Welcome back to the series “International Boho-Chic Designers“. I meet so many fashion designers and artists on my travels and as a shopaholic,  I love having unique items from abroad. I want to share them with you!  The designers featured here are those I really shop from and adore.

I have known Varuna for some time; she’s been friends with Ben since before I moved to Goa. I’m so happy to feature her on the blog today! She’s a very talented artist and does work for a lot of the popular companies in Goa so you’ve probably seen some of her designs without realizing it.

She’s a bubbly surfing beach girl, always smiling and positive and I have recommended her to a handful of friends when they need design work done, like when she did some prints for fabric for the brand TIA I love. Also, she is basically a model for her photographer friends… the images that pop up on FB are stunning. Did I mention she’s helping WWF save the dolphins? She basically does it all.

logo examples from Varuna

The chick behind Veelicious & Code Designs

It’s hard to narrow down what Varuna Iyer is… visual artist, philosopher, traveler, explorer and a lover of life. Her quirky designs tell a story. With an education in design, it’s really framed the way she sees the world. She started out with a small set up in Goa, but with all her clients raving about her she built her brand up to be the hugely successful and popular name it is today.

“I believe that creativity has the power to transcend limitations of daily life and bring meaningful change to the world. My designs are a symphony of aesthetics and visual story telling.” -Varuna

Varuna’s World… the Brands:

Varuna actually has two brands but we’ll start with Veelicious. This 3-year-old company of Varuna’s caters to visual branding and storytelling for startups and companies so that could mean a huge variety of things like: illustrations, artwork, invites, packaging, menus, making company brochures, drawing murals, helping with branding, even fashion with digital prints on fabric, and designing brand spaces, like daawat.

Her brand is equally as funky as it is functional and you can get a feel of that when you first see her illustrations. I like that when you work with Varuna she doesn’t just see it as a job, but is interested in your vision, in the complete project coming together, and finding new and innovative ways to put onto paper what you’re thinking.

examples of her digital paintings

“I like to capture the essence of person and translate it into art.”

Her other newer company, Code Designs… sounds a little more computer based huh? It is! The multitalented girl can build websites, create apps, emailers, and help with social media management.

While she draws her inspiration for work from places, I always ask what people inspire designers in their field. Varuna mentioned graphic designers Stephan Sagmiester & Kriti Monga. She also gets inspired from Jason Silva and “entertainment philosopher”. I hadn’t heard of him but he’s incredibly interesting if you want to check out his website.

examples of her branding work

“My design solution focuses on capturing the crux of  human emotion, and  building brand personalities catering to the needs of the Audience. They are also fun and quirky with a hint of humor usually hidden in them.”

She joined the Dream In movement by Spread in collaboration with Idiom when she first started design. She traveled 15,000 km to Agra, Lucknow, and Delhi over 15 days with the mission to ask the average person what their dreams were. She was struck by these dreams, like the woman whose dream was simply to work. She had no legs, no family, and hated she was a beggar. Another with polio dreamed of opening a phone booth. She wanted to create design to inspire change and do things that made a difference.

Map of Goa (you can purchase prints of this!)

Map of Bangalore

So what’s next for Varuna? She’ll be coming out with an illustration set. She’s working with WWF on a conversation campaign to save the dolphins (amazing!) and working with OwlIntel creating an app that helps people understand themselves and become better human beings. It is not surprising at all Varuna would be working on projects like these!

Like I said, she’s not your typical “graphic designer”. She’s one of those authentic artists, who are true to themselves, they make movies about later. She told me herself, “I believe in creating value”.

illustrations by Varuna

How can you work with Varuna Iyer?

First off, check out her website, VarunaIyer , and take a look around. You can go ahead and shoot her an email at vee@codedesigns.net if you’re ready to start chatting about a project or you want to buy a Goa map or any of her illustrations. And if you want to stay up to date, please follow along by liking her Facebook page Veelicious!

Did you enjoy this post? Let me know in the comments or by sharing it with the social media links! I’d love to keep giving you travel tricks & tips so feel free to subscribe by e-mail in the big purple box below. Don’t forget you can follow me on facebook, twitter, instagram & bloglovin‘.

The post International Boho-Chic Designers: Varuna Iyer // India first appeared on Hippie In Heels.

The post International Boho-Chic Designers: Varuna Iyer // India appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Welcome back to the series “International Boho-Chic Designers”. I meet so many fashion designers and artists on my travels and as a shopaholic,  I love having unique items from abroad. I want to share them with you!  The designers featured here are those I really shop from and adore.

Shoop Doop hasn’t been around long, but it’s what all the guys in Goa are wearing, and the shirts are unique but at the same time you can tell where they bought it from. They all have a touch of his funky style. It’s quickly becoming the go-to shop for guys here in Goa, and taking off in London as well. As you can imagine, lots of the shopping is done by girls buying for their family or boyfriend.

Sean offered to give away THREE shirts! Girls, enter the giveaway so you can gift this to someone. I’m really resisting entering the giveaway myself so I can get one for Ben ha, but that would be breaking the rules.. I’ll let you guys win ;)

The guy behind Shoop Doop

He has such an interesting background, which is probably why his shirts are so inspired and full of color. Sean Barr moved to London from Scotland in the 80’s with a desire to sing and after lots of work, he landed a job through Mute records singing backing with Erasure and a session with Boy George’s band, Culture Club.

During his travel, he was buying nice shirts in (a then undiscovered by tourists) Turkey and selling them in Greece. His love of fashion and travel was born! He started traveling in Australia, USA, North Africa, India, more of Asia.. and doesn’t seem to be stopping even now. He played music along the way in a variety of huge name brands in the UK and Ibiza, becoming quite famous from what I gather, or “infamous possibly!” as he says.

Parties with Brit Winner, Paloma Faith in Thailand

He realized that on stage, everyone was in boring H&M shirts and wanted to make a change. He started making funky pants and shirts and people were noticing. He ended up taking his samples to London, and bam now he’s got a whole new career!

Shoop Doop, the brand.

“I decided I didn’t want to make a safe collection of shirts which sat together nicely neatly and blandly. That’s not me, and it wouldn’t work if I went down that road.”

He appreciates everyone having different tastes and styles but didn’t want to stop from using color just because Brit’s typically shy away from it. Indian of course love color. They’ve been on Goa’s Fashion week and Fashion TV here.

“I love color, I always have done in all it’s forms, which was definitely a hugely inspirational aspect of being in India and an obvious choice for me to work in creating.”

He started bold with shirts covered in flamingos, burgers, fries, and lobsters! But not everyone is into that, so he did some funky retro shirts, some vintage, and some sophisticated and meant to look more sexy. Most are for men, but he does have a range for women and even kids.

“Each shirt belongs to someone is what I have found. Sometimes, I look at what I created and wonder if I got it wrong, only for someone to come in first thing of opening and buy that particular shirt!”

This brand is very unique for dudes & girls traveling. These have been worn by LA rockers like
Cat Power & Icarus Line to the Bollywood star Kim Sharma. Something for everyone. Plus, most of his shirts are cotton, so they wear well and will look better than a t-shirt. You can go from the beach to the club and be dressed appropriately. Plus, they are affordable at 30 pounds each (2,200 Rs. or 47 USD)

Malik, the Shoop Doop tailor

Where can you buy Shoop Doop?

Online at ASOS is available for you all over the world.

If you’re in England, check out The White Horse in Brixton South London, POP Brixton at Make Do & Mend, Fashion Klicks in Norwood, and Woo Woo Boutique in the trendy Brixton Village Market.

Their main shop is located in Goa, on Ashwem, Morjim beach next to La Plage & Jade Jagger. They are stocked in other shops in Goa like Anjuna Flea Market, behind Sea Breeze, at the Arpora Saturday Night Market, near gate 1, at Cheshire Cat & Villa Blanche in Assagao, Mermaids in Anjuna, and Lamuela in both Arambol and Mandrem, and Fara Boutique in Arambol.

Night Market, Arpora

You can also find them in Delhi on the second floor Studio 417  Shapur Jat (Near Dada Jungi house). If you’re none of those places, shop online on the Shoop Doop Website (they ship internationally).

To connect, follow along their journey on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, or Twitter, email at shoopdooplondon@gmail.com or ring them at +44-208-671-6397 or in Goa +91-8888-564-234.

*Shoop Doop 3 Winner giveaway!!!*

For this giveaway there will be THREE winners! As usual, I am running this giveaway through rafflecopter so the machine can choose the winner. These are the shirts up for grabs, which are his most sold shirts:

you get the shirt, not the guy ;)

All you have to do is follow the instructions below which include liking both Shoop Doop London and I on social media as linked below. You have 7 days to enter. This giveaway is open to people from all countries. You will win the 1 of 3 shirts (first pick gets first choice). which is a £30 value (about 47  bucks). These are my favorite of the whole collection. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Did you enjoy this post? Let me know in the comments or by sharing it with the social media links! I’d love to keep giving you travel tricks & tips so feel free to subscribe by e-mail in the big purple box below. Don’t forget you can follow me on facebook, twitter, instagram & bloglovin‘.

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BOLO dress

Introducing the “O My God and Godess” silk scarf collection from FARA

The first intense scarf is Shiva and the Little Mermaid depicting Shiva, pirate ships, mermaids, jellyfish and an astrological chart.

Ganesh and Dumbo are the focus of the second scarf, and my favorite! Full of circus animals, hard boiled sweets, macaroons, the temple from Keri Beach.

Hanuman and the Jungle Book up next…all the animals from the famous India story, Balu the bear, Bagera the Leopard, the Orangutan, Snake, and Tiger are on this scarf.

The last scarf, Saraswati is where the collaboration comes into play (okay, maybe this one is my favorite!). Saraswati and the Princess and the frog; a pond of carp fish, lily pads and jewels float (Van Andel and Peace jewels), king fishers fly around Saraswati the Goddess of Creativity. This is the scarf you will win.

Find FARA @ FARA Boutique in Arambol, Goa, Saturday market in Arpora, Goa and Second Floow Studios in New Delhi or shop online at their Etsy shop. Be sure to follow FARA on facebook and instagram. For inquiries email rachel@faraboutique.com.

 

FARA and Van Andel & Peace Collaboration

“Rachel came to visit us one day for a design for her engagement ring, and immediately it clicked between us. Later her  man came and bought the beautiful ruby lite seaflower design and so started a relationship both personal and professional.”

“Since then we have visited the gallery in Assagao and the stall at the Saturday Night Market a few times and treat ourselves with a piece here and there. We both own Malas made by Cheshire Cat Gallery.” -Rachel

The Luxury of Van Andel & Peace @ Cheshire Cat Gallery

I live only a short drive from Cheshire Cat Gallery and have known of it even before I moved to Goa. It’s very famous and everyone who comes here on vacation comes to the gallery to buy their jewelry. The Gallery carries their own designs and also some other things like hand-woven clothing, silk shawls, candles, jewelry from other designers, and more.

Kees van Andel and Karen Peace met in the 80’s in Amsterdam, but now live in Goa after traveling India all through the 90’s on spiritual and trekking journey, and falling in love with it. They discovered the wealth of precious stones to be found in dusky bazaars and exciting jewelry alleys in Jaipur. They met gemstones dealers who they still buy their exclusive gems from today. The move to Goa from Jaipur was easy for them as they craved the freedom and nature of the Goa paradise.

“We never looked back. Now we’re employing a team of local women whom we have trained in both sales and design processes, and Kees now works with the same 4 goldsmiths in his atelier who have been with us for last 6 years. All these people have become family to us; now part of the family that we call Cheshire Cat Gallery, evolved into a household name in Goa.” -Karen

They use 22 ct. gold, sterling silver, diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires selected carefully looking at the clarity and and color. As you can see, their designs are detailed and have amazing jewels in them. Kees does the design work with a goldsmith- he studied design at Rotterdam’s College of Fine Arts. Karen works the sales end and runs the gallery- she went to school for marketing and fashion in Amsterdam. Their designs are a mixture of ethnic Indian and classic Victorian.

Kees and Karen are going to be at the International Jewelry Show at Olympia in London in September and are working on a new collection. So, if you’re lucky enough to live in London, you can check them out! If you’re in Goa you can actually work together with them to make a personalized piece like Rachel’s boyfriend did.

Cheshire Cat Gallery is in a cute old Portuguese house in Assagao, just down the road from Villa Blanche, off Anjuna-Mapusa Main road where you can shop in person. You can shop via their website (map with directions and phone numbers there), check out the Van Andel & Peace FB page, and the Cheshire Cat Gallery FB page.

**Enter to win the Saraswati scarf & Mala necklace!**

The pink tourmaline is the stone for unconditional love and the pearls are for purity. 

Like usual, I am doing this giveaway through rafflecopter. Just follow the instructions below and do know that I go and check that you actually “like” or do the activity listed. If you already “like” these girls, then just hit enter and you’re golden.

The giveaway will listed for 7 days, shipping is international, giveaway is open to everyone, the value of the scarf is $135 and the necklace is.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Did you enjoy this post? Let me know in the comments or by sharing it with the social media links! I’d love to keep giving you travel tricks & tips so feel free to subscribe by e-mail in the big purple box below. Don’t forget you can follow me on facebook, twitter, instagram & bloglovin‘.

The post Goa Designers Van Andel & Peace and FARA (huge giveaway!) first appeared on Hippie In Heels.

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Welcome back to the series “International Boho-Chic Designers”. I meet so many fashion designers and artists on my travels and as a shopoholic,  I love having unique items from abroad. I want to share them with you!  The designers featured here are those I really shop from and adore.

I’ve seen the FARA booth at the Saturday night market in Arpora for the last two years, just near the Thai place. I always peaked inside and looked at all the silky tie-dye and gorgeous raw silk dresses. They were over my price range last year, but this year I’m hoping to save up a bit a finally buy something from the team at Fara. Their clothes are some of my absolute favorites at the market and they have a new shop in Arambol. To celebrate their Indian silk scarf range they are giving one away to one of you readers!

Stall at Saturday Arpora Market

Varanasi Scarf

Giveaway: The scarves they make are hand-drawn by them and represent different areas of India. They are giving away Goa which is just a perfect match for Hippie in Heels. Scroll to bottom to enter giveaway.

The chicks behind FARA Boutique

Fumie and Rachel are the girls behind the brand. Fumie originally from Japan, studied in London at the London College of Fashion and since has worked for Alexander McQueen and Stella Mcartney! Fumie is a talented pattern cutter seemstress and designer.

Rachel grew up in London and studied at Fine Art at Central Saint Martins. After graduating she worked as a fashion buyer for Urban Outiffitters for 5 years.

Both are mothers to little girls, living in Goa and also London, and spend everyday together on the beach or in their shop, designing and creating.

FARA, the Brand:

FARA stands for Fumie and Rachel’s adventures. They met and became friends through their love of travel. Fara is now in its 2^nd season making simple yet design led clothes for women. Their clothes are easy to wear, yet elegant. They make these incredible hand-drawn (by them!) scarves that are so technical and sophisticated… but really fun and bold at the same time. I asked what FARA is as a brand:

 “Designs inspired by our adventures and dreams of those still to come”

examples of the raw silk

the flowy tie-dye silk… I love this skirt!

FARA makes a range of dresses, tops, shorts, trousers, skirts, kaftans, kimonos, scarves, and cushion covers. Their clothes are made from either 100% raw silk which is hand woven in Varanasi, 100% silk Haboti, or silk chiffon. Their stuff is so unique especially because they show India through their clothing and both of them are travelers who have seen vast amounts of the subcontinent.

The scarves which they are famous for are hand drawn illustrations painted with traditional Japanese watercolour. The same illustrations on on the cushion covers. When you look at the detail up close it’s just amazing!

Their four hand-drawn and painted scarves in order clockwise: Varanasi, Rajasthan, Himalaya, Goa

“With Fara, I rediscovered and rekindled a passion for drawing and painting, and with my knowledge of Japanese watercolour painting knew that these silk scarves woudl capture the essence of the love of travel with the love of luxury.” Fumie, FARA

I just love the scarves they have now, but they have even more coming making the decision of which to purchase even harder. While the old scarves represent their favorite places in India: Varanasi, Goa, Himalayas, and Rajasthan, the new scarves are based on Hindu Gods combined with Fairy tales like Shiva and the Little Mermaid or Hanuman and The Jungle Book. I saw the samples and they are stunning and so imaginative. I am so excited they are giving a scarf away to a reader (and also a bit jealous of the winner already!).

The Rajasthan scarf shows colors of pink Jaipur, camels, daffodils, and gypsy jewelry. For Varanasi they depict the smoking grey for the ghats mixed with Sadhus, cows, monkeys, and spicy chai. They even add in the pooja flowers- it’s the detail in these scarves which make them a great souvenir (and since these are also my favorite places in India, makes it so difficult to choose one!). The Himalaya scarf tells the tale of mountain travel with Buddhist prayer wheels, thangkas, and stunning scenery and the Goa scarf (which you can win!) shows our beautiful home: lush green countryside, cows in the market, Enfield bikes, cashew flowers and more.

Himalaya scarf above & all four below

I asked why their brand is the perfect for travelers like you:

“We wanted to convey imagery that was deep and meaningful to our own experiences. We consider these silk scarves as pieces of art as well as accessories and our customers often find they have their own personal attachments and their own memories of these special places in India.” -Rachel, FARA

Where can you buy FARA?

If you’re in India you can see their stock in person at FARA Boutique in Arambol, Goa. Also at the Saturday market in Arpora, Goa and Second Floow Studios in New Delhi. If you’re not in India and want to buy something please do check out their Etsy shop.

If you want to see their amazing photography and gorgeous models pop up on your socia media, be sure to follow FARA on facebook and instagram. You can email them rachel@faraboutique.com.

*FARA “GOA” Silk Scarf giveaway!!!*

This is the scarf you can win!! How cute!? I want it.

As usual, I am running this giveaway through rafflecopter so the machine can choose the winner. All you have to do is follow the instructions below which include liking both the boutique and I on social media. You have 7 days to enter. This giveaway is open to people from all countries. You will win the “Goa” scarf which is a 7,900 rs value (something like 150 bucks). It’s my favorite of the whole collection. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Did you enjoy this post? Let me know in the comments or by sharing it with the social media links! I’d love to keep giving you travel tricks & tips so feel free to subscribe by e-mail in the big purple box below. Don’t forget you can follow me on facebook, twitter, instagram & bloglovin‘.

The post International Boho-Chic Designers: FARA // India & a Giveaway! first appeared on Hippie In Heels.

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Welcome back to the series “International Boho-Chic Designers”. I meet so many fashion designers and artists on my travels and as a shopoholic, love having unique items form abroad. I want to share them with you!  The designers featured here are those I really shop from and adore.

The new shop TIA in Morjim / Ashwem is making waves in Goa. It seems TIA is the designer to be wearing this season! As you head to Ashwem Beach, look for this design on life size silhouettes outside her shop. There is a full map in the end of the post.

Shop Tia online at Etsy.

& a fabulous TIA GIVEAWAY!

I usually go into detail about the designer and where they came from, but I’ve done that already with Tia Cherelle with her brand Tia and Tan last year. Take a second to check out that post and learn a little about the ‘growing up Goan’ lifestyle that made Tia the unique designer she is now.

This year she is slowly merging Tia & Tan into TIA after rebranding. Her collections: the original high end silks and an additional affordable cotton beach wear came from some learning curves and adjusting to make sure everyone could afford the brand. She’s also added in a lot of one of a kind pieces and will even make things to order (but I’m next in line… no cuts).

TIA Silks

The new collection shows another journey. She started from scratch having artists draw what she envisioned and getting it printed onto silk, therefore all the fabrics are completely unique and took her awhile to perfect.

The collection is based on the story of Krishna in the jungle, and the bright colors come from the inspiration of India where there is never a dull moment!     -Tia

There are multiple prints like Krishna, Leopard, Jungle, and Birds as well as bold colors like peach, purple, emerald green, and whites all in a satin silk. She’s added sequin party pieces, retro 70’s crop tops with matching shorts, and bold embroidered shorts. Ok, now for photos of all these sexy models in her silk line because I know that’s what you all want!

TIA Cottons

The new range of cottons are perfect because they are affordable for everyone. Last year, so many people commented that they loved the brand but just couldn’t afford such high end silk. That was part of Tia’s thought process in re-branding and she added these colorful, easy beach looks starting at only 1,000 rs (20 bucks). Can’t beat that!

TIA Shop in Ashwem, Goa

If you follow my Instagram, you’ll know I wear TIA brand clothes a lot. It’s by far my favorite shop in Goa because they clothes always fit so perfectly. She’s also always made clothes for men as well, in super soft cottons. She’s got a new line for men coming soon. So, boy or girl, if you’re in Ashwem or the Saturday market (where she has a stall) take a second to check out her amazing pieces!

like this scarf? You can win it below!

inside of the Ashwem shop

new shorts & my favorite lungis / scarves… wear one almost every day with a bikini!

men’s shorts & woman’s sequin tops

Saturday night market stall

The main shop is just at the Morjim-Ashwem junction. When you turn right toward Marbella, you’ll see it on your right. Look for the psy black and white sign boards and silhouettes.

Here is the view from outside the shop & below is the map:

All Tia’s contact is on the flier above. Happy shopping! Sad you’re not coming to India to buy TIA? Don’t be, you can shop online on her Etsy.

The TIA giveaway! Win a silk Scarf

I love love love the scarf TIA is giving away, and really just want to keep it for myself but you guys put up with my poor grammar and misspelled words on the regular, so it’s about time I reward you with another giveaway.

This bird print pure satin silk scarf sells in Goa for 3,500 rs. Like all previous giveaways, I am using rafflecopter to select the winner. Just “like” both Tia & I on social media through all these buttons below for multiple entries. TIA will ship world wide so anyone is welcome to enter. You have SEVEN days before the contest closes.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Welcome back to the series “International Boho-Chic Designers”. I have met so many fashion designers and artists on my travels who I buy jewelry, swimsuits, clothing, etc from. I love having unique items and I’m creating this section to share them with you!  These are people I’ve met and personally shopped from/love, not people perking/paying me.

I have a little obsession with makeup, which is odd considering I rarely wear it. You have to spend quite a bit at Sephora to be a VIB (Very Important Beauty Insider) and I meet the quota easily. When I do wear makeup, I like to take my time and put a little of everything on. I’m pretty sure that’s not what you’re supposed to do…So, I happen to have a friend I met in Bombay that is a makeup artist for some serious clients! I figured I’d hit her up for some tips.

Introducing Makeup By Hongling

Hongling Lim was born and raised in Singapore. She’s another great example of someone who isn’t using their degree in the way they thought they would, but instead found a new calling. She didn’t start out in the makeup industry, but in an office. She knew pretty quickly she wasn’t into it that kind of work life so she took a break.

Out of boredom (and a little interest) she took a makeup class and it stuck. Being brought up in an Asian family, she was told it was a job with no prospects, but she knew it was the right fit for her. FYI all the photos below unless noted are all shots of Hongling’s work!

Hongling’s Brand

Her work is all about enhancing her client’s natural beauty, which is so evident from her photos. The less it looks like you’re wearing, the better! Makeup artist Pat McGrath, who is considered an industry legend, is one of her biggest inspirations.

work of Pat McGrath, Hongling’s idol

I asked Hongling to tell me a little bit about her makeup routine when she’s traveling:

 “I have light makeup on when I travel. I don’t want to look like a raccoon at the end of the day and I like to avoid touch-ups. I’m quite lucky as my skin holds my makeup base well; some blotting is needed and that’s it.”

“I bring along a Kajal Eye Liner
whenever I travel even though I’m typically for the natural look. I never know when I’m going to hit the club; and if I do, the kajal liner is enough for me to create a soft smoky eye.

Let’s ask Hongling to help us poor souls do our makeup…

What exactly does your job entail?

A typical day of my job starts with lugging my heavy suitcase and bags around! That just comes with the job.I enjoy the time when I’m actually working on my model’s face. We talk about anything under the sun! We share our stories and joke around.

Ok, now tell us: what are you 5 specific products you can’t live without?

1. Maybelline waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

2. M.A.C eyebrow pencil

3. Laneige BB Cushion

4. Cle De Peau Concealer

5. Sugar Tinted lip balm

What is the one mistake are most girls making with their make up?

They too often mess up their eyeliner! Some girls wing it out from too far within the eyes, and some make the wing too thick and too much in general.

Is lip liner really that important? Now that bright lips are in style, I feel like I might need to get some.

Lip liner is essential when you want to give your lips definition, especially when you have uneven lip shapes and want to “justify” them a little. Otherwise, using just lipstick is fine.

In Asia, some (the TV commercials) imply lighter skin is ideal, but for those who like a tan what product do you recommend?

I’ll recommend products that make my client’s skin glow. It makes your skin looks healthy and somewhat sexy. Tanning in the sun does dry your skin so be careful!

In high humidity, like during monsoon, what products are necessary?

In places like this, waterproof or smudge-proof eye makeup products are must haves! Also general long-lasting makeup products! Start with Eyeshadow Primer, the Maybelline liner mentioned above, waterproof mascara, K-palette , and dust over with a finishing powder.

How do you set make up when it’s SO hot out?

Firstly, you must prep your skin well. You need to have on makeup base like mentioned above. Once your makeup is done, brush on some setting powder, like Make Up For Ever HD finishing powder to hold/set the makeup. You can even spray on some oil control setting spray when needed.

What product will help clear out pores when there is high pollution like Bombay?

A good makeup remover is important. This should be followed by a cleanser routine to ensure skin is deeply cleansed and no particles remain to clog your pores. I start with Chacott Cleansing water or Bioderma Sensibio H2O  to remove makeup. After cleansing, I use Mario Badescu Silver Powder to treat my skin. After a few uses, you will notice that your pores, breakouts and black/whiteheads are reduced! It helps in oil control on T-zone too.

What are your favorite 3 lip products?

I love any moisturizing lip balms, Yves Saint Laurent Lip stain #27, and bright pink lip colors to create that Korean lip makeup that everyone’s going crazy about (intense on the inner lips, pale on the outer lips).

Have you tried the new idea of “oiling” your face? Josie Maran Argan Oil is a trendy item that I’ve just started trying & like so far.

I don’t use oil on my face, but I’m not against it. Imagine applying olive oil onto areas of dry skin on your hand. Having it on for a short period of time nourishes your skin, but do remember to wash it completely off your face so it doesn’t cause adverse results.

I write a lot, a LOT, about jet lag but tell me, what do you do to keep your face from drying up after a flight or before?

It’s all about the mask! I’ve tried putting mask on everyday for a week; I can see noticeable results. The mask I’m using is Beauty Dairy Mask, which is a huge craze in Asia! (Editors Note: BB cream came from Asia.. so maybe this is next!)

Are there any new make up trends our products that we should avoid?

Please avoid the raccoon eye makeup unless you are going for a Halloween party!

How do you give models that “dewy” Victoria’s Secret model look or that beachy skin look? What products do you reach for?

Try Laneige BB Cushion for the dewy look. Alternatively, you can use wet products with a glow effect over the face, after you put on the base.

What is the one brand/color nail polish you couldn’t live without?

Any black color is my staple!

Anything else you want to share?

Less is more when it comes to makeup!

How you can work with Hongling:

Hongling Lim is a talented makeup artist in Singapore. She works freelance so you can contact her to make an appointment. Check out more of her work on her Facebook page Makeup By Hongling and make sure to follow her on Instagram for behind-the-scenes glam, Singapore views, and awesome food photos. You can contact her via e-mail at hongling921@yahoo.com.sg or call her at (+65) 94558681

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The post International Boho-Chic Designers: Saffron Wiehl Illustrations // India first appeared on Hippie In Heels.

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I am so excited to launch this new series of my blog “International Boho-Chic Designers”. I have met so many fashion designers and artists on my travels who I buy jewelry, swimsuits, tops, anything from. I love having unique items and I’m creating this section to share them with you.  These are going to be limited to people I’ve met and personally shopped from/love, not people perking/paying me.

When I saw a random photo pop on from a FB friend captioned “I bought this from Goa’s own, Tia, check out her shop!” I messaged Tia within 5 seconds. I was drooling over the clothes then, bought some, came home and had a minor regret of not buying more… went back and got an additional item, and even now while editing these photos I’m like- I NEED MORE.

Update 2016: Tia & Tan is now called Tia and it’s located in Natti’s Naturals, Arpora or you can shop online on Etsy.

Introducing Tia & Tan

Tia Cherelle is only 24 but this Brit has been a nomad her whole life. She’s traveled around Europe since a child and lived all over India. Considering Goa her real home, she’s opened shop here as well as online.

India is an incredible source of inspiration for anyone, but not just anyone can turn that into works of art. Tia manages to take the vibrant but soft designs she sees in markets, print, and catwalks throughout the subcontinent to put together looks fit for Nicole Richie or Mary-Kate Olsen.

Her Boho-Chic style is laid-back but also luxurious in the way the silk feels against your skin and hangs perfectly off your body. A few options in her collection: loose crop tops, alluring long and short silk dresses with slits, kaftans, kimonos, playsuits, men’s shorts and shirts. That’s just touching on some of my favorite options, but on her FB and ASOS, you’ll see so many more options. Be prepapred to lose about 45 minutes of your day and probably your paycheck. It’s worth it because everyone will be asking where you got your outfit.

Tia and Tan sources all material in India and creates some fabric prints herself. She studied interior architecture in school and has always had an eye for the finer things which is reflected in her clothes and gorgeous models! She chooses only traditional Indian fabrics such as khadi cotton and silk. The more you wash the cotton the better it looks. That sounds perfect for backpackers.

Saffron, the model on the right is also an artist I’ve featured on the blog. AND I have that shirt in two colors, it’s incredible.

Tia & Tan The Brand:

“We began our story in India traveling to source and learn about textiles. We are about quality and using premium fabrics that are natural and make you feel great Our brand is about being perfectly simple and an antidote to fussy dressing, it works around the clock and travels across the globe and fits all a person’s priorities Based in India we’re surrounded by textiles and inspiration that allow us to work with different fabrics bringing you something completely different each collection.”

She literally had me at “antidote to fussy dressing” and “travels across the globe” Hello, could this fit a travelers lifestyle better?

So many pieces of her line stand out to me for travelers because there are the sexy beach options as well as kaftans and kimonos to cover up in more conservation areas while still looking like a glamorous traveler instead of a beat-up backpacker. They would make for a great gift. *hint hint mom, dad, anyone… I do love the kimonos ;)

I asked Tia why she loves her line for travel:

“I use slinky stylish silk which gives that simple and classy look.  My designs are perfect to wear in the hot sun on the beach or shopping at the market.  Beyond that they are perfect for a night dressed up with some heels and accessories looking super chic for that beach party or romantic dinner.”

“Most of my designs are made from crepe silk, which is an opulent fabric with a glossy lustre and a wonderfully subtle texture. The material is surprisingly lightweight so it takes up hardly any space in your suitcase, leaving lots of room for shoes and accessories. The material also resists wrinkles; once hung looks as good as ironed.”     -Tia

Where can you purchase Tia & Tan?

If you’re in Goa she is stocked currently in La Plage’s pop-up shop, Villa Blanche in Assagao (just near my house!), and the Saturday Night Market. If you’re not in Goa, don’t fret she’s now selling on ASOS Marketplace: Tia & Tan. ASOS used to be my little secret years ago in the U.S., but although it’s now well-known, have you checked out the marketplace tabs? Indie designers from all over the world sell here, including Tia & Tan. I wrote a few tips about shipping to India from ASOS which can be expensive, so if you’re already in India you’re in luck because you can pick up clothes on your next Goa vacation or you can choose the standard shipping option without any customs hassle. If you’re in the US/UK and other western countries, ASOS ships easily there.

You can e-mail Tia & Tan for enquiries at tia-tan@live.com or easily like the Tia & Tan Facebook Page to see what new styles she comes up with. Keep an eye out for upcoming collections because Tia tells us we’ll be seeing much more like belts and jewelry. She’s having a sale on ASOS, which ends tomorrow, so hurry! Update: She has a new website up! 

Did you enjoy this post? Let me know in the comments or by sharing it with the social media links! I’d love to keep giving you travel tricks & tips so feel free to subscribe by e-mail in the big purple box below. Don’t forget you can follow me on facebook, twitter, instagram & bloglovin‘.

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The post International Boho-Chic Designers: Tia & Tan // India first appeared on Hippie In Heels.

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