Real Girl

Unfiltered Lifestyle Blog By Smriti Notani

Real Girl Loves: The Fashion Edit

By: RealGirl1 Comment

Heyyyaaaa

Did you miss me? Consider this the July Favourites post since we are well into August and I haven’t done one yet. Also, I missed doing a June Favourites post – you can find out why here.

I’ve been a bit of a spend thrift lately, and have lots of new things to show you. Some you might have already spotted on my Instagram – but we are both going to pretend like this is brand new information. Right? Right!

Courtesy: tumblr

PS: I’m going to be…well, me, and tell you right here that since I’m not a fashion blogger, I’m no authority on fashion. I legit don’t know what Diane Von Furstenberg is up to right this minute. Nor can I tell you about what the House Of Dior is doing for their next line. I know what you’re thinking – nor can other fashion bloggers, right? Umm, well that’s a conversation for another day. *Insert angelic smile here*

I legit only buy things that suit my personal aesthetic and that I’m comfortable wearing.

So here’s what’s going on with me – fashion wise!

 

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I’ve been skimming through some fashion magazines lately and I’m happy to know yellow dresses are having  a major moment. Though I bought mine on a whim! I love the brand Femella as their dresses look really great on curvy women. I also love solid coloured dresses because you can do so much with the styling. Oh, and I’m living for that shoulder cutout ruffle detail! I think the whole charm of the dress lies in that.

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Found these pretty tassle earrings at Janpath in Delhi. I instantly picked them up. I think they are purrrrfect to brighten up a monotone outfit. And I absolutely love the Freida Kahlo vibe of this picture. PS: At Rs 200 (approx), they were an absolute STEAL.

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I absolutely adore my new arm stack. Although does two things count as an arm stack? Hmmm – I’m not sure. The rose gold heart and silver knot bracelet are both from Accessorize. I find that Accessorize has the BEST stuff when it comes to dainty + cute jewellery. Pssst; I posted this on my Instagram a while ago with a rather sappy message. Go find it if you want to roll your eyes or whatever. 🙂

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Couldn’t resist picking up this multi coloured bag while in Delhi. Isn’t it just the cutest? I love the size and I absolutely love the little mirror detailing. I think it can easily brighten up any outfit. Actually, it’s important that the outfit is kind of muted for the full effect of this charming bag. It reminds me a little of that major Jhola trend that had hit when I was in college! Yes yes, back in the day! I was hooked then and I’m hooked now.

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I’m no Eva Chen but here’s my own unique leg pose okay? I think my favourite phata hua jeans go super well with these tan babies from Ajio! Got them on sale too 🙂 Very pleased with this purchase. That ankle strap looks particularly nice with dresses. PS: Hadn’t realised just *how* universal the colour tan is. These literally go with everything!

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I love this new shift dress of mine by the brand Aseesa (shop is in Bandra). There’s something so simple yet so chic about it! It also gives me mad retro vibes! I’m not sure about the price right now but I think this was under 1k and that’s another thing I love about this brand. You don’t have to sell your left kidney and your iPhone to shop here.

Oh, and the dress has pockets which I’m not sure why gets me very very excited.

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I got this adorable bag in a Sugarbox I bought earlier this year. If you don’t know what that is, check it out! It’s a really cool subscription box that I personally love for the quirk factor. This patch trend is totally in and I’m loving the childlike vibe this bag brings to any outfit.

I’m also loving my new white trainers from Koovs. This is my second pair of white shoes! Bought this after I wore out my old pair. Didn’t think the trend would last this long but I’m not complaining. I’m all for trends that are based on comfort, because bro, lazy like that!

 

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And lastly main bhi hipster! How cool and retro are these aviator frames? I absolutely ADORE and have gotten dozen of compliments for them too. Proud of myself for this awesome street find but I barely ever wear them. I only think of them when I’m clicking pictures, TBH.

That pretty much sums up my fashion updates. Tell me what you thought of my Real Girl style? Would like to see more of this kind of stuff?

I felt kind of cool putting this together in one post. I’m quite random about my fashion sense. I like a little retro, a little quirk, a little bit of just following trends – it’s a mix! It was nice to see my own style from a third person perspective as I spelt it all out for you.

What say though? I CAN ALSO FASHION, YES?

 

 

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#RealGirlsRock: In Conversation With The Filmy Owl

By: RealGirlcomment

filmy owl

Ever so often the universe conspires in your favour and your absolute favourite artist nonchalantly agrees to be featured by you! One would think there are angels at play, and one wouldn’t be far from the truth. Well there’s one certain Angel for sure – Angel Bedi – most popularly known as The Filmy Owl, her moniker and brand name.

I cannot even begin to describe the serious case of good vibes her art emanates. Known for her signature water colour style, her very filmy quotes, her unique font, her effervescent social media presence, and her extremely quirky brand – Angel is a creativepreneur (hey, that’s a word okay!) par excellence. Having amassed a legion of followers over the years, she seems unfazed by the stardom few get to enjoy.

I find myself agreeing with and relating to all her philosophies, her unabashed love for Punjab, her ability to keep it real (duh), and her passion for all things art. This is just a decent way of saying I’m a FULL TIME FANGIRL!

Here, I get to pick her brain on everything under the sun, and she breezily lets me into her beautiful mind. Welcome to one of my most treasured posts till date. 🙂

buy Pregabalin 75 mg capsule If you weren’t this awesome-artist-lady, what would you be?

If it wasn’t for that chromosome, an awesome artsy gentleman maybe? Now that I’ve used the big biology word, I would have been a doctor!

 

ubat orlistat 120mg Tell us one thing about yourself that no one knows.

That I’m happiest when left alone. Also I need to say the one time password (OTP) out loud 3 times and I still type the wrong numbers while shopping online ! : )

(Err, sister, that makes two of us!)

 

best dating site for over 60 What’s your favourite brand?
All cruelty free brands that don’t expect me to sell my left kidney to shop from them are my favourite.

(That candour, uff!)

check this site out One thing you would never endorse?

Anything that has been tested on animals .

 

Tell us where your love for all things vintage was born.

All the credit goes to my dadi’s gold rimmed ‘ainak’ ( spectacles ) that always managed to get fixed when broken. Old things from back in the day have this charm of infinity. They are not disposable like the 30 pairs of sunglasses in my closet!

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A post shared by t h e f i l m y o w l (@thefilmyowl) on

Any advice for those who want to become artists? 

It’s not important to monetise your art. You could be the most amazing artist and still have a 9 to 5 job. Also no one becomes an artist…we are all born creative…could be the way you match your clothes or could be the way to talk. Even conversation is an art form.

(Okay, I have to admit – that kinda blew my mind!)

 

What’s the toughest part of your profession?

It’s hard to explain to people what I actually do for a living, because when I say, ‘ I live’, that turns out to be a rather vague reply.

 

What keeps you motivated?

Frozen fruit popsicles!!!

 

Someone you look up to?

My dog, Chabi. I need to reach the state of zen she oozes out of her soul twenty four seven!

 

Best piece of advice you ever got…

Don’t listen to anyone’s advice . EVER!

(PREACH GIRLLLL! I couldn’t agree more even if I tried!)

Describe your personal style in one line…

I’m a confused high fashion gypsy with a hippy soul who is trapped in a glass jar with an impulsive need to shop online and never return or exchange, even the things that don’t fit. That was one line!

 

What would you tell a young girl who’s not too sure what career path she wants to take?

Be a rebel, take some time off and travel ( yes I know not everyone has the luxury to do that) but time doesn’t mean a year, it could even be a week, and travel doesn’t mean Euro trip, it can even be the mountain next door. Travelling solo can really answer a lot of questions. Oh and always keep a journal. Always !

 

What’s your idea of unwinding?

Chai and a ukulele – I can’t really play but that doesn’t stop me from playing, does it?

(Major modest vibes here. I really look forward to her Insta stories where she treats us to her musical skills!)

 

What feeds your soul?

Compliments. Lots and lots of compliments.

Owlways ?✨?✨?

A post shared by t h e f i l m y o w l (@thefilmyowl) on

How addicted are you to social media?

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that answer already!

 

What’s your take on feminism?

I understand equality but I’m over feminism. I demand superiority. Women bleed for a week and don’t die, so yes I want parking and seats, free cake, discounts of gym memberships and what not. Women are NOT equal. We are more (and I adore men who understand this fact; yes there are many).

(YASSSSSS QUEEEEEN!)

 

One misconception people have about creative entrepreneurs…

That we are all pseudo intellectuals. Well thats not a misconception (haha)

 

One thing that “growing up” has taught you…

All the cracks and bruises have worked very hard to make me who I am today, in this moment. So growing up has taught me to start falling love with the flaws.

(FLAWSOME SISTERS UNITE!!!)

 

One thing that travelling has taught you…

It has taught me to be greedy for the right things, ie. more travel!

What does being a Real Girl mean to you?

To me it just means being an honest empathetic human! : )

 

Hayeeeee! All my writer/blogger/interviewer propriety is out the window at this point. I loved picking her brain and have concluded that she’s my spirit animal. Well her, and Karan Johar – but that’s not important right now.

You can (and should, quite frankly) check her work out here and here.

Don’t forget to like and share this post, support art and artists that matter!

 

Thank you so much Angel for doing this with me. I love you more than you love Bobby Deol – and we all know that’s saying something. 🙂

 

(#RealGirlsRock is a segment on the blog wherein I reach out to interesting, creative, awesome women who inspire me with just who they are. It’s like an ode to all the real girls out there – ultimately, that is the main reason this blog exists. If you, or anyone you know, would like to connect and be featured please reach me at realgirlco@gmail.com)

 

 

READ MORE: #RealGirlsRock: In conversation with Savi from Bruised Passports.

                            #RealGirlsRock: In conversation with Bombay Bellyrina.

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#RealGirlReviews: Lipstick Under My Burkha *No Spoilers*

By: RealGirlcomment

If you know me at all, you’ll know that I was keenly awaiting the arrival of this movie. The vociferous feminist in me couldn’t wait to devour what seemed from the promos like an out and out ode to Indian women and the oft underplayed concept of sexuality. I will go as far as to say that I’m glad Sir Nihalani (a Sindhi I’m not proud of) as usual tried to play dirty with his censor board antics. I think it helped create a buzz and there was an increased excitement amongst people to watch the movie – as an act of rebellion if nothing else. For this, I’m super grateful.

I caught the movie in a theatre last night and here are my unfiltered thoughts:

1. Ratna Pathak Shah is the biggest talent the Film Industry has ever seen. The woman is so convincing in her nuanced role as Buaji that you literally forget it’s a movie character. Funny I should say that since I’m obsessed with her character of Mrs Maya Sarabhai which is such a far cry from the role she essayed here.

2. Am I imagining it or has Konkana been missing for a while? It was such a pleasure to watch her on screen again. She’s the most natural actress around and my heart absolutely went out to her character.

3. The movie does seem disjointed in parts. I don’t claim to be a seasoned cinephile so maybe this was intentional and I didn’t get that, but it’s just my real girl opinion.

4. Aahana Kumra is a treat to watch on screen. I’ve never seen any of her work before and this was a great way to get introduced to the powerhouse of talent that she is.

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Image Courtesy: DNA India

5. The backdrop of Bhopal added an interesting edge to the film. It also makes you realise that sitting in a metro and waxing eloquent about feminism is a very easy thing to do. The real struggle is to come from a small town or tier 2 city and actually do something outrageous, you know, “for a girl”.

6. Being a typical Indian cinema goer, I expected more closure at the end of the movie. Found it a little abrupt. Would have liked to see some vendetta and craved an ‘Aha!’ moment at the end.

7. Couldn’t be more excited about the fact that a movie has finally addressed women and their need to have sex. Matlab, go back to your books people. Maslow ne sabh samjhaya hai! SEX = BASIC PHYSIOLOGICAL NEED. Then why the fuck do you act like it’s not a woman’s right to be a sexual being?! My blood boils at the hypocrisy of it all.

8. And just in case you were wondering, age has nothing to do with it. The movie elucidates this beautifully.

9. I found the music in the movie dismal. I know it’s not a song and dance type of movie, but I think a powerful background score or song could have lifted the mood.

10. I particularly enjoyed some of the nuanced comedy. The jokes were not in your face. But then, if that’s more your thing – you’d rather go for Housefull or something.

11. Actress Plabita Borthakur who plays Rehana in the movie has done a super job and her character gave me major Jenny Humphrey vibes (Gossip Girl Reference)

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Image Courtesy: KoiMoi

12. The director has done a marvellous job weaving all the stories and making them all interesting at the same time.

13. The casting is brilliant too. Even the cameos played by the male actors.

14. To be totally honest, it felt like you’re watching a play instead of a movie. I meant that in a good way because the performances were above the level we are used to seeing on the big screen. And in general Hindi cinema lacks realism.

15. Some might find it a tad slow paced but now that I’m back home and it’s sinking in, I believe the story needed that.

16. My main takeaway is that this fucking world needs to let girls live in peace. We will *all* relate to being told what to do as girls at some point in our lives. And we’re not having it anymore. SO DONE with being told if we can educate ourselves, work, earn, swim, have sex, get married, get divorced, wear jeans. No one’s fucking asking for permission, world. Get that?  *Reminds self to take deep breaths*

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Image Courtesy: DNA India

This is all I’m able to tell you without giving too much away.

I’ll conclude by saying it’s a must watch. You’ll never have seen anything like it. I welcome more cinema like this with open arms and an open wallet. Worth my time and money. 🙂

Kudos to the team behind Lipstick Under My Burkha!

 

x

Real Girl

 

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LIFE UPDATE!

By: RealGirl6 Comments

Hi my loves,

I sincerely apologise for it has been way-too-long since I posted here! Not that I haven’t intended to or haven’t thought about it every single day, but sometimes real life just takes over. Now before I continue with what is already seeming like a self important bout of verbal diarrhoea, let me explain that I fully well know that some of you reading this don’t even know that I’ve been missing from the blog and/or you don’t even really care. To you I say, that’s okay *shrugs*. However, I still feel like my absence deserves an explanation so here we go (bring out the popcorn darling, this could take a while!)

In the beginning of June, the boy and I went to Goa for a few days. It was a much needed break and helped us reconnect with each other and with Momma Nature. It also helped me up my Instagram game because I sure did go crazy clicking! I haven’t done a post on the blog for this Goa trip because it was really short and frankly, it was more lets-just-relax than let’s-go-check-new-places. Still, I’ll include a few pictures in this post for you to get a glimpse of our vacay!

 

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real girl travels

real girl travels

real girl travels

Just looking at the pictures makes me feel more relaxed! Anyway, when we got back I had an idea to try out an Ask Me Anything Video. I asked you via Insta Stories if you thought that was a decent idea and was so stoked that you responded favourably. So I went ahead and made it. Check it out if you haven’t yet.

 

#RealTalk: ASK ME ANYTHING

I'm nervous and excited to put this out there! Go show it some love. ❤️ The video turned out to be longer than I had anticipated but I really didn't want to leave out any of your questions! Feel free to comment or let me know via personal message what you thought of my answers. Agree with my opinions? Disagree with my take on things? I can take it, I'm a big girl you know. ? Ok, enough of an introduction – here's presenting my first ever ASK ME ANYTHING video. Hope you like it! ?(Ps: watch in HD, it will make me look nicer – or something like that!)STALK HERE -Website: www.realgirl.coInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/realgirlco/Snapchat: smritinotaniTwitter: https://twitter.com/SmritiNotani

Posted by Real Girl on Sunday, June 18, 2017

 

The general feedback I got from this was to record with better quality next time and to perhaps keep it shorter. Both of which I am completely taking into consideration as you will find out soon. I’ve been meaning to make a lot more videos. In case you’re wondering, it’s for the following reasons:

  1. It’s really fun for me to do as I’ve always had a penchant for public speaking/presenting. It feels natural and exciting to me all at once.
  2. I get really tired from writing everyday and making videos is a nice break for me while still being able to reach out to you all.
  3. I have way too many things to say and it’s humanly impossible to keep writing articles on every little opinion. Short, snappy videos are definitely a respite in this case.

Although I am a writer and videos are not my main area of expertise, I really do want to explore the medium more. Make sure to tell me what you feel about this. Am I on the right track? Or do you feel I should stick to writing and not bother with video content? I genuinely need advice and will look forward to hearing from you, even if it’s via private message or email. The point is your guidance – it doesn’t matter if you don’t comment below.

But, I digress from the updates…

Now as you all know the rains have officially begun. This for me, year after year, is a very trying time. Not only do I fall ill physically, I always show signs of anxiety/depression around the rains. I know I’m one of many who feel this impending sense of doom during the gloomy weather months. There’s a medical term for this feeling – it’s called Seasonal Affective Disorder. It’s a real thing that I’m not making up – shall link a post here for you to know more about it.

To make matters worse, my back and neck started acting up and I was rendered useless and in pain for a few days. I have had this problem before and have come to realize that it is an occupational hazard for me. I spend hours typing away (apart from doing many other things) on my laptop. I was about to sign up for physiotherapy when life had other plans.

In a pretty sudden turn of events, my grandmother passed away last Tuesday (27th June, 2017). I really don’t want to say much about it here, I’ll link the little Instagram tribute post down below. We are just glad that she didn’t go through much suffering, although it is taking us a little while to accept that she’s not around any more. Just the Friday before her demise, she was hale and hearty, and went for a walk even. I know this is an irreparable loss and my thoughts are constantly with my own mother (who is incredibly brave and strong) and my Maama’s family who lived with my grandmother in Delhi. They will all feel the loss more than I can ever imagine. Being around my family for the last few days has really made me think so much about life, love, loss, and longing.

Amidst parathas laced with extra butter, generous kharchi envelopes, and serious Dilli twang, many a summer/winter passed with vivid memories of 'Nani's House'. My Nani was a tiny yet fierce woman with the face of an angel but enough strength to battle an army. She together with my nana, birthed and raised two wonderful children and four even more wonderful grandchildren (if we may say so ourselves). She lived a long, sometimes turbulent, yet beautiful life, and left us yesterday for what I can only presume is a long overdue date night with Nana. I hope the two crazy kids are enjoying their second innings up there together. Meanwhile, at Nani's house, we reminisce fondly and find a glimpse of her in every nook and cranny; in her vegetable garden raised with love, in her little corner dedicated to the Gods, or in her son's voice or daughter's smile. RIP Nani, thank you for all the wonderful memories. 🙂

A post shared by Real Girl | Smriti Notani (@realgirlco) on

Needless to say, I can’t suddenly snap out of the mood that has pretty much punctuated my last few weeks. But I’m trying, I swear. Slowly but surely, I’m getting back to life, routine, and happy thoughts – because as they say, the show must go on.

Sorry about the emotional nature of this post; perhaps you were expecting my signature tone and were let down. I’ll make it up to you soon, I promise.

That, incidentally, brings me to the last and most important order of business –

I plan to do very exciting things on the blog soon. Even though I work really hard on all the content I put out already, I am going to work even harder on consistency. I have always been scared of biting off more than I can chew – work wise. I keep stressing about the writing assignments that are non-blog related but I have decided to focus more on building the Real Girl community. I won’t stop my other writing assignments, but I’ll work that stuff around Real Girl and not the other way around. Give me a few days, and I’ll get back with a concrete plan. Till then, Au Revoir. Thanks for reading this long-ass update. Now send me good vibes and go hug your family!

Much love,

xx

Real Girl

 

PS: I really hope you know that even if nothing goes up here, I’m *always* active on my socials. Go follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat if you aren’t already.

PPS: My neck is much better now. It sorted pretty much by itself. A bit much like life, no? 🙂

 

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May Favourites: The Time I Tried To Act Fancy AF

By: RealGirl4 Comments

The year is flying by, we are already on month 6 of 12. What is this sorcery? I need a minute to digest this. Actually screw that, I need a drink to digest this! Where’s my cocktail?!

While I’m (clearly) flying off the handle and acting deranged, there are still things I’ve loved using/having/buying/experiencing during the month of May. Check ’em out as I calm my nerves. *Gulps drink*

  1. Forest Essentials

It was recently mother’s day and my mom’s birthday (God clearly intended her to be a mother) so I really wanted to get her a nice, pretty present. I’ve spoken about Forest Essentials on my social media before, but I *love* that store. It always smells divine and really gives you that premium feeling. I bought my mom this nice box of FE goodies and I’m so happy with it. It’s a box filled with sunscreen, toner, lip scrub, etc – total of 6 products, it’s part of their skincare edition if I’m not wrong. The packaging is lovely, the colours are soothing, and the products look awesome. I know I can’t review them exactly because I haven’t used them (yet :P) but in general, I love whatever I have used from this brand and think this is a nice gifting option for anyone. (PS: Sorry mom, I gave it to you and took it back to click it! #BloggerProblems)

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2. Choko la

When the boy was feeling generous or in love with me (shy face) he bought home this pretty orange bag from Choko la. Inside it is the cutest looking pink tin box – yeah, you already know it; the kind I’ll keep forever! And inside the box is the yummiest cinnamon flavour hot chocolate powder that has straight up changed the game! All you have to do is mix it with milk and then let your taste buds celebrate. Now I didn’t know much about this brand before, I think it’s Delhi based but their tagline reads ‘deeply divine chocolates’ and I agree! The box also came with a little leaflet that talks about the other flavours that it comes in – white, hazelnut, dark, etc. I can’t wait to try all because this may just be the perfect hot chocolate ever! Also correct me if I’m wrong, but anything cinnamon flavoured is always tricky right? Well, tried and tested now, I can tell you Choko la gets it right and I’m in love with my steaming mug of hot chocolate goodness.

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3. Laptop sleeve

I’ve been needing a laptop sleeve ever since I got the new laptop back in November. Finally got down to ordering one online. PS: Propshop24 is the place to be if you’re in the market for quirky products. Love their stuff; plus the quality never disappoints. There was a wide variety but I went with this one because of the funky colours at the back (which incidentally match my blog theme – pink and orange) and this very caricaturish girl in the front who I like to think looks like me! Her sweatshirt says ‘go away’ and she’s sipping on coffee. Also, her body language screams ‘so done with it’ – very me! 🙂

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4. Weekly planner

I’ve wanted a desk planner that shows me the whole week ahead for quite a while now. It really helps me plan out and schedule my posts + other tasks. Very happy with the quality and design of this one; incidentally, also from Propshop24.

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5. Live Stream

I absolutely cannot leave out my favourite experience from May. So Dhruvi, from Alice Wandering (go check her blog out) invited me to join her on a Facebook Live stream. She often collaborates with and profiles interesting people on her page, and I was stoked when she asked me to! We had a fun and easy breezy chat about all things blogging, growing up, being single, being married, being Indian, etc. It was very informal and very fun to do. The best part of it all for me was how many people reached out after! I got messages and calls saying they watched the live stream and loved it. Do check it out if you haven’t yet and get to know us a little better, perhaps? 🙂

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Dhruvi (Alice) and me!

6. Fancy AF Phone Cover

Now as you know I got a new phone, and that comes with the ultimate temptation of buying new covers. I found this marble one at a brand called Case Factory at the Lil Flea and started using it last month. I think the marble finish looks fancy AF. I’m pretty sure it’s on trend. Have you seen these anywhere? Or wait – are they too common already?! What do you think?

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7. Dream Tee

I just saved the best for last!

So last month a very cool surprise reached my door step. There’s this awesome brand called PrintOctopus which incidentally I have seen online before. They sent me a gift; a t-shirt with my hashtag #keepingitreal. I am still so excited about this! What a cool thing to own. Besides, the quality is great and the material is really soft. I’m (for real) ordering more stuff from them. I’ll show you when it arrives. For now, I’m #keepingitreal in style. DONOT be alarmed if you see me wear this t-shirt every other day. Oh and btw, you can order the same thing if you like! I’m leaving the links below:

 Available on PrintOctopus
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