Under My Umbrella

Burdened by a reputation of being an object of utility this beautiful accessory has never been accorded the ‘glam status’ that shoes, bags and belts enjoy and we find ourselves especially unenthusiastic about carrying one when we are all dressed up. While silk and chiffon parasols are definitely not for the roads there are quite a few interesting and more practical options available at city stores that vary from understated to chic just like everything else in your wardrobe. The umbrella is an embodiment of functional fashion that made its beginning as an indispensable element of English fashion. It’s not without reason that the women of the Elizabethan era chose to flaunt its stylish variant, the parasol as a dress accessory or the charismatic Gene Kelly used it as a prop in his timeless rendition of ‘I’m singing in the Rain’. More recently when it rained at the Golden globes last year, style icons like Mariah Carey, Penelope Cruz and several others gave it red carpet status by tastefully matching their Cavalli gowns and Armani blazers to carefully chosen umbrellas. There is nothing quite as sophisticated as the old fashioned steel tipped black umbrella (priced at Rs 200 upwards) that works particularly well for men. It gives you an air of mystique irrespective of what you are wearing. An umbrella can also be an easy way of infusing a burst of colour to a monochrome outfit on a murky day. Transparent umbrellas that were quite the thing last year (plain and polka dotted versions are priced at Rs 100 upwards) work when you want to make a statement but looks like they now have competition. Umbrellas in unusual shapes and ones that change colour we here are the hottest new additions to the market. More on this later.

A Tale of two cities

So much has changed over the last two years and thank God I started this blog it now in a small way stands testament of everything that has and everything that hasn’t. One thing that certainly hasn’t changed is my fascination for all things beautiful. I am happiest when surrounded by beautiful colours, beautiful people and even more beautiful clothes (shoes, bags, belts too :D) and moving to a different city has only meant a whole lot of new fashion experiences.

Bangalore figures in every Chennaiites list of shopping destinations and suits you well especially if you are on a budget and are looking for pocket friendly deals but that's not all. With close to 25 malls (plazas included) to choose from, the lanes of commercial street with their teeny tiny surprises (well cut sequined LBD @ Rs 300..more later)and of course the city's shoppers with their highly individualistic sense of style I promise this year is going to be interesting for both you and me

If you follow my blog and have feedback to share do write back to vanndyy@gmail.com.

Mad abt Mrs Nene?

The sight of a brand new Vogue cover always makes my heart leap, whether it’s catching a glimpse of it at a newspaper stand or simply finding it mysteriously lying on my table. So what happens when I catch my all time favourite Indian actor as the cover girl I have to say it took me a while to catch my breath and I’m sure that’s pretty much the effect that this beautiful, beautiful woman has on all her million, billion, trillion fans.



Madhuri at Varun Bahl's show (Couture week 2011)

Eternal is the first word that comes to your mind when you want to describe that million dollar smile or for that matter pretty much anything about her. Perfect features, lustrous hair, a great complexion and of course that brilliant smile are only a part of the mystery. So what makes her exquisite when there are so many other equally beautiful women? I personally think it has a lot to do with her absolute Indianness and that painting like delicacy (probably what inspired so many of the renowned painter MF Hussain’s creations). Here’s hoping we get to see a lot more of the diva this year.

Boli si surat, aankhon mein masti hai hai:D

Rain check

A year back the month of June would have meant discussing sun protection and anti-perspirants but bless this beautiful city and its topography I think I can finally take out my transparent umbrella and stay stylish through the pre monsoon showers. Moving to Bangalore bang in the middle of what I believe to be one of the coldest of winters (at least of the ones that I have experienced) wasn’t the best of ideas. By January my hair felt like straw and even swimming in moisturizer wouldn’t help. Chopping off my elbow length hair to a pob was easily one of the craziest things I have done this year but it definitely helped. Growing out a highly experimental hair cut is always tough and I have to say Biotique’s Therapeutic Bhringraj oil saw me through it. I have always stayed away from facials of any kind for the fear of distressing ‘God given good skin’ but the extreme differences in weather had me running to the salon looking for an insta fix and I have to say the Shahnaaz Honey facial works wonders on dry to normal skin. I have now already abandoned my cork wedges (they made so much sense when I picked them up from Chennai) for block heels in PVC and am totally looking forward to lots of puddle splashing and a fantastic monsoon.

Survival strategy
• Hair spas
• Leave-in Serum
• Loose powder
• Water proof liner/Mascara
• Honey facials
• Block heels in PVC (only if you cant do without them)

First blush

The head rush that love brings is enough to make you glow like a megawatt bulb, but if Monday morning madness does anything at all to your natural radiance this year you can still fake it like a pro.

Rose tint

Choose peachey coral cream blushes and top it off with a gold highlighter or for paler skin use a shell pink cream blush and highlight with silver

Doe eyes

No dramatic smoky eyes because on this day it’s all about keeping the look soft. Sweep a shimmery pale nude colour all over your lid. Use a matte brown in the outer corner and crease areas and line lower lids with a brown eye pencil/ eye shadow to complete the look. For smaller eyes, don’t go overboard with dark brown, this will only make them appear even smaller.

Pop kiss

Bee stung lips are big all through this season. Bright lips can be carried off by most skin tones if you know which colours work for you. Ruby reds(Inglot 401 or MAC Red She Said) and coral orange look great on darker skin tones. Fire engine reds and hot pinks flatter pale skin.


It could be 2020 and men with makeup would still be a no no, so leave the mascara and gloss for the ladies but there’s so much that you can do with that shiny mop on your head. It’s not without reason that Delilah chopped off Samson’s locks. There is a time tested connection between a man’s vanity and hairline

Medium length somehow works extremely well with the theme of romance and so do soft curls.

Bed head

Is a tussled style which requires careful gelling

Shag

Slightly longer hair worn up to the shoulders either straightened or tussled in the front.

When in doubt just keep it short.


Tips and toes

• Red nails are super, super hot at the moment
• Red ties work if properly co ordinated with clothes and accessories

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