3 fashion updates for your post-vax wardrobe

I’m excited that I am double vaccinated, and maybe, just maybe I could step out to meet a friend or two (who are also vaccinated).

I haven’t shopped anything for myself in a long long time and any social event needs good clothes. So I will definitely need a mini wardrobe update. Here are three fashion pieces I want to add to my wardrobe.

A crisp smart shirt

A shirt that will work for me well for formal social occasions. I will pair it with my favourite M&S beige treggings or black trousers and kitten heels (can’t remember when I last wore heels, can my calves and ankles bear the pain again?). I’m looking for a shirt with minimal print and colour, but with a sharp cut to enhance my curves.  

Dressberry shirt from Myntra

Bright shirt from Dressberry on Myntra

An ethnic print dress

I love dresses and I think I’m lucky that in Mumbai you can wear cute dresses all year round. But what I do want is a smart knee or midi length dress with an ethnic print. They would be great for a lunch or even to work from home (super comfy!). When it gets cooler, I just wrap a little stole around, and I’m set!

Indigo dress from Biba

Indigo dress from Biba

A relaxed tshirt

We’ve been carrying the relaxed vibes with us for most of 2020 and 2021. So what’s the harm in wearing one now as well? Worn with a pair of skinny jeans, it’s the vibe I’m feeling now.

Breathe tshirt from Pause

White relaxed tshirt from Pause

How are you updating your wardrobe this season?

Crazy fashion in Crazy Rich Asians

You just can’t miss the crazy-stylish clothes in Crazy Rich Asians, can you?

In his book Crazy Rich Asians, author Kevin Kwan doesn’t leave a single detail spared when it comes to the wealth and opulence of the Singaporeans. He describes palatial homes, decadent interiors, ethereal weddings, and, of course, fashion, down to the minutest sparkle. No, really. Take a look:

Rachel couldn’t help but notice the enormous canary diamond flashing on her hand like a translucent egg yolk, and the pair of three-carat solitaires in her earlobes, identical to Peik Lin’s. Like mother, like daughter—maybe they got a two-for-one deal….Rachel quickly registered two versions of the Venus de Milo, one in white marble, another in gold, of course. There was a huge round dining table that seated eighteen comfortably covered with a heavy Battenberg lace tablecloth and high-backed Louis Quatorze chairs that were, thankfully, upholstered in a royal blue brocade.

So naturally, an avid reader and cinema fan like me would expect the film adaptation of Crazy Rich Asians to feature striking fashion that brings Kevin Kwan’s vision to life.

Crazy Rich Asians fashion poster
The fashion scene in Crazy Rich Asians
Set amidst the ultra-glam world of uber rich Singaporeans (the kind who spend $40 million on weddings), Crazy Rich Asians features classy settings, and lots of high fashion and haute couture clothes, but with a strong Asian touch.

Costume designer for Crazy Rich Asians Mary Vogt along with Andrea Wong (consultant and senior costume buyer) sourced clothing from a range of designers, such as Ralph Lauren, Elie Saab, Dolce & Gabbana, Stella McCartney, Valentino and Dior, along with several Asian designers.

The actors in the film wear clothes suited to the Asian sensibility, and style themselves according to Asian standards of style and beauty.

Crazy Rich Asians wedding fashion

Which means you will be delighted and surprised to see fashion choices most Hollywood actors would not make on-screen. In most of Asia (including India), fashion, accessories, jewellery and makeup choices are as much about aesthetics as they are about showing your wealth.

In most western cultures including Hollywood, less is generally more, but in Asia, the rule is “less is too less, go for more”. Hence you will see multiple accessories in a single look, splash of colours and embellishment, and daring prints.

My favourite fashion looks from Crazy Rich Asians
Awkwafina as Peik Lin Goh
Awkwafina in Crazy Rich Asians fashion

Peik Lin is quirky and funny, she knows it, and she dresses for it. In a sea of Singaporean Asians with long, dark hair, she chooses to go short and blonde. This spunky gal also dresses like she doesn’t care. Her outfits feature quirky prints, bold colours and mix-and-match separates that seem to be just thrown together in the morning.

But that doesn’t take away from the fact that Peik Lin is a fashionista in her own way. She has a closetful of pricey designer dresses, and she carries multiple outfit and accessory options in the trunk of her car for fashion emergencies like a sudden cocktail party invitation.

Constance Wu As Rachel Chu
Rachel Chu is a New Yorker, so her signature style is laidback and casual. As an economics professor and humble upbringing, she doesn’t care much for high fashion. Even when thrust into the world of crazy rich Singaporeans, Rachel maintains her style sensibilities and sticks to her simple aesthetic style. Meeting with her boyfriend’s mother and grandmother? An “auspicious” red dress. All-expenses-paid shopping spree? An understated cotton outfit.

Awkwafina Constance Wu Crazy Rich Asians fashion

But her dear friend Peik Lin helps her up her fashion game when it’s time for Rachel to show she can be classy too. Peik Lin chooses a multi-hued shimmering gown for the first meeting with the formidable mother, and a baby blue tulle Marchesa dress with a tiara for a grand wedding.

Constance Wu Crazy Rich Asians fashion wedding

In a critical moment in the film, Rachel opts for a game of mah jong with her boyfriend’s mother Aunty Eleanor. In this scene, Rachel shows Aunty Eleanor what a New York gal can really do. Dressed in a flattering floral print dress paired with subtle makeup, Rachel stuns Eleanor with her grace and class in terms of style and as a human being.

Michelle Yeoh as Eleanor Young
As one of the richest women in Asia, Eleanor Young (played by Michelle Yeoh) epitomizes elegance in every frame. As a woman with impeccable manners and taste, her fashion choices are always accurate and her looks are perfect down to the finest detail.

Michelle Yeoh in Crazy Rich Asians

My favourite Aunty Eleanor look is the cocktail party at her mother-in-law’s home. She wears a pleated burgundy floor-length Valentino gown with a gorgeous brooch and matching earrings. Her hair is in a classic updo and her makeup is just right. Perfection!

Gemma Chan as Astrid Young Teo
Astrid is an heiress with a passion for all things rare and beautiful. She has an eye for vintage, a big heart and a contemporary outlook. On ordinary days, she wears silk blouses with high-waist trousers, form-fitting dresses and loads of oomph.

Gemma Chan Crazy Rich Asians Dior dress

My favourite Astrid look is her introductory scene- a stylish Dior dress with a high draped collar, oversized sunglasses and a cute designer handbag.

Which is your favourite look from Crazy Rich Asians?

All pictures courtesy Warner Bros (from Crazy Rich Asians official Facebook page).

SUMMER CHIC: 20 pretty pieces you will love

Pastels, pops, prints and pinks,

All these chic choices make me blink,

In wonder I look at these summer faves,

Twenty reasons to make me rave!

Enjoy these drool-worthy picks for summer. 🙂

Pretty Prints

Dress from French Connection, Peplum top from Trendy Divva, Sling bag from Toniq.

French Connection printed floral dress

Trendy Divva Black Printed peplum top

Printed sling bag from Toniq

Pretty Pinks

Tunic dress from Label by Ritu Kumar, Shorts from Elle, bra from Amante.

Tunic dress Ritu Kumar, LABEL

Elle pink shorts summer

amante Serenity Bra, Pink Sherbbet,Rs.1395

Pretty Palettes

T-shirt from Being Human, Dress from Superdry, Bag from Holii.

Being Human tshirt

Superdry TIE DYE MIDI DRESS

Holii Hyacinth white orange bag

Pretty Pops

T-shirt from Ed Hardy, Studs from Fida.

Ed Hardy printed tshirt

Studs from Fida accessories

Pretty Pastels

Polo from US Polo Association, Pencil skirt from Miss Selfridge, Shoulder bag from Viari.

Yellow USPA tshirt

Miss Selfridge yellow pencil skirt

Viari Santorini summer shoulder bag

Pretty Pairs

Heels from Clarks, Ballet shoe from Melissa, Sneakers from Superdry.

Clarks Coral heels

Melissa metallic ballet flat

Superdry sneakers

Pretty Purses

Tote from Hidesign, Tote from Accessorize, Cutwork bag from Lavie.

Hidesign orange tote bag

Accessorize mirror tote

Lavie cobalt blue cutwork bag

Which pretty piece are you buying on your next visit to the mall?

Fashion hits & disasters from the Obama visit

US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama bid India farewell yesterday after a three-day visit. Everyone talked about the renewed N-deal, the R-day parade and the town hall, but of course I’ll be talking about fashion. 🙂 Here’s my take on the fashion hits and disasters of the Obamas’ India visit. (More disasters than hits).

Disaster #1: Michelle Obama’s arrival dress

As her “arrival” dress, First Lady Michelle Obama wore a printed dress made by Indian-origin designer Bibhu Mohapatra. My take: not impressive! The floral print on the dress was too big, even for someone of her height and frame. Plus the lines across the dress added more confusion to the outfit. Maybe she could have skipped the matching jacket for a plain one.

Michelle Obama floral dres Bibhu Mohapatra

Disaster #2: President Obama names PM Modi a “style icon”

At the state banquet Sunday evening, President Obama stated, “The Prime Minister [Narendra Modi] is a style icon. I would also like to wear a Modi kurta.” Sure, while the Modi kurta is perhaps Indian politics’ latest contribution to fashion (remember Nehru jacket?), I don’t think PM Modi is a style icon. Yes, his wardrobe his carefully selected and he ensures he is well-groomed, but style icon? Nope! (one good reason below).

Disaster #3: Narendra Modi’s “selfie” suit

What looked like a pinstripe suit from afar at the chai pe charcha (evening tea), was actually lines and lines of the PM’s name all over. Take a look:

PM Modi suit tea with Obama

PM Modi suit tea with Obama

Now you know why PM Modi isn’t a style icon.

Disaster #4: … And the grey one

In the 1980s I remember all the male members of my family wearing grey “safari” suits, but the truth is that grey is not a flattering colour for most Indian men. But PM Modi wore light grey at the state banquet and well, didn’t carry it off. A darker grey or a navy blue would have looked so much better. And the tan shoes with the grey bandhgala? Oh no, no, no! :-O

Obamas PM Modi banquet

Hit #1: Michelle Obama’s state banquet dress

Ms Obama’s navy blue billowy dress with a gold and red print looked fantastic. She was a picture of poise and elegance as she greeted Indian VIPs. It was the right touch of colour, a pleasing print and totally appropriate.

Hit #2: Indian First Lady gifts FLOTUS a pashmina shawl

Awww… sweet gesture from Indian First Lady Suvra Mukherjee. I’m sure Michelle Obama receives plenty of gifts wherever she goes, but an authentic pashmina shawl is always special. I wonder if she will ever use it though? (No, don’t answer that).

 

Destination Wedding Guide: What clothes should I pack?

Headed to a destination wedding? If yes, you’re bound to be confused with what and how much to carry. I know, because I’m headed to one next week. I’ve travelled outside Mumbai and India a number of times to attend weddings (perks of a big family!), but packing for them can be quite a task. How do I decide what to carry, given the weight and space limit? The past couple times I attended a wedding out of Mumbai, I made some smart choices when selecting my outfits and what to pack.

My fashion choices for destination weddings are now quite different from weddings I attend in Mumbai. Here is a handy guide based on my experience. Hope it helps you select the right clothes for the destination wedding you’re attending! Happy packing and bon voyage!

Indian outfits for destination weddings

What to pack

Saris (preferably pre-stitched or draped saris): For the wedding, reception or sangeet. (Below: Gaurav Gupta Tribe collection available at Jabong.com)

Gaurav Gupta Tribe collection Jabong

Anarkalis or kurtas: These are easy substitutes for saris at weddings. If your family norms aren’t too traditional, anarkalis are the perfect option. BTW, they are my top outfit of choice for destination weddings! (Below: BIBA by Rohit Bal, Look from Shyamal & Bhumika)

Model Shot _BIBA by Rohit Bal Autumn Winter Collection 2014 _0060

Shyamal Bhumika

Kurtis and tunics: You need these for smaller occasions (like poojas or family gatherings). These can be worn without dupattas and with trousers. (Below: Tunic by Rena Love)

Rena Love kurta shirt

Selecting your outfits

Look for easy-to-wear, light fabrics that are weather-appropriate and won’t wrinkle easily in your suitcase.

Sequins and stones tend to fall off, especially when crammed in a suitcase (I know, it’s happened to me!). Embellishments like appliqué, gota patti and thread work are great alternatives.

You will need to carry Indian outfits for each occasion at the wedding, but you can save space by carrying clothes that can work with more than one outfit, such as dupattas and churidars.

Choose outfits with minimal embellishments and fuss. They shouldn’t add too much weight to your luggage and be easy to drape.

Avoid packing lehengas since they are usually cumbersome to carry and occupy too much space!

Casual wear for destination weddings

What to pack

Dresses and tops: Maxi dresses are great for travel and can be worn for a family lunch or out shopping. Look at wrinkle-free tops and tees that you can pair with shorts or pants. It’s good to carry some fuss-free tops and dresses that don’t require special lingerie or camisoles. (Below: Maxi dress by Label by Ritu Kumar, dress by Being Human)

Maxi dress Label by Ritu Kumar

Being Human dress

Shorts and pants: Carry at least two trousers of which one could be cropped. Make sure they match your tops! (Below: Top from Forever New)

Printed Top Forever New

Selecting your outfits

Places with warm climes are usually the preferred destinations for Indian weddings. Keep the location in mind when packing your casual wear- it’s also a mini-holiday though you still need to look stylish.

Depending on the duration of your entire trip (and not just the wedding), you will need to carry multi-tasking clothes that you can mix and match, such as shorts and trousers in neutrals like black and beige.

If you’re carrying something that is a bit tough to match, either leave it behind at home or make sure you have at least two options to wear it with, which can also be worn with other garments. For example, carry at least two matching tops with your printed pants (they are usually tough to pair).

Avoid jeans. They are not meant for warm weather and add too much bulk to your luggage. Opt for cotton trousers or jeggings instead.

Beach wear for destination weddings

What to pack

Swim wear: One piece or bikini, it’s your choice! Of course, do keep in mind the culture of the place you are visiting. (Below: Swimsuit available at TheBeachCompany.in)

Swimwear Beach Company

Beach cover-up or sarong: Can be worn over your swim suit or as a dress. Make sure you carry one if there is going to be a poolside party or beach gig. (Below: Bikini and cover-up available at TheBeachCompany.in)

Beach wear for destination wedding

Selecting your clothes

There is almost certain to be a swimming pool or fun water sports at the location of the destination wedding. There might even be a pool party!

You ideally would need just one set of swim wear, but if you’re keen, you can carry two sets.

Don’t carry your “sporty” swimwear that you wear for your daily pool workout. It’s too boring for a holiday.

Have fun with fun prints, bold colours and sexy cuts- you’re on holiday!

 

Coming up next: Accessories to pack for destination weddings

Parineeti Chopra’s fashion disaster in Kill Dil

I had the misfortune of watching Kill Dil over the weekend. The movie was bleh, and Parineeti Chopra’s wardrobe was a major FASHION DISASTER. Styled by Aki Narula and Poorvi Mohan, her costumes were a poorly-done job. Surprising and disappointing, since this was supposed to be her most glamourous role yet (she plays Disha, a rich girl who drives a Ferrari). #EPICFAIL. BTW, the picture below is one of the rare moments in which she has been styled well.

Parineeti Chopra Kill Dil trench

There was one thing fundamentally wrong with her costumes in Kill Dil:

Parineeti Chopra was NOT dressed for her body type and size.

Two basic fashion and on-screen styling rules were broken.

Rule No 1: Firstly, the camera adds 10 pounds and the silver screen magnifies everything 10 times. So if there’s an extra centimeter here and there, it’s going to look like several inches.

Rule No 2: Second, as every aspiring stylist knows, ALWAYS dress for your body type. If you don’t, be prepared for a debacle.

Here’s my take on what comprised Parineeti Chopra’s fashion disaster in Kill Dil, and how the stylists could have done it better.

Tight and short dresses: In the song Happy Budday, Parineeti’s arm fat was spilling out from the strapline of her dress. Yep! Quite a sore sight. Much as I hate to say it, body-hugging dresses are meant for slimmer, petite women. While dozens of fashion brands sell bodycon dresses for larger sizes, most women cannot carry them off well.

Could be replaced with: Instead of these non-flattering silhouettes, Parineeti would have looked great in a sequined sheath dress or a well-fitted bustier with slim pants (without slippage!) for party nights.

Parineeti Chopra dress in Kill Dil

Shorts and skirts with boots: The super-short shorts and mini skirts, paired with the thigh-high boots plumped up Parineeti’s calves and thighs, and that’s not a good thing. I believe girls of all sizes should wear what they want, but come on, not on the silver screen (check out Rule No 1 above).

Could be replaced with: Knee-length skirt dresses accessorised with pumps or ankle-length boots.

Tight choli, low-waist lehenga: The orange Diwali ensemble comprised a tight cropped blouse with a keyhole neckline, and a lehenga that showed way more than it should have. Parineeti’s role was of a super-rich hotshot’s daughter, not a wannabe trying too hard to look desirable. While the outfit was lovely, it was the wrong one for someone like Parineeti.

Parineeti Chopra Diwali in Kill Dil

Could be replaced with: A heavy flowy anarkali or even a gorgeous lightly embellished sari would have looked great on Parineeti. Or the look could have been more tasteful with a strategically draped dupatta.

Round neck textured knit: Textured knits look great on skinny models but just look bulky on other women (especially the top-heavy ones). While the white sweater was cute, it wasn’t right for Parineeti.

Could be replaced with: Instead, Parineeti could have worn a V-neck lightweight knit in a darker colour for a refined look.

Crop top: A midriff-baring crop top with a mini skirt for a pear-shaped girl… seriously? Parineeti’s character Disha was a high-class Delhi girl, who’d know the difference between chic and Silk from The Dirty Picture.

Parineeti Chopra in Kill Dil-  crop top

Could be replaced with: High-waisted pants or skirt instead of the mini.

Given a chance, Parineeti Chopra would have looked lovely in these looks:

  • Sharp blazers and jackets with black trousers (Parineeti wore a blazer briefly and totally rocked in it).
  • Slim fit tops with skinny jeans.
  • Delicately-printed blouses with pastel pants.
  • Straight-cut dresses with interesting detailing like contrast collars, prints or belts.

PS- The only interesting accessory Parineeti wore in the movie was this ear cuff (see picture below).

Parineeti Chopra in Kill Dil

Important note: I have nothing against Parineeti Chopra. I think she’s a talented actor—her confidence and dialogue delivery amazed me right from her debut film (Ladies vs Ricky Bahl). Like all other women, she can choose how she wants to look and what her weight/size should be. In fact, hats off to her for sticking to her “real” body weight despite Bollywood and media pressure. This blog post is not meant to offend or malign Parineeti Chopra, her friends and family, or her team, but is rather a wakeup call to the stylists who didn’t let the actor’s body shape decide the clothes (it was as if the clothes were selected for another actor and had to be forced on Parineeti). And a big thumbs-down to the director who let this happen. Also, a message to the production team from Yashraj Films—your movies are aesthetically designed, even when otherwise devoid of good content. DID NOT EXPECT this from the Yashraj banner.

All pictures courtesy: Yashrajfilms.com

#MFWKND: Elle French fashion show was tres chic!

A fashion-filled weekend is what every fashionista wants, right? So this Sunday afternoon I headed to Palladium Hotel for the Elle French fashion show at Myntra Fashion Weekend (#MFWKND). Showcasing the autumn/ winter 2014 collection, the show featured four themes in their autumn/ winter collection- denim, vintage, party wear, and black and white. While I liked most of the ensembles on the ramp, I also noted some trends I’d love to try this autumn (since we don’t have much of a winter in Mumbai).

Elle French fashion wear AW 14 press kit

Fashion trends I loved from the Elle autumn/ winter 2014 collection:

Denims with knits: The light and slightly chunky knits looked great with coloured and printed jeans. I especially loved the pastel jumpers.

Black and white: This trend is quickly becoming an all-season staple now, and looked great on the ramp as prints and multi-piece ensembles. And why not? Black and white look great together! (Here’s Diana Penty in a B&W ensemble).

Diana Penty for ELLE French fashion #MFWKND

Winter blooms: Bold florals are a hark back to the past and these prints appeared on dresses and separates highlighting the vintage-themed capsule.

Elle French fashion wear AW 14

Toned-down shimmer: Party season will soon be here, but going all-out blingy may look great on the silver screen, not necessarily at our own parties. Subtle shimmer is a sophisticated way to make a statement at a party.

Party separates: I like the idea of embellished tops, skirts, jackets and shorts for parties, and not just dresses. I spotted a few such separates at the Elle fashion show and they looked chic!

Which looks would you like to try this season?

Myntra Fashion Weekend was held at Palladium Hotel, Mumbai from October 3 to 5, 2014.

Chic Trends: Spring summer recap in 2 minutes!

Chic Trends: Spring summer recap in 2 minutes!

It’s SALE time everywhere, which means the fashion season is coming to an end. I thought it would be the right time to look back at the fashion highlights and trends of spring summer.

Hottest summer colours: Neons
Almost every fashion brand had a hint or more of neon. I even spotted Indian wear with neon touches, from Masaba to Namrata Joshipura. They are such fun colours for saris!

Last summer hangover: Sorbet shades
The average girl on the street wore mostly pastel and sorbet shades, the delicate colours from last year. I was bored of the soft feminine look already, and it’s still around. Sigh.

Predictable summer trend: Sheer
We would have liked to see some cool options beyond sheer for summer. When a friend and I went looking for nice tops for work, we came home empty-handed because all we saw were transparent tops. Not cool for office, and layering is time-consuming.

Magazine and street faves: Lines
Thick, bold vertical stripes caught on and every gal wanted to wear black and white lined pants, tops and blazers.

In the mags, not on the streets: Crop tops, sporty chic
How many of us have the abs, confidence and the right audience to flaunt our midriff? And as for sporty chic pieces, I am still getting over the Juicy Couture track suit fixation (remember that fad?). So sporty looks for regular wear is not happening.

Old trend with a new twist
Florals with fresher prints like daisies and blossoms. From flowers, the focus shifted to leaves, grass, the garden, or the forest. And all very Oriental and tropical.

Most coveted fashion piece
Printed pants. I spotted floral, tropical and even animal prints on trousers and denim.

The new animal print…
Birds! The winged creatures flapped their wings on tops, dresses, pants… you name it.

Chic Chat: Fashion icons get candid in a WeChat group

Chic Chat: Fashion icons get candid in a WeChat group

This blog post is a contest entry for the IndiBlogger WeChat with Anyone, Anywhere! contest. You can check out the WeChat YouTube channel, and download the app on your iPhone, Android, Windows, Nokia or Blackberry phone.

Fashion is fun, but it can be a pain for the style icons of our time. The constant media glare, the ever-critical bloggers, and the omnipresent fashion police make dressing up a tough process for even the most stylish celebs. Plus, I’m a fashion blogger so in my imaginary WeChat group, I would love to have the hottest fashion divas with completely different fashion statements coming together. These icons are:

  • Vidya Balan, because of her traditional choices on the red carpet. (WeChat ID: VidyaBalan)
  • Sonam Kapoor, for her high-fashion obsession and versatile choices. (WeChat ID: StylishSonam)
  • Kristen Stewart because she is quirky, offbeat and can pull off everything,  from a punk look to a jumpsuit on the red carpet. (WeChat ID: KStew)
  • Lady Gaga for every outfit she wears is unconventional, makes a political or social statement and snubs all norms. (WeChat ID: LadyGaga)
  • Michelle Obama or Mrs O, because she turns every outfit into a classic noteworthy ensemble. (WeChat ID: MrsObama)

I will be creating the chat group and inviting the ladies. The chat will be mostly about fashion of course, with the divas expressing their take on fashion, red carpet, WOW moments and their style secrets.  And since fashion often courts  controversy,  the ladies would share what they feel about the drama surrounding fashion and style.

On a lazy afternoon, the chat would go something like this.

WeChat group name: Style Talk

Sonam: Oh god, I’m fed up of people talking about my nath at Cannes. I think it was a really cool accessory.
Vidya: Me too! Can’t they get over it already?
Kristen: Hey, what’s a nath?
Sonam: It’s a nose ring we wore at Cannes. Check this out!

Sonam-Kapoor-nath

Kristen: Oooh, that’s like really exotic.
Me: Exactly! I mean, come on. It’s like an Indian fantasy symbol or something.
Vidya: Hey, I don’t know what the whole fuss was about with our innocent nose rings! People have problems with whatever I wear, like my saris. 😐
Sonam: @ Vidya You look great in saris, but you could loosen up a bit! Like try some nice dresses,  blouses and stuff.
Vidya: WTH! No way, l love my saris, thank you very much. I don’t see the big deal about western wear. I don’t want to change my style!
Kristen: But heyyyyy, you should try on new clothes sometimes!
Lady Gaga: Yes girls, fashion uniforms are no good! I don’t have a uniform, and never liked the idea of one.
Mrs O: IMHO, you should wear whatever makes you feel good about yourself. If you’re comfortable with what you’re wearing,  it becomes easier to connect with people.
Kristen: But most times, I feel better about myself when I like try on something new or different. Or fun! Like this outfit at the Met Gala. 🙂

167730971BB00141_PUNK_Chaos

Sonam: OMG, I love that Stella M pantsuit. And your makeup is brilliant! Totally punk! <3
Kristen: Thanks *blush*
Lady Gaga: Hey Kris, I like that you’re so cool about your clothes. I love changing myself all the time. But yeah, I make sure I am always myself, not anyone else. Even in my music.
Vidya: Why can’t a woman be herself, and wear whatever she wants? Why should she wear what people or her family or friends or critics want her to wear?
Sonam: Touché.
Lady Gaga: You know what, to hell with critics. And society. And what people think is beautiful.
Kristen: That’s like your body revolution right?
Lady Gaga: Yep! Like I said last year to my little monsters, embrace your imperfections. They are just perceived flaws, but they are beautiful, just like you.
Vidya: @ Lady Gaga Well said! (Y) I’ve had people panning me for being fat and curvy, it’s ridiculous!
Lady Gaga: Hey Vidya, I admire your bravery. And it’s awesome that you stick to what you like best.
Kristen: You got awesome attitude @ Lady Gaga.
Sonam: Like the time you wore the meat dress!
Lady Gaga: Oh, that dress! It was the most comfortable I’ve ever worn. 🙂
Kristen: Really? Can’t be more comfy than my Converse shoes. 😀
Mrs O: Or the clothes I like to wear every day!
Sonam: You know what, Mrs O? I can totally imagine myself growing up to dress like you. I mean, we both love fashion,  love to try new brands and designers,  but we have our own statement too!
Mrs O: 😀 Remember don’t lose yourself in trying to be someone else.
Me: And you make it look so effortless! How do you manage to do that?
Mrs O: That’s a fashion secret. 😉
Me: Tell us. Pleaaaaaaasssssee!
Sonam: + 1
Mrs O: Find your favourite,  most flattering style and play with it. Like I love my clean-cut dresses, but I make sure even my formal gowns have a clean look.
Me: Yeah like the Naeem Khan Oscar gown. A dash of bling, but really classy! And see what I found.

Michella Obama in Isabel Toledo

Kristen: Woah, that colour’s called lemongrass, right? I could totally wear that!
Mrs O: Yep I love trying new colours and upcoming designers.
Me: Thanks for the secret, Mrs O. 🙂 How about we spill our own little fashion secrets too, ladies?? @Sonam wanna start?
Sonam: Wear feminine,  wear classics, and make your favourite brand your new BFF. You can never go wrong with an LBD or a girly blouse.
Lady Gaga: Girls, make a statement about who you are every single day. And just be yourself.
Vidya: I think it’s okay to stick to what you love best, no matter what people say. Indian women should really try traditional options.
Kristen: I don’t follow trends at all. Like I just don’t like peplums and didn’t wear one when everyone else was wearing it. I wear what I feel good in, what speaks to me. 🙂
Me: Awww,  thanks guys! I’m gonna blog about this. =)
Vidya: Great chatting with you lovely ladies. I am off for a Ghanchakkar event, wearing crazy clothes!  😛
Sonam: GTG too! Love you all, muah!
Me: Ciao! And keep it chic. 🙂

Bollywood Fashion: Get Deepika Padukone’s Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani looks in just one step

Bollywood Fashion: Get Deepika Padukone’s Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani looks in just one step

Deepika Padukone can wear almost anything and look pretty in it. In Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani her character Naina wears a whole variety of clothes and looks great in all of them. Unfortunately,  Deepika’s looks in the movie are as stereotyped and predictable as the storyline, sometimes inappropriate and sometimes just bizarre. I’m not too impressed with costume designer Manish Malhotra’s styling for this movie.

Either way, if you want to adopt Deepika Padukone’s looks, here’s a simple one-step guide to the three key looks she dons in the movie.

Geeky student

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani Deepika Padukone

The plain Jane Deepika wears squarish geeky glasses that indicate her studiousness, with simple printed dresses covered up with a light jacket or cardigan. Her straight hair is pulled back into a ponytail or held back with a hair band. BTW, on cold nights, while camping in the Himachal outdoors, Deepika looks surprisingly cozy in knee length dresses!

One step look: Dark rimmed glasses.

Transformation time

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani Deepika Padukone Balam Pichkari

Deepika Padukone’s transformation from geeky girl to sexy lass was completed in the most predictable way– by getting drunk, swapping the spectacles for contact lenses, and ditching the comfortable outfits for tiny shorts and prancing around during Holi (when most Indian women want to stay indoors).

One step look: Hot shot pants

Head-turning hottie
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani Deepika Padukone Ranbir Kapoor

Once the transformation was complete, we didn’t get to see much of Deepika until a grand wedding in Udaipur. At the wedding, Deepika is pretty much the centre of attention with tiny blouses and low waist lehengas. With her low neck kurtas that are barely concealed by a dupatta, Naina is ultra feminine and desi sexy.

One step look: Midriff-baring lehenga or tight kurta.

Which Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani look do you want to try?