Month: July 2018

Flamingos it is !!!

These water birds are more easily seen on the High Streets in the display windows of the famous brands, than by the lagoons or lakes.  Flamingos are the National Bird of The Bahamas, but right now they are the Global Emblem of the Fashion Scenario. I have been witnessing them all over the place, across countries. Brands like Sandro, Maje, Kooples, Valentino, Gucci, Zara, Banjhara, Givenchy, Topshop, ASOS, Adidas, Debenhams, Dune, Ted Baker, Kate Spade, Anthropologie and many more….. have so much to offer in the Flamingo print.

Flamingos are the Fashion Icons of 2018.

Prada has even launched a PINK FLAMINGOS PERFUME this season. I am definitely going to grab one!! One of my favourite brands for leather accessories – SMYTHSON, has also launched Flamingos correspondence cards. Guys! Flamingos are dominating the  FASHION SCENE all over the world. They are on shoes, t-shirts, skirts, jackets, trench coats, swim wear, pocket squares, earings, hats, kimonos, I- phone cases, laptop covers, headbands, dresses, bags and even on the cozy cardigans, sweaters and on socks as well. 

Pink Flamingos once a lawn ornament, has left the boring garden, to taste their magical power in the fashion scenario globally.

They first became popular as the Pink Lawn Birds. They were placed in the lawns and looked stunning, thanks to the man, Don Featherstone, the inventor of the original plastic lawn ornament. Due to the similarity in homes post the World War 2 construction, units looked just identical, so women started adding these Flamingos in their lawn to make their home appealing.  The New York Times described Don Featherstone as the man who put the Hot flamingos in the garden of the millions of working class families in the 60’s as, ” Indelibly altering the landscape of mid century America”.  He first tried to experiment with Ducks but it failed. But  Flamingos were a success, as they are beautiful birds and bring playfulness with their colour not only in the lawns but on anything. Flamingos became a Mascot adopted by the gay bars in the 70’s and in the 80’s it was at its peak, thanks to the POP Art Culture. The Governor of Massachusetts, actually honoured this beautiful bird as “an essential contribution to the American Folk Art” 

These gorgeous birds can be also found on the wallpapers, lampshades, cushions, bed linen, blankets, coasters and even on crockery. Flamingos are not really something you see in daily life – so they do bring a fantasy into your closet and home.

So, If you want to be with it, go and buy anything with flamingos made on it!!  This summer, Flamingo is like the pineapple of 2016. The designers have yet again fallen in love with this exquisite creature. Yes there is so much bird watching happening this season …….men can also find these birds on fabulous shirts, ties, pants, jackets, pocket squares, socks and shorts.

But why Flamingos ??- Needless to say – They are tall, beautiful birds, elegant with their long neck and dainty legs. The colour Pink makes it perky and yes it associates a personality with grace and fun at the same time.

When my eyes fell on this dress from Bhanjara Formentera, I fell in love with it instantly!!  Wish I had grabbed it in another colour as well, but never mind ……I will find the birds anywhere I am! 🙂 The detail on the dress caught my attention. It’s bell sleeves with lace on it, makes it retro and very feminine. This dress is a high – low one – is longer at the back and shorter in front and that makes it more doll like adding ruffles to it. You can wear this dress to a fab lunch with friends or a date – it’s got something cute about it!

From US to Australia, Famingos are Flaming it!!!! what are you waiting for …….Go Grab your Flamingo 🙂 !!

Outfit: Banjhara Formentera ( a brand from spain – you can check out their instagram page )

Checkmate:) 

“The King is dead” – The famous expression of “Checkmate” in the oriental game of chess, boasts of a defining VICTORY!!!

You check on me……..and I ……..check on you!!! Yes, Checks are a dominant print these days. This design is used most frequently on Blazers, Trousers, Twin -sets, Jumpsuits, Shirts, Skirts, Flared Pants, Tops etc……Checks are everywhere!!!

Checks are timeless and opting a good fabric suit or singles never fail to be a good investment. “Windowpane checks” like the one I am wearing, has shown a regular presence in each season. Checks are a great way to add power to your boring working wardrobe. It has a clean defining vibe to it. And have you forgotten the Checkered flags in Auto Racing ? The checkered flag is waved at the finishing line to signal that the race has come to an end. To me it concludes the winning moment, celebrating and taking control.

I am wearing my favourite Two- Piece Windowpane Check outfit. Its classy and bold at the same time. Adding a white or a black jacket to this look will make it Mighty!!  The Pencil Skirt looks chic and simple. This look is strong and caramelised with simplicity. Christian Dior created the first pencil skirt in 1940’s and women immediately embraced the curvy shape of the classic hem. Pencil skirts for long have been a part of a woman’s suit ensemble, worn with a well fitted jacket, shirt or a T- shirt. Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn set the glamour arena on fire with those slender curves in the pencil skirts and rib hugging waists.

They have been my most favourite as they shape your body like second skin and yes you want to work your body hard before getting into them. No matter what size you are, be well toned to wear this outfit. And its not tough to get there if you are eating right and at the right time. Lets learn to be wise with that!

The look rides on a “don’t mess with me” vibe. Pointed heels add a sharp edge to it. This outfit can be mixed and matched with a different skirt and a shirt as well, but the twin- set makes it strongly bonded and leaves an audacious impact. You can wear this outfit to a lunch or dinner and if you sport on a white shirt with this pencil skirt to work, it will give you an ultramodern yet an elegant air.

Woven earnings will look amazing with this outfit like the ones below:

Brands like Topshop, Zara, ASOS, Fendi, Ralph Lauren, Urban Outfitters, H&M , Shein and more have loads to offer in checks. And of course, Burberry is all about the charming checks too!!

So go “Check”on your wardrobe……and don’t forget to smell enthralling!!

Outfit : Shein, Shoes : L.K Bennett, Earings : Zara

Photograph: Natasha Adnani

Ruffle Power :

When you adorn yourself in a “ruffled” attire, you embrace a legacy! The “ruffle” was once worn by royalty of both genders to represent strength and power. They originated in Spain in the 50’s. Initially the “ruff” was a piece of clothing worn around the neck in the 16th century by the aristocrats and were made of fine linens, silk, lace etc decorated with gold, silver and fine silk. It was an important fashion accessory kept with utmost care. The “ruff” was further added to the cuffs and the sleeves of the clothes that added glamour and made a feminine fashion statement in more years to come.

Ruffles became quite a rage in the pop culture in the 70’s, famously called the “Puffy Shirts” and more so the “Poet Shirts”. And look at them today – ruffles aren’t going anywhere – they have successfully ruffled the test of time and look so stylish even in the existing hour. They add an unmatched oomph to an attire. Both men and women can wear them effortlessly.

My mind propels me to think of the glamorous Flamenco Dancers in their flattering cuts and sultry flowing ruffles, creating euphoria among the people. Yes! Ruffles do have that magic!! A ruffled shirt makes you look regal if worn to match the occasion. Enchanting designs by Dolce and Gabbana, Jenny Packham, Alberta Ferretti, Roberto Cavalli, Altuzarraand many more have revived the Spanish glamour fabulously.

I fused my wrinkled frill shirt with my favourite High- Low flounce skirt from Sandro. It adds style with a hint of sensuality. You can also wear a ruffled shirt with flared denims and look retro. Or team this skirt with a classic well fitted shirt and look chic.

My shoes add an edgy vibe to the apparel which reflects my assertive disposition.

Enjoy the look and don’t forget to smell hypnotic!

Shirt : Fucci FWI ( local designer from france) , Skirt: Sandro Paris , Earings : Zara , Shoes : Jaspal

Photograph : Natasha Adnani