denim

TREND ALERT FOR MEN: Style tips to go short or long

Speaking ChicJune 8, 2015June 6, 2015Leave a comment

Since it’s halfway through the year (what? June already?!), it’s time for a guy to update his wardrobe. There will always be tshirts and shirts to help change a man’s look, but how about updating your style with fashionable shorts and pants instead? From easy going shorts to comfortable jeans, here are some top choices and handy tips for the boys.

Shorts

Prints, checks, or good ol’ solids. Great for chilling at home, stepping out in the sun or for a beach vacation.

Trend Alert: Quirky prints on shorts (and shirts) are really hot right now. Play safe with polka dots and textures or go crazy with florals, camo prints.

Military print shorts from Ed Hardy

Linen shorts from Selected Homme (available on Jabong.com)

Denim shorts from Superdry

Chinos

They’re comfy, easy and available in a range of colours. Chinos are quickly replacing jeans and formal trousers as the “smart casual” alternative to everything!

Trend Alert: After building up your chino collection with basics like khaki and black, stock up on bright blue, wine and olive green.

Complete look from Arrow

Trousers from French Connection

Red chinos from Breakbounce

Jeans

A man needs his jeans, no matter the season, the shade, the style.

Trend Alert: Skinny’s still in style, but wider leg and relaxed fits are slowly making a comeback. Look fashion forward already!

Complete look from Killer Jeans at Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2015

Jeans from John Players

Jeans from Lee

In Bollywood Fashion, Celebs, Fashion, trends

INSTANT STYLE: Get Jacqueline’s looks from Roy now!

Speaking ChicFebruary 19, 2015February 18, 2015Leave a comment

In her latest film Roy Jacqueline Fernandes plays a double role with each character dressed in a distinct style. Here are both the looks decoded, and how you can get them.

Jacqueline Fernandes as Ayesha Aamir, film-maker

Clothes and accessories

This bohemian film-maker loves her crop tops, loose blouses and shorts (she is in sunny Malaysia, after all). Her accessories of choice? Geeky glasses (they come on and off), stacks of bracelets and open sandals. She also accessorises with dangling earrings or the quirky-cute studs. And oh, the few times she’s at work, she’s in a comfortable cotton shirt.

Hair and makeup

Jacqueline’s hair is coloured and carefully unkempt to complement her boho look. Makeup is minimal in a number of scenes though sometimes you will spot a hint of lip colour.

Get the Look

Girls on Film rose print crop top available on Koovs.com

Denim shorts from Elle

White open sandals from Footin

Necklace and cuff from Ayesha Accessories

Jacqueline Fernandes as Tia, socialite

Clothes and accessories

This uber-rich socialite lives in a mansion by herself and has classy style- elegant flattering dresses, crisp white shirt with skinny jeans with killer heels and silk scarves. Her go-to jewellery pieces are her gold and diamond studs.

Hair and makeup

Jacqueline’s bold red lips are the most prominent feature of her “Tia” look, followed by her volumised blow-dried hair.

Get the Look

Dress from Dorothy Perkins available on Jabong.com

White shirt from Forever New

Sunglasses from Tom Ford

Diamond studs from TBZ The Original

In 2013, Fashion

Chic Preview: GAS Spring / Summer 2013

Speaking ChicFebruary 19, 2013February 18, 2013Leave a comment

What to Expect

How much can you experiment with denims, especially in summer? After all, denims are not usually the right fabric choice for warm weather. But with light washes and a strong focus on the colour offering for both men and women, the casuals at GAS seem interesting this season.

The GAS Spring/Summer 2013 collection experiments with all shades of indigo, and treatments of varying intensity from raw to a strong wash. The bright colours of the women’s collection are a homage to spring, playing with strong contrasts between light and dark colours. The GAS folks call this the “chiaroscuro” effect (pronounced kia-ros-kuro).

Meanwhile, the surprise addition is pastels for men, since lighter hues have not exactly been the choice of colour for Indian guys. But I think at least a handful of cool Indian men might be willing to wear coral, peach and aqua green. The “raw used” look continues, and so do dusty, neutral shades of gray and light blue.

What to Buy and How to Wear

Wear the GAS fluo jeggings with sleek printed tops; or pair neon blouses with neutrals.

The printed reversible jeggings are best worn with feminine blouses in light hues of yellow, pink, green and light blue

Pastels for men: Pastel chinos + denim shirts OR Pastel tees + dark jeans.

In 2012, Accessories, trends

Chic Guide: Fashion to invest in this season (for women)

Speaking ChicOctober 2, 2012October 2, 2012Leave a comment

October’s just begun and Autumn/Winter 2012 collections are in stores. But with so much choice and a limited budget, what should you buy this season? I’ve put together a guide to help you decide what clothes will take you through the season (hence a good fashion investment).

The idea is to select pieces that you can wear from October till January based on function, fashion and wearability.

The Winter Dress

Cold weather calls for knit or wool fitted dresses that can be paired with opaque tights or even slim-fit trousers. Depending on the weather in your city, choose a dress in a neutral or favourite colour in solids or simple prints, but with a great fit or interesting detailing.

Below: Cable Knit Dress from Mango

The Evening Dress

It’s still too early in the season for bling, and heavy sequins are not something you really wear too often, unless you’re a party animal. So smartly choose an elegant luxurious and feminine dress that says it in style. Lace is the best bet- and it will take you from evening to night!

Below: Lori Lace Jersey Dress from French Connection

The Knit Top

A knit top is the building block of winter layering. Before it freezes over, you can wear it under a light jacket or blazer, or as it is. A print, pattern or hint of embellishment would add some life to an otherwise basic piece.

Below: Knit top from Allen Solly

The Jeans

You can never go wrong with classic blue skinny or bootcut jeans. But with the range of options in colours, fits and textures, what should you choose? For daily wear, try a new fit you haven’t worn before- like the high waist or the flared styles.

Below: Bootcut skinny jeans from Levi’s.

The Light Cardigan

You’ll need plenty of light cardigans and sweaters over the next few months. Choose pieces with interesting details like zippers, buttons or even embellishments. Hot colours this season? Bold, brights, jewel tones!

Below: Cardigan from Sisley

The Jacket

In the past couple of years, blazers have slowly crept their way into every woman’s wardrobe, and not just as office wear. For this winter, try a wool-based blazer to keep you warm and stylish. Choose either a subtle pattern or an eye-catching monotone. Androgyny is in so wide lapels and a slightly oversized fit would work well.

Below: Checked blazer from Zara

The Pre-Christmas Must-Have

Gold and silver metallic finishes will be hot this party season, not just on dresses and tops, but also on jeans! Buy gold finish jeans in the run-up to the party season (which means right now!) and get labelled a trendsetter.

Below: Liquid metal jeans from Calvin Klein Jeans

The Footwear

No more open sandals or chappals. Switch to boots, booties and closed shoes to avoid getting cold feet (sorry, pun unintended).

Below: Shoes from Vanilla Moon

The Day Bag

I believe bags are seasonless, but there’s something about soft textured bags that say winter. Subtle prints make them all the more desirable.

Below: Bag from Lecoanet Hemant

What are you investing in this season?

In 2012, Advertising, Fashion

Denim Campaigns: Autumn/Winter 2012

Speaking ChicSeptember 6, 2012September 6, 2012Leave a comment

Denim brands usually have the best (or most interesting) campaigns. They can be bold, provocative, fun and unconventional. Here’s a look at some denim campaigns for Autumn/ Winter 2012, dissected by category.

Super premium: Diesel

Shot by: Steven Meisel

Key model: Coco Rocha (the social media darling)

This season’s Diesel campaign is a tad retro, but with the Diesel attitude intact. In the portfolio-style pictures, the models seem to be part of a screen test showcasing looks that range from edgy to Western.

I first noticed the accessories- sexy black sandals, oversized watches. And then the decades-old props- Polaroid camera, microphone and riding crop. Pieces to grab are the women’s jackets, and the black cropped top with lace sleeves.

While this campaign is not as eccentric as last season’s dollhouse-burning, giant hammer toting models, it’s got a lot of spunk and chutzpah, just what you would expect from Diesel.

BTW, the campaign comes alive on their website– check it out!

Premium: Calvin Klein Jeans

Shot by: Steven Klein

Key models: Lara Stone, Myles Crosby

Twenty-first century grunge meets sex appeal in the Calvin Klein Jeans campaign! The dark ambience and the prison/ underground setting provide a stark contrast to the shiny textures in the pictures.

There’s clever play on shiny and matte textures, while the fiercely unconventional CKJ models ooze sex appeal even while underground. You just can’t miss the shiny gold pants and the reinvented skinny jeans for the season.

On my wishlist is Lara’s denim shirt, while the guy’s denim shirt seems super cool too. As for the shiny pants- I’ve seen them and they are wearable if you style them well.

And if I didn’t know better, I’d say this guy has got an eye on me. 😉

Mass appeal: Pepe Jeans

Shot by: Alasdair McLellan

Key models: Edie Campbell, Claude Simonon

Pepe Jeans has been trying hard to upscale its image, starting with campaigns that have global appeal. In their Autumn/Winter 2012 campaigns, the models look for their “friend” Pepe around London’s Thames-side landmarks.

While the showcased looks don’t really make a strong impact, the iconic London imagery (London Eye, Tower Bridge) and camaraderie among friends may draw the attention of Brit-inspired denim buyers. On the other hand, the London setting could backfire, since several high street and mass market brands have featured Brit themes in the recent past.

In the campaign images, the focus is on knitwear with a modern twist and a quirky outerwear. The one really cool piece – a shaded faux-fur jacket – may not be available in India.

In Fashion, trends

Kate Beckinsale wears corset in Underworld Awakening, so how about trying a bustier?

Speaking ChicJanuary 23, 2012January 23, 2012Leave a comment

If you’ve watched Underworld Awakening over the weekend, you couldn’t have missed the super-fit Kate Beckinsale dressed in an all-leather outfit and, most importantly, her leather corset.

It seems that Kate Beckinsale was more concerned about fitting into the leather corset than the daredevil stunts and the heavy-duty action scenes. Not surprising, considering that the first Underworld movie was shot almost a decade ago.

Nevertheless, if you think Kate Beckinsale looks sexy in this (I certainly do), there’s an easy way to get the corseted look without time-travelling to the Victorian era or holding your breath.

Say hello to the bustier!

Ok, not this bustier (from La Senza), but the ones I’ve written about below. Read on…

Why a bustier?

Sure, bustiers are usually associated with lingerie (they give the woman a higher bust line and a shapely waist), but as innerwear transformed into outerwear over the past few seasons, bustiers had a coming out of sorts (pun intended).

Bustier v/s corset

So what’s the difference between a bustier and a corset? For one, a bustier lacks the lacing and “boning” of a typical corset (they give shape to the wearer). Secondly, a bustier usually ends at the ribs or waist, while a corset can be of varying lengths.

If you want to wear a bustier to get a more defined torso, take your pick from the options below.

Bustier as a dress

Bustier dresses can be fitted or A-line, long or short.

Below: Denim bustier dress, Sabrina bustier bandage dress both from Forever New; Winter Love strapless dress from French Connection, gown from Jatin Varma (LFW W/F 2011)

Bustier as a top

I spotted a number of bustier tops at Bebe recently, and they looked absolutely fab! They ranged from sporty to sexy, and the satin ones were especially attractive. 🙂

Below: Space dye bustier top, Embellished pleated bustier, heart-shaped satin bustier, all from Bebe.

Bustier as a camisole or Indian-style blouse

Wear a bustier as a camisole under a sheer blouse, shirt or jacket. Or wear a bustier as a blouse with your sari or lehenga this wedding season.

Below: Lace bustier camisole from Forever New, look from Satya Paul LFW S/R 2011

Bustier warning!

Wearing a bustier as outerwear is not easy, especially in India- it takes guts and a good figure. 🙂 So here are a couple of tips when you’re buying or wearing one.

A garment can only enhance what you already have—being in shape really helps. And not all bustier garments give good support. So be careful what you choose.

Innerwear matters: A bustier top or dress may require additional support from within especially if you’re a curvy girl. So shop for the right lingerie to look shapely and smart in your bustier.

Cover up: Bare shoulders and plunging neckline are not exactly appropriate or acceptable street wear in India. So wear a matching shrug or jacket over your bustier when you’re out, which you could take off when you’re indoors at a party or dinner.

Accessorise right: There’s nothing cooler than a long necklace to go with a bustier top or dress. Very flattering if you got the right curves!

Below: Feather charm necklace from Toniq

Are you ready to wear a bustier?

In Fashion, Review, Shopping

Chic Find: Stylish casuals from Guru (yes, we mean fashion)

Speaking ChicDecember 8, 2011December 8, 2011Leave a comment

Jeans and tees are everywhere! Name a brand, and it’s the casuals we all wear. But if you’re looking to be casual without looking like a clone, it’s time to explore another brand.

And here’s a cool casual wear brand I discovered recently: Guru.

So what’s Guru?

Don’t get fooled by the name. Guru is of Italian origin, though it’s now owned by Bombay Rayon. Present across Europe, Guru ventured into India a couple years ago. The Guru store is a wonderful place to step outside your casuals comfort zone. BTW, the Guru logo is a daisy.

What Guru stands for

High-quality denims and casuals. Guru is for the fashion lover who values quality in fabric, print and style.

The Guru style

Casual, edgy yet understated. In other words, very European. You won’t find the “typical” tshirts and jeans at Guru.

Must-try clothes at Guru

Denims: The white pair of jeans I tried at the store seemed a tad tight, but they fit me perfectly when I wore them couple days later. Also, the denim is super light, so I don’t feel hot in them despite the Mumbai heat. BTW, I also loved this denim jacket and trousers:

T-shirts: For their autumn/winter 2011 collection, Guru has tied up with the Paramount Pictures for movie-inspired t-shirts, from Grease, Footloose and Escape from Alcatraz. They were fun, vintage-looking tees. My favourite one was from Forrest Gump:

The autumn/winter 2011 collection had waistcoats, jackets, jeans and tshirts. For girls, there were also a few dresses. The colour palette was muted with dull blues, greens, pinks and greys. Of course, black played an important role too.

One great thing about the store is that they have selected the right clothes for Mumbai. For instance, the heavy winter wear was kept to the bare minimum though the manager informed me that some customers did buy their winter clothes.

Don’t miss:

The visual merchandising and the interiors. The creatively-displayed garments and the strong Italian and international theme resonates throughout the store. I saw little bowls of pasta and coffee cups displayed with the garments. Besides, the colour-coordination is wonderful and the styling is just what a collegian would want to do with her clothes.

What’s missing:

Even though there are plenty of belts at Guru, I’d love to see more accessories like shoes and bags. Being a casual wear brand, it’s unlikely you’ll get a party dress or classic black trousers here.

The price:

Prices at the Guru store are higher than the most popular high street casual wear brands like Levi’s and Pepe Jeans, but lower than Diesel. For instance, a couple pairs of jeans were over Rs 3000. Some things at the store have “surprising” pricing, like a belt for Rs 1495. But the guys at Guru are confident that the Guru fan appreciates the quality that he gets.

Final word:

If your typical style isn’t casual, then Guru may not be the place for you. But Guru’s casual wear will excite those who love denims and t-shirts with attitude.

Speaking Chic was invited to review the Guru store by the brand. As a goodwill gesture, Guru gifted me a pair of jeans.

In Fashion, trends

Chic Picks: Casuals for winter 2011!

Speaking ChicNovember 16, 2011November 16, 2011Leave a comment

The mercury is dropping, which means it’s time to update our wardrobe! This week, we bring you our picks for the season, starting with casuals.

Below: Look from Guru

Tees and jeans

You gotta have tshirts and jeans in your wardrobe, no matter the season. And for winter, the full-sleeved sweatshirt is a must.

Below: Tshirt from United Colors of Benetton, jeans from Sisley, Beryl Denim leggings from French Connection, sweatshirt from Zara

Skirts and shorts

So what if it’s cold? Women with gorgeous legs always want to show them off! Wear skirts or shorts with tights.

Below: Look from S.Oliver, tights from Marks & Spencer, shorts from Guru, skirt from United Colors of Benetton

Dresses

Striped dresses and LBDs are ideal winter choices. And don’t forget the casual and party dresses. Pair them with jackets, leggings or skinny trousers.

Below: Diagonal striped dress from Sisley, Dress from Zara, Sidney Jersey dress from French Connection, dress from 109F

Which of these makes it to your winter wishlist?

In Advertising, Fashion

New Ads: Flying Machine’s jeans ads are all about kissing an a**

Speaking ChicNovember 13, 2011November 13, 2011Leave a comment

Denim brand Flying Machine’s new campaign hit the papers recently, and it’s a complete tease! Each ad in the Flying Machine campaign makes use of a shapely rear and a catchy line that seems to say one thing but mean something else. 😀

Take the above ad, for instance: You see a great-looking derriere in a flattering pair of jeans with the punchline “Spank them!” Before you can get all excited, read the rest of the ad copy. The girl seems to say: “I’d like to spank those who think I needed a makeover, said I was size L, and those who considered me unsexy.”

And here’s another cheeky one:

‘Well-known agency Lowe Lintas has created the campaign for Flying Machine and we’re not surprised to hear that the ads are already drawing flak from “women’s rights activists”. We find these tongue-in-cheek ads brilliant and twisted, and we’re sure a lot of young men and women across India are loving them as well.

Ultimately, the campaign is about jeans made of stretch denim that flatter your body and they speak to chic Indian girls who’ve got attitude, don’t have perfect bodies, and don’t care about exes, fake friends and the rest of the world.

Since decades, denim brands have been courting controversy with their advertising, from Brooke Shields’ famous “Nothing comes between me and my Calvins” to Diesel’s “Be Stupid” that was banned in the UK.

Despite the criticism they get, jeans companies want to do it again and again. After all, you can’t always sell a universal wardrobe staple with boring advertisements, can you?

What do you think about Flying Machine’s new “a**tastic” campaign—is it too good or just titillating?

In Bollywood Fashion

Bollywood Fashion: Tomboy casuals in Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge—Like!

Speaking ChicNovember 1, 2011November 5, 2011Leave a comment

When I was in college, there was no Facebook, no hot rock singers and certainly no chic-and-unstylish girls like Preity Sen (actor: Saba Azaad) in Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge.

Since I don’t get too many opportunities to wear casuals these days and because I see a bit of my teen self in Preity, her look makes me want to go to college all over again. Just to wear those clothes, and perhaps have a Facebook romance too!

The look

Saba plays the college bore/ geek/ serious girl who hates boys, so her look is tomboyish from head to toe. Costume designer Priyanjali Lahiri has devoid Saba of any feminine touch.

What Saba is wearing

Tank tops and racer backs, devoid of embellishments or prints
Checked shirts as jackets and sports jackets (resembling the famous Gap jackets of the 1990s)
Tight jeans and shorts
Sneakers
Masculine watch and pile of dark rubber bangles

So no skirts and dresses (though she does wear two party dresses). And certainly no girly accessories or clothes for this gal—no floral prints or hoops or jhumkas.

How to get Saba’s look

Step 1: To emulate Saba’s I-care-a-damn look you first need to get the right attitude. 🙂 And then work on layering.

Step 2: Start with a fitted racer back or tank top, or a sports bra. (Below: Racer back top from Mango.)

Step 3: Then add another layer, which could be another tank top or a plain or striped tee. Remember that you’re not layering for winter, but for casual wear. The trick is to NOT bother too much with getting the colours right. (Below: Stephanie stripe tshirt from French Connection).

Step 4: Cover up with a checked shirt or sports jacket. (Below: Quilted hooded jacket from Levis)

Step 5: Wear a pair of your favourite skinny jeans. If you’ve got the legs, wear shorts. (Below: Skinny jeans from Levis, shorts from Sisley)

Step 6: Un-comb your hair, and tie random strands into a loose pony.

Step 7: Apply tinted lip balm or a nude pink matte lip colour.

And voila—ready for college!

What did you think of Saba/ Preity’s look in Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge—“like” or “unlike”?