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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.

Sonal Maherali

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

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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.

Sonal Maherali

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

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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.

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

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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.

Sonal Maherali

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

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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.

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

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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.

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?

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

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!

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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.

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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.

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Pure Bliss.

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

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

Be kind.

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!

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.

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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.

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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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 ?

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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

 

 

 

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.

SOnal Diorama 1

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.

SOnal Diorama 2

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.

SOnal Diorama 3

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.

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Let me know what you think.

xx

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.

Christian Loubotin, Fashion

A Christian Louboutin Haul

If you know me, you know that Christian Louboutin is my favourite fashion house  of all time. Of . All. GODDAM. Time.

I fell in love with the red bottoms way before Cardi B made them a viral catchphrase in her runaway hit Bodak Yellow. And way before I even signed up for Instagram for the first time some wild years ago.

These red bottoms are to me, what the wind is to the Ocean, what the rain is to Forests and what a Camera is to a Kardashian.

We go together, Baby.

So is my adoration for this venerable shoe brand that Mr Christian Louboutin himself has become not just a close friend but has also personally crafted a customized shoe for me. Straight from his magical hands. I will be writing about it soon. Stay with me boys and girls.

Also ReadMY SECOND BIRKIN AND A MINI HAUL FROM HERMÉS

Just like a Cactus, I am ferocious and hot! Spiky from all angles and ready for any challenge.. On land and on water. It’s the warrior in me, soft enough to blow you away and dangerous enough to wreck a village. Don’t play with my spikes… Cus you might just get BURNED!

Shoe: Christian Louboutin Mechante Reine Pumps Clutch Bag: Vero Dodat in animal print by Chritian Louboutin

Shoe: Christian Louboutin Mechante Reine Pumps Clutch Bag: Vero Dodat in animal print by Chritian Louboutin

Is it Love… Is it Love… Is it Love… That I am feeling? Yes, even girls like me, dressed extravagantly, smelling like a million bucks and strutting the floor like Cara Delevingne do listen to a little Reggae time after time. Especially if it’s Love. And yes, Bob Marley, I guess it’s Love that I feeling.

Shoes: Love is a boot by Christian Louboutin

Shoes: Love is a boot by Christian Louboutin

Surround yourself with beauty, even when your soul is in a turmoil and your heart is a mess. And not just any beauty.. The shiny kind. The glittering kind. And if you can have some gold too, why not ?

Exquisite Gipsy zippered booties in romantic lace and fishnet in 100 mm by Christian Louboutin

Exquisite Gipsy zippered booties in romantic lace and fishnet in 100 mm by Christian Louboutin

Some phone calls are better made with a smile. By yourself. Away from the noise. And at a corner of your home. Because not all phone calls are about business or being bothered. Some are intimate conversations that light up the soul and warm up the heart.

Sonal Louboutin Haul 1

Some people like to match clothes. Others like to match their belt and shoe. Others like to match their watch and blouse. And others like to bag their hang bag and shoes. But I haven’t seen anyone that could match a shoe with anther shoe… In form of a tattoo. Of that same shoe. Thug Life.

Sonal Louboutin Haul 3

Walk with a purpose even when you’re actually going nowhere. Because, with the right shoe in ya feet, you may actually look like you’re going somewhere. And with this particular one in ya feet, all gilded and pristine, you may actually look like you’re walking towards your destiny.

Shoe: Christian Louboutin follies in milk while. Clutch bag: Vero Dodat in milk white

Shoe: Christian Louboutin follies in milk while.
Clutch bag: Vero Dodat in milk white

xx

Love and (a lot of) lite

 

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.

Fashion

My favourite luxury Indian Sarees

I cannot think of a more gracious, genteel, decorous and elegant clothing, from any culture in the World, from any society in the World, than the age-defying, historic Saree worn by Indian women.

A woman’s body is made to be seen, appreciated, loved and marveled at, and what better way than to be graciously covered with the majesty and glory of a winding, sheeny clothing that exudes sheer beauty and nobility.

Like the Oceans across the World, that spread from the Australian Coasts to the Brazilian beaches, the Indian Sari drapes a woman with an unspeakable beauty and admirable gorgeousness leaving her looking like a wondrous work of Art. Worn Art.

Look 1 :   ‘The quiet morning of a thousand storms’

From head to toe, the decades-old clothing will leave you feeling like a reincarnated goddess, as the bejeweled attire flows over you with majesty and grace, head to toe, soft and pure.

Sonal Saree Lookbook 1

And from the back, it’s rare beauty leaves you glowing like an enchantress, as the perfect harmony between flawless skin and clothing sticks out with pride.

Sonal Saree Lookbook 2

Saree: Satya Paul , Jewelry : Beauty Art and  Shoes by Giuseppe Zannoti

Look 2:  The overwhelming grandeur of an Indian queen 

Like the Kamadhenu, the Indian goddess of plenty and fertility, the Sari elevates you and exalts you … Edifies you and honors you. Just as you so proudly deserve.

Sonal Saree Lookbook 3

Saree: Satya Paul , Necklace: Poetic trends Jewelry , Bangle: Beauty Art and Heels by Christian Louboutin

In it’s enduring glory and everlasting eminence, let this marvelous gown cover you with lushness and magnificence. Brilliance and jaw-dropping elegance.

Sonal Saree Lookbook 4

Look 3: The soft cackling of the midnight sun

And because women are the crowning jewel on the face of Earth, this Jewel needs to shine bright and drip with color. It’s a jewel that needs to be seen and stand out. And the Sari never disappoints as it comes in all sizes, all fabrics, all colors. All enduring gloriousness.

Sonal Saree Lookbook 5

You’re a butterfly , Honey. And even Mariah Carey approves of this message. Sit pretty in your psychedelic Indian gown and let the butterfly in you fly through. Rest easy, let it all hang loose and let your colors shine bright. If not as bright as a diamond, at least, as this tempestuous noble garment.

Sonal Saree Lookbook 6

Saree: Satya Paul , Jewelry : Beauty Art  and Heels by Gossip

You can watch a lookbook of the same on my Youtube Channel Here: The Salacious Indian Saree

 

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.

xx

Love and lite.

Fashion

Our wedding anniversary weekend getaway

Last Friday,the Mister and I left for Diani to celebrate our wedding anniversary- because lovers should celebrate their milestones- regardless of their magnitude.

Last year, we celebrated the birthday and our wedding anniversary in Los Angeles.

This year, in the spirit of ‘Tembea Kenya’ (Tour Kenya) we decided to stay home and explore a few hidden gems.

We started off the three-day, moon-lit tryst at the Maji Beach Boutique Hotel in Diani on Friday evening.

The first evening was basically nap time after dinner because we were all knackered a good one.

On Saturday I woke up rejuvenated and dragged the mister for a swim after breakfast.

And what a delightful weekend it was.

Apart from celebrating it with my partner in crime, the Maji Beach Boutique turned out to be one of the grandest places I have been to.

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How to be in Dubai on a budget. Also I met a camel named Mallik.

The food was trés bon. I especially loved their baked lobster with cheese and their Sous chef took great delight in showing off on the fresh Oysters that we had for dinner on Sunday.

The Lobster was out of this world and tasted as delicious as it looks.

The Lobster was out of this world and tasted as delicious as it looks.

And the Oysters were the showpiece of our Sunday evening dinner.

And the Oysters were the showpiece of our Sunday evening dinner.

The vista of the ocean from our room was overwhelming. It was as if we were at the sea with the wind on our faces and the water lapping at our feet.

The view from the patio at night was otherworldly.

The view from the patio at night was otherworldly. The blood moon was a sight to behold. Most people believe that the blood moon brings deeper understanding within ourselves, elevating our minds to the highest power. Well?

Late in the night as we sat outside the balcony of our beach house soaking it all in, the aroma of the ocean and the din of other joy-lovers would waft to our room, creating a beautiful orchestra of feelings and nature.

*inserts a bunch of random photos for your entertainment

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If sunsets are poetic in Nairobi, here, they were straight from an Allan Poe.

On Sunday evening, in what turned out to to be the highlight of the night, we took our champagne and ran to the beach and stood silently in the breathtaking sight of the blood moon.

Two souls inhabiting one body watching the same phenomenon.

Two souls inhabiting one body watching the same phenomenon.

Diani was good to me and the mini vacation was too short but too worthwhile.

On to the next!

 

P.S

A small favour,

About a month ago or so, cunning little internet terrorists took down our Instagram account-but not our will power or the know-how to create a new one- thank God.

If you were part of us, or would love to join the baddest luxury gang,  we are here: Officialsonalkotakmaherali

See you there!