Everything that glitters is not Gold !!!!!!

With Winter approaching in full rage, Delhi is feeling the chill and Mumbai, after months of waiting, is starting to feeling the gentle cool breeze. Everyone is set for 2008-2009 Winter.
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GLITTER GLITTER EVERYWHERE

Certainly the time has come to take out all those glittery clothes you had been hiding in your closets. We are already seeing them out with the fashion-'firsters'. ITS TIME TO GLITTER AND SHINE.

Take a look... SEQUIN GLAMOUR!!!!

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Haseena Jethmalani makes a statement with this glittery jacket (Prada) and Kaykasshan Patel with the mettalic LV Clutch.

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Priyanka Chopra and Queenie Dhody glittering in their sequined/embellished dresses.

Malaika Arora in a gold sequined dress. I am sure this look is best left to Malaika, most of us will look ghastly trying to replicate it.

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and Hollywood in sequin........

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This season's evening wear has to have that glitter and shine (not just with Pantene). One of the best party looks this Autumn and Winter 2008/09 is the all over sequin A-line tunic dress.

In fact you can also carry the look for the day, just make sure you don't overdo it. Many high street stores are using sequin and embellish for even the day wear.

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How to wear the GLITTER AND SHINE:

- Sequins are perfect for a night out.

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- Easy to work look: Pick a sequined or embellished shrug and team it with you dress or camisole and black pants. This is the easiest to carry and will work for almost everyone.

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- An embellished jacket is a great pick and can be a very versatile item. Wear it with an evening dress, or pair with your jeans, to stay warm you can also wear them over your saree or tunics and still look great.

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- A sequined fitted dress can work for you if you are confident enough to carry it and have a good body. Otherwise you can opt for a sequined tunic and can even team it with leggings or skinny pants.

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- Sequins in sarees and salwar kameez is Indian wardrobe's staple.

- Accessorize to shine: Just choose some nice glittery accessory to add that sparkle to your look. It can be a sequinned bag, a crystal/diamond studded watch, a sequined belt, a standout brooch, or sequined leggings (strictly for the skinny girls and keep the rest of the look simple with those leggings).

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- To keep it subtle and sohistiocated, when wearing any sequin clothing keep accessories to a minimum and add a pair of semi-sheer black tights to let the sparkle do the talking.

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Strictly avoid Sequined Pants. Its best left for the catwalk.

Make sure that the sequined dress, jacket or top you buy is of good quality. A wrong pick can make you look from fab to disastrous.

HOT PICKS:

Wills Lifestyle Stores: WLS has tied up with designers like Anamika Khanna, Rohit Bal, Ashish Soni, Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna. Hot pick from WLS - the jacket below, Anamika Khanna for WLS. You can find it at Wills Lifestyle Store in major cities across India.

GLITTER AND SHINE - from the runway
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You need not just have sequins to add shine. The tunic and skirt from Monisha Jaisingh's Autumn/Winter 2008-2009 collection are a perfect example.

I love the skirt.

The shiny salwar kameez from Pria Kataria Puri's Collection

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A piece of accessory can also add glitter to your evening look.

I like the Cristal Watch Collection from Christian Dior, particularly this grey watch. It looks wonderful when tried on wrist.

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Related Posts:

Embellishment was featured in the FASHION HOT TRENDS for Autumn/Winter 2008-2009 (sequined dresses, shrugs, etc.)

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save the date

Every year I participate in an eclectic holiday craft sale in NYC. Many vendors are stylists at Martha Stewart, and it is a wonder what kind of things they create in their spare time. If you can make it on Sunday, December 14th, to the Divine Studios on E. 4th St, from 11am to 6pm, I would love to see you there. More details on the vendors will come shortly.

Trend Watch - Tights in Colour

Tights this season are not just accessery but are a big fashion trend. They were seen all over the runways and are an easy fashion statement for even the simplest wardrobe.

Put them on to instantly brighten up your look and make yourself more noticeable.

What styles are in?
The basic trends of tights fashion for this season are unusual combination and mix of colours and styles. The most trendy colours are: bright violet, blue, green, pink, yellow and even orange.


From Left: Jean Paul Gautier, John Galliano, Anna Sui, Chloe tight

From left: Zac Posen, Sonia Rykiel, Chris Benz, Gucci

Important Tip: Don't match your shoes with your tights or stockings.

If you aren't a fashion risk-taker or colourful tights are too bold fashion statement, stick with black tights -- universally flattering and timeless.

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Black tights are fashionable all round the year, pick a pair with slight glossy effect this season.

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From Left: Mara Hoffman, Moschino, Alexander McQueen black tights

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Tights, they look so young and feminine; do sport them with your dresses, skirts or tunics this season. Try styling with winter wools whilst its cold outside, or if it's sunny opt for a super cute pinafore dress and shirt.

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You can also pair them with your kurti (and dupatta) to replace the churidar. Many Indian designers are using patterned tights instead of churidars in their salwar kameez ensemble. On the Indian runway were seen leggings and tights in net matching the garments and were embroidered with floral motifs and replaced churidars.

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Who should not wear them?

We recommend girls with heavy calves to avoid wearing colourful tights. They will make you look heavier than what you are and may be a complete fashion disaster. Go for a black one instead, or if you can avoid wearing tights completely.

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Its raining Yellow in Celebrities Wardrobe

And we thought Yellow was only for Summers!!!

Priyanka Chopra in yellow sequinned dress at Truimph's Lingerie Show (Nov'08)

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Priyanka has been making quite a bit of effort these days to look different yet stylish. I like the colour of her dress. Though don't have much to say on the dress per se.

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Cameron Diaz in yellow pumps (14th Nov 2008, Los Angeles)

Mughda Godse and Nethra Raghuraman at Quantum of Solace Premiere at PVR Juhu (Nov'08)

I like Mughda's version of a small yellow clutch. What say?

Shilpa Shetty at Cloud 9 Drink Launch at JW Marriott

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Shilpa Shetty seems to be overdoing most of the times lately. Don't you think the yellow clutch with the yellow dress is a tad too much? I like her dress though. A black clutch would have been preferable instead of the yellow one she is carrying. What do you think? Our Indian actress really need to take some classes on styling. I think there is a lot of scope of improvement in their fashion sense.

Gauri Khan wearing yellow shoes at Katrina's Bday Bash

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How do you like Gauri's style of matching her complete black look with yellow shoes?

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Hollywood in Yellow

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Cameron Diaz in Marni Patent Tote in Yellow

Rihanna (left) in yellow jacket; Katy Perry (right) in Yellow shoes at MTV EMA 2008

I like Rihanna's choice of yellow jacket with her black skinny pants and black top. Katy Perry seems to be following our girl Gauri Khan's style by picking yellow shoes (contrasting her overall outfit) to complete her look.

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Yellow on Magazine Covers

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What more, yellow was found hitting the magazine and their covers as well.

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Preity Zinta sizzling on Vogue Cover (she is wearing a Gucci Gown)

Yet another.....

Priyanka Chopra in Verve

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Yellow for this winter

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Winter is my favourite season. The festivity of Christmas and New Year, smart jackets, winter good. But there is one thing that irritate us about winter and that is lack of colours. Everything looks so monotonous - black, grey and drab.

But this winter is not lacking colours. Yellow is definitely going to continue as this year's key colour, which is fab news. Undoubtedtly black and grey are the winter's hottest trend colours. However, Yellow is one of the colours you need to have in your winter wardrobe.

Yellow is a colour of sun and warmth, the very things that we miss in winter a lot. Add them to your look and you will attract all eyes. We have seen the celebrities sporting them in different parts of their ensemble, so pick your choice. But keep your shade of yellow warm, you don't want to be mistaken for going to a beach for your summer holiday.

Related Posts and Articles:

10 Trendy Colours for Winter'09

Celebrity Watch
Shoes trends this season - Fall/Winter 2008/2009
Trend Watch - Tights in Colour
Everything that glitters is not Gold !!!!!!
FASHION’S HOT TRENDS (Autumn 2008- Winter 2009)

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Shoes trends this season - Fall/Winter 2008/2009

1. Shoe Boots - The shoe boot, also known as booties, has been around for a couple of seasons, but they are so versatile they have staying power. They're great with everything from work slacks to casual jeans, and easy to take from day to night. We know ankle boots look great with jeans but wear them with opaque tights and dresses.

You can choose from oxfords to simple suedes or ones with small fringe.

2. Warm Colours are hot this season. Add some colour to your shoe wardrobe. Preferable colours are fuchia, deep cherry, deep blue, violet, brown, olive. Shoes in combining colours are also in vogue - different shades that either go with each other or contrast. Purple is a huge trend for this season.

Left - Missoni; Right - Karen Millen

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Keep your outfits simple if you are wearing bold colours or chunky hardware.

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3. Over the knee boots - These will keep you warm this winter and also make a hot fashion statement. Remember the Chanel boots from Devil Wears Prada that Miranda (Anne Hathaway) sported in her first makeover look in the movie?

If you don't like the extremes of the above the knee boot or the ankle boot, the knee length boot will hang on to its universal popularity.

Wear them with a longer skirt, or over skinny jeans, slim pants, leggings or tights. Soft earthy or black suede will look great. Just be chic and elegant not cheap.

4. Satin - These will add elegance and feminity to your complete look. Pair your satin shoes with a simple dress or jeans for a sophisticated look.

5. Bows - They add a romantic touch to your outfit, a little elegant flirt. It can add drama to even your simple little black dress. Pick for bows in big sizes or in slightly unexpected spots like on the back of a shoe or around the ankle. If heels are hot your cup of team, flat closed-toe pumps with a bow in front looks very feminine and stylish.

Look for pumps and sandals in satin, patent, and suede — metallic and rhinestone bows add drama.

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You can even pin a bowed brooch in front of your plain closed-toe pumps to create two different looks from the same shoes (that's called investment dressing).

Black Suede with Bow from Christian Louboutin. Red Pumps from Valentino

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6. Bejeweled Sandals - They made a comeback this season with a huge hit. They are a must have for flirty cocktail dresses, full-flow skirts ad satin evening pants. You can pair them with your dressy salwar-kameez, or shall I say churidars.

Left shoes are from Karen Millen

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7. Patent - Patent continues to be a top footwear trend. Indeed, latest fashion trends introduced more complex ideas. Glossy materials are now used with matte texture and velvet suede and sometimes a pair of shoes features different textures.

Sergio Rossi

8. Classic Stiletto Pumps - When were they not in fashion? They are all-season shoes and always look chic and sophisticated. These shoes look cool with any clothes and at any occassion.

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Spring 2009 Shoes Trends

The International Shoe Trends are getting unusual and the designers seem to be running their imaginations way too much. Below are some of the unusual shoe designs from the Spring/Summer 2009 Collection:

Don't Wear High Heels if you are not comfortable

The model from Prada's Fall collection fell while walking on the ramp with very High Heels. I am sure you don't want to follow her suit. So wear only shoes that you are comfortable in. Aviod high heels if you can't walk in them.

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Look slimmer with smart dressing

1. Wear the right colours, esp. Black: Black gives a look that is slimming and conceals that extra flab. But you also need colours in the wardrobe. Other colours that give slimming effect are: dark brown, burgundy, deep violet, charcoal grey, deep blues, olive.
(Remember that fit is more important than color. A pair of perfectly fitting white pants is way more flattering than a pair of ill-fitting black trousers).
Tip: A good colour combination is pairing two similarly dark colours that look sophisticated and slimming as there is no break of colour to cut your body shape in half, hence making you look leaner.

2. Put emphasis on your best features: Make the nicest part of your body the focal point of an outfit. If your upper body part is your strength then wear a red shell or royal blue jacket, for example, to draw attention away from your legs. Also, wear blocks of color that draw the eye away from less-than-perfect areas.

3. Layer: Wearing the correct pieces on top of one another can work miracles. Layers create camouflage where you need it most and adds visual interest to an ensemble. It allows you to break up looks and create new shapes visually by mixing hems and color. To top it off, with layering you won't be caught wearing the same outfit again.

4. Monochromatic Look: Monochrome outfits help your body look longer and leaner. The secret is to use one color in many different tones and you have created a monochromatic look. If you love colour then with a monochromatic look you can also wear colours. And if you select a monochromatic look that goes well with your skin tone, you will make people look at your glowing face.

5. Wear well-fitted clothes: The fit of a garment is the most important thing. Even if you buy good quality clothes, it will be useless if the item is ill-fitting. Body-conscious clothes that hint at your curves, without being overly clingy, are the most flattering. Your clothes have to fit your body - neither oversized nor undersized does the trick. If you can’t find clothing to fit off the rack, get them altered. It's money well-spent. In fact most of the good stores do alterations at no extra charge.

- Avoid Tight Clothes: Avoid tight clothing that will emphasize your problem areas. Tight clothes show those extra fats and calls attention. That is precisely that we don't want - 'attention in wrong places'. Go for well-fitted clothes.

- Avoid shapeless or loose clothing: Do not disguise your shape under baggy items, no one is fooled. Oversized clothes may hide the imperfections but it does not do justice to your positive points and you will look not only wider and heavier, but also without any shape. You are highlighting the very things you want to hide. Say complete no-go to loose or long T-shirts and blouses without any fitting.

6. No Horizontal Stripes: They make you appear wider and shorter because they cause the visual illusion of added width. Instead choose vertical stripes, which make you look longer and, leaner. The skinnier the line the better like pinstripes.

7. Go for a two-piece look: Cardigans/Jackets and vests can hide many figure flaws. Slenderize with fine-textured knits that skim trouble spots but still show your shape.
Tip - When choosing a vest, select one that is longer; if browsing for a jacket/blazer pick out one that is well-fitted, not boxy.

8. Elongate your body: Most of us are not very tall, so try to elongate your body to look slimmer and also to add extra length. Use pants to cover your shoes. If your pants cover your shoes (Esp if you wearing those high heels), your legs look longer, you look leaner and it also creates an illusion of height.

9. Leave your jacket unbuttoned: The vertical line that is created when jackets and coats are left un-buttoned is slimming. Also they don't cringe when you sit, hence taking away attention from your bust or waistline if they are your problem areas.

10. Wear V-necks: the shape of the V draws attention to your waistline and elongates the neck. A collared shirt left unbuttoned at the top will have the same impact.

11. No big pockets: Avoid pants with pockets that catch attention if you are heavy from the bottom. When buying trousers, pick the ones with no pockets or atleast no pockets in the front and small pockets on the back. Choose pockets that are proportionally sized and spaced (too small and wide spaced will make your backside look even broader).
Tip: Slightly low rise pants will make your butt look smaller.

12. Avoid shiny and heavily textured fabrics: Shiny fabrics reflect light, making any area appear larger while heavily textured fabrics add extra weight. Instead pick a print that makes you look slimmer and streamline your figure.

13. Wear the right lingerie: Actually this is where good style starts. Boosting the bust accentuates the waistline and gives you curves in all the right places. 80% women wear the wrong bra size. Going wide in the band width and small in the cup size is a common mistake. Often, women need to go down in the band width and up a cup size. Make sure you’ve been professionally bra fitted and get re-fitted annually because bust sizes change. See below what difference the right sized bra can make:

Before and After

It is very important that you wear the right bra size. You can get yourself measured from a specialist.
Mumbai - in Mumbai the lingerie store 'Boudoir London' at Juhu Tara Road (diagonally opposite Satya Paul and Millionaire Store) offers bra fitting services
London - I myself have got measured at Rigby & Peller Store in London and I would strongly recommend it (it is a complimentary service).

Are you not sure if your bra size is correct?
- Click here for a guide on getting the perfect bra fit.
- Click here to know how to work your true bra size.

14. Wear Shapewear: You can also choose clever and smart shapewears that will instantly shape your bust, tummy, thighs and bums for a smooth, sleek silhouette. It can manipulate almost any body shape and can instantly transform you from frumpy to head-turning; and can slim your curves in all the right places. Minimising bras, Thigh slimmers, Waist and Thigh Cincher, Corsets are some of the shapewear that can instantly alleviate the trouble spots. You can find good shapewear at Marks & Spencer and La Senza in India.

15. Accessorize correctly: Right accessories can make you slimmer while the wrong choice can make you look fatter. If your waist is the problem area then avoid large belts because they bring attention to your tummy. The same way necklaces too close to your face should be used carefully if you have a double chin, because it will accentuate the chin; longer necklaces have the opposite effect. Sleek shoes, like narrow toed pumps or court shoes, will give make you look slimmer and sleeker.
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Once you have done the clothing, just these two final tips and you are ready to rock

- Get the right hairstyle for your face: A slimming hairstyle can change your look dramatically. Ask your hairstylist what will suit your face and make your face look slimmer.

- Get your posture right: You can look slimmer if you stand up erect and straight. Do not slouch when standing or sitting, it is really a complete no no.


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Different looks with same wardrobe
Wardrobe Must Haves - all time classics
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