The Debonair Power Sets!!!

Power Sets - Rupika Chopra

Power Dressing : The Dress code for Success!

Recently I grabbed my hands on the the very chic “Ice Blue – Blazer Set” that is perfect for my summer collection. Power sets are an armour of an elegant, strong willed and a dynamic woman. “Power sets” make heads turn from East to the West Coast. It is also called exoskeleton!!! It has evolved over the decades from more conservative styles to shorter hemlines.

“Power Dressing” was a phrase originally used in the 1970’s in America and it became so popular by the 80’s that every one was wearing them. They looked beyond dapper. Women have long worn Blazers with padded shoulders and well fitted skirts that made them look sharp and confident. It is a modern woman’s lethal weapon to slay. Blazer sets are my go-to outfit because I feel they bring out the best version of myself – grounded, firm, professional and refined.

Power Sets - Rupika Chopra

Power Sets - Rupika Chopra

Traditionally, Power Sets were the last on mind when it came to dressing glamorously and was worn mostly to work, but today it is treated like the second skin. Women started wearing blazers and pants after being recruited to into roles of men including engineering, banking, hospitals and factories after World War II. There on it continued to make progress not only visually but also in the minds of evolving women and society at large. The Women’s Liberation Movement in the late 60’s catapult the concept of Gender Equality making “Blazer Sets” a must have Power Attire. Today, both men and women adore their collection equally.

Power Sets - Rupika Chopra

Power Sets - Rupika Chopra

Remember the most gorgeous models flaming “power dressing” in the 70’s and 80’s? –  Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, Janice Dickinson, Gia Carangi, Marisa Berenson and many more were shaking barriers down  with the “Power Look”,  liberating women from the shackles of limiting minds.

Power dressing is all about owning who you are. I feel it is akin to bringing your best to the table. How the other person addresses you completely changes when you choose this attire. 

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Even though, I am wearing a pair of shorts styled with layers with the blazer, it looks elegant. The colour is a perfect “icy blue” hue. The best thing about this attire is that you can change your look from formal to casual with the kind of shoes you want to wear with it. I decided to wear my understated boots that made the style formal. One can also wear a pair of white sneakers with it and you will look uber cool. I love the white sneakers and I wear them a lot with most outfits these days as I choose comfort in the day.

It is simply sassy to wear blazers with sexy lace tops or shirts with shorts, skirts or pants. They just look SPECTACULAR!!!

I chose to wear a fitted white top with this set but a white shirt will certainly look discerning as well.

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I love these low boots as they call them. They are comfortable and stylish. You can wear them with denims, skirts and shorts. White is my favourite colour and this pair definitely adds perkiness to my attire. You can add some light accessories to this look like I am wearing a silver neckpiece and that just looks perfect for the day.

Some of my favourite brands for hunting blazer – sets are Topshop, GUCCI, ASOS, Revolve, Zara, Mango, Alexander McQueen, Dolce&Gabbana, Balmain, Maje, Sandro, Chanel, Michael Kors, etc. Ofcourse there are many more brands to chose from, the options are endless!!

Fashion is all about making way for the urbane, then why should you not own these sets in all colours and styles!? So grab your blazer set and be proud to be living in the world run by WOMEN!!!

KUDOS TO FEMININE POWER!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Jumpsuits…. always in Vogue!!!

Rupika Chopra - Jumpsuits - always in Vogue!

Love for Jumpsuits!! 

Orange is a colour of creativity, warmth, sunshine, success, balance, enthusiasm, freedom, joy, sensuality and happiness. Orange works wonders for colour therapy and elevates one’s mood. Orange is the colour of the Sacral Chakra, which aligns and brings a balance, boosts creativity and sexuality. Orange is a striking tint but there is something uplifting about this hue. 

I have a few orange outfits in my closet that stand a ground of their own.  My summer linen orange dress and orange flared pants, that look spectacular when worn to formal occasions or summer evenings.

Rupika Chopra - Jumpsuits always in Vogue!

Rupika Chopra - Jumpsuits always in Vogue!

As the word suggests – “Jumpsuit” – A suit in which you can jump! It gives one freedom of movement and allows to be carefree. That is why I call it a no fuss super gear.

Jumpsuit was first designed by a Florentine artist  named Thayat, in the year 1919, as a practical piece of clothing worn by parachuters, sky divers and later of course for pilots and professional racers too. It was a no fuss uniform for men with dangerous and adventurous professions.

It was later in the 1930’s when Else Schiaperelli designed and innovated a “Glamorous Jumpsuit and rocked the Paris Couture scene with a tantalising twist to this outfit. This was an iconic outfit, with a blend of masculine and feminine sex appeal, giving women a sense of power in that era. Rupika Chopra - Jumpsuits always in Vogue!

Rupika Chopra - Jumpsuits always in Vogue!

Jumpsuits were loved by all and obviously, it’s spell did not spare the desirable women of Hollywood. Katherine Hepburn wore a silk one piece in the 1937 film “Stage Door”. Jumpsuits culturally became a symbol of strong and empowered women. There is something daring about the “Jumpsuit” and everyone fell in love with that vibe. It was liberating and became a bold woman’s style statement. 

Women in the 1940’s were seen wearing cotton jumpsuits to work. The pace in every industry had taken a back seat because of the World War II.  But these one piece outfits pretty much stayed in fashion and by the 60’s it made a huge come back on the fashion runways when Andre’ Courreges showed futuristic styles in Paris. In the 70’s Yves Saint Laurent sizzled the runways with it’s stunning palazzo suits. Flared, narrow, straight cuts were being designed for personalities like Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Veronica Lake, Anne Bancroft, Rita Hayworth etc.  

Rupika Chopra - Jumpsuits always in Vogue!

Rupika Chopra - Jumpsuits always in Vogue!

Jumpsuits became the Pop Icons “Cult Costume”. The music lovers and performers took an absolute fancy to this style and icons like Cher, Elvis Presley, Abba, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, etc donned jumpsuits for their performances.They were now being designed for stars and performers in glittering colours and snazzy styles. The pop starts would accessorise their hair and wear funky belts and shoes to look glamorous.  Jumpsuits continued to be very much in vogue in the 90’s and as well as 2000’s. The style is simply comfortable, edgy, sexy, sassy and reflects of a strong personality. 

Sometimes I feel like a “cat woman” in my well fitted jumpsuits and I pair them with a good pair of boots.

Rupika Chopra - Jumpsuits always in Vogue!!

Rupika Chopra - Jumpsuits always in Vogue!

I love the jumpsuit I am wearing by Elisabetta Franchi. She is one of my favourite Italian designers today. Her cuts and fits not only flatter your body but also make you feel special as a woman. More than that, her products are animal cruelty free.

I love the work done on the front with layers of fabric designed on the net. It looks chic and feminine. I have accessorised my outfit with a gold chain belt, which makes it perfect for a formal evening. One piece outfit saves the hassle of deciding what to wear as separates and one never has to be conscious of the way one moves around in one. Jumpsuits are clearly a part of power dressing as it oozes confidence in abundance.

Some of my favourite jumpsuits are from Zara, Kooples, Stella McCartney, Balmain, Topshop, Asos, Gucci, Alice & Olivia, Rolland Mouret, Zimmermann, Nili Lotan etc. The options are plenty to choose from formal, semi formal, casual, bohemian styles. 

This summer accessorise your jumpsuit and dazzle with some oomph!!

Rupika Chopra - Jumpsuit always in Vogue!

Outfit: Elisabetta Franchi , Belt : Givenchy, Heels : Valentino

Photographer : Dara Jewett  

 

 

 

Power Up in Suits!!!

Power Up in Suits - Rupika Chopra

Power Dressing is SIMPLY SEXY: 

“Clothes maketh the Man” has been the famous saying which became popular from the 16th Century. And when it comes to being perked up in a well cut suit,  it better make you look beyond “dapper”. Power dressing has always been the real meat for me in my closet. It has so much to say with those fine cuts. It defines your persona and gives a no nonsense vibe. It defines your determined outlook towards life.

Power dressing is classy and reflects a personality of a person, potent with style, discipline, vision, integrity, responsibility, grace and character. Power dressing has always been used by men and women to dignify themselves and their positions, in the field of their work. Power dressing sets the tone for an individual to be treated in a respectable manner. Wearing a well cut suit is like a silent command to others to deliver their best and be treated with a sense of clout.

Power Up in Suits - Rupika Chopra

“Suiting up”  has a lot to do with how you feel about yourself. The way one carries one’s suit, is a real art of displaying grace and grandeur. 

In 1870’s Actress Sarah Bernhardt scandalized Paris by wearing a “custom made suit”. It liberated women and they wore these suits for riding, walking and outdoor activities. These “Boy Clothes” became the place of salvation for women. 

Gabriella Coco Chanel gifted the world with “Timeless Suits” in the year 1914 that gave women a sense of freedom and power among men.  

Women took to Pant – Suit in the 1920’s with “hats” and looked exclusive. 

Katherine Hepburn supported the masculine look with much oomph and resplendence. She was called “The First Lady Of Menswear”. She also supported power shoulders during the 1930’s, proving she was far sighted with her “rebellious fashion sense”.

The “hulky” shoulders were loved by the most glamorous women of the time like Joan Crawford, Ann Blyth, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Natalie wood, etc. were all seen in the dynamic “waist hugging suits”. 

Power Up in Suits - Rupika Chopra

And the trend continued to spark the fashion scene for decades. Even today, I run to my blazers if I want that edge over other outfits. I wear the blazers on torn denims, pants, skirts, dresses and shorts. A well cut jacket or even a loose style suit gives you much eminence to make heads turn.

From Royal Women to the professionals all have looked spectacular in their outfits in the 1980’s. Princess Diana was immaculately dressed in them making “power dressing” a phenomenon. 

Power Up in Suits - Rupika Chopra

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“Power dressing” was a phrase originally used in the 1970’s in America and by the 1980’s everyone was wearing the debonair outfit. Tailored Jackets, shoulder pads, tapered pants and slim cut skirts were the coolest innovation.

The look was at it’s peak when Michael Jackson wore a “suit” in his famous song “Smooth Criminal” in 1988.  The famous movie “Working Girl” gave a new sense of being to women evolving with a “fearless demeanour” in the 80’s. 

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Many women in the political scenario fell in love with the empowering sets. Jacqueline Kennedy was a benchmark of grace and her streamlined suits were marvellously worn with pearls and hats. Margaret Thatcher, Hillary Clinton etc. have adorned suits with much  sophistication as well.

And the trend continued to spark the fashion scene for decades.  In the present scenario they have made a gallant come back with bold prints and cuts. They are being worn to every occasion. From formal to casual, now suits are worn with a pair of heels and cool sneakers as well. Depends on how you want to look.

Remember the very talented singer, Lady Gaga recently wore an oversized suit to the Elle Magazine’s Women in Hollywood Event. She looked endearing!!!

I can never forget a picture of Eva Mendes flaunting her well toned curves in a perfectly tailored suit. She looked beyond vivacious. The saying less is more – Well in this case – more is certainly leaving the world restless ! 🙂

Sneakers worn with suits look urban, cool yet affirmative and desirable. With super formal suits like mine one can choose to also wear flat shoes or white sneakers and stand apart.

Brands like D&G, Sandro, Kooples, Topshop, Zara, Marc Jacobs, Whistles, Balmain, Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, Marina Rinaldi, Elisabetta Franchi, Mango, La Vie Rebbeca Taylor, Nordstrom, ASOS etc. have some great collection of suits that one check out. 

Power Up in Suits - Rupika Chopra

 

My black Tux looks rather sexy and sophisticated. I love this suit for its confident, charming, suave vibe.  It fits me like a glove and also is beautifully designed with detailing on the pants and jacket . An outfit like this one is enough to make you feel nothing less than a bond girl.

I am absolutely in love with the “Pink Suit” I am wearing. I styled it all formal with pearls and heels. This outfit looks spectacular when worn to any formal event. From shows, events, promotions, parties to after parties you will look charismatic and stunningly poised.  One can carry a classic Chanel bag or a simple bag that adds to the simplicity of the outfit with a fresh and minimalistic make up and let your personality shine through it.

I feel a “suit” allows you to be “UNAPOLOGETICALLY YOURSELF”!!! 

So grab yours this season and flatter your senses!!

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Pink Suit : ZARA , Pink shoes : LYN, Shirt : ZARA , Black Tux : ZARA , Bag : CHANEL,    Black Shoes : L.K. BENNETTÂ