Wednesday 25 March 2015

How To Wear Denim Shirt

The humble denim has come a long way since its inception days. From a blue-collar staple to a fashion must-have, it is one of the few classic fabric (weave) that has managed to easily evolve with times and styles. One instance it is simple and casual, next, it is all statement making and chic. 

Since its inception, denim has practically been moulded in every possible silhouette and structure. Besides the classic jeans, the one interpretation I am particularly fond of is, the denim shirt.
For most of us, a denim shirt is a wardrobe staple. It is one of those seasonless pieces that can be worn year round.
Being inherently casual, it can be quite tricky trying to come up with different ways to wear a denim shirt.

To help you make the most of your denim shirt, here are three different outfits that illustrate how to style your denim shirt.
More information about these pieces here/ Images via Google and Pinterest

Layer With It: When layering with a denim shirt, keep in mind, the denim shirt functions as add on, as an enhancing piece rather than a main piece of the ensemble. Since denim is neutral in nature, you can add a denim shirt to either tone down a look or spice up a rather somber one.

Pair It With A Skirt or Pants: Denim shirt is a great alternative to the regular shirt. For a polished look, pair it with a skirt or pair of pants. To make the most of this look, opt for statement prints, shiny sequins or bold colours bottoms to pair with the denim shirt. No matter how loud or dramatic the pant/skirt is, the neutral characteristic of the denim shirt will balance the look out.

Double Denim: You really can't go wrong with this refined denim-on-denim formula. The styling potentials are endless. Glam up and go all out with statement, colourful accessories or opt for polished metallic or monochrome pieces. Either way, both looks work just as well.
A complete denim ensemble allows you to experiment to your heart's contentment.

I recently discovered the joy of layering and a denim shirt was an ideal piece to start experimenting with. A denim shirt layered as a jacket is no new invention. However, with what you pair the shirt is the real game changer. 
In my initial experimenting stages I kept it simple and wore the denim shirt with a top and jeans. However, I decided to up my personal styling game for Lakmé Fashion Week and go for an Indo-Western, boho inspired look.
Denim Shirt: c/o GAS Jeans | Trench Kurta and Skirt: Westside | Tote Bag: India Circus | Wedges: INC5 | Necklace: From Kashmir | Bangles: Thrifted | Watch: DKNY
Make up | c/o 
Lakmé, Lipstick: Red Flames, Lakmé, The Sculpt Collection | Hair: Foxy Curls c/o Tigi Bed Head


Pairing my fave GAS Jeans denim shirt (it’s a men’s shirt) with a trench style kurta, crushed printed cotton skirt, tribal stone necklace and arty print tote.
 Along with being a new look it was also very flattering to my body type. The layering added colour and structure break that was very form flattering and stylish at the same time.

Being plus size I have shied away from wearing a denim shirt for a long time. The myth that denim shirt adds bulk was my biggest deterrent.
However, while I still haven't found the confidence to wear it as a shirt or try a double denim look, layering with it has opened up new personal styling avenues for me.


Till then, tra-la,
Amena!!
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Tuesday 17 March 2015

Summer Wardrobe Essentials

With the temperature soaring with each passing day, it is time to finally put away all things winter attire and bring out the summer essentials. Time to bid adieu to chunky layers and make way for soft, free-flowing pieces; replace bejewelled heavy necklaces with light, delicate ones and swap poly and wool blends with cotton, linen and organic based fabrics.

While most of these pieces are already a part of our everyday wardrobe, it is time to put them to good use beat the heat in style!
The summer wardrobe essentials list has been prepared keeping in mind the hot and humid weather experienced across India.


1. White Top:
 Be it long or short, a traditional tunic or a classic white shirt, no summer wardrobe is complete without a white top. 
Ideal to beat the head and easy to style, a white top is an absolute must-have.

2. Cotton Pants: Whether you like them printed or plain, in bold shades or delicate pastels, fitted or flared, cotton fabric pants are a perfect summer alternative to the poly-blend trousers and leggings.

3. Dainty Jewellery: No matter how much you love those statement, chunky jewellery, summer is all about dainty pieces. Delicate necklaces, elegant cuff and simple rings are just the perfect accessory for this hot weather.

4. Summer Dress: Maxi, mini or midi, printed or embellished, flared or A-line, summer dress is the prefect blend of comfy and trendy. They can easily be dressed-up or down depending on the time of the day, occasion and location.

5. Denim Shirt: Layer with a tee, use it as a wrap over a bikini or simply pair it with coloured jeans, the denim shirt can effortlessly be styled in a number of ways. No matter how you wish to style it, opt for soft denim or a chambray instead of classic thick denim.
6. Oversized Tote: Carry it to office, beach or to a date, oversized tote bags functions as a home away from home, where your day-to-day stuff can easily be stocked away.

7. Flat Sandals: Not only are they super comfortable, but they pair pretty well with all kinds of summer clothes and can easily be worn to most occasions. 

8. Shorts: Whether you like Daisy Duke kind of shorts or the trendy skorts or prefer the high-waist, culottes style, shorts are ideal for surviving the hot, humid days. In case shorts are not your style, mini/midi skirts work just as well for this season.

9. Florals: This is a cliché, but no summer is complete without its share of blooming flower prints. The style may change; the designs may evolve, but floral will forever remain summer quintessential.

10. Sunglasses: Sunglasses are a year round staple. However, in summer they become an absolute must have. Along with protecting your eyes from the scorching sun, sunglasses also help you make a chic style statement.

Using all the pieces from the summer wardrobe essentials list, here are a few styling ideas.


Till then, tra-la,

Amena!!
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Tuesday 3 March 2015

Summer Beauty & Grooming Essentials

Nothing says warm days are upon us quite like the arrival of March. Summer season in India is known for being excruciatingly hot, almost cruel at times. Honestly, besides ranting on social media there is very little one can do about the soaring temperatures.
With mercury on the rise, this seems like the perfect time to update your beauty, makeup and grooming stash with these new summer friendly essentials.

1. What is it: Lakmé Lip Love Lip Balm- Strawberry; INR 200/- 
Why do I love it: I am a sucker for lip balms and use it year round. As someone who is blessed with healthy, hydrated lips, this product was ideal for me. For starters, I loved the fruity fragrance and the delicate reddish-pink tint and shine. Containing SPF 15 makes it a major added bonus. The texture is smooth and creamy on application. After application, the lip balm feels light on the lips and does not have a sticky after effect or oily residue. Just like it is stated on the package, “luxurious creamy core that moisturizes your lips”, Lakmé Lip Love lip balm delivers on all these promises.
If you are looking for a tinted, fruity lip balm, Lakmé Lip Love is just the thing you need. 
Along with Strawberry, it is also available in Vanilla, Peach and Cherry.

2. What is it:
LUX Magical Spell Body Wash- Black Orchids and Juniper Oil; INR 150/-
Why do I love it: The thing I loved most about Lux Magical Spell Body Wash is its fragrance. It has a very sensuous, exotic scent. Along with black orchids there is a hint of jasmine, wood and vanilla. On initial use one may find the scent a tab big strong, however, the fragrance is not at all overpowering and lingers for a few hours after use.
I am not very picky about body wash and love trying out new ones. As long as I like the fragrance, I am good with it. Since I don’t have very dry skin, Lux Magical Spell Body Wash suited my skin perfectly well.

3. What is it:
Scholl Velvet Smooth Express Pedi; INR 2,850/- and Foot and Nail Cream; INR 200/-
Why do I love it: For someone who prefers open-toe shoes and sandals to closed one, keeping my feet clean and smooth at all times in an overly polluted city can be quite a challenge. 
Lucky for me, I discovered Scholl Velvet Smooth Express Pedi. It is an electronic foot file that effectively removes tough, dead skin and calluses by exfoliating the feet. What I really liked about it is, it does not have sharp blades, this makes it very safe to use. It also manages to remove all the dead skin and leaves the feet smooth.
The overall experience and result is excellent. To make sure your feet stay clean and dead skin free for long, moisturise it daily with the foot and nail cream.
Keep in mind, this is an express pedicure and one cannot expect the same results as traditional, salon pedicure. 
Whether or not you lead an hectic life, this is one grooming product every woman (and man) should invest in.

4. What is it: Livon Moroccan Silk Serum; INR 259/-
Why do I love it: Ever since I discovered the secret ingredient to healthy hair, I have become an avid user and believer of all things Moroccan Argan Oil. 
Since I have wavy hair that tends to get frizzy on hot, humid days, I am very picky about my hair serum. However, after my mom tried Livon Moroccan Silk Serum and swore by it, I decided to give it a try.
What I loved most about it is, after application it leaves your hair feeling weightless, free flowing and gives it a shine and healthy glow. Also, it does not make your hair feel weighed down or leave a sticky residue. To add to this, it has a lovely fragrance to it.
Enriched with Vitamin E and infused with UV filters, unlike most available variants of Moroccan Argan Oil that are on the expensive side, Livon Moroccan Silk Serum is very pocket friendly and ideal for most Indian hair type.

5. What is it: Za True White Two Way Foundation; INR 550/-
Why do I love it: If you spent half your life dealing with oily skin woes, foundation is one product that will be on top of your ‘to avoid’ list. For that matter, any cream base makeup product. 
It was nothing short of sheer joy, when I discovered Za’s two way foundation. The beauty of the product is, it can be used wet or dry depending on your requirement. Since it is powder based, it gives a smooth matte, even toned complexion without clogging the pores, making the foundation oily skin friendly.
The foundation is infused with SPF 20 PA++ that provides the skin with much needed UVF protection. Available in 4 shades to complement every Indian skin tone, this foundation offers the best of both-powder and liquid, making it suitable for all skin types.

Please Note: Before using/ buying any of these products please make sure they are right match and compatible with your your skin and hair type.


Till then, tra-la,
Amena!!
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