Big girl- Is that a problem?

"The dress must follow the body of a woman, not the body following the shape of the dress"- Hubert de Givenchy


One of my best friends happens to be large in size and she thinks that being fat means - NO FASHION.   

That is why I decided to share my thoughts with my blog readers. 
There is nothing such as " have you lost weight" dress. If you are having weight problems then there is nothing much you can do about it besides watching your portions and working out but there can definitely be strategies of making yourself look attractive, slenderizing your body with your sense of dressing.


My first advice would be- Avoid picking up clothes directly off the rack but get it tailored. Imagine how good you would look in a custom made evening dress falling perfectly on your body because it knows you well and it has been made just for you. 

Know your body, know your curves and if you do not have curves then create it with your clothes. Use belts. I would suggest to go for wider belts as it helps to push the bulge inside. Also there are loads of shape wears available in the stores. Try using them- you won't regret. 

Cover up. Women tend to think that showing skin would make them look sexy. Well that does not apply for everyone. You might just end up looking like Snookie from the "Jersey Shore" reality TV show.

Remember- A hidden figure always looks better. 

Wear heels (at least kitten heels) and go for knee length skirts because that's where your legs start to get thin and heels would give that extra definition to your body and a ladylike walk.

Learn from Adele and emphasize on your strongest features. Go easy on the bust, emphasize on your waist and always cover up your arms and thighs. Use colors and patterns that would divert the gaze. Never choose a thin fabric because it shows each and every bulge clearly.Keep your hair big to make your face look smaller and above all- wear your confidence in your eyes, your voice, your gestures and your attitude and you will see how many heads your turning. 

So my dear girls- It's not always about how you look but how you can make yourself look. 

Fashion and Fun

Isn't life all about having fun? Fashion is also all about having fun but with your clothes."Fashion" alone is little boring but when you add "fun" to it then there is a whole new meaning which is endless and fearless. 

I personally am obsessed with fashion and when it comes to giving myself a new look, I always choose something that I do not usually see on someone else or on a window display. I of course get inspired by whatever I see but I always like to recreate things and make it my own. I sometimes end up doing stupid things and get laughed at but hey Rome wasn't built in a day! It's a learning process after all and I know I will get there.

I remember it was 6th of December 2012, I went to a club with one of my best friends wearing a Yayoi Kusama inspired polka dot shirt, Zara skinny jeans, Valentino boots and a tiny Calvin Klein side bag which was a gift from a dear friend (I wish I had carried my camera that night). I had people staring at me as soon as I entered the club and some of them even laughed (just so you know- I am from India where people can get a little judgmental sometimes). Well, it wasn't funny anymore when few minuted later two photographers came up and asked me to pose for their respective websites.

My point is- you do what you gotta do to make yourself stand out in a crowd. It needs big balls to be one of a kind (excuse my language), it needs courage and confidence, all you have to do is look in one direction (not the British boy band...lol).

People who are bold are always beautiful and never go unnoticed and trust me- one day they will get it. Like Lady Gaga says- "I'm just trying to change the world one sequin at a time".

Birthday party?... Naahh... just a cute birthday evening.

I feel so lucky to be a December born. It's a season of holidays and joy.

My birthday also brought me a joy.I'm talking about the wine bottle. (wink) 
Besides the over gushing love of my folks, it also got me a new pair of shoes. " Valentino". 
Oh yeah... Valentino..... (I cannot wait to blog about them) 

I was watching Will & Grace as Daddy said - you waste a lot of money son. I said, come on paaaa... It's all going to the Valentino's boots foundation and I'm sure he helps the poor. L . O . L 

Anyway.... I think I almost made an H&M boy on my birthday evening as my shirt, pants, cap and sweater were all H&M.
Boots are Jessy Jordon and bow tie......from a local 3rd grade costume shop in Lille, France which happens to be my favorite. (Trust me when I say favorite- half the store is now resting in peace in my closet and I literally shared a candy bar with the store girl and promised her to send pigeons from India) 

Well, the evening ended with a family dinner, jokes and leg pulling (It was like thanksgiving in my house).

It's just that I don't like the fact that I'm getting older.... darn it!!!

Here is my second video blog. Hope you'll like it. 

Fashion is Lifestyle...... reflection of one's inner self!

Approximately 5 months back, I arrived in Madrid and was exploring the city. I was hoping magazine stores  looking for Vogue magazine in English. Oh well ... Spanish people...so rigid! 
Anyway, so as I was strolling around I met a guy called Sergio who happened to be a fashion blogger too. Something common to talk about!
He told me he was working on his next blog which was about a print model and how interesting it was to know the print modeling world. 
That's when it struck me- that I know a print model too who happens to be quite successful in India and what a thrill it would be to interview someone like him. 

Approximately 4 weeks ago I contacted Jigar Shah. I remember meeting Jigar  a year back in a cafe in Bangalore, India. We happened to have a common friend. Back then all we had to say to each other was - " how u doin?". I was not a fashion blogger either but sure as hell was passionate about fashion. 


So presenting JIGAR SHAH- A print model.

A brief introduction:

I'm 20 and a young (not fresh) print model from Bangalore. I've been doing editorials, catalogs and TVC shoots for almost 2 years now. I've endorsed several brands across India including 7up, Hercules cycles, Dairy milk, Sarvana, and Hero Honda. I've also won Mr. Teen Fresh Face Bangalore in 2009 and Mr. Sparsh 2010 and featured in Editorials and Catalog shoot for Magazines and Newspapers.


1) How long have you been modeling, when did you start and did you always wanted to become a model?


Jigar:
I was lucky to have an early start and it's been almost 2 years now, on and off. I started off freelancing and  doing portraiture for photographers and got noticed by coordinators for whom I'd audition. My first shoot was for a footwear brand! 
I never did want to be a model, I was a skinny, nerdy kid back in school and totally not photogenic! Feels good to have worked on my appearance and I've never been more comfortable with my body.


2) I have been seeing you in the newspapers and magazines for over a year now and it looks like you have made quite a market for yourself. Congrats for that. How hard did you have to work to get to that level at such a young age? and if I am not wrong you were also invited to judge a fashion show in Bangalore?


Jigar:
Thank you so much! I do feel secure about the niche I've carved for myself as a print model, particularly cause it didn't come easy. As an 18 year old I wasn't really all that social and sucked at networking which is so important. I've had people say nasty things about my appearance to me on my face. Academics and college was always priority, but I'm glad I was able to accommodate a few shoots, castings and fittings during all this. Yeah, I did judge an Inter-college fashion show at a University fest recently, and being younger than most participants did give me a sense of accomplishment. It was a fun experience.


3) So lets talk about fashion now. Who do you generally wear? Who is your favorite designer? both national and international and why?


Jigar:
I get dressed up as needed and it varies, like a lot. I've got a small weakness for fashion, so my wardrobe is more girl-sized than guy-sized. In most cases, I don't really pick my outfits thinking about who the creative genius behind it's design is.. My style is pretty conventional and I'm pretty, in that sense, pretty ordinary  but the message is not ordinary. I try to add some vintage elements which is why my favorite Indian designers have to be Ramesh Dembla and Sabyasachi. I've worked with Ramesh extensively and I love how he amalgamates Indian colors and western style. Sabyasachi's tie collection is to die for and I obviously own several of those already. Of course I also love Karl Lagerfelf, he's master of couture and never forgets sexiness. 


4) Do you think one can look stylish only in expensive branded clothes? What according to you is being stylish? 


Jigar:
I don't think it's a prerequisite at all to be splurging to look stylish. People who are original and creative are stylish. Stylish means you have a style, I don't think it necessarily means you have a good style. So in terms of fashion, dressing to your personality type and being able to carry it off... that's being stylish!


5) Have you ever considered runway modeling?


Jigar:
Runway has stricter physical requirements , I'm more comfortable being expressive and photogenic, and I think I'm better off print and Editorials. I have been groomed to do Ramp though and I have one strong runway walk.


6) When I say "Fashion", what is the first thing that comes in your mind? How would you define it?


Jigar:
Fashion is Lifestyle! That's what comes to my mind. For me fashion helps me express myself and therefore its always based on what I find interesting- and no one else! Fashion is an expression of one's inner self and not a reflection of everyone's expectation of what should be expressed.

My Birthday gift has arrived.

Seasons come and go by, birds live and die but my eternal love for boots I can't deny. (Does it even sound rite?)

Never mind,

So today I finally received my birthday present(in advance).Fabulous Jessi Jordon boots.

I have always loved wearing boots. After having tried hiking boots, work boots, rain boots and snow boots,it was now time to try something new, so I got a pair of Dress boots-  mostly worn for their style and not for their function. 

So excited. Can't wait to wear it on my birthday.

 

Don't stop me now

First movie clip for my blog. In future it will get better I promise. 

VOGUE: Tune in to HBO this December.

HBO will be airing one of the most awaited documentaries in the history of fashion- "In Vogue: The Editor's Eye". 

So keep yourself free on December 6th 2012 9pm (eastern time zone of course).  

The documentary will be featuring some of vogue's most influential editors. Gosh I'm so looking up to what Anna Wintour has to say. She is such a devil and I love her. 

Winter has finally stepped in.

I'm writing this blog because I have a friend in Paris who about a week ago complained that winter is kicking in and I have not yet posted any blog showing winter wear for men. (apparently he needs to go shopping and my blogs help in clothes selection). Sigghhhhh.... feels good to know that at least one person reads my blog and gets inspired ;)

Anyway, since I have not yet gone out for winter shopping (my bank account has hit rock bottom) I decided to watch and re-watch the fashion shows and read the articles that I have been receiving and put together the best of what I feel could be stylish this winter.

Wearing big coat ruins the look. Whats the point of wearing something good when you can't see it yourself. That is why layer up this winter.
Your thin sleeveless jackets inside your blazers or a thin high neck sweater inside your tux would be a good choice.

I know some people who think wearing sweater is so blahhhh... but I guess they need to re-think that thought.

  I personally love wearing scarfs. It goes well with both formal as well as casual outfits. It protects you from getting soar throat in style. 

"I am into leather" (wink wink) I'm sorry. Let me rephrase that - I like leather jackets. It always saves you from the agony of wearing two or three layers inside.

and for those chilly days when long coat is the only option. 

Meet Madeleine.... a runway model from the 80's

A coincidental form of inspiration.

Everyone has one of those days when they do not want to think about work or studying and just don't want to do anything but sit back lazy all day and when night comes, jump into their pyjamas and watch a movie with a cup of coffee and later cuddle with their snuggie.


Well, it was a simliar night for me but thank God I didn't end up doing any of the above. If I had, I would never have had the chance to meet Madeleine Rusche.

A runway model from the 1980's now a mother of two- a stroke of good luck for me! I was forced to attend a wedding- something I generally prefer to stray clear of... The thought of walking around and giving people fake smiles makes me sick. But to my surprise, this particular wedding turned out to be happening and interesting!

As I was having dinner with a few friends, a special guest was brought over. Before I knew it, a tall, well mannered, beautiful woman, elegant and in perfect shape( must be in her early 40's I was thinking) was seated by my side.

As a fashion lover, I'm  always in search of someone who stands in a crowd and sure as I'll ever be, this woman was one of them!

We were eventually introduced and I immediately started inquiring about her background. I'm not exactly sure how, but we got into a conversation about Paris and Milan. This is when I told her I blog  and my curiosity was put to rest.

Madeleine: Oh so you are a fashion blogger? I was a runway model.

Me: OMG! Really?

Madeleine: Yes

                            

The next day I went to meet her again so I could interview her for my blog and she is one of the most humble women I have ever met.

(So, when did you start your modelling career and how long did it last?)

Madeleine: I started modelling in 1982 in Austria and Germany. I was a model for 20 years. My career lasted until 2002 when my second child was born.

(Where are you from?)

Madeleine: I am Austrian. I am from Salzburg.

(How do you think fashion and fashion industry has changed since the 80's?)

Madeleine: Back then, we had a lot of boutiques and every small boutique had a fashion show. The fashion business was much easier then as there was less competition and getting rich was easy. Fashionable clothes were extremely expensive- unlike today, where we have ready-to-wear brands that sell affordable stylish clothes like H&M, Zara, Mango, etc.

(Are there any specific things that have changed a lot since then?)

Madeleine: In the 80's, we had a trend of wide sweaters and extended shoulders. We did not have a lot of accessories. We just had rings- lion rings by Cartier, for example. We kept our hair big and had curls to match.

(In the celebrity world, who do you think is the ultimate trend setter?)

Madeleine: Without a doubt....Madonna!

(Your all time favourite runway model?)

Madeleine: Linda Evangelist, Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer and Naomi Campbell.

(How different was walking on the runway then as compared to now?)

Madeleine: We had a lot of actual choreography involved. Walking the ramp was not just walking to the top of the stage and walking back. It involved actual dancing. For example, if the chosen song was Thriller by Michael Jackson, then we were taught to dance like shown in the video. Our shoes did not have heels as high as we have now.

(As a wife and a mother, how important is fashion for you now?)

Madeleine: Fashion is still an important part of my life. It helps me to express myself. I like the fact that nowadays, we can mix and match and create our own style and this makes me feel good. I still buy fashionable clothes, I exercises and keep myself fit. Fashion is more fun now, it is totally international with mixed cultures. I like the fact that today, even men are into fashion.

Thank You Madeleine.

I complemented Madeleine on her Yves Saint Laurent watch, felt her fabulous Louis Vuitton handbag and ended my interview. 

"Chanel No 5" created in 1921 is still one of the best selling perfumes in the world.

For the first time in the history of fragrances a man agrees to represent the most feminine of all fragrances. Find out who?

The greatest perfume of all times "Chanel No 5"  by Coco Chanel. A woman's perfume with a woman's scent. Secret of No 5 is still a mystery to be solved. The perfume had such an impact that Marilyn Monroe at the height of her stardom in 1952 said that she wears just a few drops of No 5 before going to bed every night.

Waoo Mademoiselle Chanel.

   

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

                

TAKE A PEEK AT THE COLLECTION

Treat your shoes like you would your Jewels

       

Yet another sleepless night for me but hey, its worth staying up when your watching Jimmy Choo fashion show (little behind the time though). The fall/ winter 2012-13 collection is out of the world. Jimmy Choo has shown a wide range of collection,inspired by the legendary guitarist Jimmy Hendrix who settled in Mayfair London in the late 1960's. 

The collection as you can see shows a wide range. Specially designed for suiting all kinds of occasions, you will see a colorful mix of comfy sneakers, classic leather boots, easy slippers, velvet touch loafers and flamboyant glittery slipons.  

I have always been a footwear lover (my shoes are my Jewel was and still is my one liner - wink).  It is very important for me to finish the look of my outfit with the right pair of shoes and now my eyes are on all these fabulous pairs and if I could get just one pair, it would be a dream come true (this is one of those moments when I wish Santa was for real - but too bad ). 

Too expensive for me now but hopefully one day it will be on my feet.