FashionForRoyals

Drop waist Silhouette – The revival of the 20’s

The drop waist trend first appeared in the 1920’s, with the emergence of the flapper dresses that coincided with female liberation. In terms of fashion, they were a respite from the tight fitting corsets. The look was most prominent in Coco Chanel’s creation titled Garconne Look, which literally translates to “boy” in French.

Drop waist dresses are characterized by a line drawn around the hips instead of your natural waist, thus giving you a longer torso. This seemingly shapeless silhouette has made a comeback this season, with Indian as well as international designers taking a liking to it.

Preity Zinta was spotted wearing a black drop waist number at an event recently, and so was Rani Mukherjee, Prachi Desai and quite a few other Indian celebs. They were quite noticeable in the recently concluded Indian fashions weeks as well as those in New York and Paris.

The modern twist

While the frumpy look of this silhouette hasn’t been tampered with, designers have given it a chic modern look, with exaggerated belts and waist bands. Interesting patterns have been noticeable and so has been color blocking, both of which draw attention to the lower half of the body.

Different styles

While the 1920s were about drop waists with hemlines below the knee, there are several modern variations to the look. There are ruffled skirts for that free flowing look, A-line skirts for a more slender look and a pleated look as well. You can also play around with the length of your drop waist dress, going short or long with it. As far as the trend if concerned, it is definitely on the shorter side, with hemlines finishing much before the knees.

Wearing it right

While the drop waist is a hottest trend of the season, it is important to wear it right. Given the “shapeless” look of the trend, you can quickly go wrong with it. This look works perfectly for slender women who have narrow hips, as it adds volume to the lower half of the body. However, that does not mean that the more “hippy” ones cannot wear the drop waist.

If you are slightly heavy at the bottom, stay away from the ruffled bottom half. Instead, go for A line skirts since they give a slender appearance.
For those with long legs and a shorter torso, pairing the drop waist dress with flat boots or ones with moderate heels works well. For those with short legs and a long torso, drop waist should be paired with high heels to balance the long torso. The idea is to create a symmetrical look, since the silhouette creates the illusion of a longer torso.
For an evening out, go for something more glamorous in sequins and embellishments. For a casual day out, drop waists in solid colors and easy fabrics work well.

Neons are the new Black for Spring

Spring is the time when the weather is just starting to get warm while there is still pleasant breeze blowing for most times of the day. Going by international spring summer collections as well as those showcased by Indian designers, neons seem to be the order of the season.

Neon colors as a fashion trend for spring summer have been around for quite some time. And it looks like they are here to stay this season as well. Bright and vibrant, these are energetic colors that go well with the bright mood of spring and summers. There is more than one way to flaunt your neon colors collection.

You could go all out with a color on color scheme in bright neons such as bright oranges or yellows. But make sure the cut of the fabric is simple in this case, else you could deemed shouting from the rooftop. A small tip- try bright tangerine for that diva like look.

You could always pair your neons with neutral colors such as browns and blacks. In fact, a bright orange jacket thrown over a black dress can add that pop of color to your look. If you are not very comfortable sporting eye catching bright tops and skirts, you could add neon colors to your look.

A bright colored belt and bright colored heels work just as well to give you a vibrant look that’s in sync with the season. In fact, bright colored heels are all the craze in Hollywood right now.

Some celebrities worth emulating to get your bright neon look right include Katy Perry, Vanessa Hudgens, Kate Beckinsale and Kim Kardashian.

Chunky Bangles – Instant wardrobe pick me up for this season

Bipasha Basu was seen wearing them recently; as a trend, they were all over the recently concluded Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week 2012 as well as the Lakme Fashion Week 2012. Chunky bangles first burst onto the scene on international runways in 2007. Since then, the trend has just continued, with several Indian celebrities sporting them at various events.

They can add a pop of color

Bright colored heels, which are currently the hottest trend right now, add a definite pop of color to an otherwise understated ensemble. However, not many are comfortable wearing heels in purple, pink or even orange. Chunky bangles in different colors can compensate for that, as they add a definite zing to any outfit.

Wearing them right

There is no one way to wear your chunky bangles right. For an evening out with friends, pair your white tee and blue jeans in a single chunky bangle in bright color on one hand. Pairing it up with a similar colored bag completes the look.

For that little black dress that you have, you can always wear two or three chunky bangles in bright colors such as orange and purple to add a pop of color to your look. For more formal events, jewel encrusted chunky bangles in gold and silver are a better option than going for the solid color look.

Experiment while you stack them up

Don’t forget to experiment with your chunky wrist accessories while you stack them up. You could combine different shapes; or could throw in a chunky bracelet with your bangles to add a little bling to your outfit. However, remember, when pairing your chunky bangles with bracelets, the bracelets should be free to move on your wrist. Bracelets which handcuff you spoil the look.

There are different materials to be had too

Wooden bangles in different colors go well with a casual look; glass bangles work well for a casual as well as formal look; while those in encrusted jewels should ideally be restricted to formal events only. There is so much you can do with this ‘chunky’ accessory.

Bright Color Heels for Adding a Pop look to your dress

Bright color heels are the latest in trend as far as Hollywood is concerned. In fact, bright colored heels can be perfect to add that pop of color to an otherwise subtle ensemble. Here is what they can be teamed up with:

LBD

That little black dress is the perfect reason to add a bright pair of red wedged heels or something more bold in lime green or pink to your collection. However, as a thumb rule, stay away from yellow if you are going to wear them with black. In all likelihood, you will end up looking like a Bumblebee than a fashionista.

The vibrant look

If keeping it simple isn’t your style, you could even go all out with colors, aka, Bella. A bright pink dress with matching colored heels work equally well to add that pop to your look. However, while going for this look, try and stay away from bright or patterned socks. While socks with bright colored heels are very much the trend, too much of anything can spoil the party.

There are graffiti heels too

For an outrageous (and cool) style statement, there are graffiti heels to be had too in all sorts of colors. If you are going for the graffiti look, try to keep at the top. Neutral colors such as black, beige etc. work the best.

The princess look

A flowing, feminine dress, combined with similar toned heels can make you look vibrant, youthful, elegant and bold, all at the same time.

If you are feeling apprehensive about the whole thing, here are 3 reasons why trying bright colored heels isn’t such a risky proposition after all:

They are easier to carry than bright colored clothes. Bright colored heels are an easier option to add those bright hues you have always loved, while still keeping it subtle.
You can change them in a jiffy. You may get stuck at a party with a bright orange top that’s making you look like a fool. But a bright pair of heels that isn’t suiting the occasion is relatively easier to change.
Of course, they are an easier way to add a new dimension to your look. Even a basic pair of white tee and denims can get a vibrant meaning with a bright pair of heels.

Hand Block Printing – A Timeless Craft Revisited

Block printing is an ancient printing technique used on cloth and textiles to make beautiful patterns. The origins of hand block printing are believed to lie in China, where the technique was first used around the 3^rd century. However, with time, as travelers from China travelled to India and other parts of Asia, the technique was picked up artisans in these parts as well.

According to written records, the technique has been practiced in India since the 12^th century. Hand block printing is a technique where blocks of wood are used for making intricate patterns on cloth. Patterns are etched onto wood with the help of needle. These wooden blocks are then dipped in a dye and pressed onto the cloth to imprint the pattern on them.

Traditionally, the dyes used for this purpose were natural vegetable dyes. However, with the advent of synthetic dyes, the use of natural dyes has been limited to very few regions in India. Like every other traditional art form, hand block printing too was on the verge of extinction not long ago.

However, with efforts from various organizations and larger exposure of this art form to the outside world, this technique of cloth printing is slowly seeing a revival of sorts. One of the regions in India which is pioneering the revival of hand block printing is Rajasthan.

There are various regions in Rajasthan where this traditional technique is alive and well. Each of these regions have a different flavor of their own, although they use basically the same hand block printing technique.

Some notable regions in Rajasthan which are well known for producing some really fine pieces of hand block printed sarees and other garments are Sanganeri, Bagru and Dabu. In fact, it is in Bagru, Rajasthan that artisans still use natural vegetable dyes in their printing technique.

Apart from that vital difference, there is another difference which you are likely to find between the three regions- while Bagru artisans use neutral tones such as brown, beige etc. for hand block printing, those in Sanganeri use much brighter colors as their base.

As for Dabu, the artisans here use a slightly different technique than the other two regions. Here, a design is sketched on a cloth which is used as a background. Clay and saw dust is sprinkled on the design which then dries and sticks to the cloth. Thereafter, the entire cloth is dipped in different colored dyes. The part where the clay was sprinkled does not get dyes while the rest of the fabric does. To finish the process, the cloth is washed to get rid of the clay and saw dust.

Trends today

With this traditional technique seeing a revival today, Indian designers are already experimenting with it to create interesting patterns and designs. A whole range of block printed sarees were on display as the recently concluded Lakme Fashion Week 2012. In fact, it was not just sarees on display. There were hand block printed skirts and tops as well, with an interesting mix of fabrics.

Try a hand block printed skirt with vibrant patterns for a bohemian look. For something more subdued, try a pleated skirt in off-white with hand block prints in a similar tone.

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White fairy tale color trend for Spring Summer 2012

While pastels and bright colored neon cloths and accessories are definitely a trend for spring summer 2012, another trend that has emerged from fashion weeks in India as well as elsewhere is white. In fact, the all white fairy tale look is one of the hottest trends to emerge this season.

Giving weight to that statement are this year’s Oscars, where a slew of celebrities turned up in all white, fairy tale ensembles. Some of the most notable ones were Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Lopez and Octavia Spencer.

Lace is in too

Kate Middleton wore a lacy number on her wedding in a traditional white wedding dress. Lace is definitely in this season and not just for wedding dresses. While you go for a lacy white number, make sure you do not overdo it. Slight trimmings make you look elegant and fairy like.

Go for light weight or sheer fabrics

While an all white ensemble can make you look angel like, if it is too heavy, you can end up looking like a marshmallow. Light weight fabrics are what you want to go for with this look. And if you really can carry it off, sheer fabrics in white are the ultimate in elegance and grace.

There is more to it than an evening gown

An evening gown in all white is definitely what fashion fairy tales are made of. But that’s not the only look you have to choose from. A little white dress with elegant cuts works just as well.

Avoid it if you are on the heavier side

Black is the favorite friend of many around the world who want to hide their bulges and extra fat; and white is their worst enemy. White has the exact opposite effect of what black has. It can reveal things that you wouldn’t like to be revealed. If you are on the heavy side of things, avoid going for an all-white look.

Avoid red lipsticks and other bright shades

If the fairy tale look is what you are targeting, stay away from bright shades of lipsticks such as reds and purples. Instead, keep it subtle with nude shades. And nude is what you should go for in underwear too. For reasons self explanatory of course.

You can always add a pop of color

It is spring and it is the season of colors. While bright colors of lipstick are always a complete no-no with an all white ensemble, there are other ways to add a dash of color. For example, a bright orange hat works well for a day out with friends. Accessorize your fairy tale look with something vibrant to add a new dimension. But make sure you keep it to a bare minimum.

Sabyasachi Mukherjee & Band Baaja Bride

The master designer in fashion turns to Indian Television Audience!

Sabyasachi Mukherjee, after serving the world of fashion for almost a decade now turns into a TV mentor. “Band Baaja Bride with Sabyasachi” has proved to be a hit in the market for quite some time now. Aired every Friday on your favorite channel NDTV Good Times, “Band Baaja Bride with Sabyasachi” is a cream over a hot tea for the viewers.

A first of its kind, the show is dedicated to making every bride’s dream come true as she gets a spectacular makeover, finest designer clothes and exquisite accessories along with tips from the who’s who of the fashion and glamour world.

With his innovative techniques and thoughts, in this show he does makeovers for young girls. Changing them to bridal divas is truly an exciting theme

Keeping in mind the nuptial season and its fashion needs, nothing could be better than a show that is entirely dedicated to the beautiful Indian bridal wears.

Lakme Fashion Week 2012- Day 5

Day 5 of Lakme Fashion Week 2012 was a mix of everything, from Prague inspired collections to an Indo-Western blend, the swinging 20s, chunky accessories and a whole lot more. While the finale was reserved for Rohit Bal, as is the case most of the times, there were plenty of other highlights of the day as well.

The swinging 20s by Sougat Paul

Sougat Paul drew inspiration from kites and the funky 1920s for his collection titled “Flyaway Kites.” Generous use of vibrant hues and the right amount of pastels was seen in his collection, as was garments with dropped waistlines. Flapper dresses were the highlight of his collection.

Chunky accessories are in

Going by Malini Agarwalla’s collection, chunky accessories seem to be the trend this season. There was plenty of bead work to be seen in her handbags apart from large pendants with hand painted masks.

The gypsy look by Payal Kapoor

Payal Kapoor showcased a collection titled “The Wanderer” which was inspired from the architecture of the Mughal era and that in South Asian countries. Her collection had gowns and dresses with geometrical designs, sequin work and a mix of chiffon and georgette. Ruffled saris were the highlight of her collection.

Of braided buns and harem pants

Archana Kochar’s collection “Kathputli Kathak”, was inspired from just that- the puppet shows. Her collection included harem pants, pleated dhotis , kurtis and kameez apart from an interesting combination of lehengas with jackets. The color palette consisted of bright hues of orange, blue, lime et al. The braided buns sported by models in her collections were another highlight of her show.

Feminine is a trend too

Apart from certain bold style statements, there were feminine silhouettes to be seen too on day 4 of Lakme Fashion Week 2012. Jatin Varma used it in his elegant and formal collection of gowns and dresses which had sequin and cutwork.

Arpan Vohra’s collection too had body hugging garments, with corsets that accentuated the waistlines and highlighted backs with sexy halters and strands in place.

The finale by Rohit Bal

Rohit Bal is known for doing lavish finales to fashion weeks. The finale of Lakme Fashion Week 2012 was no different. With an opulent setting in the lawns of Grand Hyatt, Mumbai, Bal’s collection was inspired from the modern Indian woman. His collection consisted of opulent embroidery in crystal and zari on most pieces, apart from bold jackets and bandhgalas for men.

Lakme Fashion Week 2012- Day 4

Like the other days of Lakme Fashion Week 2012, day 4 too saw quite a sizeable turnout of Bollywood celebs, which included A-listers such as Kajol apart from other known faces. Showcasing on day 4 of Lakme Fashion Week were designers such as Payal Singhal, Siddartha Tytler and Swapnil Shinde apart from young names such as Nupur Kanoi and Ruchika Sachdeva.

Trend which was seen across collections

Much like the other three of the event, day of LFW 2012 too saw a combination of neutral shades such as whites and grays with vibrant hues such as yellows, greens and oranges. Tranquil blue, inspired from ocean life, was also seen across collections, that by Nupur Kanoi being the best of all.

The unusual factor by Ruchika Sachdeva

Ruchika Sachdeva was one of the four young designers showcasing her collection at Day 4 of the event. While she drew inspiration from marine life, her collection consisted of a mix jackets, dresses, tops as well as jumpsuits. What caught our eye were the drop crotch pants which were definitely unusual as well as chic.

There as bridal collection too

One of the highlights of day 4 of Lakme Fashion Week 2012 was Payal Singhal’s show. Payal showcased bridal wear, which was a blend of resort style clothing and Indian bridal wear. There were lehengas, saris as well as salwar-suits on display. And they were designed in a whole color palette, ranging from green to purple, navy blue, pink et al.

Patchwork ruled too

On day 4 of the event, patchwork and appliqué was also seen in generous doses. Young designer duo of Shashank and Prajwal used it in their collection, which had an interesting 3D feel to it. Patchwork and cutwork was used against the backdrop of white and black, which combined with angled silhouettes, created an interesting style statement.

Patchwork was used by Siddhartha Tytler too, who did the finale on day 4. Siddhartha’s collection was about his signature style, use of colors and appliqué. The highlight of his collection was the printed lace which was noticed by all.

Eclectic and individualism by Rimi Nayak

While there were far too many good collections to name any one stand out of the day, it was Rimi Nayak’s collections which drew the most stares. Her collection was inspired from insects. The clothes had insect motifs and digital prints on bugs which almost brought them to life. There was interesting use of silhouettes too, with a mix of layering and structure.

What else was there?

Apart from all that, there was the Karmic Show on day 4 of Lakme Fashion Week 2012. The show had celebrity designers such as Rina Dhaka, Falguni and Shane Peacock, Ranna Gill, Neeta Lulla and several others walk the ramp in their own collections.

The show was a part of the effort by designers to make designer clothing accessible and affordable for a large population.

Lakme Fashion Week 2012- Day 3

Day 3 of Lakme Fashion Week 2012 was about subtlety and paying homage to Indian textiles. The day opened with collections from Purvi Doshi and Vaishali Shadungle. And the collections of the two were in complete contrast to each other. While the former’s collection was more about whites and greys, the latter’s collection was more about bold greens, golden and other bright shades.

Stealing the show

While most collections throughout the day were interesting, it was Anita Dongre’s collection which stole the show. Her collection titled Waves was about laidback comfort and a very resort feel. Using Indian fabrics such as Benarasi silk, brocade, hand painted silks etc., her collection comprised of comfortable silhouettes and bright colors like yellow, oranges and pinks teamed up with shades of pastel.

Her collection had a retro feel to it, with flowing silhouettes, cinched waistlines and bustier style blouses.

Flared pants were there too

Like the first two days, flared trousers were seen on the third day too of Lakme Fashion Week 2012. While most collections had certain pieces in flared silhouettes, it was Debarun Mukherjee’s collection which showcased the silhouette the best. The designer created flared trousers for men as well as women, along with short tops, churi pants and draw string trousers.

The designer’s collection was predominantly white with subtle hints of gold, green and other colors. His showstopper Shahana Goswami stole the show in a beautiful white sari with a golden border.

Silk was the most used

While different designers on the third day of the event used different Indian fabrics, it was silk which ruled most of the day. Farah and Fridos’ collection used Bhagalpur silk in white, red, brown and other colors. Their collection used silk as a base for creating textures and weaves.

On the other hand, Sashikant Naidu made use of ahimsa silk along with khadi and ikkat to create a very folksy collection. Other than that, Matka silk and Benarsi silk was seen too in some collections.

Paromita’s street magic

While other designers’ collections were about laidback luxury, Paromita Bannerjee’s collection was high on wearability and street fashion. She worked with a combination of Indian muslin, khadi, ikkat and other fabrics to create a bohemian collection with a blend of indo-western culture.

Colors to look forward to this season

Going by the third day of Lakme Fashion Week 2012, the color trend for the coming season is likely to be at two opposite ends of the spectrum- subtle in whites or grays on one side and bold in oranges, yellows and greens on the other.

Spring 2012 Fashion Trend: Colored Jeans are the “IT Jean” of the season

It was sometime last year that the first lady of the US, Michelle Obama, was seen flaunting a pair of colored jeans. But it wasn’t to be a one-off event in the world of fashion. It was quickly followed by Hollywood A-listers such as Cameron Diaz, Victoria Beckham, Rihanna, Kim Kardashian and the likes, flaunting jeans in bright reds, baby pinks, bright yellows et al.

If you are a fashionista yourself, colored jeans are the way to go this spring season. Spring is the season of flowers and brightness all around, and a pair of jeans in bright color is the perfect way to complement the season.

While the combination of basic blue denims with a white top is still classic, colored jeans can bring out your playful and fun side.

Wear them right

Jeans are available in almost every color wash. And while the skinny look is in in-thing right now, but you can always try more relaxed looks with colored Khakhis. If you are not convinced about the whole colored jeans trend, you can always start off on a safe page and go for muted pastels.

Colors like browns and olives work well for the conservative dresser. Team up a pair of pastel colored jeans with a bright top and you are good to go for a day out with friends. If you don’t mind experimenting and would love to flaunt your vibrant, playful side, go for a pair of jeans in bright red, sexy orange, deep purple or even in washed pink- something carried off really well by Cameron Diaz.

For the top, you could either go for color blocking or keep it a little toned down with neutral colors for the top. In other words, bright red jeans would work well with a bright blue top as well as one in white or black.

However, make sure you pick the right cut of the top, one which complements your jeans right. If you are wearing a skinny pair, go for something less form fitting on the top and vice versa. As for the accessories, a touch of animal print in shoes and bags works well with this look.

Personal favorite is a pair of neon orange colored jeans teamed with a white cotton top and brown wedges, giving you lots of oomph and grace.

Lakme Fashion Week 2012- Day 2

While Day 1 of the event saw seven promising designers showcase their collection at the Gen Next show, Day 2 of Lakme Fashion Week 2012 was more about experienced designers. Here is a sneak peak about the highlights and trends that emerged from Day 2 of the event.

Washed denims

Washed denims clearly emerged as the trend of the day with Nitin Bal Chauhan catching everyone’s attention. His collection titled “Disney Couture” had plenty of washed denims for men as well as women.

Bhibhu Mohapatra had it all

Bhibhu Mohapatra, a designer of international repute, had it all in his collection on Day 2 of Lakme Fashion Week 2012. His collection had a total of 36 garments, ranging from gowns to skirts, dhoti pants and dresses. What stood out in his collection though were polished dhoti-pants with their wide legged silhouette.

There was layering too

Considering that it was the Autumn/Winter show, layered garments showcased by Payal Khandwala seemed to interest everybody. Her collection comprised of free flowing garments and breathable fabrics such as linen and khadi which added an interesting element to the skirts and the dresses.

The bohemian chic

Pia Pauro showcased a boho inspired collection which was full of vibrant hues, mischievous silhouettes and bold prints. Officially inspired from Ibn Batuta, one of the great travelers of the world, her collection was about energy as well as a sense of laidback luxury.

Mix of vintage and modern

Komal Sood, who opened Day 2 of Lakme fashion Week, had a blend of the vintage and the modern in her collection. Her collection largely depicted a youthful grandeur combined with interesting cuts and “assorted” embroidery.

Wide legged pyjamas are definitely the trend

On Day 2 of the event, wide legged pants definitely emerged as a trend seen across collections. While Bibhu Mohapatra did it with his wide legged, comfy dhoti pants, Suhani Pittie did it too in her largely black and white collection.

Earthy tones were the order of the day

Given a few exceptions, most designers stuck to earthy tones in their collection on Day 2 of Lakme Fashion Week 2012. Shades of pastel were seen across collections.

Lakme Fashion Week 2012- Day 1

The recently concluded Lakme Fashion Week’s high energy opening day was directly in contrast to its Delhi counterpart- the Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week which was also recently held. There were plenty of Bollywood stars to grace the event, including some A-listers such as Sonakshi Sinha. And there was quite a lot of fashion to look forward to on the opening day of Lakme Fashion Week 2012.

Let’s take a quick look at the highlights of the day.

Drashta Sarvaiya not so stuck to the theme

Unlike the rest of the designers on day 1 of the event, Drahsta Sarvaiya presented an autumn winter collection. An element seen across most his collection was the use of jeweled collars and the element of gold on the waistline, apart from metallic embroideries. Also seen in his collection was the use of different fabrics- chiffon, satin and even crepe being just a few of those. Drashta played with a lot of colors, from the vibrant purple to the subdued mustard and rose.

In terms of silhouette, the collection largely consisted of coats and jackets with long sleeves.

The hair trend

Almost all the designers on day 1 of Lakme Fashion Week 2012 had their models walk in “huge” hairstyles. Right from James Ferreira to Drashta, Kaushali Kumar etc. were seen following that trend when it came to hair.

Plunging necklines

Another trend that emerged on Day 1 of the event was deep necklines with plenty of cleavage on show. Most of the designers had a few pieces in their collection with plunging necklines, but two designers that stood out for it were Rajat Tangri and Sailex. And the trend was not just seen on the ramp but off it too.

Color blocked jackets

A style that really caught everyone’s eye on Day 1 of Lakme Fashion Week 2012 was the color blocked jackets showcased by Shrivan and Narresh. The jackets had a comfort fit to them and were meant more for flaunting the chic quotient rather than provide warmth in winters.

The Bollywood actor

Being the Mumbai Fashion Week, how could Bollywood be far behind? While Prateik Babbar walked for Masaba, Arbaaz Khan and Malaika were seen as showstoppers for Vikram Phadnis. In fact, Arbaaz Khan took it a step further by appearing in his Dabangg 2 look, with that heavy moustache. Farhan Akhtar was seen at the event flaunting his beefed up look for “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.”
A style that caught my eye
The funky cow print by Masaba.

Potli Bags- Beauty and Ethnic Charm in One

When it comes to bags, the Fendis and the Louis Vuittons definitely exude a lot of oomph. But there is a desi trend in bags that’s fast rising in popularity and it’s the potli bags. Recently, Rekha, the Bollywood actress, was seen flaunting one with her Kanjivaram saree. The style diva that she is, the trend is sure to be picked by other Bollywood A-listers as well. And if sales numbers of online shopping portals are to be believed, potli bags are in high in demand in the Western world as well.

Given the elegance and beauty of these bags, their rising popularity does not come as a surprise. They are characterized by drawstrings at the mouth, and beautiful mirror work, sequin work and appliqué work that’s done on them. Potli bags are available in a range of colors, from the greens to the oranges, the yellows and everything else.

What makes them a really great accessory to have in your wardrobe is their versatility. A potli bag could go well with your suits and sarees, and it can compliment your western outfits as well. Of course, carrying one of these with an evening gown is surely a no-no, but generally speaking, they gel with almost anything.

And it is not just the design bit which makes them popular. They are highly functional as well. On the outside, they are small and compact, which makes them easy to carry. On the inside, they have plenty of space, given their shape and structure. Now, we all know we women love to carry our make-up kits, our lipsticks and a whole lot of other stuff with us. Potli bags are very convenient for that purpose.

However, if you are looking to flaunt these at the next wedding function or your next college bash, here is one piece of advice- if you have a potli bag which heavy mirror work or sequins work, avoid teaming it up with an equally heavy saree. Too much bling can be jarring for the eyes and can spoil the appeal of these charming little accessories.

Other than that, you could try color blocking or contrasting, whichever way you feel comfortable. Flaunting a green polti bag with an orange sari is perfectly fine, and so is flaunting an orange one with black jeans and white top. Either way, it works well.

Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week 2012 Review – Part 2

Day 3 – Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week

Day 3 of the Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week saw 13 designers showcasing their collections. While the previous two days were largely about ramp shows, day 3 saw activity around the stalls as well. In terms of clothes, day 3 saw a few stick to the theme of autumn/winter while a few others swayed a tad bit from the theme.

Manish Malhotra’s show garnered the maximum attention with a host of celebrities flying down to cheer the ace designer. Seen in the front row at Manish’s show were politician Shashi Tharoor, actresses Urmila Matondkar, Kangana Ranaut and Mahima Chowdhary and a few others. Manish’s collection comprised of his trademark use of bright colors, teamed with darker hues. What was interesting to see was the use of Anarkali dresses with pants instead of churidaars. Although the show did not have a wow factor to it, most of the collection was pretty decent.

Trends of the day:The day was largely about bright hues and colors. But what really caught the eye was the show by the duo of Pankaj and Nidhi. Their collection as inspired from the Polish art of paper cutting and comprised of interesting patterns and silhouettes.

Star of the day: Although Manish’s show attracted the maximum attention, it was Pankaj and Nidhi’s show which was the standout performance of the day. Their use of cross stitch leather coupled with a varied range of fabrics viz. wool, silk satin, georgette etc., and the use of deep colors created a very wearable collection.

What else caught attention: Apart from clothes, Day 3 of Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week 2012 was also about a social cause. Twelve designers got together to create collection around the theme of “human trafficking.” The show saw Subi Samuel showcase his photographs titled “Alice in Wonderland.” The photos were a series of pictures taken by Samuel of a little girl Alice who was rescued by You Can Free Us NGO, an organization supporting the cause.

Day 4: Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week

Day 4 of the fashion week was largely a day of experiments. While Rahul Mishra experimented with two different families of yarn in his “Similar Opposites” collection, Charu Parashar experimented with silk dresses, leggings and floral appliqué. And although the day saw quite a few experimental collections from designers, it was nevertheless high on wearability.

The day also saw star power with actor R. Madhavan and actress Bipasha Basu walking the ramp for designer Rocky S.

Star of the day: Star of the day was undoubtedly Rahul Mishra with his “Similar Opposites” collection. Hand woven fabrics were used with other kinds of fabric to make for an interesting collection. The highlight of the collection was jackets where handloom wool was used. The jackets had a young feel to them and had an interesting combination of the modern and the traditional.

Color trends: The day largely saw use of black and gold with some bright hues such as pinks and greens thrown here and there.

Day 5: Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week

While the opening day belonged to Rohit Bal, the ultimate day of the event belonged to Meera Ali. Although she didn’t do the finale, her collection titled “Sense of a Woman” was high on fashion and wearability. The finale of the show was done by JJ Valaya, Kangana Ranaut being the showstopper for the finale. The designer did an Ottoman collection with his signature couture collection. A standout trend of his collection was the calligraphy done on his signature jackets and kaftans, mimicking the royal times. What also caught the eye at JJ Valaya’s show was denim bandhgalas teamed up with printed shirts.

Trends of the day: The trend of the day was definitely the subdued and feminine collection of Meera Ali. Her collection largely consisted of subdued colors in blacks, greys and browns. She played with asymmetrical cuts in dresses as well as skirts and experimented with different fabrics as well. There was suede, wool, chiffon, crepe as well as velvet to be seen in her creations. She did away with the usual bling, presenting a muted collection high on fashion and wearability.

Star of the day: Definitely Meera Ali. The finale done by JJ Valaya was good too, looks like the event picked up more and more pace everyday. In fact, the finale was an end diametrically opposite to the start of the event in every sense.

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Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week 2012 Review – Part 1

The 19^th season of the Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week ended last week with the finale done by JJ Valaya. Although the ending was spectacular, this edition of the Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week was a mixed bag in more ways than one. To start with, the week was pre-poned by a month in order to match international fashion events of London and New York.

The pre-ponment of the event was one of the plausible reasons for low turnout of international buyers this year. Designers were seen cribbing about the rescheduling of the event, which definitely hit their business. In fashion terms too, the event was a mixed bag.

Day 1 – Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week

Day 1 of Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week 2012 kicked off with Shantanu and Nikhil’s creations. The duo was fashionably late by half an hour to get things underway. They showcased their collections of some modern evening gowns inspired from the Indian sari, some wearable cocktail dresses, and some short dresses as well. But what was most surprising to see was the use of chiffon and sheer fabrics for most of their creations.

In fact, sheer clothing was the norm of the day on the first day of the event. Given that it was supposed to be an autumn/winter collection, the use of transparent clothing really came as a surprise.

Trends of the day: Apart from the use of translucent clothing, another trend that was noticeable on day 1 of Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week 2012 was short skirts and figure hugging dresses.In terms of colors, Deep reds, purples, greens and golden ruled the day.

Star of the day: The star of the day was definitely Rohit Bal, for his presentation style. He showcased his collection offsite, on installations rather than models, which made for pretty interesting viewing. Of course, the trademark collections in white were there to grace the occasion.

Day 2 – Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week

Day 2 of Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week 2012 saw a majority of designers put up a strong show. While Day 1 was about sheer fabrics, Day 2 was largely about a mix of Indian and Western silhouettes.

In fact, Nachiket Barve was one of the standout performers of the day, with his funky saris and some cool accessories. Contrary to most other designers, Barve played with the cut and length of the fabric than the colors. And while others played largely with figure accentuating clothes, Barve kept the attention away from the hips and shoulders, but still managed to give his collection an international feel.

Trends of the day: There was no one particular trend that stood out on Day 2 of the Fashion Week. While on one hand it was about fusion clothing, with designer Vaishali S doing the best of the lot, on the other hand, it was the subdued collection of Barve that did the talking. However, compared to Day 1, Day 2 saw much tighter waistlines, which of course looked better than the “comfort fit” showcased a day earlier.

Star of the day: There were quite a few stars on Day 2 of Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week 2012. Tarun Tahiliani managed to stand upto his reputation by doing an offsite show in a posh restaurant near Qutub Minar. He showcased a diverse collection comprising of shirts, tunics, kaftans, dresses etc. Largely, his collection was for the street-fashionista. There was also the fusion line done by Vaishali S and the mastery of Barve to applaud on Day 2. Rakesh Agarwal did a good job too with his sexy evening gowns and dresses in sensual colors such as midnight blues, greens and pinks. The sexy stage act of Anushka Manchanda added to the element of the show.

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Accessories for the Romantic Look this Valentines

Here are some different accessories to style the perfect romantic look. Other than the dress, it is the accessories – the hair grip and the jewellery- that set you apart from the usual romantic look.

Here are some of my suggestions on how you can accessorize your normal day outfit for that romantic spring look on this Valentine’s Day.

Makeup Bag Essentials Series-1

This post is inspired after my initial guidance talk to my friend, who was looking for that perfect mix of makeup essentials to get The “perfect day” look without looking overdone. And I thought why not bring you all into what my make-up essentials are for the day time look, for that natural glow around without carrying all the extra layer of foundation and makeup on my face.

Mac Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation

I always liked the idea of a powder, all in one step, foundation. The problem was that the powders I tried (mainly loose powders) often settled in to every line and crease of my face, or would not blend in with the skin as much as they should. So I gave up for a few years hope of finding one, and moved on to some very good liquid foundations.

But then I took a chance one day on Mac Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation. I liked the sleek black design of their products and the thought that I wouldn’t have to fool with liquid foundation and then a compact over, as I wanted something that was super quick and that covered and stayed well.

So I had very high expectations for this foundation and didn’t believe that it would be able to live up to them, but it did all that and more. Mac Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation is the only foundation I have used in the last year.

I love that I have found a year round powder foundation that is this easy to use.

Benefit Cosmetics Girl Meets Pearl

This is my personal favourite product when I want to cheat that dull looking. It makes my young, healthy skin looks luminous and has a lovely glow to it.

Even if your skin isn’t as luminous as it used to be, it’s easy to cheat with Benefit Cosmetics‘ Girl Meets Pearl, a golden-pink, pearly illuminizer. It gives skin a gorgeous golden glow. From personal experience you can wear it under the powder or alone for that Greek goddess look.

Body Shop Born Lippy Passionberry Lip Balm

I am crazy about lip balms and for last year or so I have experimented a lot with lip colors. The benefit of using Lipbalms is that, they are very moisturising but I prefer their Tinted cousins a little more, as they can brighten up my day any time. It resembles a lip gloss in terms of application as it turns out glossy but it is not sticky and smells exactly like the fruit it is supposed to!

Tip: I sometimes use this over my matt lipstick as well to add shine to them or change their color a bit.