How to fit everything into your Clutch.

Now that looks like a daunting task! But with a little sensible planning , you can actually be free of the heavy tote we all carry  around either on our shoulders or on our arms  like Arm-Hook Crook way adopted by the very fashionable Victoria Beckham.

But I refuse to be a fashion victim and am very particular about comfort. In my last post I spoke about my latest fixation, oversized clutches.

So here comes. My simple fixes for for fitting everything in your bag.

1) Buy a big oversized clutch with adequate compartments.

2) Buy smaller versions of all your essential makeup items.

Or even better …lip pencil in your favorite color. They are great for touch up and last more too. They also occupy less space!

3) Add to it a small hair brush,wet wipes and a miniature perfume bottle ( always ask for sample perfume bottles whenever you buy your perfume)

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4) I even carry small Cream Color Base from Mac which is versatile and multipurpose. It can act as a nose bridge / face highlighter and as an underlashline highlighter. Choose one matching your skin tone.

5) Car keys should be placed in an outside pocket so that you don’t have to dig deep to find them .

6) A small notebook and pen completes the list.

So dearies ….happy clutching:)

Clutch it!

I am majorly into big oversized clutches nowadays. They are chic,good looking and oh so comfortable. Add to it the health benefits. No  shoulder straps cutting into your shoulders.No backache.But what about the must haves a girl has to carry? I do have a remedy for that !!!! First the latest clutches in the market nowadays.
MORNING CLUTCHES
Yes girl,you heard me right. I have ditched the oversized tote for an oversized clutch. Day clutches have to be big, with multiple zipper pockets and  of a neutral color.They should have separate pockets for keys, specs, money and make up. For a working girl it is super comfy to just hold a bag under your arm and go in or out your workplace in a jiffy and inconspicuously.
Envelope clutches

http://www.rebecca-jane.com

http://www.purseblog.com

http://www.lyst.com

This nude Zara bag is my all time favorite.
Ooh I love them.They look awesome and  are so comfy. Always have a clutch with pockets.It helps in compartmentalizing your stuff.

Clutches with zippers

A very comfortable option. Compact and easy to carry, these clutches also don’t let your stuff slip out.

http://www.aliexpress.com

Dont miss the awesome compartments!

http://www.etsy.com

This oversized travel clutch is a winner.

http://www.polyvore.com

Nude is the new black.

Always remember to have the clutches in  a soft material ….its all about comfortable fashion after all.

Quirky is in. So a dull plain outfit can be spruced up by a quirky printed clutch…

or a pop colored one.

EVENING CLUTCHES

Evening and night is definitely about a little glamour .So my lovelies here comes the bling. Silver, copper or gold , take your pick. You can also carry colored shimmery clutches for extra drama. Not to forget the jewelled ones for a more elaborate function.

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The boxy clutches are less roomy but look great when going for an elite dinner or cocktail.Stick to a basic black or gold.

http://www.antiques.com

http://www.aliexpress.com

http://www.dhgate.com

A loud shimmery clutch can prep up an otherwise dull outfit.

So enough on clutches for now! Next I will post on how to fit your essentials into these wonderful,comfortable fashion accessories.

Till then…

xoxo

Effortless Fashion.

Fashion should be effortless, comfortable and mind blowing. It should come naturally and easily to you. No stress , no worries , only simple pleasure.This was something I always wished for as a young girl. I always thought that it was impossible. Being born as a thin scraggly girl I always looked up to my mother who looked absolutely beautiful each and every day. It was then I started observing her and mentally formed a list of ”to do” things . Things that would help me metamorphose into someone people would complement and help me hold my own in the big beautiful world of fashion. So here goes.

KNOW YOURSELF

In the hearts of hearts  you know what suits you What color, fabric, style  brings out the best in your persona.Refer to my post titled I Me,Myself. This is of utmost importance if you don’t want to fill your wardrobe with clothes that don’t flatter you.

ecostylelifebeaumonde.com

TIMELESS PIECES

Invest in pieces that have been around for a long time and will stay for a long time to come. Refer to my post ”The must haves.” Anything in black , nude and white when put together generally is a safe bet. You can go adventurous with statement necklaces, cocktail rings ,bracelets and funky belts. Add to it  a classy bag , nice watch and you are good to go.

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LEARN MAKE-UP

This is something that has always held me in good stead. Imagine that you have to rush to a function at short notice and you are a mess after a sleepless  night and a long day at work. No time for the parlor and a blow dry. When I am faced with such a crisis I have a basic make up kit ready.   Invest in a good concealer, foundation, eye liner, mascara, blush on and highlighter. Make sure you take the help of a professional . As for me , I actually joined a self grooming class for about 15 days. It was just an hour a day and my my how it helped me!! Also buy  hairstyling products ( AGAIN TAKE PROFESSIONAL ADVICE) ,a good hair dryer and an  ironing rod .

http://www.remingtonproducts.com

Will surely come up on a detailed post on this.

BE NEAT

Now that is something we generally undermine the importance of.

These famous words by Jane Austen are so true. How would you like unkempt nails,dry rough hair, unplucked brows,ill stitched clothes, torn shoes and a dry flaky skin. Fashion is not about clothes and make up only. It is always to see a man or a woman neatly turned out. Make this a habit. There should be no need for you to run for a parlor just before a party. At least the basic neatness and cleanliness should be a part of your daily routine. More on this later.

BE FIT

I have already talked about fitness and fashion in my last blog. A fit body is a fashionable body. So put on your running shoes and run on the road to fitness.

BE CONFIDENT

Need I say more!

Lastly smile and remember to be yourself.

So my lovely people ,incorporate all of this into your life and see how effortless fashion can be!

Remember you are unique.

Love you all!

 

Winds of Change.

My last post…”Why fashion?” ,set me thinking. It set me thinking about my place in my life and in the life of my near and dear ones. They love me and I love them , but I love myself more.You have to do that. Liberate yourself . And I am trying to do that via my blog. No doubt it is about fashion but more than that it is about me and you. I want to know you. I want to learn about your fashions and introduce you to my culture. There are Winds of Change all around and I want to be a part of it.So here it is….welcome to my world.

A small example of how I have incorporated this change into my life is by way of my favourite accessory…my neckpieces. Considering my profession(I am a doctor teaching medical students in India) I could not wear the flashy and in your face jewellery. So I literally got a ” SILVER LINING” into my daily attire by way of silver jewellery. And I must tell you how much it is loved by the people around me. So many compliments and ”WOWS” later I am sharing some of the lovely silver jewellery .

 

These are some of my silver neckpieces that look great with most of my Indian and western clothes.

Let me tell you they never fail to get noticed and appreciated.

So till next time. Loads of love.

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…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.

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karinadresses.com

 

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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.

 

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!