All Posts By

Sonal Maherali

How to wear, charm and style your Saree like a boss

Wearing a Saree is an art. Like sculpting or cooking. Only that in this case, your body is the canvas, and the 9-yard cloth is your brush.

And just like painting, there are a dozen ways to wear your saree and today, I request your unbridled attention to pester you with my favorite.

With that said, lets go painting. Shall we?

So, I learnt how to wear my first Saree from my mother and over time, I caught on, and with lots of practice, got better at it, 9 yards at a time.

So let’s get into into how I do it.

1. To start you off, you need a petticoat, a blouse, a couple of safety pins and and the Saree. I got my petticoat and blouse from my tailor which is easy because they were tailored for my body.

Hack 1: Always wear your shoes- heels are preffered- before you start the intricate draping.

Hack 2: The part of the cloth that has the embroidery (non-pallu) on the bottom should be the wrap-around. The part that is fully embroidered goes over your shoulder.

Hack 3: A chiffon or a georgette saree with a thin border works best because of its form-fitting texture.

2. Wear your petticoat below the belly bottom and wrap the non-bordered Saree around you waistline, while tucking it into the tight petticoat

3. Take the remaining part of the saree and toss it around your waist like the initial round, except you need to do the tuck at least above four or five inches from the first one. Leave a bit of length which you will use to make pleats.

4 . Hold your second wrap-around securely below your waist with a safety pin.

5. Now, make pleats on the front and in the process fold the saree near the left waist to show the border in an extra pleat, hold the pleats into place with a safety pin then tuck the pleats in the center.

6. Hold the pallu end , bring it over the bosom under arms and take the short end over the right shoulder from front to back and secure it with a pin

You can now twirl around and step out like the enchantress you were always meant to be.

Or at least, like I did:

But that’s pretty basic right? There is a twist to it. I paired it with a matching blazer and a belt while using the Pallu end as my scarf.

Head over to my Youtube channel for the complete tutorial and do not forget to leave your thoughts on this.

Until next time,

Love and lite.

Monday, May 13, 2019 by Sonal Maherali

Fashion, Uncategorized

A Cult Beauty makeup and skincare haul

It’s been a minute since we got down to a skin-care haul eh?

I recently picked up a few items off Cult beauty and to say that I have not been fiddling with, and looking forward to using them would be a flying understatement.

And because we decided 2019 is not the year we waste time, lets dive into into the gems I picked:

A Huda Beauty Rose Gold eyeshadow pallete

With over 18 different shades to pick from, this will leave you feeling like a kid in a candy store- and thereafter, leave you looking like candy!

Huda Beauty overachiever concealer

Although I’m not very big on Huda Beauty foundation, I’m super curious about trying out their overachiever concealer.

I will share the looks either on Instagram or on the channel. Stay tuned.

Laura Mercier Translucent setting powder

This is like stardust. I use it to set my under eye make-up and I’m blown away every time.

The powder is formulated from micro-refined silica which in effect masks those blemishes and wrinkles leaving you looking like you took a dip in the elixir of life.

And you probably did.

I also got Huda Beauty easy bake setting powder in poundcake, a better-than-sex-mascara for the (afflicted) sisters- so that you can at least lay something. Haha, glitter and glow liquid eye shadows in three shades and a setting spray by Morphe.

In no particular order: Huda Beauty Rose Gold Remastered eyeshadow Palette, Huda Beauty Easy Bake powder, Laura Mercier Translucent setting powder, Morphe Setting spray, NYX Can’t Stop Wont Stop Foundation and Anastasia Beverly Hills Pro series kit.

The haul also included a Dr Dennis sunblock. Vouched as a sunscreen that will undo signs of skin damage with its anti-aging factors, and combines that with its ability to lighten dark spots.

The sun block from Dr Dennis that I cant wait to put on my face.

And for the first time, I will get to try a Dr Dennis Gross Ferulic+ Retinol wrinkle recovery peel that has some mad reviews across the interweb. I will sharing mine in the coming days.

Dennis Gross Ferulic Retinol peel satchets vouched as the best way to super-charge your anti-aging regimen.

To go with it, is a Ferulic+retinol eye cream below:

An eye cream from Dr Dennis Gross

And a wrinkle recovery overnight serum, which although not cheap is worth your every lira, judging from the reviews,

Dr Dennis Gross wrinkle recovery overnight serum

Your girl also got two sets of brushes from Morphe; One, The Eye Master Collection eye brushes which is a collaboration between Morphe and Jaclyn Hill. And two, a set of five complexion brushes from The Complexion Master Collection.

The duo is quaint and eye-catching and I hope its as easy on the face as it is on the eyes.

The quaint brushes; forged off a collaboration between Morphe and Jaclyn Hill.

Lastly, I got the Pixi Glow Tonic , praised as a cult classic that will leave your skin radiant, beautiful and soft by dissolving the dead cells on your skin’s surface.

Take my money, Pixi!

A Pixi glow tonic and a mud cleanser to go with it.

A Pixi glow tonic and a mud cleanser by Pixi to go with it.

As usual, please head over to my Youtube channel for a more in-depth haul and do not forget to leave your nice (ish) comments.

You can also watch the video below:

I’m definitely looking forward to trying out the products and sharing the results with you.

See you in the next post

Love and lite.

Monday, April 29, 2019 by Sonal Maherali

Fashion

For the love of the culture: My Masai attire and the vibe behind it

As an Indian, I draw some cheeky pleasure in knowing that, even though I was born and brought up in Kenya, and I am thoroughly Kenyan, the Indian heritage in me still remains very much represented in Kenya by way of the magnificent Indian Ocean .

Cooling with girls in Diani about a week ago.

Cooling with the girls in Diani about a week ago.

The Indian Ocean, obviously, is one of Kenya’s biggest tourist attractions and I cannot resist the urge to hit the white shores every year for that much needed sun and sand and breezy sojourn.

And, for the last two weeks or so, I have been having a blast here. Surrounded by this massive mass of water from all sides, my legs nestled in the warm sand, my hair blowing away in the breeze and my mind totally blown.

And because I am as Kenyan as Ilhan Omar is American, I had to rock this uniquely Kenyan attire that is instantly recognizable from any corner of the Earth – The Maasai regalia.

I am a firm believer in heritage and carrying along one’s identity every where you go and since I am a Nairobian, in the City of the Swahili dishes, I had to let it be known that I am a proud Nairobian. To all that cared.

And thus, the unique Maasai attire that symbolizes the City of Nairobi. A bit of history, Nairobi was named so by ancestral Maasais and the name is from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nyrobi that loosely translates to ‘ Cool Waters’.

Unfortunately, the cool waters that the Maasai saw in Nairobi over a Century ago are no longer existent in the City under the Sun.

But at least, I am in the midst of not-so-cool waters. But massive blue waters, nonetheless.

And in memory of my City, I pay tribute to the Maasai culture, one of Africa’s most formidable and everlasting cultures, by rocking this indefatigable and inscrutable look.

Queen of the Cool Waters. In the coolest attire!

P.S

I post here weekly, but I’m super active on the gram where I share cute stories on life, love and work on a daily basis.

I think we should connect. And we should.

Follow me: Officialsonalmaherali

Thursday, April 18, 2019 by Sonal Maherali

Fashion

A leather pants lookbook

It’s been a minute.

Your girl has been off the grid but is now back. With fresh content. For your optical nourishment.

Today, on Sonal Slays, we are talking leather pants.

Leather pants are a whole lot of work – There is a lot you’ve gotta do to rock ‘em and a lot you need to NOT do. Cus, baby, they’re leather pants and they need the right accessorizing and a whole lot of attention to detail.

First off, you obviously know that you should NOT rock this look to work (doesn’t matter where you work and whether your boss drinks on a daily). Tongue-in-cheek.

But you can rock them pants anywhere else, for anything else, with anyone else for anything else.

Nothing screams sexy quite like these pants … Cus they don’t just hug that body just the way you like it, they accentuate your backside (I’d say bottom) and leave you rockin’ like the Bonang Matheba you are!

It’s a fierce look, a sexy look, a vivacious look and a goddamn spunky look.

So, we jump right in?

Look 1: All that glitters is sometimes gold? Lol

Look your fiercest with this unforgivably sexy silver plunge top that not only draws more attention to your pants but leaves the boys coming to the yaaaaaard! Just like Kelis.

Outfit Details: Top: Zara, Pants: &other stories, Shoes: Christian Louboutin

A black and white duet, because life needs balance?

But sometimes, you don’t wanna blind them haters too much and are looking for a less dramatic day – This is the look you go for. Vivacious but still demure. Ebullient but still serious. The white top, paired off with these milk-white Loubs, never goes wrong. Even when you are wrong.

Top Old Zara, Pants: &other stories , Shoes: Christian Louboutin

Look 3: Sometimes, all-black is good when you need to blot out the sun, or absorb it?

Look all fresh and sassy and snappy in all black. Head to toe. Be playful in sheer. Like a random Beyonce appearance on the Coachella stage. Ready to kill it … But with kindness, of course. And make sure the heel is open toe, cos there is no way you are looking all this black without flashing those delightful, gorgeous toes.

WhatsApp Image 2019-04-17 at 12.59.53 PM (1)

Top: Zara, Pants: &other stories, shoes: Galleria by Louboutin

Look 4: Totally okay to play around with some color, because your dark sense of humour needs it.

Its not sacrilegious to add a little pop to your pants. Sprinkle some color. It is the spice of life anyways.

Leather Pants – &other stories ,Body Suit: Zara , Shoes Hangisi Manolo Blahnik

Look 5: And a look you can rock to a date?

You know when you want to make a statement with your arrival? This is right up that alley.

WhatsApp Image 2019-04-17 at 12.59.51 PM (1)

Top: Zara ,Pants: &other storrs ,Shoes- Asos ,Ring- H&M

Like I said, these leather pants gel so well with anything you throw on. Like, anything. Long as you can accessorize right. And get the colors working just right. You’re ready to be a leather pants connoisseur. You just need to be wary of the heat though. You don’t want your bottom bursting into flames as you strut across the malls in Kileleshwa. Haha

As usual, catch the whole Lookbook below and do not forget so subscribe to my Youtube channel.

Thursday, April 18, 2019 by Sonal Maherali

Fashion

Love and oh so much sun: Vacation with the girls

It’s been a hectic year so far (I know, I know, it has only been three months). But seriously, 2019 kicked off on such a high voltage note, I have been up and down so much, between shoots and travels and all that stuff, it’s definitely worn me down.

Just like it would anyone, right??

Well, I have deiced to take a break, rejuvenate my body, clear up my mind, go off the camera, de-clutter my life and take a well-deserved vacation. With them kids of course, right?

A movie poster anyone?

Vacays are one of man’s best inventions and boy , don’t’ we need them?

Especially if they happen in the furthest corners of the Earth, where the skies and the Oceans and the roads all work in unison to free your spirit and liven up your soul.

I am currently on a two-week Vacay at Kenya’s Coastal beaches where I took my little ones to bask in the Sun and to savor the clear-blue waters.

Alyssia, the third-born, has not exactly been the most excited of the vacay… you know, cos these kids don’t want to go anywhere if they are not tagging along their friends and capturing the moments in bomb selfies together.

But she’s getting used to the fun.

Annalise enjoying her well deserved school-holiday vacation

Eli and Annalise are obviously the most excited… From the moment we packed, to the drive to the Airport, the flight, everything. These kiddos are just giving this place life!

Eliyah, my last born, is always the fussy one and the one who actually helped me pack their bags.. Checking that we had stuffed every little matching dress and attire into the bags.

She almost caused a major fiasco outside the house when she remembered that we had forgotten to pack their color-rimmed sunglasses.

This trip would have been canceled. Until we got them little sunglasses on board.

At least we got most of everything in order. And they are not too clingy. So Mummy can wander away into the Sunset and just be herself. Alone. For a couple minutes.

Pure Bliss.

And now,a bunch of related images. For giggles.

I guess, I will be seeing you in a week’s time?

Be kind.

Tuesday, April 9, 2019 by Sonal Maherali

Fashion

Ramadan ready: A Ritu Kumar haul

The holiest month in the Muslim calendar is around the corner and, in a month’s time or so, Muslims the World over will be expected to observe a heightened scale of purity and supplication to Allah.

While fasting from dawn until sunset, Muslims typically refrain from consuming food, drinking liquids, smoking, and engaging in carnal relations.

They are also expected to refrain from sinful behavior that may negate the reward of fasting, such as false speech, violence, verbal attacks etc.

This is normally a glorious month that is famously said to have been the month when the Muslim Holy Book, the Quran, was handed to the religion’s Founder Prophet Muhammad.

Ramadan, as it is, tends to be observed with much seriousness and utmost solemnity but still, this should not be the reason why you should be all glum and blue all month.

Yeah, you could still fast, still pray, still observe the timetable and still show up looking like a snack for the Iftar snack. Ha! ha!

Best place to start is obviously with looking not just fabulous but also respectably so, right? I mean, you’re in the middle of a Holy Month and you cannot afford to show too much. Or be too much.

A Ritu Kumar maxi dress in baby blue. Beautiful!

And what better than the good, old Maxi dress?? It’s refreshingly loose, comes in bright colors, great fabric, accentuates your womanhood and of course, won’t make you too uncomfortable at the Iftar table.

And what’s a good Maxi dress without the appropriate shoe to go with it? A shoe that adorns your feet like a Crown on a Princess? A shoe that will make a statement and still, won’t put off the Wazees?

This one should work best … And, if you can get one in Purple, the better.

I mean, It’s about royalty, no?

It’s a month when we not only show our best side to Allah but also to the people around us…And because they cannot read our hearts, I guess it helps that they can read our moves.

And we better make a clear statement while at it.

Happy Ramadhan! In advance!

P.S

I did an entire Ritu Kumar haul on the channel. Watch it below and get your takeaways on how to box it during the holy month.

Wednesday, April 3, 2019 by Sonal Maherali

Fashion

A white pants lookbook

Nothing screams confidence and sexy like a clean, crisp pair of white pants.

A lot of women are not very sure on how to go about white pants. Or even whether to buy them or not. I mean, they are dirt magnets, they tend to really accentuate every feature of your lower body (lumps and all) and can give you hell when deciding what color of undies to wear.

But what the hell??? These sexy things can be a girl’s best friend if you know when to wear them, why, what to wear them with and of course, what material works for you.

Look 1: Girl-next-door

Nothing screams flirty like a well-matched pair of white pants. I would highly suggest this sort of look to go see Bae for a casual dinner hookup and bar-hop later in the night. This works perfectly for all settings. Bae will remain transfixed on you. And the boys the club will sure give you one too many thumbs ups. Too bad, you’re taken.

WhatsApp Image 2019-04-02 at 1.03.53 PM (1)

Outfit details: Top: Self Portrait, Shoes: Charles Keith, Earrings: &other stories

Look 2: The Wily Enchantress

Look scintillating in in white. You cannot go wrong in fringe. Especially if its white and in leather. You cannot go wrong in pearls. And you can definitely not go wrong stepping out like you are about to start a war. Charm your way up in white and walk into those meetings like they were a runway.

Pants: Zara , Earrings: Zara, Jacket: Ganni , Belt: Gucci , Shoes: Jimmy Choo

Look 3: Bellisima

A perfect opportunity to rock that flawless white pair of pants is when your girl, who you last saw at a drunken Rock concert three years ago, is back in town and wants to catch up over cocktails. You know she’s gonna be looking her best and you are not trying to upstage her.

Go for the white pants and this very minimalist top. And these dramatic shoes. Of course, this Louis Vuitton belt will get her gawking at you and wondering what you do nowadays. But that’s a story for another day.

WhatsApp Image 2019-04-02 at 1.03.49 PM (1)

Outfit details: Belt: Louis Vuitton, Shoes: Steve Madden, Top: Zara, Earrings: Zara

Look 4: A little play makes Joy happy. Haha

Sometimes its nice to look like you’re game. And ready for a little play. So, this certainly is the look. Unfortunately, this sort of look might get you attracting dirt like a toddler. But that depends with where you chose to go with it.

I would highly recommend that you don’t hit Ruaka (insert your local neighborhood) looking like this! Not with these Christian Louboutin sneakers! Or Kitengela. Village Market ?? Of course!

Outfit details: Teeshirt: & other stories, Jacket:All Saints, Belt: Hermes, Earings: H&M Moschino, Pants: Zara and shoes Christian Louboutin

Look 5: Boardroom bully

On a day when I am feeling all fierce and bossy, like, you know, Beyonce at a sold-out Concert, I will comfortably slip into my white pants and rock this fearlessly-sexy animal print top and kill it off with some sharp, ferocious high-heels. Louboutins , of course. This look may make your Uber driver drive much carefully and talk less. Cos, honey, you don’t look like you’ve got too much time for , ummm, idle small talk and bumpy rides.

Outfit Details: Blazer: Reiss, Shoes: Christian Louboutin, Belt: Gucci and Top by Zara

Look 6: Denim Love

Going out for Martinis or your gin and tonic and snacks on a Saturday afternoon at any urban joint can be fun. And really relieving.

Perfect day to rock those white pants. Yes, you may be in for one hell of a rough time if you spill your drink allover yourself in this look. Cos the stains are pure social nightmares. But hey, if you look this sexy, complete with this delicious cardigan, you cannot be the type to be spilling drinks all over yourself now, are you ?

Outfit details: Cardigan: Kashmir by Kuoni, Shoes: Manolo Blahnik, Denim Shirt: Guess and Belt: Hermes

P.S

Catch the detailed lookbook on my Youtube channel-which you should consider subscribing to- here

Also, I’m kind of cute on Instagram, let’s connect.

Instant follow link: Sonal Maherali

Tuesday, April 2, 2019 by Sonal Maherali

Fashion

My first ever Dior bag

I was not very big on Dior until this bag came about. The product of a random unbridled shopping spree in London.

A chic Diorama flap bag in Champagne Gold metallic calfskin with the iconic micro-cannage motif that I got sometimes in 2017.

There is a whole passionate video about it on my Channel so free to watch it here: Diorama

The Diorama was my first Dior bag and opened the flood gates of a bunch of other bags from the Fashion house- I will be regaling you about Lady Dior in a consecutive post if you promise to stick around.

Also Read: MY FAVOURITE LUXURY INDIAN SAREES

Back to the Diorama.

I was very lucky to find it in Champagne Gold at a time when the bag in the exact color was sold out.

The bag features a chain link cross body shoulder strap, a beautiful flap with the iconic micro-cannage motif and a light gold press lock.

It opens up beautifully to a dark blue gray leather interior with a broad patch pocket and is ideal for your night or day shenanigans across town.

Let me know what you think.

Love and light.

P.S

Forgetting to follow your favourite girl all day everyday is a cardinal sin.

Be sweet and and lets connect on Instagram by following this link Officialsonalkotakmaherali

You also have the liberty to connect with me on Youtube by subscribing to my channel. You can do that by clicking here Sonal Maherali

See you.

Tuesday, April 2, 2019 by Sonal Maherali

Older Posts

Newer Posts