Chic Guide: 5 things you need this December

Chic Guide: 5 things you need this December

Winter jackets and coats

For the cold, cold weather! Choose from leather, faux fur and wool.

French Connection (wool)

FC Wonderland Wool Coat

Gas (faux fur)

DELIZIA copy - Copy

Blingy dress

To party the last few nights of the year away!

Vizyon

Vizyon-party dress

Mango

Mango CONTRASTED SEQUINS VELVET Dress 6390

Vero Moda

SUCCESS SEQUINCE MINI DRESS - NFSC mrp 2695 - Copy

 

Embellished lehenga

There will be plenty of weddings to attend this month- and you need to dress to impress!

Pallavi Jaikishen

Lehenga Pallavi Jaikishan_LFW WF 2012

Manish Malhotra

252-Manish Malhotra.

Shyamal-Bhumika

Shyamal-Bhumika Shodhan 1

Gorgeous earrings

For party nights (diamonds), for sangeet (jadau and polkis), and for weddings (traditional).

Myra by Tara Jewellers

Myra's the New Age Chic Collection by Tara Jewellers earrings

Neety Singh

Neety Singh polki earrings

Nizam Collection by Ganjam

Earrings - Nizam collection, Ganjam

High heels

Special occasions call for special shoes… who knows, your Cinderella story might come true. 😉

Metro

Metro 35-507M15 Rs1690

Steve Madden

Steve Maddden OBSTCL-S_BLACK-STUDS

LFW W/F 2012: Jatin Varma and Vizyon

LFW W/F 2012: Jatin Varma and Vizyon

Jatin Varma’s show was themed Dark Angels, hence the colour palette was initially limited to steel grey, later shifting to jewel tones like purple and and rich blue.

The collection comprised mini dresses and red carpet gowns with big shoulders and plenty of embellishment. The embellishments included metallic fringes, shimmery dust and gold discs and orbs. The details created a geometric pattern of sorts on the dresses, giving a bandage effect.

The designer also mixed ruffled fabrics and wool-like fabrics with the embellishments.

Jatin Varma at LFW W/F 2012

Vizyon played with panelling, cut outs and peplums on their cocktail dresses and floor-length gowns. The combination of black, white and colours like green created animal print style outlines. Shimmery jackets and trailing gowns and mermaid cuts also made an appearance. Details like fabrics rolls and folds added a classy touch.

Vizyon at LFW W/F 2012

Chic Trends: The other 2Ps to wear this summer- pastels and printed pants

Chic Trends: The other 2Ps to wear this summer- pastels and printed pants

In my previous post, I introduced you to the 4Ps of summer 2012 trends– pleats, peplums, pastels and printed pants, highlighting the first two trends.

Here’s my take on wearing pastels and printed pants this summer. Enjoy!

Trend 3: Pastels

Yes, we Indians love bright colours, but fashion mags have declared summer 2012 as the season of pastel colours. I say, why not give bright colours a break to try something that makes you look a bit more dainty?

How to wear: Wear pastels any which way- blouses, skirts, dresses, accessories!

Chic tip: Mix solid pastels with light or delicate prints. Opt for a casual breezy fit to get in the summer mood. 🙂

Top from Sisley

top from Sisley SS2012

Jeans from United Colors of Benetton

UCB jeans

Tshirt from Jealous 21 (available on Myntra.com)

Jealous21-blue-tee-Myntra

Ribbon bracelet from Swarovski

Swarovski RIBBON Bracelet - Copy

Trend 4: Printed pants

Rihanna’s worn them, so has Jessica Alba. From floral to tribal to geometric, prints on pants and shorts are rocking this summer. This promises to be a super fun trend and I hope to get my hands on cool printed trousers soon.

How to wear: Pair with solid blouses or fitted tshirts. Printed pyjama-style pants are also in, and you can wear them with a similar-print blouse. If you plan to wear a bold print, wear minimal jewellery and makeup, and a simple no-frills blouse.

Chic tip: Printed trousers come in a range of fits—from fitted (like skinny jeans) to flowing. Choose one that suits your personality and mood (Bohemian girls will love printed palazzos).

Printed pants from Vizyon

Printed shorts from Esprit

DC1093 - Copy

Pants from Remanika

image

New Year Fashion: Dress your best to welcome 2012

New Year Fashion: Dress your best to welcome 2012

It’s time to party and ring in 2012 in style! Dresses, makeup, accessories—confused? Here’s our party style guide for you.

Little Black Dress

I’m not going to bother saying the LBD never goes out of style (you already know that). But you can wear it differently: wear it in tiers or with detailing like lace, sequins and beads.

Below: Dress from Esprit, dress from Zara

Black dress from Esprit

Zara open back dress

Bling for 2012

Bling works if you want it to work. Metallics, rhinestones and faux crystal embellishments are perfect for the party night of the year.

Below: Jacket and dress both from Vizyon

Party jacket from Vizyon

Metallic finish party dress from Vizyon

Party in prints

Crazy, funky, colourful prints have been the rage in 2011 and they will be around next year too. Choose a bold print that reflects your attitude.

Below: Look from Pria Kataria Puri Lakme Fashion Week W/F 2011, dress from S&N Drape by Shantanu-Nikhil at Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week A/W 2011

Pria Kataria Puri at LFW W/F 2011

S&N Drape WIFW A/W 2011

Long-drawn beauty

If you’ve got the right figure (lean) and plenty of confidence, choose a light-coloured gown for a dreamy feminine look.

Below: Look from Wendell Rodricks at Lakme Fashion Week W/F 2011

Wendell Rodricks at LFW W/F 2011

Skip the dress…

… And wear trousers instead. Or a jumpsuit. Or even shorts. And don’t be surprised when the heads turn in your direction. 😉

Below: Look from Hemant-Nandita at Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week A/W 2011, look from Nachiket Barve at Lakme Fashion Week W/F 2011

Hemant-Nandita at WIFW A/W 2011

Nachiket Barve shorts at LFW W/F 2011

Accessories

Wear high heels, even if you hate them. Come on, it’s only one night a year!

Below: Partyy shoes from Steve Madden; Veruschka sandal on bestylish.com

Partyy R- Fuchsia from Steve Madden

Veruschka shoes from BeStylish

Party. Clutch. Need we say more?

Below: Amoures clutch from French Connection, Lucy sequinned wallet from Toniq

Amoures Clutch from French Connection

Lucy- Sequinned wallet- Gold from Toniq

Jewellery- dangling earrings, cuff and a long necklace.

Below: Cuff from Mango

Mango bracelet with stone

Bonus party tip: Inglot’s “Crazy Nails” nail enamel gives your nails the salon look with funky patterns. Can’t wait to try this.

CRAZY_NAILS_note_

What are you wearing on New Year’s eve?

Chic Finds: Fun prints on dresses, tees and shoes to lift your mood

It’s raining outside now and how! If you’re stuck indoors most of the time, you need some cheering up. Speaking Chic brings some fun prints to excite you in this gloomy weather.

Nature-inspired prints

Bright leaves, butterflies and peacocks… indoors or outdoors, wear nature on your sleeve.

Funky prints from nature

Above (from left to right): Printed dress from Golmaal, red top and printed shorts from Roxy, dress from Vizyon’s Papagayo collection

Graphic prints

Still bang-on-trend, abstract or otherwise. We love these in colours that pop.

Tank Top with graphic print from Benetton

Printed shorts from Roxy

Above: Tank top with graphic print from Benetton; shorts from Roxy.

Printed accessories!

Make printed shoes, bags and scarves your new best friend. 🙂

Miss Sixty shoes Flip-flops from Roxy

Above: Clarisse shoes (flats) from Miss Sixty, Flip flops from Roxy

How to wear prints

If you think you might end up looking like a fancy teapot or a mural with prints, here’s some tips for wearing prints from Kanika Kapoor, a fashionista associated with Emilio Pucci (a brand known for its prints).

  • It’s not difficult to carry off prints, though you need to complement the prints or tone down the print with plain colour footwear. And oh, avoid over-accessorizing.
  • At present I’m really into accessorising what I wear with printed scarves and shawls. Also, I like “printed” shoes with a plain dress or relaxed day wear.
  • You can also tie a printed scarf around your bag to add a touch of print to your attire.

How are you wearing prints this monsoon?

Chic Trends: Metals, whites and pop for summer parties

For the party animals, partying never stops. And for non-party animals, party invites may be few and far between, but they’re always fun. Party animal or not, if you’re partying this summer, do it in style with our chic and trendy picks.

Go Metallic

Metallic dresses and jackets were party staples late 2010 and they’re still around. Update last year’s wardrobe by opting for a muted metallic look—choose a dress that’s got just the right touch of gold or silver, rather than screaming metal all over.

Below: From Siddharth Tytler’s Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2011 collection, Silk-georgette dress from French Connection with sequins

Siddartha Tytler LFW S/R 2011 dress metallic French Connection silk-georgette printed dress with sequins

White, or something like it

While white dresses and gowns are making a comeback this summer, we recommend  whites with prints and colour blocking, along with off-whites for the ladies who want to look sophisticated. Choose a dress with an easy silhouette or drapes, pair with a pop or metallic belt, clutch or shoes, and party all night!

Below (left to right): Dress from Vizyon, Look from S. Oliver (Selection)

Vizyon dress s.Oliver Selection dress

Pop it!

For the bolder party girls, we’re loving the pop-coloured dresses this season. Pick a dress in your favourite bright colour (solid or printed), and pair with neutral pumps and clutch.

Below: Dress with asymmetric flounce from Zara, Belted dress from Mango

Zara dress with asymmetric flounce Mango dress

What’s your favourite summer party dress?

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?

Tresmode Calendar Launch: Chic shoes, and an eeks!

Fashionable footwear brand Tresmode launched its first calendar couple days ago at a fun Sunday brunch in Mumbai.

About the Tresmode Calendar

High on fashion, the pictures are shot by photographer Gaurav Sawn and the calendar is designed by Jaideep Thackeray.

I’ve already hung up the calendar on my bedroom wall, and can’t help but admire the Vizyon dresses, and some of the Curio Cottage jewellery is now on my wishlist. Some of the Tresmode shoes are gorgeous.

Our favourite pics: July and September.

Tresmode calendar July

Tresmode calendar September

While the calendar pictures are gorgeous, we wished we could use it like an ordinary calendar as well. Like some space around dates to jot down birthdays, meetings, weddings and other events. After all, fashionistas have packed social calendars.

Fashion Eeeeks of the launch

Meanwhile, at the brunch, starlets hobnobbed; and where there are “famous people”, there are bound to be fashion several faux pas.

But Rohit Roy’s checked pants gets our vote for the Fashion Eeeeks of the day. Yes, we know checks are in vogue, but please spare us this. And what’s with the man cleavage? Women never liked it. So why don’t men just get it?

Rohit Roy pants bad fashion Rohit Roy Tresmode launch

Party dresses: 2010 trends you can still wear

As you ring in the new year, you’re ready to look like you’re in 2011. After all, 2010 will be so last decade. But if you’re stuck with past season party dresses you want to wear for the big bash on New Year’s eve, don’t lose hope just yet. Some trends are still pretty much out there, and  you won’t look outdated.

Trend 1: Military
Spring/Summer 2010 was hot on the militry trend. Khakis, epaulettes, camouflage prints ruled the ramps and streets. Choose to go all-out military with boots, or soften your look with a feminine accessory like a bow or rosette clutch.

Gown and shrug from Sailex NG.

Dress Sailex NG LFW

Trend 2: Drapes
Draped dresses became popular early 2009. They’re feminine, graceful and can make a woman look really sexy.

Dress from Vizyon.

Vizyon pink dress

Trend 3: Bodycon
Another oldish trend. If you’ve been working out hard in the gym, slip into a bodycon dress to flaunt your toned body.

Dress from French Connection.

 

French Connection purple bodycon dress

Have you decided your party dress yet?

Party dresses: Black is chic!

It’s Christmas week; it’s time to get in the party mood. And it’s time to pick out the right party dress, accessories and makeup. We kick off our party series with eternal party favourites: Little Black Dresses (LBDs).

LBD with a twist

Wear your LBD in an unusual cut that will flatter your body shape.  Charles & Keith studded beltCinch it at the waist with an eye-catching belt: it could be in a pop colour or studded, or both!

Dress from Vizyon; belt from Charles & Keith.

 

Vizyon black dress with belt

Asymmetrical Dresses

Asymmetrical hemlines are fun to wear and can play peek-a-boo if you want to flaunt your toned bod. Add on some shimmer and sparkle, and you’re set to party!

Dress from Vizyon.

Vizyon black dress

 

 

LBDs: Little Black Blazers

If you like to defy convention and stay away from dresses, try a night-time blazer with interesting details like sequins or stones. Pair with super skinny dark jeans or mini skirt.

Blazer from mapxencaRS by Riddhi & Siddhi.

 mapxencaRS by Riddhi & Siddhi Blazer

Which of these LBDs do you want to wear?