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The blog has now moved to WWW.IDRESSFORTHEAPPLAUSE.COM
For collaborations/consultation/enquiries, drop me an email at: idressfortheapplause@gmail.com

Wednesday, 7 October 2015

HAND-ME-DOWNS
-EDITORIAL-

















Photography by Nikkhil Bareli 
Assisted by Jitendra Sai Bhagavatula
Concept, Styling, Modelling & Editing by me

Apart from working on the creative aspects of my projects which gives me a soul satisfying sense of personal accomplishment, I love the fact that I get to work with new people which always turns out to be an interesting experience. For this post, I collaborated with Nikkhil Bareli who is a talented photographer from Hyderabad. Nikkhil and I haven't known each other personally, however I remember us getting in touch two years ago (back when there was no existence of I Dress for the Applause) for a project which did not materialize for some reason. Good things take time. When we decided to work on this creative, there was a quick exchange of ideas with the verve to create something new. I'm so glad that Nikkhil was able to understand my vision which very well translated in the images.
Creating something like this has been on my mind for the longest time and I couldn’t be happier to bring this project to life. This post holds an extremely special place in my heart, reason being that it features my mother's wedding dress. I remember trying it out as a kid years ago and drowning into it completely. Time slips through our hands like grains of sand, never to return again.
Shooting this story in a place like this was one of a kind experience. The walls that tell you a thousand stories, the corners that hold so many secrets, the place that is dark yet has shafts of light passing in through the roof, leave me all intrigued. This dress called the khada dupatta worn as a kurta with a long sleeveless overcoat, choodhidar and a dupatta as long as 6 yards is a quintessential wedding ensemble worn by the women of the Nizam era. This dress in particular was designed years ago by a local designer whose name I really wish I could know, only to appreciate his remarkable work. The massive dupatta, the exquisite fabric, and the luster this dress has even after so many years, makes it an old world beauty that is so hard to find in this time. Unfortunately, they don’t make them like this anymore. 
 There are always those special things that hold a big significance in your life, that take you back to the memories that changed a young girl into a woman, that are not things but life itself, that are handed down from your mother to you. Those special things that are called hand-me-downs.
-Naznin

P.S- Thank you Nikkhil for working with me on this. It was a wonderful experience shooting with you.

Sunday, 4 October 2015

GOOD OLD SUNSHINE
-LOOKBOOK-


Dungarees- Koovs | Striped Top- Globus

Photo by Nada Firdaus

Monday! Doesn't sound cool for those who are stuck in a career rut and want to do so much more in life than a 9-5 unlike for people who have turned their passion into careers. Mondays are super exciting for them and all they have been waiting for to hear about their old stuck deals and pay checks. For the former, it's a situation of literally dragging yourself out of your bed with a grumpy face, trying to style your weekend outfit in a way that looks like formal wear. While we try to figure out what can be done about it, I've compiled few inspiring quotes that make a lot of sense to me and help me understand things about life to an extent.

“Everyone has been made for some particular work, and the desire for that work has been put in every heart” – Rumi
“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible and suddenly you’re doing the impossible”- Francis of Assisi
“Set your life on fire. Seek those who fan your flames”- Rumi
"Not all those who wander are lost"- J.R.R Tolkien
“For every book you buy, you should buy the time to read it”- Karl Lagerfeld
“Don’t look to the approval of others for your mental stability” -Karl Lagerfeld
“It is unforgivable to do what one doesn't love especially if one succeeds”.- Dior
"The energy you'll expend focusing on someone else's life is better spent working on your own" -Sophia Amoruso
Don't spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door.”- Coco Chanel
“Taking time to do nothing often brings everything into perspective”- Doe Zantamata
"Sometimes just sit down and have a cup of coffee with yourself. That can be a cool experience of hanging out with yourself"- Art Hochberg

Hope you have a great week ahead!  Do follow me on Instagram and Facebook to check out all that I’ve been up to so far.

-Naznin

Monday, 28 September 2015


FLOUNCE
- LOOKBOOK -











Featuring

Sun Hat- Accessorize India | Dress- Thrift | Denim Gilet- Mango | Necklace -Thrift |  Boots- Asos 

It’s that time of the year when we’re transitioning between seasons. The time when one can only be confused about what one should be wearing in a city like Hyderabad which is hot as hell during the day. Hence I'm still wearing my summer outfits layering them when it's not too hot. This cute sun hat sent by Accessorize India arrived at my doorstep last week as a pleasant surprise just when I needed one to save myself from the heat. I styled it with a dress layering with a denim vest and wore my combat boots to complete the look. The hat is great for when you’re having a bad hair day or when you simply want to up your style game on a sunny day. Hope you liked the look.

Do follow Accessorize on Instagram and Facebook to find some really interesting stuff. You'll definitely love the bags and sunglasses.
-Naznin

Monday, 21 September 2015


DIALOGUE STARTER
- LOOKBOOK -










Photos by Nada Firdaus | Concept, Styling, Modelling & Editing by me

FEATURING
Dress (worn as a top) – Globus | Skirt- Koovs | Black long Cardigan- Nelly.com | Shoes- Lavie | Clutch- Thrift 

Few days ago, vegas.com had approached me to create a post putting together an outfit I would wear if were to spend a day in Vegas. I have never been to this wonderful 'resort city', but of what I've seen in pictures, this place seems great for party lovers for all the obvious reasons. A place known for its’ nightlife, casinos that run round the clock, shopping, dining and endless entertainment options.
To draw inspiration for this post, I browsed through their page only to discover how helpful their website was if one was planning to visit this city. From finding great stay options with cool discount deals to fit every budget to amazing adventure activities, current events in the city or the best clubs to hang out, the website has all one needs when in Vegas. 
Keeping in mind how much this city is known for it's sparkle, I styled this look with a sequined dress that I wore as a top with a hi-low skirt and threw on a long cardigan over it in case it's getting a little breezy if I'm having a night out at the Voodoo Rooftop Nightclub at the Rio. 
 Creating this post made me realize how long it has been that I let my hair down. Makes me wonder how hectic my current lifestyle is. Sigh! I'm not someone who loves clubbing surprisingly, (I'm more of the kind who loves a beautifully lit terrace with soft music and interesting conversations) but taking time out to unwind has been on the list for a while now. I'm glad this post is already setting my mood to plan out something very soon and groove the night away amidst the gleaming pink and blue lights. 

- Naznin

Wednesday, 16 September 2015

MUST BE DREAMING
- LOOKBOOK -














Featuring

Necklace – Accessorize India| Black Shirt- Thrift | Black Skirt- Ebay | Shoes- Truffle | Bag- Gifted

Eyes-  Maybelline Colossal Liner | L'oreal Paris Kajal Magique |  L'oreal Paris Volume Million Lash Mascara | Lips- Maybelline Bold Matte | Nails- Maybelline Color Show Black Out


Sometimes I wonder if looks are more important than the other aspects of one’s personality. Probably not more, but equally important. A lot of times, judgments and decisions are made on the basis of how one carries oneself. (And herein I’m not referring only to the fashion industry.) Not wrong to do so according to me. Your style is an expression of your personality and how you dress shows what you are all about. Not everyone is born beautiful, but what is important is how one strives towards being the best version of oneself. Not because you’re trying to impress someone but for yourself. Because you like to look good. The dress, the make-up, the shoes and the accessories show your sense of style. Branded or thrifted, it's a matter of choice of preference. Talking of accessories, I always look for statement pieces that are timeless and can instantly add a touch of glam to a monochrome outfit. Accessorize has been one such brand that never failed to impress me. They have the most amazing collection of backpacks, hats, scarves, sunglasses, necklaces and much more.

When the brand sent me this beautiful necklace to style with an all black wintry outfit, I was more than excited to find another reason to wear my favorite hue again. What I loved about the necklace is the two sides it has which are very exquisite and can be worn both ways. One side has white and turquoise toned stones studded on it while the other has a gold tone which perfectly complements the turquoise hue. I quite liked the gold side since it went well with my skin tone and looked lovely on this outfit. So if I’m packing for a trip, this is a great piece to carry since it can really save the space and trouble of carrying two different pieces. They have a lot of such lovely pieces at their store located at The Inorbit Mall, Hyderabad. Do drop into their store to explore their collection for you’ll fall in love with it.

Xx
Naznin

P.S: You can also follow Accessorize on Instagram (here) and Facebook (here) to check out their collection.



Monday, 7 September 2015


FAVORITE TRENDS-2015
- STYLE 101-


While I’m not someone who strictly follows trends and does a wardrobe edit according to fashion seasons, I love to keep myself updated with the current trends. I do incorporate them in my wardrobe according to what goes with my personal style and invest in pieces that I’m going to wear for as long as the clothes will last. I do ask a lot of questions to myself before buying something- how many pieces can I pair this with? Do the weather conditions in my city allow me to wear this? Can I wear it throughout the year? Can I get this for a better price elsewhere? Makes shopping decisions easier.

I really like the fact that we have to come to a stage where fashion and trends are getting finer day by day. So much that they are becoming a part of our basic wardrobe which lessens the risk of the amount of money we invest in them. For instance, the crop tops. Various fashion magazines and trend setters forecasted they would be out. But they are still in the running. Why do we even want them to go? What looks pretty and fits the bill doesn’t need to go. But again, we love creativity and definitely like welcoming the new trends without having to blindly throw out the old. Mixing old pieces with new ones leads to the rise of another new trend.

Here I have listed all of my favorite trends (Spring and Fall) of the year 2015 that were spotted this year on the runway, fellow bloggers and fashion editors. 

1.UTILITARIAN(Khaki/Army green/Olive)

Parka jackets, cargo pants, trench coats or just plain tops look great in this color. Seen on Kylie Jenner, Gigi Hadid and many other models, this color is a must have in a wardrobe.

2.MESH

This trend is super hot! I really love the peek-a-boo it plays. Black and whites are the best colors to pick.

3.OFF THE SHOULDER

This trend always keeps coming back. Very romantic and feminine, a nice off –the- should top is a good investment. Seriously trending  at the moment.

4.DUNGAREES/ONESIES/OVERALLS

A good pair of overalls in the wardrobe can really up the style quotient. You can style them in hundred thousand ways. 

5. SKINNY SCARF


Loving this trend. Black, red , orange and blues are the best colors to have.
 
6.FRINGE 

I wouldn’t say this trend can be worn frequently. But it’s quite in these days and looks beautiful. Fringed Bags, skirts and boots are what you can try if you like the boho vibe.

7.TRENCH COATS

A classic trench coat can make a super boring outfit trendy. It can never be out of fashion. Should shop one real soon especially because winter is around the corner.

8.LACE


Another trend I love is lace. Shirts and dresses with lace details look very beautiful. Hope you liked this post. Do not forget to follow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated with all the new happenings on I Dress for the Applause.

Xx
Naznin

Monday, 31 August 2015

CHANCED UPON
- LOOKBOOK -











WEARING 
Grey Cardigan- Thrifted (Old) | Skirt- Jabong.com | Sandals- Truffle | Necklace- Goa | Bag - Toniq

Eyes-  Maybelline Colossal Liner | L'oreal Paris Kajal Magique |  L'oreal Paris Volume Million Lash Mascara | Blush- Very Me Cherry My Cheeks - Pretty Pink | Lips- Colorbar Take Me As I Am Lipcolor | Nails- Maybelline New York Color Show Black Out


I’ve been pretty guilt-stricken for not being able to give time of late to this space that I call my fashion diary.  A space which lets me be me. Something that connects me with all of you. Sometimes situations can get pretty tough and do not allow you to do what you love the most. But hey! I’m back! Like they say better late than never. 
Here I’m wearing my favorite comfy cardigan that I've worn a gazillion times but still can't get bored of it. Grey is another favorite color that rules my wardrobe. I paired it with a black mini skirt and a blingy necklace (which I so love) to beat the monsoon blues.  Hope you liked the look.

Stay tuned for I have a lot more coming up.

 XX 
Naznin

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