Spring Summer Haul (Part Four)

People who know me won't be surprised that there's a part four to my haul. They'll probably be expecting a part five too! Anyway, on with the haul.

Blouses:
T-shirts aside, I do love a sheer, lightweight summer blouse. Bonus points if it has a floral or polka dot pattern. Which is why these came up winners.

I love the pastel blue and floral print on this blouse from Forever New. It fits perfectly into all the spring/summer trends.

It will make any outfit look girly, summery and fresh. It is slightly expensive, it costs Rs 2000. But if you can afford it, go for it.

As an added bonus, the back is made of super thin jersey (aka t-shirt material) fabric. This means that there'll be no 'stick to you' kind of situation that usually happens even with the best of blouses in our weather.

The drawstring is an added detail that keeps it looking casual, even though it's a dressy top. If you're looking to inject a little girly-ness but don't want to come over all frills and fru-fru, this is a great option for your wardrobe.

I've spoken about this Zara blouse way too often, so I'll keep it brief.

It's a sheer - but not too sheer - polka dot blouse that is just the thing for making anything look stylish and a little more formal. Polka dots are very 'in' this season as well. (When are they not in spring and summer?) It means that you're right on trend if you pick this up. It costs Rs 1790, making it a slightly cheaper option. Also, I have to say, it doesn't crease very much. (Not for me, at least) Which makes it a good choice if you're not an ironing sort of person. (I never have been!)

As you can see with this outfit, it's perfectly date-ready. Plus you can wear it to work, and with jeans and leggings too. And given that it's polka dots, it'll be in style for years to come.

One last T-shirt:

If you're not already sick and tired of my tee collection, you should be. However I just had to include this T-shirt from Zara. I love the slogan. It's really a motto for life! I bought it oversize (medium) in the sales from their TRF section. If you happen to find one lurking around, definitely get your hands on it. Only, buy it in your proper size. As I discovered, it's already oversized, making it practically a T-shirt dress on me. Still, I love it enough to somehow make it work.

Cardigan:

In my defence, I bought this about a month ago. I know, I know, who buys cardigans post Jan?? (I blame the YouTuber known as FashionMumblr for my decision) On further inspection, it wasn't such a loss. It's a very, very fine knit - almost transparent. It's also cropped and oversized. In short, it's thin and airy and perfect for those occasions when you'll be in an air-conditioned environment for an extended period of time. I plan on wearing this to movies, and if I'm headed out to brunches. (Also for long drives in a car or on a plane.)

This will also work well in the monsoons for those days when it's pouring, but the ac's are kept on. All in all, I have to say I'm happy that I bought this, even though it didn't seem like a smart choice at first. (Is it bad that I can't remember how much it costs? It was in the Rs 1790 price range.)

Jumpsuit:

Or overalls or dungarees, or whatever you call it in your neck of the woods. This is actually the piece I am most thrilled with. Why? Cos it didn't cost me a penny. Oh, it's Rs 1200 from the Ginger collection at Lifestyles (or Pantaloons, either store). And it should still be available. (I got it at the beginning of Feb.) It was at that point that I discovered that you can use the points you earn on my bank's card at Lifestyles. (Yes, I know, very late to the party!) And seeing as how I constantly swipe my card - I've gotten used to it from all my travels. Guess who had over Rs 6000 to be used??

Yes, a brilliant, brilliant buy. There's only one caveat. Like all Indian brand clothes, there's no accommodation to the cut to account for underwear. So choose your knickers very carefully unless you want the world and its uncle to know what you've got on underneath. However that little detail aside, this fits great. The fabric has good weight, and the straps are very sturdy. I love the culotte-cut of the trousers - so trendy right now. And the black and white pinstripes are perfect for summer wear. The price is good as well. My advice, if you see one, snap it up.

Dress:

Dresses are a huge summer thing. But because I have a huge wardrobe of them bought and gifted over previous years, I haven't really purchased any this summer. Then, I saw this one in H&M. And of course, I had to pick it up. The straps are a necessity for summer wear. The grey colour is perfect for my aesthetic. And the little ruffle on the bottom is so much a thing right now.

I love its unevenness and the general maraca effect it gives off. The fabric is sturdy and a good weight and thickness - surprising in an H&M dress. They usually come up on the very thin or transparent side.

As you can see from this pic, it's a solid fabric. It is slightly thick for our weather at say, noon. But it will work well for the evenings, and definitely for air-conditioned places. You can dress something like this up or down, making it very versatile indeed.

It was in the sale section. And honestly, at a price like this, it's worth it. PS: It also comes in black, if you're in the market for an LBD.

Leggings:

If you have to wear something trouser-like in the summer, leggings are your best bet. Jeans are far too heavy. Trousers will make you feel sticky and sweaty. And loose, flowy trousers don't suit every figure. I bought these from H&M last month cos I need some new leggings for summer wear.

The fabric is very lightweight - just what's needed on those hot summer days. And I liked the distressed denim effect and the ribbed pattern.

Although if ribbed patterns are not your thing ("It looks like those cheap jeans you get on the roadside," said my sis when she saw these.) you'd be better off going to Zara for your leggings. I quite liked the overall effect - siblings and their opinions be damned!

Be aware though, when I say lightweight fabric, I mean it. These are not leggings for tucking shirts into. You have to wear your tees outside - unless you're a size nothing model with no awkward lumps and bumps. The leggings from Zara are sturdier and will hold you in, should you want to tuck your tee into them. So think about how you're planning on wearing your leggings before you make that purchase.

I think I've finally reached the end of my new-in stuff. (If there is anything more, it'll have to wait.) On Thursday I'll show you the things I bought last summer that I've worn to death, and still love.

Till next time,

MumbaiGirl.

IG: @maryannecp