FASHION AND STYLE

Beat The Chill! Winter Style:

THE KEY fashion this season sees old themes getting refined, keeping temperature and festivities in mind. So warmer, brighter and bolder styles are the trends this winter.

WINTER FEST
Reflecting the onset of the celebratory and festive season, vibrant colours in different shades of blue, fuchsia, soft green and lavender reign this season. Detailing with special finishes is the key element in high fashion design labels across the global ramps. Right from customized buttons to broad collars to contrast cuffs, apparel has been crafted to perfection.

CHIC COATS
To start with, this season, say it with coats! The new coat is short, knee-length and can be truly chic when you are aiming for a more glamorous look. It is bolder in shape, can be double breasted, and can be worn with an A-line skirt or trouser. Trapeze shapes that swing are also in vogue. Colour palettes extend to bold and bright hues.

TEXTURE TREND
According to Bangalore-based designer Deepika Govind, unusual textures on garments, which include couture details like tucked, twisted, couture-pleated and quilted, are haute this season. "This winter, the emphasis is on a stronger looking and very groomed woman. Jackets and coats, with sleeves stepping out of their natural boundaries, with an elongated space-age shoulder or rounded bell sleeves are in," says she.

FORMAL FARE
For day wear, winter fashion gets back to the structured look of the '80s. The overall look this season is clean, minimal and lean, with differently styled white shirts, clean stripe shirts, waistcoats in subtle satin, two colour stripe tops and sweaters with lurex, which can add extra glamour to your days at the office.

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EVENING GLAM
Short, above knee cocktail dresses are all the rage this season. Purple satin, bold, rich and bright, is a hot favourite for evening wear. This season is also the time to get into strong metallic hues. Metallics have the look of molten material that appears elegant, rich and fashionably expensive. Contrast solid, matte fabrics with metallic upper or lower garments.

HOSIERY HO!
Hosiery is very much at the fore of fashion this winter. Some clothes only gel when worn with coloured or patterned tights and wildly contrasting footwear. Hemline volume or pencil slim skirts draw attention to legs, or leg cover-ups. So thick or opaque, coloured or animal print tights or lace hosiery can be worn with skirts/ coats, and bright coloured shoes.

WINTER WARMERS
A gorgeous chunky cardigan is the chic alternative to a coat. Fashion designer Wendell Rodricks says, “Indian winter is not so extreme, so a beautiful warm shawl with embellishments can add that touch of glamour to any Indian or Western outfit.”
Team up a shawl with a pair of skinny jeans and a T-shirt, use it instead of a dupatta on a plain salwar kameez or just wear it over a sari. Just pick a great looking shawl and it can keep you looking hot, literally!

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Jewel colours like orange, coral, pink, red, emerald, amethyst and peridot green are the other key colours to flaunt this season.

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Office Party Look

When you are with your friends, it’s okay to show some major cleavage. When you are with your colleagues, it’s not. But that’s not to say need to dress like a convent candidate either.

Perfect Look
What you need is a flattering wrap dress or slim fit black pants. Add pretty peep-toes and you are ready for the office event.

Colour clever
Black, white, pink, purple, green and orange…

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Go Festive!

YOU don’t want to be caught on the wrong foot during the festive season, do you? Fashion designer Anita Dongre gives you a list of what to wear and what not to, this season.

DOs

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THE ‘NO-NO’

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Gear Up For the bridal season

Gear Up For the bridal season with Murcia bags and shoes.
Pusphpita Gaur, accessory designer at Murcia, gives pointers on what is in vogue this wedding season.

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Bride This Season ...

The wedding season is just around the corner and if you are a bride-to-be here is a dekko at what is in vogue this season…

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Bride's Trousseau:

Shopping for your trousseau is a difficult job. A traditional trousseau consists of clothes, accessories, jewellery, lingerie…the works! Here’s a ready reckoner for the bride on what to pack in her trousseau.

Clothes
“Your trousseau depends a lot on your likes and dislikes, personality and the family you are marrying into,” says image consultant Rukshana Eisa. To play safe, you can carry a few pairs of each type – traditional outfits (saris, salwar kameezes, churidar kurtas), formals (suits, skirts, trousers, trouser suits), semi formals (kurtis teamed with trousers, cocktail dresses) and casuals (jeans, t-shirts, denims).

For daywear choose cottons and linens. For the evenings, heavy zari bordered or embroired and embellished outfits look dazzling. For night wear, black or red lacy lingerie is ideal. The conservative can stick to pastel colours like lime green, off white or pink. Remember that your nightwear should be attractive and of the correct size. Ill-fitting lingerie looks sloppy.

Beautiful inside
Undergarments shouldn’t be bulky as they make your clothes look sloppy. Black white and skin are safest for slips, camisoles and bras. Thongs and seamless underwear are necessary for those fitting skirts and trousers. They must be new, but should have also been tried on for size.

The right colour
While choosing your trousseau, you must consider your complexion too. Red and burgundy look flattering on any skin tone, as do burnished gold and copper tones. Fair or wheatish skin can flaunt any colour except yellow, which tends to make the skin look sallow. Yellow, however looks good on dark skin. Pastels too look flattering on dusky skin.

Other Basics
Shoes, bags, belts and accessories are other important aspects of your trousseau. The metallic look (golden and silver shades) for shoes, bags and belts are in vogue. You can also buy them in neutral shades of tan, brown, black and white, which go well with almost any outfit. Open-toed sandals are ideal for Indian as well as western ensembles, and a must for every trousseau.

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Sparklers
Light and delicate jewellery looks good for the day. Heavy gold and semi precious jewellery looks stunning fro the evening. Coloured stones are also currently in vogue, so you can match the colours of your outfits with your jewellery. It is ok even if you don’t match. Jewellery by itself stands out.

Quick Pack
In case you have to leave for the plush hotel suite for your big night immediately after your wedding reception, just make sure these basic essentials are there in your overnight bag.

Now that you know what must comprise your trousseau, all you need to do is wear a million dollar smile and say, “I do.”

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Casual Chic

Casual wear is no longer limited to gyms and workout sessions, but is now out in the streets. An influx of sports gear on the streets can be solely attributed to everyone from rap stars to Hollywood celebrities, to our own Bollywood stars donning sporty casuals in videos and films.
The world of fashion is going through a dressed-down revolution. In the last two years, there have been celeb sightings – Jennifer Garner, face all scrubbed clean and in a man’s t-shirt, cheering at the Boston’s Red Sox game and Gwyneth Paltrow, with her Birkenstock sandals and scruffy look – in their sporty avatar.

Says ad campaign stylist, Varuni Mohan, “Casual wear has become popular definitely as a trickle-down effect, but there are other reasons too. Sportwear like tracks and tees are comfortable and low maintenance. As a category they offer a lot of opportunity to show branding and hence despite being casual chic, there’s a snob value attached to it. E,g. Nike Kappa, Nautica. All these brands are very popular for they carry their logos and labels very prominently. Sports goods companies are also adding casual wear to their lines, weaving in the same design ideology as professional sportswear. Also sportswear is used by older people too, who wish to adopt the young and fit aspirational value that sportswear assigns to the wearer.”

Some sporty must-haves

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Classic Career Woman

Want to make a splash in the corporate world this monsoon (not literally, of course)? Designers Anita Dingre and Surily Goel and image consultant, Rukshana Eisa, tell you how…

Anita Dongre:
When at work, full length skirts should be strictly avoided during the rains. Knee length formal skirts look very well and natural black linen cotton abric is best suited for this season, compared to other synthetic material like nylon. Short length bloomer pants and a jacket teamed with bright printed shirt, especially in cotton polyester fabric looks very stylish.
As far as colours are concerned, white is definitely a ‘no-no’ as when drenched, white transforms into a complete see through material and also gets stained very fast.
Smart rancoats in pink and umbrellas in rainbow hues add colour and style to an otherwise boring monsoon wardrobe.

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Surily Goel:
Overcoats and long jackets are very much in vogue this season. Straight cur skirts instead of flared ones, are perfect for the rains. For coats, go for colours in greys, blacks and blues.

Rukshana Eisa:
When it comes to formal dressing, jackets should be darker than the shirts. The shirts can be in brighter colours like yellows and sky blues.
Accessories: Small, delicate pieces of jewellery go well with office wear. You can even team it up with a discreet watch. Small pearls are in vogue too. You can team it up with yellow gold embedded with coloured diamonds to add a touch of class to the formal look. One important fashion tip is to make sure that your accessories are in a single colour. Belts, shoes, bag – all should be in the same colour.

Hair & Make up:
Hair should be kept away from the face and makeup should be minimal. Apply a hint of colour, which will give you that blushed look. Pink is the shade of the season. So use pink for the lips and always use oil-based cosmetics in the monsoons.

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Shoes:
Never wear leather shoes in the monsoons, as they tend to smell a lot. Keep a spare pair of shoes in your office. Always wear plastic sandals ehile traveling and change them once you reach office. Open toe sandals, especially in black, brown, beige, blue and grey works well too.

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Gorgeous Girlie...

A girl-next-door look can also look GORGEOUS...Designers Anita Dingre and Surily Goel and image consultant, Rukshana Eisa, tell you how…

Anita Dongre:
A nice bright cotton dress is ideal to get that uncluttered ‘girl-next-door- look. Bright cotton linen shirts with capris in pink or lime colours also look great.

Surily Goel:
Try out a sweatshirt, hooded jacket and beige capris, along with a colourful umbrella to get this look.

Rukshana Eisa:
Skin-tight, fitted jeans paired with a loose ill-fitted, waist length smock top can give you the simple girl-next-door look. Semi cargo pants, cotton capris in olive greens, browns and beige also look very stylish. Knee length crocheted skirts teamed with cotton shirts look fabulous too.

Accessories:
Long dangling chains that reach your midriff and oversized bags complement this look.

Makeup:
Keep your makeup minimal. A little blush, a hint of lip colour and mascara are perfect for this look.

Shoes:
Closed, flat shoes or chappals.

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Stylish Rainy Days

With the first monsoon showers hitting the city, it is time to bring out your umbrellas and put the white and cream outfits at the furthest corners of your wardrobe. Here are a few fashion essentials to remember as you step out under the downpour.

·  Wear fabrics that dry off easily if you get wet; put away your pure cottons and linens. Avoid clothes that stick to your body.
·  Choose bright colours for the gloomy overcast days; orange, red, light green, aqua blue. This will also chase away your gloomy mood.
·  Wear capris and knee length skirts to avoid muddy water on your clothes. Even denims can be worn short.
·  Don’t wear clothes with ostentatious designs and prints or layering. Choose simple lines. Concentrate more on the cuts of your outfits. Wear smart casuals.
·  Indian wear can include A-line kurtas or straight fits. Avoid salwars that are too loose.

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Denim Fits For You
They are your ideal choice for a casual day out or even a Sunday brunch. They now come in a variety of colours and teamed with the right top can create the wow look. We are talking about the quintessential denim or jeans, that are part of every trendy dresser’s wardrobe. Here is how you can find a pair that is just right for you. If you have…

·  Full Curves:
Choose dark denims and go for a slim fit with boot cut legs.

·  Short legs:
Opt for full length jeans rather than denim capris. Avoid stretch denims.

·  Big Butts:
Low rise cuts with pockets (with vertical seams) give a slimming look. Do not choose styles that have no back pockets as they will make your butts look larger.

·  Wide hips:
High-waisted styles are a big no-no. Opt for fits that taper and have a boot-cut.

·  Short/Long Torso:
Those with short torsos should avoid baggy jeans as this automatically cut your upper body further. Choose low-waist, hip-hugging jeans. Those with long torsos should avoid low-cut jeans, as they will make your torso look longer.

·  Petite frame:
Choose stretch jeans to give your body an elongated look. Choose low-waist jeans in solid colour and do not forget to pair them with your favourite pair of high-heeled sandals.

·  Athletic figure:
Opt for denims in lighter shades and stay away from cuts that highlight your straight silhouette.

·  Very very slim:
Hip hugging styles or comfortable fits look great on slim people. For a social do, choose a trendy straight fit.
Go on! Choose the style that complements your body type and be ready for compliments galore.

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Designer Anna Singh's Fashion Fundas

Fashion and Image Consultant Anna Singh talks about the latest trends this season

COLOURS:
Colours this season are black and white, neutral, blue, coral and pure white.

SILHOUETTES:
·  Hour glass type silhouettes which accentuate the waist either by means of a belt or fitted corset are in.
·  A line silhouettes which includes clean dresses, with simple necklines, in playful colours and prints, and to add to it feminine trimmings of lace or sequin.
·  Balloon skirts, balloon pants and ponchos for the volume look

TRIMMINGS:
The sweetly romantic look is in with the use of a lot of lace, crochet and eyelets. Lace looks sensual in neutrals - white, ivory, black - but it tends to look cheap in colors. Add a stole in crochet over a delicate dress, or pair a lace-trimmed white blouse with jeans.

HANDBAGS:
Bags can be a bit oversized or a bit busy with pockets, stitch details or various textural techniques, including studs, frills, dangling charms, key rings and metal ornaments such as buckles. Details even include squishy shapes, natural materials, quilting, denim, leopard print fur, and glittery leather or even textured leather.

SHOES:
Sky-high and funky, wedges and platforms, are the footwear, in fashion, this season. Try wedge shoes with solid wedges with interesting wedge stacks in bamboo stilts, jute, wood, cork or covered with fabric. Metallic or glitter shoes can be worn in platform style or as ballet pumps, which add zing to almost everything, from jeans to skirts.

BELTS:
Belts with big buckles, studs, leopard print are trendy. Skinny scarves can also double as belts.

SCARVES:
These are trendsetters too in exotic materials, with interesting prints and colours.

JEWELLERY:
Everything from layers of beads to chunky gold chains jewelled cufflinks, beaded bracelets, looks right this season.

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Scent Of A Woman

If diamonds are a girl’s best friend then perfumes represent everything that is feminine and make her feel complete.
Here are a few things to remember as you add fragrance to your life:

·  Fragrance should be applied at pulse points – on the wrist, behind the ears, at the side of the temple and décolletage
·  One should not douse oneself with perfume, a few sprays are more than enough.
·  One should apply fragrance early on before stepping out, so it blends with the skin and develops its unique scent.
·  If you want the perfume to last longer, it will be good if you follow a technique called layering – This means using the shower gel and body lotion from the same fragrance brand. Using the complimentary body lotion or moisturizer will seal the scent in, making it last longer. Fragrance should be worn before applying moisturiser.
·  Spray the perfume on the skin and not the clothing and be careful not to spray it on your jewellery, as the alcohol in the fragrance may damage the jewellery coating.
·  Most perfumes last three-four years if stored well. Proper storage will help increase the life of your fragrance; it should be stored in a dark dry place, preferably in its original carton.

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Style In Simplicity

Daughter of Neetu and Rishi Kapoor and a fashion designer in her own right, Riddhima Kapoor claims, “You make your clothes look good! You need to carry it off well and if you can’t then don’t wear it! Wearing what suits you best, is how you make a fashion statement.”
Here Riddhima shares her list of “CAN’T DO WITHOUT(S)”

Clothes:
I love bling, so anything that’s ‘shiny’ and ‘glittery’ with a lot of sequins and Swarovski, I love! I mostly wear off shoulder tops and A-line dresses.

Make Up:
I believe in ‘less is more,’ and I only wear Bobby Brown and M.A.C. products – a light base, a lot of kohl, mascara and a nude lipgloss, preferably M.A.C. In short, dark eyes and light lips.

Accessories:
I love watches. Currently I possess a Rolex, a Cartier and a Bulgari. I wear things that usually make a statement. I wear either a good watch or my solitaire.

Beauty Regime:
Clean ups on a regular basis are a must. I use a clove pack which acts like an anti-oxidant and I use a lot of aloe vera for my face and hair. It purifies the skin and keeps it healthy. I usually oil my hair once a week, which is mor than enough for my coloured hair and I use Dabur Vatika hair oil.

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Summer Style

As temperatures rise, the focus turns to summer vogue. “This summer ushers in a look of comfortable chic,” says fashion designer Surily Goel.

Here, she gives a lowdown on summer vogue...
Dresses are in. So are tunics and leggings. “Dresses always look very feminine and graceful. You have varied styles in dresses to choose from — micro mini, tube, corset, noodle-strapped, halter necked, fitted, animal prints or floral dresses. Leggings and tights are also hot favourites and can be teamed with feminine tunics,” says Surily.

Fashion Stroke
Femininity is in. And, how! Baby doll dresses, short cute skirts and high waisted dresses are also in vogue.

Colour Clever
White, white and more white! “Of course, other soft colours like peach and pink too are great but personally, white is my perennial favourite,” says she. Pretty florals and polka dots too see a comeback.

Fabric Fervour
“For our humid weather, it has to be natural muls and cottons. Pure cottons and natural fabrics make you feel and stay cool. I have also added light georgette dresses.”

Indian Story
“My latest collection comprises an ethnic line of long kalidar kurtas teamed with churidars or pants worn with crushed mul dupattas with paisley prints. I have also stayed away from kurtis. Instead, I have gone traditional and given my kurtas a traditional and a more Oriental touch by adding stylish Nehru collars.

Summer Script
“Summer means cool and comfortable attire. I also believe in clothes being young and eye-catching with lots of mix and match options,” sums up Surily.

Dressing Up Your Flaws

Not everybody is born with the perfect figure. But clever dressing can cover up the ravages of nature (and bingeing). Remember the following the next time you want to add something to your wardrobe

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