Photowall: What are you going to hang on your wall today?

 Hello everyone

How are you doing today? I'm extremely happy to be writing today's article. As you know how much I love New York which is evident from my trip there back in 2015. Even before I visited, it had been my dream city which was fulfilled during my college days.

Little did I know what great things were waiting for me. I was approached by Photowall to write an article for them. I visited their website and started scrolling through their VAST portfolio. 

I saw the famous art words 'London New York Paris' and got this brilliant idea of having a New York based photograph in my living room. 

As you are aware that I recently moved to a new place. The main living room's wall lacked a painting and this was the perfect opportunity to have a little piece of New York with me, always.

I scrolled 500+ canvas prints just on New York and wanted to have them all :D 

There was a time when I was confused between the below two:

when I saw what I actually got:

Just look at this glorious seven of 7 NYC - There's Empire state building, the city life, the taxi, streets and so much more. One look and I fell in love. 

I quickly added it to my cart and it arrived within a week! I got it framed and it's sweetly hanging in my living room now. From Sweden to India, a canvas of New York!

About Photowall:

The idea of Photowall was born in 2006 when brothers Niklas and Charlie Johansson realized that the

selection of personalized wall art on the market was relatively limited. With their technical background

and a strong interest in design, they decided to try something new — printing wallpaper digitally.

Without any previous printing experience, the brothers bought their very first digital printing press in

2006—and Photowall was born! A company focused on quality, creative design, and custom-made

products. Photowall is now an established company with its own factory and offices in Skarpnäck near

Stockholm, Sweden. From the very beginning, it has been driven by the desire to create and constantly

test new ideas.

Hope you shop something for yourself from their beautiful collection of murals, paintings, wallpapers and more. If you do decided to check it out, don't forget to use my code fictitiousfashion2021 to get 25% off valid till 9th July 2021. So hurry up!

xoxo

Akanksha

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What Beautiful Fabrics to Customize My Outfits From

Hey everyone!

It all started 6 months before my wedding. Pinterest and Instagram got me hooked into wedding couture when I used to PIN or SAVE like crazy. I loved each and every outfit and took my wedding planner everywhere with me for referring to ideas anywhere - Chandni Chowk, Karol Bagh, Malls etc.

The scenario 2 years ago...

What this research taught me is that I love (and it's better) to get my own fabric and get things made from a local tailor. One size, design, colour fits all was certainly not what I was looking for during the extended wedding functions! Back in the day (2.5 years ago) I would run from shop to shop for that one look or outfit I had in mind. 

Present day...

Now? I came across this wonderful brand called Fabcurate. They have a plethora of fabrics to choose from. Organza, satin, silk, cotton, khadi, etc. in florals, animal print, newspaper print, block print etc. They have anything to everything! When they approached me with a brilliant idea of spreading the word out, I welcomed it with open arms.

a) I love to customize my out outfits.

b) I love to shop online.

c) It meant saving me time. Plus saving me from COVID scare outside.

Do me a favour and visit the website. The affordable price range, the fact that you can select a fabric while sitting tea and you get a welcome discount because of me - what more could you ask for?

That's right, use my code FICTITIOUS10 to get 10% off your purchase.

I chose two fabrics. One is below and the other one I will show in my subsequent posts.

Here's my feedback of shopping from Fabcurate.

I visited the website and went straight to two pages - digital print and screen print

I spent about an half hour going through all the designs and selected two prints from their digital print collection.

Asked my local tailor how much length I'd require for a dress, a top and a saree. Apparently, it was 6m in each cloth.

I placed my order.

I received my order in this beautiful reusable cloth bag. The fabric's material didn't disappoint me at all.

I customized the first fabric - Japan Satin into a formal blouse and a dress.

You can watch my IGTV video on how I styled 1 top in 5 ways. I mean you can see the outfits below as well but that IGTV got me into editing and posing mode. It was so much fun. Check it out on my IGTV feed here. 

For all of you who love to customize their outfits and want to save on time & money. Check out Fabcuate and don't forget to use my code FICTITIOUS10 to get 10% off

xoxo

Akanksha

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5 Ways to Make Your Heels Comfortable

 It is a fact that heels are not comfortable. They are not meant to be comfortable. They are meant to set standards high, walk in style and adjust one's expectations accordingly.

You may not know this but you can make any heel comfortable for sometime and are 5 ways to do that.

1. Choose the right fit - A size bigger or an exact fit can be extremely irritating to your feet. They can restrict blood flow, leave marks or even make you trip. The right fit of your high heels would be the one where there is a tiny fingers' gap at the back. 

2. Choose the right heel height - Depending on the shape of the sole of your feet, only a certain type of heel height, shape and size can work for you. For instance, if you love high heels then a natural arch will support this kind of heel height. The best one for you are stiletto heels. If you have a flat foot then you better stick to platform wedges or the likes of kitten heels.

3. Choose the right support - Support can be a life savior if you are new at wearing heels. Strap backs,  T-straps, ankle straps, sling backs and so on. They can help you from slipping or breaking your ankle! Trust me, it has happened to me.

4. Choose the right sole material - If the sole is synthetic or non-absorbent, you will have a slipping tendency towards the front. This will make it difficult for your feet to remain in one place inside the heel. Whenever you go heel shopping then wear it for a few minutes to let the sweat develop (if at all). If however, you are shopping online, read what the insole is made of. Microfiber or cotton lining are better as opposed to synthetic ones.

5. Choose the right heel & shoe shape - Your heel is going to rest more on the front than on the back but, you are going to balance based on your heel width. Hence, both are equally important to keep in mind. If you're a rookie, choose a closed-toe than an open one. If you are hell bent on picking an open-toe then make sure that there is a strap guarding your end toes. Further, start from full heel (entire shoe heel) like wedges than a pencil heel.

Now that you know how to make your heels comfortable, are you ready to shop for heels? Which one is your favourite? Mine are classic pumps.

xoxo

Akanksha

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One8 Commune Aerocity: White Mushy Cardigan + Blog Name Change

 Hi everyone

I'm back with another outfit post. This time including some food element as well. I love exploring different cuisines as much as I can (and as much as my body allows). I recently found out that I'm lactose intolerant (there goes my cornetto days) so I'm being picky about what I eat. Nevertheless, I try to sneak-in a bite or two of some irresistible foods like the ones you will see below.

Also, a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT - I'm going to change the name of my blog. I've come to realize that as I've grown, my blog should grow with me as well. I started (in 2011) my blog talking about fashion and to imbibe one's style. I've also introspected on why I kept the name FICTITIOUS FASHION and what it meant to me. 

Fictitious means imaginary or unreal, what fashion means to most of us anyway! With the ever changing world, trends, women empowerment, men embracing feminism, food fashion and what not - I want to make this my space - Something that no one else talks about. The blog will cover fashion (of course), my style (definitely), food, relationships (will be bringing Mr. A back) and what the future holds. Since this covers everything about me and my life, I'm thinking of naming it after me. Here are some name ideas keeping in mind the above topics:

A.C.G. - My initials

Akanksha Speaks

Akanksha's Quiet Corner

Any other suggestions are welcome (please!)

Now, on to my outfit I wore at One8 Commune that is in Worldmark 2, Aerocity, near IGI Airport in New Delhi

My family and I had never been here so we made a plan and there we were, on a cloudy and windy day, in our best attire and best moods, ready to explore everything. 

The exploration was over in half hour and we realized that this might have been a mistake. I mean don't get me wrong, all the Worldmarks (three) were beautiful, spacious, green and well-made but there were just cafes and bars with one home-decor outlet, one apple store and one retail store. Maybe it would have been better on non-pandemic days with performances and events but last weekend, except for LIVE music in 3 restaurants, it was quiet and dull. 

My brother was quick to point out two restaurants where we can have lunch. Plum and One8 Commune.

My brother & I

Plum was unique and known for its quirky idea that customers can pick the plates they are eating in and take it home! Well, yes. You can shop anything you like - furniture, decor, etc.
Well I liked the concept, I was there to fill my stomach too!

I saw that my brother was inclined towards One8 Commune (since it is also owned by India's charming cricketer - Virat Kohli) so we went there. The food was so good that I didn't mind two slices of their sumptuous pizza. To balance out my guilt, we also ordered some Mushroom googly dimsums. I think they were made in beetroot or was it just red food colouring? Nonetheless, they were creamy and good. 

Next we ordered Ortolana pizza. 

Our food

Did you know Ortolana means cooking vegetables first and then tossing them on a pizza base for further baking? 

Just to have a mini-celebration and to have that feeling 'I-can-drink-with-family', I ordered red wine. It was exquisite and the best wine I've had till date. This is what it was - Baron Philippe De Rothschil Cadet D'oc Merlot, France (had to triple check the bar menu). Quite affordable and delicious. 

Baron Philippe De Rothschil Cadet D'oc Merlot, France- Red Wine

We were surprised to know that after the meal, customers can hog on some complimentary desserts! By hog I mean, hog! Every dessert was AMAZING. Especially those chocolate balls.

Complimentary desserts

Of course I ordered berry mocktail for my baby brother

I was waiting for an occasion to flaunt my new white Zara cardigan and flaunt I did. I was so happy to see some serious head-turns (who wouldn't be?). In India we call it paisa wasool or to get our money's worth as people really appreciated it. Zara has the best knitwear in terms of quality and style. This can be worn on outings and even weddings.

I paired it with my favourite button-down denims from Zara and a black knit by the same brand. I carried this cute coin purse given by my MIL. 

WEARING:

White cardigan, black knit and denims - Zara, Flats - Forever 21, Coin purse - Mango

Do leave your blog name suggestions keeping in mind what I want to talk about on this blog. 

It will mean a lot.

Until next time.

xoxo

Akanksha

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11 Things to do for a Dream Wedding Under Budget

Wedding is an event of a lifetime. The trousseau, venue, caterers, the decor, family, food, laughter & traditions are a sum-up of any Indian wedding.

Most brides' dreams of being hands-on with each of the above tasks takes it with full stride. For some it can be a cakewalk due to the abundance of sources & resources ($$$) whereas others have to settle down for Plan B.

As a recently married woman myself, I did my research to keep my dream wedding 'project' under budget. I am more than happy to tell you all the 11 things to do for a dream wedding under budget.

Mehendi decor done by my mom & me - all details in the end

Define a Budget

This is the first alphabet of an essay you're going to write. This would be possible after sitting with your parents and asking them upfront.

In most Indian families, parents want to have a grand wedding. Of course 'grand' is very subjective. Most brides these days want to pitch-in, if not take over their own wedding's financial. If your parents are not comfortable in giving you a number then just ask for a range.

Download my budget sheet from here

Tip: By being involved in each step, you can control the budget of your wedding even if you are not the one spending on it.

Maintain a Planner

A planner helped me in keeping track of not only the budget but also acted as a moodboard of each and everything. Define sections like -

a) Attire & Jewellery - Function date, inspiration images

b) Makeup & Mehndi artist - Inspiration images and/or probable list of artists

c) Venue + Caterers - Local or destination

d) Invites - This is accompanied by a Save the Date website and/or chatbot for RSVP link to be sent out.

e) Photographer & Videographer - Includes pre or post wedding shoot.

f) Financials - With columns like Budgeted amount, Vendor statement, Amount spent.

g) Miscellaneous + Timeline + Ideas - Timeline & to-do lists are available on WedMeGood.

You can download my planner by clicking here.

The first page however would have all the dates of functions. Also, attach a guest-list (which you will make on excel sheet)

Approach in Advance - I followed a AA or approach in advance strategy for almost everything. I did not intend to take anything for granted. This saves out on valuable time later and not to mention that you will be able to book your favourite photographer or MUA and get good deals on various apps like WedMeGood.

How & Where to Start 

i) Start by saving looks of everything you like. Instagram folders, Pinterest boards, WedMeGood dashboard, Mail labels (mails sent to yourself & labeled under 'Wedding Diaries') REALLY HELPS.

I saved all the ideas on IG & labeled each mail

ii) By now you will have a broad idea as to what kind of makeup look, bridal lehenga or venue you would like. Start approaching professionals in the field and ask for a quotation. I religiously used the WedMeGood app for this.

iii) After you get a range of everything you have enquired - you can see which things you can 'settle for' and which things you 'absolutely want' for your wedding. For example, I let go of mehendi jewellery and outfits for some indoor functions for which I bought fabric from Lajpat Nagar, Delhi. I absolutely didn't want to let-go of matching my lehenga with my fiancé's and matching my pastel theme with my family. It was a MUST.

Before Mr. & Mrs.

iv) Certain apps like WedMeGood even have budget filters to narrow down your venue, caterer, artist expert and even choreographer.

v) Before going to market for ANY kind of shopping, make a plan. Which market, for which function you want to shop for or is it category specific like buying jewellery for intimate functions? I first chose my outfit as it was something I didn't want to settle for after buying jewellery. Besides, my jeweller told me that he can easily break my heavy bridal set into 3 light necklaces to wear later so I was very content with my purchase.

My pastel lehenga - all details in the end

vi) Branded & Couture vs Artificial & Local - Again, this depends on your budget and liking. I was set on NO YELLOW METAL (or gold) and no throwing money at some high-end designer label for something I will probably wear once. This doesn't mean I didn't splurge on my time to get exactly what I wanted. Jewellery was artificial but was by a fabulous store in Delhi. Both my wedding & mehendi outfits were from an amazing store in Chandni Chowk. Other jewellery and outfits were either custom made (like my head-dupatta fabric was sourced and dyed in the colour of my choice) or bought from Chandni Chowk.

Bridal jewellery- all details are in the end

vii) Venue - Probably the first to book and not to overlook. Let's be honest here, over 80% of our family would be there for the food & selfies. We all do that and there's no denying it. Let your parents handle this. You will of course sit for the decor part but venue & food is what you should choose very carefully. You definitely don't want to settle on this one.

My entry

viii) Photographer & videographer - I booked a Delhi based team for this who came highly recommended by my family. After spending months to search for that particular photographer I literally gave-in. I mean how can you decide on this? Most are decent and have happy couples clicked in cool destinations. If you plan a destination shoot or wedding then go for someone who has experience in this otherwise ask your friends for this part.

ix) Invites - I asked my friend to create a chatbot for our E-invites. It was so cool for my family members to see our story, interact with the bot and RSVP there & then. This was a gift from my friend but you can definitely find someone online to do this. Hey, if you are a little bit techie, you can set-it up yourself! The invites given to rishtedaars was designed by me. It also had wedding favours like chocolate covered almonds, silver pearls & pumpkin seeds (all unique & unrelated, I know!) in reusable glass jars.

Indian wedding invite

x) To-do lists & keeping a tab- Finally, something you need to come back to often - to do lists & planner. If you don't maintain a checklist or update your planner then it's very easy to overspend. Update every week and after every shopping trip.

xi) Bonus tips:

Don't buy everything nice in one trip. I know time is money but chances are, you might find the same thing at a much cheaper price, a few shops ahead or after a week in a completely different market altogether. If you have maintained a list before you left for the market and if that particular nicety is not in your list then don't buy at that instant.

Don't try to act over-smart and say it's your friend or sister's wedding when you've come with your whole family! Shopkeepers get irritated when they try to show you bridesmaids outfits when all you want is the best of the best since you are a bride.

Spending hours in one shop says you are interested so avoid this. I learnt it the hard way.

Sign-up for wedding apps and wedding exhibitions online if you have at least a year to plan your wedding. If not, avoid going to exhibitions and stick to your good-old social media.

Mood Boards are a life savior. Buy your outfit first and envision the kind of hair, makeup, shoes and jewellery will go with it. This will compel you to STICK to your plan.

Invest in rings & bangles- accessorized right - you will definitely have killer photographs along with your mehendi. Till date my friends ask me directions to the shop I bought my rings from.

To conclude:

There is so much that goes into planning & executing a wedding. I wouldn't say that I stuck to my budget but I controlled my expenses immensely. It gave me a thrill to spend on certain aspects of my wedding and plan others. After all, all dreams are different, all dreams are unique.

My mehendi look

My engagement look

Mr & Mrs.

Makeup & Hair: Vandana MUA found through WMG, 

Photographer: Studio Hari, 

Mehendi: Mehendi art by Arpit

Rings: Soni Jewellers, Lajpat Nagar

WEDDING DETAILS:

Lehenga: Jagdish & Sons, Chandni Chowk, 

Jewellery: Soni Jewellers, Lajpat Nagar

ENGAGEMENT DETAILS: 

Cocktail dress: Meena Bazaar, 

Jewellery: Voylla & Soni Jewellers

Engagement ring: Carat Lane by Tanishq

Watch: Raga by Titan

MEHENDI DETAILS:

Lehenga: Jagdish & Sons, Chandni Chowk, 

Jewellery: A local store in Chandni Chowk, 

Decor: Throughout Chandni Chowk

Do you want to read or see more from my wedding? Let me know in the comments below

If you want help in planning your wedding then I'm at your service ;)

xoxo
Akanksha

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