Accessorize Me!!!

Anyone who knows me, knows about my unhealthy obsession with accessories. Be it bags, jewellery or shoes- I simply love them all!

Other than never really having any trouble finding them in my size, accessories quickly and cost-effectively transform everyday outfits into stylishly different looks.

When it comes to trendy accessories, no brand does it better than Accessorize.
Every time I enter an Accessorize store, I feel like a child in a chocolate factory or Alice in Wonderland.
From colourful baubles to eye-catching bags and gorgeous trinkets, Accessorize shop is a treasure trove for all accessory lovers.
At my recent store visit, I had a chance to go through the entire Spring-Summer 2013 collection. Thematically influenced by different cultures and concepts, the current collection has something for everyone. 

THE BLOOM COLLECTION

THE LAS SALINAS COLLECTION

THE EDEN COLLECTION

THE DEBUTANTE COLLECTION

THE GEISHA COLLECTION

Since buying it all was next to impossible, I decided to do the second best thing: Create collages of my fave pieces from each collection.
All five collections left a strong impact on me, but the Las Salinas collection is hands-down my fave.

One of the things I have always loved and admired about Accessorize is, while their collections are always on-trend, the pieces are designed in such a way that even after the trend and season is over the pieces never really go out of fashion and can easily be worn at any time of the year.

For more information about the latest collection, check out Accessorize India's Facebook Page

All you online shoppers, rejoice, Accessorize is now available exclusively on Myntra.com

Like me, if you too are an accessory junkie, the lastest collection from Accessorize has your name written on it.

Till then, tra-la,

 Amena!!

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Styled With French Connection

While the heat and humidity outside may drive us nuts, the fashion of the season makes us go heady with happiness. Vibrant colours, eye-catching prints and flirty silhouettes, are some the reasons why this season is such a hit with fashion lovers.

As I walked into the French Connection store to review their Spring-Summer 2013 collection, myriads of bold prints, bright colours and classic summer favourites greeted me.

The colour palette offers everything from delicious neons to delicate pastels. From stripes to florals and from exotic to tribal, there is an array of prints to choose from. The silhouettes and fabrics are comfy and lightweight, ideal for the scorching summer heat.

With a variety of trends and looks to play with, here are few of my styling suggestions.

Look I

If there is one trend that everyone loves at the moment, it is the stripe trend. While many like to pair stripes with other prints, I decided to mix stripes and create a full-fledged stripe-on-stripe look. 

Opting for shades of blue from the cool colour palette, I paired a stylized sailor stripe tee with a broad stripe flared skirt. Add a white clutch and nude sandals and you are ready for a blind date or a weekend brunch with the family.

While mixing stripes can be challenging, it is not impossible to pull-off an all stripe look. Select a stripe pattern that complements your body type and make sure there is one common element that holds the look together.

Look II

Summer is the perfect season to flaunt a white ensemble. 

I instantly fell in love with this classy little white dress. With its delicate texture and simple silhouette this dress can literally be worn at any time of the day for any occasion. 

The LWD paired with a gold clutch, statement watch and white sandals is idea for a business dinner or cocktail party. 

If you are in a mood for a glam look, add a neon statement necklace and printed shoes and watch as heads turn your way!

To make this a work friendly look, trade the gold clutch with a metallic tote; slip on a pair of ballerina flats add a bright colour blazer and effortlessly transform your P.M. look into chic A.M. attire.

Look III

The first thing that caught my eye was a pair of these tribal print trousers. I loved the abstract colourful zig zag pattern. As stunning as these trousers are, styling them can be a tad bit tricky. Especially, if you are looking for a day, work-wear friendly look. 

I decided to pair these statement-making trousers with an elegant high-low hem pastel pink shirt and reddish orange cross body bag. The shirt and the bag balance out the colourful print trousers without overshadowing them. The overall look is eye-catching at the same time sophisticated. One can easily wear this ensemble for weekend meeting or lunch with the besties.

Look IV

We in the fashion world love to mix and match and spice things up!

For my final look, I went all out and paired a bodycon knit dress in neon stripes with a fuchsia bag. 

The fuchsia bag contrast as well as complements the neon stripes dress. Keeping the rest of the look toned down and simple, the end result is glamorous without being over the top. 

Mixing bright and bold colours is not for everyone. However, it is a must try for anyone who likes to experiment with fashion, colours and create striking looks.

What I really loved about French Connection Spring-Summer 2013 collection is its diversity. Most of the pieces from the collection can easily be styled in multiple ways for different occasions.

These looks have been styled by me-Amena Azeez- and modelled by my friend and namesake, Aamna Quraaishi.

Photograph Credit: Jai "Zaiu" Ranjit 

This post was written by me as a guest blog post for French Connection blog, 911 Fashion.

You can shop all these looks at the official French Connection online store, FrenchConnection.in

What do you think of my second styling post? Share your views about that and French Connection Spring-Summer 2013 collection with me in the comment section.

Till then, tra-la,

 Amena!!

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Trend Spotting: STRIPES

When I started to work on this post my brother pointedly stated to me, “I may not know fashion, but stripes for sure is not a new trend!”
 I happen to agree with him. Stripes for sure is not a new trend. In fact, anyone who has lived for over 5 years on this planet has at sometime or another worn it. Yet, here I am writing about it.

 We all know fashion is cyclical. Trends get repeated. Just like every trend that comes back from yesteryears, stripes too makes its appearance this season.

However, unlike the run-of-the-mill horizontal, vertical and diagonal one, the stripe trend of Spring-Summer 2013 is some what different from its predecessor, but no less stylish.

[Images Via : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]

From classic nautical and Breton to striking chevron and stylised zebra, Spring-Summer 2013 is officially a season of stripes.
In it’s new avatar, the stripe trend can be a tab bit more challenging to pull off. From broad colourful panels to chevron zigzags, these new stripes really make your nautical dresses look like child's play. 

With some may stripe patterns to choose from, not sure which one is best suited for your body type? Not to worry- here are some tips and tricks on how you can make this season's most striking stripe trend into your very own style statement. 

Rectangle: Tommy Hilfiger Dress, Proenza Schouler PS1 Bag, Jimmy Choo Wedge, Kenneth Jay Lane Necklace, Inglot Lipstick,
Pear: Mango Palazzo Trousers, Michael Kors Top, Cashhimi Clutch, Zara Sandal, ASOS Earrings,
Apple: Marks & Spencer Pants, Splendid Blouse, Cashhimi Tote, Nine West Shoes, Forever New Necklace

While selecting a stripe outfit, keep these three things in mind:
1.The repeat pattern of the stripes: While selecting a stripe piece, one must always consider whether the repeat pattern is uniform or not. A uniform stripe pattern will provide a leaner look compared to the non-uniform stripe pattern. If you have an apple/round body types, strictly stay away from non-uniform stripe pattern.

2.The colour scheme: Be it classic nautical stripes or the colourful rainbow ones, the colour scheme of the stripes should be in accordance with your body type. For people will a rectangle/column body type, multi-colour {horizontal} stripes helps in creating an illusion of curves. For those who aim at looking leaner and/or taller, they should stick to 2, maximum 3 colours scheme stripe pattern.

3.The width of a stripe- whether it is broad, narrow or pin: We often refer to certain stripe pattern as broad or wide or narrow or pin. This is nothing but the dimension aka width of the individual stripe. While people may stress upon the correct type of a stripe orientation-horizontal, vertical and diagonal- for a certain body type, they completely ignore the dimension of it. A wrong sized stripe pattern can be a bigger faux pas than the wrong stripe orientation.

These three factors, along with the stripe orientation-horizontal, vertical and diagonal-play a significant role.
Once you figured out which stripe pattern best complements your body type, this trend could very well become your go-to summer trend.
If you are not comfortable wearing the stripe trend, you can always accessorise with it. Stripe bags and shoes are quite popular and can easily be styled with pretty much everything.

Are you a fan of the stripe trend? How do you like to style your stripe ensemble? Share your views with me in the comment section.

Till then, tra-la,

Amena!! 

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Styled With Calvin Klein Jeans

For the longest time I have been wanting to do something different on my blog.
That opportunity arrived when I got a chance to collaborate with Calvin Klein Jeans for a summer themed post. Not only did I have a great time styling their trendy summer collection but I also managed to showcase something never before seen on Fashionopolis.

The Spring-Summer collection of Calvin Klein Jeans offers everything from the the hottest trends of 2013 to must-have summer staples. The colour palette is a trendy mix of monochrome and neon. The prints range from stripes to pop art. The silhouettes and fabrics used are classic summer favourite.

The overall collection is a fine blend of elegant styles and summer chic pieces.

Since I do not do style post, I decided to style my friend and reader of Fashionopolis in Calvin Klein Jeans' latest collection.

For my first styling post I have featured my namesake and friend, Aamna Quraaishi. Her free spirit attitude and lively nature made her the perfect muse and model for this post. 

Look I: Monochrome Magic 

Step aside Black Magic Woman, there is a new seductress in town!
 Monochrome {black and white} has made a huge impact on all aspects of our lives. From fashion to home decor, this classic combo is literally everywhere.
Opting for a maxi dress; a classic summer staple, in black and white stripes- another hot trend of Summer 2013- and pairing it with a delicious orange tote, this look is perfect for a Sunday brunch on the beach or cocktails on a yacht.
If you are in a mood for a glam look, swap the tote with a colourful clutch, add a pair of dangling earrings and bright lipgloss and watch as heads turn your way!

Look II: Neon Candy Pop

Ever since 2012 neons have taken over the fashion world. However, the neon shades of 2013 summer are a tad bit different than its predecessor.
While 2012 favoured the fluorescent shades of neon, 2013 is leaning more towards the candy colour inspired neon shades. A tad big lighter but no less prettier.

Summer is the perfect season to flaunt a colourful ensemble. The neon pink shorts and white tee layered with a man's denim shirt and accessorised with neon blue skinny belt and tie and dye effect colourful oversized statement bag is perfect for a coffee date or a weekend getaway with the besties.

To make this a more work friendly look, trade the neon shorts with a pair of neon pants, slip on a pair of ballerina flats and easily transform your comfy casual look to a chic office wear attire.

Look III: Opposites Attract

They say opposites attract, and we in the fashion world love playing with contrast.
For the third look I decided to pair a classic black bodycon dress with self colour embellishment with an electric blue barrel bag. The electric blue adds a hint of colour pop without over shadowing the dress.
The beauty of this look is that it's not just for the summer, but can easily be worn year round.   

With unlimited trendy pieces to choose from, the above three looks feature some of my fave pieces from Calvin Klein Jeans Spring-Summer 2013 collection.
All the above pieces are available at the Calvin Klein Jeans store in Palladium.

Photograph Credit: The very talented Mr.Jai "Zaiu" Ranjit

I would like to thank Aamna and Jai from the bottom of my heart for being a part of this project. This would not have been possible without the two of you.

What did you think of Calvin Klein Jeans latest collection? Share your views with me in the comment section.

Till then, tra-la,

 Amena!!

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Trend Spotting: Emerald Green, Colour Of The Year 2013

This year the streets of fashion have been turning green. No, not (just) with envy but with major style! From runway to red carpet to street style, “lively, radiant, lush green” better know as Emerald has completely taken over.

The colour gods, aka Pantone decided to make Emerald {17-5641} this year’s colour ambassador. And why should they not? After all, this verdant jewel tone is often associated with sophistication and luxury, and according to its official colour definition, it “enhances our sense of well-being by promoting balance and harmony.”
Also, after last year’s in your face, attention grabbing Tangerine Tango, Emerald with its refined allure comes as a breath of fresh air. No less attractive than its predecessor, emerald green is perfect for those who wish to wear a rich, luxe hue minus the all-eyes-on me boldness.

[Images via Pinterest]

Emerald may be a new shade for some, but here in India it has been a part of Indian attire for years. Often spotted in bridal trousseau or traditional Indian weaves, emerald along with many other tints and tones of green is culturally an integral part of Indian fashion ethos. Plus, the beauty of emerald is that it complements most Indian skin tones.

If you are looking for ways to tryout and wear Emerald Green, here are a few styling options to help you out.

Start Small: The simplest and safest way to experiment with a new colour is by opting for small pieces, aka accessories in that shade. Start with a pair of emerald green earrings or an emerald green tote or emerald green pumps. Once you have found the confidence as well as your comfort zone with the colour you can invest in bigger pieces.

[The look is a combination of Spring Summer 2013 three biggest trends: Bright Yellow, Stripes and Monochrome]

Colour Block with Contrasting Shades: Ever since colour blocking was discovered and made into a trend it has been a hot fave of the fashion world. A great way to mix ’n’ match bold and rich colours of your choice to create striking look. If you think you can rock a color block look, pair your emerald green piece with contrasting shades such as blue, purple, yellow and orange.

Balance With Monochrome and Neutrals: One of the best ways to style a bright hue is to mix it with neutrals. Pair it with a classic monochrome black and white combo (IT trend of the season) or neutral shades such as brown, grey, beige and navy. The neutral colours balance out the ensemble without diluting the charm or taking away the attractive quality of the main colour.

The trick to styling emerald green is by balancing out the ensemble’s colour palette as per your preference and picking a look most suited for you body structure and personal taste.

Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute stated, “The most abundant hue in nature, the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum,”
This year along with nature, emerald green is going to be the most abundant hue of the fashion world too.

What do you think of Pantone's pick for Colour of the Year 2013? And how would style emerald green? Share your views with me in the comment section.

This post was written by me as a guest blog post for Shop InOnIt's Style Blog.

Till then, tra-la,

 Amena!!

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Styled With Qup Accessories {Spring-Summer 2013 Collection}

Ms. Marilyn Monroe once sang, "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend". While Ms Monroe is absolutely right in calling diamond a girl's best friend, one really can't deny the fact that accessories are a girl's most loyal friend and companion.
As much as women love their clothes, they are seriously incomplete without their accessories! In times of need, most of us turn to our beloved accessories. Rain, shine, A.M, P.M, single, married, young or old accessories have and will always be a part of a girl's life. 
Honestly, what would women be without their minions of bags, shoes and jewellery? Plus, without accessories no woman in her right mind or style would ever be able to ever repeat the same outfit. Only with the help of accessories are we able to create new looks with old outfits.

Just like Carrie had a thing for shoes, I have a thing for all kinds of accessories. My constant search for finding trendy new accessories led me to discover Qup Accessories.
 An up and coming accessory brand, Qup Accessories have some of the trendiest pieces I have seen. A wide variety of bags, shoes, scarfs and jewellery to choose from, their aim is to create stylish accessories for the fashion forward woman who likes to adorn herself with the latest trends.

While Qup Accessories' entire Spring-Summer 2013 collection is filled with must-have statement-making pieces, here are some of my favourite ones.

All pieces show in the above collage are from Qup Accessories Spring-Summer 2013 collection. For more details on these products click here

What I love about Qup Accessories Spirng-Summer 2013 Collection:

 From bags, to shoes, to scarfs, to watches, to jewellery, every kind of accessory is available under one roof. There is a lot of choice in terms of style, colour and material to choose from. Everything had been designed keeping in mind the needs of today's fashion forward woman.

Along with being stylish and trendy, Qup Accessories are reasonably well priced. Most pieces available are well under Rs.2000/- {The average price range of a Qup Accessories is Rs.500-Rs.2000}

Qup Accessories Spring-Summer 2013 collection is a perfect balance of classic as well as statement pieces. Whether you are someone who likes traditional neutrals or classic black and white pieces or prefer bright and bold colours, vibrant prints and eye catching statement pieces there is something for everyone. From latest trend to classic styles there is a wide range of options to choose from.

Along with having their own flagship stores in Bombay, Bangalore and Ahmedabad, Qup Accessories are exclusively available online at MajorBrands.in

[Dress, Stripe Blazer Coloured Blazer: Mango
 Both Bags, Both Shoes, Necklace, Ring, Earrings and Watch: Qup Accessories]

Whether you are looking for accessories to match your office wear attire or party ensemble there is a stylish fashion forward Qup Accessories piece to style with and complement your look.

What do you think of Qup Accessories and their Spring-Summer 2013 collection? Share your views with me in the comment section.

Till then, tra-la,

 Amena!!

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Instagram: @a_fashionopolis
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