Guide to Buying your First Luxury Handbag | Five Points to Remember Before your Big Splurge
Thursday 26 July 2018
Hey lovelies!
I did an outfit post sometime back featuring my Gucci tote and I received a lot of queries about the quality of the bag, where to find an authentic luxury bag and more - that made me write this blog post which can be your quick refer-to guide before you make you big splurge.
Planning your first luxury purchase could be an unnerving experience, especially if you have dreamt about it since long and you have decided to use a major chunk of your savings. While you may have set your heart on a particular bag already and are looking forward to buy it soon, there are a few things that may help you make a smart decision as this bag could easily become one of the key pieces in your wardrobe.
- Set a Realistic Budget
You may have seen a lot of designer handbags on your Instagram feed and being flaunted by your favourite celebrities, and would be thinking that you would have to shell thousands of dollars for that it-bag. But, you don't necessarily have to spend a bomb, especially for your first bag.
I had first planned to buy a luxury bag a couple of years back but I knew it will take up my entire salary for three months - so I ended up deciding it wasn't a wise decision. An year later, when I was consistently earning well from my blog and my corporate job - I decided to set aside my earnings for my IT-bag. However, I still didn't want to go overboard with the budget, so after a lot of planning and research online, I decided to spend roughly 1600 dollars for a mid-size bag that will be perfect for work to play and was also realistic considering my earnings.
That's why I suggest that you go for a realistic budget that will be easily manageable considering your earnings, without making you compromise on your lifestyle and general expenditure. You shouldn't be maxing our your credit limit or savings just to buy the IT-bag of the season - as you may end up regretting rather than enjoying your new luxury bag.
- Get to know the Styles
Once I started exploring bags that I wanted to purchase, I was pleasantly surprised to see that even a particular style from a designer label comes in various sizes, colours, patterns etc.
I had decided to buy the iconic bag from Louis Vuitton - Speedy - which came in four sizes - 25, 30, 35 and 40 and in different materials - Damier Azur canvas, Monogram canvas and Damier Ebene canvas. After visiting the Louis Vuitton boutique at DLF Emporio and checking out all the styles - I had fallen in love with the Speedy 30 in Damier Ebene that looked versatile and smart.
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| Louis Vuitton Speedy 30 |
However, before visiting the boutique I had done little research online about the styles that I preferred so that I don't get overwhelmed seeing the endless options in the store that could confuse me more.
I would recommend checking out The PurseBlog which has a lot of information on different handbags from popular luxury labels like Dior, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Chanel and more. You can go through the various options available, make a list of a few styles that you would want to check out personally based on your requirements like - usage, occasion, color etc.
- Compare the Price & Functionality
Now, this is a key point to consider, especially if it's going to be your first luxury handbag and you would be looking forward to use a lot often. While there are many trendy options that come every season, the classics are better priced, never go out of style and are more suitable for all lifestyles.
Therefore, while a trending Dior saddle bag might look really Instagram-worthy at the moment, in the long run it might not prove to be really functional or versatile as compared to its hefty price.
I would suggest that you check out styles that are not only easy-to-style, but are also more functional with options like a detachable sling, separate compartments for mobile or tablet, zippers etc. that would help you make most of your handbag.
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| Gucci Pebbled leather bag |
Like for my first bag, I really wanted a mid-size bag that is roomy enough for my every day essentials - but also I don't have to think a lot about pairing it with any outfit. But for my second bag, which is a Gucci pebbled leather tote - I experimented a little with the color and went ahead for a bigger size as I really wanted a bag that can fit my laptop easily, especially for work meetings and shoot days when I have to carry a lot many things with me.
- Go to the authorised Brand Boutique
This is a really important point to consider, especially since this bag is going to be your big investment. A lot of people ask me about the authenticity of the deals available online on various websites that claim to source directly from the designer labels and sell at unbelievable prices.
I only say one thing to them - why would a designer label, which apparently never goes on Sale - would offer their goods at one-third of their original price?
Yes, many labels like Michael Kors and COACH have end of season sales on their merchandise, but luxury labels like Louis Vuitton and Prada almost never go on sale. And if someone is claiming to have their products on Sale, I would suggest that you ask for the authenticity card or check directly by calling at the Brand boutique.
Also, the feeling of buying your designer handbag directly from the store is totally magical. So, to save yourself from disappointment later, visit an authorised Brand boutique to check out their styles in person, feel the quality and make your final purchase.
I only say one thing to them - why would a designer label, which apparently never goes on Sale - would offer their goods at one-third of their original price?
Also, the feeling of buying your designer handbag directly from the store is totally magical. So, to save yourself from disappointment later, visit an authorised Brand boutique to check out their styles in person, feel the quality and make your final purchase.
- Versatility is the key
Coming to the last point of this article, what's the fun of spending thousand of dollars on a bag that you can only style with one or two outfits in your wardrobe; or you can only carry to certain events?
It's always a good idea to purchase a more versatile and neutral bag as your first luxury handbag, rather than a trending number like one with too many embroidered patches or quirky elements - that might give it a unique appeal, but might go out of trend soon. Also, consider picking neutrals that will go well with most of your wardrobe items.
I really hope you all find this post helpful in selecting your first luxury bag and hope it turns out to be an investment that you fall in love with, as I have with my two luxury babies.
If this post helped you in making your first luxury purchase, do let me know in Comments below with the Style you picked - I would love to know about it!
Love
Nitika
Hey lovelies!
Haven't we all gone through days, when we pick a trendy outfit from our favourite store, and get dressed one fine day in it and step out in style, only to be pointed out by someone - hey! Don't you think this outfit doesn't suit your body type???
Well, believe me or not - not only me but a lot of my skinny friends have also faced criticism on their outfit choices and it really baffles me. Why can't we appreciate our fellow women? Why do we have to really judge their outfit choices?
So, that's why I started the Curvy Style Guide series on my blog a few years back to share certain trends and styles that usually people advise curvy divas to 'not to wear'. But I think if you pick your outfits carefully, there's no trend that you can't flaunt with confidence.
In today's post, I am sharing one such trend - front-zip skirt - that even though considered to be too risqué, is a great pick to flaunt your curves. I picked this trendy skirt from ZARA which features an exposed front zipper and a striped waistband.
The best part about this skirt is that it can be styled from work to party easily, with just the change of a top and accessories. I styled my zip-up skirt for a party look, paired with a white bare shoulder top from Forever New and ankle strap wedges from Nine West. Completing my party look beautifully was this trendy sling bag from Michael Kors - which is my go-to bag these days for parties and dinner dates.
Have a look at more pictures from the look below -
The key to styling a front-zip skirt is to pick a style which is fun but not too flashy, and don't go overboard with too many zippers. While wearing a similar skirt, make sure you are not wearing any other exposed zippers - or you will end up looking trashy.
Zippers can help contour your body, so go for a style that connects at the centre (like mine) as it will make you appear thinner.
You'll also find skirts which have zipper pull tabs on both ends, so you can wear it multiple ways by going for a custom split as per your mood or the occasion.
So, have you tried the exposed zipper trend yet? If yes, let me know how you like to style yours in Comments below.
Love
Nitika
Haven't we all gone through days, when we pick a trendy outfit from our favourite store, and get dressed one fine day in it and step out in style, only to be pointed out by someone - hey! Don't you think this outfit doesn't suit your body type???
Well, believe me or not - not only me but a lot of my skinny friends have also faced criticism on their outfit choices and it really baffles me. Why can't we appreciate our fellow women? Why do we have to really judge their outfit choices?
So, that's why I started the Curvy Style Guide series on my blog a few years back to share certain trends and styles that usually people advise curvy divas to 'not to wear'. But I think if you pick your outfits carefully, there's no trend that you can't flaunt with confidence.
In today's post, I am sharing one such trend - front-zip skirt - that even though considered to be too risqué, is a great pick to flaunt your curves. I picked this trendy skirt from ZARA which features an exposed front zipper and a striped waistband.
The best part about this skirt is that it can be styled from work to party easily, with just the change of a top and accessories. I styled my zip-up skirt for a party look, paired with a white bare shoulder top from Forever New and ankle strap wedges from Nine West. Completing my party look beautifully was this trendy sling bag from Michael Kors - which is my go-to bag these days for parties and dinner dates.
Have a look at more pictures from the look below -
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| Top : Forever New Skirt : ZARA Heels : Nine West Bag : Michael Kors Choker : Pipa & Bella Earrings : Pipa & Bella |
The key to styling a front-zip skirt is to pick a style which is fun but not too flashy, and don't go overboard with too many zippers. While wearing a similar skirt, make sure you are not wearing any other exposed zippers - or you will end up looking trashy.
Zippers can help contour your body, so go for a style that connects at the centre (like mine) as it will make you appear thinner.
You'll also find skirts which have zipper pull tabs on both ends, so you can wear it multiple ways by going for a custom split as per your mood or the occasion.
So, have you tried the exposed zipper trend yet? If yes, let me know how you like to style yours in Comments below.
Love
Nitika
Radisson Blu Poste Lafayette Experience | Luxury Hotel Stay in Mauritius
Monday 16 July 2018
Hey lovelies!
If you all have gone through my posts from my Mauritius vacation, then you are going to love this post - as I am sharing in detail my stay experience at the Radisson Blu Poste Lafayette. It was my first vacation abroad with my husband, so we were looking for a property which not only had the best amenities but also a picturesque view - as Mauritius is all about its beautiful beaches and lagoons.
So while we were making our bookings, we came across this lagoon-facing resort by Radisson Blu located in Poste Lafayette, about an hour drive from the airport. They also have another family resort in Azuri village which is equally beautiful, but we picked Radisson Blu Poste Lafayette for its picturesque location and as it was an intimate, adult-only space (not that I don't like kids, but we wanted a relaxing holiday without having to be around kids who are running wild and driving everyone crazy)
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| Radisson Blu Poste Lafayette Mauritius |
After all if you are looking for a perfect holiday, you not only want a beautiful location but also outstanding amenities, courteous staff, spacious rooms and sumptuous dining options.
All of this and more the Radisson Blu Poste Lafayette was able to deliver. Check out my detailed hotel review below :
Location -
Reaching the resort isn't very difficult, as you can easily take a taxi from the airport and reach the resort - while enjoying the amazing view enroute that definitely didn't make us regret an hour long drive. The resort is located right off of the main coastal road in Poste Lafayette, a quiet village in northeastern Mauritius and provides an easy access to almost all the tourist spots on this small island.
While you get a private beach to relax and soak the sun at the resort, the public beaches are also just a few minutes away from the property.
The resort is also closer to its sister property - the Radisson Blu Azuri which is only a 10 minutes drive from here - and the best part is that you get a free access to the pool, restaurants and beach activities at the Azuri property as well during your stay here - you just have to inform the hotel staff a day in advance and you will get a shuttle to take you to the family resort which has a bigger lagoon.
Rooms -
As we had made our bookings through a travel portal, our package included a superior room; but we got an upgrade to a spacious, beautifully done ocean view room which was exactly what I wanted for a romantic holiday. The rooms were spacious and had a modern design featuring a pristine white-and-blue theme, with all the amenities like minibar, flat-screen TV, free WiFi, coffee and tea making facilities, electronic safe, rain showers and more. The ocean view room also featured individual air conditioners.
The only thing that I really wished the room had was a bathtub - considering its an adult-only space and targets couples, I think they should have included bathtubs as well in the rooms.
However, the panaromic ocean view and Juliette balcony made up for the lack of the bathtub. And, also as the beach area was just steps away from our room - we spent a lot of time on the beach loungers.
Activities -
Now, here comes the best part from our stay at the Radisson Blu Poste Lafayette - the Blu Passport - which gives the guests an access to free activities when staying in either of the Radisson Blu resorts. While the beach activities at Poste Lafayette resort were limited to free kayaks, pedalos, snorkel gear, and glass-bottom boat trips - the access to numerous beach activities at the Azuri resort made up for it.
We spent a day at the Radisson Blu Azuri resort, sipping amazing cocktails by the pool and making the most of our free access to the beach activities like snorkelling and pedal boating.
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| Poolside at Radisson Blu Azuri |
There were also a lot of other in-house activities organised at the resort on a daily basis (the reception provides a complete list of activities planned for the week) - like cocktail tasting, bike excursions, aqua workouts, cooking sessions and more - that kept us occupied when we were not resting by the beach or sight seeing.
Food -
The resort has three restaurants and a bar -
Cafe Nautilus is their all-day dining restaurant, located by the pool - offering amazing buffet with local and international dishes. As the hotel had a lot of Indian guests during our visit, the buffet also included a few Indian dishes for those who are strictly vegetarian or prefer having Indian meals; but we savoured their local favourites which were sumptuous.
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| Breakfast at Cafe Nautilus |
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| Cafe Nautilus next to the pool |
Phi Restaurant is located adjacent to Cafe Nautilus and serves a la carte Mauritiun dinners - However, we didn't get to try it as we spent most of our evenings at the Aqua Beach Restaurant.
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| One of the delicious desserts we had at Aqua restaurant |
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| Aqua Beach Bar & Restaurant |
Located by the beach, the Aqua Beach Bar and restaurant was our favourite from the three dining options available - not only because of the beach view - but also because they had some amazing cocktails on offer and delightful pizzas and seafood platters. There were also special performances like live music and Sega shows that were staged by the bar at night.
A special thanks to Mr. Sunil from the F&B team who helped us make the most of our dining experience by suggesting us the local favourites and the drinks that would best go with the dishes.
Other Features -
Apart from the modern rooms and beach amenities, the resort also has a pool (that is heated in winter months) surrounded by a vast pool deck having loungers and fabric umbrellas to relax by.
There is free fitness centre which is small yet has all the modern gymming equipments if you feel like taking a break from all the dining and sunbathing for a workout session.
The spa is one of the main highlights of the property, offering more than a dozen type of massage and Ayurvedic treatments that would help you rejuvenate over your holiday. It has three couple treatment rooms and five treatment rooms; and a luxurious wellness area that overlooks the coast.
I indulged in a relaxing head and foot massage just before my holiday ended that was a perfect finish
to my amazing stay at this property.
Staff -
While hotel amenities and surroundings are not the only things that make for a delightful stay experience, it is also about little things that makes the experience even better.
The staff was really courteous and helpful. Infact on the second day of my stay during our sight seeing tour, I realised I had left behind a valuable in the room, but I made a call to the hotel staff and they duly informed me that I will find it right where I had placed it when I come back - the assurance itself made my mood better, else I know I wouldn't have been able to enjoy my day worrying about if I will find it when I go back.
There were various other things I loved like the courteous notes by housekeeping, a cocktail evening with the Management where we got to know more about the staff, ever helping staff who guided us through things to do at the beach and near the property or encouraged us to try different cuisines throughout our stay, to the little departure gifts that we received - that made our entire experience memorable and fun.
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| From the Cocktail evening |
Overall, I truly enjoyed our stay at the Radisson Blu Poste Lafayette over a week - and they not only lived upto our expectations, but went beyond it with their amazing service and courtesy. The property is a perfect pick for the honeymooners who are looking for a picturesque location, privacy and romantic ambience for their stay. If you wish to know more about the hotel, you can visit their official page here - Radisson Blu Poste Lafayette .
Hope you loved reading this post!
Love
Regards
How to Avoid A Bad Buy Day - Tips from a Reformed Shopaholic
Wednesday 4 July 2018
Hey lovelies!
The headline of this post might have intrigued you a little bit - well I am talking about the 'reformed shopaholic' part. If you have been a part of my blogging journey since last few years, you might have noticed my shopping habits change over the time. If you are new to my blog, then I would just give a brief intro that I was a shopping addict and mostly an impulse shopper.
But over the years, not only I have evolved as a person but my shopping habits have also changed considerably. Not that I don't shop anymore, but I do practical shopping. And that's why I thought I will share my thoughts today about avoiding a bad purchase or a bad shopping day - as I am sure each one of us has had a bad shopping day more than once.
Are their certain times when you come back home from a great shopping trip, open your shopping bags and immediately think -" Why did I buy this? What was I thinking?" - Well that's what you call a bad shopping day, and in this post I am going share some instant advice about how to be a smart shopper.
- Prepare a Basic Shopping List
I have realised that the best way to avoid needless purchases and sticking to your budget is by having a shopping list ready with you. I usually have a list ready for each season considering the wardrobe needs could change with seasons. Here, I have prepared a sample wardrobe shopping list that you can refer to -
Keep a similar list in your phone whenever you go shopping, and if you think you have enough items that are shown in the list already - you don't need to spend money on buying unnecessary clothes or shoes.
- Wait Overnight before selecting 'CHECKOUT' on your online shopping cart
Aren't we all guilty of making those impulse online purchases, as soon as we see an ad about a 1-day Sale or a Free product. Well, I surely was one of those people who used to get excited by seeing such offers and used to place orders in an instant. And at times, I had many online orders arriving at my place that I had completely forgotten about.
But once I realised that my wardrobe was overflowing with clothes and makeup that I hardly used, I knew I had to put a stop to the impulse online purchases. Now, whenever I see an incredible offer on a brand I liked, or had an urge to shop online - I add the products I like in the shopping cart but before I click Checkout- I decide to wait for a day and sleep on it. And trust me, the next day I end up realising that the things I wanted to pick were not that important.
- Shopping with a clear head
Most of us end up doing impulsive shopping usually after a breakup, a bad day at work or a fight with friends or family. Not only you end up making bad decisions, you also end up piling on things that you later realise you would have never picked had you been in your right mind.
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| Source : Etsy |
So, next time when you think about going for a shopping spree after a bad day - go have a hot chocolate instead - it's super relaxing and would cost you just a few bucks instead of a long shopping bill.
- Wait for the Sales
My friends and I follow this religiously and it has worked out wonders for us to not only control my urge to shop all the time, but also to save up a lot of money as all the brands put their collections on sale within 2 months of the launch. So, if you are not in a hurry to refresh your wardrobe or pick your favourites from the new merchandise, wait for the Sales when almost all the high street brands have offers upto 70% off.
And if you know exactly when the sales start (you can keep a tab through Facebook and Instagram, and also by following your favourite bloggers who know about these sales before they go live) - you can end up saving a lot of money.
- Invest in Capsule Wardrobe Essentials
Now, this is one thing that I have learnt in last couple of years. Instead of purchasing every new trend that comes out every season and becomes obsolete soon; its better to invest in statement basics like a Louis Vuitton bag or a statement watch that are here to stay for long and you would be reaching out for them a lot often as compared to your in-trend jute bag or silicon-strap watch.
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| Source : Pinterest |
These essentials are not only the foundation for a classic wardrobe but also will be a mainstay in your closet; thus making it easier and chicer to dress up every day.
So, what do you think of these tops to avoid a bad shopping day? Do you have additional tips to contribute to this list? Let me know in Comments below
Love
Nitika
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