Page 6 - Masala Lite Issue 176 August 2025

6 FASHION

CONTENTS

MAY VARY

A seasonal peek inside the wardrobes of

those who know their totes from their
top-handles, and exactly what they’re

carrying through life right now.

BY GRACE CLARKE

easons come and go, and while style constantly evolves, at its essence,
clothing was created with functionality in mind, with variations in design AASHNA ARORA
emerging later. Though many pieces in our wardrobes may no longer serve Founder of Muse Aria
their original utilitarian purpose, one item that still delivers on its practical

promise is our bags. And yes, bags—plural—because, like shoes, different What’s the one bag you find yourself reaching

occasions call for different companions. A day at the office might require for no matter the season?

something larger, such as a tote or a backpack; a stroll along the shore could Year-round, my go-to is the Zaria Bag in Beige
invite something woven and lightweight, like a raffia; a getaway may call for from Muse Aria. The size is just right, enough

a weekender tote or duffle; and, an evening out might only need something for my essentials and then some. The structured

small enough for your lipstick, phone, and cardholder. Whatever the weather top handle and east-west silhouette instantly
or event, we all have our favourite bag rotation. And, being the ever-curious elevate even the most casual combo of shorts and a tee. It’s chic and always
bunch we are, we simply had to take a peek into the bag collections of a few of pulls the whole look together. I also love the crossbody strap because it has eight
the community’s most stylish arm candy sporters. Curious? We certainly are. adjustment levels, so whether I’m going hands-free during the day or throwing it
over my shoulder for dinner, it works.

Do you swap your bag depending on your outfit, your mood, or the forecast?

SHALINI MALHOTRA It always depends on my outfit. The bag is never an afterthought; it’s the exclamation
Brand Manager at Little Pea point. I’ll switch it up depending on what I’m wearing, how I’m feeling, or the weather.
A bag can set the tone for the look, whether it’s a minimal moment or something extra.
(theCOMMONS Thonglor)
What’s your go-to bag for an occasion?

What’s the one bag you find yourself reaching
For nights out or special events, it’s the Mini Parisian in Brown Suede. There’s something
for no matter the season?
luxe about suede, and I love that it doesn’t scream day or night. It’s compact but
That’s a tough one! I usually match my bag to my surprisingly spacious. I can bring a small wallet, phone, camera, and enough makeup

outfit or where I’m headed—whether it’s work or to touch up my face on the go! The detachable crossbody strap comes in handy when
going out. But if I had to choose a favourite, it would I want to go hands-free between dinner, dancing, and whatever happens in between.
be my Louis Vuitton Multi Pochette Accessories in
Patchwork Denim Damier. It’s incredibly versatile What’s currently living in your daily bag – and what does it say about you?
(the layered, 3-in-1 design makes it so easy to style I carry my life with me:
in different ways).

• My MacBook, my journal, and a pen (personalised because it’s crazy how many pen

Do you swap your bag depending on your outfit,

thieves are out there!). I run a fashion brand, and inspiration doesn’t wait for office

your mood, or the forecast?
hours.

Definitely based on my outfit and mood!

• A cardigan (because AC in Bangkok is no joke).
What’s your go-to bag for an occasion? • A claw clip, I’m always hopping on motorbikes and need to keep it practical.
When in doubt, I go all black—it works with everything. My go-to dressy options are • A pair of black vintage oval sunglasses for shade and for the drama.
the Gucci GG Marmont Shoulder Bag in Black Velvet and the Louis Vuitton Ivy Chain • Wired earphones, I need music to uplift my mood, and I prefer wired because no
Bag. Both are elegant with just the right amount of edge, perfect for evening dinners charging and they survive my bag chaos.
or more dressed-up events. But if I’m in the mood to make a statement, I reach for
my Prada Re-Edition 2000 Satin Mini Bag with Crystals in Purple. It’s bold, playful,
Essentials I always have on me:
and it instantly takes any look to the next level.
• Band-aids + allergy meds (I’m clumsy and mildly allergic to life).
What’s currently living in your daily bag and what does it say about you?
• A phone charger: I’m always working on my phone; a full night’s charge is never
My essentials are my card holder, AirPods, a mini hairbrush, lip balm/lipstick, and enough.
cash (I’m a bit old-school like that!). It’s just the basics, really! • My camera + SD card reader (because content creation is part of the job).
• Summer Fridays lip balm, a coloured lip liner, Tower 28 Rescue Spray, a small
fragrance vial, and my 3-second glam-up kit.