Fashion Bombay

Smokin' Hot

2012-02-21T22:56:00.000+09:00

Perhaps the oldest trick in the book, smokey eyes never go out of style. Many people shy away from them because they think it's not for them or it's too complicated but that's not true. Here's how we break it down for you.

1. Colours:
The first thing to know is that smokey eyes doesn't necessarily mean black, so you can start with a nice natural brown and move on to black, olive green, purple, navy and brick. Most Indian skin tones can carry off all these colours. remember to not pick fluorescent shades, instead pick deeper, earthen shades and you won't go wrong with it.

2. Eye shadows or pigments?
You can use the regular pressed powder form of eye shadows or pure pigments for your eyes. Pigments do give more intense colour and that's why people like to work with them. In pressed eye shadows MAC and Makeup Forever truly gives you great colour on pigments as well as eyeshadow. No other eyeshadow comes close in terms of colour intensity having tried - Inglot, NYX, ELF, VOV, Bobbi Brown, Clinique, Faces

3. Applicators
I find that a regular eyeshadow brush from Vega (Beauty Centre) suffices, the sponge (ear bud like tip) applicator has never seemed to work. For eye shadows I even like to use my ring finger directly but that may not work for everyone.

4. Application:
The best way to get started is to stretch your eyelid outwards, this lets you get a stretched even surface for application. Apply only on the eyeballs, not the arc of the eyebrows. You can then slowly start moving outwards, I like to create a winged shape with smokey eyes but depending on your eye shape, you might want to experiment with some shapes. I usually leave the waterline empty as this makes my small eyes look slightly bigger, filling it in doesn't work for me and also looks way too intense with the smokey eyes. After you have the desired shape, you can use a highlighter, illuminator or simply a dab of Vaseline on the brow arc to add a slight dewy effect that goes really well with the smokey effect.

5. Handy tips for smokey eyes:

You are bound to get powdery residue on the under eye so I always tape some facial tissue on my entire cheek. Or I don't put any foundation before hand and only after my eyes are done, I use a non-oily cleanser and wipe that area and then apply my foundation. The tissue idea works better for me.
I always keep a ear bud dipped in makeup remover handy, this way I can erase and manipulate the shape of my smokey eyes without too much hassle.
Always tap and lightly blow on your brush before application, this avoids extra spillage in the first place.

Hippy gal meets party diva

2012-02-16T20:15:00.000+09:00

It doesn't happen often but we were on two different pages style wise while choosing our outfits. While Sonu was thinking a Valentine's Day dinner date (weekend V-Day celebrations), Jasleen was fantasising about a holiday on the beach. In a bid to feel bright and shiny she went OTT with neon green shoes and feather extensions braided in my hair. Sonu looked ready to party Sex and the City style in her metallic dress with a pop of orange for some fun. Sometimes it's fun to be like chalk and cheese, don't you think? Although on second thoughts we both did end up wearing orange and stockings.

On wearing stockings:

- Stockings are always fub whether you wear them foot or footless - the ankle length being more wearable in the city of course.

- Don't use stockings to merely add lenght to short dresses, use it to add layers and character and colours.

- Wear a long shirt dress with contrast stockings and a belt for a fun day with the girls.

- Wear stockgs with your short playsuit and a sling bag for a day at the mall.

- Wear stockings with your denim shorts and a tank top and leather blazer for a night out in town.

Sonu wore her metallic dress with stockings

Jasleen wore neon orange stockings with a tunic/dress

Dress, Mango| stockings, Vero Moda| bracelet, bag & feather hair extension, Kala Ghoda Fest| shoes, Bandra| belt, Forever New

Clicked by my husband, G

The OSS

2012-02-15T03:29:00.002+09:00

Feeling sexy is not only about wearing that little black dress. Most men will tell you that there is nothing sexier than a woman in a man’s shirt. Taking this a notch further, here’s our take on the quintessential oversized shirt (OSS). Borrow from your boyfriend, dad or husband or simply invest in one but the oversized shirt must make an entry into your wardrobe this season.

Start with: A solid colour in bright hues, pastels or a basic white. Then move on to prints like checks, paisley prints and polka dots. The easiest way to wear your shirt is with a pair of high-waist or pleated pants. Tuck in your shirt and wear a pair of Oxfords with a satchel bag for a nerdy look. If you want to be a girly girl then colour block with an A-line skirt and a pair of ballerinas. For those who don’t mind experimenting, wear your shirt long over a maxi skirt and shape it with a thin belt to create the illusion of a long dress.

For an interview: Wear your OSS with skinny pants and a bowtie, a chic briefcase bag should top that off. A sheer white oversized blouse worn with a pair of sequined shorts and high heels can be a high fashion look for Brunch or High Tea. When you are looking to layer, the oversized shirt makes for an excellent lightweight jacket. For the skinny girls, a large shirt worn with high heels,a slim belt, shorts inside, can make a perfect shirt dress.

Find them at: Fashion Street, Colaba Causeway, Hill Road, Zara, Guess, Vero Moda, Only are flooded with shirts in every perceivable pattern. Checks and prints in cotton and bright hues in silken finishes are what we recommend for the season. The silken oversized blouse can be worn simply with a pair of comfortable knee-length skirt, a bling watch and a sling bag — a look so simple and elegant that you can never go wrong with it.

So no matter how you choose to wear your OSS, if there is only one thing that you must buy this month then let this be it!

(Feel free to click on the images to see the whole post!)

At the Fest

2012-02-11T21:53:00.002+09:00

Like last year, we ventured out to visit this season's KGF Fest. Both of us dressed in bright colours and ready for Summer. We met many of our lovely readers during our visits to the fest. It's always overwhelming and exciting meet people who appreciate our work. Thank you for all the love and affection you shower on us.

Jasleen wore a maxi skirt with a tangerine blouse

Skirt & blouse, Mango| bag, Rocky S @ Lifestyle| necklace & bangle, Kala Ghoda Festival| ring, Aquamarine| chappals, Janpath

Learn easy ways to wear tangerine and other orange shades here.
BTW, we've worn this necklace so many times already. Some our favourite picks are 1, 2, 3.

Sonu wore a hyacinth coloured button down with orange bottoms

Button down, Splash| denims & links, Colaba Causeway| collar pin, vintage| bag, Zara| heels, Charles & Keith

Read more about the colour blocking trend here.
Wondering how to wear coloured bottoms? We've answered your questions here.

The Multiple

2012-02-09T21:33:00.000+09:00

The urban makeup trend is moving towards technique and skill. We tell you how you can use some new-age products in a multiple ways.

#1 What: Pigments
How to use it:

Pigments are always underestimated. These highly pigmented powders in all colour ranges are actually very easy to work with. Pigments are great because they not only give you true intense colours but also last really really long.

On your eyes:	On your face:	On Your body:
Mix the pigment with a few drops of water (you also get liquids and glues to mix them, if you want to get a more professional finish) and make an eyeshadow out of it. Use your fingers or an eyeshadow brush to apply it. You can also dip an eyeliner brush and use it to outline the upper or lower eyelid. It works as an eyeshadow or creamy eye pencil.	Mix pigment in gold or bronze with your moisturiser or light foundation and smooth it on your face with a foundation brush. See how it brings out a dewy skin and adds a little sparkle to your complexion. Perfect for a beach party or a club look.	You can mix pigment in a gold, copper or bronze with a body lotion and smooth it with your fingers all over your body. Make sure to douse you collar bones, calves and back with a little extra for a sexy, sultry finish.

Recommended brands: MAC, Inglot, VOV and Ben Nye

#2 What: Cream blush

How to use it:

On your cheeks:	On your lips:	On your brow bone:
Replace the old powder blush with a cream blush for a healthy glow. Use your finger tips or makeup wedges to blend the cream blush into the apple of your cheeks.	Use your fingers to dab the cream blush on your lips for a nude, long-lasting matte finish to your lips.	Use the cream blush to add sheen to your brow bone with or without eyeshadow. This naturally gives the effect of brighter eyes.

Recommended brands: Clinique, NYX, Maybelline, MAC

#3 What: Gel eyeliner

How to use it:

As an eyeshadow:	As a kohl pencil:	As an eyeliner:
Scoop out a little gel eyeliner in a flat dish or plate, mix with two drops of water and use it as a black eyeshadow. The creamy texture will turn matte and last you hours, offering great colour intensity. The non-powder formula unlike most eyeshadows will ensure you have no powder spills and raccoon eyes after you apply your eye shadow.	Use the gel eyeliner on your waterline (lower lash line) to replace your kohl pencil. The non-smudge and non-pencil formula ensures long wear and darker, smoother lines.	Use the innovative gel eyeliner to create matte effect winged eyes.

Recommended brands: MAC, Bobbi Brown,Maybelline, L'Oreal

#4 What:Cheek and lip stain

How to use it:

On the cheeks:	On the lips:
Add just a dab of colour on the apple of your cheeks with a cheek stain. You can use the brush to dab dots on the apple of your cheeks (find them by smiling) and blend with fingers, a sponge or a blush brush.	You can use this on your lips to add natural colour and then follow with a gloss or lip balm for lips that look naturally healthy and pink.

Recommended brands: Bourjois, Bodyshop, Maxfactor

KGF 2012

2012-02-06T03:01:00.001+09:00

Popular culture is the new Babylon, into which so much art and intellect now flow. It is our imperial sex theater, supreme temple of the western eye. We live in the age of idols. The pagan past, never dead, flames again in our mystic hierarchies of stardom.

-- Paglia, Camille

Blouse, Fashion Street| jeans, United Colors of Benetton| bag, Oberoi Shopping Center| glares, Ray Ban

Snippets of Day 1,2 @ The Kala Ghoda Festival. Do drop in and if you see us don't forget to say hello!

Neutral balance

2012-02-01T23:34:00.000+09:00

We can't believe it's February already. It seems like only yesterday when we celebrated the New Year. We have been wearing a lot of colour of late and decided to see what happens when we go all neutral. Between us there's beige, grey and black making up our entire ensembles.

Back to work: It's fun to move away from bright hues every once in a while and move towards to neutral hues.
- Wearing neutrals can pull down your face so make sure you add colour on your cheeks or lips.
- Most people think of mixing neutral with the same colour family, here Jasleen has mixed beige with grey and Sonu wears beige with black making the look neutral yet stark.
- Choose neutrals to suit your skin tone, wheatish skin tones many want to say away from chocolates and browns, instead cream and rose blushes are a better idea.
- For paler complexions rose colours, chocolate browns and tans make for a good option.

Sonu wore a statement tunic with leggings and Oxfords pumps

Clicked by Hiral Ruparel

Jasleen wore an asymmetrical skirt with a sequins tops

Skirt & bag, Zara| top, Oberoi Shopping Centre| shoes, gifted by mum-in-law| ring, Bandra| book, What the dog saw by Malcolm Gladwell

Check out our previous posts with sequins here and here.

Stacked up

2012-01-26T18:10:00.000+09:00

Ditching the minimalist trend, this season is all about OD-ing on bracelets, charms, bands and cuffs

Bid farewell to your rings, necklaces and all other accessories, this season your bracelets and cuffs take center stage. The trend du jour is wearing all your finest arm candy all at once. Stack up all your charm bracelets, cuffs, wrap-around bracelets, bangles, and watches together.Create an interesting and diverse mix of colours, textures and fabrics one that matches your personality and style. Don't be afraid to mix your chunky cuffs with your smaller bracelets, the key here, is to make sure that the pieces are visible.

Club your large dial watch with neon leather bracelets and a plain blouse with denims for a coffee date. Add a masculine vibe with ceramic watches and dark-coloured wrap-around bands with studs and rivets. For a young and preppy outfit wear a bright-hued plastic watch with beaded bracelets and your vintage charms bands.

No matter what style of watch you choose, wear it with a nice stack of bangles and bracelets for a chic look. Use this trend to make an artistic statement through your outfit but stick to your personal style: girlie, goth or simplistic.

One can never go wrong with this trend, simply mix-and-match any of the jewellery you already own. If you want to get your hands on this trend visit stores like Curio Cottage, Popli, Espirit or Guess.

For those looking at cheaper options hit streets of Colaba Causeway or Linking Road and get your mix of bracelets and cuffs. You can also add a personal touch by making your own bracelets use neon threads, broken chains or old charms lying at home to make your own collection.So ladies, push your sleeves up, throw on all your bracelets, and hit the streets!

Black bottoms

2012-01-25T01:49:00.000+09:00

Black pants have been the crowning glory of a woman's wardrobe and both of us decided to do a different take on the quintessential black pants.

- Don't be afraid to brighten up your black pants with multiple colours. Black is stark so it can take a lot of colour in contrast. Sequins in black, white and colour is something the black pant can carry easily.

- In terms of silhouettes, people get stuck with basic blouses and shirts. Experiment with a boxy crop top; mix it with a blazer or a vest or a long wrap. Wear long t-shirts, tunic styles as tops with your pants as another alternative.

- Change up your pants by wearing brogues, wedges or clogs. The natural instinct is to pick a pair of pumps, refrain from that.

- Think out of the box with your hair and makeup as well. Pops of pink, orange and red can refresh your look and very dressy at the same time.

- Going monochrome with an entire black ensemble and adding a pop of colour is very done, so try and change it up a bit for fun. Try a splash of vibrant colours to a fresh take.

- It’s a myth that black and brown don’t match. It is in fact, one of our favourite combinations. See for yourself here.

Jasleen wore her lace front black pants with neon colours

Sonu wore her embossed black pants with a sequins top

Top, Oberoi Shopping Center| pants & clutch, Zara (sale)| wedges, Bandra| cuffs, Swarovski & Curio Cottage| glares, Ray Ban

Clicked by Yash Virkud

The Fratelli Fever

2012-01-19T19:44:00.000+09:00

Solapur was cold and therefore we gathered our measly collection of winter clothing to travel to Fratelli Vineyards. We both decided to wear stockings to battle the cold because denims are such a bad idea, they make you feel worse.

- The black dress with high heels is so done to death, that's why the sneakers with stars on them paired with a comic print tote was a refreshing change.
- You should also look at changing up your LBD with coloured stockings, funky peep toes and satchel bags instead of clutches and high heels.
- Adding colours, a hat, an interesting tribal neck piece are other ways of doing that.

Sonu wore a bright coral tunic dress with Oxford pumps
- A tunic dress is really versatile and can be worn as a blouse, dress, tunic or shirt.
- Here, the pairing with Oxfords gives it a strict androgynous twist instead of going the entirely girly route.
- Adding a belt to the tunic can change up the look and take it up a notch.
- Adding a statement neck piece or cuff is also a good option.

A big thank you to Karina from Giggle Water for taking such beautiful images shot in the Fratelli Cellar.

Wining and Dining

2012-01-17T03:04:00.000+09:00

We always thought we're not meant for road trips, not that we are high maintenance or anything. It's just that we love the comforts of our respective homes and refuse to move out at any cost. Plus, being away from the city makes us very uneasy, no sound, no light, no people - eerie.

However, we decided to brave this weekend trip to the Fratelli Vineyard purely for the promise of wine. The 7 hour journey brings you to the vineyards that house four really huge rooms with plush beds, linen and a fancy bathroom. We loved the French windows that opened into the garden area.

There was no TV in the room, the only part we hated. The staff is super nice and so hospitable. They wait on you in absolute silence and appear from nowhere just as you need them. It's like they read your mind. Lean, organic chicken and the masala omelette is on our list of recommendations.

The wine tasting with Sandeep was really an enlightening session since Sonu and I are both wine drinkers we were embarrassed to find out how little we knew about the subject.

We also took a quick trip of the wine cellar where we did our next outfit post as well (so stay tuned). You can get up and about at the vineyard in the ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles) available at the property itself. We recommend this to couples and friends who want to have a quiet, fun-filled getaway from the city buzz. This is also a chance to do something different from the usual eating/ drinking weekend and actually throw in some learning on the field.

The way back was also an excellent trip when we stopped at this one dhaba called Kanchan (veg.) and tasted some fresh, organic food for a mere Rs.430 that included a lot of food. Our favourite though was Mastani, a blend of mango juice, milk, dry fruits, tutti frutti and two butterscotch ice cream and vanilla ice cream.

Will update you some more later but till then, Don't Drink and Drive

Thanks a lot Giggle Water for some of these fab photos.

Pleats please!

2012-01-12T21:19:00.001+09:00

I remember when as a little girl my aunt from London would get me these pleated skirts in royal blues and emerald greens and mesmerised by the fabrics and fall I never knew how I cold wear them. I would try them in front of the mirror and never end up actually wearing it.

Cut to 2012 where Sonu and I are still trying to master the art of wearing a pleated skirt.

Our tips:
1. Don't be afraid to experiment. Try your pleated skirt with t-shirts, jerseys, tunics and blazers and see what look works for you.
2. When in doubt where the skirt suit in monochrome solid tones.
3. Belts, different lengths of blazers and flat versus heels can be make or break points so keep them in mind.
4. If you are wearing colours then try something out of the box and quirky like mixing prints, colours and silhouettes.
5. Stay away from the temptation of wearing a tank top or a over-fitted tee. Just because your skirt has volume, doesn't mean you top can't.

Sonu is wearing her pleated skirt with a sweatshirt

Skirt, H&M| sweatshirt, FCUK| heels, Bandra| bag, Zara| glares, Ray Ban

Jasleen is wearing her pleated skirt with a tucked in tunic and blazer

The Fort

2012-01-07T02:06:00.000+09:00

The New Year has got us geared up for more work, fun and more posts for you guys. We met up after the Holidays for our usual meeting over some coffee in Bandra. Decided to shoot in the Bandra Fort for a quick post. Leaving you with only images no gyaan.

Jasleen wore a pencil skirt with a blouse

Sonu wore a blouse with denims and ethnic jewellery

PS: Thanks to this beautiful necklace, I was caught in the Customs. I had to open my suitcase to explain that this is simply metal; not silver/gold. Only after a female inspector checked it, I was set free :P Worth the effort I think. Don't you?

The party style guide

2011-12-26T16:25:00.000+09:00

Dressing up to different kinds of parties can be challenging. Here are some quick party looks we cooked up for you guys and included tips of hair and makeup as well.

Look 1: Trial & Error (while shopping)
Style: Comfortable

Dress in the most comfy outfits with minimal accessories. Avoid layers and too much jewellery, you'll thank us when you are in the trial room. Stick to dresses or tunics with pants/shorts combination since you need to be fast and comfortable in the dressing room. Wear flats and carry a sling bag or a messenger bag for all the ease you need while shopping.

Makeup & hair:
Minimal or next to none. If you want to flaunt an even complexion without foundation, try the many primers in the market that leave you with a soft glow.

Look 2: Casual dinner party
Style: Casual chic

Nothing beats the classic combination of a blouse with denims for a dinner party. Chic and minimalistic yet extremely stylish, add a touch of your personality with your accessories. Wear links or a statement necklace with peep toes or wedges heels.

Makeup & hair:
Keep your makeup minimalistic with the main focus on your eyes with a winged liner and a wear nude lipstick. Try somkey eyes in green, blue or purple instead of the same old black. For your hair try an updo for a fresh and glamorous look.

Look 3: Theme party
Style: In character

Not sure if it’s The Big Bang Theory hangover or what? But we're definitely doing a ‘geek chic’ look for our next theme party. If you’re not a big theme party fan like us and look for easy-looks then this may come to your rescue. It’s simple yet in ‘character’ (well... at least for us) and super stylish. For your next theme party, look for character you relate with like Rachel from Friends or Sonam Kapoor from Aisha. In this way you can recreate from your wardrobe, without feeling uncomfortable in the party.

Makeup & hair:
Fill your eyebrows for a masculine touch with matte makeup and lips. For your hair, try a middle parting loose low bun. Bright orange or pink lips in powder matte can finish your look.

Look 4: First date
Style: Girlie

First dates are romantic and dreamy, so be girlie and elegant. Try an LBD but refrain from a very tight fit, you want to look graceful. Add a belt to show off your curves with a thin necklace. Add kitten heels to complete your look. To be honest there are no first date dressing rules, the idea is to stay comfortable. You can’t be pulling your dress if it’s short or pulling your top if it’s low. Stay true to your style, so if you’re not comfortable in a short dress wear pants or a maxi dress.

Makeup & hair: Keep it fresh and pink. Wear your plum/peachy blushes with fuchsia or hot pink lips. Try a side braid to add to your feminine attire. Keep your eyes simple and dewy with a pencil liner in pink or glitter.

Look 5: New Year’s Eve
Style: Glamorous

Get glamorous and sexy dress for your New Year party. Give your boring LBDs a rest and think sequins, metallics or deeper colours like teal or maroon. Depending on your personal style, pick the length and silhouette of your dress. Don’t match your accessories, add a contrast instead. So pick a maroon clutch with a gold dress like here.

Makeup & hair:
Go for dramatic makeup with bold eyes and lips. Our favourite is a bright red shade with metallic eyes. Leave your hair open and show off your tresses and don't be afraid to curl them for maximum effect. Poker straight hair is a boring option. For metallic eyes, the Indian skin tone looks best in gold or copper bronze.

Look 6: House party
Style: Effortless

House parties are cosy and warm, so keep your look similar. Since you get to chill and chat on couches avoid tiny dresses or skirts. You’d rather be safe with denims or palazzo pants. Wear a statement tunic/dress as a tunic to be part of the festive mood. Opt for wedges or platform heels to complete your look.

Makeup & hair:
Keep your complexion luminous with a liquid foundation and add a cheek stain instead of powder blush, it looks natural and gives you naturally flushed cheeks. Also, you can add a soft gloss to you lips or layer with vaseline and a thin layer of your favourite matte lipstick. Dab lipstick with your fingers for a natural looking colour.

All these garments are available in FCUK. Get shopping ladies!

Happy holidays

2011-12-23T19:43:00.001+09:00

Our sincere apologies for being so MIA these days. We've been busy with last minute work before the holidays and with some events. A few weeks ago we were lucky to be the stylists for a Crocs event in Infinity Mall, Malad. Amidst the Christmas decorations and several colourful footwear, Jasleen and I styled, recommended party looks and makeup tips to many of our readers and friends.
Click here for more images.

Before we leave, we promise you the last post of 2011. Stay tuned for our next post for different party looks, moods, makeup and hair tips. Merry Christmas to all our lovely readers!

Delhi diaries

2011-12-21T03:41:00.002+09:00

We didn’t know that a weekend in Delhi could be this eventful!

Day 1
We began with Sarojini Nagar since we had heard so much about the place. Unfortunately, the cold weather meant that the market was filled with stylish coats, woollen jackets and trenches. Now for all those who do have a place to wear these in, the Sarojini Nagar market was a great investment. From copies (or export rejects?) that looked like Burberry to Chanel to simply very fashionable designs we fell in love.

But alas, the lack of space and weather in Mumbai dissuaded us from making the purchase. We luckily found one tiny gullie that still had some stuff leftover from the summers and that’s where Sonu and I let loose. From basic shirts to neon blouses and thick stripes, we managed to haul back a decent amount of stuff.

The next halt was in Old Delhi’s Chandini Chowk where we had to abandon our hired cab to be able to get anywhere in the throng of people. In one row, we saw a temple, gurdwara and masjid coexisting in their traditional splendour.

After asking around we realised that Neel Patra is the best place to buy Indian suits and that’s where we started to head but in between all that the sights and wonders were beautiful to behold. From tiny lit up gullies, green balconies, freshly baked naankhatais and the parathewalli gullie, we ate our way to the market, stopping observing and what not. Beautiful embroideries and saris for as low as Rs.1,500

At night my cousins Amitesh, Preeti and Rashi were nice enough to take us to dinner at Privileged Punjabi that served some of the tenderest chicken that we’ve had the chance to eat. Our verdict: the Delhi Indian food is way better than what we get in Mumbai.

Day 2
We then headed to the W for Woman store for the styling event at South Ex 2 and even before we started we decided to get lunch at this street vendor Qureshi who was preparing fresh rumaali rotis. We ordered paneer kadai with a ton of malai and sat in the Delhi chill on plastic stools to enjoy what was perhaps the best meal of our lives.

At the W for Woman event, fellow blogger Sushmita and Fashion Bombay reader Ayesha decided to drop in to say hello.

Other than that, what we did realise in Delhi though is the complete lack of humour. Sonu and I think we're incredibly funny with our one-liners and usually draw a smile or a sympathetic laugh but at Delhi we only saw people getting offended with our humour. Besides that, Delhi was welcoming and a trip we are not going to forget, ever!

For more images click here.

1940s v/s 1990s

2011-12-13T00:05:00.000+09:00

We couldn’t be more chalk and cheese to this afternoon meeting where both Sonu and I packed drastically different eras into our looks.
While Jasleen wore a strict dress with Oxford heels, Sonu decided to wear neon (also a current hot trend). Here’s how we wore them.

Sonu paired her neons with purple jeans

Jeans, Colaba Causeway| tank and necklace, Fashion Street| bag, Kashmir Novelties| shoes, Bandra| bracelets, Curio Cottage & Colaba Causeway

- Colour overdose is not a thing of the past as long as you balance your colours well.
- Mix saturated colours with brighter/ lighter pops to keep the look from seeming OTT.
- Pairing interesting accessories with your look can determine the right amount of freshness.

Jasleen wore her 40s inspired dress with a big satchel bag

Dress, Fashion Street| Oxfords, PAX | bag, Dharavi| watch, Aldo Accessories| brooch, Colaba causeway

- The 1940s were stricter with long hemlines and a slim waist. This flared style suits an apple body (narrow hips) because it gives volume to the lower half of the body.
- The volume also gives the illusion of a slimmer waist that works well for thick midriffs.
- The brogues with shoes add the right amount of drama to make it a complete period look.

The Party Jean

2011-12-10T01:50:00.001+09:00

If you think showing legs in a sexy little dress is the only way to party this season then you couldn’t be more wrong. Jeans are super versatile and sit really well on a woman’s curves (when you buy the right pair) and can look extremely ravishing.

Here’s how you do it right:

THE RIGHT FIT:

The right pair of jeans should not have love handles sticking out and should sit well on the crotch.
The length of the jeans should be altered to fit, churidaar like wrinkles are very unbecoming. However, if you like an American fold on your denims, that looks chic too and you can keep the length.
Camel toe is the biggest problem with Indian figures so beware. Extremely low slung jeans are for really skinny frames so opt for something that fits right under your navel.
It’s always better to buy jeans that are slightly tighter because they take the shape of your body and also loosen slightly with washed.

PARTY STYLES:

Usually darker denims suit the evening look well, solid dark blues, black or white jeans are good options. Fade washes and rips look too casual so be careful while picking those for a party.
Rhinestones, studs and a bit of bling on the denims is a personal preference but again, be very careful that it’s done tastefully and is very minimal. Studs only on the back pocket for example look good.
Having lycra in your denims helps the fit to a great extent so look for stretch in your denims. For parties, ankle length styles look the best and also work well with high heels.
Jeggings and elastic waistbands are a complete no for the party season if you plan to wear them with short tops.

PAIR IT WELL:

A classic silk blouse in nice colours looks great with denims. Fabrics that are very light and sheer also spell sexy. Open a couple of button and pair statement accessories to be ready in a jiffy.
High heels can make anything look stunning so opt for the usual suspects like hot pink, red, orange that look great on jeans. A ruffled top, a sequinned tank can be great accompaniments.
This season the sequinned boyfriend blazer is doing the rounds, pair a number in silver, bronze or gold with a simple top, statement earrings and swept back hair to complete a chic party look.
For a more conservative setting, pair your favourite dressy tunic with your jeans and opt for close toed pumps and a small sling bag.

All jeans: courtesy Calvin Klein Jeans| Location courtesy: Calvin Klein, Bandra

Lunch Break

2011-12-03T03:19:00.001+09:00

Doing an afternoon meal in this heat is a task in itself so when Sonu and I decided to do lunch in Colaba, we knew we'd wear comfortable, airy clothes to last us through the greedy afternoon. These were our comfy ensembles.

Jasleen wore white linen pant with an animal print t-shirt

Top, Zara| pants, Mango| flats, Janpath, Delhi| bag, gifted by Sonu

- When you know the only way to beat the sun is in those quintessential white pants then you have to wear them with a statement piece.
- Since my look was simple, I decided to wear a statement t-shirt and accessorise with a gold bracelet and necklace to make the look a little dressy.
- This is also a good tip for those who want to convert easy day looks to an evening movie or quick dinner. Simply a chunky neck piece, an oversized ring a nice bracelet or a pair of high heels will have you ready in no time. Remember, a natural blush and hydrated lips will freshen up your face instantly.

Sonu wore a bright maxi dress with a vest

Dress, self-made (last worn here)| vest, Forever New| bag, Oberoi Shopping Mall| flats, Aldo

- You know my weakness for layering, but since the heat wouldn't budge, the vest was a good idea to layer versus a blazer or a light jacket.
- A maxi dress is your best friend on days when you haven't waxed but still want to look girly and romantic without the discomfort of tight pants and jeans.
- A maxi dress suits all body types as long as you know how to wear it. Read here for more tips.
- PS this is the same location as this post.

Indian glam

2011-11-28T22:31:00.001+09:00

We finally decided to give our readers a glimpse of what we look like when we do some casual/urban Indian wear shopping. We met some of our beautiful readers and friends @ the W for Woman store in Colaba and helped them shop with various styling ideas. Since, the winters refuse to arrive, the cool and breathable clothes are a great options for both semi-formal and casual wear. You guys might want to check them out.

At the W for Woman Store in Colaba. See more images here

Sonu wore her kurta with a blazer

- It's a common misconception that you can pair your kurtas with only churidaars or patiala pants. Think out-of-the-box and re-invent your ubiquitous kurta.
- The umbrella kurta is very versatile and can also be worn as is as a dress. Simple layer with a matching skirt to play safe or add an edgy touch with a contrasting shade.
- The pairing with a blazer instantly adds a formal element to the look and also jazzes it up with the bright colour.
- An umbrella cut is mostly flattering on all body types, the amount of the volume should be monitored according to the frame, size of the hips and the height.

Jasleen wore her kurta with Pakistani pants

- Pakistani pants are a rage this season and you will see most kurtas and even wedding wear paired with these. Very versatile, these ankle pants are great with a long length kurta, in some cases where only about 2 inches of the pants are visible.
- The pairing of this kurta with pants instantly made it more wearable without a dupatta, with a churidaar this same look would look incomplete.
- These pants suit most body types, except the fact that the ankle length can make your legs look stubby and one look short. It is then advisable to wear kolhapuri wedges or pumps to add height.

Fashion Cafe

2011-11-24T01:19:00.001+09:00

A quick post to invite all our readers, friends and family to the Fashion Cafe with W for Woman. Come join us this Saturday at the W for Woman store in Colaba where we will help you shop, give you styling tips and delve into versatility of Indian contemporary clothing. All-in-all fun girlie afternoon, with some shopping, many pictures and a lot of fun!
And, if none of this excites you, just drop in to say hi. We are extremely excited to meet you guys.

Venue: W for Woman, Opposite Mcdonalds, Colaba.

Date & Time: November 26, 12-4pm

See our previous post with W for Woman here.

Jacket News

2011-11-16T00:42:00.001+09:00

Winters may have not officially hit the city but we like to be prepared. Our recent buys from Attic were begging to be debuted on the blog. This is how we wore are newly acquired blazers.

Jacket tips:
1. If you have a broad midriff, stay away from cropped blazers/ jackets since they tend to lay emphasis on your middle portion.
2. Boyfriend blazer lengths are flattering on most shapes but if you have very wide hips, you must wear something that ends under your waist and is slightly shorter than the boyfriend blazer.
3. Cotton and jersey are good materials for the Bombay weather.
4. Always check the lining on your blazer because it makes a huge difference to the fit and look of the jacket.
5. You don't have to button up your jacket, so buy a jacket that fits you well on the waist, arm holes and shoulder, even if it doesn't button up. A size larger can make you look sloppy.

Jasleen wore a mustard tunic with linen pants with her jacket

Sonu wore a blazer with a bright and black denim

Blazer, Half Full @ Attic| jeans and bag, Mango| shirt, Fashion Street (last worn here)| kohlapuri wedges, Colaba Causeway| glares, Ray Ban

The simpler times

2011-11-10T02:03:00.003+09:00

With a humble camera, some simple ideas and pure inspiration to make a difference in the world of fashion, Jasleen and I started blogging more than two years ago. Back in the day, we just dressed up to work with a handful of page views and selected readers, blogging was only a hobby. Today, (as we had foreseen) bloggers are getting their due. From being invited to events, parties, store launches and don't forget the freebies, we as bloggers couldn't ask for more. But currently, we are going through a nostalgic bout and are missing the simpler times. We've evolved, learned and matured both as friends and in our style. What do you think?
Following are some of our favourite old-time posts, feel free to click on the images to see the entire post.

Our first outfit post

First magazine that featured us -- Tehelka

Blogger's Meet

2011-11-06T17:36:00.000+09:00

A few Bombay bloggers got together to meet Tanvi who flew down from Delhi just for this informal luncheon. It was great to finally put a voice to these beautiful faces, they are all so much more than just stylish divas. Tanvi is as vibrant and free-spirited in person as she is in her blog. Masoom is such a cute little bundle of joy, extremely talented and mature for a 19-year-old. Kavya who we've know for a while but has evolved so much since we last saw her. Aastha is chilled out and easy to chat with and Gia is a girl of few words but extremely suave and smart. Lastly, one of my personal favourite Anushka speaks her mind instantly (often lands her into trouble :P) and did I forget to mention how hilarious she is. All this made me realise your blog represents you, your personality and your aura.
We all chatted for hours about everything other than fashion (believe it or not). A few ice-coolers, main courses and desserts away, we all were a group of friends who knew each other since years. No awkward silences or odd pauses made the day-long bonding a fun Saturday.We missed you Jasleen, Aayushi and Pranita, wish you two made it.
Any ways, here are some fun pictures of the day!

(I was wearing a shirt from Colaba Causeway, palazzo pants from Zara (remember this?), watch, La Mer| glares, Ray Ban| sandals, Pavers England)

So Bright!

2011-11-04T20:36:00.001+09:00

We are brightening our days with some solid and fun colours. Interestingly, we saw these pop colours on the international runways for Fall-Winter as well.

Wearing colour instantly lifts your mood and lights up your face. If you have a golden, peach brown undertone like Jasleen then wear warm tones like bright oranges, rusts, reds, emeralds ect. For a paler, whiter undertone like Sonu's try something more candy coloured - think candy floss, blue sky, minty greens etc.

Here's how we wore our colours

Jasleen paired blue and green denims with a satchel bag

Sonu wore a candy floss pink ensemble with her tan satchel bag

Tunic, Cotton World| pants, Colaba Causeway| satchel bag, Oberoi Shopping Centre| wedges, Bandra