5 Ways to Resurface from Hibernation : Is it Officially Spring Yet?

March 8, 2018

I look forward to “spring cleaning” every year! It’s my chance to be “out with the old and in with the new!” A fun place for me to start is always my closet. Every year I’m reminded of how I’ve been in rotation of the same clothes throughout the winter… especially since us Chicago folks have the ability to hide behind our parka jackets. With nice weather creeping up on us (hopefully ??) I wanted to think about how to re-surface out of my hibernation and back into the balance of life, fitness and just being ME and I have come up with 5 ways to do it!

Put away your leggings!

I have finally come to terms with the fact that summer is around the corner. My recent harsh reminder to put my leggings away was when I tried to squeeze into my jeans from last summer – not gonna lie, my fly kept falling down! Come on chicks, I can’t be the only one who has leggings as their go to piece in the fall and winter. Leggings can be a dangerous “go to” item because it’s easy to expand and not notice. Also, it doesn’t help that the temptation to grab for Spanx leggings is real since they help squeeze in the extra pounds! With March finally here, it’s time to kick back into gear and work towards getting back into shape…bye bye leggings….hello jeans, dresses, and skirts!

(For the Pink Top – Size Down- I exchanged my Medium for a Small)

Consider a Change of Hair Style or Color

The winters in Chicago can be brutal! The wind chill in the city will make you feel like you never want to leave the house. I don’t know about you, but going for a cut and color has fallen by the wayside over the last couple of months. My split ends need to be gone…pronto! I am so looking forward to a fresh change. Perhaps cutting off a few inches and going a little lighter in my highlights would be fun. Change it up and be bold! It’s amazing how the way we look can influence the way we feel about ourselves.

My biolage was done by Anna George Salon at the Illinois Center – Ivana is amazing!

Add a Pop of Color to Your Spring Wardrobe

My husband always tells me that he’s tired of seeing me in grays, whites and blacks. When I look at my wardrobe I definitely fall into a sea of similar colors, cuts and styles. There is something about spring….the flowers, the sun, and getting out of the house that gives me an extra pep in my step. When Spring shopping, I am usually looking for something with a pop of color that makes me feel like I want to smile and spread the positivity. I recently bought this really fun white blazer that is making me feel springy! A couple bright pieces is all you need. Don’t try to buy a new wardrobe — otherwise you’ll end up with several items that you don’t even wear.

Grab a Buddy and Join a Fitness Program

Over the years I have yo-yoed in my dieting and exercise routine. To be honest, I used to avoid having a workout buddy when going to the gym for fear of letting them down when falling off the bandwagon. What I’ve learned is that the accountability helps when committing to a fitness program. I recently joined ClassPass which had helped me work out with an array of different people who enjoy different styles of exercise. I’m not only getting in shape, but I am also able to socialize and hopefully work towards fitting into those jeans from last summer!

Start Planning Your Next Chick Trip with Your Tribe

I can’t believe it’s already been 8 months since my last chick trip with my chicks! If you haven’t seen it, check out our vlog to Miami on YouTube. When I take the time to focus on myself with the people I love most, coming back to home-life feels so much more refreshing. With the weather warming up, I’m really looking forward to coming together with my chicks and seeing where we are headed next (hint hint: DC and Charleston are on the horizon)!

Any ideas?

Your Chick,
Sonia

Currently Craving:

Fashion, Lifestyle

Evil Eye: Is It a Real Thing?

February 28, 2018

As an Indian-American, my thoughts and beliefs have been heavily influenced by my parents who immigrated from India over 30 years ago. I feel blessed to have grown up in a dual culture household — I often ponder the discussions we’ve had that were deeply rooted in my parents upbringing. When reflecting on my childhood, much of the “norm” in my household was governed by my parent religious and cultural background.

The Evil Eye

One of the most fascinating topics was the concept of the “Evil Eye”, also known as “Nazar”, in India. The idea is that unbeknownst to a person there is negative energy in the universe wishing malice upon you or your family. This negative energy can manifest in human emotions by way of envy. Both my children were gifted black bracelets to wear in order to ward off any bad thoughts or energy that might come their way. I was happy to comply, but I couldn’t help to wonder, “Is it possible that there really is an energy to fight off those who don’t mean well?” I didn’t want to take the chance to find out so I was happy to have them wear it. Similarly, in this world of social media, it’s often said not to show too much of your life or family for fear that others might look on and wish negativity upon you. As a spiritual chick, I have found over the years that I truly am a believer in the evil eye warding off evil spirits. Whether the evil eye actually wards off mysterious negative energy or not, the comfort and confidence I derive from the superstition is worth it.

I have received so many compliments on this blue and white sapphire necklace that I wear and it is only $32 !

Over the years, I have learned that this concept exists beyond Indian folklore. Latinos speak of “Malos Ojos” , Jewish and Islamic stories speak of the “Hamsa” or hand of God, and here in the US, we refer to the “Evil Eye” and have fashioned it into our culture as well through fashion. You can often find evil eyepieces to compliment a cute outfit. Accessories that are an ode to the energy theory are a way to feel protected from negativity. Why not, right?!? Even if only symbolically the Evil Eye concept is a reminder to remain positive and emanate that positivity to others.

Shop this an other evil eye swag that I have my eye on here!

Anyone heard of the Evil Eye? Would love to hear your thoughts, leave a comment below.

Your Chick,
Sonia

Fashion

4 Ways to Tell your Wardrobe that Spring is Coming!

February 21, 2018

I recently attended the Atlanta Apparel trade show in Atlanta. A world class experience where boutique and business owners go to shop. It happens five times a year in order to showcase different seasons of fashion! This year on display were a few notable trends that you’ll start seeing as the season turns. With a few helpful tips by blogger and influencer Kathleen Barnes, I have compiled what I think are 4 things that you can easily add to your wardrobe to stay on trend, fun, and fashionable this Spring.

(Ashlee Nicole Tiller from Ashlee Nicole MD, Kathleen Barnes from Carrie Bradshaw Lied, Madeleine Raiford-Holland from Moderately High Maintenance and Me, Rina Puri from Chicks and Salsa.)

Lavender

Pastel colors, particularly the pinks and purples, are the IT colors this Spring. It is a feminine tone that makes an outfit instantly feel elegant. This Free People top I am wearing has a lace covered cold shoulder that mixes a little bit of edge with lady-like detailing. I am wearing a size medium. This top is one of those versatile pieces… dress it up with some capri pants and stilettos or dress it down with jeans and sneakers.

Floral and Prints in General

There was clearly a pattern across all of the vendor booths: prints, prints, prints! In particular, florals were VERY popular on skirts, tops, blazers, dresses and pants. There is no doubt that Spring will bloom inside and outside of boutiques. This skirt I am wearing is MSGM is a size 6. The fit to flare look of this outfit is flattering for mom’s who are conscious of waistlines (I am also wearing my Spanx under this look). Throwing in a floral print can not only brighten an outfit but also your own mood.

Feathers

So this one is a little trickier for me. As a mom, I just could not find a practical way to incorporate a feather vest or skirt into my wardrobe – I just don’t see myself having the opportunity to rock those. BUT there are other ways to incorporate this trend through the use of accessories, from scarves to jewelry. I did find some cute accessories that would allow me to be ‘trendy’ without overspending. Check out some beautiful feather earrings that add just enough sass to a spice up a daytime or nighttime look.

Blazers

Casually or formally, there is clearly no right or wrong way to rock a blazer this Spring. This trend is one of my favorites – there are so many ways to wear them. The weather in the Spring can be unpredictable but a jacket may be too much. A blazer is the best way to layer and prepare you for some of the unexpected weather that comes with spring. My cami pictured below is reversible (cool, right? Two pieces for the price of one). Paired with my Hudson white bell bottoms, this look has Spring written all over it!

The only thing I had before I went to the tradeshow were blazers so adding some trendy pieces to my closet was fun. It helped to focus on bring new energy to my closet through the use of certain colors, prints, and textures. Follow us on Instagram to see how we mix and match these pieces into our daily looks and check out what is on our Nordstom Winter Clearance wish list.

Xoxo,

Rina

Fashion

Upgrade and Organize Your Closet for Less Than $100

February 13, 2018

It has been years since I have given significant thought to the organization of my closet. Until I get the Vanderpump closet of my dreams, I needed an easy and preferably inexpensive way to make my closet feel more organized and, upgraded.

To make this simple, I used only two products to achieve this: shoe organizers from Amazon and Velvet Hangers also from Amazon.

My shoes were piling up on each other! Unorganized and often not visible to me, I would have the hardest time keeping a proper inventory on my own shoe collection. Over the holidays I found this product from TrySmarter that changed everything! Let the pictures below speak for themselves.

Before And After : Shoe Closet Upgrade and Organization

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

My second tip to keeping everything in order in your closet is to get slip free velvet hangers. They are a game changer. Say goodbye to things falling on the floor! They also have half the profile of the plastic hangers so for tighter spaces, they actually create more closet space and look more uniform. At $22 for 50 hangers, you can’t go wrong!

Before And After : Hanger Upgrade

Both options gave me more space (to add more clothes!) – which was an added bonus to an upgraded aesthetic and organization! I was able to fit double the number of shoes in the same amount of space!

So what are you waiting for? Tune into Spring and get to cleaning your closet. Once you have organized your closet, don’t forget to add these Spring Staples into your new wardrobe.

Xoxo,

Rina

As a Bonus, the shoe organizer is great for kids shoes too!