Monday, December 21, 2015

Dilwale: 7 Style Picks

a typical Bollywood formula film
There are not many instances when we can get everyday style inspirations from Bollywood movies, as who can wear sheer saris in Antartica or wake up with her hair done? But if we do get this rare chance of some practical fashion picks, then why not shout-it-out! So the story goes that this weekend I watched Dilwale, a full-on typical Bollywood formula entertainment package, featuring our beloved eye candy jodi of Shah Rukh (SRK) and Kajol. Since the budget of this movie is humongous with quite handsome spending on the styling and fashion accessories of each character, which always is a great idea to help actors bring out their fullest potential. Besides giving this movie a thumbs-up, I will be enlisting some of my fashion or style picks to help us all dive into their Dilwale spirit…badi dilwali hoon na…lol:) 

I wish I had some of the movie-stills to support my recommendations…but unfortunately can't find much, so will have to go with our imagination and some random picks.    

soft-caramel highlights while keeping black roots!
1. Highlights: Go for highlights or lowlights in the shads of soft-caramel, radish-brown, or mahogany…sorry, I am not a colorist, but I hope you got the color group I trying to refer to! I think Kajol had full-head highlights in soft-caramel color, whereas Kriti opted for a cool mahogany lowlights only at her lengths. 
Final Verdict: Refresh your look with hair color and highlights!  


a simple tip to 'reach maximum heights' :)
look at her shoes!
2. Statement Shoes: Kajol, almost in every scene looked super fabulous, elegant, and a true posh lady by adoring our favorite heels and statement peep-toe booties. That really reminded me of a famous celebrity’s statement: ‘a lady can’t think straight without her heels on’! (sorry, can’t recall that great personality’s name, but who cares!) 
Final Verdict: To radiate true ladylike vibes, go for maximum heights (heels). 


midi-rings...a great simple accessory!
3. Midi-Rings: Both, Kriti and Kajol, portrayed their onscreen sisterhood (sorry for the spoiler…) by staying on-trend with our favorite midi-ring trend. Although, it has been there for a while but watching our favorite Bollywood actors adoring it, was a delightful sight. 
Final Verdict: Midi-rings are sure an it-trend, so if you haven't tried it yet, then do it. 


statement print midi-skirts...perfect score!
don't forget to keep the balance!
4. Midi-Skirts: I really enjoyed watching Kajol portraying her artistic side while swinging in my favorite midi-skirt trend. I also liked her balance as she kept her tops plain and simple, while using heavy prints at the bottoms. Besides radiating perfect feminine vibes, it also gets full points in terms of my modest fashion choices. 
Final Verdict: Try this old 40s classic style, I’m sure you’re gonna fall in love with it!  


no better option to bling-bling than gold!
5. Gold jewelry: Jewelry is every girl’s obsession, but it was really an eye pleasure to watch both, Kriti and Kajol, adorn this fashion essential at its fullest. Suited to the personas of their characters they wore very stylish, modern, minimalistic, and chic pieces as one can easily find at Forever21. 
Final Verdict: There is nothing better to showcase your blinging-side than gold statement jewelry pieces, so why shy?    


chiffon tops...wear them in million ways!
6. Solid colored chiffon tops: Again this trend has been there for a while and looks really classy during spring/summer times. But since I spotted Kajol wearing it a lot during this movie, so felt obliged to mention it. Wearing loose solid colored chiffon tops or button-downs, not only supported Kajol’s chic character, but also helped her to contour her curves and look slim. 
Final Verdict: Don't restrict silk and chiffon pieces to a specific season, if you like, then can wear them all-year-round.


notice SRK's button-down layering!
7. Layering of button-down shirts: So enough has been said about ladies’ in-trends, now lets change gears and give a tip to boys. Although it’s not a very unique and an it-trend, but watching SRK doing it was something new! He, in many scenes, was spotted layering two different solid colored cotton/denim button-down shirts. But I really liked that he used same family hues, instead of wearing sharp contrasts. 
Final Verdict: So, guys, there is no harm in trying this time-tested trend, especially during winters, as the more the layers, the better!  


Last but not the least, Shah Rukh and Kajol’s jodi tops the list of my Dilwale style picks, as they never look mundane while showcasing their redundant onscreen chemistry tactics. But regretfully saying, this movie doesn't do much contribution to their relationship development, as their was lots of other added masala, but who cares as we love watching them together, right? It's true, as my mother says, ‘some things never change!’
'some things never change!'

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Life Lessons

After staying indulged for over a week in Siddhartha and The Alchemist, two well-known books on soul talking and discovering your inner, I kind of felt obliged to shed some light on my learned life-lessons. So, let me grab my philosophical hat and gear into pseudo-socratic mode to unveil my treasure in its entirety: 



PLAN: Always make tentative and malleable plans. Never forget that there is already a masterplan made by our Creator, called fate. So, have faith on your fate and try not to mourn on any spilled milk. If the things don't go per your desire, don't over-stress, instead go with the flow. Trust me, if its meant to be, it will be!



DREAM: Always have dreams and strive to follow them. Our imagination is a great blessing as with just a blink it can easily turn impossible into possible. So, whatever and wherever you want to be, dare to close your eyes and keep dreaming as it really works!



HEART: Always follow your heart. I know considering the demands of today’s world, it doesn't sound logical, but my point is even if you win an entire fortune but your heart is not in it, it’s all in vain. Anything that doesn't give you pleasure, satisfaction, or contentment, is useless. So, always listen to your heart, don’t make it quite for the fear of failing. Be optimistic and instead of focusing on the half-empty glass, notice the half-filled part! In short, if you want it, then converge your all attention and capacities to make it happen.  


WRITE: Always have a journal and try to pen your thoughts, fears, inspirations, goals, or just a to-do-list. It’s my tested regime that whenever and whatever I write, I mostly accomplish or check it. A pen and paper are the best inventions ever…just use them and you will feel the whole world confined at the tip of your pen. 


GOOD: Always act the right way, BUT never expect the same in return. Don't try to use your good behavior to change someone, because as soon as you start expecting, your good-deeds transform into a business-deal. Give-take and profit-loss concepts are all well-suited for economics, not for human nature. So, never try to burden someone with your good behavior, instead act good simply because it is the right way! 


CHOICE: Whenever you are perplexed on any issue, there are always two options. It’s not always wise to choose the more difficult path, instead, close your eyes and choose the one that is directed by your heart. If your heart is in it, then it’s your entire world, but if not, then stop and reconsider the options. It might sound redundant, but always listen to your heart, consider its heartbeat, it’s pounding, it’s thumbing, they are there to keep us alive for some good positive reason.

STOP: There are some situations, things, places, and people, which may remind you of your failures and bad times, believe me, it’s absolutely OK to avoid them and take a backward step.  


LOVE: Always try to have at least one person, whose even snoring can be so soothing that it becomes your lullaby. I know it’s a very weird comparison, but I just experienced this strange feeling while lying with my mother, during our afternoon nap. Because of her deep sleep she was snoring, but instead of being agitated, I, for some reason, felt relaxed. I was happy with just the thought of her being cam and tension free! Then, I smiled and hugged her even tighter and dived along with her into our dreamland. 

HOME: Always try to have a strong base. Learn from the military people, they always start from a base camp, to which they can always retrieve during danger or after victory. Similarly, for us every new day comes with its own missions and tasks, therefore, after either wining or losing, we need to return to our base camps, our homes. Make your home so warm and welcoming that it just fully embraces you, nurtures you, rejuvenates you, and protects you, irrespective of your accomplishments. I imagine it as a four-walled charging ground, where one is allowed to make mistakes or super plans, laugh stupidly or even scream, yet getting empowered to embrace any upcoming challenges.   

BREATH: Always remember to breath. It’s true that all living beings have a respiratory system, which is also involuntary. But, here I am literally referring to our mundane act of breathing, where we consciously inhale a big gulp of fresh air, hold it in with our lungs popped and belly swollen for few seconds, and then slowly exhale. Oh, don't forget to keep your eyes closed! Try to repeat it for a minimum of ten times. Trust me there isn't any better wallet-friendly mediation routine. It’s recommended to be done as a morning ritual, but I just do it at anytime…even while lying on my bed, just before sleeping. 

Last but not the least, LIFE, a four letter word but with an infinite meaning, sure cannot be learned or understood in these aforementioned ten lessons. But I really hope that a little effort from my side can help you enhance your perspective. Moreover, I would really appreciate to learn about your learned life lessons...as the more we share, the better. 

Until next time,
Keep learning & living! 

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

FIVE FASHION FAVORITES

After doing a little brainstorming, I decided to simply discuss my five favorite fashion/everyday items, or season’s must-haves. So, without any further chitchat, lets dive straight into the topic! 

1. Chunky Chunk 
It can't be stressed enough that for this season (I wish should be forever) chunky-bulky sweaters are a must-have to wear million options. You can dress-up by complimenting them with a sparkly mini or midi skirt and heals, OR, play a lazy day by wearing them on your distressed jeans. It’s really a nice starting piece to compile any outfit!  
Micheal Kors Fisherman Cable-Knit Sweater 


2. Best Invention
Recently, for some strange (+) reason I am in love with anything that has pockets, better on front. Seriously, pockets are the best invention ever; from coins to cell phone, headphones to MetroCard, quick in-reach holder for little transaction receipts or a pen, and if you have nothing to keep…just tuck your hand/s in for a cozy warm moment! For me, a lose fitted shift dress, solid color, a pair of pockets = a perfect buy!

But anyone, with no pocket-craze, should at least gear out of their mundane t-shirt days and give a try to shift dresses, yes even in winters! They are such a playful, yet hassle free item that you can just wear it with leggings, tights, or any skinny jeans for a chic, casual vibe. Dress up with heels, and some timeless jewelry; dress-down by opting-for sneakers and a wrap…all set to hit the pavements!      
Forever21 French Terry Shift Dress  


3. Everyday Companion—A Top-Handle Bag
A time-tested fact: we can't live without our handbags! Now comes the worrisome pick-which-one phase. So, take my advice, and go with a single top-handle small sized satchel for your everyday errands. Give a break to your carryalls or totes and opt for a small satchel to radiate lady vibes! Besides being classic, it also give options to be held on shoulder, arm, or in hand. Furthermore, having a small bag means you have to be really organized, as there is no room for just-drop-in stuff!

I recently splurged on this color-blocked ZAC Zac Posen handbag. Confession: actually it was a love-at first situation but hesitated because of the price. Next day, after thinking it the entire night, I eventually bought it. No regrets, actually I am loving it even more! Its it-style, classic finish, leather material, straight cuts, neat sewing, silk interior, black-gray combination, matte metal shine, the drop of its top-handle and shoulder-strap…everything defines perfection. For now, it’s my THE must-have + favorite item. As soon as I carry it, even my dress-down moments effortlessly transform into neat put-together assembles, can’t ask for more!
ZAC Zac Posen Eartha Mini Top Handle Cross-body

4. Wrapped, All Around 
It's human nature…chilly breezy winters call for cozy wrapped options. Yet, one cannot wear the same wool coat or a puffer all the time, so dears, enjoy your sunny outdoor times while being all wrapped-up in a shawl wrap. I bought mine from Uniqlo in color-block pattern, simply because it widened my wearing options, as I could easily mix-and-match it.

Thus, don't feel stranded in your everyday coats and jackets, instead cuddle up and flow along with the tussles of your warm-wrap to enjoy light winter breeze. 

Uniqlo Women 2Way Stole Brown


5. Step In Style: 
Last but not the least, here comes the much-needed shoe discussion. Undisputedly, in this shoe-race, the classic ankle booties always end up as our old favorite winners. They are timeless, sturdy, and a very convenient option, in terms of fashion/wearability. Mine are by Franco Sarto in super classy leather with a worn-vintage feel. Also, their chocolaty color liberates me to easily test my style sensibility by complimenting them with most of my #outfitoftheday. 

Franco Sarto Haverly Boots

Let me know what are your fashion favorite items for this season…

Until next time,
Stay Stylish!