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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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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Guide To Valentine's Day Style

Whether you are single, committed or in no hurry to find love, Valentine's Day; the day of love as it is often called, has officially arrived and no matter how hard you try you just cannot ignore it. From Facebook promotions to Twitter contest to horrid radio jingles we are constantly reminded that this day is upon us.

While this may be the day of love, the one thing I hate about it is how people think they need to over dress themselves in all froms and symbols of love. From cheesy heart motifs to head-to-toe pink, this days gets the tacky out of most people.
The best way to style a V-Day look is by choosing one trademark symbol of love-colour, motif, print-and work the remaning look with it. You don't need to wear every possible symbol of love to express how you feel.

Shades Of Pink: MAYBELLINE Gel Liner, TRUE RELIGION Jeans, SPLASH Lace Top, ASOS Necklace, LOVE MOSCHINO Bag, NINE WEST Pumps
Offbeat Chic: VIVIENNE WESTWOOD ANGLOMANIA Top, GUESS Watch, FLAUNT Earrings, SONIA RYKIEL Skirt, VIVIENNE WESTWOOD ANGLOMANIA Wallet, ZARA Ballerina
Red Hot!: MANGO Dress, CAROLEE LUX Necklace, INGLOT Lipstick, YVES SAINT LAURENT Cuff, NINE WEST Handbag, ZARA Shoes

Here are some of my Valentine's Day styling option.

'Shades Of Pink' look is a modern take of a classic romantic look. With a combination of delicate lace and pink it is pefect for a brunch date as well as day at the office.

'Offbeat Chic' is for those who choose to stay away from pinks and reds on this day. Create a look that has tints and tones of colours synonymous with Valentine's Day and you got yourself an ensemble that is perfect for a movie date or weekend shopping.

Classic red is the colour of love, passion and Valentine. For those who are feeling tad bit too festive on this day or just want to flaunt their love, the 'Red Hot!' look is perfect for anything from a romantic dinner to a fun Girls Night Out.

For those who are looking for last minute V Day gift ideas, here is your complete V Day gift guide.

With whomever and whichever way you like to celebrate this day, here's wishing you all a very Happy Valentine's Day.

Till then, tra-la,

 Amena!!

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From A.M to P.M: Black {and Red} Dress.

It has been long over due for me to start my new series, 'From A.M to P.M'. For some reason or the other I just was unable to start it. Anyhoo, the series has officially begun.
In the series not only will I show you how one garment can easily be styled for the day/A.M as well as for night/P.M, but I will also show you a few more easy-breezy styling variation to suite your style palette as well as create a variety of different look for the same garment.

For my first 'From A.M to P.M' look, I decided to opt for a classic that is also everyone's fave-the litte black dress.
I fell in instantly in love with this SheInside black knee length dress accented with a red border. While the overall look and structure of the dress is on classic lines, the red border adds an element of drama to the dress.

Dress, Necklace/Similar Here

A.M: Sunglasses/Similar Here, Blazer, Bag, Shoes/Similar Here, Bangles/Similar Here

P.M: Blazer/Similar Here, Bag, Shoes/Similar Here, Lipstick
The above collage shows how the same dress can be worn in two distinctly different ways for different time of the day. Here are a few more styling options:
1. The A.M look can easily be worn in in P.M. time zone and so can the P.M look be comfortably worn in the A.M. times period.

2. For those who are not too comfortable wearing the gold blazer of the P.M. look in the day time, opt for a beige or a biscuit brown blazer to create a toned down day look.
3. If statement necklace is not your thing, swap it with a printed scarf, or add vintage brooch to the dress.

4. If you are not too comfortable flaunting your legs, add a pair of coloured tights to current looks.

5. For a casual or weekend look, trade the blazer with a denim jacket or cardigan for the day time and a cropped leather jacket or metallic shrug for the night.

Note: I have a lot of friends and readers who voice their inability to wear/carry off  sleeveless clothes. I too am sleeveless shy. But that does not stop me from buying a sleeveless outfit. I simply thrown on a neutral colour shrug or jacket on top of my sleeveless outfit. My advice to all of you who till now have stayed away from sleeveless clothing, just pair your sleeveless dress/top/tunic with a blazer/shrug/jacket and you are good to go.

P.S: For those who do not know, both Romwe.com and SheInside.com offer free shipping worldwide. Also, Clinique Chubby Stick is now available in India and can be found at the Clinique stores.
What do you think of 'From A.M to P.M' series? And what would you like to see featured next? Share your views and suggestions with me in the comment section.

Till then, tra-la,

 Amena!!

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Style It Thrice: Neon Stone Necklace

It is quite obvious that I have what is otherwise know as a neon hangover! I just can't seem to get enough of these vibrant shades. Being born in the 80's I guess this unhealthy obsession is part of my DNA! Anyhoo, this love for florescent shades is not going to go away anytime soon. Plus, with the monsoons soon approaching, neon colours are a perfect way to brighten up those wet morbid days.

Personally, I do neon the safe way- preferring to wear them as accessories or shoes or bag. So ever since I saw this piece, I have fallen head first in love with it. With sale season just round the corner, this necklace is the first one on my 'must buy it' list.

For this week's 'Style It Thrice' segment I have chosen a neon stone necklace by Zara {$20, INR 1190}. It is a statement making neck piece without being-over-the-top. Plus, due to its elegant design, one can wear it for multiple occasions as well as pair it with with a variety of colours and prints.

For those who are looking to experiment with neon shades for the first time, this necklace is a good place to start. Here are a few of my styling suggestions to help you along.

Family Lunch Look: Summer 2012 has been a summer of two things-colored jeans and neon shades! For a trendy casual look pair the necklace with your fave coloured jeans, tribal print top-currently the IT trend- and neon bag and bangles for a lunch with the family. To make this look a monsoon friendly one, choose a top that is not in white or light colour based and slip resistant footwear.
[MANGO Colored Jeans; DIANE VON FURSTENBERG Blouse; MARC BY MARC JACOBS Bag; MANGO Sandal, ASSAD MOUNSER Bracelet; BOTTEGA VENETA Earrings; CHANEL Lipstick]

Fashion Week Look: Fashion Week is that time of the year when the best of fashion is seen on as well as off the runway. To make a significant statement- create a colour block ensemble. Match your neon necklace with a contrasting {colour} coral pink dress and floral print clutch. To up the chic quoitent polish the look off with neon sandals and watch as heads turn your way.
[ALICE + OLIVIA Dress; JIL SANDER Floral Clutch; ZARA Sandal; KANUPRIYA Earrings;  REED KRAKOFF Ring; TOM FORD Eye Shadow; CHANEL Lipgloss; GIVENCHY Eyeliner Pencil]

Date Night Look: Bored of wearing the necklace again and again? The best way to funk up the look is by layering a bunch of chains and necklaces together and create a multi-tiered necklace. To make your necklaces stand out wear this look with an all black {or any solid} colour outfit. Complete the look with metallic heels and a cute shoulder bag.
[JIGSAW Tank; VIVIENNE TAM Skirt; REED KRAKOFF Sandals; NINE WEST Bag; JUICY COUTURE Link Necklace; ORLY GENGER BY JACLYN MAYER; BALENCIAGA Necklace; YVES SAINT LAURENT Cuff; KENNETH JAY LANE Earrings; SEPHORA Eyeliner; YVES SAINT LAURENT Lipstick]

Once in a while it is good to let the accessories take over and do all the talking. Don't you agree? And with a necklace as versatile and trendy as this, one can rarely go wrong with it.

What do you think of neon necklace and how would style it? Share your views and opinion with me in the comment section.

Till then, tra-la,
 Amena!!

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