Paisa Vasool

Haven't we all been there? We spot a gorgeous piece of clothing in a store. It might be a little over our budget; or it could be such a bargain that it's impossible to resist. Either which way, we tell ourselves that this is the item that we'll be wearing again and again. Three years later, we discover it in the back of our closets - with the tags still on it. 
It's always the unlikeliest pieces that we wind up using again and again. So I thought I'd show you some of my paisa vasool clothes. The ones that I've gotten the most bang out of for my buck. Most of them, as you'll see, are neutrals. They've also casual cuts with a slight bit of bling or some other formal accent, which means that they'll suit most occasions. I'm also including some new pieces that I'm loving. The ones that I've bought recently, and have worn non-stop since.

The Oldies But Goodies

The Skirt:

This skirt is an old fave of mine. I bought it way back in 2008 in London, in a little side street somewhere in the Piccadilly Circus - Oxford Street area. (Yeah, I know that’s a large part to cover, but I can’t remember the exact location of the store) It cost me a grand total of five pounds. And can I just say that it was worth every penny! I can’t count the number of times I’ve worn it since. It can be dressed up with heels and a nice formal, black top. It can be dressed down with flats and a simple T-shirt. I have never travelled without it, cos it’s so versatile. It’s the skirt I find myself constantly reaching for no matter the occasion. I’ve worn it to work meetings and parties. Just out for coffee with friends, and to casual lunch meet-ups. I’d probably reach for this skirt when it comes to meeting potential in-laws as well. The waistband is made of soft comfy elastic that holds you in without forcing you to skip lunch. It’s very forgiving. The inner lining is fitted, which means no matter how strong the breeze, your modesty is well protected. The slight flare that the actual skirt has, along with the crochet hem, gives it a lovely classy touch. It’s one of the reasons why it works beautifully for formal occasions. This sort of a silhouette is a must-have in any wardrobe. So if you happen to find a skirt along similar lines…don’t hesitate. Snap it up!

The Shoes:

These tie-ups from Forever 21 have been one of the best shoe decisions that I have ever made. They cost approx 1400, and are well worth it. The shoes come in black as well as a greenish grey, but the black ones are the ones worth buying. They lend such a classy air to any outfit. The slight heel with its gold band really sets off the black colour, and takes the shoe from a normal flat to one that can be worn anywhere. They’re great shoes for dancing the night way - sexy, but unlike killer heels, you can walk at the end of it. They work perfectly with jeans and leggings, giving you unending options as daywear. Plus you can take them to work, or even to a party.  I haven’t tried them with Indian outfits, but given that they are more or less a slip-on, they’re likely to work quite well. I bought these in Feb, and have worn them to death ever since. The only caveat is that they aren’t too comfortable when walking on uneven ground. If you’re out pounding the pavements of our cities, be warned. After about three hours, your toes will protest. That said, I haven’t has any blisters or cuts from these shoes. Just sore, slightly reddish toes. You might want to keep that in mind, if your plans include walking up and down Hill Road or the like for a very long period of time. While these were early spring shoes, they are still in a few Forever 21 stores. Which means if you haven’t already bought them - you can.

The Sweater: 

This sweater dates back to 2013. I bought it in Mango. It's from their formal wear range. Yes, it's super comfy. It's also very versatile, as it's quite a transparent piece. It lends itself well to summer wear with a cute bralette underneath. And in the winter offers both warmth and style when paired with a camisole. It's even thin enough that you can layer it under coats in the dead of winter - should you be lucky enough to live some place where it actually gets cold. The black and white stripes are stylish no matter what's trendy. Plus the slightly oversized look is always amazing when it comes to sweaters. The silver threads running though it add a touch of glamour, and make it something you can choose for a night out. It was quite expensive back then - two thousand, I think. But I feel that it was money well spent. While I've not seen these type of sweaters in Mango anymore, Forever New seems to come out with either a gold or silver one every season.


The New Kids On The Block

The Shoes:

Oh, what can I say about this pair of gold, backless loafers from H&M? They're super trendy. This is the style of the season. They're so, so comfy. No, really, they are. I have literally worn them everywhere since I bought them. They make a formal outfit, and dress up a casual one. All while being so soft, you simply don't want to take them off. The gold colour is perfect for summer - black would look too harsh. And the best part is, they're not even very expensive. They cost 1799, yup. Just that. If you meet me anywhere this summer, these are the shoes I'll be wearing. They're currently in H&M stores everywhere. Avoid the black ones though. They're really stiff, and will not feel comfortable after a few minutes. Also, don't buy these online. H&M has sized these a little oddly. I had to buy a size smaller than my actual shoe size, but my sister needed to buy a size larger. So I'd say, try before you buy this pair. That detail aside, they work beautifully for every summer occasion. And I - to quote McDonalds - am loving it.



The Blouse:

This was an impulse buy from Bebe. I saw it on their sales rack in early March, and thought to myself, "Why not?"
When I tried it on, I realised it was a must-have. I love the detail of the side zips - they're on both sides. The black makes it perfect to dress up - with gold jewellery - or dress down. And it's sleeveless which means that I can adapt it to all weathers. I've already worn it so often, I'm having to rethink my outfits cos I put it on and then realise that I've already worn it to this place - twice! It's fab with leggings, skirts, wide-legged trousers and jeans. The style and the colour work together to make it very classy. It would honestly be very difficult to find fault with this top, no matter where you wore it. It works very well for summer, and goes straight into winter too. All in all, it's something that I see myself wearing again and again.

Which are your fave pieces to wear? What types of clothes do you reach for every time? I'd love to know.

Till next time,
MumbaiGirl