INTERVIEW WITH SAMI KHAN

-FEATURES-

     Ace photographer of Hyderabad and a Modern Artist, Sami Khan knows no boundaries. His photography can be defined as modern, conceptual, artistic, refined and splendid. After being a fan of his work for a long time, I finally got a chance to catch up with this multifaceted man in a personal interview. Here's how the interview went..

v  Tell me a bit about Sami Khan..

I'm just a normal individual and yet have been fortunate enough to experience life in its complete glory. Besides pursuing my fashion shoots with Vogue, and working with big designer brands like Manish Malhotra and few other corporate brands, I pursued modern art in international circuit. Being blessed with good heritage I was nurtured in values and have always conducted myself in accordance to my value system.

v  How would you describe your photography?     

     Photography has always been a source of inspiration for me although never a hobby. I was always drawn to the fine arts from my very childhood. Photography has a wide range today.From commercial, nature, wildlife, fashion to corporate. I try not to box myself towards singular form. Since I endeavor to make a mark in all challenges I take on.

v  What first drew you towards this profession?

     Photography is my greater extension of life. My transition into photography was a matter of surrendering to my over whelming inner desire to exploit my creativity. The most important thing for me is to share my vision photography.

v  What are the 3 most important things you keep in mind while photographing?

Lights, camera, action! J

v  What's the most interesting expression/mood of a model that you love to capture?

To me, expressions and moods as a human trait is a window to the soul. I love to capture as many expressions human beings are capable of.

v  One Indian celebrity that you would love to photograph some day..

Arjun Rampal..Because I think he is one of those celebrities who understand the vision of his photographer.

v  One advice that you would like to give to the budding photographers of Hyderabad…

Photography has capacity to evoke life in a subject. Implicate your vision and soul into photography and let it speak for you. Who knows you might end up with that one perfect.

                                              

Check out his photography here and his Modern Art paintings here.
          
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MUSE: CARA DELEVINGNE

-STYLE 101-

Cara Delevingne, the English fashion model who has modeled for an incredible number of brands like Burberry, H&M, Zara, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, is one of my latest muse this season. Her distinctive bushy eyebrows have inspired countless women to ditch their tweezers bringing back the thick brow trend of the 80's.

What I love about her is her effortless off duty tom boyish style that she is so known for. She is mostly seen wearing sneakers, boots, leather jackets, skinny jeans, shorts and a beanie. Here are a few of her pictures that I absolutely adore..

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THINGS YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH

-STYLE 101-

All of us have wardrobe emergencies Don't we? However, the key to tackle them is to not wait for an occasion to shop but keep picking these things as and when we come across them. Here is what you should invest in..

Skirts in Black and White :  Be it long, tea length, knee length or mini skirts, black skirts always turn out to be your saving grace just when you have that ' I don't have anything to wear' moment. Team them with a formal shirt or a casual top, accessorize, and you create a whole new look! Therefore, investment in different types of black skirts is always a smart one.

Tanks/ Camisoles in Black and White: You can never have enough of them. I always keep stocking my wardrobe with these cuz no matter how many I buy, they get lost somewhere in my wardrobe that I can never find. :-D On a serious note, these are so useful, especially when you are running out of tops. Dress them or dress down, its upto you. Stock up on loads!

Shrugs/Cardigans/Blazers in Black and White: These work really well in layering and changing the entire look. They go with tanks, tops, shorts, trousers,denims, dresses, almost anything, and are best to keep you warm especially at work where the air conditioners are maintained at incredibly low temperatures. Keep picking up lots for they will never ditch you.

Denims: Skinny, pencil fit, ripped, boyfriend or mom jeans, invest in all the types that possibly exist on earth (of course the ones that suit your body type). These are wardrobe staples. Nothing more to say, you just gotta have them!

Footwear in black, white, silver and tan : Boots, sneakers, pumps, loafers, stilettos, buy them all in these colors and you will never have to go last minute shopping.

Do keep in mind that neither was Rome built in day, nor a wardrobe can be in a week or a month, unless you are a millionaire. I believe in shopping wisely, not being too brand conscious and don't consider compromising on quality either. 
Happy Shopping & Dress for the Applause!

THE CLOSET LABEL

-STYLE 101-

There can never be too many dresses in a girl's wardrobe. They are always a girl's best friend for they take you from office to lunchdates, dinners or even beach nights effortlessly. And for what The Closet Label has to offer, you have no reason to not shop at their online store. They have everything for every occasion. Here are few dresses that I really loved from their collection and ordered one for myself. Won't tell you which one ;-) :-P. 

1. Angel Wing One Shoulder Dress : Day or night this dress really makes a woman look like a Greek goddess accentuating your femininity.

Priced at ₹1100 Shop it here

2. Heathered Drawstring Dress: This outfit is perfect for a day out with your girlfriends. Wear a statement necklace to add a li'l bling for the evening.

Priced at ₹1300 Shop it here

3. Striped Burnout High Low dress: This dress is one of my personal favorites. It's great for the beach or a day by the pool at the resort. Throw on a leather/ denim jacket or wear it with a long silver pendant for the evening. 

Priced at ₹2,100 Shop it here

4. Heathered Drape Maxi Dress: This is a really beautiful outfit that can be worn for an evening party.The drape of the dress is just made to flatter the curves of an Indian body. Pair it with a great pair of earrings or a simple necklace to complete the look. 

Priced at ₹1,650 Shop it here

5. Metallic Pinstripe Pants: These pants are great for that relaxed look you want when you're bored wearing dresses. Pair it with a spaghetti and a vest for that chilled out vibe. 

Priced at ₹1,550 Shop it here

6. Tribal Mini Skirt: Wear it with a crisp white shirt or a blazer for an evening look. This one really oozes chic!

Priced at ₹1,100 Shop it here

7. Cross Back D-Ring Swimsuit: Swimsuits that suit an Indian body are so hard to find online, however, the closet label has some amazing swimsuits that you definitely must check out if you're a beach lover. This black swimsuit is sure to motivate to get your legs in shape.

Priced at ₹2,500 Shop it here

8. Antique Gold Cuff : This cuff can be paired with a long black dress or even a bikini. 

Priced at ₹450 Shop it here

So get online and revamp your wardrobe with these pretty pieces available at The Closet Label and Dress for the Applause!

THAT’S SOME MACNESS

-BEAUTY-

MAC needs no introduction! Does it? 

Well, I turned a MAC lover at the time of my first photoshoot for the products worked so well on my skin, as if they were made just for me. And now I'm a complete MAC loyalist.

Here is what my makeup closet from the their range of cosmetics includes :

1.MAC Pro Longwear SPF 10 Foundation : This foundation  is now my go-to option and I wonder what I could have done without it! I use the shade NC45 and I must say - it makes my skin appear flawless. The best thing about it is it does not melt and gives me that no-foundation look. What else can one ask for! It offers sun protection too!

2.MAC Pro Longwear Concealer: I were in a different world altogether until I found the MAC Pro Longwear Concealer (Shade NW40) which just works like a magic wand on my skin. Not that I have a bad skin, but it conceals everything I want to. It's my most favorite product of all that I own from MAC. 

3.Loose Powder : This powder really suffices my need to set my make up for I don't like to use a pressed powder. It provides a sheer, matte velvety coverage that I absolutely love.

4. Have a Lovely Day- Casual Colour Lip & Cheek Color : This is one thing that I always carry in my  bag. It's a neutral dusty rose-beige shade that I often use on my cheeks and lips. It creates a beautiful effect on the cheekbones and the subtlety of it is what I like.

5. Goldenroad satin- eye shadow: I were on a look out for a shade in yellow for a long time and my search finally ended at MAC. I use this shade along with a bright green or orange eye shade to create a playful look.

6. Atlantic blue- eye shadow : This is a beautiful shade that I usually use when going out for a party.

    It adds a bit of drama to the eyes and makes you a look a li'l bold yet mysterious.

7: Candy yum yum: This is my latest buy from MAC and like the name suggests, it truly looks yum yum. It just brightens my face and what I like about it is it's matte texture. 

   So what's your favorite from MAC?

   Dress for the Applause!

BIRTHDAY WISHLIST

-PERSONAL-

"Our birthdays are feathers in the broad wing of time"-Jean Paul Richter

So many birthdays that have been celebrated and so many more to come. Birthdays are such great fun, except for the fact that they remind you that you're getting old! Hmm!! But the best part about them is that with every birthday you see a more refined version of you in every way.

It's my birthday on the 13th of June and I reset myself with loads of energy and a hope that every thing I dream of this year would come true by next birthday just like my shopping wishlist does.

Every year before my birthday, I get ready with a wishlist that includes all the things I've craved for the whole year and head out on a guilt-free shopping spree.  And as I buy every thing on my list, the crazy shopping demons inside me start to calm down. Lol. I'm such a shopping maniac! So this time too, I'm ready with my wishlist and plan to acquire every single thing I've been eyeing this year, unless someone out there in this world is planning to get me all of these (just kidding), anyway, let's get started! The first one on my list is this tote by MANGO that I've been swooning over! Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a big-bag lover for I love to carry the whole world in it including fruity moisturizers, miniature perfumes, eye gels, glasses, lipcolors, blushes, dark chocolate and what not.

Next is a leather jacket by MANGO again. Man! I'm in love with it and guess.. it's high time I steal it :-P

Now comes the Big thing! Canon 600D is what I've been desperately waiting to own!  Dear God, please be sweet to me this time! 

The other things that I really need are those that are going to be a part of my essentials list. That sexy skort by Sheinside.com,  that pair of smart brogues,  a lovely matte lipshade by MAC (Mehr) and  that insanely hot pair of cutoff shorts by ZARA.

 1.Tote (MANGO) here

 2.EOS 600D : here

  3.Shorts (ZARA) here

   4.Lipstick-Mehr (MAC) here

   5.Brogues : here

   6.Skort (Sheinside.com): here

   7.leather jacket (MANGO) here , Similar here (romwe.com)

I'm all excited about my birthday. When is yours'??

Dress for the Applause :-D

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?