February 2016 - Page 2 of 2 - FashionForRoyals

Valentines Day Outfit Ideas

I hope you all are as excited about Valentine’s Day as I am. I know that a lot of people find it cheesy and slightly silly, but I think it’s founded on a beautiful notion; the celebration of love. So, each year, I make sure to plan ahead and enjoy the day in style. When I say “in style”, I basically mean that the OOTD is carefully put together (sometimes post an unplanned shopping spree) and is an important part of my V-Day prep. If you’ve still not decided what to do and/or wear on the 14^th of Feb this year, here are my recommendations on what you can do.

Casually Chic for a Day Outing

If you’re not going the typical route with fancy lunches or dinner but a simple day outing instead, wearing some casual classics would be great. Team a pair of well-fitted jeans with a white shirt and maybe even a cap or hat. Don on your sunglasses, black heels or brogues (depending on where you’re going) and complete the look with a statement necklace or scarf. This ensemble will have you looking effortlessly stylish and ready for your outing.

Romantic, Girly for a Special Lunch or Movie Date

Lovely lunches and movie dates are pretty special – you’ll probably remember the day for years to come. So, dress to impress in a flowy, chiffon one-piece, be it a dress or a jumpsuit. Accessorize with red pumps or matching heels, a delicate neckpiece and maybe even some bangles. Amp up your feminine charm with a curly hair-do, manicured nails and dewy-finish makeup. You’ll look fabulously fashionable and all set for some sweet romance.

Formal for a Dinner Date
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If you’re going out for dinner on Valentine’s Day, you have to bring your A game and wow your audience. Wear a formal dress with a bold silhouette such as a bodycon number or straight-cut one. Pair it with a statement jacket and sky-high heels. Wear some necklaces and bracelets, leaving the hair straight so as to accentuate the outfit and accessories. With such a striking, high couture ensemble, you’ll certainly be getting oodles of attention from your date and others.

So what do you think? What’s it going to be, this Valentine’s Day?

Top 10 Valentines Day Gift Ideas

Valentine’s Day is around the corner and there’s probably a special someone who you’re hoping to make happy this Feb. But finding the perfect gift is always tricky business. You have to find something that is special and in some way reflects your love. It needs to have a personal touch. If you’re out of ideas over what to get your partner, here are some ideas for Valentine’s gifts:

1. Pillow/Cushion with Custom Message

What’s more adorable than personalized pillows or cushions with a custom message? Think of something unique to your relationship – a quote, a photo- and get it printed on a pillow cover. It’s thoughtful and “cool” at the same time.

2. Personalised Wine Bottle

Romance and wine is a classic combo. So if you and your partner love your drinks, getting them a personalized wine bottle would be great. Have a cute or sweet message stamped on the label and the bottle will treasured beyond the last drop of wine

3. Personalized Cards

Greeting cards can be cherished for keeps. A beautiful card with a lovely write-up always touches the heart. If you’re good at art and craft, you could make a card from scratch. If that’s not your cup of tea, you can order a custom card from an online website or custom-printing store.

4. Personalized Custom Mugs

As long as you’re thinking of customization, mugs may be a good option too. Couples’ cups are super cutesy and great if you don’t want to spend a lot. Be creative in choosing complimentary messages – you can find some great ideas on the internet.

5. Scented Candles

For those who want to set a romantic mood and send some, well, raunchy signals their partner’s way, scented candles are the way to go. You could perhaps even decorate your love nest with the beforehand and see where that gets you.

6. Chocolates

If you’re someone who likes to keep it simple and classy, chocolates will be perfect. Buy your partner’s favourite ones or pick up some gourmet delights if they’re not too choosey. But hey, if they’re not very fond of chocolates and/or on a diet, go in for something else.

7. Roses

To some people, especially the quintessential romantic souls, nothing signifies love better than a bunch of beautiful, fresh roses. Go in for a spectacular bouquet with flowers in colours that’ll appeal to your partner.

8. Ring – for the Big Q

If you’re about to pop the Big Q this Valentine’s Day, the obvious choice is a ring. But make sure the ring is absolutely magnificent; after all, how many times does one get proposed to on V-Day? Make the moment perfect with a gorgeous ring.

9. Jewellery

Even if it’s not yet time to be whipping out rings, jewellery is a safe option if you’re looking for good gifts for women. Find something delicate and pretty, and your effort will surely be appreciated.

10. Perfume

Fragrances are a great gifting option for both men and women. They last long and are a constant reminder of the sweet gesture of Valentine’s Day celebration. If someone’s wearing the perfume you bought them, you’ll be on their mind at all times! Win-win!

Keep us posted on what you bought for your valentine!

Hand Stamped Phonetics Greeting Cards by Sew Bloom

Before I get into the crux of the matter that’s on my mind today, I have to say; I’m one of those people who loves meeting new people and getting an insight into their dreams and aspirations. I recently came in contact with a talented lady who wants to capitalize upon her art and crafting abilities with a very unique idea.

The catch however is that Hannah Bloom needs some funding. So she has posted her project on Kickstarter and hopes to get sufficient positive response to see her project through. If you don’t know what Kickstarter is all about, let me give you an idea. It’s a platform where people publish their project outline, requesting those interested in “rewards” (products/services) offered therein to pledge funds for the same. If the project is able to receive its target funding within a specific time period, all the pledges need be paid in exchange for the promised rewards. But if the target funding isn’t met, the project doesn’t go through – no pledges paid, no rewards received. So, essentially, with a Kickstarter project, it’s all or nothing; either you make sure you raise funds, or well, better luck finding funds elsewhere.

When I went through Hannah’s project on Kickstarter, I was instantly taken in by her idea and spirit. She is basically a crafts aficionado who makes various kinds of novelties under the brand-name “Sew Bloom”. Her current venture is a range of Hand-Stamped Phonetics Greeting Cards for which she need some support. I am really eager to bolster her efforts because I found her project to be very different, creative and fun.

So here is what Hannah’s trying to do; she wants to make eco-friendly greeting cards which are hand stamped with simple messages in their phonetic transcription. She got the idea while flipping through an old dictionary and got fascinated by phonetic transcriptions’ of simple words. Interestingly, her first experiment was an “I love You” card, which in my personal opinion, looks incredibly striking and chic. Though the current greeting cards are a limited range, she would like to expand it with custom-made messages if her project is successful. These cards would be great for gifting to a loved one – they can be framed, set up on mantles, hung on the wall – the possibilities are endless. Since they are handmade and stamped personally be her, each card is unique too. I personally extend my wholehearted support to Hannah for I love the idea behind it; beautifully engraved messages, in an off-beat phonetic expression. Sounds great, doesn’t it? Check out her work here at

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sewbloom/hand-stamped-phonetics-greeting-cards-by-sew-bloom

Just like me, you’ll love it too!

Exclusive Interview with Fashion Label : Myrah

One of my most recent run-ins with an up and coming Indian fashion house, called Myrah which itself means “clothing fit for queens”, really impressed me. It happened in the progress of my prep for attending the Pure London Show slated for mid-February.

Though they are now planning for their foray into the international market, it all began with one woman’s love for shopping and unique eye for fashion and style. Sreetama Ghosh the co-founder of Myrah does not have a formal background in the fashion design, and has actually done her graduation and post-graduation in English Literature! But her passion was scouting local markets from across the world to find distinctive clothes and accessories for herself, friends and family, and that passion is what the foundation of Myrah rests upon today.

Maybe I’m making it sound all too easy. Myrah has become what it is today through a combination of Sree’s fashion skills and her husband’s business acumen. Her partner in crime is Aritra Nandi, a business graduate who tried to forge his wife’s fashion interests with his business sense, coming up with a sustainable entrepreneurial model. So, he developed a plan and disclosed it to his wife, and the rest is history. In Sree’s own words, “Being married to a businessman really gives you a drive, a go-getter vibe. I always wanted to do this, transform my career to suit my passion in shopping for beautiful things. But would I have done it immediately? Not sure. Suddenly, with his support, and ideation, it became a tangible dream.”

And when dreams become a reality, isn’t it just the best and what fuels one to make it an even bigger success because you are doing what you love and enjoy the most? Think about is, ever since its inception just a mere 5 months ago, Myrah has already been invited to and participated in numerous national (Mumbai, Pune, Kochi, Ahmedabad and Jaipur) and international exhibitions like Pure London, Singapore International Shopping Festival. This Bangalore-based venture may soon be reigning in the fashion world in India and maybe even internationally.

Clearly, Myrah is striking a chord with its audience and thus getting such great response from them. And I can completely see why. Their moto is “Perfect Causal Elegance” which translates into some chic clothing for “when you go out for those long brunches, lunches, a day at the park, high tea, a drink at quaint brewery, a coffee date – looking elegant but never overdressed.”

This fashion philosophy simply has to be a hit. It targets the sensibility of the modern consumer who wants to look subtly glamorous in clothes that are comfy, fitted and exclusive. On being asked what Myrah’s USP is, Sree states that “when you shop with Myrah, you are not just picking up pretty clothes, sure that too, but it’s about feeling good about yourself. Feeling at ease with yourself, your body and your self-image. We do not believe in forcing you to wear off the rack, mass-produced clothes that every major brand in the world thinks is the “In Style”. What looks great on a Parisian model needn’t be the perfect dress for you. What an Indian movie actress wears in a random movie portrayal is not really YOU, is it?” No, it isn’t us, and yes, we completely get what this closet therapist means!

Another thing about Myrah which strikes me as very fascinating is that most of their collection is made using Indian fabrics to create western silhouettes. And get this, their Indian attires are truly one-of-a-kind in that no piece will ever be made or sold again. Now that is seriously wonderful. And so, when Sree says that “you need to look good every day, you need comfortable and well-fitted clothes – Myrah understands your needs and takes care of them”, I believe her and agree with her fashion sensibility.

And so, I cannot wait to see Myrah grow from strength to strength and make its name in the fashion world. If you are excited about their clothes too, check out their collection either at their store located in Bangalore (No. 279, 5th Main, 6th Cross Indiranagar, Bangalore-38) or online at www.myrah.co.in and www.facebook.com/myrahthestore.

I look forward to checking out their collection personally at Pure London Show, which is happening in London from Feb 14 – Feb 16, this month. I personally think their exclusive crafted designs is something not be missed at Pure London show this month.

5 Makeup Tips for a Flawless Finish Everyday

Women love their makeup and a good portion of us “getting ready” period, is spent putting on numerous products. But makeup enhances the looks, only when done well. So here are 5 makeup tips that will help you get your look right every time!

Match Products to Complexion

From base makeup to skin enhancers, lip-colours and eye-shadows, always go for shades that complement your skin tone. Nothing looks more shabby than wrong-toned foundation, unflattering cheek stains and jarring eyes or lips. Always test products at the sales counter before buying to make sure they are the right choice for your skin.

Always Accentuate One Feature

Whenever you’re doing your makeup, accentuate only one of your features, be it your eyes, lips or cheekbones. If you try and highlight all three features, you’ll probably end up looking like a heavily caked geisha. Drawing attention to just one feature tends to create a soothing look which is striking and glamorous nonetheless.

Be-Aware (beware) of the Weather

Always do your makeup in keeping with the weather conditions outside. If it is hot and humid, use lighter, gel/water-based products. If it is dry and wintery, use hydrating, cream-based ones. And keep blotting paper handy at all times. You don’t want any smudges or sheen to ruin your look, do you?

Use Q-Tips for Correction

What do you do when you make small errors while doing your makeup? Those little smudges? Those squiggly lines? Use Q-tips. Before starting your makeup, dip a Q-tip in makeup remover and keep on your dresser, ready to use whenever you falter. This way, you’ll clean up what’s botched without making a mess or having to re-do everything, all over.

Use Clean Surfaces Only

Any surface you use your makeup on/with need to be clean. So wash your face and hands thoroughly before donning on your products. If you work on unwashed skin, all oil and impurities and dirt will get trapped inside and later cause pimples and blackheads.

Use these makeup tips and you’ll notice the difference, everytime!

5 Fashion Tips For Looking Fabulous This Winter

Hot chocolate with marshmallows, glittery ornaments on trees and cheerful festive spirits are some of my favourite things about winter. I also appreciate the fact that I can break out my favourite leather jacket without burning up inside and that the cool weather suits my skin really well. Winter style is quite simple, but it can be really hard to stay at your fashionable best when you have to protect yourself from the cold as well. Here are my five favourite fashion tips for the season!

Mix In Some Quirky Print

Most people tend to reach for dark colours like navy, grey, black and maroon in the winter. This season, vow to try something different! Eclectic prints are one of the easiest ways to make a dreary winter day more fun and spice up your ensemble. You can still retain the sombre colour palette for the rest of your outfit, but incorporating a unique abstract print into your look will break the monotony and elevate your outfit.

Jump On The Cape Bandwagon

It goes without saying that a cosy winter coat is an essential for the season, but this year, switch things up by opting for a classy cape instead. Capes are the modern cousins of ordinary winter coats. These babies instantly bump up your outfit from “basic” to “bold” in the best way possible. Keep the rest of your outfit sleek and fitted, to balance out the boxy structure of this piece. I definitely recommend investing in one or two capes in neutral colours for the winter – camel and black are my go-to choices.

Keep Your Hat Game Strong

This year, I have fallen head over heels in love with headgear of all kind but my all-time favourite piece has been the good old fedora style hat. These are great for adding some pizzazz to an ordinary outfit or simply hiding the fact that you are having a bad hair day. There are so many different styles, colours and patterns available, so play around and explore the range until you find the fedora that works for you.

Leather Leggings Are Hot (Literally)

There is something downright fierce about a pair of fitted leather leggings – they are so versatile and can be styled with anything from an oversized woollen sweater to a leather biker jacket. The best part is that leather actually keeps you really warm, without adding any bulk to your frame, so you can still retain a fitted ensemble if you please. Pair these bad boys with your cape for a stunning outfit!

Fur Accents Are Winning

I love a good fur jacket (faux, obviously!) but lately, I find myself gravitating towards looks that are more understated. As you know, accessories can make or break your outfit, and this winter is all about accessories with subtle fur accents. Think about trimmings on hats, handbags, scarves, and earmuffs – the works! This is also a great way to make your first foray into the world of faux fur, if you find the idea intimidating like many first-timers do.

Here’s to a fashion-forward winter – have a good one!