I Can See Clearly Now

We may no longer be blind from the flashes going off at Khar’s new fashion store Vinegar – the opening party saw a bevy of stars – but we’re still seeing spots. Big retro polkas on dresses, small dots on skirts and stars on shirts.

In comparison to its glitzy launch party though, the stock at this 5,000 square feet shop for women seems much more sedate, featuring solid coloured tops, cotton skirts, floral shorts and printed dresses. While we did find a bunch of stuff worth buying (see top-of-the-heap list below), there are still shelves full of strange bags (and tag lines like ‘Crazy is a Woman’), busy baubles and frumpy cotton kurta tops that look like they belong to an export surplus store. Makes sense considering owner Varsha Bhawnani previously worked in the garment export business.

Vinegar’s design team now apparently works out of Spain, creating designs for the Mumbai store that will soon house a cafe serving coffee and sandwiches. We predict a rack of mustard and ketchup stain removers coming up at the shop soon after.

Top of the Heap: What We Liked

bpb visited on a Monday afternoon to find a whole lot of sheer tops, some with Peter Pan collars, reminiscent of Zara. They’re cheaper than everyone’s favourite Spanish brand by at least Rs 1,000, but not all of them feel and fit as well (we like pink blouse with front tie - see image above - and flimsy singlets for Rs 1,400). But like with Zara, you do run the risk of bumping into someone wearing the same ensemble. Attack of the Clones?

You may want to steer clear of the heavy tweed-ish dresses with sequined belts and opt instead for cotton retro sheath with spots and stripes (Rs 2,800). Also on our summer list is floral shorts (Rs 1,850), beige and white polka dotted skirt with side zip (Rs 1,400) and pink crochet skirt with scallops. Surprisingly reasonable are the Rs 1,000 waist coats with lady bugs and buttons. Special mention for the inside lining of most garments here that sport pretty prints, best used in pop coloured blazers with sleeves rolled up.

From the jewellery options bother only with the necklace made up of clear round beads encased in gold squares (Rs 840) and the almost-edible raspberry cuff (Rs 500) that you may end up pairing with vanilla yogurt.

One Floral P(r)int, Please!

Vinegar is best visited for a quick, chilled out buy that’s decently priced. Think of it as a bar you’d stop by not for a fancy cocktail, but a pint of beer. And when they do, on that rare occasion, make you a stunning whisky sour, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Getting there: Vinegar Fashion, Kirabo, 13^th road, off Linking Road, Khar (W), call 26482787, Rs 1,600 for a Peter Pan collar top.