winter

Busy, busy men. You’ve got no time to shop, confused about what to buy, or simply hate shopping? In this mini-catalogue of winter wear there are over a dozen ready-to-wear, fuss-free choices along with some handy tips. So your shopping becomes easier, quicker and stress-free.

Happy shopping!

Cardigans and sweaters

Style Tip: Stick to basic colours, but experiment with textures and detailing.

Textured full-sleeved sweater from TM Lewin

Multi-pocket cardigan from Arrow

Knit with buttons from Ed Hardy

Coats & Jackets

Style Tip: Look out for fur trims- they add a luxe touch to your coat. Belts look great, but look best on leaner guys.

Parka coat with faux fur trim from Zara

Belted coat from French Connection

Jackets and vests

Style Tip: Puffed and quilted styles are classic winter outerwear, but if you’re looking for trendy pieces there are lots of styles- try a layered or colour-blocked jacket.

Puffed jacket from Calvin Klein Jeans

Quilted jacket from Splash

Dual-layered jacket from Guess

Leather jacket

Style Tip: Plain leather jackets are so dull. Try jackets with lots of zips, pockets or varying textures.

Leather jacket from Rara Avis

Shoes

Style Tip: High-top shoes for men are super hot right now. Wear them over skinny or straight-fit jeans.

Lace-up shoes and leather boots from Clarks

High-top lace-up shoes from Estd 1977

Winter accessories

Style Tip: Neutral winter accessories- patterned or plain are worthwhile investments for this winter and the next.

Hats and scarf from Aldo, gloves from River Island

In Accessories, Fashion, Shopping, trends

WINTER TIME: 20-plus chic essentials for the ladies

Speaking ChicJanuary 15, 2015January 20, 2015Leave a comment

Ahh, the lovely winter days. The mercury dips, you pile up on the layers and sip on hot chocolate. If you hate the cold weather, why not let these stylish choices perk you up? Indulge in one of these stylish knits, jackets, coats or accessories and look chic!

Knitwear- The basics

Long camel knit from Zara

Round-neck sweater from Arrow

Zipped white knit from Calvin Klein Jeans

Funky sweaters- for the teenager in you

Animal print sweater from French Connection

Christmas hoodie from B: Kind

Jackets that spell C-h-i-c

Jacket from Splash

Puffed jacket from Guess

Statement coats- The real head-turners

Edith Wrap Coat from Forever New

Greene Coat from American Swan

Furry styles- Faux, of course!

Animal print coat from French Connection

Abstract print furry jacket from Guess

Camouflage print fur coat from Splash

Cool leather jackets- ‘Coz biker chicks rock!

Leather jacket from Calvin Klein Jeans

Boots to make your feet look sexy

Thigh-high boots from Clarks

Fur-trim ankle-length boots from Clarks

Blue boots from Metro

Accessories- To complete your winter ensemble

Hats, gloves, scarves and snood from Accessorize

In Fashion, Shopping, trends

Picks of the Week: The cool jackets you need this winter

Speaking ChicJanuary 12, 2015Leave a comment

While us Mumbai folks are sweating it out in the afternoons, folks across the country have a winter to face and dress up for. So for this week’s online picks, I’ve selected parka jackets to be your go-to outerwear options this season.

Available in neutral tones and with faux fur trimmings, these jackets will keep you warm while adding a classic touch to your style. Treat them well, and they could last you the entire season and even the next.

For women:

OASIS leopard faux fur collar parka jacket (available on Koovs.com). Price: Rs 5800

For men:

River Island Navy Faux Fur Duffle Jacket, Rs 5214 (available on Jabong.com). Current discounted price: Rs 5214

In Fashion, News, trends

My favourite winter fashion trends from Guess

Speaking ChicNovember 10, 2014Leave a comment

Guess is synonymous with music, grunge and rock ‘n’ roll. This American label’s line-up of denim and casual wear is understated, chic and edgy season after season.

For AW 2014 Guess has given their own grungy twist to hot international trends for men and women. At my visit to the store, I found it hard to choose a favourite trend or outfit, because there was so much to choose from. Here are my top picks of the trends you need to check out at Guess, and style tips on how to wear them.

Prints, prints, prints

You can never have too many graphic print tees, so check out the cowboy prints for girls and the outdoor travel prints for the guys. Besides these, winter florals on crop tops, dresses and tops bloom in the Guess collection (pun intended), while men have a choice of paisleys and abstract patterns, with updated check shirts.

Style tip for women: Don graphic printed tees with your favourite jeans and a backpack for college-y cool.

Style tip for men: If you’ve never experimented with printed shirts before, this is your chance. Play it safe with a small print, paired with a basic pair of jeans.

All-new winter wear

I love the idea of experimenting with personal style in winter (sadly, Mumbai doesn’t have one). I love the versatility of the denim shirt I saw at Guess, which I paired with a Guess tshirt and later with a knit dress. For the guys, there are plenty more options- light and heavy jackets along with chunky knits in classic winter colours.

Style tip for women: Denim jackets are great for almost any look, so keep one handy at all times!

Style tip for men: A textured knit or jacket with lots of zip, button and pocket detailing is a great buy this season. Throw it on over a tee and swagger!

It’s party time

Slim fit shirts + straight fit jeans = Party wear for guys.

Embellished tops / dresses + fun detailing (like fringes) = Party wear for girls.

It’s all there at Guess, and that’s where you go when you want to rock the party this winter. Plus, sexy mini skirts and feminine dresses are always a great party option.

Style tip for women: Girls, you can rock a party in jeans and edgy tops. Choose a funky print or embellished top (like the one in this picture), strap on killer heels, apply red lip colour and let your hair down!

Style tip for men: Look classy- throw on a cool jacket or sharp blazer over jeans for a smart look.

Denim (as always)

The Power Skinny is Guess’s answer to super skinny for the ladies, and these jeans look great. Of course, being a casual wear brand the store had plenty of options in each cut and wash. I found the Power Curvy option suited me quite well.

Style tip for women: Darker washes are great for evening wear and make your legs look slimmer. Look out for metallic finishes, and complete the look with a thin belt.

Style tip for men: Men, watch out for the Regular Boot style- this trend is on the rise.

What trend are you going to wear from Guess AW 14 collection?

In Fashion, News, trends

#MFWKND: Elle French fashion show was tres chic!

Speaking ChicOctober 6, 2014October 6, 2014Leave a comment

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).

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).

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

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.

In 2012, Fashion, Men

Chic Guide: 5 things guys need this December

Speaking ChicDecember 18, 2012December 18, 2012Leave a comment

Winter jackets and coats

Trench coats are classics, wool jackets are reliable, and shiny finishes are hot right now!

Trench coat from Zara

Lined Reefer jacket from La Redoute (available on Rock.in)

Jacket from Celio

Party essentials

A fun evening shirt, smart blazer or coloured jeans- what are you wearing to the Christmas and New Year parties?

Shirt from Calvin Klein Jeans

Blazer from Diesel

Look from Rajat Tangri Lakme Fashion Week Winter/ Festive 2012

Sherwani/ Bandhgala

There are plenty of weddings to attend this month and the next, so an embroidered or brocade sherwani is a smart fashion investment. Gentlemen will also love the classic bandhgala in a contemporary colour.

Look from Debarun Lakme Fashion Week Winter/ Festive 2012

Look from Anita Dongre

Scarf/ muffler

Scarves and mufflers say a lot about you while keeping you warm. Are you Mr Safe Grey or Mr Experimental?

Decking stripes scarf from French Connection

Scarf from United Colors of Benetton

The right shoes

There’s lot of places to go this month and the next, and you need shoes to take you there.

Hand woven shoes from RUOSH (for weddings)

Shoes from Kenneth Cole (for parties)

In 2012, Fashion, trends

Chic List: Things that shine! (Part 1)

Speaking ChicDecember 10, 2012December 9, 2012Leave a comment

All that glitters this season is ….. worth wearing! I don’t just mean the sequinned party dresses, but the shiny fabrics and textures! They glitter and sparkle in just the right amount to bring some holiday cheer to winter wardrobes.

The metallic finish pieces I’ve seen recently in stores look HOT (I’ve written about it earlier)! If I had an occasion or more to wear them, I’d have at least a few such in my closet by now! I’m almost feeling bad I don’t. 🙁

Here’s the first part of my list of things that shine! What’s your favourite?

Dress

Rajat Tangri (LFW W/F 2012)

Chic Tip: Accessorise with a dull-finish bag or statement jewellery.

Tops/ blouses

Calvin Klein Jeans

Only

Zara

Chic Tip: Metallic finish blouses look hot when worn with dark slim or skinny pants.

Skirt

Mango

Chic Tip: A shiny skirt goes well with printed blouses or fitted tees. Wear with heels for a killer party look.

Pants

French Connection

Sisley

Chic Tip: Sexy halter top, peek-a-boo lace blouse, or a corset—let the mercury rise!

Jackets

Calvin Klein Jeans

Mango

In 2012, Fashion

Chic Guide: 5 things you need this December

Speaking ChicDecember 4, 2012December 3, 2012Leave a comment

Winter jackets and coats

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

French Connection (wool)

Gas (faux fur)

Blingy dress

To party the last few nights of the year away!

Vizyon

Mango

Vero Moda

Embellished lehenga

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

Pallavi Jaikishen

Manish Malhotra

Shyamal-Bhumika

Gorgeous earrings

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

Myra by Tara Jewellers

Neety Singh

Nizam Collection by Ganjam

High heels

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

Metro

Steve Madden

In 2012, Accessories, Fashion, trends

Chic Lesson: Baroque Fashion for dummies (and where to find it)

Speaking ChicNovember 28, 2012January 14, 2013Leave a comment

What’s baroque?

Baroque is an artistic style that flourished in 17^th century Europe. It’s characterized by exaggerated motion and details that create tension, drama and exuberance. The Baroque style extends to painting, sculpture, architecture, theatre, music and literature.

So what is baroque fashion?

Don’t get confused, baroque fashion is not inspired by what people wore in the 1600s and early 1700s. Rather, it is an extension of the key attributes of the Baroque style- ornamentation, gold and richness in fabric, details and textures.

(Below: Dolce & Gabbana FW 2013 collection)

So how do I identify Baroque fashion?

Look out for:

Gilt/ gold embellishments (refer Dolce & Gabbana FW 2013 below)

Heavy brocades
Gold-centric prints
Embossing
Bright and large floral prints
Velvet with embellishments
Tapestry-inspired embroideries and prints in a range of colours- think spirals and volutes. (Refer Zara Jacquard mini skirt below)

Why is everyone talking about baroque fashion?

Fashion mags are touting it as a hot trend for Fall/ Winter 2012 (I had mentioned this as an upcoming trend at the end of the previous season). That’s because it made an appearance in collections of important designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, Oscar de la Renta, Alexander McQueen and Balmain.

And in India?

Closer home, designers like Rajat K Tangri and Khushboo Agarwal-Prem Kumar (below) got baroque in their winter collection. And it will also stay on as a trend for SS 13.

So where does the baroque trend appear?

On jackets, dresses, blouses, jewellery and accessories like bags and shoes! In India, there will never be dearth of gold embellishments and zardosi, or gold accessories, so you might just find something somewhere! (Lipsy Baroque Mesh Top below)

Where can I buy baroque pieces?

Key fashion brands feature some elements of the baroque trend. Zara and Mango both have some baroque pieces. Some brands like Forever New have elements of baroque as well.

Mango Baroque Velvet Blouse

Motel Coco Baroque Blue dress (available on Rock.in)

Forever New Lily 2 in 1 dress

What about baroque-inspired accessories?

Wavey Clutch from French Connection

Necklace from Toniq

Earrings from Viange

In 2012, Bollywood Fashion

Bollywood Fashion: Key pieces from Jab Tak Hai Jaan (and how to wear them)

Speaking ChicNovember 18, 2012November 18, 2012Leave a comment

Monotone outfits

Worn by: Katrina Kaif

As a British upper class business woman who moves around in a chauffer-driven Rolls Royce, Katrina Kaif’s character Meera’s style is a modern take on elegance. She sticks to simple silhouettes and colours, with almost zero feminine frills.

How to wear:

Opt for comfortable A-line and shift silhouettes in knee-length dresses and coats. Choose bold colours like red, blue and green. Make sure there is only one eye-catching colour in your ensemble.

Where to buy: Coat from United Colors of Benetton, dress from Sisley

Jackets- puffed and leather

Worn by: Katrina Kaif, Anushka Sharma, Shahrukh Khan

Katrina covers up a Manish Malhotra lehenga on a snowy day with a bright red quilted anorak, while both women wear vintage-style leather jackets on different occasions. Meanwhile, Shahrukh Khan’s jackets are limited to light woollens and vests in muted colours like grey and dark blue.

How to wear:

You can wear your winter jackets over anything and everything…. go crazy!

Where to buy: Calvin Klein Jeans (women’s jacket), Mango (women’s anorak), Celio (men’s jacket)

Boots for women

Worn by: Katrina Kaif, Anushka Sharma

While Katrina pairs knee-length boots with short skirts in winter (really!), Anushka Sharma wears outdoorsy laced boots meant for camping.

How to wear:

Very few women can carry off knee-length boots, so I suggest ankle and calf-length boots with jeans instead. The laced heavy boots are for the adventurous types or those living in the mountains.

Where to buy: Vanilla Moon, Steve Madden

Military camouflage pants

Worn by: Shahrukh Khan

He’s an army man, it’s standard issue.

How to wear: Military detailing and camouflage prints were a hot trend couple years ago, but they are always around if look carefully. Pair military print pants with plain tees in earth tones like olive green, mud brown and black.

Where to buy: Zara (men and women)

Winter checks

Worn by: Shahrukh Khan

How to wear:

Look out for checks in dark colours like blue, grey and dark green, and shirts in heavier fabrics like twill. Details like elbow patches and contrast pockets will add a fun twist to classic checks. Pair with jeans, chinos and trousers.

Where to buy: French Conection, Allen Solly

Snoods & scarves

Worn by: Shahrukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, Anushka Sharma

Mufflers, scarves, snoods, in solids and prints, cotton and wool- they were all there in the movie. The lead actors all wore their scarves differently from the others.

How to wear:

Choose the type of scarf depending on the weather in your city (wool or cotton) and how you plan to wear it (as a fun accessory or to keep warm). There are great stripes, shiny, metallic finishes, prints and colours for every fashion personality!

Where to buy: Esprit and French Connection for women’s and scarves, men’s scarves at Celio (bottom)

Showing all posts tagged winter

WINTER SPECIAL: 15-plus winter essentials & style tips for busy men

WINTER TIME: 20-plus chic essentials for the ladies

Picks of the Week: The cool jackets you need this winter

My favourite winter fashion trends from Guess

#MFWKND: Elle French fashion show was tres chic!

Chic Guide: 5 things guys need this December

Chic List: Things that shine! (Part 1)

Chic Guide: 5 things you need this December

Chic Lesson: Baroque Fashion for dummies (and where to find it)

Bollywood Fashion: Key pieces from Jab Tak Hai Jaan (and how to wear them)