In high school, I was voted as “Most Academic”. It wasn’t something I was particularly proud of. Being “Most Academic” was akin to be labeled as nerdy, boring, and lame and who wants that?

I so wanted to be one of the “Popular Girls” in school, sought after and admired by everyone. Or so I thought. Until I started seeing the negative effects and pressures that came with being “popular” in school. You had to be pretty, you had to be skinny, you had to be fair-skinned, you had to wear makeup and dress a certain way. I didn’t fit into this category and the more I saw, the more I was put off by it. A lot of these girls in my school were decidedly unhappy beyond the cool persona they projected. Many suffered from eating disorders and made bad decisions to be cool and likeable. I was confused by this world where your looks and outward image was given more importance than how you are on the inside. I didn’t want any part of it and stuck to my close friends in high school, secure in myself as a person but filled with those adolescent doubts and uncertainties of how others beyond my inner circle viewed me. School can be a harsh place for early life lessons.

Over the years, beyond college and into adult life, I have come to learn that media and certain people or societies will try to put a certain pressure on how you should look and what you should be. I'll admit, I have never really agonized over my body image and physical self. Rather, it's been more about my persona. I went on a long journey to earn my PhD s in the field of cancer research. I was "Dr Richa Tiwari" but somehow, even after years of legitimate hard work to get there, I felt weird referring to myself as that and would always downplay my achievement. What if someone thought I was too geeky to relate to? When I started blogging and exploring my interest in fashion, then too I struggled with presenting what might be seen as a frivolous side of me. What if people thought I was superficial?

Maybe it was all in my head. I've always felt proud of who I am. I never thought I was nerdy or superficial but felt self-conscious that others did. It's taken me a while to accept and be comfortable with presenting the different facets of myself without the inhibitions. A scientific, data-crunching thinker and a creative being who loves ideas, writing and fashion...Why can't I be both or whatever I want? Don't let others' inside or outside perception of you lead you down a path of self-doubt or insecurity. Believe me, life is easier when you are comfortable in your own skin, inside and out. So just own it!

Note: This article was first published as a guest post on Styling Redefine for the #IAmMoreThanMyBody series. It has been re-posted here with some edits. 

Dress by BYSI | Clutch from India | Shoes from Charles & Keith

I’ve received a lot of compliments on the Juicy Couture skirt that I posted on Instagram a couple weeks ago. I also talked about it on my March Look Book here. Indeed, this pleated maxi skirt is so pretty. I love how feminine and girly it makes me feel!

Polka dots are timeless and depending on how you dress it up, you can achieve a vintage mod look or a modern chic look. Here I’m sharing with you a few of my favorite polka dot bottoms (pants or skirt).

FashMob: I love this Singapore-based online store for its stylish and very affordable collection of clothes. I’m loving the Hamilton Polka Dot Pants for under $40. They are perfect for wearing to work with a blouse or for a casual weekend look.

Mango: This black and white polka dot skirt gets edgy with a fringe design. I’m totally loving the unexpectedness of the fringe to the whole look. Keep it simple with a plain white or black blouse. This skirt costs $89.90.

Zaful: This blue midi-skirt with white polka dots has a mod-look to it. I love the button-down design and pocket detail on it. I can imagine styling it with espadrilles, a hat, a cropped yellow tee or button down blouse with the front knotted up. You can see one type of styling of the skirt here. Being under $25, you can’t fight this price point! (P.S. – Zaful does free international deliveries, including in Asia, for orders over USD $49).

ASOS Bandeau Bow Front Dress: This online store is my go-to source for my closet essentials and on-trend clothes at prices that don't bust the budget. So this next item isn't a skirt or pants but I just found this bandeau polka dot dress super cute (under $50). So perfect for a summer vacation outfit or for a casual weekend look. For cooler temperatures or for modesty, you can throw on a denim jacket or a colored cardigan (basically using one of the colors of the polka dots - a red or pink cardigan would look great!)

ASOS Wrap Skirt: Go to any store these days and you'll notice a wrap skirt. They're trending right now and are quite flattering on most shapes. I quite liked this mini-wrap skirt with its polka dot design. You can opt to keep it monochromatic with a top that is gray, black, or white in color. Or go with a mustard yellow or red top for a more fun look! 

You'll notice from my picks that I prefer the smaller polka dot designs. It's just a pattern I'm drawn to more so than the large polka dots. Just a personal preference! What about you? Tell me which of these picks you liked best!

Photo credit via websites links provided

I love how blazers or jackets can totally turn around the look of any outfit. They can be worn in any number of ways - with a dress, shorts, skinny jeans, boyfriend jeans, jumpsuit, high-waisted pants, etc! Whether you're looking to make a professional appearance for work or trying to up your "chic" factor for a casual outfit, blazers and bomber jackets are for you. But how do you style them without looking like you're headed for a job interview? 

Here are my styling ABCs to help you get on board with jackets/blazers:

1. Go for color! Bright colored blazers instantly transform your appearance. They serve to give you a put-together together, classic look without making you looking too serious. I love my pink and orange blazers (pictures below). They're a closet workhorse and I've worn them multiple times in and outside of the workplace setting. 

2. Play around with different cuts and styles of jackets/blazers. By that I mean try a cropped blazer (see my look with the orange blazer), a long blazer (see the pink blazer I wore). or a bomber jacket style. All of them give very different looks but achieve the same purpose of pulling the look together effectively. You may find that you gravitate towards certain cuts and styles more than others. 

3. Pair your blazer or jacket with contrasting or complementary colors in your outfit. The idea is to have fun with paring without being too matchy-matchy and veering into the territory of a formal "job interview" look. 

4. Consider proportions. Basically, certain blazer lengths may work better with certain outfits. For example, a long blazer looks balanced with skinny jeans or a dress of similar length without adding bulk to your appearance. Alternatively, a cropped blazer looks good with high waisted pants (as seen in the pictures below with the orange blazer).

5.  If you own only a black or white solid color blazer, make it casual by pairing it with jeans, a T-shirt (maybe one with stripes or a graphic print), and rolling up the sleeves of the blazer. Ta-da! You got the "stylish without looking like you tried too hard" look. 

On a related note, for reading about how to transition from work to evening wear: read my blog post here. 

The East Coast is among my favorite places to hang out in Singapore. Wide open green spaces, the ocean front, paved paths for scenic bike rides, playgrounds, restaurants/cafes, and areas for picnics are all part of what the East Coast has to offer. It's a great hangout spot for kids and adults alike. Which is what led me to the idea of having my birthday party there a few months ago. I booked one of the picnic grill spots and threw a BBQ party. We had a great time and the party was a success partly because the location was just so great. A lovely breeze and a romantic view of sailboats bobbing in the ocean in front of us were the perfect props to the party. Being by the beach allowed the kids to be happily occupied with playing in the sand while the adults could get their time together. In addition, I had hired a BBQ-er and ordered a variety of different foods (veg and non-veg) through HungryBBQ.com, a great service if you're looking to outsource the messy job of BBQing food yourself. Someone comes and takes care of everything from setting up the grill, cooking the food, and cleaning up so that you can focus on the main task at hand - socializing with friends without the burden of cooking! Everything went off perfectly. Something to consider next time you're planning a party! :)

Moving on to the pictures...I'm sporting a boho chic look here with my hat (purchased from a hat store at Haji Lane), my tasseled Rebecca Minkoff cross body bag, and my Urban Revivo top (read about this relatively new brand here and how I love it!). I got here just in time to catch the sunset and it was beeeautiful!

Urban Revivo top | Gap jeans | Shoes from Charles & Keith | Rebecca Minkoff Crossbody Bag | Hat from street shopping at Haji Lane | Gorjana bracelet

Over the years, I’ve realized that I have a problem – I find it hard to say no. Case in point: Just the other day, I had gone for a facial. Once it was over, the salesperson pushed hard to sell me their products. I knew fully well that I didn’t need them. Despite that, I found myself walking away with facial products worth a couple hundred dollars! (I’m such a sucker!)

“No” is a powerful and assertive word. It may not win you friends but it probably wins you respect if used rightly. So what stops me from uttering that word in times when I really should? The excuses are many but the underlying reasons are that I feel guilty about hurting someone’s feelings, dislike creating conflict, or fear being perceived as a jerk. I’ve certainly gotten better over the years. With increasing time and maturity, I’ve become a lot more confident and care a lot less about what others think compared to my younger, more impressionable self. Despite that, there is still room for improvement. I thought this link was very helpful and interesting to read: 49 Ways to Say No To Anyone.

Do you find it hard to say “No”? What tactics do you use to assert yourself?

Global Desi crop top | Lalu skirt | Charles & Keith shoes | Chanel bag

A scarf is one of those accessories that never goes out of style. It's probably the most versatile article of clothing you didn't know you had! Back in 2013, I wrote a two-part series on how you can maximize the use of a scarf in various ways (Part I and Part II are here if you wanna check out those posts). With the headscarf look becoming in-fashion now, I was reminded of this old blogpost and felt inspired to do a new version. So here I am, four years later...and I decided to have a reboot of the "Different Ways to Style a Scarf" post.

The Classic Way
So of course, there is the classic way of wearing a scarf around your neck. Winter or summer, a scarf adds another dimension to your look. Now that I live in a hot, tropical climate, I use a very light and thin fabric for a scarf if I ever choose to wear one.

Classic with a Twist

To add more visual interest to a scarf worn around your neck, why not get creative and add a piece of jewelry? As shown in the picture below, I strung the scarf through a statement ring just to mix things up a bit. A brooch would work just as well. 

Scarf as a Headpiece

This is currently all the rage right now. You can find tons of online tutorials (here's one I liked) and Pinterest posts on the different ways to wear a scarf as a head wrap. I'm amazed at the number of different styles you can wear it! A head wrap can really transform your whole look. While I personally don't have the habit of wearing a scarf as a headpiece, I've lately begun to experiment more with this look and I really like how it looks. 

Accessory to your Handbag
Want to give an updated look to your old handbag? Say hello your trusty scarf! I recommend using a short scarf and attaching it to the side of your bag's handle. Another way is to twist the scarf across the handle of the purse as shown below. Notice how I've even used a cocktail ring to secure the scarf in place. The chain print scarf works really well when pairing it with a classic handbag.

Scarf as a Top
Believe it or not, you can also fashion a scarf as a top! Ideally, you use one with square proportions rather than a long rectangular one but yes...it is possible. Here in the picture, I tied 2 ends of the scarf around my neck and the other 2 ends behind my back. Thrown on a blazer to pull the look together and you're ready to go! In the summers, skip the blazer and wear it as a halter top (the tie-dye print bandanna scarf would work really well for the summery look).

Scarf as a Belt
Is there no end to the different ways you can use a scarf? In this picture, I've worn it around my waist to add a bit of flair to these high-waisted palazzo pants. You could just as easily pair it with a dress to achieve a more figure-defining look.

So what are the ways YOU have used a scarf? Are there any other ways to style a scarf that I didn't think of? Would love to hear from you!

What do you look for when you buy jewelry? In recent years, more and more I’m attracted to jewelry that is unique and meaningful. It first started when I learned about 31 Bits, a socially conscious jewelry company that uses recycled bead products produced by displaced women in Uganda. Since then, the interest in collecting pieces of jewelry that have a story to tell has remained with me. Furthermore, in our fast-paced lives where women have to balance work life with home life, I look for jewelry that strikes a balance of style and ease of wear. It has to be versatile and able to transition from day to night if needed.

This is why I find the jewelry collection from Eden + Elie so appealing. This Singapore-based jewelry brand was the brainchild of Stephanie Choo, a working mom who wanted to create jewelry that is meaningful. Stephanie initially started off by personally and painstakingly making each jewelry piece by herself. You only have to look at the jewelry pieces to appreciate how delicate and lovely they are.

Over time, Stephanie has worked to train local artisans to handcraft each piece of delicate and exquisite piece of jewelry designed by her. The materials for making the jewelry are ethically sourced and of premium quality. What's more is that the metals are plated with 24K gold which allow for durability in this hot weather! Importantly, Eden + Elie has also made efforts to hire and train individuals from disadvantaged communities to add social value. In a world where mass produced, fast fashion reigns supreme, I find this commendable.

I’m so excited to partner with Eden + Elie to host a giveaway for all my readers! The winner of the giveaway would receive the Everyday Necklace (as shown in my pictures) valued at $169. Entering is easy and is open to participants from all countries*!

1. Please follow me on Instagram (@urbanmantra1) and on Facebook (@urbanmantrablog)
2. Please follow Eden + Elie on Instagram (@edenandelie) and on Facebook (@edenandelie)
3. Tag two friends on my Instagram page.

Winner will be announced on Aug 15, 2017.
*Terms & Conditions may apply.

Hello everyone! Isn't this pink turtle dress the cutest? It also perfectly embodies my current physical state. Now at 37 weeks, I'm literally moving around slowly like a turtle! This dress is actually a regular dress that I styled for my maternity look. The dress is from Linen & More, a Singapore-based store that houses a lovely collection of linen and cotton dresses, tunics, and kaftans. The owner, Manisha, sources high-quality linen and cotton material directly from India to create a very wearable collection of clothes with beautiful colors and embroidery. I'm really excited because I'll be sharing a collaboration with Linen & More really soon - so stay tuned for an awesome giveaway coming up!

Pink Turtle Dress from Linen & More | Rope bangles from Ammos Accessories |
Earrings from Lovisa | Sunglasses from Emporio Armani | Pink pumps from Charles & Keith

You guys, maxi dresses are the best when you're preggers! I got this Island Shop dress (not maternity, mind you) during my first trimester when my bump was barely showing. But I bought the dress in a bigger size, knowing well that it'll be handy later down the road when all other clothing will refuse to fit me! Sure enough, during the final stages of my third trimester, this dress has become a closet staple. It's made of a light fabric which is super breathable and comfy - an important distinction in this humid, tropical weather in Singapore! Island Shop (locations in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand) has a nice collection of casual and beach wear that embodies the tropical, island style. I've been able to get mileage out of this maxi dress at work by pairing it with a structured denim jacket, for evening dinners with heels and a nice clutch, and for casual weekend wear with cute sandals. The best part? Since it isn't a maternity dress, I can still wear it after the baby arrives! Win-win.

By the way, this dress isn't the only non-maternity item of clothing that I've been making work for me. I have 2 pairs of regular jeans from Zara that I purchased at bigger sizes and I wear them with a belly band (see here and here).  I got a white top from Forever 21 which I wear often for work (paired with a blazer) or casually outside of work (see post here). Then the pink embroidered dress from Mogra Designs is another example (see post here). They are still wearable and comfortable even at this late stage in my pregnancy.

So bottom line for making non-maternity clothes work for you? Pick items that you foresee as being closet staples. Then buy them at a size bigger than your current state. A-line or roomy dresses, blazers, jeans, and loose tops are articles of clothing you will potentially wear throughout your pregnancy...so you don't always need to specifically shop from a maternity store for them. Just make sure they suit your body shape and don't make you appear like you're wearing a tent. Pregnancy is no excuse for looking frumpy! Lastly, these clothes can always be adjusted post-pregnancy with tailoring, as needed.

Thank you Kamana from SocialandStyle for patiently taking these pictures for me! :)

Dress, belt, and bracelet by Island Shop | Shoes by Charles & Keith |
Crossbody purse by Coach | Sunglasses by Emporio Armani | Watch by Kate Spade

When people think of Chinatown, they imagine narrow, bustling streets, crammed stores and people milling about, selling of fake handbags and electronics, street vendors, and hole-in-the-wall Chinese diners, etc. Interestingly, the Chinatown of Singapore is a far cry from that.  Yes, there are some old mom & pop shops, street stalls and vendors for sure. But you'd be surprised to know that a good portion of Chinatown here is actually quite trendy and happening. Walk along certain parts and you will see colorful shophouses that have been converted into cool restaurants and bars while still maintaining their original exteriors. Inner street alleys have funky stores selling TinTin collectibles or varieties of different teas and tea accessories against the backdrop of the Old Buddha Relic Temple. Wander into narrow winding streets, like Keong Saik Road, and you will see an old Hindu temple just a few steps down from a hidden speakeasy called The Library which requires a secret password for entry. It is definitely a mix of old and new, unexpected yet still authentic.

This is me over the weekend walking around Keong Saik Road, sticking to the casual weekend basics: torn jeans (these non-maternity Zara jeans still fit me because I purposely bought them a few months ago at a bigger size), white top, and a fun bomber jacket. And when your hair is greasy like mine, just wear it up in a bun and pretend that was the plan all along. :)

Jacket and top from Forever 21 | Zara jeans | Mules from DMK, Singapore |
Rebecca Minkoff Round Sofia crossbody bag | Sunglasses from RayBan

Hello dear readers and wish you all a very Happy 2017! With a fresh start of a new year come new hopes, aspirations, motivations, and resolutions. Oddly enough, I haven't really thought about any of these for myself! I guess I've never really believed that you need a new year to make you think about what you want to achieve for yourself. You want to get fit now? Go for it. You want to start taking dance classes? Start now, why wait? You want to build your career further? Do something about it now. I suppose my philosophy basically comes down to this: Why start something tomorrow if you can do it today? My husband makes great fun of me for this "type A, taskmaster" personality of mine. Haha! But it's what keeps me active, productive, and happy.

So on that very resolute, action-oriented note, here's my first blog post of the year! I don't normally wear leather but this faux leather tank paired over a white tee and a classic pair of blue jeans makes for a casual and very wearable weekend look.

Leather tank and white tee: JUBA & Co | Tory Burch Ivy Leopard Crossbody | Bracelet from Lauren Elan Collections