FASHION FORERUNNERS

Timeless Sari-Wrap a Sensuous You

2011-03-15T05:24:00.000-07:00

Sari is undoubtedly the most sensous outfit for a woman.

The first time I wore a sari I recollect was for the farewell party. And I look back I think I looked hideous. But I’ve always fancied wearing a sari and learnt the art of handling it sensuously at quite an early age. I owe it to my mom. She carried it with elan.

As the time passed, my wardrobe was attacked by trends like only salwaar kameez, then churidaars, then jeans, skirts, dresses.......etc. And once again I’ve fallen in love with my first love sari.

The rediscovered love could be attributed to the recent characters portrayed by heroines in movies like Vidya Balan in Paa, teleserials and appearances by stars for award functions clad in this sexy drape. But if we look back, Sridevi is one heroine who impeccably handled this drape and thus enhanced her curvaceous body. Not to forget her sexy number from 'Mr.India'. Even today filmmakers opt for a sari when they have to picturise a sensuous number.

The variety in saris is endless The stiff yet bold, cottons and organdees to the soft folds silks or flowly chiffons n georgettes.

The safest way to wear a heavy sari like Kanjeevaram is to pleat up the pallav

Here are 3 examples- Sonam is not holding on to her loose pallav is bringing down the look of the sari, whereas Katrina has it pleated well and Vidya holds on to the pallav rightly

A photo from the hifashion movie Aisha, showing how much fun and sexy can a sari get

With flowly saris, holding the sari at the right places like in this picture enhances your curves

Shilpa chose to wear a sari by Tarun Tahiliani when she won the Big Brother Title

Here are some tips to give a sensous twist to the sari wearing experience:

1. Classic sari drape is best to enhance your figure as compared to other drapes like d Gujrati or Bengali

2. In classic drape, pleated pallu or unpleated decide upon the fall of the sari, better the fall chose to unpleat

3. The inside skirt when fastened on your waist should be fastened a little above your belly button, because once the sari is worn it tends to fall lower because of the weight of the waist pleats.

4. The fastened edge should be at your belly button and not on the sides, it is easily covered under the pleats that would come at that area later

5. Before you tuck the waist pleats, ensure you have taken the required length of your pallu and pinned it too

6. If you plan to leave the pallu un pinned ensure you are holding the pallu’s other end right, such that it is perpendicular end to the pinned point of the pallu. This helps in giving a natural body curve to the drape unlike holding it lower.

Make Way for Brands Smartly

2011-03-09T04:03:00.000-08:00

We are what we eat? I put a question mark on purpose. Because nobody actually comes home to see what you eat, but definitely scrutinising what you buy, wear, drive etc... So can I comfortably say, We are what we Show?

A friend once asked me, what do you wear at home? I didn’t understand the question at once. She was actually probing, do I wear branded home clothes too. Well, I was honest and said no, it’s just some old clothes or streetwear. Though that was comforting for me and her. There came the next question, do you wear all branded clothes only. This question did hurt me because the answer was no! And I said not all but yeah some of them. I wear what I like, branded or unbranded, the final reply was that.

It’s not that I detest brands. I prefer them for some aspects like quality and durability. But being a woman would never want to be caught wearing a same outfit which a lady besides me is wearing. So, have to be really careful when it comes to shopping brands.

So, to make the most of brands here are some tips-

1.Pick basics

2. Go for limited editions

3. Avoid prominent prints

4. Choose block colours with basic styling

5. If it is a brand you are buying ensure the brand name is visible but not loud

6. Pick a piece that sports a latest style

7. And never miss out on the sale time where you can get the best of the above.

Happy Branding!!

For The Love of Prints & Kurtas

2010-09-16T01:20:00.000-07:00

Whether it's the feminine frocks, ethnic kurtas or functional kurtis; time to infuse the energy of prints in them this season Just today, I saw the advertisement by Central announcing a 'Kurta Festival' and I think the time is apt.Unlike the last two seasons which saw a predominance of tops on jeans; women and even girls are ;picking stylishly done up kurtas and kurtis in myriad forms. Some like sheaths or flaired kurtas while some like the simple kurta. These are available in engaging prints like florals or abstract enhanced with minimal detailing.

So, do stock up some of these unassuming pieces, pair them with your simple jeans or tights with ethnic accessories and your look is done.

Katrina for the To-Be Bride!

2010-04-08T23:39:00.000-07:00

Nakshatra Diamond Jewellery the brand of Gitanjali Group launched its latest Vivaah Nakshatra, an exclusive bridal range with its brand Ambassador, Katrina Kaif!

According the company, the new collection and campaign is inspired by the ancient Indian texts which described a diamond as vajra (lightning, the weapon of Indra) that was believed to offer protection from fire, poison and evil spirits. It also draws from the mythology of the "Saptharishi Mandalam" Nakshatra and how the wearer of the traditional seven stone diamond floral formation, based on the sacred geometry of this constellation, invokes the divine luck that comes from them.

Calvin Klein's Sizzling White Wash

2010-04-08T01:37:00.000-07:00

Well, if the heat wasn't enough here are the fuming campaign images of Calvin Klein Jeans Body Whitewashed offering for men and women. The campaign is featuring actress Eva Mendes and model Jamie Dornan together again this season.

Hook on a Hoop

2010-04-07T00:57:00.000-07:00

Ok girls!! I'm not referring to a Hula Hoop to get the hour glass figures, but yes since it's summers why don't we explore slim and classy Hoops for our ears.

If you ever get to glance through your mom's or grandmom's younger days pictures you will notice Hoops were are major rage then, with myriad shapes and drops embellishing the basic round hoop. As even as little girls, the first kind of earrings that we were adorned with were small cute little hoops in pure gold. Well, that is pure nostalgia, coming to this season and the soaring temperatures, sporting Hoops seems very breezy.

Here are some exquisite pieces by Jaipur Gems. I'm a fan of Jaipur Gems particularly because of their old world charm. Here are pieces worked out in white gold and embellished with diamonds, emerald drops etc.

Yeh Phone Hai Ki Camera??

2010-04-06T23:37:00.000-07:00

My head is going into a dizzy rite now!! Some months back heard of a phone with 30MP camera but that didn't shake the market as much as the manufacturers thought it would. Now we have Spice Mobiles launching a 12 MP camera phone- S-1200 which will cost you only, hold your breath just Rs. 14500/- and to top it, we have the Sonam Kapoor endorsing the brand now. And why not, if Akshay Kumar can endorse Micromax(sounds like an undergarment brand name) and Dhoni for Maxx Mobiles (another underwear brand...LOL) Sonam is adding some Spice to her life!!

Features include
advanced camera functionality like 3X Optical Zoom & 9X Digital Zoom, Xenon Flesh ,Multiple Face Detection, Smile Shutter, Auto Focus, Anti Shake, and Advanced 24 preset capture modes including text capture mode. Apart from this it has Stereo Bluetooth, TV out with cable and 32 GB expandable memory support which can store upto 10,000 photos.

The snobby big mobile players, get ready, for the competition is getting tougher by the day.!!

For Your Eyes Only!!!

2010-04-05T10:18:00.000-07:00

The super sunny summer days have arrived. You have a fabulous reason to sport the latest eyewear. But before you jump into the bandwagon and pick what seems to the happening eyewear take a good look at yourself in the mirror and following checklist and rest be prepared to be at the receiving at of all those ‘wow!’ expressions.

The Check list

-First check the shape of your face-Round, Oval, Square or Triangle

-What is the look you want to achieve- sporty, formal, stylish, nerd, fashion forward!

-Metal or non-metal

-Monochromatic or prints

Trends

Frames- colour splash, animal prints, dual tones

Glasses- jet black, breezy greys, rusty browns, organic greens, futuristic violets and cooling blues.

Arms- skip out on excessively broad ones are out of fashion, go for medium to slim ones.

Quality Check

Hold the glasses against a tube-light a little away from your eyes and ensure that the light reflection is not distorted and appears straight as the light is.

Shapes according to your face

Just Cavalli

Tom Ford

Round

Introduce structure with frames such as square, polygonal, rectangular

Fossil

Oval

Add a little broadness with the frames

Just Cavalli

Tom Ford

Square

Soften the face contours with roundish shapes

Roberto Cavalli

Just Cavalli

Triangular

Pick frames that are slimmer and not broad.

Pantaloons

Bikers

Those scorching the roads in their mean machines, explore maximum coverage biker eyewear.

Have You Done Your SPF Shopping

2010-03-29T05:51:00.000-07:00

Finally, the sunny summers have arrived and so have the woes of the sunlight!! But in school, I was told we get Vitamin D from sun, then all of a sudden why are we shielding ourselves from it. Sad but we are the ones responsible heard about depleting ozone layer, UV rays and so on!!! (google if you wish to know more on that).

Talking about shielding ourselves from the harmful rays can be as simple as layering our skin with a sunscreen or sunblock or picking those cosmetics that have sunscreen and sunblocks as a part of the composition. Most brands have seriously taken to adding sunscreen into their cosmetics.

Facts

Basic Sunscreen Facts

Sunscreen lotions prevent sunburn and help protect you from skin cancers. All sunscreens have an indication of their sun protection factor (SPF) on their labels. The SPF number tells you how much of the sun’s UVB radiation, the product blocks. The SPF number comes from dividing the average time taken to burn protected skin with the average time taken to burn unprotected skin. It signifies how much longer your skin can be exposed to the sun before getting sunburnt.

Like the
Foundation- For e.g The Body Shop's Natural Minerals Foundation has SPF 25 and Colorbar has SPF15
Lip Balm/Lipsticks- The latest range by Lakme Enrich Satin is blended with sunscreen, so does Lotus lipsticks they have SPF 15
Moisturisers-Pick a moisturiser like Garnier SunControl
Blush- like the L'Oreal Paris Mineral Makeup range provides SPF 15
For nails, I still haven't come across a product that really gives you an sunscreen protection not even nail specialist Sally Hansen. Probably brands can think of this and launch a new line!!

All the best and keep glowing in the sunny days, and Im going SPF shopping!!

Holii In The Boardroom

2010-03-22T07:02:00.000-07:00

My core style is ethnic. Because if given a choice between western, classic and ethnic, invariably my mind and heart choose ethnic. So, one day while strolling at Lifestyle store, I come across this brand Holii. As the name suggests it's colourful, traditional, yet hep. I picked a ladies' leather wallet. It was sindoor red in colour with paisleys printed on it. But that is not all that the brand has on offer. One should check the benaras fabric bags, potlis, wallets and best of all their latest range of notebook bags. It was a like dream come true for me. A ethnic notebook bag!! WOW! So, with this latest range, I feel proud that Holii is not something to carry to a wedding but even the boardrooms are going to get a taste of it.

The finishing is superb, colours are a delight, and pricing is sensible. And for the background of Holii, there are two biggies involved Ashni Biyani (daughter of Kishor Biyani) of Future Group and Dilip Kapur of Hidesign.

Pricing starts Rs. 900 to about Rs. 3000 depending on what your buying. Holii is available in Lifestyle and Shoppers' Stop and I've seen their shop also at Palladium, Pheonix Mills.

Samsung's Fresh Additions to Dual SIM Category!

2010-03-21T02:11:00.000-07:00

Personally, I've never used a dual SIM phone and neither have I have actually spoken to a person using it. But the other day my cousin was describing how it functions and I think it's ideal for people who want to avoid carrying two handsets. (personally I feel it's boisterous). For example , if a user is talking to someone on SIM 1 and gets a call on SIM 2, then he/she will be able to see the person who is calling and can accept the call on SIM 2.
So, here is B 5722 Dual SIM GSM + GSM touch screen phone and Duos 259, a Dual SIM CDMA + GSM multimedia phone.

B-5722 GSM + GSM Dual SIM Active Phone, comes with a dedicated SIM switching key and a 7.11 cm (2.8”) Full Touch Screen. Given the growing consumer preference to chat and access SNS on their mobiles, the Samsung B-5722 comes with SNS Quick Links and Instant Messenger (IM). This Dual Sim phone comes with advanced features like Stereo FM with recording, 1200 mAH Battery with a talk time of up to 13.4 hours, supports external memory up to 8GB and comes with Advanced Mobile Tracker feature. It is priced at Rs.10,650/-.

The Duos 259 is a GSM + CDMA Dual SIM Active phone that comes with a 5.58cm( 2.2”) screen, 262K colour TFT display, 1.3MP Camera, Stereo FM Radio with recording, a powerful 1140mAH Battery and SD card support upto 8 GB. It is priced at Rs.7799/-.

With the new launches today, Samsung range of Dual SIM handsets is now six across both GSM and CDMA technologies and is priced in the range between Rs.4620/- to Rs.10,650/-.

Get Nature Cool With Nike

2010-03-20T04:36:00.000-07:00

To make this summer a fragrant experience, Nike has launched four new deodorants which revolve around the forces of nature- Wave, Storm, Wind and Fire.

Blue Wave Nike 150 fragrance is spirited and gentle at the same time bringing strength and comfort to oneself. The top note of the fragrance has citrus notes like Bergamotka, mandarin, black currant, lemon followed by the heart note of Marine, lavender, rosemary, and pistachio. Finally, the base is characterized by notes of amber and musk.

Storm Nike 150 Green energy is derived from trees. In the initial phase Peak Wormwood and pepper notes are covered with a citrus tree like orange flower, bergamot, and then come in the content of aromatic lavender and cedar. In the final phase, all harmonize with notes of precious musk and sandalwood trees.

Nike Cool Wind 150 falls into the category of aromatic scents. In the initial phase his notes makes clear chord of wild mint, grapefruit, and orange tree with combined notes of lavender and reseda in the heart. The base has rich notes of wood, sandalwood and musk.

Nike 150 on Fire dominates the rich notes of grapefruit, mandarin and lemon with spicy addition of pepper, cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg. Database to smell patchouli and cedar wood with combined notes of amber.

Nike 150 deodorants are available across all leading lifestyle stores in

India

and are priced Rs 245/- for 150ml bottle.

Pantaloons Style Inc Awards Ropes in Stylish CEOs

2010-03-19T07:57:00.000-07:00

Pantaloons, the multi-brand retail store of Future Group, like every year launched its Spring-Summer 2010 Collection. Unlike the previous seasons, they brought out their new collection in alliance with unique style awards named Pantaloons Style Inc Awards. Yes, the show had an exquisite ramp, ravishing models, the latest collections, and to top it all were dynamic CEO’s of various companies walking the ramp and presenting their stylized version of the collection.

The new Spring Summer Collection 2010 from Pantaloons has a beautiful mix and something for everyone- bright palette, well coordinated and even mix and match options. It has everything to beat the boardroom blues to evening wear dilemma for both men and women.

Women’s Wear

One can choose from an array of bottom wear in chirpy hues like red, orange and yellow

Pick as per your style from shorts, trousers, leggings, short skirts, patialas and churidaars

The topwear includes blouses, kurtis, shirts, etc. could be beautifully used for mix n match.

Best pick-Checkered tops like shirts and blouses

Men's Wear

Keeping the boardroom to the leisure time, there is something for all, tees, jeans, polos, casual and formal shirts, and even party wear. Best pick-Semi-formal shirts in breezy colours of blue and green

Harmeet Singh Arora, CEO, Network Play won the best dressed CEO Award, Asif Merchant was second runner up and Shailesh Velandy was the first runner up

Refresh Your Killer Instincts With Killer Heels

2010-03-19T00:31:00.000-07:00

Trèsmode, the hot name for footwear made a stylish launch of its Resort Collection 2010 at the recently held LFW 2010. Trèsmode showcased its range of footwear for Indian market with styles reflecting those seen on the catwalks of Paris and Milan as they claim.

This season, wedges and platforms clubbed with architectural heels are back in a big way. This glam style defines resort wear, perfect for walks on the beach or partying all night long as the CEO Trèsmode, Kapil Mahtani puts it.

Some of the high points of the collection-

multi strap platform sandals for the Roman goddess look.
uber chic image showcasing a variety of gladiators and flat tie-ups in metallic colours.
a palette of bright colours- hues of golds, blues, pinks, whites and greys.
Shooties and Wedges as well as the platform heels

Besides exclusive stores, the range is available at Shoppers' Stop. Price range starts @ Rs 1000 plus.

JP gets youth smart with Ranbir Kapoor

2010-03-18T22:52:00.000-07:00

You ask what is JP, well thats how John Players is going to be preferred to now, with the ubercool geek looking Ranbir Kapoor. And very soon, you will see a signature line of JP by Ranbir Kapoor. We are waiting! So, till then watch out for the exclusive print ads and an upcoming ad commercial of JP with Ranbir Kapoor.
What Ranbir wore at the event is a clue to all guys how they need to be dressed this summer to have gals oogling at them. Geek look, slim fits, high light accessories, and ofcourse a great body!!

What about Bridesmaids?

2010-03-17T05:06:00.000-07:00

Want to know what to wear this wedding season? I mean not the bride n bridegroom but for all those without whom a marriage would not be as much fun. Yah bridesmaids, friends, aunties and so on.

Neeta Lulla clothes along with Giantti and Malaga’s jewellery were showcased at Gitanjali Group’s Fashion show at the recently held FICCI FRAMES 2010 event as a precursor to the wedding season just round the corner.

Here are the highlights-

Bling is forever

Keep the hemlines volumunious

Interesting necklines pick on English tones over Indian hues

Costume jewellery over gold

and depending on the occasion pick n choose from sarees to angarkhas or smart dresses!!.

Watch's Your Colour?

2010-03-17T04:33:00.000-07:00

Metal, Leather, Chrome, Brazen, Golden, Diamonds.......well are all these the only options in watches? Well, no! Wait till you check the latest range by ToyWatch. Now you can even compete with the Panchvi Paas!!!

Toy watch launches its new addition to the Plasteramic Collection, with the launch of the Fluo Mood Collection. With the best selling white plasteramic strap, Toywatchhas now incorporated the funky colours that they’re best known for, to create another trendy watch.

Add some colour to your summer with the new Fluo Mood Collection, available in a variety of colours such as Blue, Purple, Yellow and Pink. Vibrant colours are big this season and have been spotted on every catwalk. This is the perfect way to brightern up even thesimplest of outfits. So get colourful this season with a Fluo Mood watch.

ToyWatch is now available at a number of stores dotted around Mumbai- AZA, Ensemble, Just In Vogue, TBS, The Collective, Oak Tree, Watches of Switzerland.

Watch a horror movie without HORROR!!

2010-03-15T03:05:00.000-07:00

Ok, I'm scared and I have no qualms about facing the fact. Well, 'darr sab ko lagta hai, lekin darr ke aage jeet hai', you heard that somewhere, yes in one of the commercials. But I don't want to shun myself and avoid seeing horror movies, after all they are just a figment of someone's imagination, then why should I get scared and end up not seeing the movie at all. I tried but again the same fear. So, now that I know what my problem is, I had to find a solution. There were trials n errors, but then finally I succeeded, hurray. I don't mind sharing my tips to watch a horror movie for the faint hearted. You can sit there tight, without holding on to anybody and even come out of the theatre triumphantly grinning!!

Here you go....

Watch the movie in broad daylight--The darkness only adds to unnecessary fears, have lot of lights on when watching the movie, though this is a little difficult in theatres!!

Close your ears-When there is a long stretched silence......leading to some eerie breakout.....close your ears tight....the scene will pass off, and you won't even skip a beat!! Hahahahaa

Close your eyes- A scene when a hand is approaching from the back, avoid the shock by closing your eyes at that very moment....and you're saved!!

Watch the horror movie with the severly scared lot-Since they are already at the tip of breakdown, you can be a hero by lending them a hand or hug and showing how brave you are...keeping the tips to yourself..

Read the movie review well in advance- Know the inside out of the movie, the making, characters, story etc.. being aware is being less scared.

If none of the above works, then watch each scene like how it was shot, how many people on the set, the cameraman, director, lightmen, spot boys etc etc...who are actually working towards scaring you.....hahahhahahaa.

I hope you enjoy every horror movie like never before, after reading this!!

Reliving Childhood Days Can do Wonders to Your Health

2010-02-24T08:37:00.000-08:00

I dont know about others, but I have done pure justice to the year 2009-which supposedly was the year of the reunion. I managed to reconnect with soooo many of my long lost school and college mates and the experience has been eternal. Nothing can match the feeling to meet, talk and refresh memories of those times. Life has gone its own way for all of us and we were thoroughly enjoying the new moments, people and experiences that we were coming across since the time we stepped out ofschool and college. Now when we look back we realise we have indeed met a lot of people but how many of them can be titled as true friends, may be none is what is say!!
Well some tips for those who desperately seek to get in touch with those whom they shared their school benches with.
1. Go to the school and chk if you get some database
2. search on social networking sites for college groups, school groups and their members
3. Or simply search with their names
4. Once you have got hold of one person probe him/her of whom they were close to in school/college
5. Finally, with those whom you have managed to get in touch, have a grand reunion and share those pics with others.......jealousy will take the upper hand and more will join in to make the most of their childhood memories!!
There are some hidden health benefits too. You start feeling younger, energetic, competitive, have more fun moments, have people to share things with, have a great outlets, increase your closer friends circles and all this leads to a healthier, happier lifestyle.

That is how I look!!

2009-11-14T07:11:00.000-08:00

When is the last time someone said to you...........ohh your skin is awesome even without makeup........but the secret being you actually have applied make-up!!!!!

I have a natural craze for dressing up, and make-up is an essential part. Probably my mom's genes are to be blamed. And i have searched, researched and made note of every comment a celeb or make-up artist makes when it comes to doing makeup.

As the word says Make-Up, i hate it when one looks all dolled up. I remember the bollywood movies uptill now, ghosh!! that heavy magenta and red lips or the blues and green eye shadows, eeeeks!! But offlate im kinda liking the look that bollywood galz are sporting.......... natural!! Priyanka in Dostana or Katrina in Singh is Kinng or Kareena in Jab We Met. Evened out skin, light blush, natural kohl and little or no eyeshadow..............wow im just loving it.

My quest to natural looking make-up had led to simple yet intelligent discoveries. Not many people know i have a major problem skin (to a large extent im the one to be blamed!!). So as one puts it necessity is the mother of invention, dere are some cool replacements that one can and should do to ensure you're not attracting eyeballs for the wrong reasons!! And following this you can ensure you're looking younger by years tooo!!

Basic foundation- Foundation of a any kind is a big noooo for the day, instead smudge some concealer where required. But the concealer has to be the closest to your skin colour, dab it on your skin and not rub it...and then leave it to settle. I put my bet on Bodyshop concealer pencil!!

Eyes-A kohl has no replacement.....but if your eyes are d bleeding types and you end up all messy.....pick a eyeliner...but d trick here is after you apply...rub your finger lightly to smudge the line and not make it like a engr drawing line!! or better still pick up the non-smudge eye pencils... Color Bar is good...i tried it!!

Cheeks- Not many indian women prefer a blush neither day or night....but here i need to argue.......Even if you dont apply anything try sporting nice pink cheeks you look all lively and fresh!!...for starters you can just rub beetroot for the luscious pink cheeks........or in cosmetic world pick the tints.........they are the best thing i have come across lately!! I have literally discarded my powder blushes!! Body Shop has pink and brown tints while Burjois has pink and peach.

Lips- Liptints are awesome again........and just put on a gloss or a balm on it and voila you are having the most awesome natural looking lips ever in your life.

Try these tricks and i can promise you some really awesome comments..........not for the make-up but just how naturally you're looking beautiful!!!!

Search for Authenticity

2009-08-24T00:45:00.000-07:00

Im kinda tired of the mom and grandmom's talks on things like, in our times it was.......... Ghosh, but isnt it true what they are saying. A small plastic juicer made me change my perspective to their talks. How you ask? It was the prize i got for an informal fancy dress competition in school when i was in Jr. KG. The best part is i still have it with me and the bestest part it is still the same, no colour fading(it is as bright as a fresh orange would be) no chipping, no cracks, nothing... Mind you we have been using it and not kept it as a piece of decor.

This is a just a small thing, but it speaks volumes.