Hey you wonderful people out there….I am going on a week long vacation to a remote place in the hills. Will not be able to post for a while, but sure going to come back rejuvenated. And of course absence makes the heart grow fonder. So I will come back and regale you with interesting pictures and stories. Wish I have connectivity there so can at least read your comments.
Till then…
Love you all.
BE HAPPY ALWAYS
XOXO
What is it about being in your 40’s that is so magical? For me my forties rock. Why?
Because…
I have stability, both emotional and material. I know my weaknesses and strengths. There is less responsibility. I know my spouse, have no relationship insecurity. My wardrobe staples are in place and my capsule wardrobe is updated, I know my makeup essentials and I know which colors bring out the best in me.There is no peer pressure to be part of any group. Oh, I love my 40’s. I can dare to make my fashion choices and know that I can get away with murder 🙂
So my friend here is a friendly advice to you…
Make the most of your 40’s as you are not that young but not too old either. Actually it is that time of your life when you can have best of both the world’s. It is not surprising that most known fashionistas are in their 40’s and are enjoying the best phase of their lives. Think Victoria Beckham , Kate Moss, Halle Berry and Jennifer Aniston. So gear up sister…we have the world at our feet.
A simple mantra I follow...
FIT
FOCUS
FALL
FOUNDATION
FABRIC
Wear a good FABRIC with great FALL and FIT. Have a great FOUNDATION by wearing the right lingerie and perfect make up and FOCUS on your strong points. When you are young a simple T shirt and grunge clothing can look awesome but in our Forties we need to be aware of these Five F’s and look FAB.
http://www.magazinefoxnews.com
huffingtonpost.com
Invest in key classy pieces that can never go wrong. Wear comfortable outfits so that you enjoy what you wear. Actually at this age just shop from known fashion houses, read about the trends these wonderful women follow and lo behold you are a chic forty year old who knows her mind and is raring to go.
ENJOY BEING 40!!!
BE HAPPY ALWAYS
XOXO
I know this is a total deviation from what I generally blog about. But while going through this blog what stood out was the contrast between urban fashion and this totally simple, blissful look which has been so beautifully been captured by this photographer.Its so serene and uncomplicated.I found these pictures cathartic. I hope you do so too.
BE HAPPY ALWAYS
XOXO
Green horizons with beautiful blue skies,
A place too far from the city fights and lies..
Where freedom can be felt in the air,
I don’t think these days could get better anywhere else..
I might have a hundred places to be,
But as I grab the steering wheel,
There is a single thought on me,
This journey will be perfect for the uncountable miles to be..
New people, new thoughts around me,
So many unknown places to see..
As I walk through these streets unknown,
I think of all the beautiful moments forgone.
Temples, churches and mosques did we cross,
So many cultures we saw..
In the end home is the place to be,
After all, this is where we finally find peace!
Is fashion in the clothes, makeup,accessories ,shoes? I don’t think so. It is the intellect, mindset, experiences, outlook, knowledge of the world and much more. Ultimately how you express yourself to the world matters. Following the trends blindly is not fashion. Create your persona. It should be distinct .Fashion is as unique as the person you are… You can emulate certain people but not copy them. It took me a long time to understand myself and my individuality. I was so unsure . ..of my looks, my clothes, my hair. But when I became comfortable in my skin I was told I am fashionable.Don’t try to be someone else. You are what you are. you have your likes, dislikes, opinions. And that is what should reflect in what you wear.
People who are fashionable and rule the fashion world have slogged to be where they are. They create trends not follow them. We can take a cue from them and create a look that is totally you. Again, fashion should be comfortable, easy and pleasurable.
streetpeeper.com
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Dare to be different,bold and individualistic.
Enjoy it, relish it, and make it a way of life.
Go girl, make your own choices.
BE HAPPY ALWAYS
XOXO
This actually seems like magic. Even though the best way to be fit is by a healthy diet and regular exercise,we all know you really have to sweat it out for that. Now that takes time. But that doesn’t mean you cannot hide those bulges and love handles. Here are some clever dressing tips to instantly make you look slimmer.
Adding length to your outfits creates a slimmer silhouette. Time and again in my posts I have advocated that falling hemlines definitely make you look sleeker.
Even for your trousers or jeans make sure that they are not cropped. To get a slimmer look always wear lowers that cover your ankles.Boot cut jeans look better than skinnies to give a more structured look.
beaut.ie
Going all black has always been the mantra for dressing if you want to shed some kilos. But that is plain boring.
You can add color to your outfit by color blocking. Black or darker colors are known to hide bulges. Wear dresses with darker colors at the sides to give the impression of a thinner waist. You can also wear darker shades on the body area which you want to slim down.
Avoid stiff fabrics and boxy cuts.
Also wearing tight spandex as it enhances rather than hide the bulges.
Wear flowy clothes that don’t stick to the body.Think kaftans and flowy maxi dresses.
http://www.itsreigningfasn.com
It is essential that that you make a good foundation by taking care about what you wear beneath your clothes.
Undergarments that fit well are a must. Majority of women wear the wrong size of bra.If you wear a bra that causes sagging it makes the torso look broad .
Also make sure that you wear undergarments with a broad waistband as that minimizes spillover. Take the help of an expert if you must to find a proper fit.
You may try shapewear to smoothen out the bulges.
Layering is also a method by which you can get love handles to disappear.
www.sameatschildren.tumblr.com
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk
40plusstyle.com
Hold your head high and shoulders back when you walk. It is known that slouching can add pounds to your frame
.Maintain a good posture at all times.
You can add stylish neckpieces or bold earrings to take the focus away from your trouble areas.
A dress belt in an interesting material can look the waist appear smaller and become the focus of your attire.
Carrying a large handbag can make you slimmer in comparison.
When all else fails you can always hide your flaws stylishly. Wearing a great stole can easily cover up what you want to hide , not to mention the extra style it adds. The following is a great site for almost all information on scarves. http://playingwithscarves.wordpress.com/
As you see it is so simple to go from Flab to Fab.
These ideas are easy and sure work wonders.
XOXO
Had to share this one with all of you .The visit of the Chinese President and his wife Peng Liyuan to India had the media splashing their pictures all over the tabloids.I could not help but notice that how the sartorial choices of China’s First Lady fitted so well with my idea of minimalist clothing . Refer to my last post on minimalist dressing. Here some of her pictures I wanted to share with you all. Notice the clean lines in her clothes, the length of her dresses (just below the knee), her minimalist makeup and a neat hairdo. Dont miss the neutral colors she wears with such grace.
en.wikipedia.org
Amazing sense of style.
ALWAYS BE HAPPY
XOXO
There are phases in my fashion choices from time to time . This week my fashion mantra is ”Less Is More”. It is classy and chic. But every look requires effort. So l shall share with you the simple basics of how to rock this look.
Cleanse, tone and moisturize. These basics of make up are followed the world around. To go minimal in makeup it is essential to have a clean neat look. Makeup should be light and for that a clean slate is required. Not much drama in the form of dark eyes or loud lips.
Cleanse well especially the inner corner of your eyes and tone and moisturize before starting makeup. Makeup should be nude or have just a hint of color. A hint of blush and some mascara should suffice.
Just go with the classy studs you have in your ”Must Haves” .You can either skip the neckpiece or wear a thin silver gold chain to highlight your neckline. Dual toned jewellery is in and goes with everything.
You can also just skip the earrings .This look is feminine and girly.
The hair should be freshly washed and preferably blow dryed to carry this look with elan. You can simply make a bun if there is no time for a blow dry.
Wear clothes with clean lines and less of layering .Too much volume in your clothes adds bulk. The fabric should be of good quality and should drape well. Your clothes should have a silhouette but should not be skin tight. Also wear a dress that is a shade below the knees and not too short.
americanstyle.info
sofeminine.co.uk
Solid colors like black. white and beige look best in minimalistic dressing.
Avoid bold prints.
Have a minimalist shoe wardrobe? I think it is a must. Wear simple shoes in a good condition to add to your minimal look.
everydayminimalist.com
A nude tote or over sized clutch is ideal. You can also carry a big black envelope clutch. Keep it simple and clutter free.
A dual toned watch and dark shades should complete the look.
So go minimalistic this week. Its like meditation. Pure ,clean and free of confusion.
Be Happy Always.
xoxo.
Sad? Blame it on the weather! Yes it is that time of the year when the sunny summer is gradually giving way to autumn. Less sun, shorter days and a nip in the air may dull your spirits. That is what is called the Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) Though it may really be severe in some people, most of us just feel the listlessness because of less sun.Of course for us women it may also be because it is that time of the month! But do not let your spirits down. There is a way to get over it. So here are some of my fool proof ways to get over the seasonal blues.
Put your sunblock on and step out in the sun. Strangely the indoors become extremely dreary at this time of the year.Take it as a nice opportunity to flaunt those designer shades. Not to mention the Vitamin D you get from venturing out .
Be it a walk in the park, swimming or a nice run around the block. Any form of exercise will make you feel better especially if it is an outdoor activity.Exercise releases the happy hormones called the endorphins which elevate your mood.
Yoga is also a great mood elevator. Try doing laughter yoga with friends. Laughter is so infectious that you will laugh your blues away.
http://www.escapefromwithin.com
Chocolate,carbs,bananas,tea,spinach and leafy greens,walnuts, oily fish like salmon and fruits all help in relieving stress and help in alleviating depression.
Make sure you are not consuming processed carbs like pizzas, burgers etc.These cause the blood sugar levels to plummet thus causing cravings.
Have 5-6 small meals a day instead of 3 large ones.
Add to it lots of water and you are good to go.
All these foods maintain your blood sugar levels and keep you happy ,not to mention the added advantage of helping maintain your weight!
Wear Blue for relaxation.Red for romance and Purple for creativity.
So now go girl you have another reason to wear what you want .
I personally love red nail paint. If your workplace is conservative, at least paint your toe nails red if not your fingers.
eileen-evans.com
For me that is the ultimate mood lifter. The lure of a good blow dry is hard to miss. With coiffed hair not much goes into getting ready and you definitely need less makeup.
Need I say more?
Hit the stores and the malls with your favorite gal pals….go shopping! But in moderation. You go overboard and you swing right back into depression.
Music is uplifting.For instance I love all Maroon 5 tracks.
The whole exercise of getting ready and going to the movies with your friends is awesome. You get out, you dress up and you see people around having a good time. All this is pretty infectious and makes you come out of the dumps.
That was my list of things I do to make myself happy. What about you gorgeous people out there? I invite more suggestions so that we can have a separate post with all of your ideas and names featuring there. BUCK UP.
Waiting for your inputs.
xoxo
Ah …gotcha! Hands and feet on a fashion blog? You got me right. I don’t know whether its with me only ,but I do judge a person by his/her hands and feet. You cannot change what you are born with but you sure can maintain it. For me a major turn off is unfiled nails, dry rough skin, hairy arms ,chipped nail paint and dry cracked feet. Refer to my post ”Neatness in Fashion”. Most of us just focus on the face ( some even forget the neck).
It is not essential you go for an expensive mani or pedi. There are so many quick home fixes for this.First the basics.
Cleanse.
This the first step. Nicely clean your hands and feet while bathing. Dry them on a soft towel. Make sure your feet are dry before you wear shoes. Change your socks everyday. Clean insoles frequently if you wear them. Insoles absorb sweat and are a cause of feet odor.
Use a foot scraper.
Using a footscraper or a pumice stone is a daily ritual for me while taking a bath. Scrub away the dead skin for great looking feet.
http://www.beautyheaven.com.eu
Moisturize.
Moisturize your hands, feet, arms and legs right after a bath. Nothing is more unsightly than dryness on your hands and feet. Check for dryness by lightly scratching skin on your arm. If you see a white line it means your skin is dry.
Invest in a good hand and body moisturizer. Carry a small pack with you to use whenever your hands and feet look dry.
Manicure and pedicure .
A regular manicure and pedicure is a must. But if you are always short of time , buy a manicure and pedicure kit. I always prefer to do my own mani and pedi as I had contracted a fungal infection from a pedicure I had got done from a very happening parlor. Trust me, these fungal infections last a lifetime and are so troublesome.
I even carry a nail file with me so that I can fix my nails if they chip. Keep nails short and slightly rounded. You can use nail extensions when going for a party.
Nail Paint.
Apply a neat coat of your favorite nail paint. Remember pastels last longer and are easy to touch up on a daily basis.They also look good at work unless you are working at a fashion house.
My personal favorite is nude beige for work.
So look after your hands and feet with these simple tips and look neat and chic.
xoxo
That is a universal problem I bet. Every morning staring at my overflowing wardrobe and at the same time staring at the watch ,has become the norm. I am sure the same is true for most of us.I had to device a quick fix for that , so that I don’t leave home exhausted. Following is my easy to do mantra.
1) Have a capsule wardrobe.
Focus on buying good quality staple pieces that never go out of fashion. These may differ from person to person . My capsule wardrobe is as follows:
Nude or beige upper.
A white shirt or top.
Black uppers.
Black lowers.
Navy lowers.
Little black dress.
A nice black trench coat.
A pair of beige flats.
A pair of silver flats.
A pair of ballet flats.
A pair of black pumps.
A pair of boots.
A daily wear neck piece.
A statement necklace.
A pair of studs in silver and gold. I have diamond earrings in gold. They go mostly with everything.
Silver and gold hoops for the evening.
A pair of chandelier earrings.
A black and a multicolored stole.
A nice diamante watch.
Morning Clutch or tote in nude.
Evening Clutch in black and gold.( black goes with silver outfits too)
2) Plan in advance for the whole week.
I do that most of the time. If possible ,I do plan what I have to wear each day of the week on Sunday. It saves my time and the mornings are less hurried. I also decide the accessories if they are going to be different for some particular outfit. Mostly I change my neck-pieces, but my bag and slippers remain the same during the day, at least for one week.
3) Try your outfits beforehand.
Now this has saved me many a time from being embarrassed because of a zipper gone wrong or for instance a tear on my leggings. Sometimes you can improvise your outfit if you try it beforehand.
4) Have an inventory.
This is applicable if you have too many key pieces like I do. I also write down the various looks I can create with my staple pieces. Again I save a lot of time because of this.
5) Have your ”must have” make up kit ready and and updated.
Also keep your evening and night make up items separate from your daily essentials. Things like shimmery eye shadow, illuminator and dark blushers should be in a separate kit.
6) Have some items to add drama to your outfit always at hand.
A blingy necklace, a cocktail ring, a quirky bag are some ideas of adding some drama to your attire.
http://www.yourtrendystylist.com
7) Red lipstick
Another instant pick me up essential. My personal favorite is M.A.C. Russian Red Matte.
It adds enough drama to make heads turn.
So girl, get going and plan your capsule wardrobe.
Till next time…
xoxo.
To Wear A Rainbow... 