We’re back this week with an ALL NEW series that is guaranteed to knock your socks off! Almost literally 😉 and replace them with sexy stilettos or stylish suede loafers. If you’ve been following this space (like you really should be!) you’ve already read our ‘Alpana Loves’ post where we introduced you to Alpana, co-founder and creative mastermind behind Con Affetto. Well today is the BIG day where we introduce you to our other Bakerista Sister and Con Affetto co-founder! Say hello to entrepreneurial whiz and the strategic and operational powerhouse that drives Con Affetto dreams to fruition: Upasana Mansinghka!
Style it with UPASANA!
The first thing that strikes one about Upasana is her effortless style, whether it’s in the Con Affetto workshop overseeing some serious crafting and baking; or at an intense boardroom meeting. This girl can rock the look, in just about any situation. So, if YOU’ve ever found yourself wondering how to look good in the kitchen, while also effortlessly whipping up gourmet bakes, this is for you! In this blog series, Upasana brings to all you wonderful home bakers, fashion and styling tips that will make sure you rock the look…while you cook!
Rock that look…while you cook!
Over to UPASANA!
Kitchen Fashion here we come!
Hiya there people! I’m thrilled to be here hanging out with y’all and sharing what promises to be the start of an exciting new series! We meet so many home bakers and passionate home based cooks in our line of work, and when you get talking, one of the things I often get asked is how can one work in a hot and sweaty kitchen all day (those good looking edible bouquets are a LOT of hard work! 
) and still not look like something the cat dragged in after a hot, sweaty day at the beach! Well, just like those gorgeous cake pop bouquets we love crafting at Con Affetto, how to look good in the kitchen, while you work is also a bit of an art! Here are five basic styling tips on how to look good in the kitchen, while also whipping up those lip smacking cake pops or cookies:
1. To make up or not to make up?
Bling it up with some tinted sunscreen for a minimalist yet stylish look! (Image Courtesy: www.coolasuncare.com)
Okay, this is one question I get ALL the time! Can one really work in a piping hot kitchen with loads of make up on? My simple answer is, yes, if you believe in quality over quantity! The trick is to not go OTT with a heavily caked up look (leave that for the cakes in the oven 😉 ), but invest in a few sensible, high quality products that will not melt all over your face in the heat. First things first, ensure your face is cleansed and use a toner if required. If you have dirt and grime clogging up your pores, you’re asking for breakouts! Then, invest in a good quality sunscreen with an SPF of 30 at least- very important when you’re gonna be doing some heavy duty cooking in a high heat kitchen. I like to go a little bling-y sometimes with a tinted sunscreen. Finish up with a long lasting, sweat proof eyeliner, loads of glossy lip balm (gotta keep those lips moisturized too!) and you’re good to bake!
2. The clothes maketh the cook…or the baker!
Keep it relaxed and chic with this mid length, cotton day dress (Image Courtesy: www.koovs.com)
So what are you gonna wear in the kitchen? The one rule of thumb I always follow is to keep things simple and relaxed. You want to be focusing on the dish you’re baking and not fussing around with fiddly bits of clothing, so pick an outfit that spells style and comfort; and one that you are at ease in. My personal favourites include graphic tees over solid denims, comfortable chinos with a fitted top or a knee length shift dress that lets me move around quickly. Watch out for things like long fussy sleeves, bottoms that don’t fit well and tops that require too much adjusting- not happening if you want to rock that kitchen fashion scene!
3. What goes on your feet…come around at the end of a long day!
I like to keep my tootsies comfy in these Dunbar loafers! (Image Courtesy: www.amazon.in)
And nobody wants tired, sore feet at the end of a long hard day, or especially when you’ve been in the kitchen slaving over a hot oven! The barefoot look doesn’t work for everyone and socks, um, get sweaty and smelly (ugh!) so what really works is investing in a pair of comfortable yet supportive shoes that’ll keep those toosies happy 😉 Think a pair of comfortable open back clogs or cushioned loafers with rubber soles that’ll help you deal with that kitchen floor…all day long!
4. That oven smells divine…but do you??
My Davidoff Cool Water Natural Spray ensures I smell as good as my cake pop bouquets 😉 (Image Courtesy: flickr.com)
Ever been in a situation where you have wonderful culinary aromas wafting all around…but the only thing that smells awful…is you! Well trust me, you don’t ever want to be there! Working in a kitchen is hot, sweaty stuff, but don’t let that translate into smelly stuff (um, YOU!) by investing in a good quality, long lasting deo or body spray. Here’s my personal favourite that ensures I smell just as good as this gorgeous cupcake bouquet we’ve been crafting today in the Con Affetto kitchen
5. No list on how to look good in the kitchen can be complete without some hairy tales!
I like to keep things fuss free with my hair; but who says you can’t get funky with braids & ponytails?
And last but not the least, the hair. Wear it up or down, leave it loose or pull it back? Well, how you wear your hair is a personal choice but one thing’s for sure. You CANNOT compromise on safety and hygiene, so keep that in mind when you’re picking out a style. Managing an elaborate hairdo or flyaway hair is so NOT happening when you plan on doing some serious cooking. My personal preference is to tie it back neatly and keep it away from my face, but I keep things fun by playing around with a variety of braids and ponytails! Watch this space for more fun hair styling tips as our kitchen fashion series progresses!
Want to look good in the kitchen? Pick up our Ready Reckoner: Quick Tips To Rock That Look While You Cook!
