Fallen Foot Soldiers

We love the rains too, but you can't deny that the ensuing muck isn't a friend of feet. Many a pedicure has perished in these puddles as have our beloved purple mary janes, which recently died in the deluge from an overflowing ditch. R.I.P MJs, you served us well.

A New Lace on Life

Putting an end to this monsoon massacre are super stylish rain shoes by AKA Bespoke, a brand that (inexplicably) produced a line of menswear for Bungalow 8 before getting into the rain racket with the same store. Made with PVC, lycra and leather, these shoes are surprisingly stylish - think purple brogues with laces and magenta lining and thin, cobalt blue straps riding on a towering black heel. Gum boots, these leave you stuck in the mud.

Re: Boot

What: Silk-screened tees from Pardon My Hindi, order online at http://pardonmyhindi.com, approximately Rs 1,350 plus shipping.

Why: Finally, we’re getting beyond kitsch. San Fransisco-based artist Chiraag Bhakta combines the tired old elements of the million design brands that have cropped up recently -  printed T-shirt, desi icons, moustachioed men in turbans – and comes up with this fresh new tee in collaboration with Das Racist, a rap trio from New York. Wear you at?!

When: You want to view the Motherland from the other land.

What: Bow ties by urvshe at Azaad Bazaar, 16th/33rd Road, Bandra (W), opposite Mini Punjab, call 9930212636, start at Rs 300.

Why: Embellished with lace, beads, sequins and even bright pink feathers, bpb loves the just-arrived batch of bowties at Azaad Bazaar. You can wear them around your neck or as a brooch, but we plan to do ours as a garter belt with a really, really short skirt. Bow Derrick!

When: Now, for the neck of it.

Liz Hurley in a bikini, nice ice, and your cup of tea on bpb’s (P)Leisure Pad.

Suit Up

Hollywood hottie Elizabeth Hurley introduces her line of beach wear for children and mothers. Expecting mommies can pick up fun breezy shirts for the beach. Available at Mal, 50, Bhagwat, JVPD Scheme, Vile Parle (W), call 65294224.

Freeze This!

Looking to break the ice? bpb suggests you add these ice trays that come with alphabets A-Z to your existing bar accessories. Also suitable for freezing jelly, butter and chocolate. Visit www.hitplay.in to place an order; Rs 999 for a pack of three.

What: Love From India, call 32959819, shop No. 7, Chinoy Mansion, 162 Warden Road, next to Creo, starts at Rs 1,600 for a tunic.

Why: With two floors dedicated to cotton kurtas of many different shapes, sizes and prints, this new store will make our mums very happy. We liked a green and white paisley kurta that can double up as a fun brunch dress, a papery white chikan top and yummy retro polka dotted shirt. Best worn with big, fat diamonds. Mad(u) or what?

When: You want to fine tunic your wardrobe.

What: Love Trust - The Charity Shop, next to Cozy Home, Pali Hill, Bandra (W), start at Rs 1,000.

Why: We found a love shack at Pali Hill and it isn’t Ranbir Kapoor’s home.  This new philanthropic store belongs to fashion designer Nandita Mahtani (Ananya) and will retail pieces from her old collections at discounted rates - flat prices of Rs 1,000, Rs 2,000 and Rs 3,000 –sending proceeds to a good cause. Eventually, we hear that other designers will be roped in too. bpb’s going back for: suede bag with orange sunflowers, nude sequined chiffon kurta and one shoulder romper.

When: You need to buy heart. Slated to open this weekend.

What: Glow in the dark lingerie by Marilyn, order online at www.marilynme.com, start at Rs 1,250.

Why: Made with glow in the dark lace, this fun (and somewhat ridiculous) line of underwear provides spotlights for your best ass(ets). We especially liked a white bikini bottom with side ties and silk boy shorts. Any hard feelings yet?

When: You want to get a glowing review.

What: Kidology, 2&3 Sunbeam Building, Perry Cross Road, off Carter Road, Bandra (W), call 65556565, dresses start at Rs 2,000.

Why: This multi-designer store stocks mini ruffles by Gauri and Nainika, Gaurav Gupta jodhpuris, pin tuck kurtis by Ritu Kumar, Malini Ramani tanks – all exclusively made for your kiddie. Also check out adorable accessories by the in-house label and Mignon, Kidology’s partner for bespoke children’s wear. Fancy!

When: You want to do a Suri namaskar. Opens today, Friday, at 4 pm.

Z to A

Aza, Amara, Ananya, Attic – joining the A-list multi-designer fashion stores in Mumbai is Atosa, apparently named after a Persian princess. Founded by the ladies behind the recently shut down Zoya, this new Bandra boutique stocks a nice but mainstream collection of dresses, tunics and accessories.

Fit and Fine

Housed in a bungalow previously leased out to Watson Fitness, Atosa exchanges treadmills for pretty mirrors, fitting rooms for lockers and dumbbells for well, dumb belles of another sort. Racks here are beefed up by garments from well-known (read: over-exposed) designers like Masaba Gupta, Nachiket Barve, Wendell Rodricks, Priyadarshini Rao; and also less familiar brands like Myoho and Ravage, as well as South Asian labels Desmond Yang, All Dressed Up and Chai Gold.

What: Illustrated books and organic products for kiddies by Little Latitude, visit www.littlelatitude.com, call (+91) 9845091377 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to pre-order, price on request.

Why: Illustrated with skinny-kneed elephants, ruffled peacocks and precariously perched tree houses by super artist/blogger Prashant Miranda, this brand new book series traces the adventures of two adorable kids. Also available will be other products, including mobiles and blankets made from organic cotton.

When: Slated to arrive next month but don’t crib because pre-ordering starts now.