Why Fashion?

 

I started blogging on a whim. At my age …49 yrs to be exact ,I think I have learnt a lot of activities that make me happy. One of them is dressing up and I know I have a flair as people at my workplace keep complimenting me. But that does not mean I am a fashionista! I am a doctor teaching in a medical college in Delhi. At my age I need to do things that give  happiness. Let me tell you all that having grown up children makes you free so that you can pursue what you like doing. It is a wonderful feeling when you can reach out to the world through your blog.

I am restless. Many of us are and to release that restless energy one has to do something creative. My restlessness started when I lost Snowy …my Lhasa of 13 years in April this year. He was my baby and I sorely miss him.

Other things I do to keep me happy are reading , writing and talking on the phone with my sisters. I want to uncomplicate my thoughts. Don’t want to be answerable to anybody and try to be least interfering in others lives. Fashion gives me the liberty to express myself .It doesn’t question me and is always evolving, changing. The fashion world is an enigma.

It is alive and I feel alive being a part of it!

The must haves.

Everyone by now must have figured out what suits you. So the basic must haves in your wardrobe don’t have to be common to all. Wear what you want with ease and confidence and lo behold you are there.

The first must have is something that flatters your figure. Anything that fits you perfectly is a must have.

SUMMER ESSENTIALS

The most common must haves are: a black dress, tailored black and white trousers,  great fitting denims, a nice white shirt , a black shirt, a dress in a color other than black or white that suits you. Remember how to know which color suits you? The one that fetches you the maximum compliments and brings out the shine in your eyes and skin. The mirror tells it all. Add to all this a nice stole in a rich material. A pair each of comfortable heels and flats in nude are a must.

 

 

 

http://www.groupon.co.in

 

For an Indian wardrobe you need to have a nice black sari in silk and a summer material like georgette or chiffon, a statement blouse in gold, golden and silver slippers, a long white chikan kurta and black and white tights.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WINTER MUST HAVES

A short black coat, a long black coat, a trench, black boots, nude ballerinas a rich woollen muffler , black tights are the basics youyou require for the winter. Again refer to my blog on winter layering.

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.whyoffashion.com

 

 

ACCESSORIZE

And of course the accessories! You can actually stand out if you accessorize right.

Always have a nice classy clutch in a neutral color like silver or gold. That adds enough bling to an otherwise dull outfit. Also another must have is a nice big spacious tote for work and fun.

 

http://www.glamour.com

 

Real or fake solitaires, diamante bangles and a smart neckpiece are also a must.

It is worthwhile to invest in a rich creamy lipstick in two shades…a nice red and a nude beige. Always take care to to do some research and find out what shade of red suits you. Is it  Bobbi Brown Creamy Matte Lip Color in Red Carpet or Mac Cosmetics Lipstick in Russian Red,  maccosmetics.com

Read more: 10 Best Red Lipstick Colors, Shades and Trends 

Nude lips are the latest trend and to get a perfect nude is a challenge. Some of my favorite nudes are Loreal Color Riche Lipstick 456 in Beige Cream and Bronx from Colorbar.

More on lipshades later.

Lastly invest in a trendy pair of glares. It is worthwhile to invest in a timeless piece as it does last for a long time.

 

http://www.genantrends. blogspot.com

Wrap it off with a statement watch and you are good to go!

So girls work on your must haves and you sure will rock the seasons…not to forget that what fits well always looks good.

 

Playing with layers…Part 2

Now whenever we talk of layers we mostly think of winter layering .That is what we are going to talk about today.

I remember a day around four to five years back.

It was a cold winter windy day and I stepped out in my heavy overcoat and warm pants . I threw on a stole for good measure thinking I was looking every bit a fashionista.  Even then I was not very warm. It was then I saw a  girl looking perfectly at ease with herself and of course not shuddering in the cold like me. She was not looking dull and dreary but very lively and full of color on that cold dark day. She was not at all frumpy and I was amazed to see that she had no overcoat on, but her outfit had multiple layers. And that is when it struck me. Yes layering your clothes helps you keep warmer in winters and of course it allows for more color and style in your clothes.

 

Source:www.pinterest.com

Source:trendyrose.com

See the difference in the two pictures? Which look is more appealing? Of course the second one.

So to highlight the important aspects of intelligent layering in winters:

1) Add  layers of different lengths.

2) The layers should not be of the same color . They can be of  shades of the same color or of totally different colors.

3) Use falling fabrics in the inner layers.

4) You can mix and match fabrics of different weaves to make the look interesting. You can wear woollens in thin weaves and top it with slightly heavier ones.

 

Source: http://www.hellousdaily.com

 

 

Source:www.polyvore.com

5) Add a muffler or a pop coloured stole. It will not only add to the warmth but also make you stand out in the crowd.

6) And last but not the least …layer your jeggings or jeans with a pair of smart boots. They can be ankle or calf length or even thigh high. You can add cable knit socks to the boots as shown.

Source: http://www.fabsugar.com

So dearies, layer it up and discover a new outfit with each layer!

Playing with layers…Part1

Layering creates magic . Putting on layers creates new outfits from old ones, adds style, helps you subdue dark colors and is the new fashion statement. Layering can be either winter layering or you can add layers to your sheer summer outfits. First summer layering i.e. Part 1

1) Layering in summer is about a fitted inner layer and a flowy upper layer. It works something like wearing a chemise underneath a see through top.

2). But now your inner layer does not have to be dull and pathetic. You can spruce up your outfit by having a contrast inner in dark colors, printed inners beneath plain sheer fabrics or longer inners with shorter tops.

3) You can have multiple layers. one can add a nice flowy stole as the topmost layer and the lastly layer it further with a nice neckpiece.

4) Even the lowers can be layered. A sheer pair of leggings going into thigh high boots can also make a fashion statement.

5) Because it is summer bright colors in sheer fabrics(Georgette.chiffon) and even crochet and lace can look good while layering.

6)You can even increase the length of your short dress by wearing a longer dress in a thin fabric in a bright color or same color under your short dress.

estbythelna.com

 

karinadresses.com

 

.

http://www.pinterest.com

 

 

http://www.brit.co

 

http://www.momtrends.com

So as you can see you can work wonders by layering. Add color, add length, add style…voila there is a new you!

Next we shall talk about winter layering.

Till then do try out these wonderful options.

 

Take a breath…

So five posts down the line I am trying to review my work. Not many suggestions, a few likes later I am thinking about how to share my self learnt fashion tricks on my blog. My small fashion tips have helped my friends and children to stand out in a crowd. So here is an attempt to benefit a larger group. My next posts shall continue to help women to bring out the best in themselves . I would appreciate more comments to enable me to serve you better.

In the end I would like to reiterate the importance of confidence in yourself as the ultimate fashion accessory. That along with a beautiful smile and high self esteem would have you conquering the world.

So kudos to a beautiful you!

 

BLENDING IN OR STANDING OUT!

Now that is one hell of a question! And the answer is of course STANDING OUT WHILE BLENDING IN. Yes you got me right. It should never look as if you have tried too hard and still something in your persona should make you look different from others. Though it is obvious that it is ones own personality that shines through, in today’s world we can also take help from clothes, makeup and accessories to bring out the best in you.

Today we talk about the sensible play of color in your attire.

First you should know which color suits you. It is not essential that a particular color suits your friend it will suit you too. So the first the basics…black and white are two colors that are truly beautiful! Black is slimming and can be worn both as an upper or lower, as a result help in adding a slimming effect to broader upper torso or heavy thighs. White on the other hand is royal and classy but should generally be worn with a contrasting darker shade.

Next step is to determine which color suits you.

Assess what you already own. Go through your closet and pick out your favorite kurtas, tops jeans etc. or the pieces that usually get you some compliments. Ask yourself what it is about these outfits that you like so much (or what it is that other people like so much). Take note of the colors of the outfits that get you maximum looks.. It may be these colors that end up looking the best on you.

Ask your family. Family usually knows best. They don’t judge you and give a true opinion. Ask your sister or mother to tell you which color suits you the most. Take them along with you to a clothes store. Try out different outfits and take their opinion.

Ask the mirror. You are your best critic.  The colors that are “your colors” will be the ones that brighten your skin tone and bring out the shine in your hair and light up your eyes.

We have either warm or cool hues of our skin. Broadly putting it yellow skin toned people look best in beiges, browns, orange, rust ,reds and creamy whites. While pink skin toned individuals are the cool hued people who look good in pinks, purple, lilac and milky whites.

http://www.thechicfashionista.com

Accessorize with color.

Color doesn’t have to be just on the clothing you wear, but you also can accessorize with color. Your purse can be of a bright pop color in an otherwise dull outfit. Similarly a bright scarf,bag  necklace and even your shoes are fun to play with when it comes to color. However, I recommend toning down the color of your shoe if you have a bright outfit on. When in doubt go for nude shoes. They never go wrong. Don’t overdo color. A statement neckpiece in the new neon range instantly spruces up a dull outfit.

donnacosmato.hubpages.com

glambistro.com

redlipsid.com

Even red lips are a great accessory to flaunt to pep up a dull outfit.

Above are some accessories that can help to glam you up in a subtle way.

Colored bottoms.

Most of us stick to blacks or whites in Indian wear as regards lowers and to denims in western wear. But why restrict. You can multiply your options if you are ready to experiment with colored bottoms. Brighter lowers have to be complemented with tops in sober colors. One cannot wear both separates in bright contrasting colors. That way you can end up looking like a Christmas tree.

mallratfashionlife.blogspot.com

newstyle4all.com

Last but not the least weather also dictates some norms on how you dress. Apart from winter,summer,rain there is also the daily changes in weather . A cloudy dreary day or a day filled with sunshine, what the day holds for us when we get up after a dreamy slumber we don’t know.It must have been a common occurrence with many of my working friends and even with the party animals who are always looking out of the window to see the weaather and decide what to wear. So here it is b! The basic mantra to follow so that u can stand out in a crowd whatever the weather, occasion or mood. Bright colours lift your mood when its  cloudy  while wearing whites and pastels is the way to go on hot sunny days

.Follow these simple tips and brace yourself for complements !

So till next time…..lots of love…xoxo!

Matters of length.

My last blog ended abruptly on a a matter of great importance, Sorry folks for that. But since then I have been thinking about the importance of length of your upper and lower separates in defining how you look.

What I mean by this is that even if you maybe able to carry any look with ease but their are certain clothes which need length to make them look elegant, especially for women my age (30 plus). So a longer dress slightly below knees),longer kurta, maxi dresses ,sarees all will  make ..you make slimmer and taller.

Source : http://www.alixpress.com

So as you can see that Kim looks more slim and slender in the first picture than in the second even so she is sexy in any avatar. It just shows that what the length of your dress does to your silhouette.

Source;fashionworld-hamood.blogspot.in

Above is an example of changing profiles with changing lengths of your dress. Juhi looks definitely more elegant in the first picture.

Source;www.highheelconfidential.com

As you can see a longer silhouette does make you look slimmer. But that does not mean that short dresses are out. Of course one can wear anything so long you have the confidence to carry it.  For shorter dresses the fabric of the dress matters. Again a fine flowy fabric is a better choice than thick frumpy fabrics for shorter dresses.

Source;funny-pictures.picphotos.net

So dearies short is not always sweet. Use your commonsense and a complete understanding of your body to decide what looks good on you.

Lookout for my next blog on colour play in your wardrobe.

A clean canvas…

So my dear if your self analysis is over, start now to create a clear canvas on which you can remodel yourself into someone you aspire to be. No ,that does not mean that you have to copy somebody to the hilt, it means that you have to conjure up an image of yours that you admire.

Strange as it may sound but all of us have aspirations to look, behave,emote,walk ,talk in a particular way. It is not societal pressure but something which would make us happy.

INTELLIGENT DRESSING

We start by mentally discarding all notions of how a woman of a particular age has to dress. We in India are too conservative in our thinking. Healthy women should only wear Indian wear while if you are slim then you can getaway with anything in your wardrobe…NOT AT ALL! One can wear whatever one likes but the basic fundamental remains that one should cover ones flaws and highlight your best features. That is what I call intelligent dressing.If you are buxom and curvaceous and are uncomfortable in public because of your bosomy physique then it is advisable to wear not too fitted clothes. You can add a stole in a flimsy fabric like Georgette or chiffon to stylishly drape around your neck. The stole should not be too short or else it would enhance rather than hide what you want to underplay.

http://www.amazon.com

 

 

Next we talk about the confusion about fitted versus flowy clothes. Always remember tight fitted clothes don’t make you look slimmer. If you are buxom and have more flab around the waist and thighs it would be better to wear something  flowy  and long  rather than stiff and fitted..The latter enhances your not so flattering areas.

http://www.makingitbig.com

Similarly about the length of your upper and lower separates has to be taken care of.

So till next time …enjoy!