House of Misu is known as the landscape of high street fashion. It is a collection of timeless classics. Summiyya and Mitali’s popular style tips and glamour grapevine are available on the go. They have answers to all your wardrobe crisis.
When did you realise you want to be a blogger?
We started out on this journey without the specific intention to be bloggers. We still, in fact, do not consider ourselves bloggers even though others might. We do a lot of things within House of Misu and you can say that we are influencers but I believe we are a lot more than that too. We tend to follow our passion and go with the flow, which might lead us to unexpected destinations.
How did the idea of creating a blog come about?
We started out with Facebook since Instagram hadn’t really come into India back when we started. At first we started sharing fashion inspiration posts, styling people and creating/selling our own fashion and accessory label. With the advent of Instagram, a whole new world opened up to us allowing us to share our personal style along with curated content to a select, curated audience. Brands began to take notice and the rest is history.
Share some styling tips.
This could become very lengthy so I’ll do a few quick ones.
- Using thin, fun scarves as belts is an easy way to make a basic outfit look super cute.
- Hair bands and hair clips are a huge trend so start collecting and experimenting. An easy way to use cute hair pins are by teasing your hair to look a little beachy and then clipping up twists of hair on either side of your face.
- `Slightly cropped or folded boy friend jeans, slouchy pants, cropped trousers, all can be elevated with sexy heels or strappy flats.
- Neons are back but we recommend you go easy. Show a flash of neon under a neutral jacket or with your accessories rather going full neon.
What is your alternate career option?
I wouldn’t say alternate but there are a lot of things which we feel passionate about and are definitely something we would like to dabble in. Summiyya for instance would have loved to go into cooking in a more serious way. She also dabbled in Indian wear design quite successfully before we got completely consumed with HOM (House of Misu). I thought I would work in my family business that is about fine jewellery and antiques. I do help out every now and then but I am most passionate about art and wildlife.
Describe your style
Its ever changing but I suppose the best way to describe it would be:-
Mitali– I wear things that I feel good in- It all boils down to what makes me feel confident. I don’t follow trends because they are trends, only if I love the look. I like to keep things chic yet classy. I do experiment when the fancy strikes me and my vibe can change depending on my mood and a trend I get into. Right now I am into boyfriend jeans and boxy tops.
Summiyya– I am very tall as you all know and I prefer to dress modestly. My style right now is feminine with an edge. I love pairing slouchy cargo pants with cropped jackets and sneakers. For the most part my style keeps evolving with trends and my mood & the only things that never change is the fact that I choose comfort and class always.
What is the main difference between Indian and international fashion?
Every season brings us closer to the International standards of fashion but the main difference between Indian and International fashion is that the industry here puts far too much weight on Bollywood to push trends while abroad, the consumers and designers push the trends forward.
In your opinion, can an outfit (look) influence the opinion of one person over another?
It can sometimes but not all the time. It definitely says quite a bit about the person you are. I wouldn’t always judge a book by its cover but there have been times when cover and the interior have been in tandem.
You are a benchmark of fashion for many women in the world. How does it feel?
It’s a big responsibility and one we do not take lightly. We know we have the ability to mold young minds and we aim to do it responsibly.
Who is your inspiration and why?
My biggest inspiration is my mother and that may seem clich’d but it’s true. She gave me the courage to follow my dream. In fact, she gave Summiyya the courage to follow her heart against all odds as well. She convinced me at a young age that I could fly, so we fly!
We also derive a lot of inspiration by international influencers like Negin Mirzalehi, Song of Style and The Blonde Salad who have taken this business to a whole other level.
How do you deal with pressure and negative trolls?
In one ear and out the other. Sometimes we try to squash cruelty with kindness but for the most part we don’t get too many trolls. We have wonderful followers by the grace of God.
Which spring-summer 2019 trend are you eager to wear?
We are already dabbling in some but the ones we love are biker shorts, all things pale blue, head to toe neutrals and scarf prints.
What’s the best fashion advice you’ve received so far?
Always make your look seem effortless even if you spent five hours putting it together.
What do you splurge on?
There are too many things. But lately on skin care because it’s best to invest in your skin early so you reap the rewards later in life.
What do you think is the most recent notable trend to appear/reappear, and what are your thoughts on it?
Neon is back again and even though we didn’t fancy it too much the first time around, this time it is more subtle which we can get on board with.
What is your next “must have” purchase?
Mitali– a Hermes Kelly bag
Summiyya – a Rolex watch
How did the two of you meet?
In Primary school, when we were 7 years old.
What is the best and the most annoying thing you find about each other?
Mitali– This is a great question. Summiyya types in gibberish over whatsapp more often than she would like to admit.
Summiyya– Mitali can never remember names and directions.
Do you take each other’s fashion advice?
Yes, for sure!
Your favourite Indian blogger
We think Shereen Love bug is doing very cool things, Styledrive works with integrity and we enjoy her content. These are genuine people with hard earned audiences. There are others we like but these two are we like just a tad more.
The Quirkiest thing you have done in your life?
We live by the quirky book.
Things you cannot live without.
Our smart phones, I suppose!
One happy memory you can never forget
We have been blessed with many happy memories, weddings, birthdays, graduations, pivotal moments in our career.
Your favourite holiday destination
Mitali– Anywhere in Italy or a forest safari holiday
Summiyya – South Africa
Your guilty pleasure
Mitali– White wine and watching Youtube videos about skin care, history and conspiracy theories in the shower.
Summiyya– Desserts and watching bad reality TV
Brands you love the most
It really depends on the category.
Favourite City (that we have visited)
Mitali- it’s a tossup between Rome and Paris
Summiyya – Cape Town
Favourite Restaurant
MitaliРZass Caf̬ in the Amalfi Coast and Koko in Mumbai
Summiyya– Izumi in Mumbai
Fashion Icon
Blake Lively, Leonie Hanne
Most recent purchase
There were several things purchased during our recent trip to London. The biggest of the lots were:-
Mitali– a Chanel chevron flap bag with a top handle
Summiyya– Prada pumps
What would you suggest to someone seeking fashion advice?
Always feel good in whatever you choose to wear. If you don’t feel good with your look, it will show and it’s all about looking effortless.
What, according to you, is the future of blogging in India?
Sky is the limit and we have a long way to go.