Global Fashion Archives - Page 5 of 7

An Affair with Marks & Spencer, London

I’ve been an M&S fan for as long as I can remember. I simply love their high couture fashion and on-trend collections. I have shopped around in M&S stores in India a lot, and now in UK as well. My first visit to Marks & Spencer Marble Arch Store this week, had me in complete awe. I felt spoilt for choice when it came to selecting something from their On Trend Collection. I digress, but Marks & Spencer always has a very appealing stock which guarantees expert tailoring. You can rarely go wrong when it comes to their selection of styles!

One prominent trend visible in M&S’s current collection was geometry-inspired styles. That is not surprising for the red carpet has seen a lot of such cutting-edge geometrical prints in the recent past. Naturally, celebrity fashion has caused this particular trend to trickle down to the masses. Catwalk couture has made bold, elegant geometrical prints, teamed with contrast-panelled jackets/skirts, the effortlessly-chic-look of the season. Pairing computer calculated patterns with figure-hugging miniskirts has also been a hugely popular trend, both on & off the ramp. And that’s not all; of late, geometrical prints with bright, contrasting colours, worn with structured jackets, are being deemed the chicest attire. Since this trend has been garnering wonderful response from the fashion police, I thought I really must experiment with it too, and M&S was perhaps the best place to start!

So this is what I did; on my day trip to Historic Stratford upon Avon, known for being the birth place of Shakespeare, I styled their geometric print jacket with a bold cobalt blue top. It is a sophisticated outfit which is striking no doubt, yet very much on trend as well. I have styled this top with a slim black trouser and matching pair of platform shoes. I chose to wear platform shoes for they are easy to walk in; the perfect choice when I know I will be taking long strolls in beautiful parks. I accessorized with a silver statement necklace in geometric design to add glamour to the whole look.

The visit to Woolacombe Hotel for afternoon tea with friends was a nice, relaxing touch to the day. You can donn this (don this) effortlessly chic look for office too, or style it with accessories for it to work as an office-to-night look.

Outfit Details:

Geometric Print Black & White Wool Jacket by Marks & Spencer
Cobalt Blue Top with a Gold Zip at Back by Marks & Spencer
Cobalt Blue Platform Shoes by Marks & Spencer
Silver Necklace with Blue Stones by Marks & Spencer
Slim Black Trouser at staple one from my wardrobe

This post is sponsored by Marks & Spencer India.

Miss Santa Fancy Dress – OOTD – #ItsChristmas

We all like to have a bit of fun when it comes to parties and this one of my inspirations for the Christmas time festivites when we all get to dress up. I chose Miss Santa and if you’re wondering why – well, because I wouldn’t be able to a Father-Christmas-attire justice for obvious reasons. And also, Father Christmas shouldn’t be alone, so I’ll give him company ;-).

So as you can see, I am now fully ready to join Santa and all his elves in Winter Wonderland in a stylish Miss Santa Costume. The dress I am wearing is from TPFancydress.com, a website I love to shop on for fancy dress parties or competitions.

I have styled the dress with a deluxe Santa hat, and nude leggings and black heels to get a balanced look. My Miss Santa Outfit is ready – let the party begin!

Here is the link to the costume. Click Here to go to the website
And a little christmas present just for you! Use Code “SANTA15” to enjoy 15% off your shop on www.TPFancyDress.co.uk

StyleMeee Launch by FashionForRoyals

Hi All,

So excited to announce the Launch of StyleMeee Personal Styling Services for Women Around the Globe.

You can click the link below to read more.

StyleMee By FashionForRoyals, Founded By Archana Dhankar Launches Premium Styling Services For Women Around The Globe

About StyleMee

StyleMeee is a venture from FashionForRoyals founded by the well renowned stylist and Image consultant – Archana Dhankar to change the online styling & shopping experience of Women. This premium style residence offers unique and elite styling services to women all around the globe. Some of the services offered are personal shopping where the only effort one has to make is to try outfits StyleMeee would’ve handpicked to augment style that would suit the individual personality of the client. It has personal styling service to decode for the clients what goes into looking fabulous day after day with minimal effort and expert fashion advice tailored to the specific needs to never let you feel stuck in a style rut again. Following the session, StyleMeee will send over a presentation detailing recommendations to help execute the transformation effortlessly. StyleMeee also offers Virtual Styling service specially designed to cater to clients who can’t take time out for a face-to-face consultation. It will bring style services right in the comfort of their home conveniently timed to fit their busy schedule. This fashion villa also offers personal styling services for specific occasion be it wedding, red carpet, outing with friends, party etc. It has affordable luxury services for both private and corporate client. To avail any service, you can initiate with the free consultation over phone or email. Post which you can choose the service of your choice and celebrity stylist- Archana will personally curate specific style, clothing items and accessories that accentuate your body shape and size, and fit into your lifestyle and budget.

Led by a prominent fashion expert, StyleMeee is fulfilling the void of the personal stylist for every woman regardless of her cultural or professional background

Nail Polish Trends For Fall/Winter 2015

After seeing a plethora of nude nail polish shades gaining popularity during the spring and summer months, the fall and winter period brings a different kind of nail polish colour palette with it – one that is more intense, more mysterious and more sexy. I have snapped up every single one of these shades for my favourite time of the year, and I suggest that you do the same!

Wine Hues

A darker take on the classic bright red, deep wine shades are all the rage for the upcoming months and I strongly suggest that you jump on this bandwagon as soon as possible. This bold shade looks absolutely beautiful on edgy square nails and can instantly pull together a casual outfit. Plus, it goes really well with stacked gold rings, which are my favourite accessory right now!

Navy Blue

Have no doubt that black nail polish will never go out of style (as someone once said, “I’ll stop wearing black when they make a darker colour!”) but sometimes, you just need a little more glamour. In this case, a silky navy blue shade does the trick and brings a little more depth to the table than a good old black shade.

Forest Green

When it comes to dark nail colours, forest green is not a popular choice, but I can slowly see this gaining popularity as a fresh take on traditional dark shades. Look for a shade that makes you think of a gorgeous, mysterious and shimmering emerald – Racing Green by Butter London is one of my favourite options.

Deep Grey

Grey has become really popular this year, because it is fresh and contemporary whilst still retaining an element of bold mystery. I love the way that Jin Soon added some details to a plain grey nail with a thin navy blue strip at the Prabal Gurung Fall 2015 show, but if you cannot be bothered with accents, plain grey nails work really well too. I reckon that short to medium length nails are the way to go with grey.

5 Hairstyles for Wavy Hair

3 Must Try Makeup Trends For Autumn

I love everything that autumn has to offer – the crunch of fallen leaves beneath my feet, the zing of pumpkin spice lattes (clichéd, I know, but they are so good!) and the joy of layering my favourite fashionable pieces. What I love more than anything, however, is the makeup that comes with the turn of season – richer warmer and sexier. These are the three trends that you simply must try this autumn! I promise you will fall in love with them.

Berry Lips

Until you have experimented with berry hues on your puckers, you are not truly in the autumn spirit. I love that these tones are reminiscent of the dark lip colours of the 90’s, but with a burst of freshness that makes them modern and downright cool. Right now, I absolutely love the L’Absolu Rouge lipstick in Rose Couture by Lancôme – the lovely pink undertone creates the perfect berry shade that suits all skin tones!

Bronze Eyeshadow

Metallic shadows for eyes have been all the rage for a while now, but this fall has seen the comeback of warm bronze shades after a few seasons. Not only does this colour encompass all the richness and spirit of autumn; it also works wonders in brightening your eyes and the area around them. Wear the bronze on its own during the day or add some gold to the look for a glamorous night look. Either way, you simply must try this trend!

Flushed Cheeks

For the longest time, gorgeous pink cheeks had disappeared from the limelight, replaced by sleeker, contoured cheeks. I am very happy to announce that flushed cheeks are back for the fall and are brighter than every before! Use products with a high colour pay-off to create a bright and natural flush a la Gigi Hadid and Kylie Jenner. I am digging the Laura Mercier Crème Cheek Colour right now.

The best part about these makeup trends is that you can sport them in isolation and all together as well! What more does a girl need?

Three Fashion Books That Every Girl Should Read

Whether you are looking to pursue a career in the fashion industry, or are simply passionate about all things stylish, there are a host of brilliant books available to boost your inspiration and information. Over the years, I have read many fashion publications, some good and some bad; however, there are certain books that I keep returning to, time and time again.

Ladies, I present to you – the top three books that every fashionista must read.

That Extra Half An Inch

Victoria Beckham has always been one of my most admired style icons and when she published this masterpiece, I was simply over the moon! That Extra Half An Inch is a guidebook filled with practical advice that every girl can use, covering everything from how to find the best accessories to how to buy statement pieces for special occasions and so much more! I love that this advice is realistic and transcends time and trends – definitely one to have on your bookshelf in the years to come!

The Little Black Book Of Style

When it comes to looking elegant and sophisticated on every day of the year, Nina Garcia is the person to look up to. Not only is her fashion game on point; she is absolutely gorgeous, too! Again, this book is filled with practical advice that you can actually use and covers everything from how to avoid a fashion faux pas to how to combine texture and colour. I particularly love the bit about how to cultivate good taste – so important! The message of the book is very clear: fashion trends might fade but style is eternal and internal. Love, love, LOVE!

The World According To Karl

If there is one thing I love more than the iconic Chanel 2.55, it is Karl Lagerfeld’s quirky sense of humour. This book is peppered with statements made by the king of fashion and although they might initially strike you as very bold and outrageous, you will come to realize that they are ridiculously true. This book goes beyond fashion and subtly addresses issues like self-confidence and why you should be yourself. Major win!

5 Lingerie Myths Busted!

We cannot live with it and we cannot live without it. Yes, I am talking about lingerie. Though it is an essential, inner wear is single handedly responsible for a lot of confusion and controversy. Everyone has something to say about it although not everyone is right. Over the years, the sheer amount of incorrect information about lingerie that is floating around has surprised me and so, I decided to bust five ridiculously untrue lingerie myths for you!

1. Wear white under garments under white clothes. No, no, no! Throw this line of false advice out of the window because there is not an iota of truth to it. When you are sporting white clothes, wear underwear that is as close to your skin colour as possible, for a seamless and natural look.

2. High quality lingerie is expensive. Again, completely untrue. Whilst it would wishful to think that you can find high quality lingerie at dirt-cheap prices, trust me when I say that a good bra does not have to burn a hole in your wallet. If you look beyond the popular brand names, you can find some great mid-range brands that sell quality products at affordable prices.

3. Wearing a small bra will enhance your cleavage. No chance, ladies! In fact, wearing a wrongly sized brassiere will simply change the shape of your bust in a very unflattering way. Whether it is outerwear or inner wear, size and fit are everything.

4. A good bra will last you a lifetime. The perfect example of wishful thinking. While it would be a dream come true to have your favourite bra last forever, the truth is that most brassieres have a lifetime of nine months to one year. To get the most utility out of your bras, hand wash them gently and rotate them often.

5. Shape wear is uncomfortable and only for large women. Wrong! Contrary to popular belief, good quality shape wear in the right size can be really comfortable. In fact, you will not even know that you are wearing it. Shape wear is for everyone – it simply enhances your silhouette and gives you a confidence boost to be the superstar that you are. Give it a try, sometime!

The Dos and Don’ts Of Wearing High Waisted Jeans

To my mind, a pair of well-fitted high waisted jeans is an essential in every woman’s wardrobe. For a very long time, I resisted this trend because I was not sure how to style these beauties without erring on the dreaded path of “mom jeans” however once I tried them on for the first time, I wondered how I had ever done without. I am well aware that high waisted pants can be intimidating, which is why I have put together a list of dos and don’ts for styling them. I guarantee that once you give them a chance, you will love them as much as I do!

Do not buy the first pair of high waisted jeans you find.

When it comes to rocking high waisted jeans, fit is absolutely everything. That is why you should not pick up the first pair of pants you see, but try on a few to ensure that you get the best fit for your body. Experiment with every style on the spectrum from skinny pants to flared jeans until you find the one that works for you. Your jeans should never be too tight or too baggy, but should make for comfortable wearing.

Do wear them with crop tops.

High waisted jeans pair really, really well with crop tops because the two pieces balance each other out perfectly, making for a modest and sophisticated ensemble. Crop tops are definitely the showstoppers of the summer but you can take them into fall as well by wearing your favourite crop top with a pair of high waisted jeans and a cute sweater.

Do not go over-the-top with the rest of your look.

Because high waisted jeans are such a powerful fashion statement in their own right, it is always a good idea to keep the rest of your outfit as uncluttered as possible. Feel free to accessorize as you would, but avoid adding excessive embellishments that tend to be distracting and take away from your look.

Do show off your waist.

This style of jeans is a great way to accentuate your waist and make it look slimmer. To narrow down the middle section of your body, add a belt to your outfit. If you already have a thin waist, opt for a brightly coloured belt. If you want to slim your waist down further, sport a darker coloured belt instead. Ladies, please remember that your belt should always be threaded through the loops, not worn above them, for a seamless look.

Do not be afraid of colour.

Once you are comfortable sporting a higher waistline, break the barriers with coloured jeans and mix things up. When I am feeling uninspired, I always turn to my bright red high waisted jeans for some fashionable fun.

Do wear them to work.

Provided your dress code allows it, high waisted jeans look really smart and crisp in the office. I definitely prefer them to any other style of jeans when it comes to work wear. Pair a pair of black jeans with a tucked-in white shirt and throw on a blazer for an easy, put-together look. The trick is to always tuck your blouse or shirt in. Finish off your look with a pair of ballet flats or pumps and you are good to go!

5 Fashion Disasters to Avoid

All us divas may slip up every now and then – think about it, can anyone be perfectly turned out at all times? Probably not. Small errors that are an outcome of laziness, not enough time or lack of notice are fine. But big faux pas, which are based on an ignorance of basic fashion fundamentals, turn into disasters of epic proportions!

Since fashion trends change and yesterday’s “yay” can easily become tomorrow’s “nay”, here I restrict myself to all-time mistakes which pose a problem regardless of what’s in vogue or not. Avoid these fashion disasters like the plague ladies, for they’ll really bring down your street cred amongst other style divas.

Not Dressing for the Occasion

Everyone has a personal sense of style. Some divas have a minimalist approach, others like bright, flashy fashion; some have a boho streak, while others may prefer classic styles. Staying true to your own fashion sense is fine, but turning a blind eye to what an occasion demands is not. Mould your sensibilities to the need of the hour and dress appropriately always – that reflects a superior and refined fashion sense.

For example, those wearing extremely casual western clothing at a big fat Indian wedding are committing a style crime. They stand out like a pimple on the forehead – super annoying and hard to miss. So you don’t like ethnic wear; perhaps you could attempt at a compromise and wear an east-meets-west ensemble? At least try to make your clothes match the occasion!

Heels Too High to Handle

Yes, it is a fact that heels are the ultimate glam tool. Slip on a pair and your outfit looks far more chic than it did a moment ago. But wearing heels is a tricky business and the higher they are, the trickier it gets! If you are not comfortable wearing very high heels – maybe you have balance issues or are simply insecure you may fall – do not feel compelled to wear them. The sight of a beautiful dressed woman waddling about in sky-highs or teetering about gingerly, no matter how fashionable, is not pleasing.

Go in for more sensible, balance-offering heels like wedges or platforms, if you must. Don on the stilettos only if you can wear them confidently and gracefully.

All Over Animal Print

I am personally, all for the spots. And the stripes and skins and so on. But, too much animal print can create a look that will surely be labelled “OTT” by one and all. Even if you love animal prints, not every item of an outfit should reflect that. Add cheetah-print pants to a zebra print top and a snake-skin bag to match and that is one outfit that will universally displease.

Instead, let just one piece of your ensemble have animal print, be it your top, bottom or accessory. Pair it with matching neutral clothes and accessories. That’ll create a classy yet striking look.

Too Much, Too Matchy

Often, women make the mistake of putting a little too much effort into their appearance, a little too obviously. When you try to match every item of your ensemble or add too many accessories for any to be truly noticeable, it creates a look which is very heavy on the eyes; there is simply too much going on.

For instance, it was a popular trend to match the lipstick to one’s outfit exactly, but I’m sure we all agree that a purple-mauve outfit with matching lipstick is not something that looks good. A popping orange or red lip colour would be a better choice. The point is, do not try to match everything. Create more dynamic ensembles using a variety of colours, textures, patterns, etc.

Visible Panty Lines and Camel Toes

No one wants to see what the shape of your crotch or butt is like, at least not through your clothes. When we wear very fitted clothes of finer materials, there is always the risk of panty lines showing and the infamous camel-toe appearing – this can completely distract away from the beauty of an outfit and bring attention to bits of anatomy peeping through.

The solution to this is doing a 360 degree pirouette before the mirror with every outfit to ensure there are no visible panty lines. If there are, immediately put on a pair of no-show panties which contour themselves to the body shape. Also walk towards the mirror from a distance to see if a camel-toe is appearing. If it is, switch to a longer shirt or wear an accessory that covers the crotch area.

Keep away from these fashion disasters and you don’t need to worry about the fashion police.

Five Fashion Mistakes That Make You Look Heavier Than You Are

How many times do you stand in the mirror and ask yourself (or your man), “Does this make me look fat?”

The harsh truth is that there are certain types of styles and silhouettes that do make us look heavier than we are. In your rush to be as trendy as possible and sport the colour/pattern/garment of the season, do not forget to pay attention to the effect that your outfit has on slimming or bulking up your body. The five cardinal mistakes that follow are ones that you should avoid like the plague, ladies!

Full Skirts On Short Women

If you are vertically challenged, shy away from full skirt silhouettes that hit below your knees – think poodle and pleated skirts. The extra volume will make you look shorter and bulkier. If you want to wear an ample skirt, opt for one that falls two to three inches above your knee.

The Wrong Kind Of Skinny Jeans

Contrary to popular belief, not all skinny jeans will actually have a slimming effect on your body. In fact, a pair that is too tight will accentuate your heavy areas. If you are struggling to pull and button those jeans up, then you can be sure that they will make you look larger than you are. Straight leg jeans are a great alternative and they are bound to flatter every body type.

Those God-Awful Puff Coats

When the winter rolls around, puff coats will be everywhere. As the name suggests, these jackets are quite bulky and tend to fatten you up, making you look like a teddy bear rather than the style queen you are meant to be. Ladies, there are more fashionable ways to stay warm and cozy during the cold weather – cable knit sweaters and leather jackets are great alternatives!

Menswear That Was Stitched For Men

Now, I love androgynous style as much as the next girl, but be careful when choosing the pieces to put your outfit together. The trick to pulling off the menswear trend is to take the style and adapt it to suit your body type. Borrowing garments from your boyfriend who is a few sizes larger than you is never a good idea. Oversized garments look shabby and unshapely. Instead, choose menswear-inspired garments that are made for a woman’s body. Think fitted white shirts and tailored blazers, which are available in most high street stores.

¾ Pants

Stay far away from pants that end awkwardly between your knee and your ankle. Whether you are short or tall, this length cuts your body at a very strange angle, making your legs look stumpy and your midriff look wider than it actually is. If you want to sport the cropped trend, look for pants that end about one inch above your ankles.

How to Rock the Boho Chic Look

The boho chic look is the most comforting fashion choice for the wild and free-spirited souls. That’s because it is all about individuality, a self-determined sense of style and no concern of the fashion police.

While to some people, boho stylistics is simply second nature. If you are like me, however, you have often admired women in fun, quirky outfits from a distance and wished you could pull that ensemble off. Well, not to worry. Even if going bohemian isn’t your natural style, you could want to and should experiment with it, especially if the occasion demands so.

Here are some ways in which you can nail the boho look perfectly.

The Clothes:

If you are a classicist otherwise, when trying this look, you can go beyond your comfort zone. Beautiful prints and gingham fabrics in warm colours (which is the typical boho palette) shall look great. If your outfit is a two-piece ensemble, let one item be print galore with the other being one-tonal and plain.
Layering is a very important part of the boho regime, so whip out those scarves, stoles, summer jackets and skirt-legging-combos. However, do not go over-board here either. A couple of layers provide much dimension to the outfit while still being elegant.
Do not be under the misconception that boho means loose, ill-fitted clothing. The bohemian philosophy is one of comfort and thus there are few figure-hugging tight clothes worn with it. But that does not mean you consciously go for clothing that is oversized – simply find something comfy and fuss-free.
When attempting boho, feel free to go in for alternate clothing of the kind that would otherwise be tricky to pull off. Funky pyjamas, jodhpurs, asymmetrical tops and dresses, funny text-tees, and similar unconventional pieces will all complement this look.

The Footwear

Again, there are no rules here, other than that your footwear should be comfortable.
Flat sandals and chappals are often staples in boho outfits. Go in for those in interesting colors or ones that have unique detailing. Remember, bohemian does not mean shabby – wearing your bathroom slippers, though perhaps most acceptable with this look, is not a requisite.
Loafers and sneakers with quirky patterns will also look good.
If it is winter season, boots with leggings over, are also so boho chic, especially if the leggings are very colourful.

The Accessories

Nothing says boho like a bunch of accessories dazzling up an outfit in full measure. Actually, more than a bunch – this look can never have one too many.
Chunky, beady neckpieces of different length, in varied colours look wonderful.
Earrings with unusual motifs also look great. Many boho divas sport ethnic jewellery designs with western wear creating lovely visual contrasts.
Bangles and wrist look super-trendy with this look as well.
Other extras like hair accessories, bandanas, brooches, badges, caps, funky sunglasses and anything else you can think of can be easily fit into such an ensemble.
The only thing to avoid is wearing so many accessories that they come in the way of your movement and comfort.

Hair and Makeup

The hair with this look could be styled just about anyway.
As long as there is volume and texture, anything works – loose waves and curls, messy up-dos, hasty ponies, even braids. If you are going for something simpler like straight hair let down, adding dimension using hair accessories would be recommended.
With makeup, try and be slightly extremist – “all or nothing” is the perfect approach.
If you’re going all out, you could try popping lip colours or dramatic, colourful eye-makeup. Make sure the effect is striking yet classy; avoid highlighting both the eyes and lips in an over-the-top fashion – let one feature stand out.
If you prefer to go the barely-there way with makeup, slap on some tinted lip-balm and thin liner on the upper lash; you’re aiming for a more natural look, but you shouldn’t look washed out.

Follow these tips for a first-time boho outing and once you’re confident with all the experimentation, you can try out more bold outfits.

5 Shoes Every Girl Must Own

As shoemaker extraordinaire Christian Louboutin once said, “Shoes transform your body language. They lift you physically and emotionally.” Ladies, I could not agree more! A good pair of shoes never fails to make me feel like a superstar, but like most of us, I am often guilty of buying footwear that I don’t really need or end up wearing. Lately, I have come to the realisation that like jewellery, it is absolutely essential to garner the staples in your shoe collection before you begin to expand it. So, what are the shoes that every girl must own? The answer lies in the paragraphs that follow!

Classic Pumps

Pumps are the greatest pick-me-up of all time and you certainly cannot go wrong with a pair of these beauties in a classic shade like black, red or navy blue. Personally, I prefer patent pumps because they instantly ramp up the glamour factor in any outfit and tend to last much longer than their suede cousins. The best part about classic pumps is that they can be worn with anything under the sun and can easily take you from day to night.

Beautiful Ballet Flats

I love my high heels as much as the next girl, but I definitely cannot prance around in them all-day and everyday. For the days that my feet need to relax, you will find me donning a pair chic ballet flats that add the right amount of sophistication to any look. The fact that ballet flats are crazy comfortable is simply the cherry on the top. With so many styles and colours available, you cannot go wrong.

Riding Boots

I simply cannot imagine life without my trusty pair of riding boots. Perfection is a pair of distress jeans tucked into worn out riding boots and a cable knit sweater to boot – the perfect outfit for autumn. I have a pair of sleek black riding boots because they match perfectly with my everyday handbag and belt, but I have seen some beautiful boots in chestnut and tan, too. Riding boots are investment pieces that will last for years so do not be afraid to splurge on these babies.

Sandals

Summer is fast approaching and what better way to show off your cute pedicure than with a pair of open-toed sandals? This style of shoe is an absolute summer essential and I cannot live without a pair of classy flat sandals when I am travelling, either. Pick up a snazzy pair with embellishments for some extra oomph!

Casual Sneakers

For those days when you are feeling edgy and ultra badass, a pair of casual sneakers is definitely the way to go. These can be anything from Converse to Vans to wedge sneakers a la Isabel Marant but whatever you do, your shoe collection will not be complete without them! Casual sneakers are all about looking effortlessly cool. Lately, I have been wearing my sneakers with denim cut-off shorts and a basic white V-neck. Love, love, LOVE!

Summertime Accessories to keep you Cool and Chic

The summer season, as much as I love it, takes quite a toll on one’s skin and body. From unsightly tan lines to sweating and more, the heat can leave our glamorous selves in quite a state.

But there’s no need to worry; there are few things that can’t be fixed in the fashion world. Summer woes can be overcome with some intelligent accessorizing and though you’ll still feel the burn (not in the good calorie-shedding way), at least you’ll be looking your best!

In keeping with this spirit, these should be your go-to accessories this season:

Hats, Caps and Visors

Oooh! Now who doesn’t wish there was a suitable occasion to rock some fancy head-wear. Wellladies, this is the time and everywhere sunny is the place. As long as you are going to be outdoors, hats, caps and visors will be great accessories – shading your face from the sun and giving your outfit a bold, quirky edge. Pretty, dainty hats would be suitable for official or formal events while caps are best for casual outings. Visors would be great as part of sportswear, but if you are confident and experimental, they’ll would go with just about any outfit.

Clips and Headbands

Tame your lovely locks and prevent facial sweating by putting some clips and headbands to good use. Colourful clutchers, cutesy hair-bands and funky scrunchies will hold your hair in place and keep it away from your neck region. Bobby pins in vibrant shades, neon and patterns clips and pretty headbands will keep the tresses in front in check. So wear them hair accessories when you step out – remain cool and calm as the warm wind assaults you.

Sunglasses

Well, this is a little too obvious but needed to be included – just out of respect. Sunglasses are the single, most vital element of summer accessorizing and every dame worth her makeup has to have a couple of them. This season, retro shades have been trending high so cat-eyes and round shades are the way to go. However, if you’re a classicist and not-too-flashy, the wayfarers, aviators and bug-eyes are perfect for you.

Sports Watches

Ever wondered when you’ll be able to wear that expensive, rubber-strap watch you bought on impulse? Or have been wanting to buy for a while? Summer is time to whip such watches out and strut about in complete comfort. Sweat resistant and very trendy, sports watches will not chafe the skin or cause as much sweating as your regular leather watch does.

Anklets

Feel like it’s too hot to wear any jewellery? Or worse yet, have a tendency to develop rashes on wearing neckpieces and rings? Don’t be sad, anklets are your solution. Wear delicate ankle-bracelets on either both or one of your feet to make quite a style statement while also avoiding any discomfort. They look wonderful and feel fine – what more could you want, in this blazing summer season?

Totes

In terms of handbags, totes are summer’s best friend. Huge enough to fit in all the season’s essentials, these bulky, slouchy wonders are a life saver. From your sunscreen, water bottle, sunglasses, wet wipes and body mist to makeup, hairbrushes and more – it’ll all fit in without any fuss. So next time you go out in the heat, take out your trusty tote and carry your world around.

When it’s this hot outside, a diva’s got to have her tools ready. Stock up on these accessories and have a wonderful summer!

Image Credits

http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/advice/g1418/summer-sun-hat-styles/

Flowers In Her Hair

http://frenchbulldoglove.com/products/summer-shades-french-bulldog-tote-bag-cream
http://fashionzwomen.com/stylish-men-women-spring-summer-sunglasses-2015/
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/2013-Fashion-hot-selling-metal-men-s-and-women-s-watches-ladies-sports-watch-lovers-gifes/219972_955680166.html
http://www.firwelcrafts.co.uk/anklet-daisy-butterfly.html

Chic & Easy Hair Trends for Hot Summer Nights

Summer is the best possible time to stay out long and enjoy beautiful nights. Days are scorching hot, but the nights get us some relief. When preparing for a joyful night out with friends or significant other, you should know that your hair might get in your way and ruin your mood – especially if it sticks to your neck making you feel twice as hot. Luckily, there are cute and easy hairstyles which will make you look good and feel even better wearing them.
Stylish bob

Stylish, sexy, versatile, and classy – only bob hair can make you look like that. Long faces look fuller and wider with chin-length bobs, round faces look slimmer with slightly longer bob or an inverted bob, while angular faces should opt for the one parted on the side.

Choose the style you like best and wear it with pride – you will be attractive and gorgeous. Just make sure you wear it straight (or curly), you don’t want to look messy but classy.
Intricate braids

Crown of braids will make you look like a princess and take the hair off your back – literally. You only need simple braiding skills, some hairspray and bobby pins, and a bit of patience. Make two low pigtails and secure them with elastics, then pull up one and secure it an inch back from your hairline and repeat it on the other one as well. Spray it with hairspray to make sure you don’t get strands of hair in your eyes.

Gorgeous ponytails

If you don’t have the patience or the time to braid your hair and pin it up, you can always tie a ponytail and keep the hair up without too much effort. If you have bangs, you can always pin them to the side or make them look bigger with some hairspray. This will also add some style to this, usually unpolished look. You can also curl the ends of the ponytail and make it more classy.

Fierce pixie

Pixie cut is back and girls all over the world choose to wear it not just because it looks amazing, but because it is handy and practical at the same time. You don’t need a lot of time to get ready and wash your hair, and even less time to blow-dry it. You are ready for hot summer night in no time; just make sure your hair is on the spot and not flying all over the place. Use hair gels or finishing sprays – Theorie hair has amazing hair spray without mineral or paraffin oil for those who have keratin treated hair.

No matter if your hair is coloured, short, long, keratin-treated, curly, or straight; finding the perfect hairstyle is always a big deal. Hair trends change, but if you find a look you like in particular, there is nothing to stop you from wearing it for as long as you’d like.

5 Kinds of Belts You Must Own

“Belts distract the eye from a bloated tummy, a heavy-set upper body and all manner of sins. They can be a superb way to update your wardrobe without breaking the bank, and there’s no reason to stop wearing them, ever!”

Well, Twiggy said it all – belts are just so versatile, useful and affordable; a rare combination in the long list of fashion accessories. And there is a huge variety of belts out there, which can jazz up all outfits with much ease.

Having said that, obviously, you can’t have them all (sigh). So you should have at least have one each of all the staple styles that are chic and trending. Here’s a list of five belts every diva must own:

The Oversized Belt

These are statement making accessories that you can whip out to make any ensemble a red-carpet look. Not only are they much in vogue these days (Paris Fall Fashion Week 2015, hello!), oversized belts serve a great purpose – they cinch the waist, allowing you a more feminine silhouette. So play up those curves by teaming an oversized belt with dresses, gowns, kaftans even.

The Obi Belt

Spring Fashion charts for 2015 place Obi Belts in its top ranks. Kimono inspired cloth belts, Obis are made of satin, silk and similar soft materials. These look wonderful on an outfit with much layering, with their knotted appearance adding more dimension. And that’s not all, since they do not have holes and loops, you can tie them as tightly or loosely as you like! Lifesavers.

The Thin Belt

Ah, these slim beauties! Thin belts are subtle but incredibly chic. They add grace and softness to outfits by virtue of their delicate appearance. Great for wearing with skirts/trousers and tucked in shirts, thin belts are staples for the office-going fashionista. Casually worn, they can be paired with almost any outfit.

The Metallic Belt

High-street fashion alert! Metallic belts are uber-chic and extremely eye-catching. With an all-metal casing and shiny hue, these have the effect of drawing all attention to the waist. When wearing these, make sure you get the right size for tightly worn metallic belts tend to cause bulges. But if worn correctly, these are by far the most glamorous of all belts.

The Fancy Buckled Belt

Who doesn’t want a little over-the-top effect every once in a while? Especially on those days when you don’t want to put in too much effort, a belt with a fancy buckle can come to the rescue. Find one that is the right amount of blingy/strinking/jazzy for you and let it be your go-to accessory when you’re lazy. Be it a simple jeans-shirt combo or lovely cocktail dress, your overall look can be enhanced further with the big buckle!

Get a hold of each of these belt varieties – you will find yourself having many more ensembles in your closet that look amazing. And all thanks to a simple belt!

5 Ways to Wear T-Shirts in Style

Everyone owns T-shirts for sometimes we just want to keep things casual. But that doesn’t mean you can’t look fabulous – simple can be so chic, if only you fashion it right. So here are some ways in which you can wear your fuss-free T-shirts and still look like a star.

Carelessly Tucked In

Nothing screams awesomeness louder than a tucked-in tee which looks oh-so-uncaringly done. This carefully put-together look is a wonderful combination of boho sensibility and diva mentality. Leave part of your shirt hanging out, either at the center-front, front-side, side or back, while tucking the rest into your jeans/skirt/shorts. Accessorize minimally and get ready to wow everyone.

Knot on the Side

This is the perfect way to style your longer, looser t-shirts which just seem to hang on you otherwise. After putting the shirt on, gather it on either the left or right side of your waist, and knot it tightly. This will immediately fit the shirt to your frame and if you like, you can make the knot a little above the waist, so it looks somewhat like a crop top. Effortlessly runway ready!

Layered Look

Another great way to glamorise the boring tee is wearing it under a button-down shirt. Leave either few or all of the shirt buttons open, going for the layered effect. Play with colours and textures to add depth, though the best t-shirt pairings are with denim and sheer shirts.

Like a Belted Tunic

Oversized tees can be made even cuter and chicer with nothing more than a thin belt. Cinch the t-shirt with a belt at the waist and tease out fabric from some portions to hang over it. Let your lowers be form-hugging such as jeans or fitted skirts, so the overall look is balanced. Avoid accessorizing further for you’ll already be looking stunning!

DIY Off-Shoulder

This may require some cutting and snipping so only use shirts that aren’t too expensive. Cut away a diagonal section of your t-shirt’s neck region so that the should-top of one side is removed. Then wear the shirt with a contrasting bra beneath so the showing strap adds looks brilliant as well. Rock the DIY-fashionista look!

The Art of Wearing Perfume

“A woman who doesn’t wear perfume has no future.” – Coco Chanel

I am a self-confessed perfume fanatic who firmly believes in the power of a good scent. When I am feeling low, a whiff of my favourite perfume can instantly lift my spirits and turn my mood around. I also tend to associate certain scents with memories of places and people – for example, Love by Chloe reminds me of serene summer nights and Burberry Sport reminds me of my best friend.

While wearing perfume seems pretty easy, many women tend to get it wrong and either end up giving others a headache with an overpowering scent or having their perfume fade away after a couple of hours. Both outcomes are less than ideal. The tips that follow will help you master the art of wearing perfume the right way (and yes, it is an art!)

When it comes to finding the right scent for you, forget what the most popular perfumes of the season are and never buy a perfume just because it smells good on someone else! Fragrances are very personal and your choice will depend on your preferences as well as your body chemistry. Before purchasing a perfume, think about where you will be wearing it and how often. Although there is nothing wrong with traditional floral scents, feel free to think outside of the box and experiment with different scents and notes.

The biggest dilemma that most women face is where to spray their perfume. To my mind, there are three key places where you must spritz for a long lasting effect – behind your ears, the pulse points on your wrist and behind your knees. As a rule of thumb, you do not need more that two sprays per area but I reckon that one spray is enough, too. Contrary to popular belief, you should never rub your wrists together after applying perfume because the friction rubs away the top notes of the perfume. On special occasions, I also love to spritz some scent into my hair for some extra oomph. Everyone loves hair that smells great!

Another great way to wear perfume is to spray it in the air and then walk through the cloud of perfume; however, you should not try this method if you are wearing fabrics that are prone to discolouration or delicate jewellery.

For your perfumes to last longer, it is really important that you store them in the right manner. Avoid places with really high temperatures and store your perfume bottles in a cool, dry space instead. The best place to store perfumes is your fridge and the worst place is your bathroom (because of the moisture and heat from the lights).

Happy spritzing, girls!

Category: Global Fashion