Attention beach bums!

By in Accessories, Accessories, Apparel, Apparel, Casual, Casual, For Her, For Him, Outdoor, Party, Style Guide, Style Shoppe No Comments Tags: ,

There’s no better time to hit the beaches than now – right in the midst of winter! Get your tickets ready for a quick getaway to Goa and Pondicherry while I give you tips on what to pack for a blissed out sunny weekend. If you’re like me, you probably want to take everything with you. Instead take a few pieces that you can mix and match with everything else. Stick to classic beachy colours like blues, whites and light browns with a few pieces in your favourite bright shades. You can buy all the kaftans, tie dyed kurtas, scarves and jewellery you want once you reach there, so pack the stuff that you are already confident wearing. Here’s the checklist:

WOMEN

Clothes
A striped nautical T-shirt is a classic and you can team it with capris. Also carry a pair of cotton pyjamas and wear it with vests in different colours. A summery dress can be worn during the day when you are hopping flea markets or while dining out in the evening. A jersey shrug will come in handy if it gets chilly in the evening. Shorts or swimwear be useful when you want to go for a ride on the banana boat or simply a swim in the alluring waters.
Accessories
A straw bucket bag is a classic. You can store your water bottle, wallet and all the goodies you buy in it. Wear a pair of flip flops while exploring the beach as heels are really not a good idea! A pair of sandals can be teamed with your outfits for an evening out or while going window shopping.
Jewellery
Take a necklace and a cuff that goes with everything you packed. You can buy more jewellery once you reach your destination.
Make-up
Sunscreen is a must. Use a tinted moisturiser to get light coverage as well as soft skin. Carry a tinted lip balm instead of tubes of lipstick.

MEN

Clothes
Graphic T-shirts and shorts are perfect for the beach. They come in handy when you’re hitting the beach or trying out water sports. You can wear trousers in light muted shades of coral, blue or green with T-shirts for a trendier look. Pack a pair of linen trousers and a linen shirt for dining out.
Accessories
Wear flip flops or boat shoes with your ensembles while exploring the beach. The former would be more comfortable for sure. Carry sunglasses if you intend to be out in the sun for long. A leather bracelet will add a rugged edge to your outfits. Also take along a messenger bag to store all your essentials (water bottle, wallet, stuff you buy) in style.
Skin care
One word – sunscreen.

Images Courtesy: Urban-clicks.com, Savvystews.com, Edinphoto.org.uk

And The LWD Is Here!

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Even if you’re someone who swears by her LBD (Little Black Dress), the wonders of the Little White Dress (LWD) are infinite. They are as versatile as the LBD, chic, and just plain gorgeous!

Many feel accessories can make a big difference to your look, and they couldn’t be more right! Check out the image below to see how you can wear the same LWD for three different occasions: casual, semi-formal and party.

white dress

For a casual day look, wear the dress as is, with flat sandals (or flip-flops if you’re at the beach), and team it with a colourful bag and a simple cuff. Since the bag brings a burst of colour, wear a white watch. A bit of pink lip gloss is all you need to go with the look.

If you are going to work, throw on a shrug over the dress. Low heels would be ideal, as you have to spend the entire day in them. Make sure your handbag works not just with the dress, but also the shrug and footwear. Keeping the accessories to a minimum, you could wear a delicate pendant and slim watch for a perfect semi- formal look.

And when it’s time to boogie, you have to jazz up your pristine white dress! Try a colour block look with a broad blue-coloured belt and yellow clutch. A party calls for impossibly high heels! Try silver (or blue perhaps, but there might be a risk of over-coordinating), a blingy-yet-feminine watch, and a ring maybe. Makeup isn’t essential, but if done right, can make you look diva-like. Without going overboard, wear eye-liner, mascara and some blush, with nude lips. The shutterbugs will have the time of their lives shooting you!

Reign on Rajini!

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When it comes to Rajinikanth, one is not sure where reality ends and myth begins. Last week I told my Tamilian auto driver that Rajini turns 62 on December 12. He shook his head and said, “No, no, faarty (40).” Honestly, 40 sounds more convincing, so let’s go with that. We love the man and he’s like the Elvis Presley of Kollywood. (Did you know Elvis took lessons from him?)

Rajini’s acted in more than 150 films. Top that off with the fact that he’s played a few double roles and his list of characters is too long for this post (it would require its own website). Since Rajini has not aged a day in the last few decades, the only thing that has gone through major transformation is his hair (check out his various hairstyles below).

hair dare Rajini’s played everything from the quintessential baddie to kings, dons, bosses and gangsters. In his initial years, and in a chubbier version, he’s seen in the usual bell bottoms, dog collar and printed shirts, turtlenecks and vests. His iconic looks however can be divided into five categories: auto driver, village guy, gangster, action hero and Robot.

rajini style onerajini style two The great Rajini saar reinvents fashion in each of his films. Like legends should!

Images Courtesy: cinemachaat.wordpress.com, mgrsworld.blogspot.com, apnews7.blogspot.com, superstarrajnikanth.blogspot.com, tkada.com, bollyworldbits.blogspot.com, firstpost.com, indicine.com, nothingbutillaiyaraaja.blogspot.com, rediff.com, badascreen.com, hindustantimes.com, badascreen.com, koimoi.com, nhstella.blogspot.com, keralitesblog.blogspot.com, ibnlive.in.com, accesskollywood.com

Guest Post : Things to keep in mind while choosing your wedding outfit

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Choosing your wedding outfit can be a herculean task. Fashion blogger Amena of Fashionopolis  tells  you about the things that you must keep in mind while shopping for your wedding dress.

Before I decided to switch lanes and join the fashion blogging bandwagon, I was a full-time fashion designer. During my years as a designer, I have come across different kinds of brides. Though each one of them had their unique demands and dramas, all of them wanted one thing in common – a perfect and unique wedding outfit. Also, not many of them were aware of the guidelines they needed to follow in order to look perfect and different on their special day.

For all the to-be brides this season, here are a few points that you must keep in mind while shopping for your wedding outfit.

1. Know yourself and the outfit will follow: It’s important to know your body type, structure, skin tone, assets and flaws. It’ll  be much easier for you to decide which silhouettes and trends compliment you and which ones you must avoid.

2. Fit over Fad: The one thing that should be perfect about the wedding outfit is its fit. Remember, you have to spend a good amount of hours in that dress. Being uncomfortable in the name of style is as good as inviting a disaster. Tight choli, pinching shoes, choking necklace or constricting ghagra will only make you more irritable on the day.

3. Make sure the outfit is weather and location friendly: When is the wedding and where is it going to happen? It’s important to keep in mind the season and the location, before picking a wedding outfit. One cannot wear a corset blouse in an open-air winter wedding, nor heavy silk sarees in a beach wedding.

4. Sometimes less is better: Wanting too many different looks in one dress is every bride’s demand. However, in bridal fashion, less is more. Keep the outfit that you like the most for the D-Day, and do not overdo on accessories. Pick  only the jewellery that complements your wedding dress and leave the rest for other occasions.

5. Go with the right support: Whether it’s the people or the undergarment, the right kind of support goes a long way in helping a bride make wise decisions. At every trial and fitting, you must wear the same undergarment that you plan to wear on the D-day. Not similar, but the same. Your undergarments can literally make or break your look.

These are some basic points to keep in mind while shopping for your wedding dress. Do share your thoughts and ideas in the comments.

About the Author: Amena Azeez is a fashion designer by profession, a literature graduate by education and a fashion & lifestyle blogger and writer by choice. She is addicted to books, Sudoku and American T.V shows; and is in a long term relationship with chocolates.

Image Courtesy: Maharani Weddings

Sand blast!

By in Accessories, Apparel, Casual, Ethnic, Expert Speak, For Her 2 Comments Tags:

I am just back from a work trip to Goa (Goa and work, did you say? Yes!). While I didn’t get to party one bit, there’s nothing more fun than a beach party, you’d agree. And since ‘tis the time to party, you might just land an invite to a fancy beach party! Not knowing what to wear there would be such a bummer, no?

So here it is – a step by step guide to dressing right for a beach party. Be it a do in Candolim, Goa, Kovalam in Kerala or Bali, you should be able to scorch any beach with these hot tips!

LADIES FIRST:

# First things first. Choose a short, light and airy dress, preferably in a fabric that breathes. Beaches can get quite sultry even in winter and you don’t want to be sweating at a party!  Bloom prints are always nice for an evening party. If you are not up for a dress, bring those cute shorts out from the crevices of your wardrobe. You know you have been looking for an occasion to wear them, and here it is! Shorts in pastel work the best for the beaches, and if they are high-waist, you’ve nailed it. You could team them up with sequined tops for a night of glamour under the sun. Get yourself some metallic charm bracelets, stack them together and a big hobo bag for a relaxed, holiday look. 

# Sarongs are made for the beach. Wear your swimsuit inside it, for the ocean isn’t too far away!

#Now comes the tricky bit — footwear. While most women absolutely can’t do without their heels, you just have to leave them home while partying on the beach. Beach and heels don’t gel well, trust us! Choose instead the uber comfortable Havaianas,  a favourite with celebrities the world over and even the gorgeous Anushka Sharma, who was spotted in them not too long ago.

#If you want a dressier look, pick open toed sandals or flat gladiator so the sand doesn’t play spoil sport. Since your feet will show, get yourself a pretty pedicure before that. Think orange or oxblood for nail colours.

A ballerina is the worst idea when on a beach party.

# For a day party, replace the sequined top with a strappy number (here’s your chance to show off that cute shoulder tattoo). Acool vest or a simple spaghetti top works; throw on some colourful beaded neckpiece and you are a potential party diva!

#Not in favour of shorts or a mini dress? What are the anti-fit Kaftan dresses for? If you are leggy, they are great for you. Wear them with a hat to combat the sun and with a side braid with some fresh flowers.

#However, if you’re not blessed with great stems, pick a floral maxi dress in tropical colours like blue, green and yellow. You could wear it with a fitted shrug if you like.

#Remember to keep the colour palette light, the make up lighter (just a hint of gloss and cheek stain would do; sunblock is a must) and the humour the lightest.

AND NOW THE MEN

#Remember John Abraham’s look in Dostana? That should be your reference point. We aren’t suggesting you blindly ape John, but you can certainly borrow elements from his look from the film while putting together a beach party wardrobe. For the uninitiated, Abraham wore checked bermudas with paired with bright vests and colourful slim belts.

#Not experimental enough to wear vests? Go for a beach shirt with jolly prints or simply a crisp white cotton shirt. Add a scarf for added charm or wear some smart neckpiece to get the beach vibe going. Havaianas and floaters are your best bets for the beach.

# Shorts in Khaki colours are perfectly acceptable for a sundowner party by the beach. Don’t forget your aviators, a good sunblock and maybe a nice backpack (which can hold a trunk and swimming cap, just in case the ocean beckons) and you’re set!

I asked our Star n Style stylista, Bollywood actress Chitrangda Singh, what the ideal way to dress for a beach party is. And she feels one should wear very little to a beach party. “Everything should be strappy, even your footwear. Bikini would be really nice. You could wear it with a nice kaftan or chiffon shirts. It lends a boho look. No heels at all, the look should be very easy. You should just wear skin to the party,” she told me.

Well, skin or no skin, just have potloads of fun.

 Images Courtesy: Beachandisland.net

 

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