Minimalistic Shopping for Black Friday: An Indian Consumer’s Guide

Black Friday has become a global shopping phenomenon, and Indian consumers are increasingly joining the frenzy thanks to international e-commerce platforms and global shipping options. But amidst the flashing discounts and endless product listings, it’s easy to get carried away. Minimalistic shopping is the antidote ,  it helps you stay intentional, save money, and still unlock the best deals.


🛍️ Why Minimalistic Shopping Matters


Avoid impulse buys: Black Friday is designed to overwhelm you with “limited-time” offers. Minimalism keeps you focused.


Save money and space: Buying only what you truly need prevents clutter and unnecessary expenses.


Mindful consumption: As Indian consumers, we often juggle between local deals and international shipping costs. Minimalism ensures we shop smartly.


💡 Tips & Tricks to Unlock Major Deals


Make a wishlist in advance: List items you genuinely need like gadgets, books, or fitness gear  and stick to it.


Compare across platforms: Check Amazon India, Flipkart, and international sites like Amazon US or Best Buy. Sometimes, even after shipping, global deals are cheaper.


Use price trackers: Tools like Keepa or Honey can alert you when your wishlist items drop in price.


Leverage credit card offers: Many Indian banks tie up with e-commerce platforms to provide extra cashback or EMI discounts.


Shop early: Some deals go live before Black Friday. Early birds often snag the best discounts.


Factor in customs and shipping: For international purchases, calculate total landed cost before hitting “buy.”


Bundle smartly: Buy in combos (like electronics with accessories) to maximize savings.


🌏 The Indian Perspective


For Indian consumers, Black Friday is not just about shopping , it’s about accessing global products that may not be available locally. Minimalism ensures we don’t overspend on novelty but instead invest in items that add real value to our lives.


🔗 Explore More


For more lifestyle and wellness insights, visit thatmadrasmom.in.

This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla .

Elevate your style with Hiestyle

In the fast-changing world of fashion, finding a brand that seamlessly blends elegance, sophistication, and individuality can be a challenge. Enter Hiestyl, your ultimate destination for luxury handbags and accessories that are designed to make a statement. Whether you’re looking for a chic crossbody bag, a spacious tote, or a stylish shoulder bag, Hiestyle.com has something for every fashion-forward woman. Hiestyle is like a wonderland for any woman when it comes to shopping for bags.


The Hiestyle Experience


Hiestyle is more than just an online store; it’s more like a celebration of timeless elegance and superior craftsmanship. Every piece in their collection is meticulously crafted to ensure that it not only looks stunning but also stands the test of time. With their commitment to quality and style, Hiestyle offers a range of handbags that cater to various occasions and personal preferences.


Key Features of Hiestyle


Diverse Collection: From crossbody bags to tote bags, Hiestyle boasts a diverse collection that caters to different needs and styles. Whether you’re heading to the office, a casual outing, or a special event, you’ll find the perfect bag to complement your look.


Superior Craftsmanship: At Hiestyle, attention to detail is supreme focus. Each handbag is crafted with exactness and care, using high-quality materials which ensure durability and longevity. This dedication to craftsmanship is what that sets Hiestyle apart from the rest.


Personalization Options: Hiestyle understands that every woman is unique, and so are her style preferences. That’s why they offer personalization options, allowing you to add a personal touch to your handbag and make it truly your own.


Sustainable Fashion: In an era where sustainability is key, Hiestyle is committed to creating eco-friendly products. Their vegan leather handbags are not only stylish but also environmentally conscious, making them a perfect choice for the modern, eco-aware woman.


Shopping Experience at Hiestyle


Shopping at Hiestyle is a breeze, thanks to their user-friendly website and excellent customer service.

Here are some highlights of my shopping experience:


Free Shipping: Enjoy free shipping on all orders, making it even easier to get your hands on your favorite Hiestyle handbag.


Easy Returns: Hiestyle offers a hassle-free return policy, allowing you to return your purchase within seven days of delivery if you’re not completely satisfied.


Secure Payments: Shop with confidence, knowing that Hiestyle provides secure and fast online payment options.

Olivia pouch from Hiestyle


Anna Crossbody bag from Hiestyle

My purchases of the Anna Crossbody and the Olivia Pouch were my personal favourites from their collection online. The Anna crossbody is perfect for me to take my laptop during work trips and the Olivia pouch is versatile for me to carry makeup for shoots or stationery on the go. Clubbing Olivia pouch with the Anna crossbody helps me to wing in all my essentials and keep them properly.


Conclusion

Hiestyle.com is your go-to destination for luxury handbags that combine style, quality, and sustainability. With their diverse collection, superior craftsmanship, and commitment to customer satisfaction, Hiestyle.com ensures that you can elevate your style effortlessly. So why wait? Explore their exquisite collection today and find the perfect handbag to complement your unique style.

Discover the World of Fun with Snooplay: Your Ultimate Online Toy Shop

If you are on the lookout for the perfect toy or a game for your kid or even something for yourself? Then you should look no further than India’s largest online toy shop, Snooplay. It’s a one stop shop for all your needs that screams fun and excitement. They cater to a large selection of toys, games and collectibles for all ages. You name it, they have it.


What Makes Snooplay Special?


Wide Range of Products


Snooplay offers a wide-ranging collection of toys and games, from toy cars and trains to puzzles and board games. Whether you’re shopping for infants, toddlers, or older kids, there’s something for everyone. They even have a special section for grown-ups, featuring unique games and collectibles.


Age-Specific Curation


One of the outstanding features of Snooplay is their curated sections based on age groups. Whether it’s for a newborn, a preschooler, or a teenager, you’ll find toys and games that are age-appropriate and designed to aid in development and learning.


Educational and Developmental Toys


Snooplay believes in the power of play to help children learn and grow. Their collection includes educational toys that encourage language development, sensory exploration, and critical thinking skills. From building blocks and construction sets to art and craft kits, there’s something to stimulate every child’s imagination. I was totally in awe, looking at the collection not knowing what to pick and what to leave out.


Licensed and Authentic Products


All products on Snooplay are 100% original, licensed, and authentic. You can trust that the toys and games you purchase are of high quality and meet safety standards. This ensures that your child can play safely and enjoy their toys for years to come. Complying to safety standards is yet another good responsibility from the brand.


Customer Support and Satisfaction


Snooplay prides itself on excellent customer service. Their support team is excellent and ready to assist with suggestions, order inquiries, and any other questions you might have. Many customers have praised the helpfulness and responsiveness of the Snooplay team, making their shopping experience smooth and enjoyable. My experience of ordering and then getting it delivered was no less than exceeding expectations. I was informed when it was packed, shipped and out for delivery.


Why Choose Snooplay?


Variety and Quality


With a wide range of products and a commitment to quality, Snooplay ensures that you’ll find the perfect toy or game for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday gift, a holiday present, or just a fun addition to your child’s toy collection, Snooplay has you covered.

Convenience


Shopping online with Snooplay is convenient and hassle-free. You can browse their wide-ranging catalog from the comfort of your home, compare products, read reviews, and make purchases with just a few clicks. Plus, they offer free delivery on many items, making it even easier to get the toys you love. I even gifted myself some stuff as my year-end reward when I ordered stuff for my kids.



Special Offers and Discounts


Snooplay frequently offers sales and discounts on their products, so you can enjoy great deals on your favorite toys and games. Keep an eye out for promotions and special offers to make your shopping experience even more rewarding.

I got their low-floor bus for my son who loves to collect vehicle models. The design was classy and sturdy. My daughter who loves mythology was surprised when I got her the bobblehead Krishna and Laxmi which happened to be cute and divine. And for me since I joined fitness classes, I bought myself a pair of dumbbells for strength training.


Conclusion


Whether you’re a parent looking for the perfect toy for your child, a collector searching for unique items, or someone who simply loves fun and games, Snooplay has something for everyone. With their wide selection, age-specific curation, and commitment to quality, Snooplay is your ultimate online toy shop. Explore their catalog today and discover the joy of play with Snooplay!

Swimsuit Solutions: Shaper Swimwear for All Your Water Activities

Are you one of those who enjoy the summer to the fullest and love water activities? This is the perfect time to get into the pool and catch waves at the beach with the right swimwear. It will make a lot of difference to your activities. If you’re looking for swimsuit solutions, we have this guide to help you make the right decision.

The Rise of Shaper Swimwear

The shapewear industry regularly introduces different swimwear. While you enjoy the water activities, they will give you extra support and contouring. These are not like traditional swimsuits. In fact, Shapellx offers a shaper swimwear collection with quality fabrics and unique styles.

You can flatter your natural curves by choosing the right piece. In most swimsuits, you will get elements such as panels and built-in bras for perfect shaping.

Benefits of Shaper Swimwear

Enhanced Confidence

When you wear the perfect fit of swimwear, you will feel confident in your body. It will help you enjoy the water activities as you wish. Moreover, the structured design shapes and supports your body, making you comfortable.

Versatility

These swimwear options are versatile. Shapellx caters to different body types and sizes. They have perfect styles to suit everyone. Also, you can choose from different colors and patterns according to personal taste.

Comfort and Support

Most of the swimwear includes high-quality, stretchy materials to give you the support. This will make your swimming activities more comfortable. In fact, you will find many designs such as adjustable straps, underwire and molded cups.

Durability

Shapellx offers high-quality fabrics for a sculpting swimsuit. These swimsuits stay in good condition when exposed to chlorine, saltwater and rays.

Choosing the Right Shaper Swimwear

It’s not easy if you want to pick the right shape swimwear in many available options. So, you will have to consider the following factors.

  • Body Type: Your body may differ from others. So, you will have to identify your body type beforehand. After this, you can find the right shapewear that goes with your body type. For instance, a high-waisted bikini can make your waist look great.
  • Activity Level: It is important for you to consider the type of activity you will enjoy. If you’re swimming a lot, you should pick a design with extra support.
  • Fit and Comfort: The size and the fit of the swimwear matter a lot. If your swimwear is comfortable and fit, you can swim longer without any restrictions. You can even opt for customized options to adjust it accordingly.
  • Style Preference: The summer is about bright colors and funky styles. So, when you shop for swimsuits, remember to choose a style that you like. You can consider bold prints or classic solids.

Swim Away In Style!

It is more than a trend to swim by wearing quality shapewear. You can be a part of this revolution while finding the perfect fit that suits your body. So, gear up yourself to enjoy this summer in style with the right swimwear collection.

3 plus size fashion trends to try in 2024:Ultimate guide to plus size online shopping

Plus size clothing is a growing market which caters to the fashion needs of people who wear large sizes. In this post, I share some tips and trends on how to style plus-size clothing, as well as some of the best online stores to shop from.


Tips and trends for plus size clothing


Know your body shape and measurements. Different body shapes have different strengths and challenges when it comes to finding flattering clothes. Knowing shapes and measurements will help in choosing the right styles, cuts, and fits for your figures.


Experiment with colors and prints. Don’t be afraid to add colors and patterns to the wardrobe. It can brighten up the mood and express your personality. It can help create a balance in your outfit. For example, you can wear a solid top and pair it with a printed pant or a skirt.



Accessorize smartly. These can make or break your outfit. They can help add sparkle or contrast to the entire look. They can help draw attention to your best features. A statement earring or a neckpiece can be a highlight to your face.
Follow the latest trends but do not become a slave.


The trends may come and go but your style is timeless. Some of the recent trends for plus size are


Wrap dresses: Wrap dresses are versatile and flattering in most body shapes. It can accentuate the curves and adjust to your fit. They’re available in various lengths, colors, and prints.


Wide-leg pants: They’re comfortable and chic. It can help balance your hip and add movement to your outfit. Fitted tops and cropped jackets would make a great pairing.



Off-shoulder tops: They are trendy and feminine. It can help in showing off your collarbone, neck and shoulders. Wear it with jeans or skirts for a casual look.


Amydus is a plus size online store in India that provides comfortable clothing for women sizes 14-32. Dresses like tops, jeans, shirts, and skirts in different fabrics and patterns can be shopped from this store. Tummy shaper pants, coord sets, and winter wear can also be shopped.


I love the shirt collection from Amydus. Be it a professional, casual, or chic look their shirts can help you in achieving your desired look. They are available in a variety of colors, fabrics, and prints that will suit your personality and style.


Here are tips on how to style a shirt from Amydus


Choose the right size and fit: If it is too tight and too loose it can ruin your look. The website has a size chart and a tool that will help in finding the right size and fit for different products. The customer reviews also help to get an idea on how the attire suits plus-size women.


Picking the right fabric and color: The fabric and color of the shirt can make a good difference in the way you look and feel. Cotton shirts are breathable but they get wrinkled easily. Polyester is durable but can trap heat. So always choose a fabric that suits occasion and the season. Also choose a color that flatters your skin tone. Pair it with solids or pastels depending on your preference.


Layer up or down: This can help create different looks with the same shirt. A tank top, camisole or a bralette can be used to add color or texture. A sweater, cardigan or jacket can keep you warm when you layer it over the shirt.



IDEAS TO STYLE



For a formal look, you can wear a solid black shirt from Amydus with black trousers and heels. A blazer or a coat can add a more polished look. Simple earrings and a watch can be used as accessories.



For a casual look, you can pair a blue striped shirt with blue jeans and white sneakers. A denim or a leather jacket can give you an edgy look.



I’ve styled their solid white shirt with red pencil pants. A pair of simple earrings and a watch complete the look. This was also my birthday outfit and I’m glad that I could find my fit at Amydus.


Fashion is all about having fun and expressing yourself. So do not let size limit the style. Be bold and beautiful. Happy shopping!

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Bohemian Bibliophile.

Unveiling the Top Must-Have Products at itokri: Your Shopping Wishlist

Shopping at itokri

Online shipping is a great way to buy products or services from your home. It’s popular and also a convenient way as well. However, not all platforms can guarantee a seamless experience regarding quality, services, and ethics. There are instances where products can be of low quality or after-sales support could not be satisfactory. Especially when it comes to sourcing local products from far-off lands the question of genuineness arises. Handcrafted products or weaves from local lands are predominantly some of the categories where people get scammed through online purchases. If you are looking for high-quality, ethical, and handcrafted products from all parts of India, iTokri is the platform that you should be checking out.


India’s most loved online store, iTokri is home to a wide variety of handcrafted products from Indian handloom. iTokri is known for curating a wide range of products that include crafts and weaves from across India. They work directly with artisans, self-help groups, and NGOs to ensure fair prices on time and build a respectable rapport. Education, health, women empowerment, and organic farming are some of the social and environmental causes that iTokri has been supporting which is commendable.


Why should you shop at iTokri?

  • iTokri offers you wide range to choose from over 200 crafts and 50 regions in India like Ajrakh, Kalamkari, Ikat, Chanderi, and Jamdani. iTokri blog will provide you a lot of information about the history, techniques, and stories behind each of the crafts.
  • You can support the community of local artisans who created these products for you and be a part of itokri’s initiative to support social and environmental causes like women’s empowerment, education, and organic farming.
  • You will have a hassle-free shopping experience with secure payment facilities. They also offer responsive customer care and an easy return and exchange policy.


What do I love to shop at itokri?


Stoles are perfect for every occasion and itokri will make you bust the myth that stoles are part of a winter fashion statement. Their stoles on a variety of fabrics, prints, and weaves will let you make them a part of your style statement for any season and any occasion. Here you can find a plethora of stoles online in India that are surely going to spice up your fashion game. Right from daily wear outfit to occasion wear these stoles will ace your dressing quotient. I picked a shibori tie dye one in my favourite shades black and white.



German silver-finished oxidized bracelets are a great way to accessorize your outfit. I purchased this lovely adjustable one that has a dragon motif. Not to mention some good pairs of anklets that will make your feet look even more beautiful and add that ethnic touch. Being a fan of ghunguroo I did not miss the chance to shop for some anklets with them as well.

German silver anklet
German silver adjustable bracelet
Patwa thread with ghungroo anklet
Epoxy resin tray


Epoxy resin trays can be a great addition to home décor and I picked one that will help me present products for my photographs with a better aesthetic appeal.


A sanganeri block printed cotton cushion cover to give that aesthetic look to your living space or sleeping space.

Sanganeri print cushion cover


I had a much wonderful experience overall shopping from India’s most favourite shopping destination, iTokri.

Why online shopping is popular? #ecommercebuildseconomy

Shopping is a therapy to many. Checking out the aisles of stuff going round trying to see if you could pick up something, look at what others choose to shop are all various events that one would notice when you set out to shop. They could also be disadvantageous to few.
When the pandemic hit, we were all holed up at our homes. Shops big or small were all closed up. The world of offline shopping didn’t expect to see itself going into a black hole which was taking it to darkness for an infinite period. And for those whom I mentioned that shopping was a therapy it was a total crash landing.


Ecommerce even way before pandemic was well established. In fact, there were a sect of people who stopped doing offline shopping and only stuck to shopping online. I myself belong to that category. I found that it made my way of shopping much easier and whenever I want to.


The pandemic was also the time when businesses decided that they will have to shift to the online paradigm. They knew that was the only way that the Business would continue to see the light until the pandemic ends.


Online shopping through e-commerce saw a drastic rise in purchasing capabilities thanks to the pandemic. Vendors continued to move ahead with their business collaborating by onboarding their business with already existing ecommerce majors or sought to make a standalone website.


While we still reel under the pandemic wave, ecommerce still continues to boom even if shops open up online because some of the recent users felt that the choice, they made to shop online convinced them that this could make it easier for them.


Vendors in the tier 2 cities also saw through vast expansion in their reach through the online venture that they decided to go on with it even if the pandemic is gone forever. If it is boosting your economy why not continue to do it was what they thought.


The steady rise in the shopping trend also contributed to the economy. Be it whatever category that is being shopped the country is benefited through the taxes. So this helps boost the economy of the nation as well.

So why would people continue to shop online or why does online shopping remain popular trend?


Ease of shopping.


Ecommerce brought in the comfort of shopping from home. I needn’t get squished in the crowds or wait for the sales person to show me other options similar. I can shop while cooking, reading or even while lying down on the bed.

Everything within few clicks


The technology in ecommerce is so very advanced that within a few clicks and scrolls I could shop for the entire family. Right from choosing to making the payment it is all very simplified.

Options to share


Say I’m shopping for my mom, I don’t have to drag her to the shop, make her wait and patiently check on what she chooses. With the apps available on phones, we could check and share across, get to know the choice, make payment and get it delivered. Especially a savior if you stay away from home. Also makes both of you happy, doesn’t it?


Unlimited choices


The ecommerce website algorithm is so well versed in understanding the human actions because while you keep shopping, we are also shown similar interests or even options that would go well with the commodity that we are about to buy. This makes our planning much easier. Say I’m buying an attire, I also get suggestions on the accessories that would go well with the look. I needn’t go look for it separately that I just hit one click buy this combo and my job is done.

Ease of payments


The biggest problems when it comes to offline shopping is the big queues at the billing desk. The change for the currency and the working condition of card swiping machine. It really makes you go nuts when you’re almost about to get your cart billed, the card machine stops working or there is no proper change.
Online shopping has hassle free payment methods like using debit cards, credit cards, net banking, UPI and digital wallets. Added to that you get amazing discounts if you’re using any particular type of cards.
You also get the option to choose COD(Cash on Delivery), I don’t think that would even be possible when you do offline shopping.

There is no worry of theft in case of shopping in a crowded place, the payment you make is secure.


Cashbacks


Online shopping payments methods also offer various cashbacks which is great to lure in customers. Who wouldn’t want to save some money?

Augmented reality and virtual reality

This has made it easy especially when it comes to trials in case of apparels and accessories and the order of placement when it comes to furniture or home décor. I cannot really imagine how the piece of décor or furniture would suit my space by imagining it over in my head rather than getting to see a real image of how it would actually look on my screen.


Reviews and comparisons


Reviews and comparisons between different brands is made clear when you shop online. You get to know what you actually buy is going to be genuine and worth the investment that you are going to make. This won’t be possible in offline shopping.

Online shopping has way more advantages than its disadvantages. The ecommerce industry is continuing to see steady rise as we speak as the word of mouth and even digitization spreads its benefits. As long as people continue to shop online, they would be seen as one of the main contributors to the country’s economy.

This post is Written as part of Blogchatter’s campaign #ECommerceBuildsEconomy