Ode To Summer

What is summer without its share of vibrant colours, eye-catching prints and flirty silhouettes? Even though the weather is practically intolerable, the fashion offerings of the season is why summer is such a hit with fashion lovers.

I got to see summer fashion in full bloom and all its luscious glory when I was invited to review and style Reliance Trends Spring Summer 2015 collection.

As I walked into Reliance Trends store, myriad of bold prints, bright colours and classic summer staples greeted me.

The colour palette offers everything from classic neutrals to delicious jewel tones to delicate pastels. Prints run from stripes to florals to exotic tropical. Flirty and flowy silhouettes in comfy and lightweight fabrics that are ideal for the scorching summer heat were found in abundance.

As part of the Summer Runway Project, I had to create a summer look featuring the latest collections of their in-house brands, DNMX, Fig, Fusion, Intribe among a few others. Judging by the images I uploaded on my social media platforms, safe to say, I was totally spoilt for choice!

After trying out a variety of looks, finally decided to go with a look that is a fine balance of summer classics and summer 2015’s biggest fashion trends.

I decided to let my model and stylist friend, Preeti Venkatesh, play muse for my Summer Runway Project looks. 

Her bohemian personality, plus, her gorgeous exotic features, were perfect for the looks I had in mind.

I opted to make these tropical print DNMX pants the hero piece of my look. What I really liked about the print is, even though tropical in motif and design, the colours were on a subtle side compare to the other tropical print pieces. 

I decided to pair the pants with a must-have summer staple, a cream colour Fig top. The eyelet design on the top adds texture and ups the overall style quotient of the look.

Completed the look by layering it with a lightweight DNMX denim shirt. The denim adds an element of colour to the look that contrast as well as complements beautifully with the colours of the tropical print.

[Outfit Details: Tropical Print Pants: DNMX; Cream Top: Fig; Denim Shirt: DNMX]

The final look is not just summer friendly but ideal for most Indian body types. From petite to plus size, this look can be easily worn by a number of women.Depending on how your mood is, you can keep the look causal or glam it up by adding some statement accessory and heels. Either way the look can be worn to a number of occasions with just few styling tweaks.

The second look is a laid back, part grunge, part boho, look. Swap the cream top and denim shit with an oversized DNMX navy tank top. 

This look is more on the casual side compared to the first look.
 If tanks are not your style, you can always opt for a boxy tunic or a sleeveless shirt.

[Outfit Details: Tropical Print Pants and Navy Tank: DNMX]

Other than being on trend and fashion forward, these tropical pants are quite versatile and can easily be styled in multiple ways. 

As impressed as I was with the collection, the pricing of the collections was even more impressive. Not only is Reliance Trends Spring Summer collection ideal to beat the heat in style but also pocket friendly! In a nutshell, this collection is totally on trend and in budget!

Guys, here's some great news! Reliance Trends will be running contests from 13th to 17th May on their Facebook page and you stand a chance to win this very look. 

What are you waiting for? Head straight to Reliance Trends Facebook and Twitter pages, and follow Fashionopolis on Facebook and Twitter for all the contest and giveaway updates!

Photos by Abhishek Arora and Saurabh Naik

Heartfelt thanks to Preeti, Saurabh and Abhishek for being a part of my Summer Runway Project. You guys are the best.

**Fashionopolis post Ode To Summer Featured On Links À La Mode: IFB Weekly Roundup (May 14 2015)*** 
Links à la Mode: The IFB Weekly
Roundup, May 14 By: Kristen Philipkoski


DIY à la Mode
IFB bloggers are posting a lot of DIY tutorials lately and I’m loving this trend. In particular the Hermes Caftan tutorial really caught my eye this week. So gorgeous and it will save you about one month’s rent! Dig into the LALM for lots more inspiration from art, fashion shows, and styling tips and tricks.

Links à la Mode: May 14 
 Amethyst Honey: 5 Things I Like—Ugly Shoe Edition
Bomb Petite: Petite Wedding Dresses—Say ‘I Do’ in Style  
Bookish & Belle: DIY Industrial Shoe and Coat Rack  
Chic Steals: How to Take Headshots That Reflect Your Blog’s Brand
Closet Confidential: Don’t Let Your Style Age You  
Dress Code: High Fashion: Top 10 High Heeled Sandals S/S ’15  
Everyday Starlet: Selena Gomez at the Met Gala Makeup Tutorial 
Fashilluminous: How to Spice Up Your Look
Fashionopolis: Vibrant Colors for Summer  
Fashion, Trends & More: 3 Ways to Style a Floral Dress
Funky Jungle: 9 Ways to Make Your Boring Fashion Awesome 
Kindly, Sheree: DIY Painted Paper Roses  
Purushu Arie: 4 Basic Ways to Tie a Necktie for Beginners 
Red Alice Rao: Favorites From Fashion Forward Dubai
Riva la Diva: DIY Summer Caftan Tutorial
Storybook Apothecary: 10 Tips to Make Your Misfit Style Stand Out
Suzanne Carillo: DIY Floral Clutch  
The Outfit Repeater: Where to  Find Free Clothes Haul Video 
TLV Birdie: Inspired by Projection LA  
Wishing for Chanel: Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty Exhibition

Till then, tra-la,

Amena!!

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Instagram: @fashionopolis.in







email me- a.fashionopolis@gmail.com

Mix and Match With Max Fashion

With temperatures soaring off the roof it only means one thing-summer has officially arrived. While there is not much one can do about the oppressive heat and stifling humidity, what you can do is, enjoy Mother Nature and fashion’s bounty that the season has to offer.

Talking about fashion’s bounty, sometime back I was invited to attended Max Fashion's Summer 2015 preview fashion show, Max Fashion Play. 

From summer favourites, florals, to flavour of the season, tropical prints, and from tribal motifs to boho inspirations, the collection is summer season’s poster child. In a nutshell- the collection is right on trend. 

Known for its affordable price point, what I also love and appreciate about Max Fashion is, the pieces are very flexible and versatile. They are hassle free, easy to use garments that can effortlessly be styled in multiple ways for different occasion.
Since the theme of the preview was Fashion Play, I decided to play mix and match and style some of my fave Max Fashion's Summer 2015 collection pieces in four different genres.

Print Mix: Mixing prints and patterns has been a fashion favourite for quite a few years. Max Fashion’s Summer 2015 collection offers a plethora of prints to choose from. Flowers, fruits, birds, Aztec, digital, and geometrical design, there is something of each kind.

Indo Western: Indo Western attire is one of the most popular styling preference across the country. Along with dress, pants, skirts and shorts, the collection offers a vast variety of kurtas, tunics, salwars and churidars, making the collection very fusion wear friendly.

Silhouette Mix: While most times we like to mix prints and colours, it is fun to once in a while mix shapes and structure. Keeping the season in mind a large percentage of the collection is free flowing silhouettes while a few are fitted and structured. From boxy capes to fitted churidar to A-Line kurtas and airy maxis, there is a wide variety of silhouettes to select from.

Colour Block: Summer is incomplete without its share of fresh, bright colours. Max Fashion Summer 2015 collection offers everything from bold jewel tones to earthy neutrals to soft pastels.



At the Max Fashion Play event I had an opportunity to style a look from Max Fashion’s Summer 2015 collection. 

I went with a classic summer theme look pairing a colour block dress with an aztec design backpack and lace and fringe shrug.

Max Fashion Summer 2015 collection is now available across the country. 

Till then, tra-la,
Amena!!
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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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How To Dress For A First Date (On Valentine's Day)

It is that time of the year where love is not just in the air, but practically everywhere. From Twitter contest to radio ads to random hoardings; everyone’s in the mood to celebrate the big day of love, Valentine’s Day.

I, on the other hand, am trying as hard as possible to treat Valentine’s Day as just another day. No biggie!

The truth is, my current dating life is like Bipasha Basu’s career- stuck in a rut and going absolutely nowhere!

 After witnessing my current situation of being trapped between nothing and not worth dating, my friends decided to take matters into their own hands and finally managed to convince me to give online dating a try.

The skeptic I am, I avoided it for the longest time. However, after months of deliberation and persuasion, I gave into the temptation and decided to join the online dating bandwagon.  

After trying out a few famous dating apps, I choose to get myself registered on Vee.

Thanks to Vee, I have had a chance to meet a few good men. And just like that, my dating life looks promising again.

If you think finding a good date is a challenge, wait for the bigger dilemma that follows- what should I wear for my first date!

Everywoman at some point or another has wondered, “what is the perfect first date outfit?” Questions like, should I dress up or dress down, go casual or bring my glam on, have tormented us all at some point.

After hits and misses, I have found the answer to, “what should I wear on a first date.” When styling a first date outfit, keep these three key points in mind: 

Location of the date: Whether the date is in a coffee shop or a restaurant? Are you going for a movie or an art exhibit? Is it outdoor or indoor? Knowing your location helps you decided the basic overall look for the date.

Time of the date: Are you meeting for brunch or are you meeting for pre dinner drinks. The location plus the timing helps you decide the apt outfit for the date. Is it an LBD kind of a date or is a pair of jeans and tunic more apt for it.

Mood of the date: Have you decided to keep it cool and casual or are you both big on romantic gesture and going for an old school style romantic first date?
 Based on the mood of your date you can then decide the tone of the outfit. Should you be all dolled up or is casual chic the way to go.

While there are no hard and fast rules of first date dressing, here are few styling guidelines and looks that will help you make a great first impression.

[Information on the above pieces here]

After I joined Vee a friend asked me why did I opt for it over other dating apps?

For starters, compared to all the dating apps, Vee is more female friendly. It is built keeping in mind several stringent safety features to keep your information and interactions safe and secure. Users privacy, safety and security is paramount for them. This is a major win.

Like most dating apps, connections are formed only after there's a mutual like. However, women have the option to go ‘Invisible’, which means only those who they like can see them, while others can't. 

Other safety features are, it has the option of making all of your chat history with a person disappear from both phones. Women can chose to hide all their info, and nothing will be visible except for first name. It's screenshot safe, on Android devices, no one can take screenshots of your pictures. Every profile is curated, from the marital status, to the age (persons beyond a certain age are not allowed), to the number of friends he/she has on Facebook. 

Vee is very strict with reporting and blocking of profiles.
As dating apps go, Vee has done everything possible to make online dating safe and secure, especially for its women users.

Ladies and gentlemen, this Valentine's Day it is time to #GetVee and say goodbye to that horrid dating dry spell. Who knows, your soulmate may just be a Vee bit away!

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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Mixing SIMPLE With STATEMENT

The other day a friend of mine asked me a very profound question: "What the hell is a statement making piece and what is so statement-y about it? Ever other fashion blogger I see is using this word 'statement'. It's like you people have run out of adjectives to use nouns instead!"

As much as I wanted to point blank deny our obsessive use of the word 'statement', I just could not. I have to admit, the denizens of fashion blogosphere do use this term quite frequently and let's be honest quite loosely as well.
From an eye catching blazer to a pair of everyday sneakers with neon lace, a whole lot of people use the term 'statement' to just about describe anything. 

Here's the thing, before one can claim that he/she is wearing a statment making piece, let us understand what really does the word 'statement' mean from a fashion and styling perspective?
 In simple terms, 'statement' is often used to describe any piece of garment or accessory that is the attention grabbing, all-eyes-on-me piece of the entire ensemble.

{Last month at  Valentine's Day styling event hosted by Creo Lifestyle, I decided to style my simple  brown AND top and black Marks & Spencer jeans with Creo Lifestyle's statement jewellery and bag}

While some are comfortable in wearing statement making pieces such as neon top or embellished jeans, I prefer to flaunt a statement accessory or jewellery.
Personally I am comfortable wearing one statement piece at a time. But there are some fashion mavens who have mastered the art of effortlessly mix two or three statement pieces in one ensemble.
The keep to successfully styling multiple statement pieces is by balancing out the entire look without going overboard. {Anything that makes you look like a Lady GaGa or Nicki Minaj's clone is a major no-no!}

One of my all time fave styling combination is mixing trendy statement elements with simple, classic pieces.
 F.Y.I. Just like statement does not mean GaGa-esque, similarly simple does not mean plain or boring. These are clothes/accessories that don't scream for attention and are not the 'look at me' piece/s of the ensemble. 

Look1 : Vince Shirt, True Religion Jeans, Forever New Necklace, Reed Krakoff Bag, Valentino Pumps, Clarins Lip Gloss,

Look 2: P.A.R.O.S.H T-Shirt, Blugirl Bluemarine Skirt, Dorothy Perkins Belt, Reed Krakoff Sandal, Coach Bag, Marc by Marc Jacobs Watch,

Look 3: MICHAEL Michael Kors Dress, Zara Clutch, Sam Edelman Sandal, Aurélie Bidermann Cuff, Emilio Pucci Earrings, Yves Saint Laurent Lipstick.

The above three looks combine classic, evergreen styles with a statement element/s. The purpose of pairing a statement piece with a classic combination or simple outfit is to enhance the look without taking away from its original charm.

Since statement piece is an all eyes on me, attention grabing piece, it is best to wear it around an asset. Whether it is a garment, accessory or jewellery, you should opt for a statement piece that will not just complement your body type and skin tone but also flatter your personality.

What is your favourite statement piece? And how do you like to style it? Share your views with me in the comment section.

Till then, tra-la,

 Amena!!

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From A.M to P.M: White Peplum Top

The peplum trend is by no means a new trend. Ever since Christian Dior debuted the classic Dior peplum in 1947 this trend has been in and out of fashion. While the peplum trend dominated the late 40's, 50's and 80's, it has made a huge comeback in 2012 and from the looks of it going strong in 2013 as well. 

Since this trend is having a major fashion moment, I decided to feature it in this week's 'From A.M to P.M' segment.

White Peplum Top
A.M: Blazer/Similar Here, Lace Skirt, Handbag, Shoe, Bracelet
P.M: Necklace, Skirt, Shoe, Wallet, Ring, Cuff, Eyeshadow, Lipstick

The beauty of this chic white peplum top is that it can be dressed down for a day look/office wear as well as jazzed up for a night/party look.

The A.M. look is inspired by the classic combination of a peplum top and a pencil skirt. This look is perfect for women with an hourglass, apple or pear shape body structure. Eg. Beyonce, Scarlett Johansson, Sofia Vergara. The basic design of the peplum is such that it clinches at the waist while the flare makes the hips and thigh appear smaller. Pairing a peplum top with a pencil skirt enhances the curves in the right places as well as make you look leaner.

The P.M. look is inspired by the peplum look of the 80's, where women used to pair their peplum tops with A-Line or pleated skirt. Pairing a peplum top with a A-Line or pleated skirt is well suited for women with a petite body structure. Eg. Jessica Alba, Mila Kunis, Blair Eadie. The peplum will help accentuate the midsection and the full/pleated skirt will create a illusion of curves.

Keep in mind: While the peplum look is flattering to most body types, people with a bulky midsection must avoid a peplum outfit.
 Also, when choosing a peplum top/dress, make sure the length, the style and shape is flattering to your body type. The idea of wearing the peplum is to highlight the waist and cover the tummy and love handles. If that purpose is not being served, then you got the peplum trend all wrong.

Are you ready to try out the peplum trend? And how would you like to style the peplum piece? Share your view with me in the comment section.

Till then, tra-la,

 Amena!!

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