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Winter accessories: My shopping list from Accessorize

Speaking ChicOctober 17, 2014Leave a comment

There’s lots to love in accessories this season, with the revival of earlier trends and a contemporary spin on new accessory styles and designs.

Here are my top 5 trends for the season handpicked from the Accessorize AW 2014 collection. Enjoy!

Mini day bags

Now that our work is almost entirely on our smart phones, we can celebrate with smaller handbags! Accessorize has got plenty such compact handbags in a range of winter colours. My favourite hues from the bag collection are bordeaux and forest green.

Backpacks

If you think backpacks are for college kids, you’ve been living on another planet this year. Cool fashion backpacks are back, and how! (Pun unintended). At Accessorize, I loved the printed backpacks! They’re cool, easy to carry and hold a lot of stuff.

Delicate jewellery for layering

No more chunky jewellery, please! If you’ve seen the “arm party” happening in Bollywood movies lately (check out Deepika Padukone in Cocktail and Sonam Kapoor in Khoobsurat), you know you need to stack up on bracelets. Or try out multiple chains and rings- all delicate pieces, of course!

Scarves and hats

As the cold season comes in next month, we’ll need to stock up on winter clothes and accessories. To start with, check out these scarves and hats from Accessorize to keep you warm. I particularly like the muted scarf prints- very stylish!

Party accessories

Accessories you need for the upcoming party season: Embellished clutch + blingy jewellery. And Accessorize has plenty of options for each, so you can take your pick. These are best worn with a shimmery little dress to turn you into a party knockout.

What is your favourite accessory from Accessorize?

In Accessories, LFW WF 2013

LFW WF 2013 Slideshow: Best of accessories

Speaking ChicSeptember 17, 2013September 17, 2013Leave a comment

I’ve declared Accessories Week this week at Speaking Chic! Here’s kicking off the series with my favourite accessories at Lakme Fashion Week Winter/ Festive 2013. Scroll down for more on the accessories featured in the slide show.

Shoes at Shantanu Goenka

Shoes at Sneha Arora

Bags at Square Loop by Kanika Sachdeva

Bags at Square Loop by Kanika Sachdeva

Clutches by Karieshma Sarna

Neckpiece from House of Chic

Accessories at House of Chic

Nitya Arora accessories at LFW WF 2013

Nitya Arora accessories at LFW WF 2013

Hair jewels at Pria Kataria Puri

Hair jewels at Pria Kataria Puri

Maang tikka at Shyamal & Bhumika

Hair accessories at Shantanu Goenka

Loved the shoes at…

Shantanu Goenka: Wonderfully embellished and to match the outfits!

Sneha Arora: No-nonsense manly shoes are required for war, even if it’s only on the ramp.

Aditi Holani: The cut-out shoes went well with the distressed look.

Noteworthy bags at…

Square Loop by Kanika Sachdeva: Neutral boxy leather bags are just right for work.

Karieshma Sarna: Her embellished clutches are winners all the way through.

And jewellery…

House of Chic: Spikes, skulls and dark metal…. it’s all goth!

Valliyan: Nitya Arora has been on the fashion week circuit for a while now… and we know why she’ll always be popular.

A word on hair accessories

I’ve always believed hair accessories are the most under-rated accessories… so the maang tikkas at Shyamal & Bhumika, bird clips at Shantanu Goenka, and butterflies at Pria Kataria Puri have made their place in my personal lookbook. 🙂

In Bride & Style, Shopping

How I am fighting the SALE shopping temptation

Speaking ChicJuly 18, 2013July 17, 2013Leave a comment

The mall is a bad, bad place to visit these days. The SALES are extremely tempting, and my upcoming wedding has given me the best reason to shop. So the question I’ve been asking myself is – should I shop during the end of season sale? I mean, everyone shops during sale, right? (And the cool gif from Hidesign below makes it even more alluring).

It’s not an easy answer, so I’m just going to put you through a YES and NO debate that went on in my mind for the longest time ever.

YES, a bride should totally shop on sale, because:
She will get the best prices so she can shop on a budget. And there is so much choice because all brands stuff their stores till they overflow.

NO WAY, a bride should not shop on sale, because:
It’s old season stuff, honey. Not the right options for a stylish trousseau. You don’t have place in your cupboard to hold all the lovely new clothes. She will end up splurging on clothes and accessories she doesn’t need or want.

Still no answer to my original question. So here’s what I did:

Step 1: I made a shopping list of things that I need to buy. (The key word here is need, not want).

Step 2: I then struck off those things that I don’t need immediately, like a watch, clutch etc. (I own these accessories and can use them for a while).

Step 3: This left me with just a few things on my list, such as a pair of office shoes, a good moisturiser, casual slippers (for the house) and similar stuff.

Step 4: And then I went and bought these things– they were all important because I didn’t have a good pair of work shoes and my home slippers broke. And what of the rest?

Step 5: I went back to my original list, pondering each item carefully. I figured out the things I didn’t need immediately, but would be a good price during sale, and were unlikely to change with “trends”. This included staples like black pants, classic white blouse and a pearl necklace. And oh, lingerie.

Step 6: Meanwhile, my mom added a few things to the list- gifts! Mom’s wishlist can’t be ignored, so it got added to my list.

Step 7: I will be heading to the mall as the discounts go deeper, armed with this list. And I intend to stick to it! (I know I will).

Now, is that the path to being a smart, stylish and financially-savvy bride? I say YEAH!

PS—Do try this at home (and the mall)! No expert guidance needed.

In 2013, Fashion, News

Chic News: Why you should invest in Van Heusen’s Limited Edition dresses

Speaking ChicMay 23, 2013May 22, 2013Leave a comment

Ladies, Van Heusen is not just for the board room, but for the night club, Sunday brunch and more! With their Limited Edition line of dresses and bags, there are a handful of stylish (and somewhat affordable) choices that can be worn beyond the confines of the office.

Here’s a glimpse:

As you can probably guess from the pictures, the clothes and accessories have sophistication written all over them (even if you’re not in the European countryside). The form-fitting silhouettes, luxurious fall of the fabric and the elegant colour mix of ivory, peach and royal blue make for a delicious collection. Meanwhile, the bejewelled clutches add the right dose of glamour.

The pleated and sheath dresses could take you from day to night, while the lace and sequinned dresses are occasion wear pieces that you could treasure for years to come. Since white lace, black sequins and draped dresses are now all-season classics, and these dresses are almost a bargain (priced between Rs 4000 and Rs 8000), it would be a good idea to bring out your credit card! 😉

The Van Heusen Limited Edition collection is available in 26 Van Heusen exclusive stores across India and select department stores. Prices range from Rs 4000 to Rs 8000.

In Accessories, LFW SR 2013

LFW SR 2013: Bags of the week

Speaking ChicApril 2, 2013April 2, 2013Leave a comment

Shimmery beach bags

They’re shiny, they’re bejewelled, and they’re supersized. Check out the beach bags at Pia Pauro!

Wooden clutches

Wooden carvings from the Renaissance appeared on clutches at Sounia Gohil. Do we need another reason to believe they were romantic, luxurious times?

Urban laptop bags

Bags for the busy working woman are simple, carefully crafted and neutral—as seen at Nishka Lulla (bags by Vitasta).

In Fashion, WLIFW SS 2012

WLIFW SS 2012: Day 1 highlights

Speaking ChicOctober 10, 2011November 5, 2011Leave a comment

Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2012 kicked off on October 8, 2011 in New Delhi. Here’s what happened on Day 1 (Saturday):

There were colours… lots of them!

True to the upcoming season, India’s designers showed us colours to brighten the summer of 2012. There were plenty of colours all around, ranging from bright to soft—we spotted orange, hot pink, blue and red.

Below: Gauri & Nainika; Nachiket Barve; Rajesh Pratap Singh

Meanwhile, there was white (and pastels) too!

Who says white is not a colour? Rahul Reddy and Rimzim Dadu proved otherwise, even as some designers played with soft pastels.

Below: Rahul Reddy, My Village by Rimzim Dadu, Rajesh Pratap Singh, Nandita Basu

Meanwhile, Indian styles dominated

Rajesh Pratap Singh showcase ikat tunics, dresses and kurtas. Meanwhile, Aneeth Arora brought out the famous Madras checks and floral prints on dresses, coats and trousers. Nandita Basu combined kantha work with details like pleats and cowls.

Below: Rajesh Pratap Singh, Pero by Aneeth Arora, Nandita Basu

Silhouettes were more structured than fluid

While most of us tend to associate summer with loose silhouettes, flowy garments and easy-going outfits, the designers surprised us with silhouettes that were had cleaner lines, robust shapes and a complexity-in-detail approach. But are they summer-ready? Yep!

Below: Rahul Reddy, My Village by Rimzim Dadu, Nandita Basu

Embellishments were subtle

Malini Ramani used her favourite little mirrors to embellish, while Nachiket Barve used his favourite floral appliqué along with silvery leaves.

Below: Malini Ramani, Nachiket Barve

Look of the day

The cheeky girls wearing uniform-like garments and headgear at Gauri & Nainika.

Accessory of the day

The applique envelope clutch at Nachiket Barve… fabulous! (Close contender: Fluorescent belts and chappals at Rahul Reddy.)

Below: Nachiket Barve, Rahul Reddy

Celeb appearance of the day

The customary Bollywood appearance on Day 1 at Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week SS 2012 was by the cast of upcoming movie My Friend Pinto, Prateik and Kalki Koechlin for Rina Dhaka. Do they look good? Sure. As for the clothes—best left unsaid. 😉

What are your favourites from Day 1 of Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week SS 2012?

In Accessories, Fashion

Chic Accessories: Paris Hilton handbags are now in India!

Speaking ChicSeptember 28, 2011Leave a comment

Paris Hilton came to India, partied and posed for pictures, and somewhere in that very short trip launched her handbags and accessories for India.

Paris Hilton’s signature collection of affordable luxury handbags and accessories is designed for the fashion conscious women who seek design, quality and durability in their bags. While we haven’t had a close look at the handbags yet, the pictures tell us they seem to be suited for women across age groups and for a range of occasions. So you could carry a Paris Hilton to work, lunch, shopping, or to a glam party.

Here’s Paris Hilton with some of her bags:

And here is a delicious bag—it’s a chocolate cake made especially for Paris! Smile We couldn’t help but marvel at the gold-finish accents:

Paris Hilton handbags are available at Shoppers Stop, Standard Max, Vijay Stores and standalone brand store at Rajouri Gardens, Delhi. The bags start at Rs 2000, going up to Rs 11,000.

The CEO of Brand Concepts, the company that will market the handbags and accessories in India, mentioned that there are plans to open eight exclusive Paris Hilton stores this year. BTW, Paris Hilton’s other products include watches, shoes and fragrances—thought not all of these are available in India yet.

Ladies—do you want to own a Paris Hilton?

In 2011, Accessories, Fashion, trends

Chic accessory trend: Cross-body bags for casual, smart, dressy (and all other) looks

Speaking ChicJune 27, 20111 Comment

Here’s one fashion trend that’s high on style and function. Cross-body purses are cute and stylish, and they’re also the Bluetooth of bags (they keep your hands free).

And because they come in whatever style you want them to, we suggest you make a cross-body bag your best friend for the next few months.

Here’s our pick of some cool cross-body bags to go with a variety of looks:

Casual

Take your pick of colour and embellishment to go with your jeans and tee.

Below: Ballestero cross-body bag from Aldo; Ambrosiana from Hidesign.

Satchel

Great for college or work, these spacious cross-body bags with extra pockets and buckles are great to dump your wallet, keys and makeup kit!

Below: Glasto linen satchel from French Connection; City bound foldover convertible cross-body satchel from Nine West

Dressy

Shiny, embellished or printed—match (or clash) your evening or day dress with a eye-catching sling bag or miaudière.

Below: Poppy Love clutchbox from French Connection; Party box animal minaudière; Patent shoulder bag from Zara

So which bag is your pick?

In 2011, Accessories, Fashion, trends

Chic accessory trend: Cross-body bags for casual, smart, dressy (and all other) looks

Speaking ChicJune 27, 20111 Comment

Here’s one fashion trend that’s high on style and function. Cross-body purses are cute and stylish, and they’re also the Bluetooth of bags (they keep your hands free).

And because they come in whatever style you want them to, we suggest you make a cross-body bag your best friend for the next few months.

Here’s our pick of some cool cross-body bags to go with a variety of looks:

Casual

Take your pick of colour and embellishment to go with your jeans and tee.

Below: Ballestero cross-body bag from Aldo; Ambrosiana from Hidesign.

Satchel

Great for college or work, these spacious cross-body bags with extra pockets and buckles are great to dump your wallet, keys and makeup kit!

Below: Glasto linen satchel from French Connection; City bound foldover convertible cross-body satchel from Nine West

Dressy

Shiny, embellished or printed—match (or clash) your evening or day dress with a eye-catching sling bag or miaudière.

Below: Poppy Love clutchbox from French Connection; Party box animal minaudière; Patent shoulder bag from Zara

So which bag is your pick?

In Advertising, Bollywood Fashion, Celebs, Fashion, News

Chic news: Ford Fiesta inspires fashion, Sonakshi joins D’damas

Speaking ChicJune 4, 2011Leave a comment

Earlier this week, designer Swapnil Shinde presented a collection in Delhi inspired by a car– the Ford Fiesta. Based on the concept of “Energy in Motion”, the main themes of the fashion collection (and the car, we suppose) were use of strong colour, flowy silhouette with some modern and futuristic elements.

Swapnil explained that through the collection, he translated the car’s bold kinetic design theme into his creations. While that’s an interesting spin, we would also have loved to see a cooler interpretation of the high-tech stuff used in the Fiesta (we hear it’s got voice control!). Like using entwined wires with tech charms as neckpieces or Blackberry-shaped clutches? (Interesting necklaces and odd clutches are hot trends currently.)

BTW, the fashion show was held not in a five-star banquet, but at a mall where the car is on display currently. Here’s a thought: why not let us girls shop at the mall for the collection/ similar clothes and accessories immediately after the show? And that could get us some freebies if we book the Fiesta? Sorry ladies, too much wishful thinking! 😉

Sonakshi Sinha joins D’damas

Speaking Chic is not a Sonakshi Sinha fan— so what, right? It seems plenty others like her, so she’s got yet another big endorsement, soon after the Provogue Spring/Summer 2011 gig. D’damas, a popular jewellery brand, have just signed on Sonakshi as their brand ambassador. The D’damas people believe Sonakshi’s got the qualities that modern Indian women possess (confidence, self-belief, charm and grace). Most importantly, they say—she “exemplifies the true Indian beauty.”

Take a look at the just-released image below and tell us what you think:

What interests us most is the campaign theme—it’s based on memorable moments in a woman’s life. Like being a bride, celebrating Diwali or just simply enjoying the first rays of sunlight. Frankly, we’re bored of the typical jewellery-celestial-dreamy association, so we’re looking forward to some hatke advertisements from the D’damas people.