Bollywood Fashion: Key pieces from Jab Tak Hai Jaan (and how to wear them)

Bollywood Fashion: Key pieces from Jab Tak Hai Jaan (and how to wear them)

Monotone outfits

Worn by: Katrina Kaif

As a British upper class business woman who moves around in a chauffer-driven Rolls Royce, Katrina Kaif’s character Meera’s style is a modern take on elegance. She sticks to simple silhouettes and colours, with almost zero feminine frills.

Jab Tak Hai Jaan- Katrina Kaif

How to wear:

Opt for comfortable A-line and shift silhouettes in knee-length dresses and coats. Choose bold colours like red, blue and green. Make sure there is only one eye-catching colour in your ensemble.

Where to buy: Coat from United Colors of Benetton, dress from Sisley

Coat from UCB Dress from Sisley

Jackets- puffed and leather

Worn by: Katrina Kaif, Anushka Sharma, Shahrukh Khan

Jab Tak Hai Jaan Katrina Kaif

Katrina covers up a Manish Malhotra lehenga on a snowy day with a bright red quilted anorak, while both women wear vintage-style leather jackets on different occasions. Meanwhile, Shahrukh Khan’s jackets are limited to light woollens and vests in muted colours like grey and dark blue.

Jab Tak Hai Jaan Shahrukh Khan Katrina Kaif

How to wear:

You can wear your winter jackets over anything and everything…. go crazy!

Where to buy: Calvin Klein Jeans (women’s jacket), Mango (women’s anorak), Celio (men’s jacket)

Jacket- Calvin Klein JeansMango feather quilted anorak 4590CELIO_Pulana

Boots for women

Worn by: Katrina Kaif, Anushka Sharma

While Katrina pairs knee-length boots with short skirts in winter (really!), Anushka Sharma wears outdoorsy laced boots meant for camping.

How to wear:

Very few women can carry off knee-length boots, so I suggest ankle and calf-length boots with jeans instead. The laced heavy boots are for the adventurous types or those living in the mountains.

Where to buy: Vanilla Moon, Steve Madden

Vanilla Moon boots-WALLIS-GINGER Steve Madden Troopah Tan leather

 

Military camouflage pants

Worn by: Shahrukh Khan

Jab Tak Hai Jaan Shahrukh Khan

He’s an army man, it’s standard issue.

How to wear: Military detailing and camouflage prints were a hot trend couple years ago, but they are always around if look carefully. Pair military print pants with plain tees in earth tones like olive green, mud brown and black.

Where to buy: Zara (men and women)

Zara camouflage chinos 3790 Zara camouflage trousers 3790

Winter checks

Worn by: Shahrukh Khan

SRK in Jab Tak Hai Jaan

How to wear:

Look out for checks in dark colours like blue, grey and dark green, and shirts in heavier fabrics like twill. Details like elbow patches and contrast pockets will add a fun twist to classic checks. Pair with jeans, chinos and trousers.

Where to buy: French Conection, Allen Solly

FC grapple twill check shirt 2999Allen Solly check shirt

 

Snoods & scarves

Worn by: Shahrukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, Anushka Sharma

Jab Tak Hai Jaan Shahrukh Khan

Mufflers, scarves, snoods, in solids and prints, cotton and wool- they were all there in the movie. The lead actors all wore their scarves differently from the others.

Jab Tak Hai Jaan Anushka Sharma

How to wear:

Choose the type of scarf depending on the weather in your city (wool or cotton) and how you plan to wear it (as a fun accessory or to keep warm). There are great stripes, shiny, metallic finishes, prints and colours for every fashion personality!

Where to buy: Esprit and French Connection for women’s and scarves, men’s scarves at Celio (bottom)

 

Esprit IC6245FC Twinkle Me Lurex Snood 2299

CELIO_Pirouett

New collections Part 1: S.Oliver, Esprit and Benetton (with summer trend quotient)

New collections Part 1: S.Oliver, Esprit and Benetton (with summer trend quotient)

This is the first in a series of blog posts covering the Spring/Summer 2012 collections hitting stores this season! Take a look at the collections and our summer trend quotient to know how trendy it is, decide what you like, and go shop! Happy shopping! 😀

In this post, I’ve written mostly about casual wear brands.

S.Oliver

s.Oliver Casual brings the joy present in nature to their clothes.

Summer trend quotient: 7/10 (florals and greens)

s.Oliver Casual_007 SS 2012

Selection by s.Oliver (the premium line) is about holidays, luxury and being relaxed and carefree in style.

Summer trend quotient: 6.5/10 (resort and relaxed wear)

SELECTION by s.Oliver_041 SS 2012

QS by s.Oliver is for those outdoor summer days with friends, enjoying music, love, spontaneity and youth.

Summer trend quotient: 6.5/10 (lots of colour, non-seasonal prints)

QS by s.Oliver_050 - Copy SS 2012

Esprit

Women’s wear at Esprit is about whites– formal and informal summer dresses, elegant blouses and jackets. And then there are the audacious flower prints on chiffon, linen and soft silk—seen on skirts, shorts, blouses, leggings, jumpsuits and dresses.

Summer trend quotient: 6/10 (needs some excitement!)

Esprit SS 2012 dress

For guys there are daring plaids, box checks and chess board prints. The colour of choice is blue—from light to navy! Laidback guys will enjoy the Jamaican short pants and trousers in a range of colours, best worn with Esprit’s hats and tees.

United Colors of Benetton

It’s a season in Technicolor, says Benetton! And they’re right.

UCB ss12_man_campaign_11

For men, there are bold chromatic combinations, multi-coloured solutions, with cable-knit designs, patterns and vibrant stripes.

Summer trend quotient: 9/10 (love that they’re big on patterns!)

UCB ss12_man_look_9

For the ladies, the explosion of colours and prints continues at UCB. Don’t miss the spots, stripes and bold colours (orange, pink and blue).

Summer trend quotient: 9/10 (dots are hot this season!)

UCB ss12_woman_look_6

More collection updates coming soon!

Shopping News: Phoenix Market city opens in Kurla, but will we see new brands?

Shopping News: Phoenix Market city opens in Kurla, but will we see new brands?

The mall Mumbai shopaholics have been waiting for is now open! Phoenix Market City had a quiet inauguration last week, and our fashion radar tells us that a few stores and restaurants are open (no specifics yet, but I’ll update you as soon as I know more).

Here’s an early-stage visualisation of the mall:

Phoenix Markey City Mumbai

Phoenix Market City is technically not located in a “prime” shopping area—it’s in Kurla, but it’s huge. With retail area of over 16 lakh square feet, wonderful atrium for special events, and an Adlabs multiplex, this mini-city is bound to get shoppers from all over Mumbai.

As for the fashion brands that will open at Phoenix Market City, I expect the usual suspects like Zara, Mango, Benetton, and the rest of the gang to open there. After all, there will be plenty of room for everyone. BTW, we have confirmation that Vero Moda and AND  have opened at Phoenix Market City.

Could be a lovely mall, but…

While a new mall is always good news, I really wonder if Mumbai needs another one. Especially if it’s going to be like any other mall.

What would really excite me is if we get some new brands, concept stores or a new whole new look. Things we haven’t seen before, stores we haven’t explored before. And of course, the mall’s layout would play a huge role in deciding whether Phoenix Market City will be a comfortable place to shop and hang around. I don’t want this mall to be yet another giant structure that looks like every other mall, only larger.

What say, shopping lovers and mall rats? Anyone been to Mumbai’s Phoenix Market City yet?

Winter Guide: The best of boots!

Winter Guide: The best of boots!

It’s the season for boots, ladies! And with hundreds of styles to choose from, we girls are spoilt for choice… and confused. So here’s my pick of boots for winter 2011-12, along with chic tips to wear them!

The classic blacks

You can’t pass a winter without a pair of black boots for daily wear. Black boots go with almost every colour I can imagine, and are ideal for day wear, office and evening!

Chic tip: Bored of black boots? Try tan or brown boots, or look for blacks with a hint of detailing like lace or texture, or a cool buckle.

Below: Black boot from Metro, lace-up boots from Sisley, grey lace boot from Benetton

Metro Shoes black boot Winter 2011Sisley boots Winter 2011

Benetton boots Winter 2011

Boots for parties

Boots now come in fun styles! Decorated with sequins, rhinestones and beads, boots can be as embellished as your party dress. Spiky-heeled boots are a great alternative to stilettos and peep-toed pumps.

Below: Embellished boot from Metro, boot from Mochi

Metro shoes- Winter 2011Mochi boot Winter 2011

Chic tip: Let’s be honest—boots can make you look like a tramp. If your look is too grungy or blingy, then you run a serious fashion risk with embellished boots. If your boots are quite catchy, tone down the jewellery and the sequins on your dress.

Tall boots

Tall or knee-high boots can be quite intimidating for many women, but don’t think you’re too short or too tall for something. If a pair of tall boots looks great on you, wear it with confidence. They are great to keep your legs warm in the cold weather!

Below: Boot from Bootz Collection (at bestylish.com), Heeled boot from Zara

Bootz from bestylish.comZara basic heel boot

Chic tip: Avoid wearing knee-high boots with shorts, though they do look great with skirts, dresses and skinny jeans.

Which boots are you wearing this winter?

Winter mini-guide: How to wear woollens with a twist

Winter mini-guide: How to wear woollens with a twist

When it’s dark and cold, I’m usually not in the mood to put on something chic, trendy or fun. Besides, it can be a bit difficult to think out-of-the-box with winter wear. So I’ve put together this this mini-guide to help you wear your timeless winter essentials with a twist. So your winter days don’t need to be dull. 🙂

The basic: Sweater/ jumper

The classic sweater is comfy, soft and available in a range of colours.

Below: Basic sweater from Zara, Santana stretch jumper from French Connection

Zara-basic sweater Santana Stretch Jumper French Connection

Wear it different: Sweaters can be fun. If you like colours, opt for jumpers in pop colours or with patterns.

Below: Look from S.Oliver, Sweater from Benetton

s.Oliver Casual 1 29006 - Copy

The basic: Cardigan

The buttoned V-neck and round-neck cardigan is a winter essential for both men and women. Dark colours are especially great for the incredibly short days and long nights.

Below: Cardigan from Zara, Knit cardigan from Mango

Zara cardigan with contrasting detailingMango-knit cardigan

Wear it different: The “unbuttoned” cardigan (aka “cover-up”) is a chic way to show off your top below or keep it casual. Think kimono-style cardigans with no buttons, cardigans with in-built belts and loosely worn cover-ups.

Below: Cardigan from Sisley, Dymo LS Long cardigan from Vero Moda

29780 - CopyVero Moda Dymo LS Long cardigan

The basic: Winter dress

Long sleeves, muted colours, simple patterns and a hint of detailing—that’s a winter dress.

Below: Pleated studio dress from Zara, Linda 3/4 mini dress from Vero Moda

Zara-pleated studio dressVero Moda Linda 3-4 Mini dress

Wear it different: Try a knitted or crocheted dress with feminine frills like lace or other sheer fabric.

Below: Woollen dress from Sisley, Lace details dress from Mango

29798 - Copy Mang-lace details dress

How are you wearing your woollens this winter—the basic way or with a twist?

Winter picks: Have you chosen your coat yet?

Winter picks: Have you chosen your coat yet?

If you haven’t chosen a jacket or coat to keep you warm this winter, then here’s a guide to help you choose. And if you’ve got a coat already, maybe you could consider these for your next purchase this season. Either ways, I’ve got some tips to help you decide what to look out for while buying the perfect jacket or coat.

Neutrals

Black, grey and beige coats are winter wardrobe essentials—they’re excellent for office, college or an evening out.

Chic tip: While you can’t go wrong with black or beige, look for a coat that has some interesting details—like a matching or contrast belt, decorative buttons and shiny zippers.

Below: Black belted coat from Sisley, beige coat from Benetton, Colour Block Wonderland coat from French Connection.

Winter Coat from Sisleywinter coat from Benetton French Connection coat

Patterns

While prints for the cold season came into vogue in Fall/Winter 2010-11, they haven’t made as much impact on coats and jackets. Even so, you can look for coats with subtle checks or patterns.

Chic tip: The animal print trend refuses to die out (pun unintended), and you can choose to wear one if you’re bold enough.

Below: Coat from Marks & Spencer, Houndstooth coat from Zara.

Marks & Spencer coat zara-houndstooth check coat

Anoraks

If you live in a cold town with strong winds, you will need an anorak for cold weather protection. Some anoraks are also water-proof and hooded.

Chic tip: Anoraks can add more bulk to your body than other types of outerwear for winter, so opt for one only if absolutely needed.

Below: Anorak from Mango

MANGO - 53012559_10_B - Copy

Which winter coat do you choose?

Chic Finds: Fun prints on dresses, tees and shoes to lift your mood

It’s raining outside now and how! If you’re stuck indoors most of the time, you need some cheering up. Speaking Chic brings some fun prints to excite you in this gloomy weather.

Nature-inspired prints

Bright leaves, butterflies and peacocks… indoors or outdoors, wear nature on your sleeve.

Funky prints from nature

Above (from left to right): Printed dress from Golmaal, red top and printed shorts from Roxy, dress from Vizyon’s Papagayo collection

Graphic prints

Still bang-on-trend, abstract or otherwise. We love these in colours that pop.

Tank Top with graphic print from Benetton

Printed shorts from Roxy

Above: Tank top with graphic print from Benetton; shorts from Roxy.

Printed accessories!

Make printed shoes, bags and scarves your new best friend. 🙂

Miss Sixty shoes Flip-flops from Roxy

Above: Clarisse shoes (flats) from Miss Sixty, Flip flops from Roxy

How to wear prints

If you think you might end up looking like a fancy teapot or a mural with prints, here’s some tips for wearing prints from Kanika Kapoor, a fashionista associated with Emilio Pucci (a brand known for its prints).

  • It’s not difficult to carry off prints, though you need to complement the prints or tone down the print with plain colour footwear. And oh, avoid over-accessorizing.
  • At present I’m really into accessorising what I wear with printed scarves and shawls. Also, I like “printed” shoes with a plain dress or relaxed day wear.
  • You can also tie a printed scarf around your bag to add a touch of print to your attire.

How are you wearing prints this monsoon?