Lavanya Pulijala

Modern Indian Woman- #Look103

Published on May 20, 2017July 21, 2017 by Lavanya Pulijala1 Comment

Hey folks, I am back with another new post as a part of the Modern Indian Woman series.I can say that this look is more skewed towards ethnicity rather than Indo-western fusion.

#Look103

To everyone who wants to start trying Indian ethnic wear, I strongly recommend owning certain wardrobe staples- a plain black kurti and a plain white kurti , solid black and solid white colored leggings, and a beautiful dupatta. With these staples, you can easily flaunt two gorgeous ethnic looks.

For this post, I choose a black kurti along with black leggings and added a pop of color with a beautiful handmade dupatta. If you have been following my blog, then you must have noticed this dupatta in my Kolkata shopping experience post.Beautifully crafted by local tribals, this dupatta depicts kantha work on a thappa (combination of different pieces of clothes).I accentuated the look with afghani earrings, a hand-bag prepared by Rann of Kutch artisans and kolhapuris.

Here goes the look 🙂

Details:

Kurti : Myntra|Leggings : Lyra | Kolhapuris : Street buy | Bag : Krafted with Happiness | Dupatta : Biswa Bangla

Photos by Sampath Kumar

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Modern Indian Woman- #Look 102

Published on May 13, 2017May 13, 2017 by Lavanya PulijalaLeave a comment

In continuation to my Modern Indian Woman series for this month, it’s time to talk about the second look. This look is going to be about how you could use your modern tops or crop-tops over ethnic bottoms to give an Indo-western/fusion look.

#Look102

This look helps in bringing out the boldness of a Indian Woman along with the creative aspect. Maroon shade of the crochet top, being one of the main Indian ethnic colors accentuated the look.The tassel earrings and thread jewellery are this season must-haves and I could completely count on these to complete the look with a bohemian vibe.I have used one of the coral chains which I purchased in Andaman as a bracelet.

Without further delay, let me just show you the final look 🙂

Details:

Crochet top and harem pant : West side | Silver Jewellery and Earrings : Colaba Causeway | Juttis : Bandra | Red coral chain : Andaman street shopping

Photos by Rahul Kongala

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Modern Indian Woman- #Look101

Published on April 27, 2017June 4, 2017 by Lavanya PulijalaLeave a comment

If you are one of those who follows me on Instagram, then you might have already had an idea about this post.If you are not sure what I am talking about, then it’s all about this month blog posts.Inline with my earlier blog post of Indo-western look , I am going to blog about my current modern-ethnic favorites which reflect the essence of a ” Modern Indian Woman”

There are going to be three such look-books which will be up on my blog during the course of this month, each focusing on bringing out a particular aspect of Indian woman nature in the outfit.I am trying to put forth looks keeping in mind the current trends and retaining the Indian flavor in the outfits.

#LOOK101

This look is trying to bring out the simplicity aspect of Indian Women.The outfit is colorful supporting our Indian ethnic theme and it was styled in a simple manner with minimum accessories, indicating simplicity.

Here goes the look-Hope you like it 🙂

Dress – Lil Flea Festival 2017-Vastra by Milonee | Kolhapuris – Bandra | Wallet – Global Desi | Earrings – Westside | Ring – All India Exhibition,Hyderabad

Stay tuned to my blog if you are interested in kicking up that Indo-western fashion appetite of yours or follow me here for more styling updates 🙂 🙂

Photos by Rahul Kongala

Winter Wardrobe=Summer Closet

Published on April 22, 2017May 31, 2017 by Lavanya PulijalaLeave a comment

Are you thinking of abandoning those winter clothes and restocking your wardrobe with a new set of summer clothes???

Just hold on, you don’t have to do that.All those winter outfits could be put to good use even during summer without looking awkward.You can use those leather jackets just to tie around your waist or make it stand on one of your shoulders to make your jeans-tshirt combo look different and interesting.How can you use your winter boots?!! Well, use those boots when you wear those pretty denim shorts and a cool graphic tee.

I have tried to create one such winter-summer look for this post.This lookbook is going to show you how you can use those winter boots, leather jacket, and dress to suit the current season.I will definitely post more looks on this front on my Instagram in the coming days ( You can follow me on Instagram here ).

Here you go!! Hope you like the lookbook 🙂

Outfit Details:

Dress : Dorothy Perkins| Boots : Zara | Leather Jacket : Black Rivet | Choker : Colaba Causeway

Photos by Suresh Nerella

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HUES OF WHITE

Published on April 8, 2017April 22, 2017 by Lavanya PulijalaLeave a comment

If you are one among those who categorize white shirt as a casual outfit option, then this post would definitely change your stance on that opinion.All I would like to convey here is that white shirt is versatile enough to be apt for any occasion if you style it on point.

I would be giving some styling gyaan on three basic looks which I believe would be helpful for you 🙂

The age-old classic combo of white shirt, blue denim : It looks absolutely elegant but isn’t it boring to carry the same look all the while?!! Well, you can bring a completely different perspective to the look by going for colorful juttis (Ditch those high heels, I wonder how one feels comfortable in stilettos though ) , a messy updo and handmade tassel earrings.Trust me, it is going to work 🙂

Office wear : I agree that you need to be formal.Keeping that in mind, what could be done? There is a lot of scope : Tie around a beautiful neutral color tassel scarf around your neck or just tag along a grey colored kimono/linen jacket and match it with the bottom or just layer the white shirt over a plain neutral colored camisole.

Yeah, I heard you girls 🙂 The party look – Add a pop of a bright color like red or burgundy or yellow or royal blue to the outfit.If you are wondering how to do that, then the answer is accessories and makeup.Accessories could be a good pair of heels flaunting that bright color, a scarf, a pretty sling bag or clutch, statement earrings or neck piece.

Current trend of easy, breezy and sporty look flaunting those sneakers is what I have experimented with this time.It could be considered as an option for parties as well, if you are someone like me who hates dancing in uncomfortable bodycons or high heels.I choose a white on white look, paired the shirt with a pleated white skirt and a white choker, and maintained the monotony of white. However, I broke that monotony with a bright red tinge with my cap and lip color.Also, this could be your go-to summer look as well.Here goes the look 🙂

Pictures by Suresh Nerella

Top : Topshop | Skirt : HnM | Sneakers :Woodlands | Choker : Colaba Causeway | Cap : Borrowed from my friend

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Splash those Colors

Published on March 18, 2017May 31, 2017 by Lavanya PulijalaLeave a comment

It’s time to kick those bulky winter outfits out of the wardrobe and fill it with some colorful spring/summer collection.Breezy and floral outfits have already bombarded my wardrobe now.

This look book is about my first look of this season featuring a bohemian vibe through a breezy off shoulder A-line dress and few colorful handmade Indian accessories. In line with my signature trend of using accessories to define any look, this look is no different. A beautiful handwoven clutch, handcrafted mirror earrings, a bunch of funky bracelets and colorful thread work juttis complete my look.

Let me skip that usual styling jargon for this post as this is a look book and I leave it to you to interpret it.Here goes the look.

Outfit Details:

Dress – Amazon

Earrings – Krafted with happiness

Clutch – Silk Lane

Ring – Dadar Handloom store

Do give me your feedback on the post and also do suggest any look you want me to style.

For more styling updates, follow me on Instagram (@slaythestyle_ ) or click here

Photos by Swetha Movva– Do follow her if you have an eye for good photography 🙂

F.I.E.R.C.E

Published on March 8, 2017May 31, 2017 by Lavanya Pulijala2 Comments

“I am not the size of my jeans, I am the size of my smile.

I am not a number on a weighing machine, I am the strength that I carry.

I am not the complexion I am born with, I am the blush on my cheek.

I am not the patches on my skin, I am the scars I have endured.

I am not the length of dress, I am the beauty that blazes within.

I am not a type you want me to fit in, I am beyond your comprehension.

I am courage, I am fire, I am a burning desire.

I am not who you want me to be, I am who I am ” -RK

As inspiring as these words seem to be, it’s important to be who you are, to define yourself, to come out of the cocoons and face the world the way you like and not the way others want you to be 🙂

Happy Women’s Day to all gorgeous women out there 😀

Capturing the boldness of a modern woman along with the simplicity and style of a traditional attire is challenging. I have been trying to put forth looks depicting a blend of wilderness and rustic essence using our age-old handloom fabrics. Since the handlooms are so much in trend among the Indian designers, I have worked on using that fabric in this look.

The graciously arranged pleats of a saree , the rustic feel of the handloom, the high heeled black boots, the white leather jacket along with a tinge of bold red define the essence of my current look. The black can’t make me fade away, the red ensured my look is on point and my boots break the notion of a stereotypical saree look.Leather jacket went hand in hand with the boots.Attention to intricacies while choosing the accessories is the most vital part.

I have been trying to define my style as something that breaks the stereotype of any outfit and hence, the boots and the jacket. I have chosen a solid black plain saree and accessorized using a clutch from Rann of Kutch,an antique neck piece.I didn’t want to go heavy with the earrings since my neck piece is dominant enough and stuck to my choice of red lipstick for the bold look.

Details:

Saree : Mangalagiri

Blouse : Ikkat

Clutch : Borrowed from my mom

Boots : Zara

Waist Belt : Forever 21

Neck piece, earrings: Colaba Causeway

Ring : Goa flea market

Photos by Suresh Neralla

Special Thanks to Sampath Kumar for all the support 🙂

Oh Boy !! Jolly Buoy

Published on February 18, 2017May 31, 2017 by Lavanya PulijalaLeave a comment

Silence, absolute silence and perfectly gorgeous silence!! If you are wondering how one could witness the gorgeousness manifested in silence, you should get deep into those blue waters which embody a compelling charm of yellows, reds, purples, pinks and what not.

I wish I were a fish which gets to live in such perfect harmony of silence and beauty.You just can’t get enough of the marine life once you start exploring it. Everything that I could describe here is an understatement, one should experience it deep under the sea.

Well, the previous post was definitely not a wrap to my Andaman story.Here goes a continuation to an exhilarating trip.

Kalapathar Beach, Havelock Island

Day 4- Day 5- Day 6

Jolly Buoy

Jolly Buoy island is one of the 14 islands in Andaman which is under the protection of National Marine Reserve Department.This island is open to tourists only for six months-November to April and Red Skin Island would be open to tourists for the remaining six months.

Location : 45-60 min journey from Port Blair to Wandoor and then a 45 min ride to Jolly Buoy on a ferry

Timings: 1st batch is 8:00 -12:00 am and 2nd batch is between 2:00 – 6:00 pm

Ticket price : Rs 750 (complimentary 10 min glass boat ride)

Things to do:

Snorkeling – One should never miss doing snorkeling at Jolly Buoy.You get to see color changing corals, magic flowers (which disappear when touched), star fishes in different colors, nemo fishes and many more. Snorkeling is reasonably priced here as well. Only certain area is accessible for snorkeling legally and hence, we get to explore only that portion of island waters

Glass Boat Ride – There is a boat with a magnifying glass bottom which enables one to clearly see the marine life.It’s worth a try at this place considering that you won’t be exploring a huge area in snorkeling.A guide would be explaining about the fishes and corals

Wandoor Beach – This beach is a 5 min ride on road from the ferry point.One can just sit back and relax for sometime here.

Things to plan:

Marine reserve department allows only 120-200 people to visit this island per day.It happens in two batches.One needs to ensure that the tickets are booked prior a week

Jolly Buoy

Wandoor Beach

Neil Island

It’s a very tiny island covering not more than 3000 acres of land with a couple of important places to visit.

Location : 40km from Port Blair- approximately 2 hr ferry ride from Port Blair

Places to visit:

Laxmanpur Beach – Head to this beach to witness sunset.You also get good local food here.If you can do snorkeling without a guide, then you got to try it out here

Natural Bridge – This is a hub of dead corals which form a very strong bridge.A guide will help explaining the details of the corals and fishes all over the place

Bharathpur Beach -It’s not very famous but do visit this beach which is known for its amazingly clear water. Best time to visit is in the morning

Things to Do:

Sunset stroll in Laxmanpur beach

Dead corals exploration at Natural Bridge

Rent a bike and roam around the village.Unlike Havelock, this place is less-commercialized and hence, one can have a pleasant ride on the streets

Natural Bridge (Made of dead corals)

Laxmanpur Beach

Dead coral

Bharatpur Beach

Ross Island

Way back, Ross Island remained as an administrative capital of Andaman for more than 85 years but was later abandoned and is now open for tourists.

Location : 3 km from Port Blair – 20 min ferry ride

Things to Do:

Light and Sound show describing the tragic history of Andaman is captivating and needs to be there on one’s to-do list.
Ruins of the old buildings which are surrounded by trees, rabbits and deer is an ideal place for some good photography

Ross Island

Munda Pahar

Drive through dense forests to finally end up in Munda Pahar which gives an exhilarating view of sunset.

Location : 20 km from Port Blair by road

Things to do:

Just sit back and relax here, what else do you want to do at such a beautiful place?

Munda Pahar

Outfit details:

All along this trip,I tried to keep it comfortable with midi skirts,shorts and dresses

Orange top, Skirt,Dress – HnM

Crochet top – Lifestyle stores

Denim Short – People

Short – Zara

Accessories – Colaba Causeway

Pointers for the entire trip:

Be ready for a gadget free vacation because mobile internet cannot be accessed in the entire group of islands.However, you have wifi in restaurants and few hotels

Mobile network is better for Vodafone in Port Blair, Havelock and you can expect zero signal in all other islands

That’s a wrap to my entire travel story.Also, video on snorkeling will be out on my Instagram soon.

For more information about the trip, contact / follow me on Instagram.

Do give your feedback as well 🙂

Photos by Rahul Kongala and Durga Pulijala

Oh you beauty!!Andaman!!

Published on January 28, 2017May 25, 2017 by Lavanya Pulijala1 Comment

Landing on a place isolated from the regular hustle-bustle and seeing oneself surrounded by tall lush green trees and serene beaches rather than the monotonous skyscrapers and noisy vehicles would definitely be a holiday which helps one unleash.All one could witness in the near vicinity would be the tranquility that the scarcely populated white sand beaches would offer where one could relish the sight of several shades of blue extending infinitely.

What keeps Andaman apart from other places is that it doesn’t have many historical places/view points to visit but every part of the island is captivating and one needs to enjoy the nature, be it, the astounding marine life and the corals or the islands themselves.Andaman is a group of almost 342 islands out of which many are under the supervision of the Forest and Marine Reserve Department to ensure that the coral reefs are protected.These islands are mostly not open for tourists.However,I managed to go to one such island about which I will be describing in the next article.

Let me keep precise about the details of my trip such that it captures the entire essence while being informative as well.Since I have lots to share about the entire trip,I will take you through my experience in two different articles.

Duration: 6 days and 5 nights

Nearest Airport : Veer Savarkar International Airport,Port Blair

Day 1- Day 2 – Day 3

Port Blair

Places to visit:

Andaman Cellular Jail – The historical prison is infamous for the cruelty shown towards the prisoners in 19th and 20th century.Do notice the architecture of the prison and how different wings are positioned.

Corbyn’s Cove Beach – Sports a splendid view of the ocean .It’s slightly secluded from the city and not many people visit, due to which you can enjoy the beach even more.

Anthropological Museum – I didn’t get time to visit it but heard that it’s worth a visit

Things to Do:

Light and Sound Show in Cellular Jail – You need to grab tickets for it and there are different slots of 1 hr each starting from 6 pm .

Taste naariyal paani of Andaman – Andaman is a home to many coconut trees and the coconut water is far better than Kerala as well and it could supplement your meal 😛

Sagarika Store – If you are looking to shop for Andaman souvenirs , visit only the Govt authorized Sagarika store present in the cellular jail which is reasonable in terms of price.You might end up paying more at any other place in Port Blair.

Jail Structure

Outfit details:

Since it was a tour to the prison , I tried to bring in the bold look with boots and matched it with a velvet outfit.I haven’t gone too heavy with accessories ,instead , carried a sling bucket bag along with a unisex sport watch.

Top and Skirt : Forever 21

Boots : Zara

Sling bag : Colaba Causeway

Havelock Island

Next day, we started for Havelock on a cruise.It’s a two and half hour ride from Port Blair.Do ensure that you take tickets for royal or luxury class in cruise which has a view of ocean and in case of other classes, you don’t get to see the view-it’s more like a closed room.

Places to visit:

Elephant Beach – It’s a 15 min steamer ride from Havelock island and is known for water activities.I found it better than Radhanagar beach ,though, it’s not as famous.It’s open only from 8am-1 pm in the morning.So, plan accordingly.

Radhanagar Beach – Apparently, top 7th best beach in world.Most of the beaches in Andaman are calm and are not too deep for at-least 1 km in the water.However,Radhanagar allows one to experience high tide but it is not too deep and pretty safe.

Things to Do:

Snorkeling in Elephant Beach : They charge around 500-800 bucks depending upon how much you want to explore.I really loved it and hence, paid 800 bucks to see the colorful marine life.Don’t miss this. I will share a video on that pretty soon.Keep following me on Instagram to know about it.

Scuba Diving in Havelock : Costs not more than 3000 bucks per person.One needs to experience it to see the coral life.

Taste sea food ( I would suggest Anju Coco restaurant where you get really tasty sea food and if you are looking for cheaper food, check out squid restaurant)

Rent a bicycle/scooty : Usually, they don’t charge more than 500 bucks per day.Havelock is a small island and is perfectly safe at all times , even during the night.Explore as much as you can.

Stay in a resort with private beach

Finger Coral

Corbyn’s Cove Beach

Cruise

Private Beach

Radhanagar Beach

Elephant beach

Scuba Diving

Outfit Details:

Cruise- I went quirky with kitschy layering and vibrant colored outfit. Accessorized my watch with some charm and tassel bracelets , sling bag.

Top – HnM

Trouser – Only

Accessories – Colaba Causeway

Havelock Beaches – Stayed comfortable with shorts and an off-shoulder top along with a beads chain which I styled as a choker.

Top – 20Dresses

Shorts – People

Chain – Colaba Causeway

Let me know your feedback and contact/follow me on Instagram for more information about the trip.

Photos by Rahul Kongala and Durga Pulijala

Olive is new black

Published on January 11, 2017May 31, 2017 by Lavanya PulijalaLeave a comment

It’s time for olive to play the game of new black.Current trend of olive coupled with an art of layering can just be so apt to flaunt a bold look.Though olive is not a color which you could prefer for a breezy or beach attire, it can do wonders to a sporty,athleisure ,nerdy or retro attire.

This look of mine would focus more on bringing in a blend of bold and retro aspect.I didn’t want to go all-olive and hence, stuck to the everlasting olive-black combination.To keep the retro aspect alive, I used a pair of glasses which had a retro contour- similar to those used by most of our grand parents.Black has done its part in accentuating the bold look.

Well, about the layering trend which I tried to showcase in this look, I used an olive shirt dress to layer my all-black attire.Shirt dresses are so useful in terms of sporting different looks in the form of layering.It not only gives a feel of new outfit but also help us save money on buying long shrugs or whatever. Accessories-a chain with my name engraved on it 🙂 along with a couple of funky bracelets gave the look that I wanted.You can try this look with a pair of boots or even with black heels.

Hope you like the look 🙂

Do let me know your comments on the same .