How To Invest In The Right Handbag

Those of you who read this blog regularly probably know by now that I truly love my handbags. I choose very carefully in what bag to invest every now and then and it's usually quite a fabulous one. However, if you have just started investing in handbags there are few things you must consider.

For this post, Hong Kong based image consultant Malini Hemlani gives you girls a brief guide into buying the right handbag. Here goes:

Men may tease women about how many handbags they own but there is a valid reason for it: women need a handbag collection that is appropriate for various occasions and outfits. You can't take a floral straw bag to a business meeting or a formal leather handbag to the beach, can you?

Handbags make a style statement, so get it right. 

 Get it right and you can be the height of elegance, get it wrong and you will disappear in the crowd or ruin your whole look.

The bags you choose will depend on your style personality. You might prefer neat and classic bags to slouchy styles or you might look for interesting details or colours. 

Whatever look you are drawn to, your bag needs to be in balance with your overall scale: a small bag will look lost on a grand scale woman and a large bag will swamp a petite woman.

The shape of your bag needs to follow the line of your body. For example, Rectangles, Lean Columns and Inverted Triangles need structured bags to reflect the lines and angles of their bodies.

Softer, unstructured bags work best for those with a Full Hourglass or Round shape. Triangles should avoid bags that hang at hip level as they will add width to the widest area.

Colour and Fabric

Don't be afraid to choose a handbag in a colour instead of a neutral shade (black, tan, grey etc.) It is the easiest way to add a pop of colour to your look without overdoing it.

If you want to play it safe then find a colour that always looks good on you and that you don't find 'scary'. Universal colours such as purple and teal are a good choice as there are shades to suit everyone.

Alternatively, if there are colours that you like but are shy of wearing, a handbag in that colour will be more subtle than wearing it directly on your body and will add fun and interest to your wardrobe.

What your handbag is made of will depend on your budget and lifestyle and what the bag is used for. Some people love investing in quality leather bags that will last a lifetime, whereas others will buy bags in fabric and have a new one every season. Remember the golden rule of any purchase: the more you use it the cheaper the cost per usage! 

 What's hot in handbags currently?

There is so much choice including pouch, clutch, on a chain, tote, boxy, soft, colourful, plain or printed.  Two very good investments are the tote and the clutch.

The tote is the perfect daytime bag whilst the clutch you can use for evening or daytime. Put the clutch in the tote and, hey presto, you're ready for morning till night! For a designer touch, make it two-tone.

Make more than a statement

If handbags are your passion then you will choose carefully and invest in a considerable collection. Your handbags are part of your signature style so you want them to show off your personality. 

Final Tips

* Try out handbags as you do clothes,  check in the mirror to see whether the scale, shape and colour work for you.

* Make sure the handbag is suitable for its purpose. You may be wowed by a great design or colour, but if you can't get all your belongings in it, it won't be much use!

* Make it easy to find what you need (compartments)

* Look for ones with linings in a light colour to find your items easily. Make sure the light linings are easy to clean.

* When you carry your handbag it will fall near your body, so if you have a large bust, carry your handbag at arm's length by your leg or by your waist. If you are fuller around the waist and bottom area, avoid handbags dangling at that level and carry them up higher.

For more information, check out Malini Hemlani's website here 


 

Time For Some FENDI FUN In London!!

Okay so I'm guessing most Delhi ladies will be flocking to London for the summer like they do almost every year. If that is the case, then I'm also pretty sure they will all be socialising in the ice cream parlour at Harrods discussing who bought what and how for much, etc. Anyways, if you happen to be at Harrods anytime between now up until the 28th June, please don't forget to check out the Fendi Fun pop up shop there. It is the by the far the coolest pop up shop I've heard of.

Imagine a retro amusement arcade, with big neon lights, but in the shape of Fendi bags or vending machines with Fendi bag bugs, bags and scarves hanging from the mechanical claws. What fun right? That is not all, the coolest part is that the pop up shop will be launching the brand's latest handbag, the By The Way bag (bag review to come soon) seen on the Fall runway with a fuchsia pink version created exclusively for Harrods. Pick your very own By The Way bag as it rolls across the shooting gallery or from the rotating arcade machines before getting personalised by a live monogramming service available in English and Arabic. I'm going to be in London before the pop up shop ends, and I can't wait to go have some Fendi Fun!



By The Way Bag

Image Courtesy: The Communication Council / Fendi


 

Louis Vuitton Cruise 2015

2014 has been a very important year for Louis Vuitton. In March, they had a brand new creative director sending his debut collection for the house down the runway and in May the brand hosted its first ever cruise collection. I have always been a Nichols Ghesquière fan and was obsessed with his work for Balenciaga. Naturally, when he was hired at Louis Vuitton I couldn’t wait to see what he had in store.  I absolutely loved the fall collection with all the colour blocking, the A-Line silhouettes, and the super cool jackets and of course miniature versions of the iconic Louis Vuitton trunk (AKA the Petite Malle bag). By the way, I have a strong feeling that the Petite Malle bag is going to be the IT bag for the fall, so I recommend you tell a sales assistant at the boutique to keep you informed as soon as they hit the stores. I for one can’t wait to do a review on the bag!

The cruise collection held in Monaco in May (a little behind on my cruise review, I know) featured clothes that were very wearable but powerful at the same time. Aquatic references that were very apt even if slightly clichéd were seen throughout the show. Almost every look had coral branches embroidered on them out of which the wispy miniskirts towards the end were a favourite. Dresses with big zippers, reminiscent of scuba diving suits had flared hems which were super cool especially the one with flowers, branches and leaves on top and an exotic leather hem. The use of leather was also prevalent throughout the show. Apart from the drool worthy oxblood exotic skin jacket, I loved how it was used as detailing on the garments to form a V on an extremely sensual black coat dress, a T on a tweed skirt, little patches on the pocket of a suit, and even the bust of a flowing mini dress.

Another playful aquatic motif seen was the porthole. Either on a suit which had portholes from head to toe or a hole on a simple gold lamé top or a bunch of giant holes punched in on a blue top paired with yellow high-waisted pants. What I also loved was how Ghesquière pushed the boundaries with colours. Case in point was the opening look where pink was paired with pink! Something most of us would almost never dare to do and he pulls it off with such ease. Finally let’s not forget the sporty aesthetic also showcased paying homage to the Formula one races that were to take place around the same time. How cool was the jersey dress printed with the Grand Prix flag?

Clothes aside, the designer has also left us lusting over some extremely covetable accessories. The spiked belts, the floral printed gladiator boots and the Petite Malle bags with clunky chains this time and those bucket bags are going to be on every magazine’s must have list.

Please enjoy some photos of the show below or click here to see the entire collection.

 

 

 

 

Image Courtesy: Louis Vuitton

 

 

 

 

 

Bag Review - Fendi Anna Bucket Bag: Love At First Sight



Brace yourself ladies, there's a new bag on the block and its FABULOUS. Enter the Fendi Anna Bucket Bag. Launched for the FW 13/14 collection and inspired by Anna Fendi, it is the house's latest baby from their iconic Selleria line and comes in the most delicious colours. Available in two versions, grained leather (my absolute favourite!) or intrecciato leather, the Anna has quickly become immensely popular with celebrities like Cara Delevingne, Uma Thurman and many more. For those of you who love to monogram your name on the bag, worry not. The intrecciato version can be customised with your name or initials just like Rihanna and Rita Ora did. Almost an IT bag, I think so!




3 ways to hold your Anna! L-R: Uma Thurman, Naomi Campbell, Sharon Stone

Cara Delevingne with her customised Intrecciato Anna

Featuring impeccable craftsmanship, the Anna is entirely handmade and consists of 1,322 tone on tone stitches that hold the buttery soft Roman leather together. Oh and this bag features the new Fendi Roma logo heat pressed on the front. Moreover, any bag from the Selleria line takes over a day to create. The artisans go through lengthy procedures starting from selecting the leather, designing the model of the bag, cutting the leather and finally stitching the bag to ensure perfection. I strongly recommend you to watch this video to get a sneak peek into what goes on behind the scenes.

The bag is in line with the current minimalist aesthetic but keeps the Fendi traditions alive in every possible way. The shape is what I love the most on the Anna. It's slouchy, however the asymmetrical stitches add a bit of a structure to it. In addition, its very non-fussy and functional. You can sort of just throw in all your essentials and are good to go. I find this very appealing when I invest in a new bag. The optional, adjustable shoulder strap is a major plus point (I almost NEVER buy a day bag without a shoulder strap), because when I'm out and about or travelling, it gets very painful for me to hold the bag on the nook of my arm.

Also, the bag is devoid of too much hardware making it very light and easy to carry. The protective feet on the base means I don't need to start fretting about putting the bag on the floor. I get the weirdest looks from people when I make a fuss about placing any of my bags on the floor at a restaurant or even in someone's house. Sometimes I pull an extra chair to seat my bag.

P.S. The Anna is now available in two sizes (medium and large) at Fendi boutiques. Check with the DLF Emporio store on +91 11 4604 0777 for availability.

In the meantime, click on the names to see super fun lifestyle videos of five supermodels Esmeralda Seay-Rynolds, Binx Walton, Devon Windsor, Joan Smalls, Nadja Bender play with their Anna bags!


Image Courtesy: The Communication Council

 

Currently Trending: Statement Earrings

What I love about this spring's biggest hair trends (braids, messy updo's, slick ponytails) is that most of them consist of pulling your hair back and revealing your ears. I love nothing more than to tie my hair up and put on a pair of statement earrings on a night out or even for a luncheon. Be it a pair of large crystal hoops or an edgy ear cuff, or even a pair of chandeliers, this summer, don't be afraid of experimenting with bold earrings. Here's what I'm eyeing.

1. Dolce & Gabbana X Victoria & Albert Limited Edition Earrings - These limited edition earrings, specially created for the V& A museum's Glamour of Italian Fashion exhibit are just to die for. I've always loved the duo's Italian inspiration on their clothes and accessories and these earrings are no exception. The macramé lace, the cabochons and a figure of a lady embossed on the gold; it would be a crime not to add them to your accessory closet! I can totally imagine myself on a Sicilian holiday in a summery floral dress, hair tied up in a messy bun with these earrings dangling happily in my ear. Ah, picture perfect. Click here to purchase.

2. Valliyan By Nitya Bubbly Flower Earrings - Whilst I'm a big fan of Nitya Arora's large statement accessories, sometimes you need a few pairs of earrings that have an everyday appeal like these pretty flower drops. The size is perfect. Not too big that you cant wear it during the day and not too small that they go unnoticed. I also adore the contrasting colours and materials used; lilac semi-precious stones set against black crystals. Click here to purchase.

3. Maithili Kabre Crystal Hoops With Chains - This upcoming jewellery designer's appeal is not only her amazing designs using crystals but also a very accessible price point. My BFF ordered five pairs after I posted an interview with her on the blog. I have these hoops in purple crystals without the chains and just a few days ago I bought this pair too. I wore them to see the husband at the studio the same day and all the boys noticed and complimented me on them (mind you, the husband had no clue I had them on, but husbands are bit funny that way!). The shiny two-tone crystals are set in brass and the chains are so playful. For INR 3500, I think it's a steal. Contact the designer on +919819451906.

4. Viktor & Rolf Safety-Pin Earring - When I saw the SS 14 collection last year, I just couldn't get over the safety-pin detailing. They were seen in the form on necklaces on the runway, ear cuffs and as zip fasteners on the clutches. So funky! This tongue in cheek earring in an instant conversation starter. Wear it in a single ear or buy another one to wear in both ears; whatever the case, it will surely turn heads anywhere you go. Click here to purchase.

Dior Cruise 2015 - It's All About The Scarf

Despite the magnificent runway set, the cute sailors, the branded ferry and stunning views of Manhattan island, nothing could take the attention away from what really mattered; the clothes. Raf sent down a collection that was gorgeous as ever. The silhouettes were very fluid and airy with a bohemian touch to it whilst being impeccably French at the same time.

This time, it was the silk scarf, an accessory quintessentially Parisian that served as the collection’s leitmotif. The presence of the scarf was everywhere. On blouses where the neckline was nonchalantly folded over, on coats where the hemlines seem to represent the pointed part of the leitmotif or even skirts that looked like they had been crafted by joining printed scarves. In my opinion, the most beautiful of the looks were the dresses created from a patchwork of embroidered organza squares. Bound to sell out as soon as they hit the boutiques.

Florals and abstract brushstroke prints were also seen on flowy silk dresses, jackets and blouses. “I wanted an element of playfulness in powerful looks, it was an element of freedom coming into those looks,” explains Raf Simons. Clashing prints like that on the cocktail dresses comprising of sequences on the bust, florals on the bodice and stripes on the skirt added a slightly rebellious albeit a super cool touch. Speaking of rebellious, how cool was it that the models were wearing different earrings in each ear?

Moving on, no Dior show is ever complete without Raf’s rendition of the iconic BAR that was seen in the form of coat dresses with fluid handkerchief hemlines or in tweed with varying colour tones and fringed edges. In addition, there were ultra-high waisted bottoms out of which a favourite was a black fur skirt. What I love most is the detailing in his clothes that completely change the way an outfit looks. Case in point being a silk jacquard top worn over an embroidered cotton skirt with an oversized pocket. The silhouette of the pocket is on the outside as opposed to underneath the skirt. So playful. Every look displayed exquisite craftsmanship as always, however the black and white hand-woven raffia dresses which took nearly eight people to create stole the show. The contrasting print under the bust was so beautiful.  

With each passing season, Raf Simons liberates and empowers women to another level. Be it combining sneakers with haute couture dresses or sending light and easy to wear silk dresses down the runway;  there are only a few who understand women the way he has and continues to do so.

Please enjoy some photos of the collection below or click here to see the entire collection.

 

Image Courtesy: Christian Dior

Dior Cruise 2015 - The Scene

Expect the unexpected is my new philosophy when it comes to Raf Simons. Who would have thought that the Dior cruise show would be held at a navy yard in Brooklyn! The Duggal Greenhouse, where the show took place is one of New York's hippest venues and Bureau Betak built another floor at the greenhouse for guests to enjoy an even better view of the spectacular Manhattan skyline along with the bridge. Just when you thought you've figured Raf out, he pulls another trick from under his sleeve. The who's who of the fashion world and other celebrities were "shipped" to the venue on customised Dior ferries. And by customised I mean really customised! Dior monogrammed on the ship, on the seat covers inside the ferry et al. On site, guests were greeted by these gorgeous Dior clad sailor boys passing around cocktails. What fun!

Please enjoy some photos of the set and the celebrities in attendance. My review will be posted in another blog post.

The set

The breath taking view

Lazaro Hernandez & Jack McCollough

Marion Cotillard

Rihanna

Celebrity and set images: Christian Dior
Ferry and waiter images: Women's Wear Daily