Shimla

“Traveling. It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”

                                                              – Ibn Battua 

I did more this November than the whole dame year. Hell of a way to catch up to life after a setback. 

The grand family tour of 2016 – 

Day 1 From Kolkata to Delhi via Rajdhani Express. Boarding time – 5:00pm

Day 2  Arrival – 11:00 am  Delhi night stay at relative’s place.

Day 3 Delhi to Kalka via Shatabdi Express and then to Shimla via the Himalaysn queen. 

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BMgeFgigghy/?taken-by=awalk_in_my_shoes

 

The sights on the way to shimla via the Himalayan Queen( Kalka- shimla Toy Train) are simply stunning.In the year 2008 Kalka–Shimla Railway became part of the World Heritage Site Mountain Railways of India  alongside Darjeeling Himalayan Railway , Nilgiri Mountain Railway and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BMiTYbFg0Ei/?taken-by=awalk_in_my_shoes

 

When the train stopped at Koti ( not an official halt) almost everyone was down enjoying the view. Originally 107 tunnels were built on Kalka Shimla Railway Track while today only 103 tunnels are operational. 

The schedule halt at Barog comes right after the train passes through the longest tunnel which is 1143.61m long. Barog tunnel is the straightest tunnel in the World .The little station named after colonel Barog has an interesting story behind it. 

Barog  commenced digging the tunnel from both sides of the mountain, to speed up construction. However, he made mistakes in his calculation and while constructing the tunnel, the two ends of the tunnel did not meet. Barog was fined an amount of 1 Rupee by the British government. Unable to withstand the humiliation, Barog committed suicide and was buried near the incomplete tunnel. The area came to be known as Barog after him.

Day 4 – Kufri, Shimal mall.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BMg0VvLgcvD/?taken-by=awalk_in_my_shoes

 

Grand hotel is located  close to the Shimla Mall. The mall road is dotted with several cafes including the India Coffee House and several other amazing places. 

We Started for Kufri a view point near shimla in the morning. Horse ride is the only way to reach the view point.

Tourism is highly commercialized in Himachal Pradesh and the steady stream of tourist has driven up the prices. The beauty of Kufri was dimmed by the number of people trying to make money from horse rides, telescope view of peaks, photos with yak (which are specifically brought to Shimla for commercial purpose only) and surprisingly  even apple orchard. Apple trees and private orchards are common sight in Shimla. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BMg2JnygOaQ/?taken-by=awalk_in_my_shoes

 

The Shimla skyline from scandal Point, lit up like a thousands stars on the hills. Perfect place to spend the evening. 

Take refuge in the shops and eateries when the temperatures drops and winds gets too harsh

https://www.instagram.com/p/BMhDVjGAzBD/?taken-by=awalk_in_my_shoes

 

To be continued … 

 

All you need to know about 5 piece french wardrobe part 3

Minimalism is not the lack of something, it’s the perfect amount of something.

                                                                                                                                                       – Nicholas Burroughs

I have written about 5 piece french wardrobe here and here. Love it or hate it the 5 piece french wardrobe is definitely a thing of beauty. 

 

A curated wardrobe is the modern luxury that most successful people posses. Instead of spending an insane amount of time  in the morning deciding what to wear, and loosing precious energy, they rely on their curate wardrobe. The 5 piece french wardrobe system is a great way to build a curated wardrobe that will resonate with your signature style. 

Many of us are stuck in the vicious circle of overbuying, impulse buying and finally returning a purchase. Fashion’s ever-growing ghost economy attest to the fact that impulse buying and returning purchases are on rise.While retailers urge you to buy more and fast fashion is much-loved by the new generation  the price it extract from the environment is staggering.

Minimalism is not about having less.It’s about making room for more of what matters.

I love the idea of a curated, environment-friendly wardrobe that is ethical and environmental friendly choice. Huge amount of waste is generated in production of fabric such as jeans and the production of cheap clothes often involved child labourer and under paid workers.

Just because it is called  the French Wardrobe philosophy doesn’t necceessarily means it is about french style. It is more about how you buy clothes not what is your style preference. Well you do need things like the skirt that never goes out of style or the item  every girl needs to have in their closet.The popular philosophy is that your basic wardrobe allows you to spend more money on few special clothes. Additionally you will have more money to get your clothes tailored and achieve the perfect fit.Learn to manage and organize  your  wardrobe like a boss with the 5 piece french wardrobe method. It aims to achieve a well-balanced and functional wardrobe. A wardrobe that is not over flowing with random items that you don’t remember purchasing or wearing. Apart from that is the best way to maintain a curated wardrobe that grows by 5 piece every season.

While wearing the same outfit in a row for 2 day is frowned upon by most people it is not uncommon  to repeating outfits. Think about how much money would you like to spend on a items that you not wear more that 10 times or may be less.

Why you need to Craft a morning routine

Successful people swears by following a morning routine crafted to fit their needs.Be it working out, checking emails, catching up with the NEWS, or meditation. A great morning routine paves the way to a productive day. It the foundation upon which you build your masterpiece.

Every mourning is your time to start fresh. 

When the morning goes right, it gives the rest of your day momentum and sence of normalcy. Crafting a morning routine ensure that you wake up everyday knowing what you are going to do next. It requires are measure of discipline and determination to carry out the routine. 

 Me time

We are often too tired at night to schedule in a me time.The morning routine is your “me time” a brand new way to put yourself first and invest on yourself. Morning is best time to work on your personal project , a hobby or writing. Do something in the morning that makes you happy and when you do this you will be happier throughout the day.

 Inspiration 

Get your daily dose of inspiration in the morning. One of the best way to start the day is to be inspired in the morning. 

 Exercise 

Set up a morning workout routine to maximize your potential for the rest of the day. Yoga is great for boosting your energy in the morning , centering your mind and body. Cardio is another great option to jumpstart your morning.

 Health

Focus on you health and start your day with a healthy break-fast. A health breakfast will keep the craving at bay. Why you should consider switching to lemon water instead of coffee in the morning for more healthy benefits.

Increased productivity

Waking up early in the morning means more time to work on your goals and chance to achieve more. 

 Achieve your goals

 It might seem mundane to  write down you goals everyday. Write down the answer to the question  “what will you achieve today?”.  It can be  “Craft email signature” or as simple as “sending out thank you note” or “grocery shopping”. Writing down help you to remember your goals and execute them. 

 

Meet my favorite travel companion

Books are uniquely portable magic  

                                                                  – Stephen King 

Traveling is awesome and exhilarating experience. Going to great places and seeing the vastness and wealth of nature never fail to amaze me. Well long distance travel is often boring especially if you do it alone. Travelling alone can be challenging. Spending time with oneself will teach you a lot about yourself. 

I hate sitting idle and while travelling there is ample time to do nothing. Reading is the best option that I love. I generally buy new books before a journey and read them though out the journey. 

Books are my best friend and the best part, reading the book again always reminds me of the trip I read the book on for the first time.

Though I prefer a book I can hold on to, you can opt for a brand new kindle if you prefer so. Here are some reason why  you should consider  reading while traveling.

# Way better than sitting idle and staring in the ether. Instead Travel Read Learn  and Eat Pray Love.

# Saves you form the persistent unsavory travel companions that you may come across.   

#A reason to stay away from you smart phone and  messages. Get away from the phone office you deserve a vacation.

#Unplug from the social media and banish FOMO. 

#The perfect opportunity for a social media detox. Facebook, instagram, snapchat and twitter will survive, without you checking on them every hour. 

#Great time to get started with your reading list, the one you have been putting together for a really long time. 5 books that taught us to be badass  are great reads if you don’t have a reading list yet.

#Well for once your phone won’t run out of battery and you will be able to make call when you actually need it. I am sure you have had your phone battery misbehaving when you need it the most.

The skirt that never goes out of style

According to designer Chester Weinberg, who made the midi his signature, the midi was “almost as a direct reflection of the women’s moment. It’s for those who don’t particularly care about what men think about the way they dress.”

 The midi skirt was the beginning of a fashion evolution, that was evident in the rising hem lines in 1900. Love it or hate it, the midi is a classic piece that deserve it’s won chapter in the books of fashion evolution. 

When the midi first appeared it caused quite an uproar and lead to political and aesthetic revolution in womenswear. The midi skirt is a tricky silhouette to pull off. While it can be very flattering if paired with the right shoes and hem line, it can be a disaster if the length of the skirt doesn’t hit the right place bellow your knee.

 

  This fashion trend favours tall and slim silhouette. The degree of difficulty  for this trend is pretty high so you will get a lot of fashion point to pull this one off.The lady like midi is now more sophisticated, streetwise , in tweeds and tartans. 

 

  There is a reason the midi skirt keeps bouncing back in fashion, it has been all over the catwalk for several season. The skirt is office appropriate and  flattering for all ages. They come in several print and material from edgy to floral and from casual boho to office appropriate pencil skirt. 

 

 Split midi skirt are perfect office wear. The floral one looks great and can add some colour and life to the boring office wear. 

 

Though it is better to opt for heels to pair with midi, they look dashing with ballet flats too. 

 

It makes for great two piece. These are easy to pull off. The midriff barring trend is modern and sleek. The midi paired with cropped top gives a casual vibe.

 

 For the daring and the brave asymmetrical hem and geometrical prints. Another playful twist to the classic midi with asymmetrical hem lines and shear panel.

 

 The midi mostly regarded as formal skirt can be flirty and fun. In dark colour and myriads of prints the midi is for all occasion.

 

 Jewel-toned satins midi paired with tall boots and turtlenecks, perhaps with a sliver of skin showing at the waist would get the temperatures high in winter.

 They are appropriate for winters too. I love the voluminous skirts paired with knits and plums.  Yes, midi is definitely of those trend that you can wear all through the year in every season.

 

Rock Bottom

 

 

Blogger approved ways to camouflage

 

A short History

In 1990s the” chocolate chip” camouflage  was popularized  after Barbara Bush when she wore it in a trip to Saudi Arabia . Later in 2000 Jean Paul Gaultier collection showcased camo-printed ball gown. Gradually the print won over the runway and acquired mass appeal.

 Some tips to rock this trend

• Camo print is edgy and masculine so balance them with soft feminine colours or go for a camo print skirt.
• You can go for print mixing by pairing them with floral print.

• The camouflage shirt looks great when layered with a tee.  
• If you are not sure about the print introduce it is small amount, opt for camo print scarves & footwear.

• Camo print shorts, pants and skirts looks trendy and foolproof with solid black, white or grey colour tops.

• Accessorize with jewelry scarves and beret

• Wear feminine footwear like plums and stilettos. 
• Wear it with nude colour and make the outfit look polished and chic.

Athleisure Trend

Athleisure is fashion trend cherished by all the fitness junkies who loves wearing active-wear all the time. Athletic clothing are no more confined to gymnasium, they are our in the street and into the office. 

Athleisure is basically  casual clothing — like yoga pants, sweat pants, and hoodies — that are designed to be worn both for exercising and for doing almost everything else. 

Yoga pants are literally  every where, has been since a few years since the rise of fitness and health stars. Now the trend is officially here,a trend born out of necessity. 

The clothing cut and style is comfortable. The functional features built into the garments are going to save you day. The trend has an underlying effortless chic vibe that I adore. 

Why you should go for the Athleisure trend ?

Trendy active wear skillfully designed to pass as daily outfit is something every girl needs.

• That definitely solves the problem of running errands, shopping, etc after your workout.  
• It is comfortable. 
• It will remind you of your health goals every time you put on active-wear whether you are headed for grocery shopping or a lunch date. 
• Stylish workout clothes are Instagram goals.
• The heat-retaining synthetic material is going to keep you warm through out the winter months.
• Gym to office ! definitely worth dipping you toe into the movement. Give it a tentative try. Swap the pants or the shoes.

 

 

5 Books that taught us to be Badass

Fact or fiction, book or magazine, the benefits of reading is immense.Words have the power to change us and inspire us and so does a good book. Successful people know the benefits of reading a good book.

Apart from being entertaining and relaxing read and a good book boots creativity and inspires us. Some books that changes us.

 

Girl Boss by Sophia Amoruso

The above quote is the reason she went from being a homeless girl to CEO of a $100 million clothing company. Packed with great advise and insight into work life, this book is must- read for all career girls.

Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg

This is a empowering book for every women.Your opinion matters and Lean In will teach you how to voice it in a loud world. Packed with powerful advice and inspiration that will equip you to tackle difficult challenges.

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

There is lot to learn from Malala’s life and her fight against injustice. She stood up for the right to education. The inspiring story with a tragic end, will teach you to be brave. Dear heart, courage is all you need to make your dreams come true and inspire a whole generation.

The Girls by Emma Cline

Many of us (including me) are searching for a place where we belong. The main character, Evie’s search takes her to the wrong place and transform her in the end. Life is unexpected and never really goes as planed. Lena Dunham says “This book will break your heart and blow your mind.”

 

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

This book is my favorite. Elizabeth Gilbert put in word some of the most oblivious things about creativity that are so hard to pinpoint. This book will teach you all  about living creatively.  My post inspired by Big Magic includes Why it’s ok to be twenty-something and still not know what to do with your life. and  It’s absolutely Ok if you are not perfect

 

It’s absolutely Ok if you are not perfect

In this era of Instagram, we strive so hard to be picture perfect.Mastering all the tips and tricks to get the perfect click. With the rise of cosmetic surgeries and complex make up technique to cover up all the flaws, beauty and looks have gained more importance than talent and personality. Contrary to popular believe perfection is not beauty. Beauty is being yourself, not striving for perfection. Beauty is embracing you flaws and living with grace. 

“Beauty is truth, truth beauty,” – that is all Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.

                                                                                                          – John Keats 

 

It’s ok to stumble and fall. The only thing that matters is that you stand up again. It is ok to be twenty something and still not know what to do with your life. Life is not meant to be perfect, it is meant to be lived and enjoyed. We learn a lot from our mistakes and some of them are the stepping-stones to success.Don’t be scared to take chances and make mistakes

To err is human and to forgive is divine. Ever heard the saying “To be perfect is human” I have not.

We would have been born clones if we were supposed to be perfect. Instead we all are born unique and different. Our difference sets us apart makes us who we are. Uniqueness is more valuable that being perfect and loosing yourself in the process. 

Flawed people are real people. Did you even find yourself locked in a conversation with a stranger who has gone through the same situation as yours and feeling a kinship that you are not alone. It is easier to relate to people who have made mistakes or taken chances. You will have lot’s of interesting stories to tell and memories to keep you smiling when you are old.  

Be yourself define you won success and perfection.Focus on things that matter and are important to you. Remember perfection doesn’t guaranty happiness. 

We are all work in progress, our lives in constant flux. Be like a butterfly, live in the moment and that is perfection in itself.No one is perfect, even your role model with the perfect career and makeup has some flaws and hangups. 

The perfect job, the perfect career, the perfect life, the perfect body, the perfect wardrobe. Will that make you happy ? Is that what you really want?  At the end of the day will that put a smile on you face and make you feel happy.