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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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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6 Gorgeous Dresses - Every Woman Should Own

Not all dresses are created equal. Some fit well for parties while some others are timeless classics worth investing in for special days like a wedding.

No matter what the excuse or the occasion, dresses are always worth buying and investing in.

Here, we bring you the top six kinds of dresses every girl should try to get her hands on! Read ahead 

1. The Shirt Dress - Tired of all those regular office formals and looking forward to trying something new? A shirt dress is something that you must try in such a case! It is a kind of dress designed for the ladies borrowing details and features from a man's shirt.

Available in many fabrics like denim, cotton and even synthetic, the dress often includes a collar, a button front, or cuffed sleeves. Shirt dresses often fit loose. This can be attributed to the fact that they are typically cut without a seam at the waist.

You need to use a belt to define the waist in a shirt dress. Say hello to amazing dress days with a chic shirt dress and leave everyone in the awe of your cool fashion sense. 

 Image credit - Pretty mva

2. Casual Maxis - Maxi dresses are known for making women super happy during the summer!  And why should it not be after all? It is easy to wear, carry around, looks chic and feels super comfortable.

Pair it up with flip-flops and some fun accessories to completely rock the party look. These are even perfect for movie dates. Actually, a maxi dress is a timeless classic. Plain black or red maxi dresses are all-time favourites among the women.

Pulling off a minimal or no makeup look with a maxi is just the perfect thing for summers. 

Image credit - 24 My Fashion

3. The Corset Dress - A Corset Dress, as it turns out to be, is a long corset. Although it resembles the traditional corset, it is long enough to cover the legs, making it look like a dress - hence the name.  Corset dresses used to be very famous among the ladies in the 90s. Of late, these have regained their position in the fashion world.

A corset dress is known for defining the curves very elegantly thus making you look more attractive. A corset dress paired up with a nice pair of heels and some accessories is enough to make you look like a diva!

These modern style women dresses are functional and fashionable enough to be worn, just about anywhere, with complete comfort. 

Image credit - Where to get it

4. The Sheath Dress - A Sheath Dress is yet another popular dress option that ladies love to wear. A classic black sheath dress is all that you need to fill that void in your wardrobe. Couple this with some light jewellery and shoes and get ready to rock the party.

These are the perfect choices for parties and family gatherings. Another reason these are popular is that they don’t drown you and work perfectly well for petite women. Besides that, you could even opt for printed t-shirts, so trendy, that it would suit you well enough even if you are plus size.

That’s the beauty of it, certainly a must-have in your wardrobe. 

Image credit - Glamradar

5. The Floor Length Gown - Floor-length gowns are the true example of the royal look. There is no way that you can turn this option down for marriage and reception parties. You can wear it in spaghetti style sweetheart neck or a V- Neck style.

Either way, they look larger than life and are grand and voluminous. You can safely go for a heavy makeup look with floor-length gowns as they are generally plain and have room for accessories without making you look extra loud. 

6. The Slip Dress - Slip dresses make you look effortlessly sexy. They have what it takes to rock the look without looking extravagant. Wear it over your favourite tee or pair it up with your cool sneakers. Throw on some earrings and you are all set to go.

Besides, a classic black slip dress becomes even more glamorous when decorated with some intricate lace. This all-time classic look will surely strike a chord with you and become one your favourites.

With so many dresses and options available, it is hard to select the right one for any occasion. Maxi dresses are the secret to looking cute and comfortable during the summer, while mini dresses are perfect for a girls’ night out. 

Image credit - Where to get it

Fitness apparels can be the best fashion and fitness gifts while slip dresses are perfect for birthdays and weddings. Lastly, it narrows down to what suits your taste and makes you feel beautiful about yourself. 

Guest post by Sara

How many of these dresses do you own? What's your score out of 6?

Comment below

xoxo

Akanksha  

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Junagarh Fort Bikaner: Myriad Colours - FICTITIOUS FASHION

Hey readers

To continue off the series from a few posts before, here is the last part of the series.

I brought three of the VERY Indian outfits you can see on one blog. First being, the Lucknow Chikankari suit behind the pastel pink backdrop and the second being, the three Bikaner wedding outfits for Mehendi, shaadi and reception.

Today you will see the most typical yet beautiful of all forts in Bikaner, the Junagarh Fort. You know how nature grows around something that is 'supposed to be' a hurdle (e.g. tree roots around a rock). The same way, but opposite, the modern city of Bikaner has grown around the Junagarh Fort a.k.a. 'Old Fort'.

As we proceed through these pictures, I will take you through the enchanting history behind each image. Stay with me on this one. It is not every day that a fashion blogger acts a guide to an Indian fort.

Bikaneri Haveli, Junagarh Fort, Bikaner

Welcome to the Junagarh Fort in Bikaner. This is the pride of Bikaner city. The perfect staircase, the dome-shaped door, the tiles and other architectural words, are definitely an architect maven. Just look at this monochromatic beauty. Guess, monochrome look in Fashion was inspired by this?

Some parts of the haveli were restricted for the public so only a few Mahals were open to tourists.

 

This was our entrance to one of the forts. These iron curtains, I wouldn't mind staying behind in.

Anup Mahal, Junagarh Fort, Bikaner

Welcome to Anup Mahal. The guide said that the tiles were Italian and we could see ornate mirrors on ceiling and latticework on doors and pillars like on the respective ends above. This was known for its grandest construction. Guess we had a great taste back then as well.

One thing you should know about me is that personally, I'm not a great devotee or hold pride 

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7 Ways to Wear High Rise Bottoms

Hey Folks

Happy June to you

Guest post by Jessica

Once in a while, everyone wishes to try something new. One thing that was hugely popular in the past and is all set to make a major comeback in the fashion world is the bell bottoms. Don’t be surprised if you spot your favourite actress in a high rise bottom in her next public appearance. With the wedding season approaching, bridal wedding high rise corsets are also expected to be the talk of the town.

If you are looking forward to refreshing your wardrobe with the onset of summer, then you have stumbled upon the right piece of information.

Here we bring you top 7 hot, fresh and exclusive ways of wearing high rise bottoms. You cannot just team them up with anything lying in your closet after all!

7 WAYS TO WEAR HIGH RISE BOTTOMS

1. Tucked-in top and high rise bottoms - The best partner of a high rise bottom is certainly a tucked-in top. The style statement they have made in the past has been absolutely irreplaceable till date and the look has made quite a rage among the celebrities as well. The tucked-in top provides you with an excellent opportunity to show off the high waist.  Plain or checked square shirts completely tucked in with the jean buttoned over it can be the perfect office look you have been craving for. You can also opt for a customised t-shirt to add a personal touch to your outfit. 

2. What not to wear with high rise bottoms - There is absolutely no denying the fact that bell bottoms have a huge volume. Hence, avoid adding more volume to the scene. Wearing a high rise bottom with an oversized top, sweater or a blouse is a strict NO! Similarly, high rise bottoms don’t go very well with short jackets. Your top competing with your bottom for attention won’t present a very beautiful scene. The two clothing items should complement each other. Moreover, it would become too much for you to carry. Covered in so much of clothing on a sunny day would not be comfortable for you. However, if you are crazy for blouse, go for a sheer blouse instead.

"An interesting way to sport a crop top with a high rise bottom is to wear a long cardigan or a shrug on it. This look is perfect for petite girls as it gives an illusion of being tall."

3. Bring the crops - Body hugging crop tops go well with high rise bottoms. In fact, they are perfect for high waist corset jeans. A high neck crop top, a thin-striped blouse crop top or even a regular sleeveless crop top would give you an admirable look for a day out with your friends or a casual drinks get-together.

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A Bikaner Wedding to remember: Three wedding outfits

Hey folks

I know there has been some delay between the previous Bikaner wedding post where I gave you the pastel feels with my Lucknow Chikankari suit.

I was feeling under the weather. May didn't start on the right note for me: been sick twice and it's not even mid-may. Anyway, let's not put it on the month. May-June would be the most important months of my life. You will know why in the subsequent few posts :)

Since the wedding went by in a jiffy, I didn't get enough time to go to a good location to take these pictures or enough of them in the outfit I got designed myself. I decided to combine the three posts into one. I will write about each one individually though. The third and the final article of the Bikaner trip would be about my first fort visit.

SANGEET

So, the Sangeet is a tradition where both the families come together and the bride gets Mehendi on her hands and feet. In Rajasthan or Marwari culture, the bride and the groom get Mehendi done separately. Yes, the groom has to get the Mehendi done too. Insane, isn't it?

Anyway, so Sangeet is the first function that I attended and it is quite a vibrant and informal event. I chose to wear a skirt and crop top with it. This pink skirt was already bought so all I had to choose was the crop top. Now, I didn't want to go all traditional and colour-block it or wear a silver or golden blouse.

I was at Lajpat Nagar's most famous shop for getting fabric/unstitched garments -

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Lucknow Chikankari in Bikaner: Pastel Feels

Hey all

Last weekend I had attended my friend's wedding in Bikaner, India and it was a blast. The whole MBA gang was there and we just couldn't keep calm.

- It was my first close friend's wedding.

- It was my first destination wedding that I had attended.

- It was my first time in Bikaner and,

- It was my first Marwari wedding.

So many firsts so I had to do extensive shopping right from design selection, fabric sourcing, tailoring and hairstyle & jewellery for each occasion.  You can imagine the number of weeks(ends) that I must have spent doing it.

Did I mention that it was my first dance in a wedding? Oh yes! So many videos and pictures coming soon. This outfit I wore on Day 3 for the Mehendi/Haath Kaam function of the groom (I was from groom's side).

This is a special post as this Lucknow Chikankari white suit was gifted to me by Mr. A himself, when he had gone to Lucknow. Funny story - he almost missed his flight (by 5 minutes) because he was buying this exact ethnic suit for me. Sowwieee! :P

I have never worn a full dupatta except for this wedding here. I never knew white would suit me as much as it did in this Indian attire. They say that best things happen unplanned but the author/poet didn't meet me. I had this exact same location and poses and voilla; look at it. Match made in heaven!

At first I was apprehensive of this traditional suit as Lucknow Chikankari is a very old (3rd century!) embroidery worn by royals and I am anything but traditional.

But, Mr. A convinced me and with a bit of help from mom, I gave it a youthful look. See the slit at the bottom (inverted V) that balances the V-neck. For the sleeves, instead of the traditional half-sleeves, I went for 3/4th length. It makes your appear look longer and slimmer.

I kept the look simple as the print and design deserved to stand out. Borrowed mom's traditional sandals and had put on some kajal and kiehl's simply rose butterstick on lips.

You guys tell me now, do you own a Lucknow Chikankari suit? I would love to see it. DM your pictures on Instagram - fictitiousfashionblog and I will share the best ones in my stories.
Also, have you been to Bikaner? Planning to visit it? If you are, definitely go after October and before April. 

Things to do in Bikaner, places to visit and what to eat - all coming up in subsequent posts.

Keep smiling

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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