Stylist Diaries

Some of Chennai’s well-kept shopping secrets revealed. Incredibly, interesting places that most city guides may forget to include.

We all love multi brand stores and high end boutiques. Love the way they have made picking up something that looks good, fits well and will last a while so convenient.But shopping at popular stores sometimes has the downside of lack of exclusivity (remember secretly cursing a colleague for having the same dress/bag just when it was drawing the right kind of attention?). Which is probably why a few shopping places that may not exactly be googleable but offer equally exciting buys at very affordable prices are the well guarded secrets of fashion stylists, costumers, design students and even fashion obsessed college kids. These stores do not follow rigorous marketing or advertising strategies and their locations are sometimes anything but attention demanding, but this seems to be a case where the products do all the talking.


Rajesh fancy stores
Location : 128, Fountain Plaza, Egmore
This little store tucked in a corner of one of Chennai’s oldest plazas has
the most interesting of sequined clutches, oversized bangles, printed bags and shoulder dusting earrings available at decent prices.
What we love: The fact that the accessories are so tasteful and exclusive that their clientele includes even fashion biggies like Sidney Sladen and Chaitanya Rao.
Contact: 28193514


Beauty World
Location : 39/2 Rattan bazzar
One visit to this store and you may never have to schedule an appointment with your salon, because chances are their supplies came from here. (They supply Studio Profile, Naturals, Green Trends, Kanyas and Bounce to name a few)
What we love: Straightening irons, curling rods and head steams available at prices ranging from affordable to expensive. Hair spa creams and oxygen facial kits of leading beauty brands.
Contact: 43233503


V2 Boutique
Location: Basement of Fountain Plaza, Egmore
Finding a store in the city that retails good party wear that is neither too expensive nor trashy and overdosed with bling is quite a task, which is probably why college kids who frequent this store normally choose to stay tight lipped to keep fashion zebras( copycats) at bay.
What we love: The bold, backless halters as well as the comparatively tame long black dresses. Basically, the fact that there is something for everyone.
Contact: 9840066749


Rumours
Location : F 113, Spencer Plaza, Phase II
While their name might have escaped the credits of quite a few Kollywood films, their well-cut tops and dresses have certainly not escaped the notice of fashionable Chennaiites. Chicness is something that this store seems to have understood very well
What we love: Very, very chic dresses and tops. A tube dress in black and fuschia with a broad belt.
Contact: 42140163


Belt spot
Location : Opposite Jainsons, T.nagar, Pondy Bazaar
This stall that has been around for 25 years now has belts of all kinds. Wide, narrow, linked, woven, you name it.
What we love: The belts with their quirky, oversized buckles look anything but cheap or off-the-street, which is why a lot of film stylists and costumers shop from here.


Bead corner
Location: Outside Spencer’s Daily in Besant Nagar.
It’s difficult to believe what these prismatic beads can do to an outfit if you know how to mix and match. Every fashion design student has picked up something from here at some time or the other.
What we love: The prices. If you know how to bargain you can accessorise practically every outfit that you own