Nine Yards of Awesomeness

Saree is one of the most elegant pieces of clothing ever. Saree as an attire is attributive or descriptive of India as a country with rich culture and heritage. Be it international pop sensations or top celebrities or even the tourists that visit our country are truly fascinated towards this beauty which is no less than an art and wearing it hence becomes even a greater art.

Saree has an inherent grace and charm associated with it, and during special occasions Indian women miss no opportunity to flaunt it. The grace a saree emits attracts the women worldwide but then not everybody can carry an Indian saree like an Indian woman. To suit the requirements of our friends from abroad & to feel the awesomeness of a saree, the nine yards of prettiness has taken various forms. The traditional sarees is all game to tweak itself to make place in the contemporary frame. The youth has accepted the elegance & beauty of the saree but then again now they have options to adorn a saree in a very ‘fusion’ way. Be it a pre-stitched saree, to teaming it up with uber hot bikini blouse, which we have often seen the celebrities wear or adding a traditional jacket to it to give it a very glamorous look ready for the ramp.

Women today are going experimental with their style. Saree too is undergoing transformation to ensure it keeps moving with the time. A saree gown is one such example highlighting the evolution of the typical traditional saree. Saree gown has lately become popular amongst the women. It has gained the status to something apt for a wedding or even a formal party.

Putting the right stuff together makes all the difference. Ditch the cliché blouses & try something quirky yet chic. Ever tried wearing your saree with a tunic blouse? You obviously need to be sure of yourself to pull off something new. But if you can, a tunic blouse is a must try. Not only is it modern it will surely make people talk about your bold style statement.

Another saree style making rounds in the fashion circuits is that of saree over leggings. It looks extremely chic. Sounds weird? Google the looks of you don’t believe us.

Another very obvious way of changing the entire appearance of a saree is by changing the regular pallu style. You can pick a roll pin through which the pallu goes giving it a scarf like look or you can figure out your own pallu styles that lets you feel comfortable yet uber cool.

Why opt for the regular when there is so much you can do with a traditional dress too. So next time you pick up a saree be assured you’re going to look gorgeous but remember to add the fusion tadka - be it with the blouse,  way you drape it, stuff you team it up with, your make up or anything else  & share your ideas with us.

- Alisha 

Hello Spring - “Spring is nature’s way of saying let’s party.”

It is finally time for the bone chilling Ms. Winters to bid us all goodbye and is all set to give way to the most loved time of the year, the spring season. It’s time when the colors in various form start trickling in with all the freshness & vibrancy.

Now we can replace the baggy jackets, sweaters and other winter wear with dresses, long skirts with short kurtis, casual kurtis or actually with anything you’d want to dress up in that you couldn’t try during the cold season.

Changing seasons is actually an excuse to revamp your collection. To try something new, refresh your style and go experimental with your dressing. The onset of spring is an exciting time of the year, in fact that time of the year when you can spot new fashion all around. This time becomes even more stylish because this is followed by summer that lets you enjoy your dressing freedom for a good long time.

During this time a lot of floral prints and bright colours get into the picture. Add a li’l bit of the spring in your style by adding hues of the season to the wardrobe. Allow the essence of the season to reflect in your clothing. Opt for light and natural fabrics & let the flowers bloom in your style. Flowy silhouettes are the favourite pick of the season. If too much colour is not your thing then go for pastel shades but do keep yourself adorned in colours that soothe your eyes & senses.

If ethnic is your style then why worry because ethnic is beautiful. Ditch the black & white and team up your kurta with a colourful pajami or salwar. Or you can even team up your plain kurta with a bright printed salwar – Patiala or semi Patiala. Keep your make up minimal. A non-sticky day cream, some kajal or basic eye liner, nude or shades of pink & peach for your lips and you’re good to head out to match the season. If accessories are your love then make sure you keep it on the minimal end. Bead jewellery is a good option for this season. If the clothes are dull & plain you can add colour to it with a flowery, bright or patterned scarf. This will not only make you look spring ready but also give your ethnic wear a cool fusion appearance.

We mentioned the clothes & accessories then why leave the footwear behind. Wedges are an in thing. It not only gives the much required comfort to your feet but also adds the fashionista ‘oomph’ to your daily look. How can we miss a bag to carry around? You can mix up your entire look with pretty bags. Lucky we would call it, we have a whole lot of colour palette visible on the bags. So go ahead take your pick!

When you are all set to enjoy the season then let your hair loose, step out and enjoy the fresh spring breeze.

The Versatile Scarf!!

Getting dressed is every woman’s right but with women becoming more independent and career oriented they are not left with much time to spend on the dressing up routine. But women are certainly becoming more conscious about their looks, the clothes and their overall personality. This perhaps came from the realization that one feels confident one dresses up in an appropriate and presentable fashion.

In between all this rush & cacophony of modern life the desire to look good can be truly taken care by invention of ‘scarf’. Scarfs are not only easy to handle but are easily available at affordable prices. They are no less than an accessory for women which can be used in various ways to pep up the daily wear. The very touch of a scarf in one’s attire can change your entire look from being monotonous to trendy. A plain t-shirt or kurti can be given different appearances by teaming it up with different scarfs. Isn’t it fun and economical?

Without doubt the scarves are in vogue & not just women but you can spot men too sporting it.  You can wear it with everything possible. Scarves are also believed to the perfect contemporary substitute of a dupatta. Dupattas are more hassle free and convenient since they are comparatively less in width but almost similar in length.

It can be worn with a regular casual t-shirt and jeans or with simple kurti or even with skirts. It certainly is a much loved addition to a feminine wardrobe & definitely adds style to your looks. Say bye to dull, when you add a scarf to your attire, you have a choice to play around with loads of colours, try the contrast trick, roll it around your neck, make a pretty knot or just place them on your shoulders. There are a whole lot of ways to adorn a scarf. A smart trendy scarf can be tied over hair as a hairband or even be tied over your hair or can also be used as a smart fashionable and unique belt around your waist over your dress or t-shirt or over a beautiful flowy skirt. A scarf can also be a good assistant when you plan to revamp your style. A scarf tied around the handbag can give the boring handbag a new life.

Based on your attire, attitude, personality or other preferences you’ve enough to play around with when it comes to scarves - floral prints, geometric patterns, animal prints or simple abstract patterns. Scarves are a favourite internationally also. You’d often spot lots of celebrities abroad flaunting their stylish scarves.

Women today are becoming more experimental about their look & style. The traditional ways have been almost replaced with more convenient and contemporary way for every day. And with the summers approaching, ditch the jewellery. Wrap the scarf around, put on a pair of oversized shades, pick up a cool handbag and get ready to make the heads turn with your awesome style!

- Alisha

Short or long - Which kurta to choose?

Kurti is the true depiction of our ‘Desi’ culture. It not only creates a style statement but is definitely a style statement in itself. Right blend of kurti with its bottom can give you the sort of elegance no other western wear can.

Comfort at its best!  Kurtis are the most ‘in thing’ these days. Thus, it is liked and preferred by women of all ages be it young girls, homemakers or professionals.  Moreover they can make you look really glamorous if you know just the right way to adorn it and at the same time these look extremely decent.

So if you are one with the ‘kurti style’ then you just need to know what exactly needs to be paired with a short sized kurti and a normal kurti.

A short kurti goes best with a pair of jeans or leggings. It can also be paired with a Capri or a pair of jeggings. A beautiful flowy skirt (long or short) can also be worn with a short kurta while a long kurti looks best with a nice fitted churidar or a salwar. Even a nicely stitched full Patiala or a semi Patiala can add grace to your look. If you wish to add some western touch to your desi look, sometimes straight fitted pants can be choosen over a churidar or a salwar just to give your look a little more glamour and twist.

Both kinds of kurtis- be it short or medium can be worn with a trendy and ethnic looking scarf or a stole which will surely add up to your style quotient. Accessorizing your entire traditional look can be a great add on. Depending on the occasion and your personal likes a beautiful hanging earrings preferably oxidized teamed up with classy bangles or a kada is definitely a thumbs up. And to put ‘the cherry on the cake’ a tiny little bindi can do wonders for you.

And to complete your fashionable yet sophisticated look all you need to do is to pair your entire attire with a pair of beautiful Punjabi juttis or simple kolhapuris.

Apart from all the fashion tips the most important factor of looking great is to feel good about one self and ones desire to make oneself feel good. Rightly said we can make ourselves feel confident by appearing confident and this is truly complemented by our clothes and our way of carrying them. After all first appearance is the last so why not make it long lasting. Honestly the true essence of dressing up nicely is not to impress others but to make us realize how beautiful we women can be not just inside but even from outside.

Like they say “Style is a reflection of your attitude and your personality.” ~ Shawn Ashmore

Pick up what suits your style & be proud of yourself because confidence has its own language.

So wear what you love and love what you wear!!

- Alisha

Most well-dressed women in India

Being chic and dapper is power in today’s world, the power to influence people in the easiest of the ways. Being dressed to the nines is the personal power our famous celebrities, politicians, business personalities attain and makes wheel turn their way. This trend of being trendy & classy is now helping many of our women leaders in several fields to help achieve different persons. Be it Politics, be it entertainment industry, sports industry, journalism, all fields now command to be well-dressed, dressed so as to demand deference.

Who says women should stick to a few sectors only? Who says women can’t be amazing leaders in all walks of life? Who says that when women enter into ‘not-so- conventional’ fields they cannot dress to kill? Smart women leaders leave us awestruck each time we see their ultra-modern, chic style combined with the finest intellect, intelligence and subtlety.

Here is a combined list of such women who have totally owned it :

1.       

      Brinda Karat

An eminent leader of CPI (M), Ms. Karat has always made a public appearance in her trademark ‘red’ bindi and cotton sarees. A smart dresser, she has always kept it simple, plain and very classy in her dressing. The huge bindi on that forehead complemented by the gorgeous Bengali cotton sarees makes her look super elegant and pretty as ever even after being draped haphazardly which truly defines her style.

2.       Vasundhara Raje Scindia

Vasundhara Raje Scindia, first ever female CM of Rajasthan, splashes royalty in whatever she wares. The royal lady, carries herself well in each event she attends. Owning the best of sarees, jewelry, accessories, the royal highness prefers everything the best. She dresses up royal with the patterns of sarees like floral chiffons, bandhinis and leheriyas.

3.    

            Priyanka Gandhi (Politician)

Indian Parliament has always witnessed its women leaders saree–clad, however, this changed the day when Ms. Priyanka Gandhi stunned everyone by donning a corporate outfit. Priyanka Gandhi’s impeccable style is as simplistic as Indira Gandhi, her grandmother, yet classy and trendy. Be it fitted trousers with crisp shirts or long sleeves blouses or palazzos with stoles, this new generation Gandhi’s carries herself with immense grace and equipoise.

4.        Kirron Kher

Kirron Kher is definitely an unlikely style icon. This famous film and TV actor is now a MP from Chandigarh. Mostly dressed up in traditional ensembles, her signature style includes designer Sarees, chunky jewelry, and a matching fabric bag. There has not been a single occasion when she did not leave us awestruck with the amazing combination of her awesome dressing style with that quick wit in her TV shows & movies and incredible intellect in the parliament.

5.        Nita Ambani

Nita Ambani, co-owner of the IPL team, Mumbai Indians, chairperson and founder of Dhirubhai Ambani International School, an interior designer and a teacher, a dynamic personality, is a fashionista whose wardrobe, designer handbags and chic accessories have an aura of power and glamour. Known for owing a vibrant collection of handbags, this lady has never failed to impress.

She dons outfits like track suits, simple jeans & tees, knee length dresses, floor length gowns and much more with élan. She has managed to look gorgeous and graceful at all times, irrespective of the role she is in.

6.      

       Chanda Kochhar

This extraordinary achiever and the MD-CEO of one of the biggest private sector banks in India, ICICI Bank, has effectively proved that simplicity is in itself a classy style statement. Her clothes has indeed helped her portray an image of triumph and confidence in this corporate jungle. We have seen her carrying crisp cotton and silk saris impeccably. Her unpretentious look is completed by refined ornament pieces matching her clothes, thereby complementing her in true sense. She has thus created the right level of sophistication, grace and authority.

7.      

      Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw

Kiran Mazumdar- Shaw the CMD of Biocon, is very well known for her business ideas as well as for her dressing. She has appeared in several multi-hued avatars starting from elegant traditional outfits to the chic businesswoman formal suits. She makes a style statement by picking up matching scarves and summing up her look by adding the lovely pearls as accessories which complement her style as a whole. 

8.       Sushmita Sen

The former Miss Universe, Sushmita Sen, is an epitome of beauty with brains. Her style quotient is simple and charismatic. Be it on the red carpets or at runway we have seen her dress elegantly and seldom experiments with her look. Right from anarkalis to churidaars, from gowns to short dresses, to sarees to patialas, this multi-talented mother of two has never failed to stun us. 

These women can inspire but at the end remember, style is an absolutely personal thing.  

- Alisha

Holi Kab Hai!!

With Holi right around the corner, here are few ways to get your look in place. First and foremost, prevention is always better than cure so coat your skin and hair with a layer of oil (olive oil). Apply as much to ensure that the oil leaves a thick protective layer on the skin. Also, vaseline can be applied on the skin as this prevents color from staying on the skin and makes it a lot easier to get rid of as well. Along with skin protection, nails should also be protected by applying nail polish with a double coat.

While playing with colors, wearing a simple white plain tee-shirt or a plain kurta/kurti is always a better option, so that all the beautiful colors can be seen in their full glory. And then don’t throw these clothes right away; recycle them by washing separately in a machine and give them as charity to the poor because some people will always need the clothes which you don't.

Along with self-precaution, our homes should also be taken care of; we should play with colors outside the buildings, ideally in an open ground or on the terrace.

On the eve of Holi, it is recommended always choose light colored garments (white) because it’s both popular and elegant and also allows the vibrancy of colors to reflect. Colors like pastel shade of green, orange, yellow, blue and pink are also worth considering. The rule with any of the aforementioned colours being: select warm colors like orange, red if you are wheatish to dark and cold colors like blue, green or pink if you have a fairer skin tone.

Avoid carrying branded and expensive sunglasses, watches and designer accessories like handbags, belts and shoes. Also avoid carrying phones and other gadgets and gizmos because you need to keep them protected or dry. Same goes for expensive jewelry - especially the ones that are intricate or has been studded with precious stones.

It is important not to look shabby. Men usually wear kurta-pyjamas on Holi, but a smart-looking half or full-sleeved shirt can also be worn (with sleeves folded up to elbow), with casual trousers. Women have the option of wearing kurtas, pyjamas, churidhars or traditional saris (cotton or chiffon), apart from these a simple T-shirt, top, casual blouse or a short kurta with casual trousers, ankle length leggings or jeans, serves the purpose just as well.

One should always ensure that you are wearing the right clothes for Holi because if you are not comfortable then you can’t enjoy properly. Since clothes stick to the body after getting wet, this might look vulgar, so it is advisable to wear inners.

After having gathered so much information about the festival of colors, we are now left with just two days to get our wardrobe right; eventually it’s all about getting drenched in colours at the end of it all! So fill in your pichkaris with colors and let’s get the festive mood started! Happy Holi!

-Alisha