Wednesday 19 December 2012

Dare To Bare With FASTRACK Bags.

When I started my blogging journey never in my wildest dreams did I think that at one point I would be the only Bombay based blogger to be invited to attend an event organised by one of India's leading youth accessories brand- Fastrack.
And yet, who in their right mind would miss out on such a wonderful opportunity. Along with attending the ‘Dare To Bare’ collection launch fashion show, I also had an opportunity to interact with Ronnie Talati the Vice President & Business Head of Fastrack & New Brands.
 After speaking with Marketing Head, Simeran Bhasin and Retail Operations & PR Head, Hemal Panchamia I finally have a better understanding of the brand as well as its latest collection.

Fastrack, the unconventional fashion brand has managed to established itself as 'India's leading youth accessories brand', chose to unveiled its latest range of 'Fashion Backpacks' at the F Bar and Kitchen in Bengaluru. 
With a strong belief that backpacks aren't always just about carrying things around, this season Fastrack is showing us the most stylish way to move with the launch of their new collection of backpacks.
The latest collection of backpacks is a perfect combination of the function and fashion and is all set to spice up your wardrobe.
The latest collection of backpacks come with ergonomic back support and well organized interiors. Plus, the unique materials and  eye catching prints are sure to make you want to garb one for yourself.
The latest collection of Fastrack has so many stylish and trendy backpacks to chose from, I just had to share with you all some of my favourite pieces.
[More details on there bags here]

What I love about the ‘Dare to Bare’ FASTRACK Fashion Backpack Collection:

The traditional backpack has been given a stylish makeover. No more an old- fashioned, monochromatic, simple utility piece, it has been transformed into a must have accessory. From different shapes to bold prints and bright colours, these backpacks are a perfect combination of fashion and function.

Even though Fastrack is a leading youth brand, the variety of bags and backpacks are for those not only young in age but also young at heart. The diversity of style, fabric and colour is bound to appeal to anyone who is, “Bold, stylish, casual and lots of fun”.

Keeping its target audience in mind the bags and backpacks have been reasonably priced.

Other than trendy backpacks and bags for men, Fastrack also offers a stylish 'Girl’s Collection'.
Unique metallic details, vibrant hues and extended utility makes them a must have this season. Small enough to be carried anywhere and big enough to hold all your essentials. 
[More details on the FASTRACK accessories here and on the other products here]
{All the three looks have been exclusively styled with Fastrack acessories-bags, purse, sunglasses and watch}

Speaking about the collection, Ronnie Talati had wisely said: “Fastrack backpacks combine high fashion with function and will form an integral part of any youngster's wardrobe.” That is exactly what the latest 'Dare to Bare' collection is all about.
Not only did I have a wonderful time at the event but also a better knowledge and understanding of the Fastrack brand. After viewing its latest collection first-hand I can't help but agree that Fastrack is '
India's leading youth accessories brand'.

Till then, tra-la, 
Amena!!
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Wednesday 12 December 2012

Guide to Bridal Style | How To Choose Your Wedding Outfit

Before I decided to switch lanes and join the fashion blogging bandwagon, I was a full time practicing fashion designer. In my years as a designer I have met almost all kinds of clients. Each with its own set of different demands and drama. But, there was one set of clientele that wanted the exact same thing- ‘The perfect wedding outfit’

It did not matter if she was a ‘no to everything’ bride or ‘I want it all’ bride or the kind who was inspired by all things Bollywood or the type whose only words were ‘Mummy, you say na’.
One thing all brides insist on having is an outfit that is ‘unique’ and ‘very different’, but at the same time ‘perfect’.
 Short of having fairies and genies create the ‘perfectly unique’ wedding dress most brides have to make do with what can be humanly created.
Lucky for you, all you need are these simple, easy-to-follow bridal fashion guidelines to make sure that your wedding outfit is the perfect one for you.

[Images Via: PinterestMaharani WeddingsBeautiful Indian Brides]

Know yourself and the outfit will follow
The most important thing is to know your body type, structure, skin tone, assets and flaws. Once you know yourself it will be easy for you to decide which silhouette and trend compliments you and which should be completely avoided.


Fit over Fad
If there is one thing that should be perfect about the wedding outfit it is the fit. Remember, you have to spend a good amount of hours in that dress. Being uncomfortable in the name of vanity or style is as good as inviting disaster. Even for a second you feel the outfit is too tight or too loose ask for an alteration or a different piece, but do not knowingly go for an oversized/undersized piece.

Tight choli, pinching shoes, choking necklace or constricting ghagra will make you irritable. Choose an outfit that transforms you in beautiful ways, not one that require things that your body can’t deliver.
How to choose your wedding and bridal outfit.
[Images via: Pinterest, Beautiful Indian Brides, Pinterest]

Go with the right support
 

Whether it is people or undergarment the right kind of support goes a long way in helping a bride make wise decisions. At every trial and fitting you must wear the same undergarment as the one you will wear on the D-day. Repeat after me: Not similar, but SAME. 
The right undergarment not only offers much-needed support but also has the potential to literally make or break the look.

Make sure it is weather and location friendly outfit
 When is the wedding and where is it going to take place should be considered before picking a wedding outfit. One cannot wear a corset blouse to an open-air winter wedding. Nor can one wear heavy silk sarees to a beach wedding. Picking a dress according to season and location is both stylish as well as comfortable.


 Sometimes less is best
 Wanting too many different looks or too much of the same look is every bride’s hamartia. You just can’t help but want to put all your favourite ideas into that one outfit. Lucky for us, Indian weddings have 2-3 pre wedding rituals, which give you ample scope to wear different look for different occasions. Keep 1 or 2 favourite looks for the D-Day outfits and work around them. In matters of bridal fashion sometimes less is best.
We Indians love our bling, and nowhere does our bling shine best than at our weddings. Saying that, not every set you have should be worn on your wedding day. Pick the one that complements your wedding outfit and leave the rest for other occasions. The aim is to look like a beautiful bride and not a Christmas tree. 
How to choose your wedding and bridal outfit.
[Images via: Maharani Weddings, Beautiful Indian Brides, Pinterest, Beautiful Indian Brides]

Also at no times should you take an entourage with you. Remember, “Too many relatives ruin a wedding dress”. Just bring along two or three helpful realities/friends instead of 10 highly opinionated aunties and mummyjis.

Plus, it’s important to know what you want, but being a “I know it all’ kind of a bride is a tad bit risky. Similiarly, agreeing to everything as well is not adviasabe either. Keeping an open mind, being flexible as well as good communication are the building blocks of a perfect wedding outfit.
Lastly, have a budget and make sure the designer sticks to it and never every buy/finalize an outfit without fully trying it out.

It does not matter if you are tall or short; fair skinned or dusky, round or petite. All you need to do is keep these simple guidelines in mind when picking a bridal dress and you too can have your very own perfect wedding outfit.

This post was written for and featured on Style Mynt by Myntra.com

(More bridal outfit ideas here and here)

Till then, tra-la,
 Amena!!
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Saturday 8 December 2012

Styled With LAVIE

While a lot of women have a thing for shoes, I am complete a bag {and jewellery} lady. When I got an invite to attend the Autumn-Winter collection launch of Lavie, wild horses could not stop me for attending it. {For those who don not know, Lavie is one of India's finest bags and accessory brand}.
To be honest, till I went for the launch my knowledge of Lavie as a brand and its products was restricted to two things: One, Kareena Kapoor is its brand ambassador and two, it was primarily a bag brand. Nothing more, nothing less. I had no idea as to how versatile the brand is and how splendid its new collection would be.
 But, after firsthand viewing the latest collection, I can honestly say, I am a fan of all things Lavie.
Along with viewing the new collection, I also had an opportunity to interact with Lavie’s Marketing & PR Head Anupam Sehgal and Fashion Consultant Pria Agni.
[Posing with some of my fave LAVIE bags and Lavie's Fashion Consultant, Ms Priya Agni]
Before I share my views about the new collection, let me introduce you to it.
Lavie offers a variety of bags in different shapes, sizes and styles, catering to the modern Indian woman. From working woman tote to party clutch and from chic laptop bag to cool stachel there is something for everyone.

The colour palette of the new Lavie collection is a mix of classic autumn/ winter shades- black, brown, burgundy -as well new bright and bold colours. Tangerine, red, neon green, oxblood, blue, yellow, pink, are some of the eye-catching colours to choose from. 

For those who want something on the classic lines, there is a wide variety of leather, textured and tribal inspired pieces to choose from.
With the festive and wedding season in full swing, Lavie offers a range of stylish party bags and trendy clutches.

Keeping the needs and demand of the modern woman in mind, Lavie replenish their stocks with new designs every two week. The brand's philosophy is to not stick with a particular design or style for too long, but to constantly offer something fresh and new to its consumers.

What I love about LAVIE Autumn-Winter Collection:
From tote to clutch to hobo to laptop bags, from leather to canvas and from oxblood to gold to navy the choice in shape, style, colour and material is very wide and versatile. Literally, women of all ages, job profiles and preference can find something to suit her style.

Since Lavie updates its stock with new designs every two weeks, there is no monotony  or repetitiveness of style. Plus, at any given time there is always something new available.

The Autumn-Winter collection is a perfect mix of classic styles and new trends.

Along with being very stylish, Lavie bags are reasonably priced. The average price of a Lavie is Rs.2500/- {Price range Rs.1800- Rs.4500}


Not only are the bags available at the Lavie stores and retails outlet such as Shoppers Stop and Bagzone, but one can easy buy them from a number of websites such as Flipkart, Jabong and Yebhi.


As much as I loved the entire collection, here are some of my favourite Lavie pieces.
[Salina Quilt Clutch Rs. 2390, Rosemary Medium Satchel Rs. 2990, Cedarwood Large Tote Rs. 3090]

With a wide variety to choose from, here are some of my Lavie bag styling suggestions.

[Neroli Shoulder Bag Rs. 2640, Navy Blue Handbag Rs. 2740, Salina Quilt Clutch Rs. 2390. More information on these other pieces here.]

After capturing the bag market, Lavie now has its eyes set on dazzling us with their range of jewellery and footwear. Lavie’s main aim is to provide all kinds of stylish accessories under one roof.

Thanks to the wide variety of bags offered by Lavie, 
there is a Lavie for every lady. She can be a young college going girl or a working woman or a dotting grandmother, there is a Lavie bag to fulfil her stylish needs.


Till then, tra-la,
 Amena!!
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Wednesday 28 November 2012

Benefits Of Online Shopping.

For the longest time I have resisted the temptation of online shopping. I don’t know why but I had my (weird) reasons for resisting it. Then, just two days before our mother’s birthday my younger brothers literally forced me to get over my hang-ups and give it a serious try. Hey, desperate times called for desperate measures! (Their words, not mine).
 Ever since then, I have become a fan, follower and frequent online retail shopper.

If you are wondering what brought about this sudden change of heart, here let me share with you what I now consider benefits of online shopping.
[Images via: Group Solus]

Less Time More Finds.

Firstly, you can shop online sitting anywhere in the world. You can do it from your office desk, or while travelling in a train or even during a boring date, as long as you have a device- desktop, laptop, tablet, phone-and internet connection, you are good to shop.
Since most websites offer a variety of products-apparel, jewellery, electronics, skin care, bags, cosmetics, shoes- a number of things can be purchased at the same time from the same website. Plus, unlike mall shopping you will not find yourself trapped in long billing lines.

At Your Convenience!

As the online retail market grows so do the services provided by them. Most website offer free shipping which gives you the freedom to order things from anywhere within the country. Some websites even offer free worldwide shipping. 
For those who are tad bit plastic money shy, cash on delivery {COD} is your answer to online shopping. Also more and more websites are now offering interest free EMI facilities for your benefit. 
24-hour dispatch, 30-day return policy and 24x7 customer support are some of the USPs of online shopping. Not only is it convenient but also quick and less time consuming.

Everyday is Sale day.

I saved the best for the last. What if I tell you that there is a way to get great bargains and discount deal everyday instead of just during sale season? One of the reasons why I am so in love with online shopping is thanks to the concept of online coupons and discount vouchers. 
In my pursuit to find the best online shopping deals and bargains I very lucky found this amazing new website called CupoNation. It is currently India’s largest coupon portal.
What I love about it is that unlike many sites it is hassle free and very easy to use. CupoNation is open to all and is free for everyone. Plus one does not have to be a registered member to access their coupons and deals.
From electronics, books, apparels, flowers, gifts to services like insurance, restaurants, movies they provide a wide variety of options. You can find coupons and vouchers for well know brands such as Jabong, Myntra, Fashionandyou, Aircel, Snapdeal, Pepperfry, Zovi, Yebhi, Jet Airways, BeStylish and many more. Some of their discount offers are as high as 60% making it one of the best deal destination in the realms of online shopping. Plus, they also provide certain coupons and deals that are exclusively available only on CupoNation’s website.
All you need to do is find the stores you love to shop from. Next, you need to find a discount code for those stores and finally use the discount code at the store of your choice. Easy breezy, don’t you agree?
What I love about online deals and bargains provided by CupoNation is that you don’t just save money but you also get to buy the product you desire at the cheapest price available online. A win-win situation!
With festive, wedding and birthday season in full swing, opt for smart online deals and bargain available at CupoNation and enjoy the gift of giving.
It was only after I shopped for a to-die-for latest bag at 3 am in the morning dressed in pajamas and paying only 70% of the retail price did I finally realize the allure and value of online shopping. And once I discovered the wonderful nation of coupons, shopping, as I know it has never been the same.
Do you enjoy online shopping? And what according to you are its biggest benefits? Share your views with me in the comment section. 

Till then, tra-la,
 Amena!!
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Monday 26 November 2012

Feeling {Fashionably} Festive!

They say,“be careful what you wish for; you just might get it!”
Ever since I started blogging, I have been hoping for a fashion themed contest. In fact, at the previous IndiBlogger meet I jokingly asked one of their team member if they ever plan to host a fashion-oriented contest? 
Therefore imagine my surprise and happiness when IndiBlogger teamed up with Shoppers Stop to create ‘The Perfect Festive Look’ contest. This is exactly what I have been wishing for.

Since we are in the heart of festive season I decided to create a look that can easily be worn to a number of social occasions and events.
[Dress/Clutch/Sandal/Watch/Earring/Eyeliner/Eyeshadow/Lipstick/Perfume]

Opting for a simple yet chic, what I like to call ‘AM to PM’ dress, this look is perfect for the modern everyday woman.
I chose red because not only is it synonymous with festivity but also compliments most Indian skin tones.
While the look in the collage is more of a party/night look, for a day/office look add a navy blazer or black cardigan and swap the gold sandals and fancy clutch with nude or black pumps and a tote bag and you are good to go. With minimum fuss this dress can easily be worn in a boardroom, a brunch date as well as on a dance floor. {For those who are not very comfortable wearing form-fitting, body-hugging dress, opt for an A-line or a wrap dress.}
From Christmas to New Year’s Eve party and from weddings, birthdays to family get-togethers and date-night this ensemble can easily be worn at a number of social and festive occasions.

What is festive season without the joy of giving? From jewellery to accessories to make-up and shoes there is something for everyone.
With limitless gifting options, here is a list of my fave Shoppers Stop pieces. 
[Earring/Clutch/Eyeshadow/Eyeliner/Top/Stole/Handbag/Bracelet/Watch/Perfume/Sandal/Lipstick]
Product Image Source: Shoppers Stop.

Are you a big fan of festive season as I am? And how do you like to dress for festive season? Share your views and suggestions with me in the comment section.

Till then, tra-la,
 Amena!!
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Saturday 17 November 2012

The Art Of Fashion Collage Making

Everyone has a reason for starting a blog. Mine was to a way express my love, knowledge and understanding of fashion and aesthetics through my words and images. And as much as I love writing about it, I enjoy creating a visual pieces to express it.
Since I started blogging, collages have been my partner in crime. While style bloggers have their own personal closet to shop from and create stunning ensembles I love borrowing pieces from my virtual wardrobes.

My love for collages goes back to my childhood days. As a kid I used to cut out glossy images from fashion magazine and create my own interpretation of a fashion magazine. 
This childhood hobby of mine worked in my favour all through fashion school, as we had to create mood boards/ inspiration boards at the drop of a hat.
For those who do not know what a (fashion) collage is- it is an artistic composition made by combining different elements – images, swatches, text, and embellishments.

Since I started blogging lots of people have asked me loads of collage related question. From, 
why do I love them so much to how to make them and the different kinds of collages one can create?
The truth is, there is no one-way of making or one type of collage, be it hand made or virtually created.
Personally, I break down my collages into four groups and follow simple guidelines so that the end result is aesthetically appealing.


Different types of fashion collages

1. Product Display


2. Styling



3. Photomontage


4. Fashion Art/Editorial

The idea is to make the collage creative and not chaotic. It should visually appeal to people at the same time send the message you are trying to convey through it.

Fashion collage making rules I live by:
Balance It Out: A lot of people have great ideas that eventually become chaotic collages. Reason being they forget basic proportions while creating a collage. I have seen collages after collages in which the size of earrings, dress, shoes and background text is the same. Not only is it confusing but also very unwelcoming to the eye.
To make the collage visually appealing as well as believable the objects should be scaled to size in proper rations.

Keep It Real:
If the purpose of the collage is to virtually express your styling then make sure you create a look that can be worn in real life. I have seen collages in which a look is so horrendous it can put Lady Gaga to shame. Just because it is virtual does not mean the basic rules of good styling don’t apply. Keep this in mind when creating a styling collage. Ask yourself will I/someone I know be able to wear this in real life? If you want to inspire you readers with your styling make sure the look created in the collage is something they would want to wear.


Structure and Harmony:
The most important thing that goes a long way in making or breaking a collage is structure and harmony. Small things like alignment, spacing, propionate scaling and neat overlapping add towards making your collage a visual masterpiece. 

Also, thematic harmony of a certain kind is needed. Just like before baking a cake you know what type of cake you want to bake, similarly before making a collage one needs to know what type of collage you want to create. The theme can be specific one (festival, particular trend) or can be generic (seasons, colours). A theme acts as a building block from where you can take the piece forward.
Finally, refrain from over doing it. It’s very easy to keep on adding things. This only makes the collage look like a child’s craft project. A good collage is one that has all the elements it needs and not all the elements you can stuff in it. The purpose of the collage is to express yourself through a visual medium. If people don’t know what the basic theme of the collage is or what you are trying to say via it then the purpose is defeated.

A good collage is one that does all the talking without you saying anything.

There are lots of online sites as well as softwares for collage making but I make mine in Polyvore, Photoshop and Picasa.

Do you like to make collages? And what is your collage making mantra? Share your views with me in the comment section.


Till then, tra-la,
 Amena!!
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Monday 22 October 2012

New Product On The Block: Maybelline New York BABY LIPS Lip Balm

A friend of mine could not stop talking about her newfound love for Maybelline New York ‘Baby Lips’ lip balm. She went as far as to tell me that she would like to kiss her self just to get the taste and feel of her new and improved lips! I would not have bothered too much about it had I not seen a drastic change in her lips. They went from perpetually dry and chapped to soft and smooth. After seeing this result I was very keen on trying out ‘Baby Lips’. For starters, I have been using the same lip balm for 12 years and to try out something new was quite a challenge for me. The only assurance was that since it’s a Maybelline product it is going to be totally worth it.

The ‘Baby Lips’ lip balms are available in Care and Color range. Each comes in a retractable tube packaging.
Maybelline New York Baby Lips Lip Balm Claim: “The next generation lip balm is born, from Maybelline New York. Adult strength care for baby soft lips”.
 In order to give a complete and through verdict on the Baby Lips lip balm, I decided to try out one from each range.
 Since I love berry flavour I chose ‘Anti-Oxidant Berry’ from the Care range and ‘Berry Crush’ from the Color range.

Review of Maybelline New York Baby Lips Care range Anti-Oxidant Berry Lip Balm.
The other flavour available in the Care range is Mango Pie.

Review of Maybelline New York Baby Lips Color range Berry Crush Lip Balm.

The other flavours available in the Color range are Cherry Kiss, Coral Flush, Pink Lolita and Rose Addict.

Verdict & Recommendation:
For those who have severely dry and chapped lips opt for the care range lip balms. This will heal your lips, improve its elasticity, increase its suppleness, decrease lines, and improve its texture making them soft and smooth.

From those who wish to make their healthy lips even more supple, soft and smooth, opt for the color range lip balms. Not only will they protect your lips but also add a hint of color pop to them along with moisturising and improving the lip texture.

I am someone one who is bless with naturally smooth and soft lips, but after trying Baby Lips lip balm, in care and color range, I can honestly say my lips now are softer, smoother and have the feel and look of baby soft lips.
Maybelline New York Baby Lips lip balm has officially become my must have product when it comes to lip care.

Till then, tra-la,
 Amena!!
 Connect With Fashionopolis on FacebookTwitterPinterest, Bloglovin' & Subscribe
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Monday 15 October 2012

Mixing Art: Colour Pop!

I love colours. Especially bright ones. And as the world over people welcome earthy and neutral shades into their wardrobes, thanks to the festive and wedding season we in India turn to our brightest hue. And nothing screams 'bright' quite like the trio of primary colours: Red, Blue and Yellow.

[More information on these pieces here]
Mixing up primary colour scheme's tints and tones, here is one of my fave bright colour collage.
{Check out my coloured jeansneon post for more styling tips.}

Till then, tra-la,
 Amena!!
 Connect With Fashionopolis on FacebookTwitterPinterest, Bloglovin' & Subscribe
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Thursday 4 October 2012

Celebrating A Year Long Journey.

This morning I told my parents: “Today, your first grandchild turns one”.Yep, today my baby, my blog-Fashionopolis- turns one. I feel like a proud mama and daddy {since this was an immaculate conception, I play the part of both parents!!} Like any proud parent I am happy to share this news with you all. For my blogging journey is not complete without your support, your ever growing love and your undying faith in me. So thank you for everything and more!

For weeks I have been thinking as to how I would like to celebrate my 1st blogoversary {blog+anniversary}. While giveaways and special anniversary post are the popular choices, I decided to do what I do best-write! Not about fashion but about my year long journey and what I have learnt from it.
{F.Y.I: This is gonna be a text heavy post}

My blogging journey was born from a place of rejection, dejection and sheer frustration. I was at one of the lowest times in my life. Believe me, for someone who is shit scared of failure and does not take un-calculated risk this was a big leap in Amena terms. But, I took the much needed plunge.
From over coming massive writer's block, to dealing with lack of traffic panic attacks to almost bullying my trainer at the gym to follow me, I learnt to deal with all this and more. And like all good things, this too paid off-after initial struggle  sweat and blood, off course!
All-in-all, this has not just been a journey of self-expression as well as a year of self-discovery.


If you ask me, has my life changed due to blogging? The answer is YES.
While most people see blogging as a socially acceptable way of wasting time –at one time I did too- I love it. Even though many of my friends and family members keep telling me how I am wasting my degrees and talent on it and that I need a serious paying job and not this 'spare change gigs' I indulge in, I still think staring a fashion blog was one of my best career {and life} choice.
For blogging has made me a more confident person. It has made me aware of my talent and my weakness. It has made me see thing in different ways. Most importantly, it has pushed me out of my comfort zone and literally forced me to try out something new without worrying too much about failure.


Has the opportunity rolled in like I though they would? The answer is perhaps no, but it has opened up avenues for me that I did not consider before. I started blogging as a way of combining my fashion knowledge and writing skills, hoping a magazine job would come my way from it.
What did come were offers to contribute for some wonderful websites and blogs such as Yebhi Blog, Mumbai Mag and Indian Fashion Bloggers.

Has blogging influenced my life in a better way? There was a time when I would spend every spare minute reading books and watching TV. Those day my life was scheduled round TV shows. I would never go out on certain nights, not answer calls at a particular hour and so on. Blogging changed all that. I watch TV, but not as religiously as my pre-blogging days. As a friend wisely said it, I stopped channeling my energy into watching creative stuff and started directing it towards producing creative stuff.
Channeling of my energy into something creative paid off in a huge way. This positive change is one of the reason why I have had the wonderful opportunity of being featured numerous times on Independent Fashion Bloggers Link A La Mode Weekly Round-Up. Plus, my blog was selected as a 'Notable Newbie' by BlogAdda and recently it was added into the Directory of Best Indian blogs by Indian Top Blogs.

Do I now consider blogging my career now? A 100% YES!!! As blogging evolves so do the job profiles.
As much as I love designing and handling social media I realised I don’t want to give up blogging completely. What was started as an ‘experiment’ till I found my dream job in a span of year has become my dream job. Who would have though that! 


As I start a new blogging year a huge thank you to my parents, my brothers, my friends and most importantly to all of you for your love and support. This has been one amazing year and I can't wait to start the new one.
Love,

 Amena!!
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[Images via Pinterest]

Tuesday 2 October 2012

Here Comes The Bride...{Part 2}

1. Ashima-Leena’s collection is a perfect amalgamation of trends, traditions, textiles and styles. Their collection 'Raag Rattan' brings together the beauty of regal Indian garments of the 18th century with contemporary touches.
The collection opened with the white section, gradually moving into brighter shades of light pink, peach and fuschia. Sequins, cut work and beaten gold embroidery, were some of the key embellishments.
Net sari with crystal encrusted blouse, asymmetrical bias kurtas paired with net palazzos, paneled skirts with mind length kurtas and shararas were some of the key silhouettes’ seen through the collection.The designer duo have mastered the art of presenting amazing couture and have created a collection perfect for the wedding festivities.

2.‘Jamazeb’ was the collection presented by Meera and Muzaffar Ali's label Kotwara.Staying true to their traditional heritage, the duo added innovations to the fabulous embroidery from Awadh and experimented with chikankari by adding some techniques like zardozi, aari, appliqués and kamdani. Their choice of fabrics was as rich as the creations with velvets and nets blended beautifully to create lacy textures.

Cutwork jackets and bodice, sheer coat over sari, shaded black and white gown and saris, halter kurtas and lush lehengas were some of the stand out pieces of the collection.Opening the show with an all-black collection the second half of the show was filled with shades of reds, yellows, oranges and rust, ending the collection with blues and purples.

For traditional bridal wear that speaks a beautiful language of craft and style, the ‘Jamazeb’ collection by Meera and Muzaffar Ali offers the perfect choices.

What is your ideal bridal look? And which of these ones would best suit you? Share your views with me in the comment section.

Till then, tra-la,
   Amena!!
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