Back to Basics

Hat:47 Brand   Shirt: Zara   Jeans: H&M    Sandals: Ancient Greek 

Sorry, I haven't posted for a while, but I'm back! Hope of all are having a fabulous summer. I have been relaxing by the pool and hanging out in Toronto. 

I have been completely and utterly obsessed with wearing this outfit. First off, I easily get headaches from being in the sun for too long, so a simple, yet stylish way for fix it, is to wear a hat. Hat are my best friend in the summer and you will hardly see me without one. I've been wearing this outfit a lot because its comfy and versatile, hence the t-shirt and boyfriend jeans. And of course I can't live without my gladiator sandals! You can walk around town or even just grab and ice cream, no matter the occasion, you'll look good without being over dressed or under dressed. 

Check out what I've been up to this summer on Instagram.

Let you know how your summer is going and where you've been traveling.

With Love,

       Simran Rai

Although I, myself, was not born in India, many of the points throughout this article relate to me and I'm sure many others. Couldn't have said it better!

Growing Up a Desi Girl: What It Means to Be Between Two Worlds

Let's Talk About Body Image

Now I'm not claiming to be an expert or to have a guide on how to be confident, but its an issue I have experienced and continue to deal with. Growing up I think you look for a manual on how to become more confident when in reality, there is no manual, everybody achieves it in different ways. 

First things first, everyone has body issues. I know it can be hard to imagine a girl who is size 0, having confidence issues, but that's the reality of it. When you see a supermodel or a skinny girl, it can be easy to come to the conclusion that this girl has dieted like crazy or works out all hours of the day (which I'm not saying is a bad thing, more power to you). But we never stop to think that maybe this girl was just born a bit thinner than everyone else. When people are constantly commenting on how skinny you are, it can get annoying, even though society considers it a compliment. I mean you don't walk around tell bigger people that they're fat, so you shouldn't tell thin people they're skinny. From the perspective of the person giving the compliment, I understand that being called skinny is a compliment, but in some cases you're bashed for being skinny. For example, Meghan Trainor's song "All About That Bass". This song does send out a great message about your body image. When listening to the song its easy to focus on the great beat and the inspiring message, but when analyzing the lyrics you hear this , "You know I won't be no stick-figure, silicone Barbie doll" and "skinny bitches". Why does being skinny make you a bitch? Or why does it make you fake ("silicone Barbie Doll")? YOU CAN'T WIN! I know you're probably wondering how I know that skinny people don't like being called skinny and that's because I have been around people that feel that way. I myself have never experienced that feeling, but whether its friends, family, or people I follow through social media, I've heard comments such as "I don't like that my waist is so thin" or "my legs are small" or "I was made fun of as a kid for being so skinny". Although I'm sure many people do like someone telling them that they look skinny, others don't. All I'm asking is to put it into perspective, if you're trying compliment someone's body say, "you look so fit" or "your body looks great", it doesn't have to be about how skinny they are.

That brings me to people who aren't "model size" or to people who are just bigger. Although its sad to say, from a young age body image is something everyone is concerned about. When your constantly comparing yourself to models or actresses you're just putting yourself down. Flipping through a magazine and seeing pictures of celebrities walking down the street, or celebrities without any photo shop, can be shocking because it can be easy to forget that they are just human beings. It so easy to say I want that person's legs or I want that person stomach, but the cold hard truth is that your never going to get it because you're not them. The best thing you can do is compare yourself to you. If you want to get toned or you want to lose a few pounds, set goals for yourself. I believe in eating right and exercising, none of that Weight Watchers crap or those stupid diets are going to help. You need to have the willpower to want to workout and have the willpower to reach for some grapes instead of that box of Oreos.  And let me tell you, when you start working out and eating healthier you just feel more confident and you feel better about your body, even if you aren't able to see result. you just feel better. Something else I want to add is that weighing yourself on a scale is a terrible way to boost your self-esteem. There are so many things that factor into your body weight that looking at a number on a scale doesn't do you any good. Instead, look at the way your clothes fit, or how you feel, for all you know that number on the scale is high because you're just super stacked.  What most people don't realize is that its not just you that contributes to your confidence, its the people around you. If you have great relationships with your family and friends, you'll feel that much more comfortable and that much more confident. It sounds crazy, but when you feel secure, you feel confident. Trust me life is much more fun when you walk around not worrying about what other people think. I mean think about it, when you're walking around you're worried about if you look okay or if people are judging you, but I promise nobody is paying attention to you. They are all worrying about themselves and whether they look okay or if people are judging them.  However there is no reciepe for achieving confidence, each person will achieve it in their own way, this is just how I've been able to become more confident.  

I'm sure there are numerous things I missed when talking about body image, but I'm pretty sure you didn't come here to read a book. 

Feel free to leave any comments or thoughts about body image.

With Love,

       Simran Rai 

Feeling Tropical

Top: Elizabeth and James   Pants: Zara   Shoes: Lorenzo Chelini  

 Handbag: Vintage   Watch: Kate Spade   Sunglasses: Chanel

Now that school's out, I've finally found some time to bust out a new look. 

I love this outfit for days when its sunny out, but not super warm. The crop top is something I have been constantly reaching for in my closet. I find that it hits the stomach at a good area and when paired with high waisted jeans or pants, it is very flattering. These pants are perfect for summer, they are thin, comfortable and of course cute. My favorite part of this outfit are my shoes. I have had them for about a year and then still look as new as ever. They can be worn with anything from a pair of jeans to your favorite party dress, and most importantly they're comfortable. 

Hope you all are having a great summer!

With Love,

     Simran Rai

A Little White Dress

Sunglasses: Vintage   Dress:Zara   Sandals: Zara   Watch: Marc Jacobs   Ring: Topshop 

  Ring Braclet: Gorjana

First off, if you are wondering why my legs are ombre, with my feet being much lighter than the rest of my leg, or if you haven't noticed, until I just now pointed it out, it because I've been playing tennis. And if you're curious as to why I haven't been posting as much as usual, it's because it is the end of the school year, which means numerous finals, so sorry about that.However I found the time this weekend to finally sit down and write a new post.

I know this isn't the most vibrant summer outfit, but I have really been enjoying monochrome and  adding a little something special with some jewelry.  And what better to pair this dress with than a pair of my favorite gladiator sandals. Funny story about this dress, whilst I was in the dressing room trying clothes on, the lady working at Zara put my extra clothes on a rack next to my dressing room. Anyways long story short, some lady tried to steal my dress. Not literally take it and run out of the store, but she liked it and wanted to buy it (I think it was the last one in the store). That's okay though since she was really sweet about it once she realized the dress was for me. However, this also assured me that I had chosen a good dress, since I wasn't the only one who wanted to buy it. 

If you're thinking, "Simran I've seen those shoes before", its probably since I took them to New York and Toronto with me last summer. And when traveling, one must take many picutres. 

Well, hope you enjoyed this post! 

If you want a daily dose of Simran, keep up with me on instagram.

 I post on there quite frequently! @simranrrai

With Love,

      Simran Rai

April Favorites 2015

 Jeans: William Rast

I have been absolutely obsessed with these jeans for these past few months. They are a looser fit, which makes them perfect for spring and summer and they have a rip above the knee which makes them right on trend for this season. My favorite part is that you can wear just about anything, whether it a pair of sandals, some converse or heels. 

 Necklaces: Nordstrom

I had been looking for some simple necklaces for awhile and when my mom gifted me with these, I instantly fell in love them and have worn them with everything, everyday.

 Converse: Bright Purple Cactus Flower All Star Canvas Ox

 I have found myself constantly reaching for these converse in the past month. Since I have always loved them, I thought they deserved to be in a favorites post.

My little sister gave me this book (she's 10) and thought it was too adorable not to share. Not only is it adorable, but the illustrations are incredible. 

This is one of my holy grail products. Whether you are leaving the gym with gross hair or just need a little volume, this is an all around great product and is a must in everyone's hair routine. Trust me, it's life changing.

Since it has been getting warmer, I don't like to wear too much makeup. So I have been mixing MAC studio sculpt with La Roche-Posay Anthelios Lotion ultra-fluid and it has been the perfect balance of a light foundation with coverage. 

 Stila: Finale

This is a gorgeous shade for spring and summer and has been the first blush I reach for when applying makeup.

As you can tell by how worn the chapstick is, Burt's Bees has been an essential in my lip products. I never leave the house without at least one.

 (Ode decided she wanted to help)

Another gift from my mom, I have been wearing this Kate Spade watch with just about every outfit imaginable. With the vibrant colors and gold head, it is has been a great accessory for spring. 

From left to right: Zara, Topshop, Junya Watanbe Comme des Garcons and Zara

Lastly, I have fallen head over heels in love with striped shirts, as you can tell by the copious amounts.

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there!

"From her kings are born"

With Love,

      Simran Rai