Shimmering Rhythm: CityLights Ball

This past weekend, I danced the BRONZE heats and multi-dance events at CityLights Ball, World Dancesport Championship in San Jose, CA. I had 1 1st placement, 3 2nd placements and 2 3rd placements in terms of awards. I was dancing Pro-Am with my teacher. It was an achievement for me, to step back in the competitions arena, with the last competition being in March 2011 that i had participated in. The adrenaline to step on that dance floor and cha-cha, rumba, mambo and swing my way out, was enamouring. I have decided to make this my year to reach the SILVER category. Thereafter, its just a year or two to reach GOLD and then compete on the PROFESSIONAL circuit. I am eager to see how this life turns out and supports these plans. As far as the zeal goes, I have plenty. All I need is the consistency in my abilities to improve and excel and the continuity of that rhythm to sustain the changing heat in this life.

Here is my youtube video of the Multi=Dance Cha cha, rumba, swing Bronze event, dancing with teacher, tagged #142.

Here is my youtube video of the Intermediate Bronze Mambo heat, dancing with teacher, tagged #142.

If you like my performances, like this post. Your likes will aid in a definite encouragement for me towards my goals.

I believe, the end to life’s goals is always an out-of-sight thought for a curious mind, and its this path of essential fulfillments and achievements full of satisfactions that pushes that end more out of sight!

The New Year Charm – Glamorama January Collection

A splendid 2011 has passed. A lot was achieved and the list of achievements still stays long and strong. As I embark in this new year, my business spirits are getting stronger and scaling new heights, as I aim to bring much more than fashion to my clients. I had two successful private events in September and December last year where I showcased designer clothing and accessories (not available in stores) at 50 to 60% off their original price. The collection varied depending on the time of the year and the need of the hour. I have heard very strong positives regarding my private (by invitation only) showcases and I am determined to take those positives and implement the feedback in the new year.

Why am I different?
The reason I and my business is different is because i am aiming to dress up each individual to a flavor she is comfortable with or hasn’t involved with before. Most times, we do not pursue goals that do not seem easily achievable or outside our comfort zones. I will be your aid, I will shop for you, I will bring you fashion in a sense that stirs your heart and soul but not necessarily your purse. I will show you how you can arrange and manage your closet so that one unique item can be used in several different ways. You do not need 10 pieces of clothing from a mall or a clothing store, you probably just need 3-4 essential items. Thereafter you can luxuriously spend the rest of the money on uniquely styled designer items that you either have never seen in stores or have shy-ed away from because the online price was way out of your budget. I will provide you the imagination to outgrow your boundaries of clothing and discovering the different aspects of your personality, always hiding under that one layer of typical clothing.

If you find me and my business interesting, come check out my January collection. For a sneak preview into the collection, drop me a line on my blog or send me a message at my “Glamor Niche” Facebook account. I will be showcasing the collection, with food and drinks, perhaps with one or 2 models, in Fremont, CA on Jan 27th between 7 pm and 9 pm PST.

Whats cooking?
Besides the private event in January, please feel free to be-friend my business profile on facebook called “Glamor Niche”. You will get to know more about me, my credits and my overall profile.
In addition, there is a private facebook group called “Glamor Niche”. It is a closed group, by invitation only. If any of you like my work or me :-) and would like to be a member of the group, then you would need to let me know and I will add them you in. All of the clients who have purchased from me in the recent past, are eagerly waiting to pen down their reviews and their experiences during my “Glamorama” event. The facebook group Wall will be beneficial in that regard. Any new member who has questions on the functioning of Glamor Niche, and if such questions might benefit the other members, is encouraged to post it in the Wall as well.

How you can help?
You can help me by attending my events and helping you in return, in exploring and enjoying a different dimension in your personality, or even enhancing it.
You can help me by liking this blog post and liking my facebook page.
You can help by suggesting any particular styles, material or designers you are interested in and I promise to bring you that and better.

Lastly, I am pretty sure, socializing with 10-20 other pals (fashion-istas or aspiring ones) and/or strangers will leverage your interests and boost your networking arena.
Hope to see you there.

Petty but pretty nostalgic!

Everytime I visit this city, Mumbai, it feels the same, looks like the same queen albeit adorned with a new necklace or a pretty darn makeover. It doesnot seem to age at all. Its as if time never passed by. All the memories of childhood and the beeming teens, return with the same charm that i cherished during the times when that time was present and when those events happened.
The nostalgia attached to these trivial events has always been a mystery to me and more mysterious is the feeling of this attachment staying strong with each passing year, and not aging with time.
Mumbai, no matter how much i complain of the polluted air, the traffucked highways, the trash on the streets and the growing poverty, you are still my bestest!
Some petty but pretty nostalgic unforgettable memories are -

I) The corner book-store that sold magazines and kadambaris and diwali ankas (pardon my marathi usage, friends, the essence of vileparle, the town where i live, doesnt mean the same if i translate the local lingo to english terms). These not-so-well bound and not so glossy paper magazines just gave enough meat to the times i was growing up, to know what was around, what was deemed to be dignified and what was not.
II) The corner cobbler shop that i frequented often to repair the heels of my favorite sandals or the eye of my favorite slide. The BATA shoe shop was the only popular shop then and everlasting shoes housed in there. Needless to say, they were never my taste but there was little say i could exercise since i wasnt the penny-earner. In addition, those were the times when I could envision maximum one or two pair of shoes. Of course, these needed to last for as long as time immemorial or until the time they didnt serve the purpose of being shoes or i outgrew them, and that is how BATA had grown to be the household name. Now back to the cobbler shop. I do not remember how and why i was friends with that cobbler and now when i pass his shop and peek out from the auto rickshaw, trying to spot him, I see the same shop, perched at the corner alley or rather the covered gutter but not surprisingly, the owner has changed. Maybe he passed on his skill to his clan? I am just glad the shop still exists, for my memory to stay fresh and linger on.
III) The thatched roofed vada pav stall and its mouthwatering aroma is something i will never forget. The stall was always crowded, surrounded by people waiting their turn to dig into those mouth watering burgers. I remember overlooking the cleanliness of the pot that housed the over-boiled oil for its umpteenth time, the batter smeared hands never washed or wiped with a not so clean wash-cloth ever so often, most of all, the delicious yellow potato dumplings full to the brim in that pot.
IV) The sweet mart that always was successful in alluring me with its verkha covered multi-colored sweet balls, mithai, kaju katli and well-lit glass shelves. These deep-fried foodies, then, didnt tickle any of my “weight-watchers” conscience i have grown to embrace today.
V) The “ladies” tailor shop that indicated a NO-GO sign during Diwali season. I still have no clue how the poor tailor perched on his chair, taking down the measurements of those 20-30 odd clamoring women, stayed calm through the bickering, ranting and just the presence of 20 women talking at the same time! He still had the best kaarigar, the best designs and the best service and no wonder even now when i visit my mom’s house, i prefer to spend time at his shop waiting my turn, than, find someone new!
VI) The nook where the boys used to hang a.k.a. the adda! Nothing more i could say then, i was bashful, the batting of eyes and the glow on the cheeks as we girls based that nook, had its own story to tell. Till today, the adda is the same,the faces have changed.
VII) The ice-cream shopee selling chickoo milkshake and sitaphal icecream, no other place have i tasted those flavors. Everytime i visit mumbai, i make a trip to this shopee.
VIII) The road-side jeera goli seller cart, that helped me fill up my pinafore pockets during school recess time. My all-time favorite savory, sweet munchies that i still buy jars full of. Thankfully, they are available everywhere.
IX) The shaven ice truck a.k.a GOLAA! Yumm!!!! An all year round completely inexpensive, tasty icey, the vendor used to shout GOLAAA trucking his cart in our lane. That was just enough for us to run down, paying 50 paisa – 75 paisa, asking for a new or favorite flavor everyday and spending 10-15 minutes sipping and stroking the ice, until none was left, and then feeling proud as to who got the most-colored lips and tongue.
X) The favorite hangout in front of the Ram Temple! To pray, to say thankyou every evening to ganpati bappa and the other idols in the temple was a mere reason to get channa-mungfali from the shop across the road, and to sit in the verandah of the temple and engage in bird-watching!
XI) Finally, the charm of the auto-rickshaw, this open-sided 3 wheeler, is like a partially covered, 3 seater scooter that could play your favorite bollywood songs, sometimes blasting JHANKAR beats and Bappi-da tunes while driving you to your destination! The young romantics prefer the coziness of this mean of public transport while enjoying their favorite mithun-da and govinda and shahrukh numbers.

Mumbai .. I live you, one day at a time. I wish to continue to drink you through my memories, and through my frequent visits to my mother-land.
To my favorite city, I sing, “Woh kal bhi saath saathi thi, woh aaj bhi kareeb hai.”
You will always stay close to my heart.

December Trunk Show – The Holiday Charm!

As I embark on this adventure of bringing in the best to my fashionista friends, please check below on details of the December Trunk show and get yourself acquainted with whats coming…

To all my dear friends, colleagues and well-wishers:
I am very excited preparing for the trunk showcase on Dec 9th. To ring in the holiday cheer and jingle the shopping bells well ahead of the busy and crowded shopping lanes, let us all get together, rejoice and make merry amongst some great company, socialize, lighten up the spirits with some wine and cheese and indulge in shopping for all us, our friends and more.

To add in a more spice and sweetness to this merry basket of fun, I will be adding in great items of girls clothing wearing sizes 5 to 6x. I am sure that many of you will find immense pleasure shopping for your dolls.
Of course, as much as i love dressing up the little dudettes, i would like to do something special for the little dudes as well. Do let me know if the charming prince-dudes of yours, need their shopping basket filled up as well, and I promise to make their mommies happy as well. :-)

There will also be a table setting for accessories. Now doesn’t that complete the ensemble, eh? :-)

To sum it all, all you gorgeous ladies get a chance to pamper yourself with great designer-wear fashions of fall and winter trends, holiday shopping for your little ones and accessorizing your loot.

My dear friend, Ruchika will be charming hostess of this fun-filled shopping extravaganza. She will be hosting it at her house, conveniently located in Sunnyvale, off Lawrence, not very far from El Camino Real. She is very much looking forward to entertaining you all at her humble abode!

Hoping you all can make it and take advantage of this awesome opportunity to shop amidst great company and heart-warming food and drinks.

Glimpse of the collection can be found here:
https://picasaweb.google.com/116966461412581305437/Dec2011?authkey=Gv1sRgCPmIlcfizO-c7wE

Here is my evite link:
http://new.evite.com/#view_invite:eid=021ENC2ZTL7RSYAK4EPA6VAWROBXRY

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Drop me a line if you would like to take a peek into my previous trunk show collection.
Please spread the word to your friends, since you all will agree with, “More is always Merrier”.

Best and Peace, Nishi.

If you like my work, my collection and support my steps in this direction to help my friends, do drop me a line or like this post.

A passion for the wardrobe!

Ever since I knew that I could venture in the fashion industry, I have loved every single moment of being in it. Being chic, being fashionable, having a sense of appropriateness and style has always been a nerve racking challenge for me even though, i, not boasting, am quite good at it (and i, must say, I have references to offer as well). This challenge has pushed me in prodding into this arena time and again, and today, I stand, with this business proposal.
I do not proclaim me to be all-knowing of this industry, but I am well aware of its most current trends, delights and pleasures and I listen to my peers. In a way, I am always on my heels, always riding the favorite and most sought-out horse at the derby! Some say, this is a winner’s log!

Few days ago, I evite-d friends and colleagues to a Trunk Show at “mi casa”. It was the first step to know if i had understood the needs and aspirations of the few I sought out, to look at what i had to offer, my “pizza-slice” view of fashion, and if i have even come close to clearly reading the people i am surrounded by. Needless to say, it was a success! *Blush*

All the folks who came out to the show and purchased the items, went home glamorized in their own true way.
‘Glamorama’ is what i called it. Then, if that, in the future turns into “Nishi’s Niche” .. so be it :) But that is still a long way to go.

My show attendees loved my trunk, they asked for more, they almost placed their orders for the next event, subtly, a sign, that i have stepped in the right direction.
What I love to do the most, is to help whoever needs help! In this case, my help will be carried out by listening to my clients’ moans, groans and peppy tunes, studying the characteristics, scaling out their existing wardrobe to maybe an unknown, unseen level, but still be-fitting their personality.
I feel humans have the strangest ways of telling what and how they feel and think; in the way, they talk (obviously), in the way their body talks (body language), in they way their facial expressions make 365 different signs and ultimately, what they drape themselves in. All of these ways together help me study my client and its more than a pleasure for me to know and accordingly serve his or her needs.

I have embarked on this new path and the appalling success of the small, first step has given me the right signs; to take the next one. The next step, will, definitely be covering a larger dimension and I promise that my motivation and love for this trade will help in adding a lot of quality, and affordable style to everyone’s wardrobe.

I truly believe, whatever you possess, material or not, should be something you can embrace and hold dear for a long time. It eventually becomes a substantial and loving part of your journey in this life. If it does not last for more than six months, if it does not please your senses for more than six months, then, it was never meant to be yours. Same as in human relationships, although i, personally would not make the mistake of waiting that long to size that!

So, my quest, is help my client to identify, leverage and ornate (in a way that brings out the true self) his or her identity via his or her wardrobe. A wardrobe that would, hopefully, single you out from the crowd, in its own simple and elegant, or bombastic and bold, or sexy and flamboyant manner, then, whatever is your taste, whatever that defines you.

I am here, to bring out the “you” in “you”. All of us are successful in this life, doing what we do, being who we are. The wardrobe, is a mere expression that adorns the “you” with just the right jewels. Each one of us yearns to “stand out”. We either know it and act on it or we know it and discard it as been too self-involved. Even the most intelligent and not so fashion conscious would hope to make their presence felt in a crowd of 100 or 1000 before they utter their first word that would then, end up revolutionizing the world!
The wardrobe, in this case, is a mere an extension (but not just superficial) of your own thoughts that is able to step out and extend from within your inside and glorify your self-esteem and proclaim you and your precious pearls of wisdom to this world.

I want to help. I believe each one of us today is conscious of our inner wisdom, our skills and strengths, and also realize that these need to presented well , not just for a return value but largely for your own personal satisfaction.
Most times, our smartness and intelligence drives our personalities to start conveying messages without us formal verbal introductions, with the help of the right attire.
We all are educated enough to make these choices and decision ourselves of what suits us, what is charming; wouldnt you like it if there was “me”, who would take this decision making off your plate and still leave you very fulfilled and satisfied ? I want to help you step your day to day life, up a notch. I love to help. I love to dress up, me and you.

If you would like to participate/attend/help with my next Trunk show, or if you just like my attitude, drop me a line or “like” this post. I showcase my trunk in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Sparkling the latin sequin…

Modeling for my dance dress designer.

I enjoy the essence of sheer,
I enjoy the subtlety of an edge, a pose.
I respect the creativity of the mind,
I respect that a hand at work can create so many miracles.

It started with a fabric, an interest.
It continued with emphatic discussions on the multitude possibilities.
It peaked with a couple of trials, many re-stitches and some more adjustments.
It excelled with a fit that was flawless, like a flow of that river that carves its own svelte turn.

I am in awe of the prospects that life has to offer,
I am blessed to have a fulfilling lifestyle.
I hope to strive, to progress, to satisfy my thirst,
I succumb to embracing new avenues, new ideas.

P.S. If you enjoy latin and rumba or samba or the works, and would like to know more about my designer, contact me. She designed this outfit for me. You will be happy to know you did.

Sacajawea – 1

It wasnt as dark as she hoped it to be, it was a bit tenebrious. She imagined candle lights, scented maybe, maybe some dainty tea lights flickering away in the distance. Instead, she saw a dimming wick of a lamp creating a certain uncertain imagery of a happening that did not possess a definite form yet. She took her next step. The door shut behind her. For a moment she gasped. The moment was over and she couldn’t believe it, that the uncertain imagery of a distant happening had taken over her self so much that she had lost her being in that moment when her hand had reached for the door knob, closing it almost in a vindictive manner. She sighed a relief as soon as she felt her heart race.

The bed wasnt made but wasnt slept in yet. It was decently robed. She hadnt imagined satin but she had hopes for rose petals. Yes, she was a dreamer. Yes, she was a romantic. Yes, she was enticed.
Maybe, in love? Maybe, a devil inside a curious mind? Maybe, a lion inside a rabbit coat?
She made her way to the bed-side table. Books always lured her. There was a certain unorganized stack that drew her attention. She was focussed enough to read and store the author names’ in her unforgettable memory stash as swiftly as a mouse would make way towards its hiding hole on being held hostage in a torch-light. As she glanced and flipped through the pages, a little piece of note, written in ink, not type-written, made its way to her focal point. Her big, black eyes glistened in that dimming lamp light as her curiosity heightened. She pulled the note from under the book and hurriedly opened it. It was indeed self-written in the neatest of handwriting. She read to herself.
Every word lightened up her aura and seemed to glamorize it. She felt light as a feather, with happiness, with enthusiasm to read its contents. She couldnt contain herself, she found herself re-reading it. It was a mere 10-liner. It said all that she had hoped before she walked into that room, during the long walk down the hallway, nail-biting, struggling with her ruffled cardigan and the fluff of the silky mane that made across her forehead and swept across her left eye. Her heart was now racing. A feeling of heaviness sunk her or so it seemed. It was almost like she was sailing away in the wind and now suddenly after the tide had taken over her ship, it had to get buried under, almost sunk under the strength and force of nature.

This sinking was desirable though. She seemed to love it. Atleast her actions denoted that.
She had now a new name. Sacajawea! She had heard stories from history of this character but she refused to attach those stories with her character and that made it all the more mysterious.
Why Sacajawea? Why not, Indiana or Penny or Zoey or Nicole or Rihaana? The thoughts crossed her mind so swiftly that she didnt bother to arrange those names in any particular order or scrutinize their applicability anymore.
She fancied Sacajaweah, moreso, because it came from the note; that note that was addressed to her; the sole maiden who had entered that room; who had accepted its indistinct quality as a magnificient mystery; as a enticing melody; who was ready to float with its rhythm, to embrace and maybe overpower whatever that was holding itself for her.

Sacajawea, she had become. She put the note back on the table and started to button down. She reached for the lace, the ribbons, the buttons were done undone in no time. It didnt take that long to do so, it was never meant to. The idea of clothing had a completely different meaning for this maiden. The flowy robes now lay scattered, there were just a few.

This girl; before she took on to be Sacajawea, had never been the shy gal. She wasnt the one to hide or be ashamed of. She was poignant, she was confident, she was beautiful.
She was pretty and ordinary at the same time. She was truly extraordinary in that sense.
Her self shone like an uncut diamond, its glisten was evident from far and yonder. Her charm was skin-deep. Her smile was charismatic. Her eyes could convey multitudes of emotions, a whirlpool that could mesmerize any weak soul! Her innocence conquered lots of hearts and at the same time, the wittiness of her actions and smartness of her moves won her many awards alongwith a bountiful of men on her side. Not to forget, how attractive she looked. Robed or not, she had a perfect body, not heavily bosomed, but still a perfect number scale, that any man or woman for that matter, would love to cast his or her eyes on, hope to get a chance to drink and cherish its sweetness and thank this nature for its abundance.

She was that wealth that any man would love to possess and hoping not to lose.

That was one of the big reasons she had made it to this room!

To be continued …

No, woman, nuh cry (2 of 4)

Poem – 2 reminds me of the famous Bob Marley & The Wailers rendition “No, woman, nuh cry“.
Every day brings in smiles to our faces along with tears to our eyes. Some tears are of happiness and some of sadness. The ones of sadness are the ones talked about in this poem. Try not to be sad, my friend, try to keep them tears away. We all are confronted with hardships as we roller coaster through life, hence, my friend, do not be harsh on yourself since we all are destined to serve our time on the “down” side of life. .

“Jab jab dard ka baadal chaya
Jab ghum ka saya lehraya
Jab aansoo palkon tak aya
Jab yeh tanha dil ghabraya

Humne dil ko yeh samjhaya
Dil aakhir tu kyun rota hai
Duniya mein yunhi hota hai

Yeh jo gehre sannate hain
Waqt ne sabko hi baante hain
Thoda ghum hai sabka qissa
Thodi dhoop hai sabka hissa
Aankh teri bekaar hi nam hai
Har pal ek naya mausam hai
Kyun tu aise pal khota hai
Dil aakhir tu kyun rota hai”

Courtesy:

http://bollyspice.com/24944/imraans-shaaryiipoetry-from-zindagi-na-milegi-dobara

The secret love (1 of 4)

Recently, I watched the Indian bollywood film “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara”. The gorgeous poetry of the famous lyricist Javed Akhtar struck a cord. Each and every word of the 4 poems in this film has a fuller than life meaning and i was motivated to post them to my blog, as a reminder to self of the meaning of life, love, friendship and this journey in togetherness as a whole, living each moment knowing that the time will never return.

Poem – 1 is about “The secret love” … that affection that cannot be spoken of, for reasons unknown, known, accepted and consciously ignored. Time and again, we have fallen in these dark pits, dark because it almost seems there seems to be “no light at the end of the tunnel”. And again, we fall and our life enriches just acknowledging that this heart carried the desire to feel special about someone.

“Ik baat honton tak hai jo aayi nahin
Bas ankhon say hai jhaankti
Tumse kabhi, mujhse kabhi
Kuch lafz hain woh maangti
Jinko pehanke honton tak aa jaaye woh
Aawaaz ki baahon mein baahein daalke ithlaye woh
Lekin jo yeh ik baat hai
Ahsas hi ahsas hai

Khushboo si hai jaise hawa mein tairti
Khushboo jo be-aawaaz hai
Jiska pata tumko bhi hai
Jiski khabar mujhko bhi hai
Duniya se bhi chupta nahin
Yeh jaane kaisa raaz hai”

Courtesy:

http://bollyspice.com/24944/imraans-shaaryiipoetry-from-zindagi-na-milegi-dobara

The “indian look” Folio …

This post is a first, minimum attempt at a portfolio, unprofessional as it may seem, of a culture; varied, beautiful and uncompassable, some values and traditions that I am terribly proud of. The richness of the diversity, the vibrance of the colors, speak for itself through emotions as subtle as a raindrop balancing itself on a leaf to as emphatic as an axe-kick during a tae-kwon-do spalling!

This is but a small attempt in bringing forth what a few camera clicks, the right mood and just the right smile can do to a simple picture, adorned with glorious jewels of the South Asian (Indian) Culture.

I sincerely believe, when one is at peace, when one is happy, the joy-sparks even though seeming ephemeral, are able to turn a smile into a grin spreading across the face, stretching from ear to ear. The eyes speak mysterious but beautiful stories, the waves tumultous through the locks of the hair as if rhythmic, the body glistens like tear drops. The smell of sandalwood fills up the room and in the fastest of the shutter-speed, you witness none other than, A GAZELLE, fleeing through the room.
A transient moment, turns into an EVENT!, never to be forgotten.

I am ready for center-stage… any takers? :-)

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*Credits: To the generous cameraman who relentlessly helped me pursue my interest through the wee hours of the night. Yes, these pictures havent been blessed by the crispness of a day-light and hence I am proud of the work and therefore apt are the credits!

Any comments of encouragement or towards enhancement in work are most welcome.

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