HomeShop18 Launches Designer Sarees By Shilpa Shetty Kundra

Adding to the festive cheer, HomeShop18 and popular Bollywood star and successful entrepreneur, Shilpa Shetty Kundra joined hands to launch the SSK Line of designer sarees exclusively for HomeShop18 customers. For the first time ever, the icon of millions has launched her brand of sarees keeping it true to her style; the collection reflects her elegance and grace. The carefully crafted range will be available at an affordable price starting from Rs.1999/- exclusively on HomeShop18’s TV, web and mobile platforms. 

The SSK collection will add the desired style quotient to every special occasion with its embellishments of sequins, crystal work and zari embroidery and carefully chosen fabrics like chiffon and georgette.

The collection offers the HomeShop18’s customers a premium collection at an affordable price point and supreme quality. Through the partnership, HomeShop18 looks to revolutionise the shopping accessibility to designer wear for all women across India thereby growing the saree category by over 50%.

Shilpa Shetty Kundra feels that the saree is one of the most popular and versatile attire, making one look glamorous and dignified at the same time. For this collaboration Shilpa expressed her immense joy at experimenting with unique styles to suit different tastes, keeping the essence and Indian ethos in mind. However, she mentions working on light fabrics and embellishments enhancing the richness of the garment giving it a modern twist, whilst keeping it budget friendly.

Sarees form a major chunk of the lifestyle range at HomeShop18 where most of the trend is catching up smaller cities for a premium brand. With an increase in disposable income and media penetration, aspirations are rising and consumers are demanding exclusive ranges at affordable price points. To tap into this emerging consumer trend HomeShop18 has launched the SSK designer line by Shilpa who has an appeal amongst both the classes and the masses.

HomeShop18 with its strong logistics and warehouse network coupled with home delivery to over 3000 cities is all geared to bring in the Diwali cheer for their customers. The SSK line of the eclectic collection of trendy designs and ethnic weaves is truly a must-have for everyone. So don’t forget to tune into the channel and book your orders immediately while the show is being aired on October 11, 2014, at 12:00 noon.

I’m going to be watching live, are you?
~ Heena

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Private India By Ashwin Sanghi And James Patterson |Book Review

When two authors from different world's, specialising in different genres come together to collaborate on a book, the response to it is filled with intrigue, expectation and surprise. 

My expectation from the book was that of compelling story-telling with a merger of individual strength, coupled with historical and mythological aspects in a romantic and and thrilling set. So when for the first time, 2 master-storytellers – Ashwin Sanghi and James Patterson came together promising the readers an ultimate page-turner, no book lover could resist it. The Indian Dan Brown partnered with American Romantic Mystery Teller to bring us Private India.

I began the book full of expectation since I'm a huge fan of both Ashwin Sanghi and James Patterson, thinking I'll complete it in a single sitting. However, that was not so. The book is a clear example of the coming together of two extremes, a collaboration of two writing styles merging. 

The dreamy British parts and the raw Indian parts have been aimed at two completely separate audiences however they don't read well together. A lot of situations seem imaginary, entirely fictional bearing no resemblance to something anyone would do. The sequence of chapters and the length is unnecessarily short and does not create any suspense nor does it motivate to read further. The continuous voice over felt unimaginative and the portrayal of characters cliched. 

Having lived in both the countries and read both the readers independently, Private India has been a let down of sorts after the initial intrigue. 

In my opinion it's a normal read nothing spectacuar.
~ Heena

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Dune London Comes To A Mumbai Home

Hold your heartbeats, girls British footwear giant Dune London has finally arrived in Mumbai.

Reliance Brands brought Dune London to India last year with three stores first in Delhi, but the brand stepped into the glamorous city of Bombay at the most fitting time. Dune London opened at Palladium Mall during Vogue India’s Fashion Night Out earlier this month.

At FNO, fashion enthusiasts tried the amazing ranges of footwear from simple ballerina flats to sky-high stiletto heels, loafers to brogues while checking the collection of bags and accessories and sipping on chilled champagne and munching on cute cupcakes.

Being invited to visit the store after the fashion-filled launch, I visited them last weekend. The thing that struck me the most was the stunning white, orange and purple décor with Dune’s trademark inverted catwalk with shoes on the ceiling. Since 1992 Dune London has created innovative in-house luxury footwear and accessories at affordable prices maintaining a high standard of quality and workmanship. I loved the collection and picked the amazingly gorgeous Amelia – Medium Heel Court Shoes in Gold.

With these beauties, I’m going to conquer the world…. Did you like what I got? Leave me your comments.
 ~ Heena

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Pearls, A Class Apart

Pearls are the most beautiful creations of nature, elegant and discerning. They are available in the most varied and attractive colours, unique shapes and different sizes which make them the most versatile element of an accessory.

A Pearl is a natural treasure, that grows inside a mother oyster when a grain of sand finds it's way into it. When the oyster finds it difficult to expel the external irritant, it takes a defensive action and the cells secrete a smooth hard substance around the irritant. After several years, a beautiful pearl is formed. 

Not only is a Pearl a good investment with prices soaring today, but also it is the new statement piece every woman needs. Unlike other precious metals, you can wear them every day, everywhere. From meetings to dates to special days there is a pearl for every occasion. 

The trick is when you want to glow rather than shine opt for an excellent quality pearl.

However, most women find it extremely confusing while picking the right pearl. So here is a checklist for all you lovely ladies and the men who want to get pearls...

BUYING GUIDE
Pearl Lustre
It is by far the most important feature and should be your primary concern. Lustre is the sharpness and intensity of reflections on the pearl's surface. To recognize a finer lustre, look at the clarity of images that are reflected on the pearl's surface. The closer to a mirror image you see, the better the lustre. 

Pearl Colour
Primarily when we think of pearl we think white. However, the most superior colour is pink, followed by silver/white and yellow. Cream, blue and grey are low-quality colours.

Pearl Size
It is a simple rule to remember the cost of a pearl is directly proportional to its size. Hence clearly the large the size, the better it is. However, having said that pearls used in a piece of jewellery should be both aesthetically and financially viable and hence a smart shopper should look at the overall appeal of the piece when consider buying. 

Pearl Shape
It is important that the pearls used in a piece of jewellery are well matched in circular in shape. Too many subtleties will create an unbalanced appearance. Look for pearls that are similar, while keeping in mind that perfectly circular and closely matched pearls will be more expensive.

CARE GUIDE
§ Store pearls away from sunlight and heat, but not in an airtight environment. 
§ Keep them away from sprays and perfumes as contact with these may discolour them. 
§ The more you use your pearls, it is better for them as the moisture from the skin is good. 
§ Wipe them with a soft dry cloth after every use. 

The key is to judge a pearl by its lustre, colour, size and shape in natural lighting to ascertain the quality. Another simple test is rubbing a pearl against your teeth will distinguish between a real and a fake, real pearls will feel rough and grainy while fakes will be smooth and glassy. 

Whats your favourite piece of jewellery? Do you have any pearls? Leave me your comments.
~ Heena

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KLAIRS At Wishtrend Cosmetics |Giveaway

Just a few days ago I discovered the wonderful site Wishtrend and went about exploring the products and brands available. Many readers commented with one of their favourite brand on the site KLAIRS.

I wrote to the lovely people at Wishtrend and they kindly agreed to sponsor a brand new giveaway for iCynosure. We will be giving away the newest launch from Klair's range of products - The Be Clean Natural Soap. With 5 different variants for specific uses, this product is creating quite a stir in the beauty segment.

I'm so intrigued by the Shampoo Soap. What about you?

Well stay intrigued and participate in the giveaway to be one of the three winners who wins a variant of her choice. So play away!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Contest Rules:
- Five Mandatory Entries need to be completed to be eligible to win.
- Additional Entries give you a better chance to win.
- Giveaway will be open for 1 week starting today. 
- 3 Winners will be chosen who will receive 1 Klairs Soap each (the winner can choose the soap). 
- Winner will have to provide the following information to iCynosure - Wishtrend Registered Email, Shipping Address (Name, Address, Zipcode, Contact Numbers) and choice of Soap.
- iCynosure is only conducting the giveaway, Wishtrend shall be sending out the prizes. 

Well, let's get started now, enjoy.

Until next time, 
~ Heena

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Décor For My Cozy Corner

My home is not polished nor very clean, very far from it, oh it’s not neat,
But with all the clutter and so many stains, it sure is a memorable treat. 
I run around the house all day and night, putting things in place, 
Wondering and trying every minute how to make a little more space. 

We all have our special corners dedicated to our every need,

But alas I haven't got the time to make an inch for me to read. 

They vouch my love for books continuously grows,

As in all my author signed copies it always shows. 

The décor opportunity knocked at the door to be set,

They laughed thinking it's going to be difficult as they bet. 

They think I need to go out in the sun and roam, 

But I’m going sip some coffee, sit back and simply log on.

Navigating section after section on making my home,

Until I select pieces to create my personal zone at home. 

Adding the cart with wonderful decor items, 

A single look at which would make any night brighten.

One thing that keeps popping up in my mind, 

Is to get one enormous chair, my super find.

Browsing on there are so many that fit the tag, 

The monochrome wins my heart, a Classic Bean Bag.

Next up I realise I need a handful of the sunshine,

As sometimes when I read it's during a dark line.

So yet again I go hunting like a super champ,

To book a Rajasthani Handcrafted Terracotta Lamp.

As I begin my endeavour being sprawled all over the bag,

Reading my favourite book in the dim light of the lamp.

I look up to see other books lying in a pile, oh the edges bend,

Immediately I know I need the Yellow Door Globe Bookends.

Oh, what a beautiful dream I wake up from, 

To head straight to the site to explore it some. 

Loads of super features that catch my eye,

One is relevant product grouping by the smart guys.

Beautiful pictures and information that's a highlight, 

Oh so fantastic, a real sight for sore eyes. 

Discounts and free shipping offer some respite, 

And lets me get a few more than just a mere bite.
~ Heena Shah-Dhedhi

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Set In Time With Timex

Picking the right watch is more like hooking up with the right boyfriend, someone you can hang on to across all seasons. If you’ve picked the right one it will become a timeless accessory in your arsenal else you’d want to get rid of it within no time.

We’ve finally arrived at the moment when a watch has achieved its place in the fashion space. And it wouldn’t be long before someone decides to exchange watches than rings as a symbol of commitment.

Gender blending watches have been around for a long time, however very few women have had the courage to successfully embrace the casual-chic-modern-garconne look that an oversized watch projects. Not one to shy away from experiments, my relationship with oversized sporty watches started really early.Over the years I’ve realized that what you wear with your timepiece is as important as how you style it. So friends remember the golden rule, ‘If you pick your watch wisely and style it right, it will accentuate every look you create with it’.

I believe in investing in one timeless piece that can easily go from casual to formal and even festive and set a tone for my look rather than piling on multiple watches with limitations. Moreover, if my watch can easily transit from the day to night look then trust me I feel set for life, until another one steals my heart.

Timex Intelligent Quartz & Expedition Collection

And yes my heart was stolen as soon as I set eyes on the new Timex collection of bold and stylish designs backed with cutting edge Intelligent Quartz. Of the 3 collections of QuartzTM Linear Chronograph, Flyback Chronograph and the uber-macho Expedition Shock Combo I zeroed in on the Flyback Chronography in Nude. The series boasts of a combination of sophistication and sportiness with amazing features like the Indiglo night light mode, a stainless steel case and leather strap.

It's been a few days and I don't seem to get enough of my new timepiece. Stay tuned for an in-depth review and loads of looks flaunting my newest possession. 

Tell me which one would you get for yourself?
~ Heena

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