Chunky charms and funky chains

Get ready to party!

Style Check

If you are looking out for designer ethnic wear or are a fan of Indian couture, then Nazakat is one boutique you shouldn’t miss out on. Inaugurated on Dhanteras and located opposite St. Peter’s Church, this is the first time designer Salima Jivani has ventured into the local market and the styles up for grabs are both unique and contemporary. The ground floor section boasts of ladies tops at Rs750 onwards, accessories like necklaces, ear-rings, belts, purses etc all priced from Rs500 onwards depending on the style and precious metals/gems used. The footwear on sale too is varied although it all mostly revolves around strapped sandals. Look out for include the made to order jewelry and sarees/suits. On your way out be sure to sample the complimentary home-made almond chocolates! Where: Opposite St. Peter’s Church

– Sheldon D’souza

Home is where the aarth is

Art is all about tasteful vision and Aarth is all about taking art beyond the shelves/walls and incorporating it into your daily life. First impressions will not shout more than gold painted pieces with beads, stones and spiral structures however as you move into the intricate detailing of each piece, there is more to appreciate than the overall picture.

Photo Frames

Rs500 to Rs1200

Ornament Boxes

Rs400 to Rs1200

Candle Stands

Rs200 to Rs2000

Where: Linking Road, next to Mango

– Sheldon D’souza

Saturday Night Full Fright

October 31st is the only day in the year when people won’t judge you (too much) for dressing in over the top clothes. So, if you have a spooky Saturday night party to go to this year, here are places that can help you get ready:

SPARKLES: One of the most famous shop in Bandra that deals with all things out of the ordinary. You can pick up…

Masks: Rs.550/- onwards. Take your pick from the severed heads, the infamous Scream mask, a gorilla mask and more.

Wigs: Rs. 1250/- onwards. Short, long, big and small. Sparkles got it all. Hats: They have witches hats (Rs.550 onwards), pirates headgear (Rs.550-850).

Where: Dr. Ambedkar Road, Opp. L.I.C Bldg

Contact: 26491968, 26004359

ARCHIES: They stock a small but fun collection of wigs, masks and hats.

Osama mask: Rs. 250, a good quality mask complete with beard and turban.

Wigs: Rs.350/-. Plain black as well as multi-coloured afros.

Hats: Very nice especially if you’re planning on dressing up like Usher. The bling is available at the outside counter.

Where: Hill Road.

AL’S: Although this store is a little more expensive, it does stock a number of unique items.

Hair extensions: Rs.150 onwards,

Coloured Wigs: Rs.1000 onwards,

Fairy wings: Rs.700, Halo: Rs.250, Devil horns: Rs250, Masks: Rs.200 onwards. Where:Opp St. Peters Church, Contact: 2644332

Boat Club: They’re famous for their Hlloween parties. Resident DJ Russel says, “Ghouls and goblins and creatures of fright, you don’t wanna miss what could happen on All Hallows Night! There will be drinking and dancing. Do wear a mask. You are invited to Boat Club, because we know you’ll be up to the task!” Don’t worry though, you’re not expected to talk in rhyme.

Where: Boat Club, Pali Naka, Bandra

When: Oct 30/31, 7 pm onwards

Contact: 9820343350

– Inbandra Team

Sale! Sale! Sale!

The onset of the festive season has seen the commercial streets like Linking, Hill road and Pali burst into bright colours in a bid to reflect the joyous nature of Diwali celebrations; however a look at the overall shopping scenario quickly highlights the lack of sales and promotional offers as compared to previous years. Let’s take a look at the stores that have levied prices this Diwali.

FOOTWEAR:  When it comes to footwear Linking road is the place to be with every alternate shop selling shoes, each well lit display seems to shout out louder than the other. Shoe mark, Pattons, Step In & Kings in the Kenilworth shopping arcade are all offering a 20-25% off on new stocks while High On Heels has a flat Rs350 sale on both men & ladies footwear.

RELAXATION:

Shen Reflexology: You can gift your loved ones a relaxing massage this Diwali. And thanks to the festivities, you can save up to 30% on gift vouchers.

Where: 16 Link Corner, 1st Floor, Linking Road. Contact: 26055578

HOME FURNISHINGS: If a complete home makeover or minor decor changes are in the books, then it’s a good time to take a trip to Linking road. Drape Shoppe and Novelty Furnishings on Linking road opposite National College are offering discounts up to 30% on all merchandise.  Zeba by Krsna opposite Shoppers Stop is offering upto 60% off on accessories and 20-40% off on carpets, silk and other fabrics.

JEWELLERY: What’s the best time to buy jewellery? When it’s on sale.

Minawala Jewellers on Waterfield road are offering a 25% discount on all jewellery; the sale will go on till October 25.

Apparels: Shopping for clothes and accessories this Diwali can land you a great deal, provided you like the choice available at Reliance Trendz as they offer redeemable vouchers worth Rs2000 on every purchase of Rs3000 and Rs1000 vouchers on every purchase of Rs2000.

– Sheldon D’souza

Guru in Bandra

If you’ve been to the many export reject shops in Bandra you’d know that Guru has some of the best dresses around. And now, the Italian brand has opened up their first store in India, in Mumbai and luckily for us, in Bandra.

Their store on Linking Road is really big and has as much on offer for women as they do for men and kids. In the ladies department, they have a really wide variety of casual t-shirts starting from Rs.2,500 onwards as well as some really funky sweaters and jackets for around Rs.3,500. The colours (burgundy, deep purples and rich browns) and designs were subtle, muted and very wearable but sadly, they didn’t look as if they had sizes. Their selection of dresses too or dress (!) rather for Rs.5000 approximately, were really disappointing with only one to see! However, the assistant did assure us that they would be getting new stock soon. Their ladies denims had some great short shorts and slim fit jeans for about Rs.5000 again.

Guru’s men’s section comprised of jeans, shirts and sweaters, all for Rs.2,500 onwards. Their jeans were a little over the top and they have very few pairs that were actually just regular jeans. Their kids section was really cute but with little t-shirts priced at Rs.2000 and above a little too much.

The Guru store is well arranged though and assistance was helpful but not annoying. Be sure to take a look at their funky ceiling.

Where: Linking Road, after Deutsch Bank

East opens first store in Mumbai

With 77 outlets and 52 stores it’s safe to say that East already has a name for itself. Their flagship store in Mumbai opened up in Bandra last week amid mini quiches, tea and tarts. And don’t worry you can sneak in an éclair or two because East has sizes that start at 10 and go up to 18. Their product was originally designed for women who love individual, natural fabrics, with an ethnic feel. “The designs at East incorporate hand crafted embroideries, vibrant prints and bold colours that all blend well together,” says Ms Dutta, who manages the Bandra store.

East is divided into different sections, each with a different theme, story and colour palette. There is Mikanos which is all sea green, turquoise blue and white. Paradise filled with florals and pinks. And Indgio filled with well… indigo. The designs in the different sections are pretty much the same with flowing skirts, plain shirts and tees and flattering linen pants. The clothes are subtle and classic and our personal favourite is the soft knitwear cardigan. Beauttiful! Available in pink, navy blue, black and blue for Rs.2695, this casual throw will make you go glam in two seconds. The price range for the other clothes is about Rs.695- 2000. Their dresses however, lack shape and style but perhaps further collections will be more tempting.

And apparently, jewellery and accessories are as important to them as the clothes. They’ve divided the accessories into the different sections, which makes it easier for the fashionably challenged. The accessories are predominantly natural materials such as wood and shell, and even seed pods.

Store is well done up with comfortable changing rooms and flattering light. Yay!

– Glynda Alves

Top Bargains

All the stuff sold at the Bandra Fair might seem useless during the rest of the year, but this week, here’s what you have to pick up at the fair!

A look at the top 5 Bargains:

1) Motorboat: The classic toy that is synonymous with Bandra fair, moulded out of simple tin sheets and powered by a small candle; not only does this little boat scurry around in a circular vessel it even sounds like a miniature tug boat! Price: Rs20

2) Name On Rice: An artistic novelty piece which is gaining popularity, these stalls keep recurring throughout the fair. You could get a name written on a grain of rice or one could go in for a lengthier statement on the optional kidney beans. Price: Rs20

3) Bubbles: As soon as one enters the fair there is no escaping the occasional cloud of bubbles gingerly floating around being blown out of a metal straw contraption dipped in a bubble solution, it’s an all time favourite that’s survived through all these years. Price: As Per Size (Bottle) Rs10, Rs20, Rs25

4) Ship Showpiece: Another old favourite, these wooden crafted wall-pieces were a famous buy before they fizzled out in popularity. I was surprised to find just one street vendor selling them and I hope you find him too. Price: Rs160, Rs90 Negotiable.

5) Permanent Bubbles: For all those of you who feel that blowing bubbles into oblivion and watching them pop or disappear is not worth the effort, the permanent bubble is for you. It neither bursts, nor does it disintegrate for up to a week. Price: Rs2

– Sheldon D’souza

Custom made for you

With the number of malls and shops increasing in Bandra, it’s become harder to find a unique gift for either your loved ones or friends. Inbandra takes a look at some items that you can customise to your heart’s delight.

Mystical Bean. Ask for any name or greeting to be written and as the bean unfolds and grows it’ll reveal the name

Where: Archies, Cost:Rs. 299

Put your childs face on this water bottle and it’l have a tough time getting lost

Where: Danny Lea

Cost: Rs. 450

Man U fridge magnet, but you can put any design or photo that you want

Where: Archies, Cost:Rs.130

Cherish that moment forever and let your child have a cuddly companion Where: Danny Lea, Cost: Rs.550

Mould your name in metal, put your face on a guitar or greet someone with these custom made keychains

Where: Archies, Cost: 80-150

Get a set of these T’s made, great for family outings Where: Danny Lea, Cost: Rs.40.

Where: Archies gallery, hill road, Contact: 26426962, Danny Lea Photography, near Bandra station, Contact: 26434323

Man U fridge magnet, but you can put any design or photo that you want

Where: Archies, Cost:Rs.13