If like me, you live by the mantra #FasunIsMyPasun {hashtag credits: @nehadoodles} but don't believe in spending tons of cash on unaffordable-fast fashion, read on!

I was smitten by a particular earring, that was retailing around INR 1200 ($ 15) at Zara. I had the item in my checkout cart for the longest time, but then my brain somehow didn't allow me to make the purchase.

One fine day, I casually searched for "Zara earring" on AliExpress website, and boom! a world full of 'earropportunities' opened up. AliExpress is an online platform that connects Chinese sellers to potential buyers. I placed my order on August 14th, (the items were purchased from different sellers) and I received my items between 2 weeks to a month's time. So before you get all excited and make your purchase let's analyze some Pros and Cons.

Pros

1. Price, Price, Price 🤑 : It won't come cheaper than this!  
2. Refund Policy♻: AliExpress has a good refund policy, wherein which buyer protection is enabled for a 2 month period. In case, the item goes missing or doesn't reach you within the stipulated time frame, you can raise a dispute with the seller, and most oblige to either refund or replace the items.

Cons

1. Shipping Time📦: Unless, you are purchasing items for your best friend's wedding, next week, you are good. Shipping times may vary based on seller; Most reach you in 7 days to 1-month time frame.  
2. Finish😤: As for the quality, you cannot expect an Iphone at Nokia 1100's price. The finish is of far less quality than the original, for example, if you look carefully, you can see that the thread on the earring is uneven.

💡Smart Tip: If you like something, but would want it in a weeks time, check Shein for the earrings. The earrings might be a tad bit costly, but at least you have a guaranteed delivery timeline.

Pro-Tip

When buying accessories from AliExpress, check for:

• Read the policies accurately. What does the seller offer in terms of buyer protection?
• The same items are sold at different price tags by different sellers, so go over few sellers to ascertain the lowest price.
• Check for Shipping Charges. Most sellers ship items to India for free using standard post, but there are a few sellers who charge a small amount. If an item has Shipping Charge, search for a different seller.
• Ensure the seller has adequate reviews.
• Check/read through reviews and actual pictures posted by real users.
• Payment is via PayPal or Credit Card. Check the transaction rates carefully before ordering as most items are listed in US Dollars.

Let's get into the haul, shall we?

Item 1: Maroon Tassel Earring

Link To Buy

Price : $1 (INR 75)

Note: The threads are uneven. The top round portion of the earring is easily detachable, making the earring difficult to manage.

Item 2: Red Beaded Earring

Link To Buy

Price: $2.82 (INR 210)

Note: This is the earring that started the snowball effect. I have the same earring in Blue (purchased via Shein)

Item 3: Multi Color Tassel Earring

Link To Buy
Price: $1.68 (INR 126)

Note: This is a replica of the earring that is sold in HnM. The threads are uneven.

Item 4: Pink Beaded Tassel Earring

Link To Buy

Price: $2.88 (INR 216)

 

Note: This earring was part of ZARA's last seasonal campaign (inspired by African tribal  jewellery). The stud portion of the earring is made of metal, and not beads. This earring is very heavy.

Item 5: Geometric Green Earring

Link To Buy

Price: $2 (INR 150)

 

Note: Probably, the most practical and most worn item from this haul. Again part of ZARA's last seasonal campaign.

Item 6: Red Tassel Earring with Rhinestone stud

Link To Buy

Price: $1.5 (INR 100)

Note: Least favorite out of the lot. The threads are coming off and also the rhinestone stud looks cheap and tacky.

So, did you like something from this haul? Have you shopped from AliExpress? What are your thoughts?

Forever 21 Accessory Haul: Part 1

There very few brands in India that provide in-fashion affordable jewellery. There are few in-house brands like Ginger, Toniq, and fewer brands online that are cater to this unique accessory loving clientele.

Forever 21 is a one-stop shop that satisfies your accessory cravings. Midi rings, body chains, geometrical jewellery, you name it, they have it. I somehow prefer their online store in comparison to their brick n mortar one. Anyone who has had an experience would agree, as the stores are chaotic to say the least, and it takes hours and hours browsing through the stuff to find things that you like. I recently placed an online order (multiple, to be frank). With the new stocks added daily to the New Arrivals and Sales section, one is tempted to log into the website and check for good deals every single day. I made few orders over the last few weeks, and thought it would be a great idea to do a collective accessory haul. I purchased few statement necklaces as well as few dainty and boho pieces that I can dress up or dress down with.

Layered Elephant Pendant Necklace
This is what forced me to place a second order. The antique gold finish, dual strand coin necklace features a cute baby elephant, a turquoise tassel, and a tusk-shaped pendant. The upper strand has a Moroccon inspired pendant.
Original Price: INR 469 ($7)
Sale Price: INR 200 ($3)

Free Spirit Beaded Necklace 

A long layered necklace featuring turquoise and golden beads. Very Boho looking neck piece. Team it with a white lace shift dress and a fedora. 

Original Price: INR 749 ($11)

Sale Price: FREE (Buy 1, get 1 free)

Source: Pinterest

Elephant Frenzy Choker

A choker that features elephant heads with rhinestone trim. You will realise that I went a lil cray-cray over elephant inspired jewellery this time.
Original Price: INR 679 ($10)
Sale Price: FREE (Buy 1, get 1 free)

Gone Boho Beaded Necklace

A long delicate chain necklace featuring beaded trim.I quite didn't like the trim.
Original Price: INR 469 ($7)

Layered Medallion Statement Necklace
Instagram is filled with such boho neckpieces and the price ranges from 1000-2000. You won't believe how much I got this neck piece for!
Original Price: INR 749 ($11)
Sale Price: INR 380 ($5)

Triangle Statement Necklace

A very delicate statement neck piece that features a mix of rhinestone and faux gemstone triangle. You can wear this with a plain tee to dress it up. Somehow, these remind me of bees.
Original Price: INR 889 ($13)
Sale Price: INR 350 ($5)

Coin Fringe Pendant Necklace
Exhumes a vintagy boho charm, the favorite buy off the lot.
Original Price: INR 749 ($12)
Sale Price: INR 350 ($5)

Faux Pearl & Bead Necklace 

This layered necklace has five layers of faux pearls and faceted beads. One of the links came broken, aaghr....This statement piece would look great with an A-line dress and high heels.

Original Price: INR 749 ($11)

Marbled Faux Pearl Necklace
A short three layered faux pearl necklace that features splattered paint finish.Very Parisian chic. I can totally visualize wearing this necklace with a A-line, fit and flare dress. Does this remind anyone of Kangana Ranaut's necklace from I Love New Year?

Original Price: INR 749 ($11)

I have part-2 lined up for you guys next week :)

PS: Thanks to Mr. G for helping me out with clicking the pictures.

Studs, Studs and more Studs

Have been sporting the same ol same ol small ring for 2 weeks straight. Why you may ask....I feel that I don't have enough earrings in my box. Now before you roll your eyes and give me a WTH expression let me explain. I am mightily uninspired to dress up, specifically after the work wear code came into place. I have not met with any warnings as of yet for wearing danglers, that's like 2 time in whole month. There is no point in rummaging through my box to find a work wear as I know it clearly: I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH STUDS!!!!. So, today I went out with my colleague cum friend Laks, to do some earring shopping ( No nO that was just part of the agenda). We halted at my newly discovered love, this small boutique in Convent Junction. I had made it a point to shop only what's there in my list, usually I end up buying whole lot of unnecessary stuff. I bought the following studs:

A simple black stud

A white stone stud

Black stud and white stone stud

Silver stud, I remember having a similar one in my box long long ago and I abused it to an extend that silver was not silver anymore but bronzish.

Silver stud

Finally my favourite, a red rose stud

Pretty rose stud

Now, let’s move to ring section, shall we?

I have 4 piercing each on one ear and the second one is a semi-ring, I don't want it to be drowned under all those studs, so bought few rings to add some drama.

Basic silver ring

Silver ring

Basic gold ring

Gold ring

This earring ate up a major chunk of bill, pretty but costly may be cause the stones.

The costly loot

And something I bought cause I loved it, silver and gold mixed hoop. What not 2 love.

Love Love Love

 The loot inside my mini stud box.

N hey on a totally unrelated post, I saw an envelope clutch/sling in the store I shopped at. I was completely surprised...I mean, envelope clutches are in rage right now, and one cannot buy without shelling out some 1-2K. Cochin is moving fashion forward and that’s great news. This store keeper told me that the clutch costs around 500 rps. At that cost, the clutch is a complete grab. I just stood there and reasoned myself whether I have to add this to my wardrobe :The answer is simple :I may not wear it all, and like some pieces in my wardrobe, this too will lie there forgotten. Why waste 500 rps? on a second thought, should I get it? What do you guys think?.