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 Trend: 10 best floral pieces for the season

Chic Trend: 10 best floral pieces for the season

Ever since European queens donned floral ornamentation in portraits, flowers have appeared in hundreds of stylised forms, and have persisted even as the fashion cycle changes. They were popular in the 1940s, 1960s, and recently then in the last decade.

With girls around rhe world wearing florals this season, how do you embrace the pattern and still stand out? I’ve made it easier with some of the best floral fashion choices for the season, in dresses, tops, and accessories. Florals this season are bright and dark, modern and vintage, delicate and bold. Match them to your mood and have fun!

Take a look:

Psstt… My pick from these floral pieces is the top from French Connection. Love the colourful artsy print on the dark background!

Chic Picks: Casuals for winter 2011!

Chic Picks: Casuals for winter 2011!

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

Guru winter look

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

Tshirt-UCBJeans- Sisley AW 2011

FC-Beryl Denim leggings Zara-sweatshirt

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

s.Oliver Casual AW 2011 Printed Tights Marks & Spencer Guru shorts AW 2011Skirt- UCB AW 2011

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

Dress from Sisley Zara-dress1

FC-Sidney Jersey dress AW 2011Red Dress 109F

Which of these makes it to your winter wishlist?

Chic ideas: Monsoon must-haves, rainy day accessories

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. 😉

rain wear- umbrella, windcheater

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.

Monsoon accessories- bags and shoes

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?

Chic guide: Quick fashion updates for the monsoon

OMG, it’s a whole new season! Which means it’s time for a teeny-tiny wardrobe update. Here’s a look at our quick picks to help deal with the rains:

Clothes
What you need: Lightweight and quick dry jeans
Try: Stormwear jeans from Marks & Spencer (below)

Stormwear Denims from Marks & Spencer

Accessories
What you need: Waterproof bag, non-slip and comfy shoes or sandals
Try: Catwalk’s Drops of Joy collection (below)

Catwalk Drops of Joy sandals

Beauty
What you need: Waterproof mascara… need we say more? 🙂
Try: Lancome’s Hypnose waterproof mascara (below)

Lancome Hypnose waterproof mascara

 

Coming soon: Speaking Chic’s monsoon essentials

Chic accessories for every budget: ‘Coz it’s still summer!

Even as the first rain showers pour down in Mumbai, we’ve not forgotten that the hot weather is still around and most parts of the country will continue to bear the heat for a few weeks. And we summer accessories continue to rank high on our shopping list.

Alas, if only there was plenty of dough to buy every accessory we ever wanted! Well dahlings, there ain’t enough, so we’ve carefully picked the coolest summer accessories, based on price!

The accessories are affordable, and will keep you well for the next few weeks. 🙂

To make things simpler, we’ve broken up our prices into categories: Rs 500-1000, Rs 1000-2500 and Rs 2500-5000. And hey, the accessories labelled “Chic steal!*” cost less than Rs 500!

So take a take a look at our accessories of choice. Enjoy! (PS—refer to the guide below the fashion board to know where you can buy them).

Chic jewellery, hats and sunglasses

Chic summer accessories- jewellery, hats, sunglasses

Guide:

  1. Necklace from Marks & Spencer
  2. Cuff from Marks & Spencer
  3. Necklace from Aldo Accesories
  4. Flower burst Ring from Toniq
  5. Sunglasses from Fastrack
  6. Bleicher sunglasses from Aldo
  7. Sunglasses from Puma
  8. Hat from Aldo

Chic bags and shoes

Summer bags and shoes (accessories)

Guide:

  1. Two-tone fabric messenger bag from Zara
  2. Floral quilted messenger bag from Mango
  3. White handbag from Mango
  4. Betsy clutch from French Connection
  5. Red sandals from Tresmode
  6. Pumps from Tresmode
  7. Plaited sandals from Zara
  8. Flats with floral fabric from Catwalk

Chic accessories for every budget: ‘Coz it’s still summer!

Even as the first rain showers pour down in Mumbai, we’ve not forgotten that the hot weather is still around and most parts of the country will continue to bear the heat for a few weeks. And we summer accessories continue to rank high on our shopping list.

Alas, if only there was plenty of dough to buy every accessory we ever wanted! Well dahlings, there ain’t enough, so we’ve carefully picked the coolest summer accessories, based on price!

The accessories are affordable, and will keep you well for the next few weeks. 🙂

To make things simpler, we’ve broken up our prices into categories: Rs 500-1000, Rs 1000-2500 and Rs 2500-5000. And hey, the accessories labelled “Chic steal!*” cost less than Rs 500!

So take a take a look at our accessories of choice. Enjoy! (PS—refer to the guide below the fashion board to know where you can buy them).

Chic jewellery, hats and sunglasses

Chic summer accessories- jewellery, hats, sunglasses

Guide:

  1. Necklace from Marks & Spencer
  2. Cuff from Marks & Spencer
  3. Necklace from Aldo Accesories
  4. Flower burst Ring from Toniq
  5. Sunglasses from Fastrack
  6. Bleicher sunglasses from Aldo
  7. Sunglasses from Puma
  8. Hat from Aldo

Chic bags and shoes

Summer bags and shoes (accessories)

Guide:

  1. Two-tone fabric messenger bag from Zara
  2. Floral quilted messenger bag from Mango
  3. White handbag from Mango
  4. Betsy clutch from French Connection
  5. Red sandals from Tresmode
  6. Pumps from Tresmode
  7. Plaited sandals from Zara
  8. Flats with floral fabric from Catwalk

Chic Fashion: Summer essentials

It’s April already! The sun is out, and the days are getting longer and warmer. It’s time for a wardrobe upgrade. We bring you our list of chic summer essentials:

White shirt

Great for work and play, and versatile enough to be worn in several ways. Go casual with jeans, flats and an eye-catching clutch or wear it to office with tiny earrings or pearls and a formal office tote.

Below: white shirt from French Connection.

White shirt French Connection

Capris

Capris, three-fourths and cropped pants are just what we need for summer! They’re available in a range of colours this season from the basics to the brights, and the latter are perfect to spice up the drabbest of looks. Get them printed or plain.

Below: Both capris from Mango

Mango capris Mango blue capris

Shorts

If you’ve got great gams, flaunt ‘em! Cotton and linen ones will be comfiest for summer, and are great for casual outings and lounging at home. Dress them up a bit by pairing with a nice blouse, and you’re set for a movie with friends.

Below: Shorts from Marks & Spencer

Shorts Marks & Spencer

Flip-flops and flats

Put your leather boots in your closet for the next few months, and shop for some fun flip-flops, flats and chappals. They’re everywhere, from the high-end stores to local street markets.

Below: Flip-flop from Catwalk

Flip-flops from Catwalk

Summer dress

I love strappy, flowery, printed summer dresses. I usually cut down on accessories when wearing these, and let the dress do the talking. 😀

Below: Dress from Vizyon

Vizyon summer dress

Mini skirts

Fashion glossies say hemlines are longer this season (think maxis), but that doesn’t mean we ignore the minis. Wear sheath mini skirts with fun blouses and simple detailing, or with an over-sized tee.

Below: Denim skirt from Lee

Lee denim skirt

Brights!

Yellow, pink, orange, blue… wear them bright, wear them with a smile! 🙂

Below: Pink blouse from Vero Moda, orange tee from Zara.

Vero Moda pink top Zara orange tee

Sunglasses

Summer sun = sunglasses!

Below: Sunglasses from Esprit.

Esprit sunglasses for summer

What are you shopping for this summer?

Winter layering: More trendy office looks

In our earlier post, we shed light on using layers to create a smart office look. Today, we take a look at couple more trendy looks for office.

Look 2: Patterned

Patterns are fun! Start with a basic formal shirt, and cover it up with a patterned sweater. Make sure the patterned is not too loud for office. Show off the pattern with an open-neck jacket or blazer. Accessorise with a patterned stole that compliments your sweater.

Winter layering patterned: shirt, sweater, jacket, accessories

Shopping Guide:

White shirt from S.Oliver

Patterned sweater from S.Oliver

Knit jacket from Marks & Spencer

Stole from S.Oliver

Look 3: Coloured

Beat the office boredom with a splash of colour. Wear a pop-coloured cardigan or sweater over your office shirt. Play up the colour with a coat of contrasting colour, or sober up your look with a neutral trench.

Winter layering: shirt, cardigan, coloured coats

Shopping Guide:

White shirt from S.Oliver

Crossover cardigan from Zara

Magenta trench from Esprit

White belted coat with faux fur from French Connection

Related Posts:

Winter Layering Trends: Go Casual

Winter Layering: Dress smart for office

Winter Layering: Dress smart for office

Everyone complains that layering during winter can be tough. And when you’re headed to work, layering is all the more tricky. Layer too casually, and you can look sloppy. Layer too formally, and your colleagues may think you’re snooty. And you don’t want to look bulky or resemble a fashion victim.

Speaking Chic has put together some key looks for office. So bundle up just right for work, and let your clothes speak for themselves.

Look 1: Sophisticated

Rock the next big meeting or sales pitch with an uber-sophisticated approach to winter dressing. The key is to opt for neutral outerwear with minimal, yet eye-catching detailing. The faux fur on the belted camel coat and the metallic buttons of the knit cardigan will add a dash of refinement to your office look.

Winter layering office: coat, cardigan, gloves, shirt

Shopping Guide:

Camel coat from French Connection

Deconstructed knits cardigan from French Connection

Studded gloves from S.Oliver

White shirt from S. Oliver

 

Coming soon: More winter looks for office!

Related Post:

Winter Layering Trends: Go Casual