Changing Room Tales - Project Eve

This was going to be a post on my search for denim shorts at H&M, however that didn't happen because of their weird policy at the Inorbit store. Apparently you can only take seven items in the changing room?? Even Indian stores allow you up to ten, sometimes more. And when did this become a policy? At the H&M's in Delhi, most people walk in with ten, sometimes twelve garments. Considering that H&M doesn't only sell dresses, mixing and matching separates means that you normally wind up with a minimum of eight items. Also, their sales assistants don't helpfully hand you items and take them back. You have to run up and down from the actual changing room to the entrance of the fitting area and take items out of your bag and put them back. Utterly disruptive for everyone and a nightmare for people who are waiting in line to try stuff on. I'm honestly beginning to think that H&M don't want people to buy their clothes. It's not like they have Zara's generous exchange policy. Once you've spent your money in H&M, it's gone. And to top it off, you're not allowed a decent chance to try on the clothes?? Talk about throwing your cash down the drain!
Even though it doesn't seem that way, I'm a little more conscious of my budget than that. So I gave H&M up as a bad joke, and wandered off in search of something else. 
Project Eve is located next door, so I wandered in for a browse. Can I just say that this is now my new fave store! Their prices are along Zara lines, so decently affordable. Their clothes are amazing if you're in the working woman age group. Trendy, but in a 'you can wear it to the office' way. And the materials are great too. The fabrics have good weight. Everything is lined. While obviously the clothes have to be washed once for a full verdict, from what I can see, this is high quality stuff!

Also, can we just pause to discuss their changing rooms? The lighting is amazing. They have huge mirrors. You get both a cushioned stool and a bench. And the room is huge! No struggling to pull on a top without whacking your hand on something. 

I tossed this into my bag on the way to the changing rooms because I liked the colour. But honestly, how lovely is this romper? The mint green is so summery. It's lined, so no need to worry about it being see-through. And the straps are beautiful scollops - which you can't see thanks to my hair. Unluckily for me, since this was my first time in the store, I managed to pick up everything in the wrong size. But I'll be back - tomorrow most likely - and buying pretty much everything featured in this post!

The next thing I tried on was this dress. It gave off Kate Middleton vibes. Princes William and Harry might be taken, but your clients and bosses are bound to be impressed when you waltz into a meeting wearing this. I'd also wear it with pretty, strappy sandals for meeting your parents' friends or your in-laws. And if you wanted to shorten it, this is a great 'chilling with friends' dress too.

And it has pockets! And who doesn't love a dress with pockets? Doesn't it look adorable with these Zara slides?

This top had me the moment I put it on. I love the contrasting sleeves and the cute tie detail. This will work with jeans, trousers, leggings, skirts and dungarees too. The wide sleeves mean that you won't feel too overheated but your arms will be protected from the sun.

I really wanted to pick it up, regardless of the fact that it wasn't my size. I mean, you can't even tell that it's way too loose for me, can you? This is definitely something I will be buying. I really like it.

This store also retails AND, Vero Moda and Only. I'm usually a fan of AND's dresses, so I chose a few to try on. I love the floral pattern on this dress, but I'm not a fan of the style in casual dresses. Somehow I associate this style with formal events and gowns. But if you don't have such associations, this is extremely pretty.

It looks great with slides, and would look equally nice with strappy heels and your hair up for a night out.

The next AND dress I tried on was this one. I love the style. I'm just not sold on the colour because of the upcoming monsoons. If you're willing to run the risk of a muddy hem, I say go for it. It's an amazing dress that will work for numerous occasions.

I love the unexpected split sleeves, the belt adds a nice touch and even though the long length could make it look incredibly boring, it somehow works. If they had this in a darker colour, I'd snap it up!

The last AND dress I tried on was this one, and I totally fell in love with it. I have never been a fan of yellow, but this dress turned me into a yellow lover. Everything about it screams 'summer'. The colour, the pattern, the style - everything!

I'm trying to figure out how to justify buying this dress. Someone introduce me to some cute guy, so I can write this off as a dating requirement! It would be amazing for a dinner, or even a brunch with sandals and a straw bag. You could also really dress it up if you wanted to, with heavy jewellery and bling-y shoes and take it to a formal party. Yes, I just need one reason, and I'm picking this one up.

The last thing I tried on was this Project Eve wrap dress. Now I have been prejudiced against both wrap dresses and mustard yellow. This dress, however, sold me on both! The fabric has great weight, meaning it's not going to fly open and feels good quality. It ties around well, covering all that needs to be covered. It's a great dress for work wear, meetings or those slightly more formal occasions when you want something adult-like without looking like your Nani.

As you can tell from these pics, I chose the absolute wrong size, but I'm going back for the right one. This dress has me wrapped!! Lol.

I also made a sneaky foray into Lifestyle. I haven't shopped there in a while, and my foray had me wondering why ever not! They have some great things in stock too. Watch out for my next post where I take you into Lifestyle with me.

Till next time,

MumbaiGirl.

IG: @maryannecp

Changing Room Tales - Forever 21

In my quest for denim shorts, I moseyed on over to Forever 21. The way I saw it, a store geared to teens and college kids was bound to have some very cute - and extensive - pickings when it came to denim shorts. I was right about the extensive. I was also right about cute. I was wrong, however, in thinking that my search would be simple. It wasn't. 

Firstly though, I apologise for the rubbish lighting in the pics. Forever 21 doesn't have the best lighting in their changing rooms. And I am no Photoshop expert to be able to redo and retouch these. 

With that being said, let's get on with my search!

Forever 21 labels their denim sizes in (I'm assuming) waist size order: i.e. 25, 26, 27, and so on. I am usually between a 28 and 29. But given that I've lost a bit of weight, I opted for 27's. But as you can see from this picture, not everything fitted quite like it was supposed to! Although I liked the colour of these shorts, they clearly weren't made for me. If you're on the curvier side, I think these would be great.

Incidentally, how adorable is this tee? Plus it's black, so perfect for the monsoons. I debated about five seconds before deciding to pick it up. It's cropped, but long enough that you could still tuck it into high-waist trousers. And those daisies! It has such a 70's vibe.

I also tried on this cropped tee, but as my expression suggests, it wasn't exactly what I was looking for. If you are interested in something like this, it also comes pink and I'm sure I saw a black one as well. I might have picked up the black one - I do like the round neck and the cropped-ness - but I had already decided on the black, daisy tee.

The next pair of shorts I tried on were these. From this pic and the one above, you can see how badly they were sagging in the front. I did like the colour and the length. But when trousers or jeans sag like that around the crotch area, no amount of alterations can fix them. It's just not worth wasting your cash.

The third pair of shorts I tried on were these. They were actually very cute. Unfortunately they weren't the right size, and my size seemed to be nowhere about. I looked around quite a bit, and then gave it up as a bad bet.

There was a distinct lack of sizes - or rather the smaller sizes - that day. This vest top was another piece I'd have picked up for sure, had it been in my size. I hunted all over, but the smallest size they had was 'M'. Quite sad for me.

I had a similar problem with this skirt - even though I picked it up in a 'S'. Seriously, it should have fit perfectly. For some reason it was incredibly loose, and this was despite the fact that I was wearing a pair of tights under it! Honestly, what is with the sizes in some stores these days?? I know vanity sizing has become a real problem, but I didn't realise just how widespread it is. This skirt reminded me of the school uniform I'd always wanted (we wore tunics, not skirts, in my school) and I so longed to pick it up. It's quite Cher and Clueless and has that whole 90's style thing. If you do like it, size down. 

If you like this top however, size up! I don't really have much by way of curves up top but I still needed an 'M' and that was a touch tight. Frankly, if you're anything beyond a 34B, skip this style altogether. This cropped blouse was not made for curvy girls! If you happen to be flat-chested, I would recommend it. It's very pretty and would look fab with jeans or a skirt.

Like Goldilocks, eventually something is 'just right'. These shorts were IT. They were the right wash, the right length, the correct amount of rips, the exact placement of waist that I wanted - but they DIDN'T have MY SIZE!!! I tried on a 27, and as you can see, they were a bit loose. So I went in search of a 26 - which they didn't have! They had 25's galore, 27's, 28's, 29's and even up to 30-somethings. But no 26's at all. Not in the stockroom, not on the shop floor, nowhere. I could have thrown myself down the escalator in disappointment. This is exactly what I wanted in a pair of denim shorts. And I couldn't buy them. So instead I wandered around some more and looked for some substitutes.

The first thing that caught my eye was this dress. It's made of a thick jersey material, aka T-shirt fabric, and is bright enough to liven up a grey, rainy day. I might buy it for the monsoon, but I'm not a hundred percent decided on that yet.

This romper was another one of those strange sizes. It's an 'S', but I was falling out of the top half. I've strategically positioned my phone, so you can't see what shouldn't be seen, but I wouldn't recommend this unless you were one of those top-heavy people. If you've got an excess of curves in the bustline and none elsewhere, this could be the romper of your dreams.

I tried on two more pairs of shorts, but after finding my perfect ones, my heart wasn't completely in it. Although I liked the wash and the length of these, there were far too many rips for my liking. I honestly do not like those shorts that are shorter in the front and longer at the back, and these were practically that style. So it was a 'no' from me.

The last and final item I tried on was this pair of shorts, which I actually liked a lot despite the enormous rips in the front. The wash was decent, and they fit absolutely fine. But I just felt they were a bit too short. As you can see in the photo, my safety shorts aka super-short cycling shorts can be seen peeking out at the bottom. It's not really something that bothers me, but why would one want to have to wear Spanx or the like with shorts?? You wear things like safety shorts under dresses and skirts to avoid unnecessary exposure. Shorts and trousers are supposed to insure that you don't have to worry about unnecessary exposure to begin with! Which is why after a full five minutes of internal debate, I decided against this pair as well. Clearly my hunt for shorts goes on.

Stick around while I browse some more stores!

Till next time,

MumbaiGirl.

IG: @maryannecp.

Changing Room Tales - Zara

Changing rooms are quite the bane of a shopaholic's life. Firstly there are the queues for a changing room. (Tip: Shop on weekdays if you can, there usually aren't any lines) Then you've got to try on all those outfits you picked up. Then you've got to decide which ones you want - not an easy task when the lighting's horrid and the mirrors make you want to go on an immediate starvation diet (despite the fact that you need to size down!). Finally there's your shopping companion. Either you have to wait till she finishes trying on stuff too - and allow her to have opinions on your clothes. Or you have one very bored boyfriend/husband/fiancé/guy pal waiting outside for you, who's now ready to declare war on all malls. It's enough to make you wonder if it's all worth it.

As we know, it is! Which is why I decided to chronicle my search for denim shorts (yes, I'm still looking) and take you into the changing rooms with me. 

First up, the Zara store at Phoenix Marketcity in Kurla.

I really like this Zara. It's a large store, with numerous changing rooms and a great selection of their lines. As far as Mumbai is concerned, only the Oberoi mall one is better. (The range may be wide at their stand-alone store in town, but there aren't enough changing rooms vis a vis customers and the clothes are usually a mess.)

I chose half the shorts I could see, along with some other stuff that caught my eye and made a beeline for the changing rooms.

I'm still in the market for a pair of boyfriend jeans, which is why I tried these on. But they were the same old boyfriend jeans story. They fit perfectly on the thighs, and were nearly falling off my waist. Even in the pic, you can see how much they're sagging around my middle.

Also I wasn't that enthusiastic about the placement of the rips. Rips directly across the knee mean they will stretch every time you sit down. And that means your denim doesn't have a very long shelf life.

This dress looked adorable on the hanger. However, as you can see, 'adorable' doesn't always translate from hanger to body. I look like I'm in the final months of pregnancy - and I'm wearing an XS!!

The first pair of shorts on my quest. They looked great - until I tried to tuck the blouse into them. Then they looked so bulky, I resembled a drag queen (if you know what I mean...wink, wink) Needless to say, I stamped them 'Reject'.

The top I tried out with them was actually great. It's a trapeze-style blouse, and made for cute denim shorts. Sadly, seeing as how I don't have a pair of cute denim shorts, I couldn't purchase it. Why, you might ask, wouldn't you wear a trapeze-style blouse with trousers or jeans? Because, for some reason, this style of blouse only looks good with shorts and minis. I wind up looking like an expectant mum if I wear this style with anything else.

Shorts part deux were a disaster! They were so short, I rolled down the turned-up cuffs in order to take a decent pic. And they were still far too short. If you want to risk exposing your behind every time you move, you can try these. If not, I would steer very clear of them.

As this picture demonstrates, they're so short, they can barely be seen under this blouse! The blouse though, is adorable. I absolutely loved it! Unfortunately, it's one of those 'denim shorts only' blouses. I've got my eye on it though, and will probably purchase it after I get my perfect denim shorts.

I mean, just look at this little tie! How cute is this for summer and the monsoons? Why can't I find that perfect pair of denim shorts already!!

Also on the list of cute blouses I didn't buy was this top. I did like the cut, but I have a lot of the banker stripe stuff right now. True, I don't have a banker striped top. But I have a dress, a skirt and a pair of shorts. I just felt that this was one item too many in the same fabric. If you are on the look-out for a banker striped top though, this is a lovely one.

The last pair of denim shorts I tried on were these. They weren't bad. The length was right; the wash was right; they had rips - but not too many; the waist was perfect too. Unfortunately with just two steps, the entire from rode up. I'd have to keep pulling them down literally every alternate step, should I want to walk anywhere in them. So I retired them into the sales staffs' hands.

I was really enthusiastic about this white top I tried on with them, until I remembered we're barely a few weeks away from the start of the monsoons. White and our rains do not mix well - at all! I generally put my white tees away as soon as the first rains fall. I was debating picking this up and keeping it away till September. But I figure autumn will bring its own set of trends, and I'd rather buy those.

This chambray romper is just the cutest. Everyone who saw this pic asked me why the heck I didn't buy it. However, it has a zip up the back. Yes, a romper with a back zip. I seriously don't understand why Zara and Forever 21 do this! It's one thing to have a back zip on a dress. It's a dress, you have the freedom to wriggle around in it should the zip stick or be difficult to undo. A romper does not offer that leeway. Either have it do up the front, or not at all. I put this one back very sadly indeed. But I've had enough experience of rompers with back zippers to know that it's something to avoid.

I've always liked a good pair of formal-looking shorts. If you want some, this pair from Zara is a great option. They come in a variety of shades and patterns. I really like the cut, the length and the fit. While I didn't pick up this pair - I'm now avoiding white clothes when shopping - I had quite a time deciding between the navy pair and the black one. In fact, I'm still debating whether or not I should go back and get the black one too!

The last thing I tried on was this dress. Like pretty much everything I tried on, I loved it. Unluckily for me, it didn't love me back! While the bottom half fitted perfectly, the top half was all over the place.

As this pic demonstrates, it's sagging in the strangest areas. But it's so pretty that if my tailor returns from his village any time before the end of this month, I'll go back and buy it anyway. 

And with that, I headed home. (First to the till, and then home. Hehehe) My search for denim shorts continues....stay tuned.

Till next time,

MumbaiGirl

IG: @maryannecp

Summer Holiday Shopping - Around the World in Five Stores

And finally, here are a few of the stores that I rate highly in other countries. Mind, this isn't by any means a comprehensive list. These are just stores that I've bought stuff from, or had stuff bought for me. And really, really rated it.

Italy:

Kiko Milano:

People who live in Delhi are probably already familiar with this Italian makeup brand. They're on par with MAC - at far, far cheaper prices. I love pretty much everything they sell. Their rose gold nail polish is seriously a must-have! Their eyeshadow palettes are also amazing. All the shades are extremely wearable on a daily basis. This is from their eco line - Go Green, I think it's called.

Their skincare is also fab. This is one of their primer-type serums. It's meant to make your skin look glowy and fresh. There's also a detoxifying one and one to give your skin an energy boost.

Sweden:

& Other Stories:

This comes from the H&M stable. It's their higher priced, higher quality brand. It's not unaffordable by any means, just priced a little higher than most high street chains. 

This salmon pink blouse is lovely for Indian weather all year round.

And this pretty romper is great for summer.

Another Swedish chain to check out is Cheap Monday. They have some lovely accessories at very affordable prices. If you're into the Scandi vibe, you'll love their clothes too. If not, the accessories are still worth a look.

Australia:

Princess Polly:

Okay, let's be honest, I'm not actually sure if Princess Polly has physical stores in Oz. Everyone I know seems to buy their stuff online. But it has a huge presence. Whenever anyone buys me clothes from there, Princess Polly stuff dominates the haul. I love this translucent, starry kimono. It is exactly what one needs to throw over really short shorts or mini skirts here in India. I wonder if Princess Polly delivers to India. I think I'm about to do a haul myself!

Ally Fashion:

Ally Fashion somehow gives me Marks & Sparks vibes. (Marks & Spencer for those not fluent in Brit shopping slang) It's full of basic-type pieces that will work for pretty much anyone from ages 20 to 70+ The opening pic is a body and trousers from their line. I quite like the effect of both items. Both pieces are exactly what our humid summers require.

This striped, wrap-around style top is another classic piece. You could wear it to work, to a client meeting, to a casual brunch (with shorts), to dinner with the in-laws (with a pretty skirt) or on a date (with a fitted mini). It's a good addition to any wardrobe.

South Africa:

Woolworths:

Yeah, I know it sounds British, but Woolworths is actually a South African brand. (I discovered that years ago when an uncle bought me jeans from the store.) I like this checked pinafore. It's a way of getting into the Prince of Wales checks without having to wear trousers in our weather. Plus this is something that will work in winter too. Just wear it over a roll-neck top and you're good to go.

Woolworths also do homeware. They have some lovely plates - worth a look if you're in SA. But if you're shopping with baggage allowance in mind, this set of towels are just perfect. I love the colours, the fringing and the  simple design. How gorge would they look in any bathroom?

And with that, we come to an end of the 'shop around the globe' series. I'll be back on Thursday with my fave picks from what's in Zara right now.

Till next time,

MumbaiGirl.

IG: @maryannecp

Photo Credits: All pictures are taken from the brands' own websites. 

Everything is from their new collections or their 'new in' section.