Thursday 12 November 2015

When Fashion Meets Comfort | #UnboxWithLiva

There is an age-old debate: Can fashion be comfortable?  Is it possible for these two to function in tandem? Or is fashion and comfort mutually exclusive?
With people now aspiring to dress in a fashionable manner as well as be comfortable, more and more fashion brands are trying to put an end to the fashion vs comfort dichotomy and create something that is a blend of both.
That is how Liva was born.

For those who do not know, Liva is a new age, eco-friendly, high quality, soft, fluid fabric made from natural (wood pulp) cellulosic fibers. 

Liva recently launched 
its #UnboxWithLiva campaign that is all set to break the stereotype that fashion and comfort cannot coexists together. The main aim of the campaign is to put an end to the fashion vs comfort debate by offering both at the same time.

The fabric is the spine and foundation of a garment and is often the unsung hero of fashion. Therefore, this post is all about celebrating Liva.
The look for the post has been planed with the aim to highlight the key features of Liva. 
I have layered two high-low hem tunics together. Both of them are from Global Desi and belong to the pink family. The inner one is on the coral side with 
cerulean blue embroidery. The outer printed tunic, styled as a duster coat, is in fuchsia pink. To make the pink colours stand out I paired it with a contrast cobalt blue pants.

No stranger to Liva, I have loved it ever since I discovered it. These are the reasons why I am a fan of the fabric.
Free Flowing Fluidity
The key feature of Liva is fluidity. The fabric’s inherent free flowing characteristic makes Liva a perfect choice for a number of silhouettes and drapes.  
From tunics to palazzos and from structured jackets to flowy dresses, the fabric can be styled into a variety of shapes and designs.
Plus Size Friendly and Flatters All Body Shapes
Being plus size I always look for fabrics that drape well on my body and do not make me look larger than my size or shapeless.
Since the USP of Liva is fluidity, the fabric has a graceful fall that drapes beautifully on every body shape and size. While it is lightweight, the fabric is not flimsy. What I most love about Liva is, at no time does it add bulk. Even when layering multiple pieces the overall look is body shape and size flattering.
This is boon for any body shape or size, but for plus size it is a matter of joy. This feature of Liva makes it easy for us plus size women to pick form-flattering garments in a variety of styles and silhouette, plus, gives us the confidence to layer pieces together.
Vibrant Colours
Liva has a natural sheen to it that adds to the vibrancy of the colours. If you look at any Liva garment, whether it is in a bright or pastel shade, the colours stand out. Even the most somber colour has a rich and lustrous look to it.
Liva is a durable fabric too. The colour does not fade even after multiple washes.
Natural and Comfortable
Liva is made from natural cellulosic fibers because of which it has great absorption ability and breathability that allows the skin to breathe easily and provide comfort even on the most hot and humid days. 
Along with being skin friendly, Liva, compared to other natural fabrics such as cotton and linen, creases much lesser.
Eco-Friendly
 Liva is made from natural fibres, produced from wood pulp. This is a natural renewable resource. The pulp used is from the trees that are specially grown for this purpose and more trees are planted than cut down. The best part is, it conserves more water in comparison to other natural fabrics.
Featuring: LIVA
Global Desi Printed Tunic | Global Desi Embroidered Tunic | Marks & Spencer Blue Pants | India Circus Shopper Bag | Aldo Cuff | Bitter Sweet Earrings | Steve Madden Sandals | Lakmé Absolute Sculpt Collection Pink Me Up | Loreal Paris Superliner Waterproof Gel Eyeliner | L’Oreal Paris Volume Million Lashes Mascara

With the growing need and demand for minimising the gap between quality fashion and wearable comfort, Liva has been pioneer on that front. Offering consumer a product that is a fine balance of fashion and comfort.
Along with being fluid, lustrous, skin-friendly fabric, Liva is also ideal for all weathers, flattering to all body types and suited for most occasion.

Photography by Suraj Warrier 

Till then, tra-la,
      Amena!!
Connect With Fashionopolis on 
FacebookTwitterPinterest, Bloglovin' & Subscribe
Instagram: @fashionopolis.in
email me- 
a.fashionopolis@gmail.com

Saturday 7 November 2015

What Body Shape & Body Type Am I? | Shop By Shape

The one thing I have learnt during my years working as a fashion designer is, most women are really very clueless! 
Oh, they know the latest trends and the kind of dress they want, the fabric the colour right down to the shade of the sequins. 
However, most of them are happily unaware of the most integral detail: their body shape.

I have spent endless hours explaining to brides-to-be and clients why their dream outfit is just wrong for their body.
While some will say, “I am thin. I can carry off anything!” the others will say, “But this looked great on Kareena Kapoor and my body is similar to hers!”
Yes, you are thin, and yes, you have a “similar” body to a Bollywood actress, but that alone is not enough to decide if a specific outfit is apt for your body shape or not.

Our bodies have a specific structure that can largely be broken down into four basic shapes: Apple, Pear, Rectangle and Hourglass.
Each shape has a certain set of characteristics that differentiates it from the other. (Keep in mind – body shape is not the same as body size. Body size is an individual’s body measurement. So someone who is a size 2 can be a pear and so can someone who is a size 22)


Illustrations via Cristina Alonso | Creatives by Digital Daku

Not sure whether you are a pear, apple, rectangle or hourglass and wondering, “what is my body shape?” Head to Myntra app for all your answers.
To help you find the right fit for your body shape and type, Myntra has launched a brilliant feature called Shop by Shape.
The Shop by Shape Guide helps you identify your body shape and type, offers suggestions on how to flatter your shape and find pieces that best suit a particular shape.  
Not only will this feature help you understand your own body shape better, but it will offer recommendation and help find clothes that best suit you body type and shape.

What I love about Myntra’s Shop by Shape feature is, along with educating women about their own bodies, it also celebrates body diversity. Women of all shapes can now find something for themselves.  
In a country with diverse body types and shapes, Myntra is helping women of all shapes find the perfect fit for their body type.

Till then, tra-la,
      Amena!!
Connect With Fashionopolis on 
FacebookTwitterPinterest, Bloglovin' & Subscribe
Instagram: @fashionopolis.in
email me- 
a.fashionopolis@gmail.com

Wednesday 4 November 2015

My Sneaker Story | Converse Made By You

At some point in life you need to take a leap of faith and follow your own heart. The first time I did that was when I decided to quit college and go to fashion school. 
Never in a billion years did I think it would be my first eye-opener to the real world. 
Since fashion school is primarily about sketching, sourcing and sowing my dad suggested I buy shoes that would be comfortable for doing all my tasks and activities. That is how I discovered Converse.

While looking for comfortable shoes we ended picking my first pair of non-gym sneakers. Before getting a pair of Converse, I used to only wear sneakers for an out of town holiday or at the gym.
To think back to it – I started my career in fashion in a pair of Converse.
Since we use our feet for practically everything we do, our shoes are invariable a part of our life’s journey.
They are with us when we start a new journey or scaling the heights of success. They dance with us in our moments of happiness or help us navigate a rough patch. 
At some point your shoe stops being just a shoe and become an integral part of who you are.
This is exactly the philosophy of Converse Chuck Taylor All Star series. 

The Chuck is not just a sneaker, but an idea. Every new pair carries a powerful message: This is your blank canvas waiting to be filled, ultimately becoming a unique celebration of your true, authentic self.

Last month, Converse introduced its biggest campaign, Made By You, to celebrate its iconic Chuck Taylor All Star shoes.
The core concept of the campaign is, Converse patrons are given a chance to transform their beloved Chucks from canvas sneaker into an artistic canvas.
The main aim of Converse ‘Made By You’ campaign is to combines customisation and visual storytelling and give consumers a chance to show off their individuality, their emotions, their lives, and their true, authentic self.
Whether you are a famous celebrity travelling the world or a girl next door trying to make her mark, your Chucks tell a story. Your story.
When I got a chance to tell my story through my Chucks I knew exactly what I wanted it to be.
There are a lot of things that make me who I am. I am a voracious reader, an avid sudoku player, a fashion lover, a devout pop culture junkie, a wannabe political analyst, an aspiring traveler and so on. But the one word that describes me perfectly is – Feminist.

Above everything else, I am an egalitarian who is a strong believer of gender equality, equal pay, equal marriage, equal parenting and equal rights. 
Featuring: CONVERSE (MADE BY YOU)
Fusion Beats Top | ONLY Cardigan | Marks&Spencer Jeans | Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Sneakers | Vogue Eyewear Sunglasses | 
 L'Oreal Paris Star Collection Lip Color Pure Scarleto| Loreal Paris Superliner Waterproof Gel Eyeliner | Smashbox Full Exposure Waterproof Mascara

Other than expressing my true, authentic self, I also chose to get the word #Feminist painted on my Chucks as a way of paying homage to all those feminists who have paved the way for my generation.
Form Mary Wollstonecraft to the Suffragettes to Gloria Steinem to Emma Watson and many other nameless women and men who have fought for women’s rights and gender equality.
The best way for me to express my gratitude as well as carry forward the feminist legacy is by unabashedly pledge my allegiance to feminism and everything it represents.


Whenever I wear my pair of red Converse Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers, it brings to life a very intrinsic part of me and lets me show my personality and beliefs in a creative way.

Like me, if you too feel passionate about something and want to show your love and support for the same, Converse 
Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers are the perfect canvas to do so and let the world know that those Chucks not just represent you but also are Made By You!

Photography by Suraj Warrier | Collages by Digital Daku

Till then, tra-la,
      Amena!!
Connect With Fashionopolis on 
FacebookTwitterPinterest, Bloglovin' & Subscribe
Instagram: @fashionopolis.in
email me- 
a.fashionopolis@gmail.com

Tuesday 27 October 2015

Lakmé Fashion Week WinterFestive 2015 | Trend Report- Part II

As mentioned in Part I of my Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015 Trend Report, this season, the trends were very strong, making the selection process a tad bit difficult. 
However, after a careful evaluation, I finally narrowed it down to these.
Here is Part II of Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015 Trend Report.


From Left To Right: Ritu Kumar, Swati & Sunaina, Shruti Sancheti, Gaurang, Swati Vijaivargie
While every season of Lakmé Fashion Week celebrates the rich heritage of Indian textiles, this season saw a new wave of Indian textiles and rural handwork. 
From celebrating the traditional weaves of Banaras to ahir embroidery from Gujarat, ikat from Karnataka and Hyderabad and hand-block prints in Anita Dongre’s Grassroot collection, Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015 was an ode to Indian textiles and crafts.


From Left To Right: AM:PM, Payal Singhal, Urvashi Kaur, Nachiket Barve, Quirk Box
No longer a taboo colour for the festive season, black was a favourite choice at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015. The classic black and white combination made its appearance on all 5 days of Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015
From AM:PM’s block print separates to Payal Singhal’s black and silver embellished Indo-Western pieces, this classic duo was found in a variety of silhouettes and styles.


 From Left To Right: Nikhil Thampi, Ritu Kumar, Myoho, Tarun Tahiliani, Neeta Lulla
No festive winter fashion week is complete without its share of sarees. While some designer stuck to the classic drapes, others tried to change the game around and create an all-new saree.
Foregoing the classic petticoat, Ritu Kumar chose to drape her saree on a pair of chuddiar while Nikhil Thampi decided to play around with the hemline and add an element of sheer to it and Tarun Tahiliani took it further by getting inspired by the dhoti and creating a jumpsuit saree.
This season of Lakmé Fashion Week saw a new avatar of saree that has left us wanting for more.


From Left To Right: Sonaakshi Raaj, Chiria, Nikasha, Rinku Sobti, Shivangi Sahni
This season, designers seem to be in a fringe state of mind! 
From Nikasha’s flapper-style fringe to Shivangi Sahni’s boho-luxe tassels to Chiria’s beaded tribal inspired piece, fringe seems to be the preferred trimming of the season.
Adorning everything from jackets to capes to evening gowns, the fringe trend is worth giving a go.


From Left To Right: Ishita Mangal, Kriti Tula, Ka-Sha, Rouka, Divya Sheth
Layering up for the cooler climate is a norm. However, designers were not layering up to stay warm. They were doing it to stay on trend. From silhouette mix to texture play and from fusion styling to traditional India attire, layering was one of the most the popular trends for Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015.

Creatives by Digital Daku



Saturday 10 October 2015

Book Review | Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

For the longest time I have been wanting to expand my blog. Add a variety of things without diluting its true essence. Since I don’t fancy myself a food or travel expert, like many other fashion bloggers, I could not branch out into those genres.
I decided to go with something that I am extremely passionate about as well as have quite a bit of knowledge about the subject. Nothing better than books fits the bill perfectly!

I have always loved books and reviewing it comes naturally to me. However, unlike my Lit days where the book review was more structured and technical this one is purely on an emotional level. 

I have met people whose lives have changed after reading Dante's Inferno or Charles Darwin’s The Descent of Man. Their whole outlook on life changed. I never really experienced that with either of those two writers or their works; or many others, for that matter.

Little did I know, a modern day novel would have a profound impact on me. Never did I imagine, that after reading the book I would start seeing life through a whole new spectrum.
My experience during and after reading Me Before You, by British writer Jojo Moyes, compelled me to write about it.
For my first every book review on the blog I decided to start with Me Before You. It is my first book by Jojo Moyes and it has left me wanting, no craving, for more!
JojoMoyes-MeBeforeYou-BookReview-Amena-Fashionopolis
Photography by Suraj Warrier
On the surface level, the novel tells the poignant story of two diametrically opposite people put together in a difficult situation and their journey through it.
Louisa ‘Lou’ Clark, “one of the invisibles”, British girl hired to care for, William ‘Will’ Traynor, a bitter quadriplegic.

There is nothing new about this storyline. What makes this book stand out is how Jojo Moyes has shaped her characters and their struggles to bring to life an emotional, romantic and grounded in reality story to life. 
While elements of fantasy and romance are interweaved into the story, at no point does it ever lose its grip on reality. 
Moyes manages to walk the fine line between romantic fantasy and reality. At no point did one side infringe on the other.
She does not mislead us into believing otherwise not did she sugarcoat the hard part. Like Will, Lou and everyone else, the readers too have to face the hard parts.
Here’s how Moyes aced the hardest part of the book. She did not get harsh or overly emotional about it. She dealt it with the finesse it required. And like Lou, the readers experienced the worst of heartache in a sublime manner that is heartbreaking and cathartic.

One of the many reasons why I loved Me Before You with such a passion is, I have never connected with a character as strongly as I did with Lou. (The last time I made such a strong connection with a character, it was Jamila from Hanif Kureishi’s The Buddha of Suburbia) 
Most of times you could replace Lou with Amena. Like Lou, I am a creature of familiar. I don’t like taking risk or stepping out of my comfort. I dislike change of any kind.
I completely connected with Lou and her
 inherent qualities and personal struggles. 

Lou is the quintessential girl next door, living in a small English town with her parents and sister and dating a guy who is more interested in marathons than her.
She has been working in the same job for years and had the café she worked in not shut, she would have worked there forever. Loss of employment and her parents’ financial crunch makes her take up the job of Will’s caretaker.
From their first meet, Will makes it very clear that Lou is not wanted and he makes sure she knows it too.
Lou knows she is unwelcome and is ready to leave until she finds out the reason why she has been hired. The reason not only shakes her but also makes her determine to make sure things don’t go as Will's plan.
In the process of doing this, Lou, with the help of Will, truly discovers herself. And through Lou, Will gets to partly relive the life he once had.

Will makes her realise that even though she is physically fit as a fiddle, she’s emotionally paralysed. For almost 7 year she has let a past incident hold her back- from exploring and living her life to the fullest. 
In contrast to Lou, Will, who for the past two years has be prisoned within the four wheels of his wheelchair, due to a motorbike accident, is constantly buzzing. His body may not function like it used to, but his mind is a livewire. He introduces Lou to new authors, foreign cinema and the world beyond. He shows Lou her real potentials and what she is missing. He pushes, until she herself is desirous of wanting more.

In may ways Will reminds me of Augustus ‘Gus’ Waters from The Fault in Our Stars. Both men are in the peak of their life-Gus in his teens, Will in his youth, when they both become victims of fate that change their lives forever.
While their personalities differ- Gus full of life, Will bitter- in their own way they help the women they love discover herself and grown. They open new horizons for the women in their lives by showing them the joys of life and living their life to the fullest.

Will’s sharp wit and intelligent personality radiates through out the book, it is when he is put in the same room as Lou’s overly fit boyfriend does one see his real charisma and the glimmer of the man he was before the accident.
While Patrick tries and fails to impress Lou and her family with his marathon stories, it is Will, with just his words and kind act that manages to leave them all enthralled. 
The clever juxtaposing of the two-Will in a wheelchair yet dynamic and Patrick, robust and virile, yet dull and boring-by Moyes is one of the best scenes in the book.

The best part about the book is the title: Me Before You.
The title with the briefest of words captures the true essence of the book. In three small words it says it all- putting my life, my need, wants, desires and choices before you or anyone else and not feeling guilty about it. 
This can only happen if one has the freedom and power of making their own choices. The central theme of the book is power of choice. The freedom to make those decisions for yourself and not feels guilty about it.
And staying true to the title, Will does put himself before everyone else who loves him and no one can really do anything about it except support him.
While exercising his rights to do with his life as he pleases he teaches Lou a very valuable lesson. He liberates her from her inhibitions and pushes her to explore the unknown and to live her life to its fullest potential.

There is a lot more I can write about this book. I rather you read and explore it on your own. For a book like Me Before You stays with you for a long time. You don’t want it to end and yet you can’t wait to find out how the story unfolds. This book is my favourite one of 2015.
I have tried to keep my review different from the run of the mill kind.  I hope you all like it. 

Till then, tra-la,
Amena!!
Connect With Fashionopolis on FacebookTwitterPinterest, Bloglovin' & Subscribe
Instagram: 
@fashionopolis.in

email me- 
a.fashionopolis@gmail.com

Friday 2 October 2015

Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015 | Trend Report- Part I

For most people a new season arrives with the changing of leaves and the rise and fall in temperature is an indication of the beginning of a new season. 
In the fashion world, a new season arrives with the opening night of a new fashion week, that brings with it new trends for the upcoming season.

Like every season, Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015 was also abundant in trends. However, this season had quite a few micro trends that were as strong as the main trends, making it really difficult to pick favourites.
After careful deliberation these are some of the trends that I think are a must try from the upcoming winter festive season.

From Left To Right: Armaan Aiman, Nachiket Barve, Huemn, Masaba Gupta, AM:PM
Attention, animal lovers! This trend may just be the perfect one to show off your love for your furry and feathery friends.
For Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015, designers found inspiration in the jungle. 
From in-your-face giraffe print motif to bold horse prints to sophisticated fox to delicate swirling swallows, the jungle resident have taken over the ramp!

From Left To Right: Sonaakshi Raaj, Nachiket Barve, Neeta Lulla, Tarun Tahiliani, Ridhi Mehra
Step aside Batman there is a new cape crusader in town! No longer just for superheroes, the cape is officially the IT fashion trend of the season.
From long and dramatic to short and structured, every designer was set on showing some version of the cape at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015.

From Left To Right: Vrisa by Rahul N Shikha, Jodi, Sidhartha Bansal, Ajay Kumar, Aartivijay Gupta
This season of Lakmé Fashion Week saw prints of all shapes, sizes, design and colours. From floral to fruity and from animal to artsy, prints of all kinds made an appearances. While some designer deiced to match it the others clashed it.
No matter what their styling preference and technique was, prints ruled at 
Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015.

From Left To Right: AM:PM, Ridhi Mehra, Arpita Mehta, Urvashi Kaur, Sonaakshi Raaj
If there is one trend you would least expect to see during the festive winter season, it is this one. Quintessentially a summer trend, off shoulder is now making its presence felt during the festive winter season too.
From Aprita Mehta’s mirrored choli to Urvashi Kaur's asymmetrical jacket, baring the shoulders was quite a popular style with the designers.

From Left To Right: Namrata Joshipura, Arpita Mehta, Monisha Jaising, Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, Payal Singhal
Let’s face it- festive winter season and metallics go hand in hand. This season too saw an wide variety of metallic in different styles, materials, textures and surface ornamentation.
From Monisha Jaising’s old Hollywood glam gowns to Namrata Joshipura futuristic Holographic fabrics, Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015 was a glittery affair.

Creatives by Digital Daku


Monday 21 September 2015

Beauty Box | Clean & Clear Morning Energy Face Wash

I am not a morning person. I am just not! I have tried becoming one, but it has never really worked out.
I have always envied those people who are all bright and chirpy first thing in the morning.

To help me become a more morning loving person my friend introduced me to Clean & Clear Morning Energy Face Wash.
Her logic, anything that can infuse me with a dose of energy in the morning, I should try it out and see!
Since I have tried out everything from herbal tea to meditation techniques, I decided to give the face wash try. Anything that will help me hate the mornings a little less.

While the face wash has not made me a morning person, it has managed to energize my skin and retain the morning freshness throughout the day.
Trust me,like me, if you are someone who is doomed with oily skin, any product that can make your skin look fresh throughout the day is a boon. 
Clean&ClearMorningEnergyFaceWash-WithBurstingBeads-Product-SkinCare-Amena-Fashionopolis
I have been using Clean & Clear Morning Energy face wash for over 10 days now. As the days progress, I have started seeing the results. While there has not been a drastic change the overall results have been positive.
After I started using the face wash my face looks less oily and shiny, which is a major blessing for someone with oily skin.

Here are my views about 
Clean & Clear Morning Energy Face Wash.
Clean&ClearMorningEnergyFaceWash-WithBurstingBeads-Review-SkinCare-Amena-Fashionopolis
Creatives by Digital Daku

Clean & Clear Morning Energy face wash works like a magician and brightens up the dullest skin. Thanks to the bursting beads, you can get a burst of morning energy at any time of the day.

The face wash is available in three fruity variants. Each one has a distinct, no-overpowering scent that lingers in a pleasant way.

The rich foam lathers well and thoroughly removes all excess oil and dirt. The special ingredients help prevent common skin irritation without drying your skin. 
The highlight of Clean & Clear Morning Energy face wash is the bursting beads- its trademark feature. These beads gently burst and exfoliate your skin and leave it looking fresh and glowing.

As much as I love the product, it is Clean & Clear Morning Energy Face Wash’s #SeeTheRealMe campaign that has won me over.
Through the #seetherealme campaign, teenage girls are encouraged to show the world who they really are and not give too much attention to what people think about their looks or complexion, hair, clothes or shape.
With so much pressure on women, especially teenage girls, to look a particular way, this campaign comes as a breathe of fresh air. It emboldens teen girls to be proud of who they are and let the world #seetherealme!

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

Till then, tra-la,
   Amena!!
Connect With Fashionopolis on 
FacebookTwitterPinterest, Bloglovin' & Subscribe
Instagram: @fashionopolis.in
email me- 
a.fashionopolis@gmail.com

Friday 4 September 2015

Reliance Trends presents Tarun Tahiliani | Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015

The recently concluded Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015 saw designers showcasing their best offerings for the upcoming season.
While some managed to get everyone buzzing with their ingenuity, others, played it safe.
However, there were a few designers who managed to create innovative pieces while staying true to their own roots.

Tarun Tahiliani’s ‘Easy Glamour’ was one such collection that managed to offer something novel and original at the same time stayed true to the designer’s trademark aesthetics.
Reliance Trends Presents Tarun Tahiliani-Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015-Fashionopolis-Amena
Second time round collaborating with Reliance Trends, this collaboration offers Tarun the perfect platform to showcase his ready-to-wear line.

Seeking inspiration in a variety of things, strong Russian and Central Asian influences could be spotted in the bold and colourful stripes and exotic prints. Shiraz inspired mosaics along with carpet weaves and concentric borders gave the collection a sophisticated tribal gypsy vibe that complement the theme of easy separates and fusion styling.
Reliance Trends Presents Tarun Tahiliani-Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015-Fashionopolis-Amena
A traditional autumn winter palette, the collection was a great mix of black creations with occasional bursts of rust, mustard, steel grey, olive and blue.

The silhouettes were a blend of structured pieces and drapes. From capes, capelets, jumpsuits and saris to kaftans, tunics and shift dresses, the collection had something for everyone.
Saris and kurtas were paired with gilets and capelets and kedia style blouses with skirts. Satin draped lungi cowl gowns, saris with velvet obe belts and printed tees with dhotis, offered an interesting mix of silhouettes and style.
Reliance Trends Presents Tarun Tahiliani-Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015-Fashionopolis-Amena
Evolving from the dhoti sari, the star of the collection was the jumpsuit sari. The traditional sari gets reinvented yet again till it’s a jumpsuit with pleats and a draped dupatta requiring only a single zipper to fasten it.

Bringing a glamorous end to the show was the sultry Chitrangada Singh in a black draped gown and velvet and gold embellished cape.
Reliance Trends Presents Tarun Tahiliani-Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015-Fashionopolis-Amena
The standout feature of the collection is the Indo-Western fusion and easy to mix and match separates.
For this collection, Tarun uses his couturier skills to create a prêt collection that is aesthetically beautiful, versatile and contemporary. 

Tarun Tahiliani is not just one of India's leading designers he is also one of my favourite. One of the few designers who consistently season after season showcases stellar collection that leaves you spellbound and wanting more.

Till then, tra-la,
Amena!!
Connect With Fashionopolis on 
FacebookTwitterPinterest, Bloglovin' & Subscribe
Instagram: @fashionopolis.in
email me- 
a.fashionopolis@gmail.com

Sunday 16 August 2015

Breaking Plus Size Fashion Rules


I am a strong believer of dressing according to your body type, but I vehemently oppose any rules that restrict women of any size from dressing the way she wants to.
For those who do not know, there is a huge difference between body type and body size.
Body type is your body's basic structure, often described as apple, pear or hourglass. 
Body size is the current shape of your body, like small, medium or large. 
Body size can fluctuate but body type rarely changes.

When I was younger, I was petrified of fashion trends, because I was what Indian society fondly calls a ‘chubby girl’.
Ironically, this was around the same time I was applying to fashion schools.
To make matters worse, every magazine and fashion related option piece categorically chose to ignore women of my stature and all they could offer me was a list of fashion no-nos! 
Back then you were either thin or fat and the concept of plus size had still not arrived in India. You can’t wear this, you can’t flaunt your that and so on, till I had convinced myself that the only outfit well suited for me was baggy t-shirts and black track pants or loose jeans.

Honestly, for the longest time I have been guilty of letting these so called ‘fat girl fashion rules’ control what I wear and how I wear it.
However, over the course of time I have managed to figure my body out, learnt to accept it the way it is and work with my assets. 
The one thing I have learnt during my journey is, all these plus size fashion rules and no-nos are just another way to make plus size women feel uncomfortable about their bodies since they don’t fit into the standard norm of beauty.

Ladies, it is time to break these plus size fashion rules, ditch our inhibitions and embrace fashion in all its glory!
Once you start experimenting with fashion, there is a whole new world of possibilities out there for you. And instead of fearing fashion you are bound to fall in love with it.

Old Rule: Black is your only friend!
Plus Size Fashion Blogger India-Fashionopolis-Breaking Plus Size Fashion Rules & Myths-Plus Size Fashion
Marks & Spencer Neon Shirt | Marks & Spencer Cobalt Pants | Dune Gold Pumps | Accessorize Necklace 
Collage outfit details here
New Rule: For the longest time I covered myself up in all things black hoping it would make me look a little less round. Big mistake! 
While black is known for its slimming qualities (not always though), it is just too absurd to make it the sole colour of your wardrobe! 
The real trick to wearing bright colours is to select a fit and silhouette that complements your body type. Once you have figured out what works for you, you too can totally rock a bright and bold colour block look like your favourite fashionista.

Old Rule: Layering is not for the likes of you.
Plus Size Fashion Blogger India-Fashionopolis-Breaking Plus Size Fashion Rules & Myths-Plus Size Fashion
Gas Jeans Denim Shirt | AND Printed Dress | India Circus Folder | Forever 21 Flats | Forever 21 Cuff | Accessorize Earrings
Collage outfit details here
New Rule: This rule is usually accompanied by, “more clothes will add more bulk”
Since I believed this to be true, I made it my life’s mission to avoid wearing more clothes than need be and deprived myself the joy of layering.
When I finally found the guts to give layering a try (happened in 2015 for the first time) I finally realised what a foolish rule this is.
For starters, layering does not add bulk, it is the fabric of the garment that does. So anyone who layers two thick fabrics together is going to look bigger than their normal size. 
The key to acing a layered look is by selecting the right fabric and silhouette for the look. Once you figure this out, there are limitless styles in which you can layer your look.
If layered with correct fabrics and silhouettes, the final look can be aesthetically appealing and figure flattering.

Old Rule: Mixing prints and patterns is so not your thing!
Plus Size Fashion Blogger India-Fashionopolis-Breaking Plus Size Fashion Rules & Myths-Plus Size Fashion
ONLY Checks Shirt | AND Printed Kurta | Marks & Spencer Cobalt Pants | Accessorize Bag | Forever 21 Flat Sandals | Swarovski Cuff
Collage outfit details here
New Rule: There was a time where plus size women were discouraged from wearing too much print and suggested to opt for the smallest pattern possible. God forbid the print should draw attention to our “flaws and imperfections”.
While many plus size women prefer to keep a safe distance from bold and dramatic prints, most of then completely avoid pattern mixing of any kind.
Honestly, print mix is not an easy trend to pull off. But by no means is it impossible. 
The trick is to find balancing prints. Prints that complement each other in shape, design or colour as well as are flattering to your body type. Just in the case of colour blocking, it all comes down to the fit and silhouette of the garments. Once you got all these factors aligned, you’re all set to flaunt an eye catching print mix look just like your fave street style goddess.

Old Rule: Go Loose or Go Home!
Plus Size Fashion Blogger India-Fashionopolis-Breaking Plus Size Fashion Rules & Myths-Plus Size Fashion
Marks & Spencer Top | AND Jeans | Zara Necklace | Forever 21 Flat Sandals 
Collage outfit details here

New Rule: Since I can remember curvy, full-figured, plus size and fat women have been made to believe that fitted clothes are their biggest nemesis and will draw unwanted attention to every bump and lump they so desperately want to hide. The best way to take all that attention away is by covering yourself up in loose, oversized and ill-fitted clothes. 
This is one of those unspoken rule that has been passed down from generation to generation without really being questioned. 
But here’s the biggest paradox- Trying to cover your curves and fuller figure with loose and shapeless silhouettes will not only make you look bigger than your normal size, it will also hide all your assets.
Instead of trying to cover up, opt for something that fits you well and shows off your curves without clinging to them uncomfortably. This way you end up looking the exact size that you are and not a shapeless entity!

Honestly, there is no shame in having a fuller figure or being plus size and wanting to flaunt those curves.

Most of the times, I prefer to play it by the rules, but when it comes to fashion I suggest go and break as many rules as possible! I don't think it's fair for women of a certain size to feel fashion is not for them. I have always believed fashion is for women of all shapes and size. You just have to find your own style and be comfortable in it.

Till then, tra-la,
Amena!!
Connect With Fashionopolis on 
FacebookTwitterPinterest, Bloglovin' & Subscribe
Instagram: @fashionopolis.in
email me- 
a.fashionopolis@gmail.com