Pass on Aspasia?

In ancient Athens, Aspasia was a beautiful and intelligent courtesan, romantically linked to one of the most powerful rulers in Greece. In Bandra, it is a new fashion store that sheds most of the superlatives that its namesake once stood for. Predominantly stocked with Indian clothes designed by owner Surabhi Kalsi, the splashily sequined and zardosi work didn’t offer us much pleasure. Same goes for the staid men’s collection of shirts and jackets by Salim Asgarally and Ken Fernandes.

Way more interesting was Surabhi’s rack of western wear (Rs 3,000), where she uses mirror work to embellish pretty skirts and dresses.

What: Dark Waters, H20, Pali Naka, next to Totos Garage Pub, Bandra (W), call 9821445176.

Why: Lurking in the basement of H20, this designer den of high-end export clothing and accessories stocks a secret stash of Armani shirts, Dior dresses, Christian Louboutin heels and Chanel, Mark Jacob and Burberry handbags. We loved the printed gum boots (Rs 1,650) and Juicy Couture boy shorts in a heart box (Rs 750).

When: You need a lair for your flair.

What: Japanese Anime cushions at Angels, Link Corner, 33rd and 24th Road, Bandra (W), Rs 375.

Why: You’d hardly expect to see semi-clad women slurping popsicles at a children’s store. The risqué anime cushion covers at White Peacock’s new kiddie concern might shock shopping moms, but are a pleasant surprise for those looking to pick up a jolly good pillow.

When: You want your soft ware to be hardcore.

Get a Handle on the Weather

The untimely drizzle wouldn’t have caught you off guard if you had one of these super-stylish sun-and-shower umbrellas by Blush. Made out of 100% cotton Chikan fabric from Lucknow and waterproofed, these work perfectly as sun umbrellas and can weather stormy showers too. Now you know better, and can order your own (start at Rs 850 per piece). Just so you have all your bases covered.

What: Cutlery couture, Manish Arora for Good Earth, Raghuvanshi Mills, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, call 24951954.

Why: After stamping his psychedelic prints on everything from shoes to lipstick, fashion’s most colourful figure is all set to gatecrash your dinner party. And if his earlier designs are anything to go by, Manish Arora’s new range of bone china cutlery will be the best thing since sliced bread.

When: You want new Fish (to) Fry. Launches Wednesday, November 11.

Papier Prêt

You’d hardly expect paper, glue and banana fibre to turn into something so chic. Paper chandeliers and lamps are the new heavyweights on the light circuit, and the best buzz-worthy buy for your home. We spied these at Bliss, a newly opened lifestyle store at Versova that also stocks clothes by designers like Nachiket Barve and Lina Tipnis, and accessories by Soul of Silver, Pandora’s Pitara and Stoffa.

What: Personalised golf balls, Zaverchand Sports, 3rd Floor, Dena Bank building, Horniman Circle, Fort, call 9819007344, Rs 3,000 for a dozen.

Why: Send these guys a pattern, colour or inscription, and they’ll create a unique set of golf balls just for you. Perfect for gifting!

When: You want to bird(ie) watch. / You want to keep your eye on the ball.

What: Hand-painted shopping bags from Bootika, call Shruti on 9892059361 or view the Facebook page here, starts at Rs 650.

Why: Sporting intricately sketched taxi meters, pensive bulls and half-drunk glasses of cutting chai, these organic cotton shopping bags are the perfect reason to go green.

When: It’s time to up your market value.

Curios in the City
Taking a cue from neighbouring Gabbana and the gaggle of designers at D-7, the just-launched Curio Cottage in Khar is hipper and sleeker than its Colaba flagship. In its new avatar, this white washed jewellery boutique, which hasn’t yet opened to the public, makes sure it’s shelves are shiny and its bling organised. A sneak peak at the stock revealed a ton of gold-plated silver wrist cuffs (Rs 2,500 and up) that we fancied, and an entire wall dedicated to statement necklaces (Rs 3,000 and up) that were a little too dramatic for our liking. Gold dipped earrings offset by black silver, and anti-colossal “wearable” rings with semi-precious stones (Rs 1,500), will be up in time for the  glittering launch tomorrow.

What: Hand painted sneakers by Shubert, visit shubertshoes.blogspot.com or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , price on request.

Why: From owls to electric poles, doe-eyed ladies to bare-branched trees, Shubert will customise sneakers with graphics best suited to your personality.

When: You want them to gawk when you walk.