“Crop” it…. this Summer!!!

Rupika Chopra - Crop Tops a must in a wardrobe

Rupika Chopra in a Crop Top

Crop Tops are back to sizzle again this summer with vibrance and style. Crop Tops are also known as Half Shirt, Midriff Top or a Cut Off Shirt. Crop Tops are my favourite this season. They are simple, chic and make any outfit cool. It reveals the midriff and makes one look exotic. Cleavage is passe’ and MIDRIFF IS IN!!! With all the throwbacks to the 90’s trending right now, crops are soaring temperatures. This summer grab your crop tops and flaunt them galore because baring the midriff is in. It is a trend that is here to stay and that makes it classic!!

Crop Tops go way back in the history of Fashion and it gained prominence in the 1930’s and 1940’s. It was largely confined to swimwear at that time. But the style drew much admiration and saw a revival due to the popularity even in the 1990’s. The Cropped shirt was originally created by men for men. Men used to cut their T – shirts short and flaunt their midriffs at the gym. This trend was picked up by the Eastern part of the world by the belly dancers…who captured much attention flaunting their waists.

Rupika Chopra in an Off shoulder Crop Top by GADO GADO

It was only in the 1940’s that the crop tops were accepted as a fashion trend in the West, due to the prevailing conservatism that depicted the exposed midriff as immodest. The young adults loved them and wore it in fancy styles with shorts, skirts and pants. The fact that Cut Off Tops accentuate the slimmest part of a woman’s waist and made them feel sexy, as it defined their figure perfectly, it became a sensation. They became popular among the people and many cord – sets were being worn as well. Cut Off Tops became a part of the Hippie Movement of the 60’s wit floral prints and high waisted flared denims. I still love the look and wear it quite often as it brings out the Bohemian in me. Thanks to the sexual revolution models and actresses like Jane Birkin, Jean Shrimpton, Anne De Zogheb, etc. who started knotting their blouses on their ribs in a relaxed boho style, completely setting the fashion scene on fire!!!

Rupika Chopra in a Crop Top by GADO GADO and Mom Fit Jeans

By the 70’s crop tops made a comeback with shorter hemlines. Cher made them quite popular in the music industry adorning them with glittery flared denims. Crop Tops became the sex symbol worn by the pop icons. During that time the crops became shorter and got bolder that were known as Bra Tops or Bralettes. The rage for crops began in the 1990’s and dropped around the 2000’s. But for now from the last year the trend has come back with much zing and colour. This look is especially suited for a vacation but one can easily wear these to a lunch, dinner or a get together without a second thought!

Rupika Chopra in a Knotted Shirt and shorts by ZARA

Remember the cropped top worn with High Waisted Drainpipes that looked glorious in the 80’s. Infact the cropped top worn with the leotards became a signature look for Madonna for a while. Even in the 90’s the rage for crop tops did not subside at all. Britney Spears, Spice Girls, Christina Aguilera flaunted their toned abs in the flashy Midriff tops. The best comeback of a trend is witnessed when the world follows it and for the last couple of seasons crop tops have been embraced all around the world again. Thanks to the social media for the fashion awareness and synchronising the world virtually. It has aligned our taste and of course, life is too short to miss out the best trends.

Rupika Chopra with a Crop Top by GADO GADO

I have paired my favourite crop top with my high waisted denim shorts. The style looks quite chic and one can change one’s vibe pairing it with pants, denims, skirts or shorts and footwear. Crop tops are all about no fuss dressing and one can accessorise according to the occasion and you are ready to roll. Not to miss out on, the Crop Top was recently popularised recently at the Red Carpet when the French Actress Marion Cotillard opted for a crop at the Cannes Film Festival showcasing Chanel Haute Couture and Ludovic De Saint Sernin Balmain Kimono. You see it’s all about baring the Solar Plexus and owning your power with much confidence and sex appeal. And when you are toning those ab muscles – you gotta flaunt them right …. and the Mid Riff Top accomplishes that fabulously!!

Rupika Chopra in a Crop Top and a Bandana and Mom Fit Jeans

Crop Tops with different cuts and styles change the look of an outfit. I am wearing divergent styles from the T – shirt style to an off shoulder to a bralette and they simply look astounding. Dolce and Gabbana recently showcased their high waisted skirts with bralettes in dazzling jungle prints, while BALMAIN electrified the fashion lovers with their street style from the 1990’s.

Rupika Chopra In a Zara Bustier

Due to the pandemic we have had limited access to stores but none the less Zara, H&M, etc. spoil us with amazing trends and colours. Zara recently launched a wonderful summer collection with vibrant hues. My black top is from Zara and the Off Shoulder top is from my favourite Dutch brand named GADO GADO. Her beautifully detailed clothes have a vintage touch and that simply makes me fall in love with her creations. I will be covering more of her collection this summer and you will be spellbound!!

Rupika Chopra in Off Shoulder Crop Top with high waisted Shorts

One can pair the crop tops with skirts, loose, straight or flared pants or denims with heels or sneakers and one will never fail to be pre- eminent. Crop tops are certainly intriguing and if you want to add some oomph this summer….. grab your tops in different styles – t – shirt, knotted, relaxed, bustiers and reignite your flair.

Till I write again soon….. I am sending you all much love and light from India and prayers for good health and safety🌟❤️and remember that WINTER ALWAYS TURNS TO SPRING!!!

CHAO!!!

The Evergreen Slit Skirts!!!

The Evergreen Slit Skirts - Rupika Chopra

The Evergreen Slit Skirts - Rupika Chopra

A SLIT IN PLACE :

Summer is here and we are in a lockdown in the vicinity of our homes but nothing should stop us to enjoy the summer trends. Girls! this is the time to dive in your closet and get your favourite slit skirts and dresses out. They instantly remind me of the impeccably dressed air hostesses back in the day, walking with absolute grace in those well fitted skirts and stocking covered legs peeping through the slits. I remember as a child, I was so enamoured by their slick uniforms that I got a beautiful jacket and a skirt made for myself. The slit skirts gave every woman an opportunity to flaunt their curves.

The long A – line or body embracing pencil skirts are forever elegant, feminine and sultry.  From the time of my teens till the present moment, I have always thought a Slit on a dress or a skirt makes one look Hypnotic. Whether it is the Thigh High Slits or the conservative one’s, there is something alluring about them. Whether you are adorning a gown, a maxi dress or skirt a slit makes you truly walk like a sexy lady!

The Evergreen Slit Skirts - Rupika Chopra

The Evergreen Slit Skirt - Rupika Chopra

The first flash of legs was in the slit skirt Designed by Christian Dior in 1954 that took the world by a frenzy. Dior named this collection as the H – Line referring to Silhouettes he was creating with parallel lines. Slits have only grown popular since then. The pencil skirts became a rage with most of the Hollywood stars like Marylin Manroe, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly etc.  To me it represents sophistication and confidence in a woman.

By the end of 1960’s mini skirts took over and became the “Icon of the Cultural Revolution”. But Pencil skirts never really went out of fashion as they became a perfect attire to be worn to work with conservative slits. Whether it is a red carpet look or the casual do’s –  A slit simply has the power to add much sex appeal to any outfit.

The Evergreen Slit Skirts - Rupika Chopra

The Evergreen Slit Skirts - Rupika Chopra

Well going back to the history of a slit skirt, a slit was not added to give an extra cool glimpse of the leg but to add comfort for a woman to be able to stretch her legs while walking.

A slit on the sides of a skirt, back or in the front look absolutely flattering. It is obvious that in a work space one chooses pencil dresses or skirts sans the high slits. But when worn to parties or outside of the work space they make one sizzle in style.  Slits on a dress or skirts look extraordinary. I am obsessed with some for my fitted maxi dresses and my gorgeous A – line, satin long skirt that lets my femininity shine.

The New York Fashion Week displayed the most amazing creations for Spring 2020 by Marc Jacobs, Brandon Maxwell, Tommy Zendaya, Proenza Schouler, Prabal Gurung, Kate Spade, Carolina Herrera etc. Gigi Hadid, Hayley Ashton, Nikki Mcguire, Bella Hadid sizzled the ramp. 

The A- line skirt I am wearing in blue is quite an eye catching one with it’s colour combination and a slit on one side of the leg makes it distinctive. This combination with the a unique print top makes the outfit eclectic. It can be easily worn to a party, lunch or a dinner.

The Evergreen Slit Skirts - Rupika Chopra

The Evergreen Slit Skirts - Rupika Chopra

No matter what the print or the fabric is, a slit on a dress or a skirt surely makes one equivalent to saying, ” I dare to elegantly bare”.

The black skirt with a slit in the front is a classic piece. When paired with a white shirt, looks absolutely stunning and is perfect to be worn to a formal occasion. I love the clean cuts and one tone colours make an impact. Understated is always amazing. I am wearing mine with Boots and that makes my vibe fun and edgy. Accessories always perk an outfit. I love the check glasses I chose, they are very Italiano and spunky!

The Evergreen Slit Skirts - Rupika Chopra

The A- line pleated skirt I am wearing in blue is an eye catching one with it’s fun colour combination and a slit on one side adds a dash of oomph. This outfit can be easily worn to a party, lunch or a dinner. It is a vibrant attire adding to my cheerfulness. I have caramelised this look with my favourite tan brown shoes by Enzo DI Martino. The combination of the brown glasses, and earrings with a gold bracelet are perfect to seal the deal!!

So don’t let anything bring your spirits down and or hamper your style and use this time to become truly Invincible!!

Shine On!!

xoxo

The Evergreen Slit Skirt - Rupika Chopra

 

 

 

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!!!

 

 

 

 

 

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. BENNETT 

 

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