Moods of Mumbai

Suhani Lotlikar,

The Motor Boots Project.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girl_in_motorboots/

Photography courtesy: https://www.instagram.com/prachijajoophotography/

Moods of Mumbai 
Winter-Wear-Wardrobe

It is that time of the year again, the most awaited ‘Holiday Season.’ Being a resident of Mumbai, I know how rarely that trunk of woolens opens up. The winter here is just a few cold hours at dusk. Also as a biker, there never really comes a chance to put on something cozy unless you plan to travel to a much colder place. So the trick to deal with these varied weather conditions is to layer things up. 

My design school has a centralized air conditioning system which sometimes gets extremely cold unlike the temperature outside. So to adapt with both, I choose to layer using cotton, polyester tops and fashionably formal jackets on most days. The jackets can be slipped into my backpack as and when I leave campus. Another trick is to wear softer wools that won’t make you sweat much. I personally like to pick from French Connection and H&M racks when it comes to textures. Having gotten a white oversized sweater from FCUK, I paired it up with a black pants from Max Fashions on a foggy morning. This was paired up with knee high boots from Raw Hide (could I have any more boots!). I kept it simple with ‘this is how I woke up’ hair and of course, rode down to the bay for a Hot Chocolate. The major detail to look when you buy is the kind of collar. Out of the various options available (V-neck, Round neck,etc.) I like Turtle necks the most. They can be rolled and make my Crane-like neck look shorter. 

Keeping it real for us, even in this humid weather don’t set back from experimenting with the best of looks you can put together and be fabulous as always. Cheers! 

Pillion Pants: To Be Or Not To Be

Suhani Lotlikar,

The Motor Boots Project.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girl_in_motorboots/

Photography courtesy: https://www.instagram.com/navigating_on_1100/

Pillion Pants

To Be Or Not To Be

“It’s funny to think about owning non-high-waisted pants.” Natalia Dyer (In conversation with Coveteur, Denim week.)

I started curating to ride as a Pillion after I had started riding locally by myself. So to sit behind another rider was nothing less than a lesson to improve my existing skills. Some riders have a better grip of the bar in the city while others can cruise more efficiently on interstate/region paths. The Royal Enfield Classic 500 rider, Hrishikesh Gade (who I ride with as a pillion) has an accurate understanding of cruising through the city traffic. Hence observing his movements has taught me better judgement and weight management. 

Tapola: Unconnected Nirvana!

Set for the 350 kms (one way) ride, along with a pair of saddle bags this weekend I costumed as a second setter. Under my safety gear I had a pair of loosely fitted high-waist denims by Jealous 21 and a half sleeved cotton t-shirt. High waisted denims are the ultimate go-to when playing a pillion because unaware of the grid of the road ahead you may tend to slip consistently. It provided better comfort and of course ease to corner at pin bends.

As we reached our destination at Tapola- Sakha Niwas, the view of Venna lake silenced all the machines thumping in our heads. The much we wanted to express was all lost in the connect we gained with nature. No network led us to look up from the city life we looked along with us only to dive into the Lake and float quietly in its waves. I cant say much, as I brought back only Nirvana!

I experienced what its like to be a pillion with the master rider, my greatest inspirations, Automotive journalist and Moto-blogger Mr. Argho Ajay Mukherji aka ‘Biker Buoy' on the Triumph Bonneville T100. The elongated seat of this classic motorcycle surely provided a surprise but also made the traction experience a task of slide and glide. And here the high waisted did its best. Girls… Seriously get over the discomfort of a low waisted denim while riding, and get along the trend with your squat-lifted butt.

P.S.- Tips for safety

Even if you are a pillion in local, please opt to wear proper and safe helmets because if the two wheeler experiences a fall, both riders are equally hit. 

Stop siting with your legs one sided as a pillion, it is completely unsafe, imbalanced and leads to a greater risk of a fall.

Do not ride triple seated and more. 

THIS IS NOT ABOUT THE MONEY YOU WILL PAY AS FINE, IT IS ABOUT THE PRICE YOU WILL PAY WITH YOUR LIFE.

Helmet Hair

Suhani Lotlikar,

The Motor Boots Project.

Check out Vaitarna Dam Ride https://www.instagram.com/girl_in_motorboots/

Helmet Hair

Hello Readers,

Firstly, it has been raining cats and dogs in Mumbai and around the city today. The monsoon has officially begun! 

This calls for a session of 'Prep and Rep.' In this segment, we will look at a simple hairdo for my rider chicas (both riders and pillions). The video below is an example that will help you choose a comfortable style to fit into your full/half face helmets and look Fabulous as always. Braids: the true BFF of long hair on motorcycles. Even I twitched my nose a little the first time but believe me they look fantastic, neat and nice.

We all know the truth ladies, you may use Mousse or Hairspray but its not going to last even 20 minutes under that helmet. In hot temperatures like that of my city I recommend you the 'oil and wash' ritual. This will help you maintain the strength of your locks and fight hair loss. If you are unable do this 2 times a week, you may choice once only to bounce to Aloe Vera gel by simply massaging it on your scalp. Let's keep it simple and easy the way we like.

Keep riding! Cheer!

P.S. While riding in rain to destinations where clouds touch the roads, please be extra careful of rash drivers and remember that your machines will react in different ways, both best and worst to water sprayed roads/off-roads.