SHOWER POWER

Maxjenny's riot of colours - an amalgam of art and fashion

Brew that invigorating cuppa and sit by the window watching clouds shower their kindness upon us. Breathe in the heady mix of rainwater and earth. Admire the rustic landscape in all its beauty and splendor as the water unleashes all its might on the beach, for it’s that time of the year again! A time when the world seems to have been washed down with a hose pipe. A time when grass looks a Photoshopped green. A time when you can almost hear the rain gods cheering, up in the sky. Yes, it’s Monsoon time.
But let the weather not be a dampener to your fashion sense. Dig out those zany colours, paint those toe-nails a bright jungle red, pull out your waterproof mascara and procure that anti-frizz hair shampoo. Bring out those galoshes, those coloured raincoats, mix retro classic with uber chic and up the style quotient with these easy-breezy tips. Read on, and be a diva this monsoon -

Dazzle that frazzle
Frazzled hair comes as a dark cloud over your ostensibly jolly mood. But fear not, for there are many ways to keep that mane tame this monsoon. Sport drippy wet hair (a look au naturelle for Goa) with the help of a handful of mousse. Scrunch it up to make the look nice and natural. You can also opt for the many anti-frizz shampoos that are available in the market, but beware of spurious products parading under the garb of the originals. Go for the Mini Label hairspray by Toni and Guy or the Liss Ultime shampoo and masque from L’Oreal Professionals to discipline those rebellious unruly tresses. Cleanse and calm your hair and your mind will follow.

Splash that crazy colour:
Nothing captures the spirit of fashion in Goa as much as colour does. Colour blocking as a trend that caught the world by storm in SS 2010-11 was practically invented here! And you know the best part? There are no rights or wrongs. Just mix and match different palettes – canary yellow with pucker red; blushing pink with midnight blue; vivid neon with tawny amber - experimentation is the name of the game. Jazz up your khakis with a dash of shocking pink or wear a tangy coloured raincoat over subtle colours. Shock and awe by mixing gold, black and green for that exclusive party at night. Psst… want some quick suggestions to create that cant-take-my-eyes-off-her look? Just highlight a few strands of hair with brightly coloured hair mascara. Or you could throw on an eclectic mix of beads – take 3-4 beady necklaces, twist them around to form one highlight piece over your outfit, and sport it like a fashionista. You can never go wrong if you don’t follow the rules.

Bring out that zany avatar in you this monsoon and splash that hue with unabashed abandon.

Boot up!
Baroque leather Jimmy Choos may be a tad too opulent and impractical for the weather, but boot up, you must. Flat-heeled rain boots or wellington boots as I rather dotingly refer to them as, are the perfect style accessory this monsoon. Wear ‘em transparent and funky in multitude designs. Go polka-dotty in pink or eccentric in graphical patterns. But beware; don’t go OTT with your attire if you’re experimenting with your footwear – one highlight piece at a time! Hide those expensive leather boots this monsoon for you don’t want it to actually look like animal carcass!

A wondrous invention - the Shuella!

Psst… want another fashion tip to not just look uber-chic but also as to transform from boho to prima donna in a matter of seconds whilst playing mommy to your precious heels? Go for the Shuella galoshes in bright neon shades. It protects your heels from mud and slush, provide perfect durability and what’s more – even come with a tiny towel to wipe that stubborn gravel, if any. A raincoat for your shoes! Who would’ve thought of that?

Coat of Rain
Man-up - it’s haute this monsoon. Quirky patterns over diaphanous garbs can look dangerously awesome. What’re more; you can even flaunt those washboard abs and that chiseled bikini body over a fun, transparent number! Throw them over jeans and sneakers or leggings and wellies, they’ll serve you well with each look. You can even scrounge for some recessionista rainwear in one of the flea markets. Wear your coat long like a trench or short like a motorcycle jacket, just make sure the material is waterproof and you’re soaked with compliments and not rainwater. So, don’t wait - don that raincoat with unassuming élan and watch heads turn wherever you go. Go Shorty Get flirty and feminine in a sexy pair of shorts. They’re the most practical option for the rains. Sport the casual fun look by throwing on a pair of cargos with nautical striped tees or get cosy in hot pants worn with Peter Pan collared tops. You could also officialize the look by pairing high-waist khakhi shorts with a black rucshed long-sleeved short. Chuck modesty out the window, keep the hemline short and the spirits high!



WAG me good!

The more popular Gauri Khan and Suzanne Roshan have oft been spoken of, but what about our other slightly lesser known WAGs? And um, think less painfully anorexic lasses lurking around football fields trying to make it the popular tabloid and more Bollywood! They make heads turn with their red carpet appearances and pose for the shutterbugs just as well as any leggy model would. Chic or otherwise, they have their own unique style. Here’s what I think of ‘em….

Avantika Malik

Avantika Khan
Errrr… personal style, yes. Haute and happening, decidedly no. I love how she embraces her petite, yet fullish frame, but despise some of her choices for Bollywood events. She must ditch the kind of dresses which bring attention to her shoulders or torso.

Verdict - The yellow Lanvin (for H&M) dress looked absolutely adorable till she put it on. Love the emerald eye-wear but the ruched shoulder attracted far too much attention to her top than necessary. Not more than a 5/10

Kalki Kochelin

My personal favourite, Kalki embodies individuality like none other. Her style is truly hers, as she wears her clothes and attitude with equal panache. What I love most though, is that she makes her own rules. Not in an i’m-so-blasé-I’m-quirky-kiran-rao kinda way, but with enviable flair and élan. Perhaps it’s her French heritage coupled with her unassuming personality that does the trick. But whatever it might be, it’s working!


Verdict – Be it the Dior gown or the Sabyasachi half-sari, Kalki was a stunner on the red carpet in Cannes this year. Some thought her hair accessory to be out-of-place, but I think it’s just right for that goddess look. A 9/10.

Amy Jackson

Every bit the British bombshell, Amy oozes sensuality, oomph and confidence. Love her love for black and colour alike, her effortless numbers and her exacting fashion sense. Big thumbs up to her fabulous style (and her arm candy isn’t too bad either) – surely an 8/10 – this Jackson is quite the Pretty Young Thing. Sure, she’s made a few mistakes and has gone OTT more than once, but how long can an ethereal beauty like her remain at fault?

Amy Jackson

Nodding in agreement? Vehemently disagree? Tell me your opinion either way..

Gawd, it’s Gaudi!

Nature inspired Gaudi and Gaudi inspired Alexander McQueen (among many others). Be it the wave strappy wedges or the powder pink scarf with skull imprints aka McQueen style, this Catalan architect sure could influence. A shell-like heel and Organic and naturalistic imagery replicates Gaudi’s signature architectural style. Even Christian Louboutin recently showcased his ethereal collection at the London Design Museum. Little wonder then, that arches, tombs, pathways, domes – do and will continue to have an immense influence on couture, textures and patterns.

Jeepers Creepers!

Platforms took a while getting used to, and I ‘meh-ed’ a little when Flatforms came into fashion, but Creepers is where I unblinkingly draw the line. True to their name, sole ‘creepers’ seriously give me the heebie-jeebies. Imagine this – a pair of brogues (which are bad enough to begin with) get a life of their own until they develop a spongy bottom, Jennifer Lopez style –and voila, you have what they’re tenderly referring to as creepers.

Sure, if you’re going punk or goth for a masquerade party, go right ahead. But if you ever so much as think of stepping into them for that well-heeled do, may the almighty have mercy on you! Asos’ business may be thriving thanks to these monstrosities, but have compassion for fashion before donning a pair yourself.

Watch your tongue!

Ooooooh! Did you finally acquire that to-die-a-million-deaths-and-then-some-more salivation worthy horologe? Will you be subtly, albeit a bit pompously yet casually, throwing in the name of that beautiful thing that adorns your wrist? Then watch out – not knowing the pronunciation could be a big, fat dampener to your proud moment. A ready reckoner to become a linguist in 5 minutes….

Audemars Piguet: OH-duh-MAHR PEA-GAY

A.Lange & Sohne: AH Lung-Geh Oohnt Sew-neh
Corum: Core-oom
Girard-Perregaux: Jee-rar Pear-ago
Jaeger-LeCoultre: YAY-ger Le-Cool-ter
Ulysse Nardin: YOU-lis Nur-den
Vacheron Constantin: Va-sher-own Cone-Stun-tuhn
Raymond Weil: Ray-mand WHILE
Breitling: brEYE-tling
Blancpain: Blon-pan
Audemars Piguet: awe-de (short e on de)-MARR pee-GAY
Paul Picot: Paul PEE-coe

Ferragamo - my personal fave!

http://luxpresso.com/news-luxe-list/where-to-spend-it-on-leather-strap-watches/11453

Screw you, comfort!

Every so often I spot a semi-chic, jump-suit donning, Venetta carrying damsel who’s walking as if on a mission to complete an extended game of hop-scotch. This spotting usually occurs in an uppity mall or a popular lounge – usually accompanied by the similar damsel variety. I, very recently unearthed the reason for this duck walk – uncomfortable footwear! Pencil heels, towering wedges and clumsy platforms – all work as an anti-anti-dote to the limping.
Why? I ask – why subject yourself to this kind of discomfort when you can sway your way? Mrs. Beckham may have been mortified at the idea of wearing flats when so advised by her doctor, but I’m sure her poor backbone did a silent little jig.
Tread with Caution
My always-in-fashion-style-tip – never compromise on comfort. Believe it or not, stilettos can be snug with the right shoe padding. Here’s a recommendation of which high street brands to choose and what not to.
Shoe-la-la:
Steve Madden – Thank god for FDI norms! Yes, it’s time to rejoice with glamorous heels and fashionable ballerinas as Steve Madden stores open across the country. Known for their myriad style, this is one brand that will walk the mile with you.
Charles and Keith – I totally swear by the quality of these absolutely yummy, yet super comfortable, not to mention ultra chic shoes. Not a single pair over the last 10 years has let me down. It has something to do with the workmanship and quality. And that’s not all, just in case your pair is the rotten apple, rest assured C&K will have it fixed and made good as new!
Throw in the boot:
Zara: How about concentrating or what you are good at (or think) - apparel. A classic case of all that glitters isn’t gold, their shoe designs stand out from afar, but on closer examination look staid and lackluster. Seriously, silver and blue colour blocks are so trite – go more avant-garde, Zara!

Flee the Markets!

Eclectic designs, trendy unusual patterns, delicately embellished clutches and kurtis have been suddenly dotting the horizon, leaving me nervously twitching. What is the illicit source of these much-coveted acquisitions, I wonder? Street bazaars which have been over flooded with export surpluses seemed quite plausible, but this was more than that. Until I discovered the phenomenon called the flea market in Delhi’s uppity urbane malls. The mall setting, food stalls, hassle-free browsing all ostensibly were an attractive enough package.
However, I always associated flea markets or yard sales with images of old books, clothes, electronics, exciting curios and other knick-knacks that served little or no purpose. But the city-bred fleas are different. They are fatter, more exuberant; making easy targets of the innocent and the big-walleted. There is nothing exciting about them. Banal shops with ordinary clothes. Up and coming designers thrive on them by showcasing their ‘original’ ensembles at ‘throw-away’ prices. Jewellery makers pocket huge margins whilst offering the same products at four times the cost.
The product line-up itself ranges from stationery to garden furniture, to even floral concepts, all with the commonality of being overpriced and overvalued. I once made the unforgivable mistake of offering my friend an all-you-can-buy experience at one of these malls, at a time when this oncept was new and unexplored. Little did I know that this ruthless city now belongs to the rich and the famous, often seeking pleasure by catching innocent by-standers unawares. And the result was – 2 broke, famished girls with bags full of utterly useless bizarre stuff they’ll probably never use.

i on Fashion

iAdore
Big Hair – Wear it loud, wear it proud! That’s the
mantra of the season as the hair just keeps getting progressively messier. Keep
it natural, big and bouncy and you’ve for yourself a winner. From the urban
wave by Calvin Klein to Versace’s super voluminous blow-out – it’s all about
keeping things simple. Keep ‘em tresses drippy, semi-dry with loose ends and
watch yourself transform. You could also try twisted knots and chignons, bouncy
blow-outs, slicked back wet roots with a natural unruliness at the tips,
voluminous up-dos or simply tousle your hair carelessly for that ultra-glam,
super-chic look. If you want that extra edge, don’t for a second hesitate
before wearing quirky, loud colours. Remember, the mantra is –just be!
iAbhor
Digital Imaging –Yawwwwn! Move over, Topshop, we’ve
had this trend on our kurtis for a while now. Yes, it’s bold, makes a
statement – but must the statement be “I’m right here f%#%^, turn around and
look at me!?” That apart, for the full-bodied Indian frame, loud prints just
don’t work, and end up drawing attention to all the wrong places :O

Admittedly, Moschino, Mulberry and even the more
conservative Chanel are drawn to it for the sheer creative leeway it brings,
not to mention its endless possibilities in terms of fabric, texture and
design. But aside from the runway, I wonder if walking along the promenade of
an uppity South Mumbai market would make you look as glam! Don’t get me wrong,
I love how fashion has embraced the sudden flurry of colour. But moderation my
friend, is always key.

Choo Therapy

Does the very thought of owning those new Blahnik’s make you salivate like a hungry pup? Does the feel of knee-high leather boots caressing your feet make you tilt your head back in a state of near-orgasm? Is the wincing you experience with a slight shoe-bite bittersweet like a passionate hickey being planted on your neck? Don’t worry – you are not experiencing out of the ordinary behavior patterns. As a matter of fact, you’re as normal as vanilla icing.
Studies have proven 89% women between the ages of 18 - 35 experience an above normal release of endorphins within 24 hours of purchasing new shoes. Further, research says that the ecstatic reaction to the thought of shopping for new footwear can be compared with that of a climax. Not just that, monetary factors notwithstanding, for most women shoe shopping is guilt-free and painless (albeit only when compared to botox and going under the knife). It’s also interesting to note that this guilt-free experience is rated higher by borderline obese women.
Little wonder then, that most yuppie urban women on an average own over 500 pairs of shoes. They consider wedges, pumps and sling backs, staple accessories and repeating a shoe, sacrilege. It is for these thick-lashed elite that Italian shoe designers are thronging to our country and why a certain Choo can’t ignore India anymore.
So next time you feel the blues,ditch those yellow pills and reach out for hot heels instead.