Leg warmers

This winter temperatures dropped just enough for even the most sun-scorched of cities to take to Fall/ Winter trends. While strutting your stuff in faux fur is still quite out of question there are others that can effortlessly be accommodated into your existing wardrobe.
The winter essential of Bangalore city this year I observe is the hooded jersey. In the brightest of colours, teamed with everything from casual denim to cotton leggings what is particularly interesting is that so far nobody’s (men, women, kids) got it wrong. From what I hear Chennai experienced some very English weather all through December and while investing in a hoodie tee is an option it’s also the perfect time to pull up your socks quite literally.
Do away with boring black and disown done to death white, knee length socks in bright colours and interesting patterns work fabulously well with everything from short dresses to micro shorts. Alternatively use patterned or even opaque black stockings to accessorise an outfit. From chunky knits to delicate lace everything works. Bottom line: To stay sexy don’t show leg :D

• Choose a length that suits your body shape.
• If you're short, knee high socks that cut off below the knee are best paired with a hem no lower than the middle of your thigh.
• If you're in a colder climate then knitted socks might work for you. But avoid chunky and overt knitted socks: they were last a fashion trend back in 2007, and trends seldom repeat themselves so quickly.
• Avoid pairing knee high socks with tartan and plaid skits unless you can otherwise avoid the school girl overtones.
• Don't be afraid to layer.

Dark December

If confidence comes from knowing oneself, irreverence comes from knowing nobody knows incredible you the way you do. And that’s exactly the kind of attitude that you need to pull off this month’s hottest trend. Think super dark pouts, leather plus lace, dangerously intense eyes or glam goth nails. Go ahead flout rules and unleash your darker side because part gothic, part erotic and totally sensual is definitely the mood this month.
• Leather is hot, black leather is super super hot. Leather jacket over sequined LBD, not at all a bad idea.
• Monotone looks are much more effective with contrasting accessories. Think all black ensemble with blood red shoes.
• Thigh high boots work great if you have the attitude to match. Ankle boots are a good alternative.
• Take a basic black outfit to a totally different level by giving prominence to detail. Metallic accents, ruffles, peekaboo lace, two tone stockings and even mirror work are good ideas.. Make black diamonds your best friends.

Buy

Lancome le crayon Khol, Bloody Cherry. Rs 1050
The Body Shop Baked eyeshadow, Starlight Rs 895
Revlon Eye Liner pencil, Black 11. Rs 375

Princess Diaries

The burden rested on 28 year old Kate Middleton's shapely shoulders is anything but ordinary. Following the announcement of the royal engagement comparisons between the iconic Diana and the young Ms Middleton are only inevitable. While Diana did commit a few faux pas initially (atleast the blue suit she wore at her engagement to name one) Ms Middleton seems to be getting it right already.



Lady Diana
Signature style: sleek

• She had this ability of making anything she wore look good
• Graceful,confident, constantly evolving
• Once she became more confident in her role as princess her choices became more daring



Kate Middleton
Signature style: sophisticated

• Her choices are mostly safe and she dresses mostly for herself
• Very feminine, sophisticated, unforced and unpretentious
• Bordering on the conservative. No skin show for her

100% Guilt free

Safe, but nothing less than spectacular is Lata Madhu’s signature style, amply reflected in everything from her sartorial choices to the immaculate white interiors of her boutique store. “These days when I enter a mall I know exactly which stores I am going to spend time at. I don’t have the necessity anymore to browse through every store and outfit”, she begins. Amazed by her almost strategic approach toward fashion and her unmistakably sensible wardrobe choices, I ask her if she has ever in all these years had one of those ‘what was I thinking?’ moments and she assures, “Yes I have. There are some things that I have worn back when I was in college that I thought worked for me at that time but actually did not.” I refuse to believe, so she goes on, “Like a shirt with shoulder pads that had print in patches. I picked it up about fifteen years ago when I was leaving to the U.S and when shoulder pads were quite big. My family never spared me comparisons to the most ridiculous of historical figures”, she laughs.

A kaftan by Nikasha Tawadey is one of the most recent additions she has made to her closet. Bright red she agrees is a move away from her sensibility but says she gave in because “It was a truly gorgeous line of oranges and reds. You can say I wear five colours at all times. There are some colours like fuschia or turquoise that I would never wear.” She then explains the absence of dresses and her ‘just bought’ pair of True Religion jeans. “I never wear dresses because I don’t have the legs for them and True religion is a brand that I think makes the best fitting jeans for Indian women”
Her love for and understanding of brands and labels is obvious throughout the conversation but again she clarifies she is no fashion victim. “I never pick up anything directly off the ramp because the designs definitely are made to look a little more edgy. They look fabulous on 5’8” models but I usually like a sleeve, a cut or a length and prefer customizing the outfits to my taste.” What do I look for next? Nostalgia, an element without which no wardrobe is complete. “My mom’s Gypsy rose kurta, which I don’t wear much these days but always reminds me of how glamorous she used to look in it. It was quite a thing back then when she was a regular in the party circle”

She confesses a weakness for fancy footwear which explains a covetable six inch high pair of gladiators by Nine west. “But these days I make sure that out of every three pairs I buy, two are sensible. I spend a lot of time on my feet and there are some shoes that look gorgeous but in which I can never walk the stairs of ‘The Park’ for example.” To conclude, a wardrobe resolution, I ask. “I never feel guilty when I splurge especially at this stage of my life when I am not answerable to anyone for what I spend. Maybe I should change that”, she laughs. Now that’s one resolution we never want this shopaholic to make.

The Bling fling

For most of us it’s a love-hate relationship with bling during the rest of the year but come diwali and it’s complete surrender. Sequinned or gilded, shimmery or mirror worked, nothing is too over the top, nothing is excessive during this season. The one that begins with diwali and ends with new year, with weddings and several other occasions that demand decking up thrown in between. Metallics, however, is a constantly recurring trend so here are three ways to innovate with your bling as you put the fireworks to shame

Fire and ice
Gold and silver are the festival season’s neutrals. It was somewhere around this time last year that one of fashion’s golden rules was broken and the two show stopping hues were worn together.

Grubby gold
Silver, bronze and copper too. Any of the metals with a dull (almost grimy) finish makes for an interesting twist.


Brocade best
Bling does not necessarily have to be jewellery. Brocade is big this fall. Make the most of it.

Get gorgeous

To live in Chennai and not gush over unforeseen rain showers, now that’s not happening. But if you don’t want to look like you’re dressed for Halloween on Diwali investing in waterproof cosmetics this October is a very good idea

For best effect
• Always rub an ice cube on your face prior to applying makeup as it reduces the rate of perspiration.
• Before applying foundation use an astringent for oily skin and for those who have dry and normal skin can use a toner to adequately refresh your skin.
• If water proof lipsticks give you a pasted on effect try using a waterproof lip pencil over the entire lips, over which you can layer a semi-moist gloss.
• Lip Color must be applied to clean dry lips.
• Three layers is the recommended amount for maximum staying power.
• Let each layer set for a few seconds before proceeding to the next.
• Using a moisturizer or barrier crème prior to the application of these waterproof cosmetics greatly reduces the harm they can cause
• Using Cetyl alcohol based cleansers is a better way of cleansing

Dress up

Dior bags, dark nails, gold hairpins and girl bonding and of course the supremely stylish lead ladies, that’s what we absolutely loved about the flick. While some people complained about the lack of substance some of us barely had the time to take notice with all the gorgeous clothes that made you want to run to the mall or the gym. Here’s how to replicate two of the looks that i loved the most…



Aisha

Young, fresh and exuberant. A typical South Delhi girl who mingles in high society and takes labels and wardrobe investment very seriously.

Get the look:
Her look is feminine and girly with a lot of bows, lace and dresses. Colours are mostly pastels and nudes. Prints are floral and polka.

Style totems:
Chanel bags, Dior dresses, pearls and cutesy hats.


Pinky

Experimental and outrageous. A spoilt rich girl with a spunky personality and a flamboyant wardrobe

Get the look:
Her look is quirky and fun. Mini dresses, micro shorts and bikini tops are recommended.

Style totems:
MA, MA and more MA. Think mickey mouse warrior print tee or psychedelic fish fry boots