Footnotes

From office appropriate to party chic, boots can be anything you want them to be.


Balmain’s Suede buckled ankle boots. Priced at £957.50. Available at www.netaporter.com

Chennai has no fall, no winter, but when it comes to following this hot fall trend that you just cannot afford to miss, we think you could just make do with air conditioning. While thigh high or knee high (also available at these stores) might be a little impractical and difficult to attempt, ankle boots can effortlessly be worked into your everyday wardrobe. Not to forget December happens to be our coldest month and also marks the beginning of the holiday season. So what’s keeping you from popping a pair and taking off on a Euro trip?
Psst! Retailers if you are listening, we would love to see pinks, purples and reds on the racks as well. The typical Chennai shopper today is anything but conservative.


Buckle up
With a sturdy heel and bordering on the androgynous this one works better with jeans. Opt for skinnies to show off the belt and buckle detail. Priced at Rs 1700. Available at El Torro, Nungambakkam. Details: 65175899


Grey sells
Ground a kaleidoscopic legging with this shoe in solid grey.Priced at Rs 1895. Available at Koblerr, Shanti Colony, Anna Nagar.Details:45500173


Colour blind
If you’re looking for something prismatic to jazz up a monochrome fall outfit or basic denim, the psychedelic boots from Manish Arora’s ‘Fish fry’ line are still a good idea. A little last year, but just as HOT. Priced at Rs 7990. Available at Reebok Women’s World, Khader Nawaz Khan Road. Details: 43084555


Hot shoe
As feminine and covetable as a boot can get. The pointed toe-pencil heel-bling detail combination is killer. Priced at Rs 1990. Available at Mochi, Shanti colony, Anna Nagar. Details: 42172347


White hot
White seems to be the new black when it comes to men’s footwear. Perfect for a night out. Priced at Rs 2490. Available at Mochi, Shanti colony, Anna Nagar. Details: 42172347


Fuss free
Laid back and cool, boots in suede work best with denims or cords. Priced at Rs 2690. Available at Mochi, Shanti colony, Anna Nagar. Details: 42172347

Decoding Denim

20 Things you need to know to wear your pair like second skin

1. Forget the blues. Spruce up your fall wardrobe with denim in bright pop colours like red, pink and if you think you can carry it off even yellow (now available in Chennai)

2. When in doubt team a dark wash with a cleverly cut white shirt. A classic pairing that can never go out of style

3. Denim on denim can often be a faux pas. If you have to, stay away from one tone and experiment by teaming different washes

4. Degrade or tie –dyed denim is HOT! Team with a simple blazer and ankle boots for max effect

5. The 70’s wide leg is back but very wide legs can make petite frames look shorter

6. Ragged hems are so not stylish, so use the original hem for a finished look

7. For lasting colour always wash jeans inside out in cold water

8. To avoid shrinkage hang dry instead of using a machine dryer

9. The best way to wear boyfriend jeans is by pegging it at the ankle. The cuffs should reach right above the ankles. To make it more casual roll it twice or three times

10. The must haves are skinny jeans, flares (or the universally flattering boot cut) and black jeans

11. When buying stretch jeans always go one size down

12. To prevent bunching always choose zipper over button fly

13. When paired with the right accessories a black pair that fits well can be anything from office appropriate to party chic

14. Skinny jeans are not just for skinny girls. It actually gives women who are curvy a lot more definition

15. When trying on a jean, you should be able to comfortably slide you hand between your tummy and the jean. Also, try sitting down and make sure they are not cutting into your midsection.

16. Boyfriend jeans must be loose on the hips, but do accessorize with an interesting belt.

17. Embellished white denim is a great alternative for dress pants for a night out

18. Get an instant tummy tuck with a high waisted pair.

19. Jeans cropped at the ankle works best for boyish frames

20. Opt for a straight cut narrow leg style as opposed to the regular skinny jean if you are curvier at the bottom

Wild Bride

You don’t have to exchange vows with a mod-goth skull ring. But doesn’t the new age bride who is mysterious, eclectic and free spirited, deserve a trousseau as distinctive as her?

Be it a sumptuous fairytale wedding or an intimate nuptial ceremony, the emphasis on the bride is pretty much the same. On that one day (a week if it’s an extended celebration) when everything is about you, it would be a sin to look ordinary or unsurprising. Whether it’s a hiked up sari hemline (a la Sabyasachi), or swapping regular gold jewelry for intricately crafted pieces in antique silver, extend the individualism of your personality to your wedding ensemble. Go ahead and be defiant, after all, you have the rest of your life for regular styles.
Even a jean and tee girl looks for a certain amount of traditionalism in a bridal ensemble and even if not, there is the issue of pleasing everyone from elbow nudging aunts to a scrutinising mom in law. With a little thought you can have the best of both the worlds. If you have to wear a kancheevaram sari why not wear it a little differently. The heaviness of the fabric does not permit much experimentation in terms of draping, so, try stitching two saris that look good together into a lehnga and embellish with a touch of swarovski. Dare to wear a sportswear inspired racer back choli or replace the done to death ghagra with a billowy patiala style bottom.
If you are a beach bride take it up a notch with cheeky innerwear as outerwear, team a net and jersey corset with see-through detail and a sequined lehnga. Use a chiffon sari to create a Grecian style drape dress. Think beyond just silhouettes and styles and experiment with fabric. Go organic with benarasi silks or indulge in long forgotten trousseau regulars like brocade and velvet that are hot right now.
An offbeat outfit has to be complemented with quirky jewellery, hair and make up. The statement necklace is fall’s hottest bridal jewelry trend. So invest in a super sized choker and lose the earrings. Alternatively try layering necklaces of different lengths remembering to play with stones and metal tone (gold does not always have to be yellow, innovate with rose and white versions of it). Attempt the extreme with diamonds, stack oversized cuffs on the hand or try shoulder dusting chandelier earrings.
Loosely styled, tousled strands are a lot sexier than stiff updos for the hair. If you have to have a structured do, try a voluminous beehive bun. Forget bronze or blonde and go for highlights in deep wine, burnt rose or cinnamon. Give metallic eyeshadows a miss and double line your peepers with a pen liner in ubiquitous black or midnight blue. Make up artist Cory Walia’s ethnic rendition of the double lined look for Anamika Khanna is strongly recommended.

Pink Fever

Whether it's shots of acid or a burst of candy, colour blocks of draped silk or artistic graphic prints, this fall, pink is potent

No, we are not talking rose blush or a baby hue because pink right now is anything but the stereotypical pretty. Neon, bright berry or fuchsia, the bolder the better. Going by other hot trends, including an 80’s revival, Barbie’s 50th birthday and the global interest in India’s celebratory colors (thanks to “Slumdog Millionaire), now is the perfect time to flaunt this sassy, OTT, attention demanding hue. Nose rings, bra straps, nail lacquer, stoles, toe rings slim ties and even cuff links are great ways of incorporating this shocking shade into your regular looks.