Browsing Tag:

indian

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

Fashion, Lifestyle

Evil Eye: Is It a Real Thing?

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! Evil Eye Necklace
Layering

Evil Eye Necklace

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