Sailing in Stripes!!!

Sailing In Stripe - Rupika Chopra

The Breton Stripes 🙂

Ola Everyone! So If you peep into anyone’s closet, you are sure to find a Striped T – Shirt, Shirt or a Sweater hanging in there. There is almost no one I know, who does not own a striped garment. It is like missing the basics in your fashion wardrobe. Stripes are simply cool and casual. There is something easy going about stripes yet they distinguish you from the rest impeccably.  From black and white to colourful stripes they are scorching the runways for years now and in the present scenario Stripes are the real attention seekers. Skin fit dresses, pants, blazers, formal dresses in organza and silk etc. have been eye catching at the Fashion Weeks in London, Paris, Milan and New York.

Breaking the taboos of the past – Stripes have catapult itself to being chic on the high street fashion scene. Sailing in Stripe - Rupika Chopra

Stripes have come a long way from the Medieval times, when it was considered demeaning to wear them. During that time, it was a uniform worn by the prisoners, criminals including sex workers, clowns, jugglers etc. By the 18th Century, Europe witnessed this pattern as being accepted as fashionable by all. More sporty and casual attires were being produced in this design by then. Courtesy Queen Victoria, who in 1946 dressed her four-year-old son, Albert Edward in a sailor suit to board the Royal Yacht. Since then, stripes became the latest fad for one and all.

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The 1958 Act of France made it imperative for the sailors in the French Rivera to be dressed in blue and white striped woven jersey’s bearing 21 horizontal lines as their uniform, known as the “Mariniere”.  This law was passed so that the men of the French Navy could easily be spotted incase of emergencies or was overboard.

The classic Breton Stripe (navy blue and white stripped) T – shirts originated from a place called Brittany in France. Later in the year 1917, the famous french designer Gabriella Coco Chanel visited the coast and was taken aback by the striking stripes on the jerseys of the seaman. She then launched her Nautical Collection with Breton Stripe Tops and Jerseys and soon it became a rage among the posh heads as well.

By then Hollywood was smitten by these bar codes and you could see the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Jean Seberg, Brigitte Bardot etc. wear them on boats and at leisure with much panache with high waisted trousers and jackets.

Sailing in Stripe - Rupika Chopra

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By the 20th Century, United States also gave up the badge of shame attached to this striking pattern and it became the coolest attire for the punk rock lovers who wore these striped shirts under their biker jackets.

Stripes look dynamic worn both to work or a night out. You can easily decide the vibe you want out of a this pattern …..you can always team it up with right accessories and  change the look. In one of my blog posts I had mentioned earlier about how one can dress casual and formal in colourful stripes. Accessories change the whole vibe of an outfit. You can always choose to underplay or go blingy according to the occassion. My favourite stripe jersey is with blue and white stripes with an anchor made on it- it just looks spectacular when worn with white pants or shorts.

Horizontal, Vertical or Slanting – Stripes will always be the head turners !

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As you all know I like to break the fashion norms, so on my sailing trip to Thailand, I chose to wear the striped shorts which were high on comfort and style. You can team it up with a cool crop top. You could also wear it with a bikini top and dazzle.

My sailing trips are incomplete without my well made UPF hat and a good sunscreen with minimalistic make up. On trips like these I love to stay hydrated with coconut water and yes nothing surpasses the glow that comes from inner bliss. 🙂

So next time you sail guys -don’t forget to match with the French Rivera style!!!

Happy Sailing !!

Outfit : H&M , Sunglasses : Lespecs , Hat : John Lewis 

All Chic & Classic!!

Chic and Classic - Rupika Chopra

All Love for Chic & Classic!

Hello Style Lovers!!

Want to know about one of my weaknesses?? Well! It’s the obsession I have for chic dressing. At most occasions I choose to dress sophisticated. It without a doubt stimulates my fashion sensibilities. There’s something classy, neat, easy and impactful about dressing chic.  The word “Chic” is derived from a French word “Chique” – which means skilfully smart, stylish and fashionable. 

The best thing about chic dressing is one does not need to keep buying the latest trendy clothes and you don’t look like you are a fashion victim ever. No matter how old your outfit is, it will only represent who you are in the truest sense. The Classic style is flattering on just anyone and that’s the magic of timeless dressing.

Chic and Classic - Rupika Chopra

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Chic dressing is dignified and refined. One can choose to pick an outfit according to one’s body type and look suave.  Whether you look flattering in a dress, suit or a combination sets, that’s for you to decide.

I am an ardent fan of Chanel like many of you. I love the brand not only for the luxury it exuberates, but also for the magic of simplicity Gabriella Chanel gifted the world. Gabriella Chanel proved that, no matter where you may come from, the magic of being a visionary leads to the beginning of a new era.

The ever classic beauties Audrey Hepburn, Jacqueline Kennedy, Katherine Hepburn were head turners in their elegant ensemble. In the present scenario, I am a huge fan of Queen Rania’s style. Elegance leaves an impact like nothing else does. Its reflects one’s personality eloquently. It is charming, poetic, beautiful, dainty yet STRONG!!

Chic and Classic - Rupika Chopra

Chic and Classic - Rupika Chopra

Chic dressing comprises of well cut shirts, dresses, skirts, pencil skirts, well cut suits, off shoulder dresses and much more.  I have some of my favourite outfits and dresses that can be repeated endlessly on several occasions. An off shoulder dress in black and white is just discerning and tasteful…..It sits as one of my delish pieces in my wardrobe. 🙂

But nothing replaces a combination of black and white on an outfit. It is a bold yet understated combination.  Black being a powerful colour and white being a colour of purity and peace, the combination brings out a striking vibe. Not much is needed when you wear this combination. You could wear a well cut white shirt with black pants, skirt or a dress or a suit, it will always be an enticing combination. 

Chic and Classic - Rupika Chopra

This outfit is a fabulous combination of both of my favourite colours. The skirt has the perfect Dior check on it. I love the Bow – Tie shirt which has white detailing on the wrist, neck and shoulder with the bow.  Stockings add more grace to the formal look.

My well cut Italian shoes are perfectly designed to wear at work and formal events. You can see I have also teamed the outfit with long boots as well that can be worn as the temperature drops. One should always grab a pair of well made shoes as they are high on comfort and style. You can also choose to wear pointed stilettos for a more formal evening.

Chic and Classic - Rupika Chopra

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This look is perfect for work, formal lunch or dinner. My jacket is a tweed one which I completely love. Tweed makes one look fabulous as it has a vintage vibe to it. Overall the combination is “Chique “. One can always add a pair of pearl stud earnings with such an outfit. I avoid wearing any accessory in the neck with a           bow – tie styled shirt. If I was wearing a top or a plain shirt I would have loved to add a pair of pearl strings with stilettos. You can keep your make up minimalistic but a wing eyeliner will make you dazzle with this look, for when we dress chic and classy, WE LET EYES DO THE TALKING !!:)

Skirt: Dior, Shirt : Jaspal , Jacket : Ted Baker, Shoes : are from a local store in Italy ,                 Bag – Scervino Street