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!