Esbeda

Lavie: Haute Hues!
Bold colours on bags are so in vogue, and Lavie’s got just the right ones this season. At a recent bloggers meet, the Lavie team introduced me to the colours of the season– corals, beiges and browns and the more daring ones like red and bright green. The colours were seen on all types of bags– structured, totes and shoppers, and even on slings. Slings are THE BAGS this season for Lavie, and no doubt they’re a cute style!

If you have a favourite colour or style, you will find it at the Lavie store this season. My colour picks at the Lavie store were blue and red. BTW, though some say black is NOT a colour, a good black bag can make quite an impact and there are several excellent options at Lavie. BTW, I’ve always found Lavie bags a good choice for day and work bags, and this season’s collection lives up to that expectation.

I loved a sling bag at the Lavie store (which is perfect for my tablet), and I managed to get my hands on it. I’ve been using it almost ALL the time now, and it got me a number of compliments too. At office, it occupies pride of place on my desk. 😀

Hidesign: From the Sixties
The boxy bag from the sixties make an appearance in Hidesign’s new collection. You can’t miss the retro appeal of the Courtney bags, and the unique shape of the Kylie photographer bag.

Esbeda: Bling it!
Special occasions call for shiny accessories, and Esbeda’s dazzling clutches are just what the fashion doctor ordered for the festive season. These clutches will take you and your lipstick from Diwali parties to destination weddings.

In Accessories, Fashion

Five chic things to do before Diwali

Speaking ChicOctober 23, 2011November 5, 2011Leave a comment

It’s Dhanteras today, ladies! And if you are as unprepared as I am for Diwali, here’s a quick checklist of things to do in the next two days.

One: Get your outfit ready

If you’ve bought a new outfit for Diwali, it’s time to get off the packaging and figure out the best way to wear it. How will you drape your sari or pin up the dupatta of your lehenga? Does your blouse or choli fit you perfectly?

Chic tip: Stock up on safety pins and carry some in your clutch for emergencies.

Below: Anita Dongre at LFW W/F 2011; Payal Kapoor at LFW W/F 2011

Two: Choose your jewellery

Polkis are a big trend and they’re here to stay—choose a traditional piece for Diwali. “Indian” designs like flowers, petals and peacocks are fantastic for Diwali.

Chic tip: Younger women could opt for trendier pieces which they can club with jeans and blouses after the festivities.

Below: Earrings from Sia Art Jewellery; Mor-Peacock ring from Toniq

Three: Grab a clutch

If your outfit goes easy on the embellishment, you can choose a blingy clutch with it. Brocade clutches go wonderfully well with Indian ethnic wear.

Chic tip: If you prefer dangling a bag from your wrist or bangle, choose a cute potli.

Below: Nizam clutch from Holii, clutch from Esbeda, potli from Shagufta Quamar at LFW W/F 2011.

Four: Embellish your feet

If you haven’t got a luxurious pedicure done yet, get one immediately. Then step out to buy bejewelled footwear that will you will wear for the entire festive and wedding season.

Chic tip: Can’t find shoes that match your outfit? Don’t worry, shoes need not always be matchy-matchy! Just make sure they go with your ‘look’.

Below: Groom Multi from Steve Madden, sandal from Mochi

Five: Last-minute gifts

Some fashionable gift ideas that suit all budgets (depending on the brand):

Beauty/ skin care hampers
Perfumes
Set of candles/ diyas
Watches

Below: Juicy Couture light moisturising lotion, perfume: Guerlain Shalimar, men’s watch from Fossil.

Chic tip: I’ve recently turned into an advocate of gift cards or vouchers (giving my cousins gift vouchers for Bhai Dooj). Most well-known stores have gift vouchers, and we stumbled across a site called Gift Cards India, where you can shop for vouchers from an amazing number of brands!

Bonus: Shopping for the festive season

Diwali shopping is a great time to get wonderful options and offers on clothes, accessories, makeup and tonnes of others things. So for fashion lovers, it’s ideal to gear up for the upcoming wedding season NOW!

Chic tip: Pret-amoda.com has some excellent festive pieces. Type in the code bcNVoFAH2I when shopping to get a discount. (Valid till October 26, 2011).

Happy Diwali, everyone!

In 2011, Accessories, Fashion, trends

Chic ideas: Monsoon must-haves, rainy day accessories

Speaking ChicJuly 1, 2011Leave a comment

The moody south-west monsoon seems to have finally settled down, and has promised to bring with it plenty of shower spells. So now that rainy days are here to stay (for a while at least), gear yourself up with Speaking Chic’s monsoon must-haves.

Rain wear

Umbrellas should be your best friends for the next few months. Those who can’t deal with upturned and flyaway umbrellas can opt for stylish windcheaters instead. Stay safe and odour-free with quick-dry fabrics, especially at office.

And if you’re in a fun/ romantic/ playful/ brave mood, don a chiffon sari and dance in the rain with your special someone. 😉

1- Windcheater jacket with biker elements and utility flaps from Kunal Rawal.

2- Stormwear chinos from Marks & Spencer

3- Red umbrella from Zara

4- Animal print umbrella from Marks & Spencer

5- Polka dot umbrella from Zara

6- Kareena Kapoor and Aamir Khan in a still from 3 Idiots

Monsoon accessories

Whether you manage to stay dry or not, your Blackberry needs to be moisture-free at all times. So carry waterproof bags and purses at all times. Glossy finishes are especially trendy this monsoon. Your shoes must be comfy and non-slip, and get into cute gum boots for a few fun splashes.

1-Frame bag from Esbeda (Color Splash collection)

2- Shoes from Catwalk (Drops of Joy collection)

3- Beach crocs in lime

4- Bag from Marks & Spencer

5- Clutch from Miss Sixty

6- Gum boots from Tresmode

What’s your monsoon must-have?

Showing all posts tagged Esbeda

Chic Bags: What’s new this season from Lavie & others

Five chic things to do before Diwali

Chic ideas: Monsoon must-haves, rainy day accessories