The bling bulletin

You got the fabulous sexy outfit, your hair is styled to perfection and you got your party makeup on. Now all you need are the perfect accessories to glam up your evening clothes. Get yourself some of these blingy pieces to rock the party.
blingy accessoriesJEWELLERY

Statement necklace
Looks like this trend is here to stay. You can transform a simple silk dress with a big diva necklace. Choose one set with semi precious stones if you like colour. If you prefer to keep it sleek, go with a big linked necklace in gold or silver. Stick to ear studs and a simple watch to go with it.
Cocktail ring
If you are not fond of accessories, yet want some bling on you, go for a huge cocktail ring set with a dramatic stone or a cluster of stones. You can team it with a simple black sleeveless dress for maximum impact.
Earrings
You don’t get to wear big earrings every day, therefore take advantage of the party season and wear those danglers in style. The thumb rule is to wear huge earrings alone and not with a matching necklace (unless you want to look like a bride). Wear it with ethnic clothes that have a lot of embroidery and work around the neck.
Bold cuffs
Stacked bangles were all the rage this year. For the party season, try stacked cuffs of the same or contrasting design. It’s best to stick to a slim necklace and hoop earrings while working this trend. This look goes well with dresses in one solid shade like red, black, white.

ACCESSORIES

Watch
If you’re the sort of girl who’s into power dressing, then the chunky watch trend is for you. Get a solid gold watch to go with your androgynous clothes like black trousers, shirts and blazers. Opt for minimalist jewellery, sky high heels and a sleek black clutch and you will make heads turn.
Hair accessory
If you have gorgeous hair, show it off! Use huge flower hair bands to draw attention to it. This look is feminine and therefore it’s best to pair it with short flirty dresses and heels.
Killer heels
Your look is never complete without the right pair of shoes. A pair of stone studded strappy heels are an investment worth making because they will go with everything from skinny jeans to sexy black dresses. If you really want to stand out, opt for sexy peep toes in an animal print with a bit of bling. Very JLo!
Clutch
A woman feels naked without a bag (where else will she store her cash and credit cards, mobile phone, lipstick and perfume?) Get a sequinned clutch in gold or silver since they go with almost everything in your wardrobe. Like drama? Team an embellished box clutch with a beautifully structured gown.

Where’s the party tonight?

You know how it is, you go on for months without any sort of socializing and then suddenly there’s an avalanche of party invites. In December it’s almost impossible to not go out. From dinner parties to corporate dos to glamorous cocktail parties, your presence is required. And you are expected to look fabulous. Since a huge part of that depends on your hair and make up, I asked our trusted celebrity makeup artist Gouri Kapur to dish out tips on how to pull off the right make up and hair for different occasions. Here goes:

office partyStaying understated yet stylish is the trick to an office party look. You want to be noticed for being trendy but not remembered for being over the top.
HAIR
Straight hair is a safe bet. Just make sure it’s blow-dried, straightened or soft curled to achieve groomed locks with a shiny finish.
Alternatively, if you’re feeling bold, try short layered hair. Side ponytails are a great way to achieve a done up yet understated look.

MAKEUP
Work on your skin with a tinted moisturiser or foundation for light coverage. Apply concealer lightly to even out dark spots and under eye circles etc.
Apply a dual toned or a single toned eye shadow on the eyelids.
If you are going in for a dual shade make sure it’s in safe colours like browns, pinks etc.
Apply mascara and a thin line of eyeliner.
If you have fuller lips, stick to a single shade on the eyes and brighten the lips with a peachy pink lipstick.
Light or deep coral shades and light matte reds are favourites when it comes to looking bright but not overdone.

friday night clubbingIndulge your wild side with daring clothes, funky makeup and wild hair. Party the night away in style for there’s nothing better to bring in the weekend than a Friday night do.
HAIR
Go for large bouncy waves on long hair; triple barrel waves work well on medium to long hair.
Curls towards the end look great if you want a natural yet slightly done up hair.
Side braids are trending big time and can be incorporated into a Friday night clubbing look, depending on your outfit and personality. They are a great option on bad hair days.

MAKEUP
Have fun with coloured eyeliners, brighter shades of lipsticks (deep coral, bright red, fuschia), two toned eye shadows (which can be in contrasting, fun and quirky combinations like purple with pink, coral or green with red or pink, blue with green, green with pink or red etc.).
If you’re not keen on colour but want to stand out, use any of the colours mentioned above on the outer corner of the eyelid with a more neutral earthy tone on the eyelid itself, thereby making it look glamorous.

party of the yearThis is your chance to make a mark and reap compliments. Get a look that screams “look at me” in a good way every time you walk through the door.
HAIR
Go all out with retro flicks that add height to the crown area.
Try a bouffant teamed with hair swept to one side or a double princess braid and high set buns which give a natural feel to a dramatic look.

MAKEUP
Classic big party looks include dark sultry eyes with a nude peachy pink lipstick.
Apply shimmer on the inner corner of the eyes. You can even get away with fake lashes or winged eyeliner on your eyes.
Try bright lipsticks in different colours depending on your outfit or 3D glosses along with high shine cheeks.
Merlot lips are a hot favourite right now and work well with subtle eye makeup.

Images Courtesy: Gouri Kapur, Glamour, Lovingyou, Celebrityhairdesign, Thebeautycloud, Your-hairstyles, Weddingsbylilly, Zimbio, Fashiontrendseeker, Flauntme, Headkandy, Shoppinglifestyle

Must-read Fashion posts from the Bloggers we love!

 

With the party season around the corner, it’s time to stock up your wardrobe with party dresses. Whether you have pear-shaped body, an hourglass figure or straight body type, there are dresses that can look good on you. Read this post by Jasleen and Sonu of Fashion Bombay for more information on the kinds of dresses that suit all body types.

It’s time to add a splash of colour to your party outfit and replace that little black dress with dresses of brighter shades such as red. For more ideas on wearing and accessorizing red dresses to get different looks, check out this post by Megha Varshini of Stilettos Diary

Clutch purses can add an elegant touch to your party outfit and are a must-have fashion accessory in every woman’s wardrobe. Read this tutorial by Gia of Gia Says That, to find out how you create a stylish polka dots clutch by following simple steps.

Though stripes are always in fashion, winter is the time when we wear them the most. If  striped sweaters, scarves and blazers are part of your winter wardrobe, then take a look at this post by Manvi Gandotra of StyleInked for some cool ideas to style them.

 

Dressing up for an office party?

People find dressing up for a friend’s wedding or a date easier than figuring out what to wear to an office party. Considering your boss and team mates will be around, you ought to be at your best behaviour and dressed well, even though you’re not actually in office. Read on to know how you can dress to impress and kill.

What can men wear to an office party

Wearing denims for the party is no problem. Wear a shirt instead of a T-shirt, and do put on a jacket or blazer for a semi-formal look. Flip-flops and floaters are a big no no (unless it’s a beach party and you have been asked to dress casually), as are sports shoes. Try loafers or boots for a casual-yet-dignified look. Accessorize with a smart watch and belt. If your boss is a woman, turn on the charm too!

What can women wear to an office party

Women find it tougher to dress for such dos, for they can’t seem to decide how high a hemline or low a neckline is acceptable. Remember, there’s a thin line between sexy and tacky!  Showing too much cleavage isn’t a great idea, so go for a lower back instead. A bodycon dress will attract unwanted attention; wear one that’s figure-flattering as opposed to one that’s so-tight-I-can’t-breathe. Pretty heels, minimal jewellery, stylish clutch and strong eyes will see you though the party easily. Don’t dress trashy, but don’t be a nun either!

All set?

Mmmmm…adhuri!

The ageless and resplendent Madhuri Dixit is perhaps one of the few divas who can make the hearts of men from every generation do a somersault! And while we can’t wait to see her dazzle the silver screen again (boy! it’s been so long), we lap up every bit of her gorgeous smile in the odd appearances she makes and the endorsements she does. I had the privilege of having a brief interaction with the ultimate goddess and here are vignettes from that interview. Do write to me at style@stylemynt.com  about your favourite Madhuri moment.

Why do we mostly see you in Indian wear these days for public appearances? Who are your favourite designers?

Saree is one of my favourite garments and works wonderfully well for any occasion as does a beautiful dress. I like the work of Michael Kors, Rachel Roy, Sabyasachi, Varun Bahl and many more wonderful designers whose creations I have worn in the past

From your backless cholis to your curly locks, pretty much everything you wore on screen in the 90s became a rage. What is that one trademark Madhuri look that you feel became tremendously popular? 

The purple ensemble I wore in “Didi Tera Dewar Deewana” in Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, became quite a hit- along with the song! It was recreated not just here but even at weddings across the globe.

 What does fashion mean to you? What’s your idea of style? How would you define your personal style?

Fashion to me is elegance. Wear what makes you feel beautiful. I love designs that incorporate the best of international and Indian fashion. And I stay away from fashion that is uncomfortable.

What’s in your make up kit? 

My make up essentials include the Olay Regenerist, concealer, waterproof mascara, lip balm, clear gloss, a compact like MAC Studio Fix, kohl and a good sunscreen!

 A current fashion trend you are loving. 

I love the colour blocking trend that is big these days and the textured look in pants and jackets and burgundy- the colour for the season.

 Accessories you love.

A statement watch or a neckpiece, envelope clutch,  chandelier earrings.

 What’s your beauty and fitness regime like?

A healthy mind and body complement each other. So while Kathak helps me with a spirited mind and body, I take additional care of what I eat- the key being a healthy balanced diet- low carbs and high protein diet but nutritious at the same time, small frequent meals almost every two hours. I drink lots of water and avoid caffeine based drinks since they tend to dehydrate you! Leafy greens and a generous portion of fruit goes a long way in keeping you in the pink of health! Dancing for me is a passion- it gives me a spiritual high, rejuvenates me after a hectic day at work and home with the additional benefit of being a great workout routine!

Your advise to women of all ages to stay beautiful.

Eat healthy, exercise regularly and do things that make you happy- a healthy mind and beautiful heart equals a beautiful you! And whether it is singing, dancing, painting or any other passion – always remember to keep alive in you something you love! Being loved tops the list.

Images Courtesy: Socialdhabba, Indiatoday