou, Oscar de la Renta, and Vera Wang. Not only are these cards (and envelopes) chic in design, they are super easy to customize, and fairly inexpensive for the quality you get. Now until I can afford a real Oscar de la Renta dress, I will make due with their pretty cards. 

Mary Katrantzou

Rifle Paper Co.

Kelly Wearstler

Vera Wang

Oscar de la Renta