Verse Mother Shelly Sarka: by Ved & Shanna

Name: Shelly Sarkar @shelly_sarkar

Place of birth: Faridabad, India

Occupation: Fashion consultant

What is your personal style signifier?

I love white denim. My go-to look is white jeans and an oversized shirt, finished with simple gold jewellery..

What is your most cherished piece of jewellery and why?

My most cherished piece of jewellery is the traditional Indian statement necklace made in gold. It is made from gold, silver, and gemstones. I love to wear it with saree as well as Indo-Western outfits. 

What is the last thing you purchased and loved?

I purchased some preloved 'The Row boots' that I love, as they are already worn in.

What is currently on your wish list?

A LYMA laser - a new-age facial laser device I use at home. It is 100 times more effective than regular LED devices.

Your earliest fashion memory?

I have this sheer organza shirt that I got stitched in India. I wore it on my 10th-anniversary getaway and felt special.

The beauty staple you’re never without?

I always carry water, sunscreen spray and lip balm wherever I go. My go-to sunscreen spray is Naked Sundays. I spray it on top of my everyday makeup. My favourite lip balm is the non-scented Malin & Goetz.

What will you always find in your fridge?

Gochujang and Kimchi because I love Korean food. My husband lived in Korea for two years and introduced me to Korean cuisine

How do you stay healthy, physically and mentally? 

I do things that give me joy and work out every day. I love Tracy Anderson's method on weekdays. At weekends I prefer a 10-minute run early in the morning that starts my day off on a positive note. I have a set time to get off my phone every night as I enjoy reading to my son.

Any great lunch reconditions? 

If you love a good sandwich, there is a place called Saul’s Sandwiches that are deliciously good. They recently opened on Glenferrie Road in Hawthorn.

What object would you never part with? 

My wedding ring and letters my partner wrote for me when we were dating, my children's first clothes. My wedding ring is very special to me because my husband got it when I was not expecting a wedding ring. Our wedding was not arranged by my parents so our celebration was small. When exchanging garlands, which is part of finalising a Hindu Wedding, he showed me the ring. That was a wonderful surprise. The ring is probably the most simple ring I have ever owned. It is a white gold band with a diamond set on top.

What are some of the challenges of being a working mother and how do you juggle it all?

The biggest challenge is getting to spend enough time with my kids. I work four days a week and very soon switch to full-time. I make sure I start my day early so that I get to see them and spend time with them before leaving for work. I involve my son Ved in cooking dinner, and sharing everyday experiences with them to turn an ordinary day into a memorable one.

Shelly wears Verse 18-Karat Gold and Crystal Letter Necklace