Shopping with Jabong.com

I first heard of Jabong.com when I admired a pretty pair of flats on a cousin’s feet at a party. When she told me that she had bought them online I was intrigued because while I shop (too much) online for books, jewellery and technology, I am very reluctant to try out clothes and shoes. The whole ‘What-it-it-doesn’t-fit’ scenario and the rigmarole behind trying to exchange it and get a refund consistently puts me off.

Jabong.com recently contacted me to review their site and I jumped at the opportunity to try it out. I have to say that they have a lot of products on their site and priced very reasonably, too. I looked through their jewellery collection first, because I am a necklace-kind-of-girl. Then I looked through handbags and clutches. Then, I moved on to clothes. The site has a very good range of tops, kurtis and semi-formal, office wear. I kept coming back to this beautiful (I love roll-up sleeves) top, which would work well for daywear or a family outing.

 

When I added the product to the cart, the ‘colour’ was shown different from that on the model. I really didn’t want that purple colour in that little box…

I added a couple of other colours to the cart and they didn’t match either, so I decided to take a chance on my first choice and get it anyway.

The ordering and payment process was painless and went through seamlessly. Delivery is expected in 10-11 days; I’ll update this post once I receive my top.

Have you shopped at Jabong? What has been your experience?

Bandhini Home

I came across these handcrafted cushions from Bandhini Home in a magazine recently. The Phulkari designs reworked in a contemporary way caught my attention, but these natural, textural ones are also truly lovely. Coconut shell buttons, neem sticks, embroidery – these are some of my favourites.

The Necklace Cushion: Coconut Shells and hand work on a raw cotton base

The Serengeti Cushion

Check out the full range here.

Diwali offerings from India Circus

I’m loving the look of these goodies from India Circus – just in time for the festive season. Brassy votive holders, sling bags in pretty, pretty patterns and colours and a whole gorgeous range of iphone covers. Of course, there are also the cushion covers and other decor accessories which make India Circus such a popular brand. These are some of my favourites from their latest additions.

Jalebi Pink Tree Warli Doormat

Jalebi Hot Air Balloon Sling Bag

Browse through their new additions here.

Mughal Jaali Notebooks from 61c

I’ve long been a fan of 61c. Have you seen their products? The paper is of a good quality and the designs are contemporary and charming. I was delighted to see a new range of stationery that is in store right now. The Mughal Jaali range is inspired by the delicate screens of intricate design that you find in Mughal architecture. The notebooks and cards look like they are covered in lace. Doesn’t this inspire you to pick up that long-forgotten pen and write a note or two (or even better, break into verse)?

See the full range here.

AA Living – New range of bedspreads

AA Living has a new range of throws and bedspreads which add a touch of luxury and glamour to a utilitarian necessity. This black and white throw, for example, would look lovely anywhere, whether on a sofa or a bed. Why, I might even be tempted to use it as a shawl or stole!

The range of hand-stitched quilts is made from organic cotton, while “the special Matelassé weave brings forward the magnificence of its self-quilting with the lustrous feel of silk.”

To view the 2013 Fall range, visit AA Living

Me Gusta Plates

Me Gusta is a ceramics company based in Mumbai started by Rishi Dalal and his wife. They create the loveliest plates, platters and dinnerware. These simple and elegant designs would fit into any colour scheme. You can eat on them or better still, hang them on a wall so you can admire the delicate lines even more.

 

See more here. All images copyright Me Gusta.

Shop of the Week: Little Ones Doodles

I enjoy the elephant-themed goodies in this shop. Choose from lovely storage baskets, clutches, cushion covers and coasters

See more products here.

The Flavours of India – in a chocolate bar

I love the packaging of these India-inspired chocolates by Filter.



The only colour image I could find was this one:

I’m putting Filter on my list of places to visit when I’m next in Bombay, hopefully soon. Have you been yet?
Images via Filter on FB

Kanhai

I recently heard from Mukta of Kanhai, a store that has been “playing around with glass beads, brass wire and acrylic for almost a decade now.”

A look at their website reveals beautiful beaded accessories for you and your home. From hair pins to curtain tie-backs, to garden accessories and even Christmas ornaments, they have a lovely range to choose from.

I especially like their pumpkin lamps

Turtle paperweight

Visit their website for more of their lovely products including the ball light.

Images courtesy Kanhai Facebook Page. Thanks, Mukta!

Love…Pondicherry

Pondicherry is a US-based site that has the most gorgeous range of products in their online store. I spend a considerable amount of time repinning stuff from their Pinterest page.

The products on Pondicherry are from “artists and designers inspired by India, as well as other countries in South Asia.”

Pondicherry ships worldwide, so go take a look at their shop. Then, if you have more time on your hands, browse through their Pinterest Boards!

All images credits Pondicherry

It’s Map-time, folks!

I’m in love with these map-inspired bespoke products from Bombus UK. They have so many different patterns and ideas – there’s something for every occasion. I was amazed to know that these maps are not from vintage atlases. Neither are they hi-res digital photocopies or scanned prints. These are hand-drawn by their in-house illustrator. Isn’t that amazing?! Read an interview with Esther here, to understand the process a bit more.

The ones below are my favourite.

Love letters card

Vintage-map birds

Map books

Vintage map cards

Bombus has a lot more than maps. But that is a whole post altogether.

Visit Bombus here for inspiration. Images via the Bombus website.

The Little Silk Road Shop

Based out of Bukhara, Uzbekistan, The Little Silk Road Shop specialises in beautiful hand-made Suzanis. They produce suzani bags, carpets, jackets and kilims among other things.

From their website:

Our contemporary products Suzani textile is hand-embroidered by women incorporating designs traditionally used in the 18th and 19th centuries in the towns of Uzbekistan. We also produce and sell different kind of embroideries with different motives and designs. In our collection there is also a big amount of suzanies from 1970's and 1980's ( Vintage Suzanis) which are going to become rare in our days.

Azizbek Gulyamov, owner of The Little Silk Road Shop assures me that they do international deliveries. Do pop in to their Facebook page to see more of these painstakingly made, colourful and gorgeous creations.

Photo credit The Little Silk Road Shop

Indian Myra

I recently heard from the folks at Indian Myra and I’m delighted to feature them on Frangipani Decor. Indian Myra was born “to showcase the sheer beauty of India exemplified through Indian fashion & lifestyle products.” The store (currently ships only to the US but has plans to expand elsewhere soon) indeed has a large range of beautiful jewellery, Indian fashion and lifestyle products.

They have many items on sale as well, some with significant discounts, so if you are looking for Indian jewellery, beautiful clutches or stoles, take a look at the selection at Indian Myra.

Here are some of my favourites.

Indian Myra also has a blog with information on fashion, jewellery and glimpses of their products from their customers. I was especially intrigued by a post on how to wear one sari with many different kind of blouses – you never know when that kind of information might come in handy!

You can also find Indian Myra on Facebook and Pinterest.

Images via Indian Myra.com

{Giveaway} Aporv’s 2nd birthday

I recently featured Aporv and their selection of elegant and handpicked jewellery and home decor items. I was delighted to hear that Aporv is turning two – Happy Birthday! To celebrate the milestone, the store is offering a free handmade diary (worth INR 450) with every purchase (irrespective of the price) made until 5 June (or until stocks last). Visit this page to find out more and take another look at Aporv’s stock of lovely things.

Happy birthday, Aporv. And thank you for giving us a present :)

Design des Troy

Design Des Troy is a San Francisco based graphic design studio created by Samantha and Owen Troy. I was fortunate to win one of their mini-calendars earlier this year.

The Troys create a range of beautiful, hand-printed products. My favourites include this set of four pocket notebooks

…their argyle greeting cards and gift tags

They have lots more lovely stuff over at their Etsy shop. Thanks to the Troys and The BrightSideProject for the giveaway. I am enjoying my calendar!

Shopo.in

You’ve surely heard of Shopo.in, a popular online destination where you can browse through (and purchase) beautiful, hand-made or organic products from artisans and entrepreneurs in India. Think of it as an Indian version of Etsy, perhaps.

I subscribe to the Shopo newsletter and their recent editions of curated items is a treat to look at. I was delighted to see the range of beautiful soaps they have on the site. Soaps are not something I would hunt for on a site like Shopo (I’d go to the jewellery section first :) but if you were on the lookout for fragrant or organic beauty aids, go online and take a look.

(Images link to the featured product on the Shopo website.)

Image copyright Shopo.in