Why Return A ZARA Dress?

I rarely return stuff that I purchase online, and that's because it usually takes me 2 weeks to over a month to click checkout after adding them to cart or favourites - which means I only purchase things after they've caused me sleepless nights....and I can't live without them any longer!

Btw, I almost kept this dress, just because I didn't want to go through the return drama with ZARA after they didn't refund my money for months last year - for my son's product, not mine. 

Why I returned this dress?

It looks cheap. Gingham print on a such a flimsy polyester fabric is just nah-ah.

The worst part is the even cheaper-looking lining. It's actually in reverse and not stitched on to the seams, which makes it ride up underneath + it sticks to your skin...ugh!

It's just not worth  ₹3590! The audacity.

Look at the lining.....

1960's Inspired Outfit ~ What I Wore

What I wore to the Backstreet Boys Concert in Gurgaon.

If, like everyone else, you're thinking how the heck I even dared to wear such heels to an outdoor concert, well.....I'm short, so I was thinking I'd be able to see them on stage better 😂

Btw, this entire outfit was a last-minute purchase, so I settled. Meaning, I could've picked another top for this skort & another colour for the skort, but none was available at the time.

Everybody Zone, Backstreet Boys Concert  Wristband.

My TOP 5 Cosy House Coats

Does a dislike for winters come naturally to everyone who grew up in hilly/wet/cold areas?

I'm a summer girl, and I really appreciate that winters here are short-lived. I was just thinking about getting some new fleece socks, because all my ancient ones have been misplaced or have holes in them....but here we are, at 29° already.

There are only 3 things that I will miss about winter:

- Boots

- The messages Zii leaves me on the hot shower steam in the bathroom.

- Plushy, Cosy House Coats - or dressing gowns & robes.

Ah, I dream of the day when I can just walk out the door in a plushy house coat. So many winter mornings I wished I could just throw on a plush coat over my pyjamas & put on some boots to drop Zii to school. I mean, what would be wrong in that, really?

I realized that I was a bit too obsessed them, when they were all I wanted to buy from most stores.  So I really controlled myself this past winter. I didn't buy any! I lived in just 5 of my favourites......

I Was Craving A FLORAL HANDBAG!

A few months ago, a floral handbag was all---I---could---think---about!

I searched everywhere online. Some too pricey, some too dicey.

I went to my favourite LYN, and the website was down. I found out later that the brand had pulled out of India - like some other international brands....  *bleep* Covid *bleep* *bleep*

Just when my interest was starting to dwindle - as with all things that don't come to me easily, I stumbled upon a floral handbag I liked....

but is it the one?

maybe I can find a prettier one?

a pink one?

maybe I should check that app.....

A MATCHING WALLET!!!

oh yes, it is the one.

The following weekend, I was at the store. Prayed both bag and wallet would be there, because they belong together. They are a co-ord set.

Vintage-Inspired Gingham Set

A gorgeous set I got back in July, but have never really worn. 

Wearing is never the point anyway, it's the h-a-v-i-n-g *bites nails*

If you're familiar with For Love & Lemons stuff, you'll see that this set is somewhat similar to their vintage vibe - with the little covered buttons, daisies & eyelash lace.

I HAD to get my hands on it immediately after it was launched on their website. 

They had me at 'gingham'; they sold me at little coated buttons.

Bottoms are adorned with gold heart hardware with straps along the back.

Life Without Instagram......

To my Instagram family.......

I miss you too ♥

& 

I'll be back soon.

I deactivated my account for various reasons. 

Mainly for me to not be distracted by the rest of the world (...and nonsense-but-hilarious memes) & spend too much time on my phone.

SELF DISCIPLINE, they say. 

Honestly, I don't miss it at all. I guess it's because I don't really like social media & what it has become lately.

But I miss interacting with my blog readers & other bloggers there in dm's & stories.

My screen time hasn't decreased much tho, because I play Solitaire on my phone now 😄 

If I Woke Up As A Man,If All My Makeup Could Talk | WEIRD Q & A

Typing this while watching Money Heist. 

Would I be okay in a hostage situation? Am I capable of robbing 2.4 Billion Euros?

 I pretend to ask myself, when I already know the answers.

Anyway......

One day, when I wasn't feeling well, and needed some distraction, I posted a Questions tag on Instagram : 'ASK ME A WEIRD/RIDICULOUS/EXISTENTIAL QUESTION',

and I'll be answering them in this post. It's been a month since. If you think you procrastinate too much, I'm a reminder that there are worst procrastinators out there.

Favourite Shoes & TV Shows

Just a light-hearted post is for everyone who wants to know what tv shows I'm watching these days. But let's mix it up with my favorite things & props.

All are either on Netflix, Prime or Hotstar. I'll mark the ones I'm hooked to with a ☆

English:

✩ Fleabag ~ This is the funniest show I've ever watched! It's a British drama-comedy

I've only watched 5 episodes so far, and I laugh out loud every time. Watch it, ladies.

☆ Big Little Lies ~ Season 2 is a bit dullsville till now, hope it gets better.

Divorce ~ Just started watching. Starring Sarah Jessica Parker.

Stranger Things ~ Currently on Season 2

My Casual Black Tights For Winter

Remember in Sex And The City when Carrie ran out of ideas, and thought about writing about her sock drawer - "Men as socks"?

Well... me, I would've thought about my tights drawer - "Men as tights". 

Like her, I don't know where I'd go with that.

(...and I'm afraid the one-liner in my head right now sounds kinda sexist.)

If you're interested to peek into a corner of said tights drawer, then here are my casual/everyday black tights this winter:

1. Velvet Plush Black Tights, Primark ~ Before leaving UK, I made it a point to get these. They're the warmest tights out there, and obviously quite thick.

2. Woolen Semi-Sheer Black Tights, Forever New ~ Semi-sheer with a cable knit type of pattern. Kind of an itchy material this, but they're warm.

3. Shimmery Tights, H&M ~ If disco pants look hideous on you, then shimmery tights could be an alternative =D

4. Sheer Polka Dot Black Tights, H&M ~  My moderately "dressy"-slash-casual tights. Every girl should own a pair of polka-dotted tights, I think :)

5. Fleece-Lined Black Tights, Primark ~ These are the best for any kind of winter, since you can wear them under jeans as well + they double up as socks.

6. 40 Denier Tights, H&M ~ Must-have tights for me. They're plain, between opaque & sheer, and go with everything. These came in a pack of 2.

 ♡

Couldn't post for 2 days, because I'm out of town & busy.

Will make up that. 

Speak again shortly.

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LOTD: M I G R A I N E

12:07 am:

I swallow the tiny orange pill. Migraine, the neurologist had named the bastard on the

 right side of my head, after probing me with questions about my personal life & lifestyle. He had his hand under his chin & made eye contact. I had my hand on my Michael Kors 'Cynthia' satchel & made up some lies about my daily routine. 

What a dull suburban existence I painted for him. If he only knew....

1:45 am:

I'm staring at a meme of a cat clawing at a donut from 

a distance & then withdrawing, like it's an explosive. 

[Caption: 'Me on a diet']

I imagine myself at ZARA doing the same when I see another winter jacket I don't really need. 

The pill should make me drowsy by now. My head throbs & my right eye twitches. 

I shut my eyes. 

2:20 am:

I'm running my fingers on a thick vein that's popped up on my forehead.

It feels like a worm, eww! Was Monica's Thanksgiving vein like this? 

Arghh! Useless pill! 1 week & nothing!

 I'll call the Doctor tomorrow.....

*Oh, c'mon! You don't need a CT Scan! Don't treat me like your fucking enemy! 

I'm your friend & I'm here to tell you something 

that's already in your head. You know something. 

What is it? I will not leave until you see it! 

OPEN YOUR EYES! OPEN YOUR EYES, GODDAMNIT!!!*

3:43 am:

I'm sweating. My eyes & pillow are wet. I can't move. 

I saw. On the ceiling. Faces...images....answers.

Like iron on quicksand, I sink into slumber in seconds. 

11:16 am:

I toss 7 tiny orange pills I no longer need in the bin. Tricyclic Antidepressants, Google informs. 

For treatment of Migraines, Depression & Bedwetting. 

10-year-old CZ finally gets an explanation for the humiliating recurrent bedwetting. 

What child can link susu on the bed to depression? I forgive her now.

Past & Present mysteries. Unraveled.

Follow your heart, they say. But your head.... your head will always 

give you more than you bargained for - if you'd only listen to what it has to say. 

*************

Top: ZARA

Jeans: Aeropostle

Hairband: Forever 21

Lipstick: Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored.

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Best Things I Bought Lately

By "best", I just mean money well spent. Because they're pretty.... and girly....

and they simply bring a sort of..... custom-made joy to my life =D

H&M Vintage Pink Faux Fur Jacket: From the kids' section, for 8-10 yrs old! ;p

One size up would've been more my size, but that was no longer available.

I was shopping with my Mom at H&M, basically I needed some jumpers for Zii. We went our separate ways at the store. I spotted these pink faux fur coats that don't look like they're for kids in one corner. My Mom found me while I was trying them on in front of a mirror at the back of the store, and she was like, "All this time I thought you were shopping for your child, but here you are. You are not only a shopaholic, you are a holic.". I tried one similar coat from the Women's section, in a Size 6, just to compare, but it didn't sit as well as this one on my petite frame + the sleeves were too long. Now I know where to go for coats from now on...hehe!

(You can have a better look at it here)

La Senza Bralette ~ I have a thing for bralettes, if you haven't noticed it yet, and I was psyched to find a pink lacy one. Most of the lacy ones I see are always black. I find bralettes without any straps and hooks more comfortable to wear under body-hugging sweaters and winter clothes (Actually, I hate bra straps altogether!) This comes with matching knickers.

Herbal Essences Ignite My Colour Dry Shampoo ~  It doesn't leave any white powdery residue & it  smells like roses + adds some volume. I found this at a chemist shop for Rs.760.

It's Skin Caviar Double Effect Serum ~ Product of the week! I was hooked from the first time I used it. Price: Rs.2300

The Life Changing Magic Of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo: I spoke about this book in this post, and I finally got it. I've yet to finish reading the whole book, and I want to do a proper review to let you guys know if it really is life-changing. But I learnt one very useful tip: To fold your clothes vertically, so everything is laid out for you, and you don't have to dig for anything. Wait, I will come back and talk more about this in another post.

ZARA Sock-Style Over The Knee Boots ~  It's hard to find OTK boots in India, and next to impossible if your feet are tiny. When I saw some on Zara website, I ordered 2 pairs. Both Size UK 2. I posted a short video of me unboxing this pair (etc) on Instagram. In case you're not on social media, I'll attach it here.....

A post shared by Cynthia Zacharica (@czloves) on Jan 1, 2018 at 11:55pm PST

♥

Hope you're all having a good week!

Speak again soon :* :*

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Jeans-Sweater Outfit

Gingham Pants & Favorite Sunglasses {OOTD}

I took these pants into the trial room with me, fully prepared to see they'd look totally hideous on me - like most woven & non-stretchy pants. You don't know how many cute floral woven pants I've had to walk away from, because they just never sit well - there's always a disagreement between the waist, thigh, crotch & behind areas. I'd always try 25 & 26 - and I mean 3-5 times each. By the time I left the trial rooms, I used to feel like fainting! 

But these! The specs are just perfect + the flare & slits at the bottom make them heels-friendly, and the zipper & bow at the waist!

 Next summer, I'm buying floral fabric & taking it to a tailor along with these pants. Cut & make egg-jackly like them, I'll tell him.

Tough Like Leather ~ Delicate Like Lace

{ 20.05.2017 }

As the plane wobbled like it's flirting with a free fall, and the fluffy cotton out the window turned to masses of ash,

Mom's voice echoed in my head: 

"But that's what they say. People often die close to their birthdays.", 

she'd tell me like it's an urban myth proven true after one too many obituaries.

This must be it. I'm gonna die today.

Haven't I always thought this is one way I'd go?

Okay, maybe that has a lot to do with LOST.

"Please remain seated, and keep your seat belts...."

I was staring at my palm.

"You won't live a very long life. 30-35, maybe. See?", 

an amateur palmist had pointed to my life line that's about an inch point something too short - according to her book.

A few successively jerks, and the eerie sound of metal creaking underneath made me grab both armrests.

I feel cold! I need a blanket!

Coffee. No, tea! No, coffee!

I need a hand to hold!

This. This is why you shouldn't fly solo!

Why is everyone so quiet??!!

Okay. 

It's okay.

Lean back. Close eyes. 

....................

....................

~ Little hands, cupping my face. ~

....................

....................

~ An old over-read text message. ~

....................

....................

~ Watching my Grandfather write letters  at 5 am. ~

....................

....................

~  A stranger walking towards me. ~

....................

....................

~  Meredith Grey shouting, "But what about HER?! " ~

....................

....................

~ A relieved face over my coffin. ~

....................

Just when my emotions started queuing behind my eyes.....

..... the sunlight hit my face.

*******

Bye Bye Summer! {OOTD}

Fun Fact 1: 

This is my most favorite dressy outfit of Summer 2017. The coral top, especially. I'd buy every one shoulder flounce top if I could.

Fun Fact 2: 

I never wore it, because I was saving it for a special occasion. You know how you put together a brand new outfit for something? You think: I'll wear this top. But with what kind of bottoms?Umm, black skirt/shorts? No, it has to be a fun florally something, not black & flat. Hey! Definitely not that black crow-type skirt you're thinking about right now! Okay, one of 4 brands I'm so loyal to will have something.

(Btw, said occasion NEVER happened. I don't wanna talk about it! =\)

Horrifying Fact: 

The little heart bracelet I'm wearing here I almost threw out with a shopping bag, along with a pack of H&M rose gold hair clips. I'd completely forgotten about them! I also have no memory of me buying them : | ... I'm going to check exactly when I bought them, so I know what state of mind I was in at the time. But I assure you, I've never shopped when I'm drunk! ;p

Inexpensive Jewelry Haul

So I see my last Jewelry Haul post is from August 2014 (Post here)!

I'd stopped buying jewelry, except for a few stud sets & hoops from H&M every once in a while. 

And now, I'm kinda obsessed with big statement earrings. I want to wear a nath (big nose ring) too!

Btw, this is a collective haul. I bought these in a span of 4-5 months, not all at once.

Shoe Pom Poms

Question: Have you ever hidden a clothing item (etc) when you're not sure whether you want to buy it or not, because you think you'll leave the store and go around the mall, and if in case you want it later, you'd just come back for it and it wouldn't be sold out (esp if it's the last piece/size)? You tuck it between a pile of jeans (I did this with a pair of shorts at Zara once), or you simply hide it in another corner rack? So nobody sees it!

Okay, either you do it too, or I taught you a new...umm....trick.

LOTD | Quotes That Changed My Life & Perspective

Hello, I'm Cynthia.

 .....and I'm a Quotes Addict. 

Seriously, if I ever come out with a book someday, that is how I did it. Because, you know.... 

"You become what you do everyday." 

Hahaha!

And this is partly what I meant by Rabbit Hole in this post.

Words really are powerful. They can change how you live your life & make you 

see things in a different light.

That's why I wanted to share my favorites in a blog post. 

Well, they're really just a few of my favorites!

*Please note: I don't know or remember the source of most of them.

"

Look for the answer within your question. ~ Rumi

If you ever find yourself in the wrong story, leave. ~ Mo Willems.

The devil doesn't come dressed in a red cape & pointy horns. 

He comes as everything you've ever wished for.

When you say "Yes" to others make sure you are not saying "No" to yourself.

Know your worth, then add tax.

They start to miss you when they fail to replace you.

When someone says "You've changed", it simply means you've stopped living your life their way.

Before taking down a wall, remember why you put it there in the first place.

Beware of Destination Addiction — a preoccupation with the idea that happiness is in the next place, the next job, or with the next partner. Until you give up the idea that happiness is 

somewhere else, it will never be where you are.

I AM YOURS. DON'T GIVE MYSELF BACK TO ME. ~ Rumi

Making a big life change is pretty scary. But you know what's even scarier? Regret.

If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door. ~ Milton Berle.

Something I learned about people....If they do it once, they'll do it again.

Sometimes God doesn't change your situation, because he is trying to change your heart.

Know the difference between those who stay to feed the soil. And those who come to grab the fruit.

Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck. ~ Dalai Lama

I'm on the hunt for who I've not yet become.

You only lose what you cling to.

Fashion is what you buy. Style is what you do with it.

Don't be part of the gossip. Be the gossip.

"

Michael Kors CYNTHIA Satchel ~ Unboxed

Hey everyone! How've you all been? Excited about Spring? Can you believe how hot it already is here in Delhi??!! =\

And now..... please say HELLO to my name handbag - CYNTHIA. 

I never! 😮

 Thanks Michael Kors for naming a handbag after me. Yes, ME! That's what I'd like to think anyway, and you're ain't here to object, so.

I LOVE IT SO MUCH! I wish I could get it in every colour! But practically (and financially) speaking, I'd just love a black....and pink! 

(I picked this one over blush pink, btw. Hardest decision I've ever made in my life!)

After Valentine's Day | LOTD

"What did you wish for?", she asked him.

He looked down, and kicked an imaginary pebble on the ground.

"Never mind. I shouldn't be asking.", she said with a smile. He wasn't looking at her.

Still not looking at her, he answered,  "It used to be something unattainable. Like a private jet, a lifetime supply of everything Nintendo, waking up next to Sunny Leone, to be Batman once a month ..... but now.... it's something right in front of me, yet just as unattainable, and probably something I kinda already know I'll never have.....", then his eyes met hers before she could look away ".....that heart of yours."

Like a punctuation to his words, a single tear rolled down her left eye. Like it's the only rational thing to do, she hugged him. As she listened to his heart beat faster, and felt his hand in her hair, she shut her eyes as tightly as she possibly could, in an attempt to shoo a single thought she wished she could forget forever. No, please, go awa..... *I wished it was him instead of you.*

Shooting stars didn't grant wishes after all. 

 ♥ 

Red Dress: GUESS

Red Heart Sunglasses: Aldo

Red Lipstick: Chambor Extreme Wear Transfer Proof 431 Firey Red.

Red Nail Polish: L'Oreal Color Riche 408 Exquisite Scarlet

Watch: Michael Kors

White Heart Earrings: H&M

Rose Gold Rings: H&M

Travel Cup: Cath Kidston (you can probably GUESS why ;))