Co-ord Sets are here to Rule!!!

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Rupika Chopra in a Colourful Co-ord Set:

Hello Fashion Lovers!!!

Finally the world is opening up with much hope for things to be in flow and progress for all. During the pandemic everything took a back seat and surely, rewiring of one’s mind and needs made it clear to all that we can be trendy and sustainable at the same time. Decluttering the closets during the pandemic was such a soul cleanse!!

Women always have had more clothes in their closet than what they will ever use and my thumb rule now is to give away something that I have not worn for more than a year. It has been an effective detachment practice. I have always been a believer of Quality over Quantity and that rule will never change. As we are progressing towards more sustainable possibilities, it has become imperative to be thoughtful to buy recyclable fabrics.

Finally, we have a reason to get dressed up. After months of staying in comfy athleisure we can flaunt the very trendy Co-ord sets ( Co-ordinates ) blooming this Summer Season. Co-ord sets are the most sought after option whether you are headed to a super market, to a formal lunch, workplace, a fun dinner or to a formal meeting. The possibilities to dress uniquely are galore.

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Rupika Chopra in Colourful Recyclable Co-ord Set:

Co-ord sets or the Two Piece outfits have been popular for decades and they first popped as a trend in the 70’s. Now the Co-ord sets have become a fad in their own right spanning from athleisure to Knitwear. In the 70s’, the top models set the ramp on fire with the matching ensemble catching everyone’s eye along with celebrities of the time. Lauren Hutton, Margaux Hemingway, Beverly Johnson, Jerry Hall were some of the famous models ruling the ramp at that time.

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Rupika Chopra in an Organically grown Linen Co-ord Set:

If you flip through the trend over the years, Co- ord sets have been admired in every decade. The 80’s and 90’s saw different trends but the style never lost it’s zing. If you fast forward to the 2000’s the trend was made popular by a few brands like Juicy Couture again. Their colourful suede sets became an absolute must have to add that glam quotient. You could see people travelling, holidaying & lounging in them all over the world. They veneered a luxe relaxed vibe with the brand. During the Pandemic from March to June it was still warm to wear the velvet sets but they are perfect for a slightly pleasant weather that’s why it makes a perfect travel companion. The trend has never relapsed, it has recoursed to fabulous alternatives in different fabrics, cuts and styles by the leading brands today.

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Rupika Chopra in an Organically Grown Linen Co-ord Set:
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Rupika Chopra in a Recycled Co-ord Set: Shorts and a Crop Top

During the Pandemic the lounge/relaxed wear, athleisure, comfortable sets fully reintegrated into a fashion statement. Even the formal sets came back into play in full swing across seasons. The best thing about Co- ord sets is that they not only look uber stylish but also is a no fuss outfit. Whether one adorns a skirt- set, pant or co-ordinated shorts they look chic.

Matching sets with pants and bra-lets have become extremely desirable. Co- ord sets have some kind of a power play. Flaunting the mid- riff in a co-ord set is the new cool and we do it fabulously. Not only in the western wear, but also the Indian styles Co- ord sets are loved by all. Co-ord sets mostly reminded me of the creations by Gabriella Chanel. Her tweed sets are timeless and elegant. But now we have access to the eclectic and vibrant styles this season that would perk your wardrobe add versatility.

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Rupika Chopra in a Recycled Co-ord Set – Shorts & a Crop Top

Some of my favourite brands for grabbing the matching sets are The Kooples, Zara, Maje, Versace, Gucci, Adidas, Alice & Olivia, Zimmerman, Ted-Baker, Asos, etc. They make anyone look trendy effortlessly. Mostly, I love the crop tops with pants, skirts and shorts. I also knot the shirt up for a dash of Retro and make the eyes dramatic for that’s all you need as an accessory with an outfit that’s your ambassador. I like to wear neutral colour heels/shoes/sneakers with my co-ord sets to keep the look minimalistic. Too many colourful elements together can be jarring so keeping it understated with accessories is classy.

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Rupika Chopra in a Summery Shirt & a Skirt set:
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Rupika Chopra in a Summery Shirt & a Skirt Set:

Currently, Co-ord sets are available in so many happy, bold colours and patterns across many brands. I love matching my Bell Bottoms with a similar shirt or a crop – top for it does all the talking. This Summer Season, we will witness many wearing them and the craze will last a while. The best thing about them is that they can be worn independently so they are never a bad investment!!

To simply put it in words, embrace the mantra, When in doubt CO-ORD IT OUT!!!

The Denim Fetish!!!

The Denim Fetish - Rupika Chopra

Blame it on the Jeans! 

Hello Denim Lovers!

“The Denim Mania” is ON!!! Indeed the love for it can never be moderate for any generation. As far as I can remember, I have been obsessed with Jeans, Dungarees, and denim skirts from childhood. Needless to say Denim is still on top of my list of favourites like for most of you. Anything well cut in this strong fabric always adds a cool edge. I remember when I was in college, I had collected about 65 pairs of Jeans mostly in boot cut from Wranglers, Pepe London and of course my favourite High Waisted – Drain Pipe style from Levi Strauss. Needless to explain I am a “Denim Addict”! What more could one have asked for, as having the best pair of Jeans was nothing less than adorning a Crown. My favourite flared denims added to the cool cowgirl vibe. I am still mad about them – they simply change my gait. The kind of Denim one chooses to wear talks a lot about one’s personality. Quarantine spent well with my parents, I dived into the collection of my favourite pairs and felt over the moon, for only a “Real Denim Lover” can understand the “pricelessness” of these “collectables”. 

The Denim Fetish - Rupika Chopra

Jeans were invented by Jacob W. Davis and Levi Strauss on May 20th, 1873. The word “Jeans” got named after the city of Geona in Italy, a place where the cotton corduroy was manufactured. Levi Strauss was a businessman from Germany and during the Gold Rush period in 1853, he moved to San francisco, trying to establish his family business by selling goods and cotton denim fabric was one of them.

Let me share with you that Levi Strauss was the first one to make denim out of Hemp. They made the first pair of Jeans with “Hemp Canvas”, blending it with certified organic cotton. This is something to be absolutely proud of!!!  Levi is a Global Leader and is also known as the “Face of Denim”.

Now that the world is trying to walk the path of awareness – “Sustainable Clothing” is surely a way forward for most brands now. From luxury to the high street one’s, all are choosing to go as green as possible. Of course there is a lot being made out of “recycled denim” and responsibly sourced cotton. The consumers are making conscious choices, compelling manufacturers to adapt ways to reduce the carbon print on the planet. 

The Denim Fetish - Rupika Chopra

The Denim Fetish - Rupika Chopra

Jacob W. Davis was a tailor and he made functional items like tents, horse blankets, wagon covers etc. On demand from one of his clients for a long lasting outfit for the mining workforce, Davis landed up buying the denim material from Levi Strauss. He designed the sturdy workwear for miners in the West. He added “copper rivets” at the places pants rip off easily, with pockets and a button fly. The design was unique and he wanted to patent the pants, so he wrote to Levi Strauss and joined hands with him as a partner and launched the magnificently known as – “JEANS”.

The Denim Fetish - Rupika Chopra

Jeans had now arrived as an “independent masterpiece”, evolving from the position of merely being a uniform for hard tasks. Denim being made from cotton was easy to breathe in and wash. It’s blue colour gave it an individual identity. In the 1920’s and 30’s, Jeans became popular western wear in the United States. Further modifications were made – Jeans now had the back pockets as well, making Levi Strauss the first designer to have his label on the outside. The Durability of the Fabric made it extremely popular among all. It became desirable and a no fuss dress code for everyone. Followed by that, was a glamours model featured in the Vogue magazine in the 1930’s, flaunting Denim on the cover, showcasing it’s relevance in the fashion Industry.

The Denim Fetish - Rupika Chopra

The Denim Fetish - Rupika Chopra

Elvis Presley was one of the first celebrities to popularize Jeans among others in the Pop culture absolutely adored them. The famous boys like James Dean and Marlon Brando made them exceedingly fashionable by filming in them. That was the real revolution time  – The Rebel, The Sexy, The Strong, The Fascinating, The Rugged – Denim defined it all!!!

The Hippie movement rocked the American culture in the 1960’s adorning the Denim Jackets and making Casual Blue torn Jean a representation of freedom.

Then came a phase of personalising Jeans, making them Hip with embellishments, patches and embroidery. And how can we not mention the Ripped Faded Flared Jeans that were a “Cult” in itself to begin with. Anyone seen wearing them was akin to being a “Revolutionary”. 

The Denim Fetish - Rupika Chopra

The “Denim Trend”so as to say, brought out a new attitude in Americans. The youngsters embraced the Blue Jeans making it the new cool. The Designer jeans took on the band wagon in the 80’s and the trend has never witnessed a pause since. Some of the most glamorous models in the past, got temperatures soaring in the high waisted drainpipes and white shirts. Brooke Shields, Cindy Crawford, Janice Dickinson, Jerry Hall among others sizzled in Denim making it most stylish for everyone. I won’t forget a video of Cindy Crawford working out on the beach, wearing the Denim Hot Pants with the sports bra. She simply looked like a GODDESS!! Needless to say, the Denim fad was lasting forever. It has continued to charm the world since it’s inception, evolving even today with the most beguiling designs.

The denim Fetish - Rupika Chopra

The Denim Fetish - Rupika Chopra

Remember pop stars performing in the 2000’s with the Ultra Low Rise denims with Swrovskies all over them. I remember Britney Spears doing her fancy number in them. Denim has always been redefined from time to time.

The skinny jeans in the 2000’s came with a special stretch technology, that allowed women to flaunt their legs unapologetically. Styles like Mom jeans, Boyfriend, High Waisted Wide Straights, Culotte, High Waisted Vintage Boots Cuts, Skinnies, Baggy Paper bag, Slouchy etc. are back with a bang at present. It is not only confined to Jeans but denim jumpsuits, shorts, dresses, shirts, crop tops etc. all are tastefully available at many brands like Zara, H&M, D&G, True Religion, Diesel, Armani etc.

I fell in love with the Denim dress I am wearing. It is casual and chic. You see what I mean……..when one wears a well cut denim outfit or jeans – it doesn’t need any validation for it talks for itself. It’s an ambassador of your personality.

Denim will always be in Vogue - Rupika Chopra

The Denim Fetish - Rupika Chopra

One can simply choose to look classic or wild with the style of denim one chooses to wear. These High Waisted Boot Cut Jeans are my favourite as they hug me perfectly. You can always change your look with the footwear you choose – boots, heels or sneakers change the vibe. Somehow, denim makes styling easy. Choose your favourite shirt or a T -shirt / tank top and you are ready to roll. Being a Cowgirl at heart – I mostly lean towards the flared styles. Brands I love are Levis,  J brand, Wrangler, True Religion, Versace, For All Mankind, Acne Studio, Naked & Famous, Zara, Hollister,etc. 

It is indeed remarkable to see Denim being one of the few materials to have travelled far and wide across the world. and the fact remains that this iconic creation is here for eternity!!! The Denim Industry is estimated to produce $129.8 billion of sales by 2021. Quarantine has had many set backs on the apparel industry but the online sales have been booming. With in days, the new styles are out of stock, which is a vivid proof of Denim being a permanent Fetish!!!

Ladies and Gentleman! This iconic creation is here to RULE!

Need I say more…..Nah!!!  Let your Denim do the talking!!!

xoxo

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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

 

 

 

Quarantining in Relaxed Wear!!!

Quarantining in Relaxed Wear - Rupika Chopra

Quarantining in relaxed wear :

So whats the new normal? Well it is quarantining in the cool casuals with your favourite beverage in one hand and a zoom call staring right in your face. On the onset of the Quarantine in the month of March, no one had imagined that people around the world will be confined to their homes, moving on from one lock down to the other. Working from home is the need of the hour and that has begot a new dress code – the cool relaxed wear.  Parked on your favourite couch, comfort is what one resonates with. So whilst we all are in our abodes, with no meetings to run for, dressing in formals is the last thing on one’s mind.

One certainly wants to look good whether one is home or outside, I have divided my comfort wear into categories of – very relaxed wear to cool casual wear. Pyjamas, tees and loose tracks are a part of very relaxed wear. Leggings, tracks, hoodies, denims and t shirts are a part my casual wear.

Quarantining in Relaxed Wear - Rupika Chopra

One certainly wants to look good whether one is home or outside, I have divided my comfort wear into categories below :

  1. Relaxed wear – Leggings, Tracks, Hoodies, Tees, Racer back etc.

    2.  Very Relaxed Wear – Pyjamas, Tees, Shorts, Tank tops etc.

    3.  Cool casual wear – Tees, Denims, Linen pants, dresses and jumpsuits 

Of course one cannot be in a right out of the bed look and not be presentable on calls. One has to choose to look presentable always, irrespective of the fact you are online or not. I definitely like to be more perked up for the weekdays as it keeps me focused, so I pair up a tee with a cool pair of denims on my important days from Monday to Thursday. As the weekend comes by, I throw in some athleisure like tracks, leggings, tees etc.

Quarantining in Relaxed Wear - Rupika Chopra

Keeping in mind there is no access to the dry cleaners at the moment, relaxed wear is perfect during this quarantine period as they can be easily washed at home sans any fuss. With limited access to online shopping, lounge and relaxed wear sales have seen a rise in the graph. They can still be bought with delays during the lockdown. People around the world are ordering their favourite room wear as home is where one wants to keep the vibe easy. I feel when the body is relaxed the mind will follow too and that surely enhances one’s productivity.

Comfort wear for the weekdays should be a bridge between the cool casuals and relaxed wear. I certainly want to feel good with what I am adorning. The quality of fabric is a priority for me and I never compromise on that.  Some of my favourite brands for relaxed wear are Adidas, Nike, Alo, Lululemon, Hollister, Sandro, Top shop, Marks & Spencer etc.  

Quarantining in Relaxed Wear - Rupika Chopra

With the temperatures rising it surely is getting hot for the hoodies so I am hanging in my tees and linen shirts with shorts. My foot wear comprises of flats and sneakers. I love the track set I am wearing by Adidas, it is from one of their limited collection and I love the flared pants that give a very retro vibe. The flowery print on the pants and the jacket is such a star on this one. It’s my Best Buy from Adidas.

The demand for relaxed wear has certainly seen a steep curve for now and will be in the coming months as well. Now when we are reaching the peak of our quarantine phase – Lets together stay positive through this with the art of relaxation and radiate good vibes for……. Winter always turns to Spring!!!

TAKE GOOD CARE & STAY SAFE

LOVE AND LIGHT 

XX

RUPIKA 

Trackset : Adidas , Top : H&M , Shoes : Nike , Glasses : MIUMIU

Gotta Shirt Up!!!

Look dapper and Shirt Up - Rupika Chopra

Shirts – “A whole new ball game” :

There were days when a perfect LBD was a must have in a woman’s closet just like a well cut suit in a man’s wardrobe. But an equally important place has been taken by a spectacular looking shirt. You cannot call yourself “debonair” in the truest sense if you don’t have some classic pieces. Shirts are my go to choice for most occasions. It simply makes up to be an understated, classy, formal and a graceful attire. From cotton, linen, satin, georgette, etc. both well fitted and loose shirts have gloriously paved a way for it to be statement piece in itself. Shirts have evolved much from it’s evolution in the 17th century.

A well fitted shirt always leaves an impact. Shirts are dynamic and have so much to play with – the flirty arms, the ruffled collars, the A Symmetric cuts add much character and story to this torso loving garment.

Look dapper & Shirt Up - Rupika Chopra

Sometime back, I had written about the funky ways of wearing a shirt. There are so many ways of adorning a shirt and look sexy and edgy at the same time. I can never forget an image of Cindy Crawford look drop dead gorgeous in a knotted shirt.That look became a rage for all fashion lovers. There is a famous image of the models of the 90’s posing in a white shirt on the beach, adding oomph to the sophisticated garment. After that shirts took a keen space in a woman’s closet.

I love the simplicity a shirt has and the fact it can be worn with both denims, shorts, skirts and trousers, make it an absolute favourite.

Shirts give a unique definition to one’s style and yes their classic appeal is enough to make heads turn. Shirts are being made in the most creative styles and cuts, with embroidery and gorgeous prints. One has many wonderful options to choose from and I love how each shirt can change one’s look completely.

Look dapper & Shirt Up - Rupika Chopra

Shirts were first designed as a European dress in the 17th Century, as a garment worn to protect the waistcoats from getting spoiled from sweat. By the 18th CenturyShirts had become an essential male garment. By the middle of the 19th Century, shirts were most sought after worn by men mostly working in the white collar jobs. Men involved in manual labour found it impractical to wear it, as it would get spoiled easily. During this period of time, the shirts were not mass produced in factories. A well suited man bought his shirt from a tailor, while the common man wore a shirt made by his wife. Those were the days, when women learnt how to sew and learnt new skills.

 

Look dapper & Shirt Up - Rupika Chopra Look dapper & Shirt Up - Rupika Chopra

Collars have also changed from time to time. Earlier the “Dog Collars” were quite popular it was later that the smaller collars came into fashion and were a more sophisticated option for work. Shirts were quite simple in the earlier days, but later more colourful options were being designed with chest pockets and shorter sleeves.

Shirts are a must have in a man’s and a woman’s closet. There are endless designs and styles existing today with different cuts, collars and cuffs. Different fabrics give a different flair to a shirt. Numerous brands today have fabulous fits and styles. One of my favourite brand for shirts is Haws & Curtis. They specialise in making shirts of all kinds. I love the collared shirts but I also love the bow shirts as they are artistic. The ruffled collar shirts look rather aristocratic. The Big collars are back in vogue again on the lovely poplin shirts with crochet work on the collars and cuffs. The oversized shirts are the coolest ones and can be worn with pants, shorts and denims.

 

Look dapper & Shirt Up - Rupika Chopra

Today shirts are worn with so much style. One can add a belt on a long shirt to make it a perfect one for a party. The shirts that I am wearing are in satin and cotton. The satin one’s look a bit more dressy and can be worn to a formal occasion or a dinner.

My tiger printed satin shirt is an expressive one in itself. I love the chest pockets on it. It is a perfect blend of masculinity and femininity. I have accessorised them with gold accessories and funky gold belt which makes it perfect for a formal occasion.

I love the shirts from Zara, Sandro, Maje, H&M, Versace, Topshop, Polo Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Rangeela etc. The list is endless because one can find an amazing collection by numerous designers and at the boutique stores.

Look dapper & Shirt Up - Rupika Chopra

Look dapper & Shirt Up - Rupika Chopra

The white shirt that I am wearing is a cotton one with an A Symmetric style with a layer style on the front. I love this shirt for this is an effortless choice for most occasions. This can be worn with pants and denims charismatically. The combination of white on white always looks dynamic and white being my favourite colour I would rank that first. However, this A symmetric shirt will look amazing with denims and shorts aswell.

Look dapper & Shirt Up - Rupika Chopra

Look dapper & Shirt Up - Rupika Chopra

Look dapper & Shirt Up - Rupika Chopra

The polka dotted shirt with my flared denim looks quite retro. Polka dots will never go out of style and will always be an iconic print. Remember the Polka dotted bikini worn by Miss America. She made polka dots swell in the fashion scenario. Dior’s famous polka dress made in the year 1954 grabbed the attention of many gorgeous damsels like Elizabeth Taylor, Lucille Ball, Marilyn Monroe. Polka dots are graceful and a happy print. One can accessorise one self with chunky earnings along with a shirt like this one. Mine is a semi – casual look yet it looks elegant when worn with peep toes, it certainly adds a dash femininity and I love that.

Look dapper & Shirt Up - Rupika Chopra

Shirts : Zara , Denims : J Brand, White Pants : Zara , Belt : Chanel , Earrings : Chanel,

Heels: YSL 

All Bling with Ash Gupta!!!

All Bling with Ash Gupta - Rupika Chopra

Los Angeles!!! – The city of dreams and opportunity with much more to offer than meets the eye. This was my first visit to the west coast and it was a delight to see, that the land of Hollywood filled me with experiences beyond surprise. In a city known to have less soul – soul is what I found there among the people I met. The drive to achieve goals beyond one’s limit – is what L.A. fills you with.  The energy was infectious, liberating and uplifting leaving one motivated. I believe there is always a way to look at things and habitually, I choose to see the brighter side of life. I have an intuitive way of connecting with the energy of the land I travel to and my gutt about a place leaves me mostly on the right side.  To be honest, I was a bit of a lost soul in the first eight days, but I took no time to be in the flow of things. I have not enjoyed a city as much, as it was about enhancing  and discovering my best self.

Are you wondering wether I am sharing about the city or proceeding to my fashion post?  Well! hold on to your epiphany!! This post is dedicated to the most generous, talented, humble, positive, dynamic ace photographer ASH GUPTA! I cannot miss an opportunity to share how unique it was to work with this humble legend.  His thought process and conceptualisation is inspiring.  He just makes you OWN WHO YOU ARE!!!

Ash has shot with some of the most successful people in the entertainment industry – Jennifer Lawrence, Ben Affleck, Steven Seagal, Paulina Rubio, Carmen Electra, James Kaufman, Priety Zinta to name a few! 

I had the most wonderful time shooting with him and also interviewed him on his up coming series – Ash’s Anatomy. We covered the part, where I got to ask him questions about the series he shot called “The Warriors of the Sun” – dedicating to the Nirbhaya case. He was torn and ashamed of the barbarous act and he dedicated three months shooting models adorning a head gear of a warrior depicting how powerful women are. He also shot some being in a cage and some with weapons. Some images also have a blotch of red in it, that was his way of depicting his anger and sadness towards the inhumane brutality.  

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WORRIORS OF THE SUN

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This man is all heart and his way of bringing beauty alive through simplicity is remarkable. Nothing can replace authenticity, evolution and positive energy and that is what I brought home with me. I can truly call home away from home because of the largesse of friends like him. I can’t wait to be back and work on some amazing concepts with this luminary.

All Bling with Ash Gupta - Rupika Chopra

much love

xoxo

 

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!!!