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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Why relationships break + Earthy tones

Hi fellow readers

Two thousand and eighteen is not going as planned. Lots of hiccups, misunderstandings and errors!

I've always been positive and tried to keep good vibes near me. How do I do that? 

Humans need humans; emotions nurture when they merge or clash with emotions. Therefore, keeping people with positive roots, is important for me.

Positive roots means - people, from time to time, experience bad days, sudden influx of emotions and general confusion. But, what remains put is there nature in essence. If they are positive as a person, it would reflect in everything that they do.

Today, I shall talk about these feelings, emotions, nature and personality that might lead to heartbreaks and distrust.

Also, loving the early onset of spring in Delhi. More on my outfit after the deep-dosage of relationship talks.

Five reasons why relationships break (indeliberately!)

1) Coinciding nature - We are humans: expecting is in our nature and for some, a habit. We are not used to bowing down to anybody without experience or directly being told so. Nevertheless, each person is different. Our wiring is unique, mental frequencies different and interpretation dissimilar. 

But, there can be only a limited permutations in the world that can make the entire human race unique in absolutely everything! That is why, we find that no two people are the same yet have some things in common. I'm saying coinciding and not conflicting nature because, because of these similarities and disimalrities, that we tend to coincide some parts of us.

We may want the same thing, but in a different way or different time altogether. When, even wanting the same things (or not the same thing), reaches a road to a dead-end, it is the safest place to assume that you go in different directions together, or apart. Here, 'we are good friends even after parting ways', comes into picture. It is true and very much workable!

2) When everything is not enough - There are some people who have been given everything and still nothing is enough for them. Emotional capacity, loving tenacity, good health and love; are a few must-haves for a healthy relationship. While for others, the world is upside down and still, they are happy to have 'at least' the notion of good relationship(s) around.

There is a third category of people who may have some and may want more. They are happy with what they got but a little more doesn't harm no one. This is the charasteristic of a person whose head is sorted and priorities set straight. They have always known what they want and what is (or who is) the most important thing (or person) in their life.

When the above kind of people, meet the first two kinds, they try to fix them. They think that since, these two kinds don't have their act together, maybe they need a little push? No.
They don't understand that they too, have reached where they are, after several experiences. Everyone actually learns from their own mistakes or experiences. Therefore, if not completely broken, such relationships have cracks that might or might not be filled.

3) Living in the past - whatever you do, you can't seem to get out of the circle. After all, life doesn't go forward or backward in a straight line. It is a circle that keeps on going. It doesn't have a start or an end, technically speaking.

Some people, do something to mend their past actions. They will apologize to you for something they have done in the past. They will make it up (or try to) that day and by the end of the day, mess it up, again! The next day, they wake up with a feeling of disappointment that they have brought to you and again, the cycle starts.

Living in the past, is a constant for them. They are constantly in a need to mend things and cannot LIVE in the present. Here, survival takes precedence. When a person is in a relationship with a 'mender', there is always something to look back to. Each day is a battle to start fresh or mend previous actions Sooner or later somebody gives up and some get a full stop they were waiting for.

4) Two friends - there were two friends, ego and love. Both had been living together in a beautiful apartment for 10 years now. Love needed some change, breath of fresh air and some excitment. Ego was against this idea and never gave a good response to love's request. 

One day, their house caught fire and they had no option but to jump out of the window. Love was ready to jump and looked back to see if ego was ready. Ego wasn't! It was sitting in the same chair that it used to, everyday for the last 10 years. Love yelled at it, "Hurry up, it would be too late". Ego replied, "You go if you want to. I'm not leaving."

Love pleaded, requested, demanded and sobbed but, ego didn't budge! Love had no choice but to stay with ego. How could it leave ego? It was love for 10 years!

They both died. Love died because of ego.

I don't think I have to explain this one.

5) They have options - relationships break when they have optinons. They give up too easily because they know they have friends, family, hobbies and self-respect to fall back to. They enter into relationship because of the above 4 categories - either they are (or met via) family, friends, found in hobbies or found someone with a similar set of values and respect for self or others.

Such people ignore the need for nurturing both together as they are busy nurturing themselves in the old ways. They don't feel the need for a change. If it works, it is wonderful. They have found someone who shares everything they care about. If not, it is fine. They will go back to being #1 (point above). Resorting to their own self, is not an issue for them. They don't need drastic measures to bring themselves back to reality because, they were already there. Nothing had changed for them as it is.

Needless to say, they would have loved the other person with all their heart. But it didn't work out? It's okay. They have options.

So yes, these are the reasons that I have realized. I know they are not cliched 'want different things, different personalities, etc.'. These are, from years of experiences and observation. Let me know your thoughts below.

 

Now, about the dress. I bought this in Diwali. Remember, on my Instagram stories, I asked you guys to vote between this dress and the one which I finally wore?

I am in love with the colour. With so much of festivities going around, thought I would show you a colour or two, from India :) (Most of my readers are from USA, Ukraine, Russia and then India).

One could wear it with or without leggings. I chose leggings because I know it would be an hour long shoot and I was already very cold. Paired black wedges with leopard print details in the heels.

Funny story about this shoot - My brother wanted to have his shoot as well. We wanted a different background than greenery. After half hour of discussion, we did nothing but walked for a minute to the opposite end of our society and clicked this. Hope you enjoy (LOL)

 

 

 

 

 

Which one is your favourite?

WEARING:

Suit cum dress: Fabindia, Wedges: Milanoo, Cuff right hand: Forever21, Cuff left hand: Zaful

Much love

xoxo

Akanksha

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5 Virtues to Live a Healthy life + Blue Stripes Bow Top

Hey guys

I'm so psyched to share this post with you. I've been meaning to write something wonderful and it just occurred to me, the best thing to do for someone is to inspire them. So, here I am. Will try to inspire you :)

Also, this blue striped bow top came in the other day. Hands down, the best cotton top I've ever worn. I cannot possibly tell you, the number of head turns I got after I worn it to the mall. Not exaggerating even a bit here.

The bell sleeves of this top are just like McDreamy (watching a lot of Grey's Anatomy lately). You must be wondering how I can wear it underneath a jacket (since it's cold here in Delhi). I just try to hold the sleeves straight, till I get the jacket on. You might want to wear a slip under it since it's a little translucent.

You don't need to make a bow out of it, you just need to tie the two ends together and the bow kind of creates on its own.

Inserting the thread/cotton bow through the hole in the top, was tricky. There is just one hole in the center and one thread. I just didn't get how on earth I could create a bow with one hole. Then it just hit me; I don't! You don't need to make a bow out of it, you just need to tie the two ends together and the bow kind of creates on its own. Isn't that deep (thoughts) and great?

About the bag- Ever since I lost this brown leather bag to water, I've been in search for a pretty simple yet elegant one. It has literally been over an year and I haven't found (till now), an inexpensive brown leather bag, that meets my criterion. I clicked on the bags section of Zaful's website and there it was- brown, shiny, with its little babies - card holder, wallet, and a sling. Wished for one patiently and found a whole new world of opportunities (I'm high).

The shoulder bag has a zipper at the top so that's a relief. I just don't like bags that have a snap fastener instead of a zipper. We have things to keep- kajal, lip balm, keys, wallets, phone, HAIR CLIPS, etc. We don't want to lose any more hair clips!

I'm ever so grateful to Zaful, for having such an amazing collection and discounts all the time.

Without further ado, here are the 5 best virtues according to me, to live a healthy life:

1) Kindness: Cannot say this enough. No one can. If you end up helping someone or not, being kind will only make you feel lighter. Try it just once a day on a full stomach. Show me the reports after 10 days.

2) Patience: I lack this big time but the few times that I've been patient before I make a big decision, I've thanked the time and myself for it. Good things take time and that's why I have this tattoo after it.

3) Perseverance: I lack in this area too. The first time, I actually heard someone say this word was (heard a lot of times before but didn't pay attention until now) when Chuck Bass from Gossip Girl was giving a toast at his father's wedding. Remember, anyone? When you have an urge to give up or you are afraid, it means you are dealing with something important. Otherwise you be having a bad feeling instead.

4) Love: I have come to realize that my sole purpose in life is to love things and people. I love each day, I look forward to things I make-up so that I am happy about that particular day, I even love someone to (x times + 1) because I am a hopeless person who doesn't leave hoping for more love. But, it has always made me happy. Living each day, loving each day, loving to take care of myself and people I love; has always made me happy. So it is one of the most important virtues to be doing while you live.

5) Honesty: If you are not honest with yourself first, why are even reading this point? Please skip to the pictures below if you hesitate at this point. Live for your integrity, respect, and principles, before anything else. Be true to yourself.

 

WEARING:

Top: Zaful here, Handbag: Zaful here, Pants: Forever21, Boots: Rosewholesale, Watch: Aliexpress

Do you agree with my 5 virtues for a healthy life? No? Comment below 

Hopefully my next post would be that post which I was talking about on one of my Instagram posts.

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Diwali outfit: Printed cotton maxi dress

Hi readers :)

This Diwali, I was confused between two dresses which I bought recently- a mustard double shift maxi dress and a printed cotton maxi dress. So I asked you guys on Instagram stories, to choose for me. This printed maxi dress got more votes so I wore them on one of my favorite days of the year.

As you must have seen in my previous posts, I love wearing either brighter shades or one dark and elegant shade like this sea moss green HM shirt. 

But this time, I knew it was time for some change and so I wore this dress along with some ethnic fusion earrings and square shaped ring.

As I'm writing this post, I'm watching Dangal, the movie. It stars Aamir Khan, one of the most sought after actors in India. The story is about a dad, who fights with the underdeveloped minds of the Indian society which has regressive views about Indian women. He trains his two girls to be a wrestler and dreams of seeing them win the championship.

The current scene I'm on, shows how the eldest one, after winning the National championship, takes success to her head and it affects her relations with her dad.

The scene is so delicate that you instantly self-reflect your current position in life. The success and failures you have encountered, how you have reached where you are, and how far you have to go.

Everything said and done, it gets so difficult to have someone control you, then you move away and suddenly nobody is under your control but you.

I remember when I went to Mumbai and my health, my emotional stability, and my discipline went for a toss. I decided to try Cassey's pilates for 21 days and then I would stop being so hard on myself. When 21st day came, I didn't feel like continuing but something inside me pushed me to continue for another 7 days.

Before you know it, it was 45 days and then 60 days. That was 3 years back and there hasn't been a day when I didn't exercise.

So guys, just have faith in yourself and continue with your efforts till it feels right.

 

 

 

Now about  the dress, how did you find it? I was not much confident about its color- you think so?

WEARING:

Dress: Thrift, Heels: Miss England, Bracelet/cuff: Forever21

Until next time
xoxo
Akanksha

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