July 2016

REYNU TAANDON COUTURE 2016

July 30, 2016

Designer Reynu Taandon is known for keeping up with the traditional values of Indian wedding culture. Not only does she balance the heirloom silhouettes of bridal trousseau, but her colour palette too circulates around the hues of Red, Orange and Pink. Reynu Taandon Couture 2016 collection showcased at the FDCI India Couture Week 2016 was no guessing game either. Although, her experimentation with the modern Dhoti pants style and the lehenga with long kurtis did speak about the 2016 approach towards the Indian bridal culture. Reynu Taandon titled her collection ‘KAMANGARI’ in association with SUNAR Jewels. Actress Divya Khosla Kumar walked as the show stopper for the show. ‘KAMANGARI ‘is inspired from the beauty & grandeur of Rajasthan. Fashion changes with every seasonal breeze but traditional clothing has come to a point where it is tagged as vintage. Evoking a spirit of royalty in every seam and stitch,Reynu’s collection is for the ‘new-age’ bride – a girl that redefines the conventional bridal fashion with all that is modern along with an imperial twist! Every silhouette reflects Rajasthan’s ethnic heritage – ranging from meticulously handcrafted foil printing to usage of block prints on vibrant Chanderi fabrics. To put it differently, the cuts, colors, fabric and crafts of this collection recreate Rajasthan on a vivid palette. Swirling lehengas, dramatic backs and extravagant anarkalis, are the pieces de resistance of this collection and each of them bespeaks of royalty. A couture collection that is a perfect fit for the modern bride who not only wishes to retain her originality but also reflect the intensity of emotions through the silhouettes she dons. A breathtaking sight when it comes to interplay of various kinds of embroideries cemented with appliqué detailing.For Reynu Taandon, ‘KAMANGARI ‘is all about redefining the traditional bride while taking a leap into …

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Lipsticks For Brown Girl Under ₹500

July 29, 2016

I just figured, if I’m going to be a mess, I might as well be a hot mess; right? – Mindy Kaling We girls really don’t need a reason to put on a red pout, do we? Celebrating World Lipstick Day today, we couldn’t think of anything else to scribble up (it’s a lie. we had to postpone a scheduled post just to make room for this one) on the blog other than just talk about how brilliant this invention has been for womankind! And, to be honest, we are so done picturing Audrey Hepburn and Katy Perry to give us some lipstick goals. Hello! We reside in a land of brown girls, who are always on a budget (Bhaiya, thoda kum laga lo!). And this combination is easy to crack, with literally no science involved. Also, to burst the myth, brown girls can equally wear any shade of a lippie as much as their lighter (not fairer!) sisters can. So, soaking up some Mindy Mantra, we present to you a list of 5 Lipsticks that Desi Girls can own like a pro! Did we mention that all the lipsticks listed are under ₹500? Yoohoo! 1. THE HOT RED!   If you don’t have a red lipstick, you are not so blessed! Having a bright red lipstick is a must have, as this one saves you from even a gloomy world. Make sure that you invest in a red that simply pops on your lips, as it tends to make you look brighter and livelier. 2. THE NUDE SOUL   Get a nude lippie that matches your skin tone right. If you think a shade is too light for you, blend it with a darker red or plum shade to achieve the perfect nudey. This works well when you are trying …

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Naked Chappals by Sunieta Narayana

July 27, 2016

Footwear for the beach? Well, you can definitely upgrade yourself from those rubber flip flops to something more in vogue and apt in comfort. And who better to know how to keep the style and comfort in place than Goa based designer Sunieta Narayana, who proudly presents her line of ‘The Naked Chappals’!? Sans the teleporting distance between Delhi and Goa, we got a little chatty with Sunieta to talk about her collection in depth, her personal style and of course; get the vibes of fashion ambience in Goa. 1. Tell us something about yourself. Designing is what I always saw myself wanting to do when I grew up! I knew right from the time I was a little girl, That I wanted to create beautiful clothes. However, I first went on to pursue my other passion for the Environment as an Engineer. I finally decided to do combine my two passions and started to design upcycled boots from tribal fabrics. This got me interested in Fashion as a career choice. 2. Tell us about your personal style. My personal style is very varied and changes with my mood and what my day is looking like! I love street wear to run around town in and flowy dresses for going out on most days in Goa. My personal style is made up of one-offs from artisan markets from my travels. I love to mix-and-match old traditional jewel with new trends of clothing to create everyday effortless looks. 3. What defines the fashion culture of Goa and how versatile it is in terms of national and international wearability? Fashion in Goa is big on design and style rather than brand names or label. There are indie-designers here creating for national and international shoppers, so there is a huge selection of styles …

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Tarun Tahiliani FDCI India Couture Week 2016

July 26, 2016

Their are a very few couturiers who have the knack of creating magical moments on the ramp ‘every single time’! Tarun Tahiliani is one of those veterans. He knows the power of glamour, he understands the charisma of crystals and he definitely excels in making bridal trousseau look like a million dollar dream. This reason being that from his show at the FDCI India Couture Week 2016, nothing less could be expected. He, once again, engulfed us on in a dreamy parade to the (this time) Mughal Era with his collection titled ‘The Last Dance of the Courtesan’. The entire show felt like a snippet of Pakeezah, the movie. To heighten the mood of this mesmerising event Tahiliani collaborated with dance stalwart Manjari Chaturvedi, a leading exponent of classical dance in India who has revolutionised kathak. Manjari brought alive the inspiration behind this collection with her ‘Darbari Kathak’ representing ‘The Dance of the Courtesan’, a tribute, to the woman and her art, the music and the dance she performed, a rich legacy, a precious heritage. Tarun Tahiliani’s latest couture collection “The Last Dance of the Courtesan” is a tribute, and acknowledgement to the highest bastions of culture, poetry, dance and finesse. The atelier weaves a story where sensuality meets sensibility, and mystery unravels itself in surreptitious layers with seductive glory. The collection explores the possibility of a wearable lightness of being for the contemporary diva, with inspirations drawn from the finery of the courtesans. “As usual it’s been my privilege to be associated with Swarovski, world leaders in crystal technology. As fashion, even couture becomes more hightech, they add the sparkle of dreams and the aurora borealis to the seduction of contemporary couture. Since couture must adhere to the highest standards of craft and perfection it is only befitting that …

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M.A.C. Makeup – Tarun Tahiliani Couture 2016

July 23, 2016

Say bye bye to red lips as it’s all about looking beautiful in your own skin; this season. ‘Brown Girl’ avataar was what scored the runway beauty department for Tarun Tahiliani’s show at the FDCI India Couture Week 2016. Hues of Mocha with bronze and copper shimmers were what dominated the colour palette for Tahiliani’s couture collection. Wanna learn how to achieve the look with M.A.C. Makeup? Mickey Contractor, Director of Makeup Artistry, M.A.C India who constructed the flawless look broke down the sequence for M.A.C. lovers. Check it out! 1. Start with Fix+, an aqua-spritz of vitamin and minerals, infused with a calm-the-skin blend of green tea, chamomile, cucumber, topped off with the fresh, natural, energizing scent of Sugi. It adds radiance and helps prepare the skin 2. Use the Mineralize Charged Water Moisture Gel, an ultra-light formula that intensely hydrates and leaves skin more supple and luminous 3. Next apply the Prep + Prime Moisture Infusion, a lightweight serum that saturates the skin with a concentrated boost of hydration 4. Correct and Conceal using the Pro Conceal and Correct Palette 5. Use the Select Sheer Pressed Powder, a lightweight pressed powder with a silky, natural matte finish and a soft-focus effect 6. Sculpt the face by using the Shadester Sculpting Powder and then finish off the cheeks by applying the Mocha lipstick 7. For the eyes use the Sketch and Rice Paper Eye Shadow along with the Chromagraphic Pencil 8. Use Lash No. 7 for added drama and top it off with Haute & Naughty Mascara for extra volume 9. Line the lips with Strip Down Lip Pencil and fill them in with Amber Lights Eye Shadow & Reflects Gold Glitter All images have been taken from the press releases, except for those that hold the logo of www.kalapalette.com.

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Anita Dongre FDCI India Couture Week 2016

July 22, 2016

Anita Dongre presents ‘Epic Love’ couture collection at the FDCI India Couture Week 2016. The show opens to a plush garden of a Rajasthan palace, recreated on the runway. Gaurav Raina’s melodious blend of Indian classical and folk with electronic music ‘Indian Electronica’ sets the mood for the evening. The distinct signature scent of all Anita Dongre stores, with notes of jasmine and rose, announces the unveiling of the Epic Love – the bridal couture collection that marks her debut at the India Couture Week. The sheer grandeur of the architectured set with the playfull jhulla, pink bougainvillea, water fountain, the famed hand done thikri craft transport the audience into a luxurious Rajasthan palace garden.Adorned in heirloom-like pieces from Anita Dongre’s jadau jewellery label Pinkcity and antique silver pieces from the Anita Dongre label add to the folkish charm of the show. Stunning maang-tikas, large nose rings, intricate haath phools, chunky chokers and necklaces ornate the outfits. Epic Love opens on a free-spirited, lighter note with chintz-inspired printed lehengas that are teamed with Bohemian blouses. The designer’s signature gotapatti work breathes life onto the prints. The classic Indian styles blend seamlessly with contemporary long, column tabards which give the wearer a beautiful illusion of height. The lean, sleek silhouettes bring modern relevance into bridal couture. The beauty of this collection lies in its versatility – the Bohemian gypsy tops can be paired with a printed lehenga just as beautifully as it would go with a pair of silk pants. Fringe-finished sarees with tie-up tops that wrap around the drape add a contemporary twist to the classic saree. Moving gradually on to a regal palette, jewel-toned solids in rich wine, orange and the classic reds, creams and golds take centre stage. Gotapatti work is seen across the collection – first on …

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5 Things to Know About TCL 560

July 22, 2016

It’s not just about calling your parents or texting your darling; the world of mobile phones has come a long way from just the ‘tring tring’ bearer to becoming an entire world in itself. Quite surprisingly, the Indian consumer market is getting a lot of attention from telecom brands lately. This gotta be true as world’s third largest technology brand, TCL, has finally decided to step in the Indian market with its first desi launch of TCL 560. Not just the launch was a grand affair, but the handset in question has since then collected a lot of positive feedback as well. So what exactly TCL 560 is all about and 5 things to know about the gadget? Let’s find out! Ultimate Entertainment Gadget We Indians love entertainment! Be it Bollywood movies, Rajnikanth special effects or ‘Old is Gold’ style music; we all need some entertainment in our lives. And with so much travelling and in between time to kill (eg. metro rides) TCL 560 turns out to be the perfect entertainment gadget! Seamless Entertainment 5.5-inch HD Display with 1280 x 720 pixels resolution for High Definition video streaming. Full Lamination Technology on Screen enhances the clarity of the screen, with a richer viewing experience. Stylishly Sophisticated Design TCL 560 weighs approximately 156 grams with a thickness of 155 x 7.99mm. The phone is available in Dark Grey and Metallic Gold colours with a high glossy finish. Bookworm’s Paradise For those who absolutely love to read, but don’t like the idea of carrying a bulky digital reading tab or a pile of books , TCL 560 comes with an in-built kindle application with an option of storing thousands of books; on the go! Photography Expert Trying out photography skills on TCL 560 provides HD Images with an edge. The 8 …

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Manish Malhotra FDCI India Couture Week 2016

July 21, 2016

Designer Manish Malhotra in association with ‘Hazoorilal by Sandeep Narang’ kickstarts the India Couture Week 2016 with ‘The Persian Story. Manish Malhotra FDCI India Couture Week 2016 design narrative is inspired by the stunning architecture of Persia, blooming paradise of fauna and flora, and fearless royals that ruled their vast kingdoms. Indulgent hand-woven gold embroidery adorn sheer and velvet fabrics, in lehengas with sheer tops, opulent velvet jackets over cigarette trousers, exquisite gowns and regal sherwanis. Intricate motifs meander on 50 limited edition pieces, swathed in deep shades of maroon, emerald green and azure blue. This season, the traditional dupatta is reimagined for the confident, modern woman. Breathtaking jewellery with uncut polki diamonds and pearls by Hazoorilal by Sandeep Narang added to the mystic aura.   Speaking about ‘The Persian Story’ Manish said, “2016 marks an important milestone as the ‘Manish Malhotra’ label celebrates 11 years. The Persian Story is a special collection as it represents a new design story for the label. While the collection is inspired by the stories, sights and poetry of Persia, every outfit has its own unique story told in the language of distinct colours, detailed motifs and rich fabrics. I would like to thank my good friend and sponsor of this show, Mr. Sandeep Narang, for providing the stunning jewellery for this opening act of ICW 2016.   In a contemporary version of a Persian folktale, the scenography took guests back to the time of conquerors like Alexander the Great. The showing culminated with the stunning Deepika Padukone in a resplendent red velvet lehenga that featured a beautiful, seemingly never-ending trail, walking the runway. The lehenga showcased the fine work of craftsmen of yore and was completely embroidered in vintage badla work. Mickey Contractor, Director of Makeup Artistry, M.A.C India for Manish Malhotra at India Couture …

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Trip To The Sula Vineyards, Nashik

July 14, 2016

So you think that only French and Italians excel in the art of wine making? Well, if you are an Indian and love sipping some fine wine & cheese over a tête-à-tête, then a trip to Nashik is what you need! Sula is considered to be one of the best wine makers in the country as they produce French Sauvignon Blanc & Californian Chenin Blanc; which were planted and produced first by Sula in 1997. Sula Vineyards founder Mr. Rajeev Samant took up the challenge of transforming barren lands of Nashik into wine farming stations. Sula Vineyards was officially established by Mr. Samant and Mr. Kerry Damskey, who happens to be an eminent Californian winemaker. The 30 acre family estate has since then come a long way from being a barren property to a fully functional grapes farming and wine producing facility. Not only do they have a concrete wine production facility & wine cellars, but the property also offers a destination restaurant, wine tasting and wine production tour for its guests. While December – Early February is considered as the grapes harvesting and wine producing time at Sula Vineyards, the month of July to early August is marked as the time of celebrating wine over picturesque view of Nashik’s mountain terrain and the monsoon season. Families and youngsters often travel down to Nashik during this period to celebrate the romantic rainy season with some wine and hors d’oeuvres! Me, along with a couple of other influences of India were invited over by SULA team for a grand experiential of the SULA Vineyards. As we transitioned from the humid Mumbai monsoon weather to the cloudy atmosphere of Nashik, all that we could think of was the experience that awaited us. If you google up www.sulawines.com, you will be redirected to the …

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LeEco Le2 Unboxing & Review

July 3, 2016

In today’s advanced times, one simply doesn’t demand gadgets that are just worthy of their use. Taking a cue from the fashion world, now gadget freaks or regular users too demand fancy looking technology that not only provides them with the best of techno-world but also caters to looking stylish and adding on as an accessory to the user. LeEco mobile industry, in India, is taking up the world of handsets to another level. Not only are they coming up with mobile phones that are equipped with the latest interface and system upgrades, but are also making the whole experience stylishly inclined and easily accessible. Till date only gadget gurus have spread across a word on what LeEco handsets are all about and what to expect. Now, as a game changer, trendsetters too are picking up mobile phones giving them a perspective of their day-to-day demands and how adaptable these gadgets have come out to be. I too believe in the power of being stylish yet tech-savvy, to live up the runway world of today. If you’ve been following me on Twitter, Snapchat, Facebook and Instagram; you will very much be aware of my experience attending LeEco’s biggest launch event till date. Launching 2 of their latest handsets, LeEco organised a launch event at Siri Fort Auditorium in Delhi, inviting over top influencers, bloggers and media personnels from all over the country. Not only was the launch event a huge success, their latest mobile phone launches also ended up trending on the digital board. Speaking about the mobile phones in question, LeEco introduced Le2 and LeMax, both of which have come up to be game changers in the handset market. So when I got a chance to explore the life of LeEco Le2 mobile phone, I had to click a …

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