Saturday, 21 April 2012

Clutch It!

If you want to add an instant dose of bling or color to your summer look without burning a hole in your pocket, then punch up your look with an adorable Clutch.  All done up in bold colors, to pure white, black and  different textures...a clutch is a must have this season. These grab-and-go bags are easy to carry around and add an instant splash of drama to any look. It's one of the easiest, most affordable ways to get in on the hot color block trend going on right now. 
Give your summery look a little lift with a completely contrasting shade, or add a complementary color to a subtle pattern with clutches. You can carry them as clutch wallets, envelope clutches, clutches with chain or box clutches. A clutch is the IT bag for those times when you don’t need to carry too much. It makes a perfect evening bag, but is a nice daytime alternative as well. Next time you need to beeline from the desk to drinks, just reach in your trusted day bag to retrieve your lip gloss ,a pair of heels and a brightly colored clutch for an effortlessly accessorized night. The summer trends for clutches are similar to other trends we have been following including beaded embellishments, metallic and bright colours, pastels and ruffles.

These are a few clutch bags available around in stores this summer (Zara, Mango, Madame, Add On, FabIndia): 
         
     

       

        

           

             


      

     

     
       
                                 


       


They were fashionable then, and they’re fashionable now!


Shopping for Jeans…it’s a thing that annoys and troubles most women. Finding that ideal pair of jeans for yourself that fits you right becomes a baffling search. I was watching this episode on MTV where different types of Jeans were being discussed…so thought of sharing are a few ideas and tips. Finding a perfect fit depends a lot on your body type…so let’s get down to it!

BODY SHAPE

1.      Apple: Broad shoulders, narrower hips, slim legs/thighs, while the abdomen and chest look larger compared to the rest of the body.

  • Invest in Flat front Jeans with less or no detailing in light colors.
  • If you have excess tummy fat, then you should wear high-waist jeans that rest just above the navel, NOT right below the chest. An extra wide waistband on the jeans helps control the tummy fat.
  • If your hips are too narrow, then you should opt for low rise jeans that define the hips to make them look less narrow. However these jeans are perfect for toned apple bodies with no muffin top/ love handles.
  • You can opt for pleated or baggy style jeans or boyfriend jeans to balance your wider upper body with your narrower lower body.
  • Avoid wearing a T-shirt with your jeans. You should wear tops in a loose flowing fabric or tunic style tops. 
2.      Pear: Big hips and thighs, narrow waist, upper body is small as compared to lower body.

  • You should avoid any baggy or pleated style jeans since they make your hips look heavier.
  • Wear flared bottoms to make your hips look narrow. This will make your body look balanced.
  • Avoid any sort of detailing on the front and rear of the jeans.
  • You should wear short sleeved shirts, ruffled shirts and tops or if you’re comfortable then wear one shoulder blouses and tops instead. Don't wear skin-tight Tees, tank tops, spaghettis or shirts because it will make your lower body look very out of proportion with your thin upper body.
3.      Banana: There’s no real definition for the waist. The waist measurement is less than 9 inches smaller than the hips or bust measurement.

  • Stick to skinny jeans to look to accentuate your body.
  • You can go for belted jeans, or use different width belts to create a shapely waist.
  • Invest in a pair of Jodhpuri trousers or pleated trousers with narrow ends.
  • You can wear sequined tops, crepes, silks or satin shirts, wrap blouses or you can wear flowing long tunics with a thin belt on the waist to look like a million bucks. 
4.    Hourglass: Hips and bust are almost of equal size with a narrow waist and have well shaped legs.
  • You can wear skinny or straight jeans in a dark color.
  • Invest in a pair of stone washed Jeans to flaunt your perfect curves.
  •  Stretched denims or popularly called jeggings are a must have for your body type to accentuate your hips and waist. Get them in different colors this season.
Tips:
  • Invest in a pair each of Light blue, dark blue, white, black, dark wash as some basic colors to have.
  • When buying jeans make sure you check the fit on the crotch, a camel toe or odd fit on the crotch can ruin it for you.
  • Don't buy loose jeans because they tend to loosen and take the shape of your body over time. Buy the right fit, not too tight and certainly not loose.
  • If you have short legs no matter what shape of your body, Heels are compulsory for you!! Make sure you invest in a good pair!
  • Ankle length styles are very fashionable but short women shouldn't buy these. They make the legs appear shorter and the hips wider.
  • Jeans with small pockets make your booty look bigger!
  • Instead of burning a hole in you pockets to buy that ripped pair of jeans, get sandpaper and rip your old perfect fit jeans your way!
  • Color is what makes jeans hot this season! Get a pair in Electric blue, turquoise, yellow, violet or rust color!
Where to Buy: Check out Levis, United colors of Benetton, Calvin Klein, Vero Moda at Westside, Chemistry or Alcott for that perfect fit pair or colored Jeans !!

Wednesday, 18 April 2012

Suit up ladies...with a bling of course!!

Blazer is one of the most versatile items ever! There are a few basics every woman should have in her closet, and a simple blazer is one of them. It is one of the most versatile items ever. They have been in trend for quite a long time now.  They can be worn with nearly everything in your closet and always dress up an outfit. The classic black blazer is the most functional blazer a woman can own. A simple black blazer can be used in so many ways for different looks. If you don't own one, it may be time to purchase one. The cost of a little black blazer will in the long run save you loads of money. It can be worn with pants or a pencil skirt for work, with denim or shorts for casual outfits and even with an elegant dress for a night out. Some blazers look great with the new colored denim trend I have a Giovani shoulder pad blazer and love it dearly, but I have my eyes on a few other color blazers to add to my collection.  Blazers can take you all the way from the spring to fall seasons.


Trends for Blazers this season

Blazers this spring and summer range from cropped, to long over sized boyfriend styles, you will see solid colors, plaid, and striped, not to mention floral. A very big trend this season is cropped pastel leather biker look jackets. Although the usually preferred colors in Blazers are basic black, white and nude since they can be included in almost every single outfit without much effort, but Neon, metallic and printed blazers are really hot this season.

1.     Pair your blazer with shorts and flats for a casual chic or with super high heel stilettos and a skirt for a party.

 
       

2.     For work, pick a simple design. You are still allowed to play with different prints. Wear it with high waist trousers and a simplified blouse or with a pencil dress/skirt. Add a personal touch to your look with some accessories: big sunglasses, studded belt or a jewel embellished necklace can pretty much spice up your outfit.


3.     If you are comfortable carrying a bold style, then you have many different designs to choose from. Try various prints, for example floral, animal print or stripes. Remember that horizontal stripes make you look visually thicker, vertical ones make you look thinner. Floral prints look great with bright colors depending on the rest of your outfit.



4.     For casual everyday look, you can add some color to your usual look.


5.   I’m in love with sequined blazer since I’ve seen it on Blake lively aka Serena in Gossip Girl. It looks super chic but don't 'overdo' the look. Keep the rest of your ensemble simplified. 

          

6.     For formal parties, choose soft colors, nothing too extravagant but still glamorous and elegant. The cut of the blazer should be simple; yet stylish. You can accessorize the look  with a clutch, neck piece and a watch or bracelet. :)
          

  
Spice up the Blazer look with these tips:

1.     Mix and match your suits. It gives you versatility and looks stylish at the same time. Pair a basic black blazer with tan or bright colored pants. Contrast a bright or printed pattern with subdued solids blazers for that elegant chic look.
2.     Give a classic blazer a dash of modern appeal by clinching it with a belt. Belts are the most popular accessories in women's fashion right now, and can give a trendy twist to a simple outfit. Try a textured skinny belt or one in a bright color to add a little zing to the monotone office wear, or you can flaunt your waist with a wider belt for an edgy look.
3.     Pair up a basic blazer with skinny jeans/shorts and a T-shirt for casual look. (P.S. Add a nice floral scarf to this look for that extra edge!).
4.     Pair a bright colored or printed blazer with a simple black dress for a look that can easily go from day to evening with a touch of funky accessories.
5.     Got a larger size in Blazer….sport it with a short skirt or even a casual pair of shorts.
6.     Wear blazers with high waist pants and top for a sophisticated look.
7.     Buy a colored Lace blazer and pair it with an otherwise monochrome look or flaunt a solid color lace dress with a basic or printed crop blazer to look like a million bucks. :P
8.  Go neon. I'm desperately hunting for a bright colored blazer this summers maybe Orange, Fucshia Pink, Green or Lemon. Oh yes! I adore this Lime colored blazer at Zara. Is'nt it a beauty!<3


    What are you waiting for…Go dig the collection at Zara, Mango, United colors of Benetton and Esprit stores around you! The basics are a must but this summer go gaga in a blazer with prints, stripes, flowers, polka dots, tribal, leopard, geometric and what not! Make it complement your look with style and sophistication, but always remember to keep the rest very simple and basic so let blazer be the star of your look.



Monday, 16 April 2012

You better nail these!!

Pastels are the hottest color trend of this season. Nail color has become a fashion accessory par excellence and is now a must have in every woman's makeup kit. Lakme has introduced its new Absolute Fast & Fabulous range of these never-seen-never-heard kind of chic and sexy nail colors ranging from subtle pastels to bright neons. I have tried most of the Lakme nail paint collection and the only issue i've ever had is that they are thick and take ages to dry, and frankly i just don't have the patience to spend too much time applying and drying my nail polish. I've been meaning to get my hands on one of these since the day I've heard that they dry within 40 seconds. And i swear by my favorite pair of heels....it is amazingly fast and fabulous :)! The consistency is still thick but it dries up superrrr quick! And if thats not enough... it comes with a cute little flat brush that glides effortlessly over nails to give you an immaculate and glossy finish in just one stroke!

P.S. My personal advice is to give 2 coats to get that perfect color and apply a transparent nail enamel coating to prevent chipping! 

These nail paints are now available in most of the stores and come in 30 different shades at a price of 175 INR for 10 ml. Worth a buy! 
My favorites are Flaming peach, Spicy Pink, Crimson fire and purple plunge. So while I'm adoring my pretty pastels...you go pick your favoites and make your nails drool-worthy with these gorgeous 30 shades...









Sunday, 15 April 2012

A Wild Affair!!

Wild animal prints have come roaring back into fashion . From handbags and shoes to other accessories and now clothing....this hot, fun and funky trend seems here to stay. Blazers, Shoes, tops, leggings, sunglasses, dresses, scarves,bags, dresses are “crawling” off the shelves this season. Get them all, but don’t wear them together! :p
Talking about 'animal prints’ the first thing that comes to our mind is the leopard, but the summer fashion brings more to you...Oh yes..awaken the spirit animal within you with frisky animal prints ranging from zebra stripes, cheetah and leopard spots to giraffe prints, snake skin and alligator textures.

How to wear animal print to look elegant, stylish and tasteful:

1.  Stick to just one animal print. Don't go wild with clashing prints, what i mean to say is do not mix leopard with zebra or even leopard-on-leopard or zebra-on zebra to avoid looking like a disaster.  Look elegant with a hint of one particular print, keeping the rest of your outfit simple. 
2. Team up your outfit with just one power piece, like a handbag, top or scarf if you're not sure whether you can carry off this trend.
3. Keep the silhouette simple, elegant and sleek.

What to wear with animal print:
Any Print looks chic as a compliment to neutral and solid color-schemes, especially basic black, crisp white, chocolate brown, and beige. Smart and timeless ways to wear animal prints are as a handbag, shoes, a scarf, a blouse (especially under a blazer) or jewellery.
Finally, the key fashion ingredient required to pull off animal print with style is confidence, so if you're not sure about if or how to incorporate animal patterns into a wardrobe, don't!
Animal prints in shoes, bags, hats, belts and scarves also give that added class and appeal when you match them with your outfit. The important thing to remember when wearing animal prints is to avoid overkill. "Choose carefully, and play it as a highlight."

So if you have been prowling the markets for some of these fun fashion accessories, look no further, for I have found the wildest animal prints just waiting for you to get your paws on.... ;)

Blazers from ZARA:

 

Tops
      ZARA:
 

    MANGO:
 

Trousers/ Leggings from MANGO:


 

Dresses from MANGO:
 

Scarves from MANGO:
 

Accessories from ZARA:
 

Accessories from MANGO:
 

Bags from MANGO (Shopper bag, vanity bag and iPad case):
 

Shoes from Nine west/MANGO: