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chicago blogger

Collaborations, Fashion

Ziva: Chicago’s New Favorite Indian Bridal Boutique

The world of shopping has completely changed! People are shopping online and looking for a more personal experience when it comes to custom clothing. As South Asian women we spend a great deal of money on Indian clothing.   Most pieces are handmade with some of the finest quality fabrics and with gorgeous embroidery!  With wedding season upon us, I can’t wait to share with you a fun boutique we discovered in right here in Chicago!

Ziva Boutique

Boutique Owners Vrati Doshi and her Mother, Nita Bagia
Boutique Owners Vrati Doshi (Right) and her Mother, Nita Bagia (Left)
Ziva Bridal OwnersThe Owners

Ziva boutique is situated on the north side of Chicago in West Town/ Ukrainian village at 1604 W. Augusta Street.  It’s owned by Nita Bagia and Vrati Doshi, a knowledgeable and sweet mother daughter duo!  Without the distraction of Devon Street (India Town in Chicago), it was nice to walk into a minimalist store front with absolutely gorgeous clothing lining the walls!  Nita and Vrati greeted me with a smile and immediately made me feel welcome. After perusing the store I sat down with the Nita and Vrati who took the time to get to know me and my wants.  They were hardly there to sell me anything (which is was a nice change from other aggressive Indian stores I’ve been to in the past), but more to figure out what I was looking for and how to make me feel gorgeous in my own style!

After selecting a few ready-made pieces I tried on some outfits in their gorgeous dressing room.  They gave me some fun ideas on how to mix and match.  What I loved was that I wasn’t bound to buying an outfit just the way I saw it!  They informed me that they offer custom options which was nice to know. They said if I had a designer style in mind, they had multiple contacts throughout India who could help create my masterpiece. Of course, the timeline would be anywhere from 3 to 4 months for anything custom…so that would be important to keep in mind for planning!

Nita, Vrati’s mother, has lots of experience in fashion having previously owned a boutique and also having run a business out of her home.  Nita was then able to loop in her daughter, Vrati to create a stress-free way to shop for any occasion!  They specialize in Indian bridal clothing, but also have outfits that you can dress up or dress down!  The chicks of ChicksAndSalsa love mom-preneurs and supporting other women working hard in their businesses!

The Clothing

In the attached photos I played around with some of their ready-made pieces. These outfits can be mixed and matched!  I paired one of their bottoms with a fun crop top I had in my closet! Also, their boutique offers fun accessories, take a peek at this gorgeous necklace!

I can tell you firsthand, you won’t be disappointed with your experience at Ziva!  They are offering 25% off to anyone that mentions Chicks And Salsa on their next visit.

Love, Your Chick,

Sonia

Beauty, Lifestyle

Night-time Beauty Maintenance: An Essential Routine for Women in their 30’s

I don’t recall ever being as tired as I am most days after work, school pick ups and drop offs, homework, extracurricular activities, going to the gym, and managing my household.  Taking care of me and making time for myself comes only after all of that is done an settled. I like to call the hour of 8:30pm to 9:30pm the “golden hour”.

During this time, I am truly off duty. I am not worried about tomorrow, I am not worried about what is not done from today, but I take this time to just appreciate the end of yet another day with my family.  I use the golden hour for leisurely multitasking: TV time and skin care.  While watching Green Arrow on Netflix (OMG – I love Stephen Amell!), I apply a half a dozen or so products to my face nightly. If I keep these at my bedside I am 100% more likely to use them regularly. Here is the step-by-step night time regimen I use.

Makeup Remover Wipes

I know I could just wash my face, but I have never been in the routine of doing this.  I usually brush my teeth and hop into bed. But more than ever I need my skin to breathe at night. I keep face wipes at arms length to guarantee that I don’t skip giving my face a chance to breathe at night.  Although I do not have sensitive skin or any true allergy to common ingredients, I love these make up removing wipes because they are inexpensive, or do not leave a soapy or filmy feeling on my skin after I have used them. Even baby wipes work well and are cost effective. I have tried a bunch of different make up remover wipes but have yet to determine if one actually works better than the other, so I usually grab whatever is economical.  Night time skin cleaning is paramount for brighter skin.

Make Up Remover Wipes

Lash Boost by Rodan and Fields

My sisters and I swear by this amazing product by Rodan and Fields.  As former Latisee users, we loved that we were able to get Lash Boost without a prescription.  The product works similarly and have therefore has similar results- fuller appearing, more dramatic and appealing eye lashes.  As a wearer of ‘falsies’ I love the ‘pop’ that your eyes get from having enhanced lashes. For the days I am not wearing my go to wispies, Lash Boost has my back.  This is an expensive product, but fellow chicks get an exclusive discount or gift with purchase if you contact Dr. Erica Bennett at drericabennett@gmail.com.  Trust me, this works. You’re so close to gorgeous natural lashes.

Lash Boost

Rodan and Fields

Under Eye Serum

I have cycled through several of these, most recently I used Advanced Night Repair from Estee Lauder which I had received as a gift.  This product is intended to help with fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles.  The serum has great reviews, and in my personal experience it seemed to hydrate well which helped with fine lines, but when it came to covering up my dark circles, I am not so sure.  Once I finished up that little bottle I switched to a product from Rodan and Fields called the Bright Eye Complex and with a water base it promises hydration for the bags under your eyes.  After using this for 10 days, you can see the before and after below, this product is a keeper and can be purchased a la carte from their list of products.

Before and After Bright Eyes Complex

Castor Oil

Like many other children of the 80’s and 90’s I totally trashed my eyebrows trying to keep up with the thin eyebrow trends. The beauty gurus that I follow have given me hope to regain what is lost of my eyebrows with Castor oil.  Castor oil has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties and is high in Vitamin E, minerals, proteins, and Omega 6 and 9 beneficial fatty acids. Its unusually high ricinoleic acid ratio which is what makes it beneficial to skin and hair. I am going to try this on my eyebrows as part of my nightly routine, I will keep you all updated on Instastories.

Lip Therapy

With winter almost behind us, I could not have survived without all the lip balms that I have scattered all over the house and in all my purses. My lips chap easily and require frequent hydration. Currently by my bedside is an argan oil-based balm that is unscented, organic, and simply divine.  In my opinion, truly any balm is a good balm if you ask me. Just layering some hydration before bed can fix all types of cracked lips.

Hopefully you are already using some of these in your daily skin care routine. If you are not, consider this post a life hack to place beauty items by your bedside. Ladies, it is NEVER too late to take care of your skin. This is also a great way to use products that are cluttering up your counters — place them on your end table (NOT in the drawers).  Believe me, seeing them will make you use them.  What fun products do you use as part of your daily skincare routine?

Your Chick,

Rina


**Complimentary Rodan and Fields products were received in exchange for this honest review.  Thank you to Dr. Erica Bennett for her generosity and engagement. **

Fashion

What A Girl Wants, What A Girl Needs – HAUTELOOK!

What every girl wants may vary, but what every girl needs is Hautelook!  What is Hautelook you ask?  Hautelook is a Nordstrom owned online store.  They offer limited-time sales events that introduce new brands from up and coming companies at an affordable price- this means that if you like it, scoop it up right away because items sell out quickly.

The Skinny

With two young children and a work-a-holic hubby, it is simply too hard to run to the store and take the time to find and try on clothes!  Thanks to the internet, online stores like Hautelook sell the latest trends (not to mention unique pieces) at a steal price…and what can be better…they deliver them straight to your doorstep!  With an app and the convenience of being able to return the items to your nearest Nordstrom Rack, Hautelook has been my savior for gala dresses, vacation outfits...AND they even sell kids clothing and shoes…I’m in heaven!

Haute Looks Is My Secret To a Good Deal

If you still don’t have time, let the Chicks shop for you for FREE!  Chicks and Salsa offers free styling for you, check out the program details here.

The Look

My latest favorite purchase is a high waisted, asymmetrical zippered leather skirt….’cause let’s face it, every girl needs one in her closet…am I right?  I personally love the brand Romeo & Juliet Couture, they create unique pieces which are more of my style.  Needless to say, when that vegan leather skirt popped up, it was in my cart within minutes! I scooped this up on Hautelook for $30, but because they use a flash sale model, the same skirt is now for sale for $62 (it is on sale right now for 30% off), this skirt is budget friendly, and with it’s high waist line, it is mom-friendly for women who are conscious of their love handles.

I have styled this skirt casually and formally! For a sexier look, I have pulled up the zipper a little to show some leg, but for a more casual look, the ‘midi’ length has paired well with this t-shirt.  It also layers well with a loose fitting sweater. I tend to have an edgier style and love to wear things that are less main stream, I’d love to help piece together some outfits for you if my style speaks to you!

In this look I have created for a girls night, I am wearing a black bodysuit, blazer, my new favorite skirt, and platform booties (I am 5’3’’! I need the heels).

I hope you love this look as much as I do, see what else is in my bag here!

Your Chick,

Avani Patel

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Fashion

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

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!

ASOS Pink Asymmetrical Top

ASOS Pink Asymmetrical Top

(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.

Spring Is In The Air

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!

Women's Locker Room Inspo

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

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