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Fashion

A look at my new office: The Simba Maharani

This whole shebang started years ago. One Louboutin at a time. And now we’ve opened office. Dreams come true.

In 2018, I was talking to a friend about the idea of setting up my office. I had gotten tired of working from the house.

At the time alot was still pending. My luxury line was still a mirage. Throughout the year, I made a dozen trips to Mumbai where production was ongoing.

Looking back, those were tough days. Long hours and sleepless nights and I dare say, they paid off. Or are paying off.

Towards the end of the year 2018, production for the first items from my line- the luxe tee-shirts was complete.

And when this was happening, something else was happening in Nairobi. My office was coming up. I didn’t know what I wanted it to be but I knew I wanted comfort and luxe. I wanted my office to be stunning. I wanted space that would be a projection of myself. A second home.

I wanted to step out from my home and into my office without missing a step. So alot is inspired by the house.

To put it aptly, it is white, chic, luxe and screams fashion a space where creating comes to life- and hopefully, expect a lot of this.

This is where you began, vast emptiness:

This is where we began.

This is where we began.

And slowly, but surely, started taking shape:

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The we got to this:

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Of course, it would take 17 pages to document the whole transformation journey, so pray I save your bundles,or your bandwidth by going into the current look.

Welcome to Simba Maharani. The Lion Queen.

So this is where I sit, thinking about the meaning of life, and penning poetry and making decisions. Securing the bag.  Basically.

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And right here is where you would sit if you came over to see me.

 

 

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A wall to my left upon which, bits of my life rest;  photos, stuff.  Stuff you are not allowed to touch.

These little glasses are what’s used in the streets of MUMBAI. They’re called “cutting chai” and a symbol of a city I’m head over heels in love with.

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That tree in the vase is a reminder to be grateful, all seasons. Regardless.

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A photo with the Mister, a photo in Vegas and a photo with the legendary Christian Louboutin taken at his Mount Street store.

The Elephant below was painted by my last-born daughter Ely. It is my most favorite possession. Hands down.

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Lets move over to this other side of the office where visitors can enjoy the peace and tranquility of being themselves.  Before you are ushered into my office, you would be propped up here. With the president grinning behind you.

A little about the decor which was done by yours truly.

French tapestry, a baby pink sofa, designer guild throws and white stools that also double up as storage and a coffee table adorn this side of the office.

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And not to forget this painting. a Flock of birds soaring and gliding to new heights. A reminder that we are limited only by our imagination.

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Or this one:

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Are you still following? My team sits here, surrounded by lions.

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And a different angle that brings us to the end of the office tour..

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Fashion

A late post but we won an award!

Guess who needs an award for late posts? Your girl!

In my defense, I was super swamped with a bunch of things that I’m still sorting.

And since it took over a week to actually post up here, I will go straight into it, shooting from the hip.

Last weekend, my team and I attended the first edition of East FM Awards at the Diamond Plaza. And alas, what a night it was!

Everyone put their best (fashion) foot forward. It was otherwordly to see so many people decked in their black and gold outfits.

Let me give you a sneak-peek of my outfit...

Let me give you a sneak-peek of my outfit…

 

Then came the entertainment! It was like being smack in the heart of a Bollywood Movie set in Mumbai.

I especially loved a hilarious set by East FM’s Vikash Pattni. What a night!

And before I had the glee of walking across the podium to pick up my award, I had a moment of fame modelling the renowned Shenu

Hooda’s totally-out-of-this-world gown in crimson and glitter.

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Serenaded by the Taz- Stereo Nation as I prance about in my gorgeous raiment from Shenu Hooda.

The devil is in the details!   Prancing around with the models during the event.

The devil is in the details! Prancing around with the models during the event.

I felt like a walking fairytale decked in that plush gown and standing in front of a dozen flashing cameras! Hi Hollywood. Your girl is ready.

At the end of what was an epic night, this girl took home the Social Star of the year award.

That, much-needed confetti bath.

That, much-needed confetti bath.

And a hearty congratulations to everyone that took home a win. You deserved it.

And a hearty congratulations to everyone that took home a win. You deserved it.

A special thanks to everyone that voted. Everyone that sent in a kind (or not so kind) word. It was the votes, the support and the online angst that gave us that award.

Asante sana!

P.S

You still have a week to enjoy a 15% discounted sale on all products from my luxury line. Head over to www.sonalmaherali.shop . Use the code SMSUMMERSALE

While at it, I’m selling off my closet. Take this last week to enjoy a 25% discount on special luxury items.

To purchase, head over to closetsm.com and use the discount code “Closetsm”

Fashion

An update: My Closet is up for grabs

Hi loves,

Closet SM launched officially a few days ago, and I will be, in this post, laying down a few updates.

I have been asked ad nauseam, why I spend a fortune on clothing, jewellery, shoes and bags for as long as I can remember- why not put that money to Charity Sonal?

Well;

For the last decade, I have been around the world- not like Copernicus of yore – but I have been to places I hitherto admired on Pinterest.

And that has come with its fair share of shopping madness. I have closetfuls of stuff I no longer wear. And I keep getting more.  And will probably keep getting more.

It is stuff that still stands out. Stuff that still kicks. Stuff that Kylie would still rock to DC. Stuff that Sophia Vergara would still rock to Bora Bora. Stuff that Emily Ratajkowski would still rock to the Bahamas.  And stuff that you, my dear reader, can finally own- without breaking bank.

Like this chilli-hot So Kate Python skin heel pair from Louboutin available for sale. on closetsm.com

Like this chilli-hot So Kate Python skin heel pair from Louboutin available for sale. on closetsm.com . Go get it sis!

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The responses from all of you who have made orders and shared very sweet and thoughtful messages on social media have been overwhelming.

I have gone through each of them. With a big smile on my face.

As we speak, I’m in Mumbai for work. Hauling pots and making sure that the next phase of the Sonal Maherali will be as stellar.

In the meantime, cure your shopping blues by heading over to Closetsm.com where you can pick items off my closet and sonalmaherali.shop   where you can pick out unique pieces from our just launched luxury line.

As always,

Love & Lite

Fashion

Just launched a luxury line!

Hello Loves,

I remember it like it was yesterday.

It started with a conversation at  my patio with my family. It was followed by a dream later that night.

I was several shoes, a handful of bags and a bunch of special perfumes into what was the start of an exhilarating luxury journey.

I dreamed of  creating something for myself, and for the imaginary followers and fans that I assumed I would get.

Yidder Yadder, days passed, Youtube kicked off and what started as a patina of something greater caught fire.

It was still a long shot by all means. I was probably the only one doing luxury content in Africa at the time and the dream of founding my own luxury line sounded like a paragraph in Peter Pan. Dreamy and far-fetched.

But unlike most dreams, this one refused to fade away.  It stayed like a haze in my life until a couple of years ago when the idea took shape.

I have been around the world- luckily so- and gotten the special chance at shopping in some of the world’s top luxury joints.

Each visit reminded me of home and how Africa- erroneously referred to as the dark continent- was still lagging behind as far as luxury was concerned.

That was the foundation of my latest pursuits.

At this point, I have to express my sincere gratitude to my support team both here in Nairobi and seas away in Mumbai. You have all made this dream come true.

And I would hate to be superfluous because this is not the post for that and intend to do a series about this collection for the next couple of weeks.

We have officially launched sonalmaherali.shop . An exciting luxury sojourn of Africa. Our first collection is out and will be followed by shoes and bags, the whole works.

Feel free to shop from the website because we are delivering worldwide. Feel free to wear your second skin because our pieces are not only unique but are a stark reminder that:

Africa is capable of luxury!

xx

Love and Lite.

 

Events, Fashion

Moet’s 150-year anniversary: My outfit

An ancient Greek Mosaic of a skeleton holding a wine pitcher that archaeologists recently translated reads: Be Cheerful, enjoy your life. 

So, live. 

Luxury champagne house Moet and Chandon celebrated their 150-years anniversary last weekend in grandiose, high-falutin’, excessive and totally incredible style  . It is what my son and his millennial friends would call a lit party.  In my  day parties were just “epic” or “in”.

But out with old, right?

So this is where it began:

One of my favourite make-up artists, All-in-the-brush was behind the face-beat and ensured I was dazzling on my way to the grand ball.

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But before the face beat, this girl had an outfit to put together.  The dress code was white and gold.

My white top was from Zara and the Sari an old gold gem that has been sitting pretty at the furthest corner of my closet.  The shoes were obviously Louboutin but the confidence and the airs were all mine.

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My sari, for the curious, was my representation of the Asian community in Kenya and a thorough  continuation of my Kenya-Indian (kendian) heritage.

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The party was absolutely gorgeous. It was nice to be around the Nairobi High-society decked in their best tuxedos, gowns and shoes and wearing their best smiles.

Nice meeting you Janet Mbugua.

All rounded nice person and TV girl Janet Mbugua clearly did not come to play.

 

And neither was Lucia Musau.

And neither was Lucia Musau.

People twirled and danced and mingled and made merry.  Your girl has not had so much fun in so long.

The celebration, marked an impressive 150 years since the unveiling of the first ever Moet bottle- the Moet imperial- which first came around in 1869.

It was a champagne forged to pay tribute to the relationship between Napoleon Bonaparte and Jean Remy Moet- grandson of the Maison’s founder- go back to history class lads and lasses.

Over the years, the champagne has become a revered symbol of celebration and is present in the dalliance between Rock stars and movie stars, fashion icons and royals.

And there is nothing that unites people more than a good celebration. And good champagne.

xx

Love and lite.

 

Fashion

A Label Ritu Kumar, Global Desi and Satya Paul haul

Greetings,

I haven’t had a free minute to share with you in the last two weeks or so- but not to worry- soon, you get to see what’s been stealing me away from you!

And oh my! Is it not a lot and oh so overwhelming!

Anyways, let’s leave that for a later date that I will be sharing in the coming weeks.  You may want to follow me on Instagram, to keep tabs with me and my daily shenanigans.


With that said, lets get into my latest haul from Ritu Kumar, Global Desi and Satya Paul. A video of the same is sitting pretty on my Youtube awaiting your viewing.

If you have been around for a hot minute, you know I have a great and sincere liking for Label Ritu Kumar. The pieces are sorrowfully beautiful, colourful, quaint and super comfortable.

Pieces from Global Desi and Satya Paul have also been growing on me. And it is a relationship I’m loving.  And a relationship I’m keen on pursuing.

Let’s get right into the party.

  1. Boho-Chic vibes

This asymmetrical Burgundy halter dress with its gorgeous print that jumps at you makes me feel like I should be on the road to Coachella. Or an unbridled party in the Amazon.  Or enjoying the beach and the sun in Bora Bora.

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In Size Small, this little halter dress from Ritu Kumar with that sexy peek-a-boo waist is perfect for your events, or your wanderlusts, or an afternoon with your loves. Whatever it is.

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2.  I thought it wise that we finish with the reds first.

This red number has a cape- for those moments when I feel like playing hero- It is flowy, sleeveless and simple.
It gives me those aristocratic vibes. Vibrant without trying too much, flush yet reserved.  Like it is a dress I’d wear to a tea party, or an evening soiree, or a date to the opera. Or anywhere because this is the right costume.

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3. A little linen and cotton blend embellished with tonnes of sequins. It is comfortable, tapered at the waist and styled so delicately and exquisitely. Like someone took their time.  Catch me in this at your local parties, throwing back a few cold ones. Or walking in the woods, admiring the greenery thinking poetic thoughts.

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A Beige Striped Maxi Dress by Ritu Kumar.

4.  This is by far my favourite piece from the haul. Ah, this salacious number with its straight from-a-fairy-tale Peter Pan collar-sprinkle that Pixie dust, a dress so retro yet so modern, a print  so ethereal you will want to wear it forever.

You can glam it further with a biker’s jacket, or a blazer, or a cardigan and rock it anywhere and everywhere because its un-apologetically chic!

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A navy blue and pink printed long dress from Ritu Kumar

5. This peach and floral print dress from Ritu Kumar that screams spring and summer in unison and sunny holidays that I should be on!
It is simple and elegant, flirty and romantic. Like I’ll douse myself with a Jo Malone and go catch butterflies. Or pick apples. Or read a Lord Tennyson.

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6. This one is perfect for those silent nights out…You know, those nights when you’re not planning to get all noisy and messy . Those nights when you need to grab a silent meal and have a deep conversation…

And definitely those nights when you need to be home just a little earlier. And not reeking of tequila and falling over yourself. Perfect if you’re feeling girly and calm.

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7. This floral saree works best when you are entertaining special guests at your Garden.

Could be your husband’s family or some work colleagues who just came over to check on you and for some grilled nyama.

Perfect wear for that beautiful garden entertaining where wine is flowing freely and you have a good chance off binging on margaritas.

Definitely a look that says that you’re formal enough to act like a gracious host and still not too uptight and can crack a joke or two with the gathered guests.

And because it’s a sunny day, nothing keeps you cooler and sexier.

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Green stitched saree from Global Desi

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Remember to catch the haul on the Tube,  and if it pleases you, do let me know your thoughts.

 

Alway yours,
xx
Love and lite.

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.

Makeup

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.

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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

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

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

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.

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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

xx

Love and lite.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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