BLACK & BLING

-LOOKBOOK-

If you're someone who loves to party and likes to keep it classy yet sassy,  then a black sequined jacket is something you cannot miss to have in your wardrobe.

I just couldn't wait to design one for myself for my love for Black & Bling . The best thing about it is that you can throw it over a plain black, white, beige blouse or a tank top.
Team it with a nice short leather mini skirt or a party trouser and you're ready to make those heads turn!

The look I styled is a li'l bold with bright lips and lots of mascara on the eyes. If you're not comfortable carrying it, add kohl drama to the eyes and keep the lips subtle.

The key is to go easy on the eyes when doing the lips just so that you don't look made up.

Going high on heels will only add oomph to the look!

I tried to match my nail color with my shoes to break the monotony of black

Now! Wear a sexy perfume! A nice clutch to go with it! And you're ready to give that glitter ball at the disc a freaki'n crazy complex!

Dress for the Applause!

GET THE MANGO LOOK

-STYLE 101-

When it comes to shopping, MANGO is that one brand I always swear by ! It has been one of my favorite brands for the fact that it has absolutely everything, right from dresses to accessories & shoes, just under one roof, to give you that effortless fashion diva look. 

And for the beach trip that I have planned next month, all I needed to do was to take a few minutes out from my hectic schedule to shop my favorite stuff from the MANGO online store to ensure it reaches me on time. Look what I've decided to pick!

  Red Tunic  Rs.3990, Shop here

  Shorts Rs.1790,  Shop here

  Bag 2990 Shop here

Shades: 2290 Shop here

    Pendant Rs. 2290 Shop here

    Sandals Rs 2290.00 Shop here

So what are you planning to shop at the MANGO store today?

ROCK THE SUMMER TREND 2014

-STYLE 101-

Ahh! Despite the scorching heat, I'm lovin' this summer! Reason? The trends this season!

Here are my most favorite picks from the Spring/Summer 2014 trend!

Bold Strong Eyebrows: Take an inspiration from Cara Delevingne! Bold eyebrows stand to be one of the biggest trends of 2014. Give those regular tweezing sessions a break (unless you're naturally blessed with thick and strong looking brows) and treat them with castor oil every night till you see a good difference in the thickness. Tweeze the extra hair to shape them once you achieve the  desired density.

Crop Tops: Needless to say, these are truly in vogue this season. Pair them up with denims,palazzo pants or a long maxi skirt and dare to flaunt that sexy midfriff!

Sheinside.com has some hot collection of crop tops that I just can't wait to lay my hands on :-D . Shop them here !

Distressed jeans: This doesn't give you an excuse to indulge and blow your budget up! Pull out your old pair of denims and distress them for that cool, comfy yet oh-so-chic look. These are a must have now!

Maxi Dresses: Guess I'll never get over them! :-)  Lemme tell you, Maxi dresses always top my go-to options list. The best thing about Maxi dresses is that you can underplay the look by throwing on a denim jacket for that casual day out with your girlfriends or layer it with a blazer/ leather jacket for that hot date with your boyfriend. Maybe, they would never be 'so-last-season'.

Brogues: Be it  a brunch with your friends or a day at work, brogues can only make you look smart! Pair them with ankle length pants or denim shorts to draw attention to your ankles or with a floaty skirt for that feminine look.

So! Rock the trend and dress for the applause!

FOR THE LOVE OF SUMMER DRESSES

-STYLE 101-

Time to show off those sexy legs!! Summer calls for colorful floral printed short cute dresses and what else can one ask for when Jabong has all those dreamy dresses that you could have ever wished you found on one single portal, just a few clicks away! With a super fast delivery, hassle-free exchange options and mind blowing discounts, there is no reason to stop yourself from turning a Jabongholic! 

Here are few of my favorite picks from their collection:

1. Blue Tunic: I'm truly in love with this polka dotted blue tunic that could be paired with ankle strap flats and a chic clutch. I'm already imagining myself wearing it :-P

 Priced at ₹ 2250. Shop it here.

2. Off White Knee Length Dress: The floral print on it is making this dress so irresistible! Pair it with orange pumps and wear a messy fish tail braid for an ultra feminine look! 

Priced at ₹ 2695. Shop it here.

3. Striped Shift Dress: The green, yellow and blue stripes on the dress give you a fresh, college goer feel. Pair it with blue oxford shoes and wear a side ponytail to complete the look.

Priced at ₹1225. Shop it here.

4. Yellow Skater dress: A summer wardrobe is so incomplete without a yellow in it! This girly cotton yellow dress is like a fresh summer breeze that's just so apt for a all-girls shopping day out. 

Priced at ₹1049. Shop it here.

That one magic thing that can be paired with all of these dresses is -  a smile :-)

Stay happy and Dress for the Applause!!

WHAT’S IN YOUR SUMMER BAG

-BEAUTY-

Ahh! The summer is here!! The sweet smell of the mangoes, the cool morning breeze, the candy Ice creams and the summer holidays! Everything about it makes us feel happy and excited. However, it is very important to be well equipped with all the beauty essentials to give those harsh sun rays a tough time damaging your skin and look amazingly pretty this summer.

Here are 10 essentials that you must carry in your colorful summer hand bag so that you look fresh all day long unaffected by the scorching heat of summers.

1.SUNSCREEN : 

Regardless of the weather, a sunscreen is something that should never be avoided. However, most of us skip it feeling it will make our skin look oily, dark or may be we feel we're not going outdoors and may not need it. To break the myth, the sun rays can damage your skin even when it's cloudy outside.

So choose one that doesn't make your skin look oily or causes pimples. Trial and error method works the best to help find the right one for your skin.

Always apply sunscreen half an hour before you go out and keep reapplying it every two hours. Choosing an SPF 15 or 30 will do the job. So don't you dare skip it!

2.PERFUME/DEO :  Carrying a miniature perfume/deo always helps in keeping you feeling fresh especially when heading out for meetings or sneaking out for that quick lunchbreak date.

3.UMBRELLA: A small colorful umbrella that can fit into your handbag makes you look stylish as well as saves you from the cruel sun rays. Pinks, greens and yellows are the best choice for summers.

4. SHADES: Invest in a smart pair of oversized shades that suit your face and always keep them in your handbag. They look incredibly stylish and save your eyes and the undereye area from the heat.

5. SCARF : A colorful cotton floral scarf is the most stylish piece that can brighten any outfit and also saves your hair from the harmful UV rays that may discolor them, making it dry and brittle.

6. FACEWASH: Keeping your favorite facewash in your bag always helps you freshen up instantly removing the sweat and grime off your face.

7. LOOSE POWDER: A light translucent loose powder swept evenly across the face brightens it up covering the open pores and imperfections. Apply it over your moisturizing sunscreen to give your face a fresh matte look.

8. BLUSH ON: A nice pink and rosy blush on your cheeks will make your face look super fresh and pretty. Shades in orange and peach are options too.

9. LIPGLOSS:  Plump up your lips by adding on a dab of your favorite lipgloss and you're ready!

10. LIP BALM:  This weather can make your lips extremely dry and cause them to bleed too. Carry a lip butter or a plain vaseline lip balm all the time and keep applying it all day for those soft pink lips.

All of these in my bag and I'm summer ready! Are you?

12 BEACH ESSENTIALS FOR BOYS

-STYLE 101-

Working on a Friday night and planning an adventitious trip to Goa the next morning! Boys! You can be so unpredictable! We know that summer beach trips are always exciting, but with no time to decide what to pack, you can miss out on stuffing your travel backpack with the most essential stuff to look your best through out the trip.

Here are the 12 essentials I've listed down that are sure to make those heads turn while you enjoy yourself on the beach with your coolest set of friends.

1.Chinos: Whether it be a t-shirt with boat shoes or a kurta with chappals, you can never go wrong with chinos. Roll it up till the ankle if you like, it just looks summer perfect!

2. Shorts: A comfy pair of shorts in different prints and styles are the best choice for beaches. With or without a Tee, the just look super cool !

3. T shirts: Tees in soft blues, pinks and peaches go well with shorts and chinos. Always choose lighter fabrics since you don't want your skin to feel irritated on the beach.

4. Ganjees : These are the staples in a guys wardrobe. Experiment with oranges, greens and yellows to add more color to your look.

5. Short kurta- Kurtas in whites, blues and beiges look incredibly stylish. If you do not have time to shop here, you could pick from the wide variety you find in Goa.

6. White casual shirt: This is something you can wear when going clubbing in Goa. Pair it with a cool pair of jeans and you're ready to groove.

7. Hawaiian chappals: These are extremely stylish and the most comfortable ones. Easy to carry when you don't feel like wearing them to let your feet touch the beach sand, these are a must!

8.Watch : A smart watch just completes the look. Even when going shirtless, a big timeless watch is all that you need to look your best.

9. Bandana : Bandanas not only protect your hair from the harsh sun rays but also make you stand out from the rest of the crowd. Pick ones in bright pop colors. Perfect for that volley ball match on the beach!

10. Sunscreen : The very most important thing- Sunscreen. Invest in a high SPF waterproof sunscreen since you don't want to look 10 shades darker with a sun burnt skin when you're back. Remember! Not using sunscreen damages the deepest layers of your skin causing various skin diseases. So make sure you just don't give it a miss!

11. Shades: Don't forget to carry your pair of shades as they protect your eyes while making you look super hot!

12. Neckpiece: Pieces made of shells and beads give you that uber cool look. Goa markets are flooded with them. Pick ones that go with your style and rock the look!

So, pack your bag and get ready for a super fun trip! And not to forget, Dress for the Applause Boys!

4 FACE OILS FOR A GLOWING SKIN

-BEAUTY-

A good oil massage can leave your skin with a radiant glow making you feeling pampered and relaxed. It can also help to remove dead cells and dullness from your skin, bringing fresh skin to the surface. However, it is important that you use the right oil for skin massages. This will help to ensure that the skin’s texture and elasticity is improved as well as giving the skin a nourishing and softening treat. 

Here are 4 oils that you should have in your beauty kit to help you have a gorgeous polished skin:

Evening Primrose Oil:

Evening primrose oil hydrates the skin and increases circulation. It also helps reduce inflammation and keeps pores clear. Even those who don’t have serious skin conditions may want to use this oil to as a daily facial treatment. Evening Primrose oil is available online or at any medical stores in the form of capsules. Cut open to apply it all over your face once a day with a cotton ball before bed right after you’ve washed your face with a mild cleanser. It helps your face from looking bleary and tired in the morning, perking up your eyes and keeping skin toned and bright.

Almond Oil:   

Almond oil massage helps to reduce dark circles under eye, remove dead skin cells, improves the texture of your facial skin. Another benefit of taking almond oil facial massage before bed is that the solution is actually very relaxing.
Almond oil also reduces sunburn effects on face, prevents aging, and gets rid of wrinkles. You can almost say that this oil is an all-in-one natural substance for your facial treatments.

Argan oil:  

Argan oil is full of essential fatty acids, anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals that promote your overall health by moisturizing, softening as well as protecting your face and hair from sun damage .Massage a few drops directly onto your face and neck. Since argan is considered a dry oil, it absorbs quickly and is not greasy. If you want to use it as a serum, apply your night cream after the oil absorbs into the skin.

Olive oil: 

Olive oil is full of Vitamins and Antioxidants that help the skin cells to revitalize and heal, being particularly rich in Vitamin E. All you have to do is apply a really small amount to your face, especially around the eyes at bedtime and you'll have absolutely no sign of wrinkles.

        So oil your skin regularly and keep it happy and fresh! :-)

5 WARDROBE ESSENTIALS

-STYLE 101-

A perfect wardrobe consists of all kinds of clothes that reflect your style. However, it is incomplete without these basic essentials that you ought to have, just so that you don't have to spend hours thinking what to wear when in hurry.


Here is what you must possess:
1.White shirt: Apart from the basic white shirt-blue jeans pairing, you can do a lot more with a fitted white shirt.

You can team it up with:

• formal pants 

• formal fitted skirt, 

• palazzo pants 

• a long casual flared skirt 

• a fitted party mini skirt 

2.Black tunic/shirt: This does an equally amazing job as the white shirt does.Casual, office or party, it goes with any occasion, can be teamed with almost anything and still looks different with different pairings. Throw some fun necklaces over it and have fun!

3.Denims: A well fitted pair of denims in a basic blue shade is a must-must have. Can be worn on a casual outing, a party or to work. It's always good to have at least 2-3 pairs in your wardrobe and make sure the fit is perfect. If you've lost weight, you know what to do! Go shopping b'cuz ill fitted jeans is a strict No-No!

4.Little black dress: I know what you thinkin! Yes!! An LBD is a perfect outfit for a date! Black makes a woman look strong, confident and sophisticated. Invest in a dress which accentuates your curves. Apart from wearing it on a date, you can even wear it to an evening dinner or a party.

5.Black mini skirt: Because its black, a tunic or shirt in any color can be paired with it. You can pick one in sequins,corduroy or leather. Accessorize well and you're ready to flaunt your beautiful legs and party all nite!
Always make sure that anything you wear shouldn't be too tight or too loose. A perfect fit makes even a normal dress standout. 

So! All ya girls out there! Dress well! Dress for the Applause ;-)

Treating your Tresses

TREATING YOUR TRESSES

-BEAUTY-

Hair is one of the most beautiful parts of your body. Regardless of the length and the volume of your hair, controlling the damage and maintaining the softness and sheen is very essential. No matter what, we just cant stop using those straightening irons even when we are just going out to watch a movie. So what can we actually do to counter the damage caused by the heat and styling products?

The answer is Hair Spa! However, spending money at salons every fortnight does not make sense when you can actually do it yourself at home over the weekend shelling out not even half of what they charge. And the result is salon like!

Here is how you can do it at home. I recommend using the L'Oreal Hair Spa Repairing Creambath since you can use one pack for more than 10 times and the results are superbly amazing.

You can choose one from the 4 different types made to suit your hair:
• Nourishing Treatment - for dry damaged hair

• Smoothing Treatment - for thick frizzy, unmanageable hair

• Revitalizing Treatment - for normal and dull hair

• Treatment - for very damaged and sensitized hair.
Use it with L'Oreal hair spa hydrating concentrate that comes in a pack of 6 capsules that you can use 6 times.

You spend: Rs 580 for L'Oreal Creambath, Rs 450 for L'Oreal Hydrating concentrate.

Using it : Shampoo your hair as usual. Blend a generous amount of the repairing cream with the corresponding hydrating concentrate.

Apply the blend to the shampooed towel dried hair using your hands or a brush.

Massage through into hair and scalp for a good 20 minutes. Comb your hair using a wide toothed comb and steam your hair using a vaporizer or a hot towel method.

Rinse thoroughly and leave them to dry naturally. Treat your hair every two weeks and you'll be glad to see your tresses looking glossy, lustrous & incredibly soft .

Have a Happy Hair day!

DRESSING UP ON BIRTHDAY

-STYLE 101-

Deciding what to wear on your birthday can be tricky. Most of us get into last minute shopping not being able to pick the right outfit and end up buying stuff we are not satisfied with.

To avoid all the hassle, I've listed down a couple of looks you could try on your birthday:

Dress:  Wearing a dress on your birthday can make you look like the prettiest thing on earth. Maxi Dresses/Tunics/Knee length dresses in hues of red, pink,yellow and orange make you look like the perfect birthday girl. You might want to team your dress with a nice blue denim jacket just to add some more chicness to your look.

Casual Blazer/Denims: Not every one feels comfortable wearing a dress on their birthday as you may not want to just go for a lunch or movie but would want to run,jump and hop around with your girl friends or go go-karting. A chic casual blazer paired with cute denim shorts or trousers gives you the freedom to have all the fun!

Accessories & Make up: A funky neck piece complementing the dress adds to the prettiness of the outfit.
Don't go heavy on the make-up. An evenly moisturized face with a hint of pink/peach blush on the cheeks, a black liner on the eyes and dash of pink on the lips is all that's required to give you that fresh pinky look. You can also experiment with different shades of eye-shadows to make the look more interesting. Paint your nails in funky colors and you're ready!

Bag/Shoes: Complete the look with a colorful bag and the right pair of shoes. Comfort should be the first thing kept on mind while selecting the footwear since you wouldn't want to trouble your feet making your birthday outing a dreadful experience. If you're wearing shorts, ankle strap flats is the best choice. A pair of comfy heels in shades of beige,black or blue go well with a dress.

Shopping online 3-4 days before the birthday can result into a big disaster if your order does not reach on time or if the size you ordered is not the perfect one. Make sure you plan your outfit and accessories at-least 3 weeks before your birthday and not have the mess of shopping a day before but have a relaxing experience at a spa just to look like the most gorgeous girl on earth on your birthday!