sergiorossi – Her Tinted Closet

The unconventional “BELL BOTTOMS”!!

May 1, 2019September 4, 2019 Rupika Chopra23 Comments

Ring a Bell – with “THE BELL BOTTOMS” :

Bell Bottoms or the flared pants are the coolest depiction of a personality with distinctive views and someone who is a lethal combination of being firm, strong and liberated at the same time.

Bell bottoms are worn by “history makers”. There is something inspiring about the the flared styled bottoms that only a personality loaded with passion can do justice to this creation. I know skinny jeans and pants look amazing as well but the spell of “bell bottoms” is UNMATCHED.

Bell bottoms have been my best mate from High School. Just like one has an “X Factor ” and the other “does not” – the same way one either likes the “bell bottoms” or does not. “Bells” are worn by the Go – getters and dream weavers.

My dress code on a casual day is an absolute well fitted flared denims / pants with a statement belt, combined with a T- Shirt / Shirt. I am simply a cowgirl in my heart and soul. I not only love horses, but I love the euphoria of breaking the norm that bell bottoms can create. The “cowgirl” in me instantly awakens as I brace myself in the magical flared pants. And yes, when I add a “hat” and “boots” to the look, I ain’t stopping for anyone!!

The “flared legs” were originally made in the 17th century for men working on the boat, as they could be easily rolled up while washing the decks. It became the uniform of the U.S Navy in the 1950’s. And if the sailors fell overboard the pants could be easily pulled off over boots or shoes. They could also be filled with air and used as a floatation device. So bell bottoms emerged from the functionality and the ease it created. In the 1960’s and 70’s “Bell Bottoms” became extremely popular as they were simply unconventional and cool. The youth began to love the flared pants for the same reason, rebuking the old fashion and expressing their love for freedom.

During the 1960’s, those among the youth who did not conform to the conservative styles of dressing, fell in love with the then inexpensive “Bell Bottoms”. Young people at that time shopped for the flared bottoms at the Military surplus stores. Wearing a part of the old military uniform added much appeal to their personality reflecting change and strength. The “Bell Bottoms” became a symbol of the rebellious one’s in the 60’s.

The youth painted the pants with colourful peace symbols and embroidered flowers, to promote the Anti War message to the world, showing how much they were against the Vietnam War that took place from (1954 – 75).

Flared pants became so much of a rage, but those who could not find them, often made their own flared pants by cutting the sides and attaching an extra triangle cloth to be fashionable.

By the 1970’s, the designers had started manufacturing the bell bottoms in different fabrics like denims, satin, cotton, polyester. Both men and women started wearing them with zest and liberation. My favourite singer Cher, James Brown wore “bells” with absolute style. Some of the flared pants were so wide at the bottom that they were also called the “Elephant Bells “.

They became popular among the pop stars and became an outlandish symbol of glamour. From printed to shimmery all sorts of bell pants were seen worn in the 70’s. The trend successfully continued in the 80’s as well. But also straight pants and denims had taken over the fashion scenario again. But none the less the style picked up momentum in the 90’s and since then it has been repeatedly on the runways across the world.

The bell styles today are inspired by the funky designs of the past and now bell pants can also be seen on the lace fabric. Infact, I recently picked up a lace suit with lace bell pants being an attractive element of the outfit. It is seldom that I will miss out on a well fitted bell bottoms ever, as one does not find them easily and even when the new styles are produced by brands, they are the first one’s to be grabbed from the shelf.

In the 70’s the “bells” were more high waited one’s. But now the ” bells ” are modified to the mid waist and low waist huggers. I love the fact we go back to where we started when it comes to fashion and the evolution today matches the basics of yesterday.

Some of my favourite designers for the bell bottoms are Celine, Elisabetta Franchi, True Religion, Balmain, Zara, TOPSHOP, J Brand, For All Mankind, Frame, D&G, YSL, DONDUP, Stella McCartney, Sonia Rykiel, Liu JO etc. These brands have the most fabulous fits that sits like a glove on your bottom.

Adorning “bell bottoms” gives you a BOHO vibe. When you wear your bell bottoms with a shirt just like mine, it takes you to an era. My “red polka” shirt is completely retro and takes one back to the 80’s style. I love to wear linen flare pants in the summer season. They are simply chic and breathable.

My satin bell pants are sultry and fun as well but these can be worn to formal occasions. Whatever the fabric may be ” bells ” are a statement in it self. So grab the best hugging bell bottoms this season and team it up with a funky top or a shirt. Spice up your look with accessories and perfect stilettos and go on and flaunt your FLARES with all your Flair!!

Denims : J Brand , Shirt : Haws & Curtis , Satin Shirt : ZARA , Pants : ZARA

The Velvet Touch!!

October 28, 2018September 7, 2019 Rupika Chopra34 Comments

Velvety Tales 🙂

Hello Fashion Lovers!!

What does Velvet remind you of ? It takes me back to Royalty – The royal thrones, magnificently designed velvet robes, stunning off – shoulder gowns with elbow kissing gloves, exotic furnishings and much more. There is something exclusive about this fabric.

Velvet represents an air of the powerful monarchs. Not only that, velvet has been used for ages to create the most mesmerising evening wear imaginable. Infact this is one fabric, that has progressed successfully in every century because of its deep rich appearance, adding much to your sex appeal.

Velvet originated early in 2000 BC in Cairo, Egypt. Egyptians introduced velvet to their nobility and began the history of this Royal textile. Velvet was also traced during the Han Dynasty around 221-206 BC in China.

Typically woven from the silk threads it is still a lavish textile. Centuries later the luxurious fabric was introduced in Iraq in 786 AD and later Middle East started producing it. By 809 AD, Europe had discovered the luscious fabric and started producing it as well. Love for velvet grew among the Egyptians and so did the demand for it. They started exporting the fabric in huge quantities to Venice, Italy. Soon Italy, Florence, Genoa started supplying this sought after fabric to the rest of Europe.

It was during the golden age of Renaissance, that Velvet became much known to the world. By now, this royal fabric was being used not only for clothing but for upholstery, wall coverings, draperies etc. Later with Industrial Revolution, the production of this fabric became easier, making it affordable which lead to its popularity among the middle class. The connotation of Royalty was still stuck with Velvet, even though it became easily available. But that is the case even today!

Velvet had promisingly established it’s space in the fashion world and when it reached America, it was used as the Glitsy Garment in the 1920’s, 30’s – 40’s. The velvety outfits were mostly worn to more formal occasions like it is even today. In the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s it initiated a Boho vibe with the evolution of styles and cuts. How madly I have been in love with the velvet flared pants over the years – the style famously worn by the hippies and the rock stars in the 80’s. The whole world had access to this Royal Fabric by the 90’s.

Velvets have been in every wardrobe in different forms – jackets, suits, gowns, gothic wear, indian wear, stylish pants, dresses, etc. Its unusual luxurious texture sets it apart from other textiles. Even today on the fashion runways velvet has been used by the most famous designers to showcase the legacy attached to it, unveiling stunning craftsmanship not only on clothes but also on accessories like shoes, heels, boots, belts, bags, hair accessories etc.

My temptation soars when I look at a well cut dress or a velvet jacket with an interesting vintage detailing. A well cut velvet jacket makes me feel rather Aristocratic. Velvet jackets with emblems on the front pocket became a must have for most men recently. It undoubtedly adds a regal air to one’s personality.

Velvet smoothly created its niche among the fashion brands – Velvet high waisted pants, suits, heels, tops, shirts, sun glasses, skirts, joggers suit, sports wear, etc. have had a fling with everyones taste. Velvet has a character of its own to make heads turn, even with one piece of well designed garment or accessory.

Brands like Juicy Couture, Yves Saint Laurent, J- Brand, Elisabetta Franchi, Hugo Boss, Adidas, Zara, Alessandra Rich, TOPSHOP, MIU MIU, Alexander Mc Queen, Emporio Armani, Gucci, D&G etc. have created impeccable styles for us in the luscious fabric. The list of brands is endless because the fact is that velvets are sexy and versatile.

I fell in love with this light pink velvet co-ord set. Its comfortable and soft. I like the detailing on the top with the gold zip on one side of the neck line. Highlighting of the brand is done on the sleeves and also on the shorts which gives it a casual streak.

To perk my outfit up I have accessorised it with a gold necklace and bold gold earnings that I often love wearing. I am wearing my metallic copper wedge heels to add some oomph to the look. You can wear this outfit to a fun lunch or a sundowner.

So what are you waiting for?? Up your game with the sultry velvet this winter and don’t forget to smell divine.

Outfit : Emporio Armani , Necklace : Nikki Lissoni, Earings : Zara , Shoes : Sergio Rossi

High Waisted Wide Leg Pants!!!

October 1, 2018September 8, 2019 Rupika Chopra38 Comments

Go Vintage with the High Waisted Pants :

The wide legged pants go way back in the 1920’s, when they were initially worn as lounge pants. Remember the silky loose pants worn by the glamorous women looking all sultry in their abode!? The silky pants worn with velvet or silk jackets was the lounge look of the famous stars and it caught the fashion wave and women started wearing them to holidays too. In the 1930’s this lounge attire moved to the beach and was modified as the beach pyjamas printed in floral patterns.

In the mid 1930’s, the style was reformed to the widest pleated pants ever worn. Top and Pant sets with matching belts came in vogue followed by jumpsuits in the late 1930’s. The trend continued through every decade …….peaking in the 1970’s with the rise of boho hippie culture – which brought a revival of the wide legged bell bottoms back from the 1930’s.

An Evolution of lounge pants could be seen prominently taking it a notch above with the flashy buttons in the front adding much statement to the look.

These pants have made a comeback with amazing weaves. They are present in different fabrics -from linen, cotton, wool etc. Wide legged pants are perfect for leisure wear. The one’s I am wearing particularly are very casual ones with pockets. To add some vibrance to the boring grey, I teamed a colourful striped top. You can also wear these grey pants with a classic white shirt, or a white shirt with the balloon sleeves or colourful tops to get a perky disposition.

These pleated wide legged pants are comfortable and breathable. I like the detailing of the belt on the waist, which gives more character to my pants. Similar pants in Wool and checks look super fashionable in the Fall Season with a well cut jacket. The cut and fabric change the dynamics of a garment phenomenally.

The wide legged pants are a statement in itself, so grab them now and team them with t-shirts, shirts, fun accessories like bracelets and sunnies. The wide legged pants look great with the wedge pumps or flats ….depending on your look and comfort. I have mine ready for fall as well……what about you?

Pants : Shein , Top : Zara , Shoes : Sergio Rossi

Photographer : Natasha Adnani